The Exposition wanted a Wild West show to relieve the Zone's more earnest attractions, and it offered the Oklahoma 101 Ranch unusual terms. The Exposition put up the buildings and guaranteed the expenses, which were heavy because of the size of the troupe and the hay bills. Construction on its space was one of the last three major starts, on January 19, 1915.
In return the ranch's Indians, cowboys and cowgirls, its old stagecoach and its cowboy band led a daily parade around the grounds, livening the Esplanade and the Avenue of Palms. The show itself drew poorly. After a spell as a free attraction the management gave up. The big corral and seating stands stood empty for the rest of the season, used only for barbecues and Zone Day sports: climbing the greased pole, riding the greased pig and a fat man's race.
At a glance
- The Exposition built the structures and guaranteed expenses to secure the show.
- Construction began January 19, 1915.
- Closed during the season; the arena was later used for barbecues and events.
Afterward
Closed during 1915; demolished with the Zone in 1916.
Where it stood
101 Ranch Wild West stood at about 37.80342 N, 122.42732 W on today's map. The whole fairground over the city →
Sources
- Frank Morton Todd, The Story of the Exposition, vol. II (1921), ch. XXIX, p. 158 (construction start)
- Frank Morton Todd, The Story of the Exposition, vol. II (1921), ch. LXVI, pp. 363-364
- Frank Morton Todd, The Story of the Exposition, vol. III (1921), ch. IX, p. 64
- Map of the Zone concessions, spring 1915 (reproduced in 'Let Me Get There', USC Scalar), Spring 1915 map of the Zone concessions