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Claremore, Oklahoma

An area in the north section of Claremore was once known as RADIUM TOWN. George Eaton owned the first oil company in town. In 1903, he was drilling east of town for oil or gas. Instead, he found a "rotten-egg-smelling" water. Dr. W.G. Williams had the water analyzed for medical use and then marketed it as a cure. Bath houses were built and "radium water" baths became Claremore's biggest industry. The bath houses are now closed, and the area is in a stage of disrepair. The wells remain and are just waiting for the right investors to take up the dream of better health through the magical cure of mineral water.

To drive to this area of town be on Blue Starr Drive, to Dorothy Street (one block past Sioux). When Dorothy Street splits, stay right, and you will be on Seminole. When you get to 9th Street, turn left (east).

From 9th Street, turn right on Lavira to the KELLER BATH HOUSE, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The two-story brick bath house has beautiful ornate wrought iron trim and was built in the 1900's. Once called the Mendenhall Bath, House, one could get a radium water bath for 25¢.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Rogers State University

When Oklahoma was granted statehood, the first legislature established Eastern University Preparatory School, which opened on College Hill in Claremore in 1909

Claremore, OK Colleges

Christ Presbyterian Church

The Christ Presbyterian Church was purchased from the First United Methodist Church in 1990. In 1882, a one-room frame building was constructed after $500 was given by the Methodist General Conference to erect a house of worship. The church was served by "Circuit Rider" preachers until 1907

Claremore, OK Historic Churches

Radium Town and the Keller Bath House

An area in the north section of Claremore was once known as RADIUM TOWN. George Eaton owned the first oil company in town. In 1903, he was drilling east of town for oil or gas. Instead, he found a "rotten-egg-smelling"

Claremore, OK Historic Buildings

Andy Payne and Route 66

Nine miles north of Claremore on Route 66 is Foyil, the hometown of ANDY PAYNE, a Cherokee Indian who was born on a ranch between Claremore and Foyil. At "66" and 28A, turn south, and you will be on the main street of Foyil and a portion of the original Route "66"

Claremore, OK Famous People

Will Rogers Center

The WILL ROGERS HOTEL, listed on the National Register of Historic Places was dedicated in 1930. The fireproof structure of concrete and steel originally contained 78 rooms and 7 apartments. During World War II, it was designated as a bomb shelter. Mineral water baths called "radium water"

Claremore, OK Historic Hotels

Things to do near Claremore, OK

Charles Page Memorial Library & Museum

Pristine example of Oklahoma art deco architecture. ...

Chief Lookout Memorial

Located approximately 3 miles north and east of Pawhuska, it is the burial site of Chief Fred Lookout and his wife, Julia. Th...

Appalachia Bay ORV Area

Located on Keystone Lake, this 600 acre area is maintained by the Corps of Engineers. Many of the locals refer to this area a...