Pawnee Bill Ranch And Museum Damaged From Severe Storms

A storm left damage at the Pawnee Bill Ranch, but the artifacts preserved in the Museum and Mansion are safe.

The property is owned by the Oklahoma Historical Society.

Manager Ronny Brown said he was in the parking lot of the museum late Thursday when the storm arrived.

“And I could feel the truck, pushing, moving, and I thought I don't want to be in the truck, but I'm afraid to get out of the truck.”

Many of the trees on the property, including some believed planted by Pawnee Bill, either have damage or were destroyed.

The Ranch covers 500 acres on Blue Hawk Peak west of Pawnee.

The Mansion has some damage on the upper floor to a room famous for hosting Will Rogers as a regular guest, protected by a door with extra locks on it.

“It sheared those off, the wind did and blew that door open, and we had some water damage, but it wasn't anything serious,” said Brown.

The mansion roof has a hole in it on a corner, and some outdoor furniture was blown away and destroyed.

A historic fence on the property has to be replaced because of damage, according to Brown.

Related: 1 Killed At Pawnee Lake After Severe Storm Brings Strong Winds