Howdy y’all! I’m the Big Tulsan, and it’s mighty fine to meet ya! My good buddy, Todd, and I have called T-Town home for a very long time. I’ve been around so long I have fond memories of having fun at places like Cimarron Ballroom, the Orpheum and, of course, riding the Wildcat at Bell’s Amusement Park. I’ll never forget fun meals at The Louisiane, Crystal’s Pizza and Utica 21 Club.
My hobbies? Meeting new folks and sharing my memories of Tulsa’s past as well as my thoughts on current happenings around town. Send me your burning questions about anything and everything pertaining to Tulsa. Send your questions to bigtulsan@tulsaflyer.org, and Todd and I will see what kind of fun we can get into by digging into the mail bags and responding to some of our favorite Qs.
Let’s get to this week’s question.
Dear Big Tulsan,
“What the heck is the ‘Land of Giants’ and where did all the sculptures come from?” – Johnny in midtown Tulsa
Hey there Johnny!
Funny you should ask about the Land of Giants. Todd and I just got back from visiting with Buck Atom and Stella at Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curious on 66. Of course, Todd also had to say “Hello!” to Meadow Gold Mack, Cowboy Bob and the newest addition, Rosie The Riveter, which is over by Ike’s Chili and Josey Records. These are a few of our favorite spots to visit when we’re cruising along the Mother Road.
So here’s the inside scoop on the sudden arrival of these tall folks near 11th and Peoria.
Seven years ago, our buddy Mary Beth Babcock had a secret chat with Buck by satellite phone. Buck told her he was planning on leaving his home planet to move to T-Town, and he needed a place to stay. Well MB being MB, she opened a whole store for him on Route 66.
Buck eagerly arrived from space in 2019 to settle into his new home. The rest of the giants heard midtown Tulsa is a great place to be, so they joined him over the years. And we hear there could be another one coming sometime down the road.
The Land of Giants is also the home to shops filled with vintage wear and more apparel, and there are many local artist booths inside Meadow Gold Mack. We’re heading into the holidays and it might be a great place to check out some local gifts. Don’t forget to say “hi” to the giants for us!
Your buddies,
The Big Tulsan (and Todd)