Nestled just off Historic Route 66 near Foyil, Oklahoma, Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park stands as a vibrant testament to one man’s artistic dedication and vision. This remarkable site is home to the colossal World’s Largest Concrete Totem Pole, a towering 90-foot structure that dominates the landscape with its intricate carvings and brilliant folk art colors, drawing visitors from across the globe.
The park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers more than just the main totem. It’s a unique outdoor gallery showcasing a collection of whimsical, colorful totems displaying a variety of Indian Folk Art, all envisioned and meticulously crafted by Ed Galloway himself.
The Visionary Behind the Poles: Ed Galloway’s Artistic Journey
Nathan Edward Galloway, born in Missouri in 1880, embarked on an artistic path from a young age. His early years saw him honing his carving skills, producing mother-of-pearl buttons and small wooden items. His service in the U.S. Army in the early 1900s led him to the Philippine Islands, where he was profoundly influenced by the rich traditions of Japanese and Far Eastern art. Upon his return to Missouri, Galloway began creating massive sculptures from tree trunks, innovatively blending human figures with elements of fish and reptiles, foreshadowing the scale of his future work.
Galloway’s distinctive style captured the attention of Charles Page, the founder and philanthropist of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, in 1914. This pivotal encounter initiated a long-standing relationship, with Galloway taking on a role as a manual arts instructor at the Sand Springs Home. For two decades, he imparted his woodworking knowledge to boys at the Children’s Home orphanage. In 1937, at the age of 57, Galloway retired to his property in Foyil, Oklahoma, where he began what would become his life’s magnum opus: Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park.
Working largely in solitude, Galloway dedicated his retirement years, from 1937 until his death in 1962, to populating the park with his elaborate concrete sculptures. His unwavering commitment saw him rising daily at 5:00 a.m., tirelessly working on his creations until after sunset.
The Magnificent Structures of Totem Pole Park
The World’s Largest Concrete Totem Pole
The centerpiece of the nine-acre park is undoubtedly the World’s Largest Concrete Totem Pole. This monumental structure, which rises majestically from the back of an enormous concrete turtle, was a true labor of love. Over an 11-year period, from 1937 to 1948, Galloway used approximately 28 tons of cement, six tons of steel, and 100 tons of sand and rock to bring his vision to life. This incredible tribute to the American Indian features 200 intricately carved pictures, culminating in four nine-foot-tall figures near the top, each representing a different Indigenous tribe.
The Fiddle House and Other Artistic Expressions
Beyond the primary totem, Galloway also constructed the unique eleven-sided “Fiddle House.” This structure, supported both inside and out by 25 smaller concrete totem poles, was originally built to house his extensive collection of handmade fiddles. Today, it serves as a museum, displaying artifacts crafted by Ed Galloway and visuals chronicling the park’s development. Throughout the beautifully maintained grounds, numerous other colorful totems, each a distinct piece of Indian Folk Art, invite visitors to explore and appreciate Galloway’s artistic breadth.
A Legacy Preserved: Restoration and Modern Park Experience
Following Ed Galloway’s passing in 1962, his extraordinary sculptures faced a period of neglect and disrepair due to weather exposure. Sadly, many of the cherished fiddles housed in the Fiddle House were stolen in 1970 and were never recovered, marking a somber chapter in the park’s history.
However, the 1990s heralded a significant turning point with a dedicated restoration effort. The Kansas Grassroots Art Association, whose members reside near Lawrence, Kansas, undertook the monumental task of reviving Galloway’s vibrant creations. Over a seven-year period, volunteers diligently repainted the totems during Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends, bringing them back to their original splendor and ensuring the preservation of this unique folk art environment.
Today, Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park is proudly owned and operated by the Rogers County Historical Society, with invaluable assistance from the Foyil Heritage Association, which aids in fundraising and grounds maintenance. Visitors can enjoy peaceful picnic areas on the beautifully kept grounds during daylight hours. The Fiddle House Museum and Gift Shop welcome guests daily from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with Sunday hours from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The park is conveniently located ten miles north of Claremore, Oklahoma, just off historic Route 66 highway and four miles east of Foyil on Highway 28A, making it an accessible and essential stop for road trippers and art enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park remains a magnificent example of outsider art and a cherished piece of American heritage. It is a place where history, art, and the spirit of the individual converge, offering an inspiring and colorful experience to all who visit. This enduring landmark stands as a powerful tribute to one man’s vision, preserving a vibrant piece of Oklahoma’s cultural tapestry for generations to come. It’s more than just the world’s largest concrete totem pole; it’s a living museum of creativity and perseverance.
