Oklahoma Moment: Oklahoma 'Town' Takes Visitors Back In Time

Craig Day, News On 6

DEWEY, Oklahoma -- There's a place not far from Tulsa, where you can step back in time to the old west.

It's an old prairie town built by an interesting Oklahoman with an eye for antiques and a vision for the future.

Where wide open prairie meets a big blue sky in Washington County, you'll find a place called Prairie Song, and you'll meet the remarkable man behind it.

"See everybody does something where they blow their money. Some of them chase women. Some of them gamble. And I'm building a town," said Kenneth Tate, Prairie Song Owner.

Kenneth Tate has built a town: an old west town. It's full of buildings that look like they're from the 1880's to early 1900's.

There's a General Store, Jail, a saloon and a bank. A little bit of everything, and a lot of attention to detail.

"Well it's just an old town out on the prairie," Tate said.

That old prairie town got its start 28 years ago with a small retirement cabin and new buildings have been added nearly every year since.

It's also what's inside the buildings that make Prairie Song unique. You'll find lots of antiques, and the man who knows the history behind all of them.

"When I was a kid I hated [history], when they started talking about the War of 1812, and so forth. I didn't care much about it. When I got older it's kind of fascinating," Tate said.

What's also fascinating is how Prairie Song has grown over the years, attracting people from all over the US and international guests too.

Tate says it's good for everyone, especially young people, to know and appreciate their roots.

"How their forefathers had to work," Tate said.

So Kenneth Tate will keep working on Prairie Song, and showing it off. It is history, he's glad to share.

"It makes me feel like I'm doing something right maybe for some people," Tate said.

Tate is currently building a 1900's era print shop which will include antique printing presses. Prairie Song is located East of Dewey in Washington County. It's usually open every day, but it's good to call ahead.

For more information call 918-534-2662 or visit their website at http://www.prairesong.net.