Mineral springs still attract believers in healing powers

By Penny Cockerell

Published: June 16, 2006

Park busy preparing for crowds expected at weekend events

SULPHUR - A century ago, the unblemished grounds now called the Chickasaw National Recreation Area were known far and wide for the healing powers of its mineral springs.

National Park Service: Chickasaw

In 1906, this special preserve was named Platt National Park and folks came to drink and bottle the distinctive liquid that smelled like sulphur but was packed with minerals.

"There are people who are 95 years old and swear they are healthy because they drank that water every day," park Superintendent Connie Rudd said.

"I've also talked to a lot of people who came here as a kid and drank that water and said they almost threw up. But, you know, they're back and still drinking the water."

Few springs still exist
Only a handful of the 33 springs that existed then still exist. But that won't stop thousands from visiting the state's largest national recreation area this weekend as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.

The Bromide area will come alive with everything from a songwriters festival and American Indian dancing to storytelling and a rededication featuring Miss Oklahoma.

Wouldn't it be nice, too, if the centennial became a turning point for Oklahomans to finally call the park by its current name instead of the old one? Park officials hope so.

Not a sign exists that points anyone to Platt National Park anymore. Besides, Platt was the name of a Connecticut senator who bears no Sooner heritage.

"It kind of led to an identity crisis for us," said Rudd, who hears folks refer to Platt National Park when Chickasaw National Recreation Area is where they really want to go.

The name was changed in 1976, when Congress increased the park's size from 1,000 to 10,000 acres and added Lake of the Arbuckles, along with Veterans Lake.

Naming it after the Chickasaw Nation didn't change its national park status but was meant to recognize the tribe who owned the land during the state's territorial days.

"The original reason for protecting and creating Platt National Park was to protect the springs and lake in the area," said Ron Parker, a park interpreter who is co-chairman of the centennial committee.

That goal hasn't changed.

Park officials say the acres of campgrounds, lakes and pavilions are better than ever.

Planners have maintained the park's distinct architecture built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s but have added and improved such gems as the Travertine Nature Center.

Center teaches ecology
Built in 1969, the Travertine Nature Center continues to add new exhibits and rotate new animals in and out, Parker said.

The center, along with its teaching auditorium, is where visitors can learn about the ecology and interaction of plants, animals and people.

A freshwater spring flows from its creek, adding beauty to knowledge.

Visitors who travel to the park on weekends often run into a crowd, Rudd said. He said it is not unusual to have 5,000 visitors each weekend day.

"Midweek is your undiscovered time," Rudd said. "It's a much quieter, calmer experience."

But this weekend will be anything but calm. All 420 campsites are ready, and the Bromide area of the park will serve as the heart of the celebration.

Besides the festivities, members of the Artist of the Arbuckles will display artwork related to Platt National Park and Chickasaw National Recreation Area and will sponsor face-painting and children's games.

The Sulphur and Davis Chambers of Commerce will have hamburgers, cold drinks and prepackaged snack foods for sale.

"We really, really want to invite everyone back who has a memory of this park. We really don't want people to forget this treasure is here," Rudd said. "And we want to dedicate ourselves to the next 100 years and making the park even better than it is."