10 Edmond Curated Gifts for Those Who Love Edmond and History
Posted on December 2nd, 2024
Looking for a unique, local gift? Nothing says “personal” like a hometown print, shirt or decorative item. Edmond has interesting history, with its placement along Route 66 and landmarks found nowhere else. The Museum offers custom products that are can only be found in Edmond, and in most cases, are only available at the Museum.
1. Edmond Prints by Burns and Thomas, $10-$11.99.
Know someone who is proud to live in Edmond and isn’t afraid to display it? These exclusive prints are easily frameable. Artist, Greg Burns, created Downtown Edmond in 2003. Burns is known for his ink and watercolors. Because of a joint condition, he draws by hand, but adds watercolor by holding a paintbrush with his teeth. Artist, Steve Thomas, created the award-winning images, Stephenson Park and Santa Fe Railway, for Edmond’s 2017 wall calendar. Thomas’s WPA-style art has remained popular, and Edmond History Museum gained permission to have them reprinted. Sizes: Burns print 12×16” & Thomas prints: 8×10” or 18×24”.
2. Mural Pillow by Yo Bro, $35
In 2021, the museum commissioned an Edmond Landmarks mural by Yo Bro, placed next to the permanent Route 66 exhibit. It is a popular photo spot, displaying Edmond’s best-known spots along Route 66 and the railroad track. Artists, Lindsay Zodrow and Hayley Owen are well known in Edmond, having painted murals and streatery borders in downtown Edmond. Lindsay’s late grandma was a volunteer at the Museum, so painting the mural in her grandma’s special place was a heartwarming moment for her.
3. Rocketship Slide T-shirt, $20-$23
Everyone who lived in Edmond from the 1960s until 2022 fondly remembered sliding down the Rocketship Slide in Stephenson Park (and burning their legs on the hot metal)! This playground equipment created such nostalgia that citizens objected to losing it during the park remodel, so the rocket was refurbished as an art piece, still on prominent display in the park. Local artist, Jay Tracy, designed the t-shirt with a retro vibe. Available in child and adult sizes.
4. Armory Guitar Pic Earrings, $16
Shopping for someone fashionable? These casual, pop-culture earrings go perfectly with a corduroy shirt, pullover, or Edmond t-shirt. Plus, they were created with flair by the jewelry-making family at Silver Leaf Gems in downtown Edmond, who have lived in Edmond their whole life. The purchase of this jewelry or their original beaded jewelry supports two local business—both the Museum and Silver Leaf Gems.
5. Blue Hippo Merchandise, $4.99-$31.00
Only one place in the world has a blue fiberglass hippo smiling at drivers as they travel Route 66. Edmondites became so used to seeing “Happy the Hippo” along Broadway that he was almost forgotten, until 2021 when the Museum and Visit Edmond teamed up to remind locals that Happy is Edmond’s friendly Route 66 mascot, regularly visited and photographed by out-of-state travelers. The first blue hippo merchandise was launched during the 2021 Route 66 Blue Hippo festival—when many locals asked, “So, what’s the story behind the blue hippo?” Now, he’s back in the Edmond memory banks as a nostalgic symbol, and the blue hippo from 1991 is now an official Oklahoma Route 66 Roadside Attraction.
6. Darci Lynne Puppets, $40
You likely know someone who is a fan of singer/puppeteer Darci Lynne! In 2020, the museum created an exhibit about Darci Lynne’s early life. She performed her first puppet show in 2014 at the Edmond’s Got Talent competition, and she achieved fame as a ventriloquist on America’s Got Talent at the age of 12. Darci Lynne, who grew up in the Edmond/Piedmont area, is now launching her recording career as a young woman. Darci Lynne allows the museum to exclusively sell her licensed hand puppets, which are usually only available at her concerts. Available for purchase in store or online: https://www.edmondhistory.org/product/darci-lynne-hand-puppets/
7. Edmond Books, $8-$30
Searching for the right gift for a lover of Edmond history? The museum offers a variety of books that explore Edmond’s prairie roots, from settlement to railroad to Route 66. The books are meticulously researched and include historic photos, many of which are in the museum’s archival collection.
8. Route 66 Décor, $5-$50
Whether you live along Route 66 or known someone who travels the Mother Road, handmade Route 66 gifts are sure to bring a good memory and a smile. Not only does Edmond have 13.4 miles along Route 66 (the most miles in Oklahoma), the road turns a corner at Downtown Edmond. These Edmond-logo gifts are made by a local woodworker, who lives off 2nd street.
9. Milty Merchandise, $6.99-$36
In October 2024, the museum launched the exhibit, Mysterious Machines: Hosted by Edmond’s Visiting Extra-Terrestrial. Space friend, Milty, accidently landed his spaceship in Edmond and was fascinated to find a building filled with interesting (and sometimes wacky) machines from the past. Milty was named in honor of Edmond graduate, Milt Heflin, who commanded Houston’s mission control during the 1969 moon launch. Local artist, Forrest McKinley, designed the space creature, who has charmed museum audiences. Child and Adult shirt sizes available.
10. Give the Gift of Membership $25-$500
The Edmond History Museum appreciates members! In addition to a 10% or 15% discount on gift shop merchandise and programs, members receive special opportunities, insider information, and discounts to local businesses. https://www.edmondhistory.org/memberships/
