RUSTY BUFFALO

Pioneers in Medicine Park's

Retail Trade

Late in 1998, David Groat and Morris Battle, who had spent several years in the antique business, saw that the little resort town of Medicine Park was about to blossom. Although not much was happening in town at the time, The Riverside Cafe and the Park Tavern had both recently proven that tourists might be developing an interest in the area once again. And, the Medicine Park Music Hall, just two blocks down the street, was about to open following more than a year-and-a-half of extensive restoration. There was just a special feeling in the air.

So, in the spring of 1999 with what savings the two had acquired, they launched into a creative retail "pioneering" adventure that carries on to this day. They were the first retail gift shop and gallery to open in Medicine Park in more than three decades. Within a few years, following the trend set by David and Morris, a half dozen other unique shops and galleries would open in town.

The Rusty Buffalo, located in the towncenter of Medicine Park, is housed in one of the town's

small, quaint cobblestone cottages across the street from the Post Office and next to the "auto-bridge." On days when there's good weather, as one drives through towncenter of Medicine Park, you're likely to see many wares displayed on tables and racks outside of the rust-colored shop. 

They began their venture with a line of simple line of handcrafted barn wood furniture, picture frames, a few antiques, some unusual trinkets and a few curios for tourists.

Today, the Rusty Buffalo features a fine selection of unique handcrafted home decor items and accessories and gifts with a Southwestern flavor. The Rusty Buffalo specializes in native art, native and imported jewelry, handbags, rugs, western straw hats, native pottery, baskets, hand-painted buffalo and cow skulls. On the light-hearted side, they carry a line of T-shirts, Medicine Park postcards and related memorabilia. Their latest addition is rare and unusual decorative stones and rocks. There are also several local artisans represented, including pottery by Patty Ferguson, water colors by Tom Biggs, and Native American art and flutes by noted Comanche artist Tim Tate Nevaquaya. Tim is the son of renowned artist, flutist and National Treasure Doc Tate Nevaquaya.

Usual hours for The Rusty Buffalo are weekends from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., although they are sometimes open during the week and they are open on holidays. The Rusty Buffalo's email address is therustybuffalo@hotmail.com

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"You have just outdone yourself.  Dan and I are so impressed. There is just no place on earth like The Park. Thanks for all you do to promote the area."

Scottie & Dan Davis, Norman

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