1960’s
during the early 1960’s

My father Timothy E. Bradshaw Sr. was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma for many years during his career in the U.S. Army. What better place could a kid want to grow up. During the early 1960's, my mother would take me to Cache on the weekends to go horse back riding at Eagle Park. The usual day was for me to quickly exit the family car and head for the "Livery Stable" where I was met my a wrangler by the nickname "Slim". He operated the stable and outfitted my with my horse. I normally rode an old Bay gelding named Charlie. Once in a while I road a Roan named Strawberry.
I will always cherish those days! At that time, my legs were not long enough to reach the stirrups, so Slim would poke my feet into the leather straps in which the stirrups were suspended from the saddle. Off I would go riding into the woods surrounding Eagle Park. This was about 1963. I can remember very well the old Red Store, the skating rink and at that time visiting the Quannah Parker House which I believe at that time was located on Fort Sill.
In 1996, I revisited Eagle Park with a personal tour conducted by Mr. Herbert Woesner. This was really a treat! It was the first time in over 30 years I had a chance to to back to Eagle Park. I did not know for sure if it existed. As I drove into Cache I recognized the old sign out front, now in a weathered and ghost town appearance. Inside of the store, I met Mr. Woesner. We walked down to the old park. There was the old livery stable and the old Red Store. It was like a trip into the Twilight Zone for me. The old weathered buildings were barely standing and the old paint was very much painted. The Old Red Store was leaning. I looked around the place and for an hour or so, I relived a part of my childhood.
Mr. Woesner took me through the Quannah Parker House as he explained to me that he was able to save it from destruction when the Army was ready to have it removed or destroyed. He also pointed out to me that he had added to the collection some other buildings such as one of the only surviving vertical log cabins from Fort Sill which were built by the Buffalo Soldiers, a Blacksmith Shop and an Indian Church from Medicine Park. What once was a thriving amusement park now has the appearance of an authentic ghost town. I do not believe in ghosts, however, I was able to imagine the grounds as they once were with kids and families everywhere going to and fro eating ice cream, riding the rides, playing with Indian souvenirs from the old Red Store. What an experience and Thank You Mr. Woesner! By the way, I am sure that any donations to the preservation of these old buildings would be greatly appreciated. He is working very hard to stabilize them for future generations to enjoy. If you are in the Lawton area, you just have to go to Cache!

 By Timothy E. Bradshaw