I spent my Spring Break tracking down buffalo in Northeast Oklahoma with my mom. One of the places we went to was Bartlesville to see the buffalo herd at Woolaroc. However, we ended up spending most of the day searching for the decorated buffalo statues around town. There were about 30. Back in 1998, a local Girl Scout troop decided to make their Senior Gold project selling buffalo statues to companies and businesses in Bartlesville. The project became known as the Buffalo Stampede, and all the proceeds went to a non-profit organization called Mary Martha Outreach that provides food and other necessities to those in need.
Since it was 20 years ago, the statues are relatively worn down, some more than others. But they're in good enough shape to justify taking pictures of them. Bartlesville's tourism website had a list of statue locations, which made our endeavor possible. For each buffalo, I took a picture of it and with it. I'll share some of my favorites, along with any information I have on them.
1. Tree of Life
Callie Spencer
Presented by First Presbyterian Church (Matthew 13:31-32)
Artist: Marilyn King
Sculptress: Sandra VanZandt
Art: Jim Herndon
Jesse's Pain and Body
American FiberGlass Animals
2. Amedeus
Callie Spencer
Located in front of OKM Music
Artist: Kim Heckenkemper
Sculptress: Sandra VanZandt
Art: Jim Herndon
Westside Paint and Body
Eric Fisher 3D Extreme
3. Van Gogh-Falo
Callie Spencer
Located in Sears Park
Artist: Cindy Bennett
In the background: Willie Wildcat (Artist: Janet White)
4. Patch
Callie Spencer
Located in front of Boy Scouts of America
Artist: Erinn Rakes
5. Icon of the American West
Callie Spencer
Located inside the Tri-County Technology Center
Artist: Jan Martin
There's a fun story with this one! It's located inside of a building that was closed for Spring Break. However, the doors were unlocked, so my mom and I were able to go inside to take pictures. Afterward, we called someone to tell them they should probably lock the building so undesirables don't vandalize or steal anything.
6. Up and Away
Callie Spencer
Located outside ReMax
Artist: Cindy Bennett
This buffalo was right outside someone's office window, so the guy came out and offered to get a picture of me and my mom in front of the statue.
7. Nickelangelo
Callie Spencer
Located outside Truity Credit Union
Artist: Cindy Bennett
Sculptress: Sandra VanZandt
Art: Jim Herndon
Jesse's Paint and Body
American FiberGlass Animals
8. Mac
Callie Spencer
Located outside Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, formerly McAnaw and Company Realtors
Artist: Cindy Bray
Sculptress: Sandra VanZandt
Art: Jim Herndon
Jesse's Paint and Body
American FiberGlass Animals
9. Hands On Fun
Callie Spencer
Located in the Kiddie Park
Artist: Erinn Rakes
Sculptress: Sandra VanZandt
Art: Jim Herndon
Jesse's Paint and Body
American FiberGlass Animals
10. Splash
Callie Spencer
Located in front of the Bartlesville Splash Club
11. Max
Callie Spencer
Located in front of Siemens Industry, Inc.
Artist: Kerri Fleming
Sculptress: Sandra VanZandt
Art: Jim Herndon
Jesse's Paint and Body
American FiberGlass Animals
12. West
Callie Spencer
This unnamed buffalo (whom I call West) is located outside of Westside Paint and Body.
He doesn't have a plaque with information, but I would bet that he was decorated by the same company that bought him since they decorated some of the other buffalo in the stampede.
This guy was the shiniest and most well-kept. I assume he gets regular touch ups.
If you ever find yourself in Bartlesville, the buffalo statues are beautiful to behold. That being said, you should also check out the real buffalo at Woolaroc. I'll even include a picture for you.
Callie Spencer
I dedicate this article to Sparty, who was removed from his location due to vandalism.
