Remember the Past...Celebrate the Present
Imagine the Future
Tucked away in a secluded cove along the scenic shoreline of
Grand Lake O'The Cherokees of Northeastern Oklahoma
is a hidden, best kept secret. Known as Har-Ber Village,
visitors take a self-guided stroll through Americas's past with a mesmerizing collection of antiquity and much more. This outdoor museum is a walk-trough village containing thousands of artifacts from the earliest days of our nation's founding, through the Wild West, to the beginning of the Industrial Age, through the Korean War.
Purchased in 1944 as a place for a summer home, Harvey and Bernice Jones opened the Village as an enjoyment for people of all ages. Each year, from March through November, approximately one half- million tourists visit restored historic buildings and breath-taking collections containing a multitude of American antiques, dating back to the turn of the 20th century.
Har-Ber Village is one of the largest antique museums in the United States, complete with 112 buildings housing these countless collections of antiques and memorabilia. Within the replicated 1800's era town, you'll come across a school house, stagecoach station, courthouse, hanging gallows, dentist office, doctor office, museum of natural history, Oklahoma Centennial fashion, mercantile, farm implements, etc.
Authenticity is key, as most structures were dismantled at their original sites and brought to Har-Ber Village with the utmost attention to detail. Many such restorations blossomed their own treasures, such as the school house known as the Mt. Home School. As its relocation commenced, not only was the blackboard intact, but also original desks and school supplies were found in its attic. The Har-Ber Village bank opened in 1902 but later closed its doors in 1929 as it fell victim to the Great Depression. All the solid mahogany fixtures you'll see remained unused and intact until their move to the Village. The old bank clock was first used in the First National Bank of Springdale, AR in 1894. A list of all of the offerings could go on forever, and would include even the original bell on board the S.S. Joseph Ship (1775-1853), a privateer ship in the revolutionary war.
For the collector, there are collections of almost everything you can think of! You will find displays of pottery made from Francoma, Roseville, Weller, McCoy, Hall and VanBriggle. Milk and carnival glass, pressed glass, custard glass, cut glass and flow blue china are also on display. There are old time hats and dress shops, mineral collections, bricks from 49 states, a large collection of farm machinery, Boy and Girl Scout collection, military collection, and Indian artifacts. Don't miss the gun collections, old maps, newspapers and even an Ozark Mountain distillery.
Recent updating and renovations include the construction of a new Visitor Center and Gallery Room, as well as the Ecology Center and Scenic Nature Trail. The Visitor Center serves as a formal entrance for visitors to experience the character and authenticity of the Village. The gallery room adds dimension for traveling exhibits, arts and humanities programs, and space for community events. The scenic views of the lake front property await you all along the maintained nature trail.
As you stroll through the Village, you will see literally thousands of items that represent America's past. Allow a minimum of two hours (or even more) to adequately browse the grounds. Walking shoes are recommended, of course! However, all buildings and collections are accessible by paved walkways and wheel chairs are available.
-above narrative courtesy of Randy Dietzel, Preview Magazine
You may want to save a little time to enjoy lunch at:
BACK PORCH CAFE at Har-Ber Village
winter hours Mon-Fri 11am-2pm
summer hours Tues-Sat 11am-3pm
Linda Ward, owner
Restaurant phone 918.787.4233 or 918.964.0703
(please contact Har-Ber Village for info regarding the museum)
