Ed Galloway - Creator of the World's Largest Totem Pole

Working mostly by himself, the totem pole and other sculptures in the park kept him busy during his retirement years all the way up until the time of his death in 1962. Every day he rose at 5:00 a.m. and continued to work on his elaborate pieces until past sunset.

Ed also built the Fiddle House, supported inside and out by 25 concrete Totem Poles, to display his numerous handmade fiddles.

After his death in 1962, the sculptures began to fall into disrepair from weather and neglect. Unfortunately, many of the fiddles were stolen from the Fiddle House in 1970 and were never recovered. However, in the 1990s, a restoration effort was undertaken by the Kansas Grassroots Art Association whose members live near Lawrence, Kansas. Members of the group painted the totems during Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends over a seven year period.

The park is now owned and operated by the Rogers County Historical Society.

The Totem Pole Park is considered a Route 66 icon and has been visited by people from 45 states and 25 countries. The park has been featured in a number of national magazines.

Totem Pole Park, Fiddle House and Gift Shop are open to the public free of charge

Located ten miles North of Claremore, Oklahoma, off Historic Route 66 four miles East of Foyil, Oklahoma on Highway 28A.

The Fiddle House Museum and Gift Shop:

OPEN DAILY
Monday - Saturday 11:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm

By appointment: 918-342-1169 / 918-342-9149

< Back