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My name is Deirdre. I retired from Vance AFB in 2019 and loved Enid so much that I needed to stay.
We have such a rich history, and there are so many stories to tell.
One place that keeps that alive is Simpson's Old Time Museum!
But unfortunately it is in trouble! Due to vandalism, weather, and age, the museum is in need of major repairs.
The Entrance Fee to the museum is always FREE. This is because the Simpson's wanted to share their love of Enid history with the community without ever asking for anything in return. But now it is our turn to give back to them!!!
Also, unfortunately, there are rumors that people in this city want to seen it torn down rather than restored.
We need to make one big push to show our support for this museum, local culture, and help bring back this historic building! The treasures inside need to be shared with generations to come!
I have visited this museum every time another one of my family members has come to visit, and if you haven't already stopped in, you need to go check it out!
Please donate what you can, or visit the museum, or reach out to the City Council to help keep this amazing little Enid Treasure alive!
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A short history:
The Simpson's building at 228 E Randolph was built by Long Bell Lumber Co, as an indoor lumber yard in 1932. It burned partially down in 1934. The three story, nearly block-long building was built back in 1937, again as an indoor lumber yard and served Enid until the early 1960’s when Long Bell left Enid.
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Newman’s Furniture purchased the building and operated their furniture business there until 1977 when it was purchased by the Simpson family.
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In 1978 Simpson’s Mercantile was opened with over 4000 pairs of western boots, 100 new saddles, ladies wear, over 40 racks of western shirts and became one of Red Wing Work Boots top dealers in the nation. It even boasted a snow ski shop. It quickly became one of Oklahoma’s largest and best known retail stores. Even in the days before the internet they shipped merchandise to all 50 states. Their commercials with the catch phrase, “reckon we’ll get paid—taint likely” can still be heard shouted out from the crowd whenever they ride in parades, not only in Oklahoma, but other states as well.
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Through those doors have walked several U.S. Senators, Governors, University Presidents, untold state Senators and Representatives, and even a few Foreign Prime Ministers.
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Celebrities from fields of entertainment including Academy Award and Emmy winning actors have made their way here.
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In 2006, the Mercantile was closed and their historic old building was turned into Simpson’s Old Time Museum. Instead of being filled with western wear, this fascinating building is filled with artifacts from by-gone days plus interior movie sets for their award winning, family western films. Every year people from all 50 states plus 35-40 foreign countries come to the museum as well as countless school tours from across the state.

