Norman should be ranked in Steampunk, not just football!

Bit of rebuttal to blogger's 'Most Steampunk Cities in America' 

Norman, OK boasts many Steampunk & Victorian treasures.  In our last blog we shared info on our train, our award-winning art collection, our foundry, and more.  History, craftsmanship, and talent are important; however, much of steampunk was founded in literature's science fiction.


Books were sorely missing from the 'Most Steampunk Cities' article.  From 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to Anubis Gates to Extraordinary Engines, Norman is home to many booksellers.  In addition to national chains, like Barnes & Noble, over seven used bookstores offer shoppers rare and collectable titles.  Science fiction reading and writing clubs are available both on campus and off.  Airship Crimson Steamer's professor Jeff Provine is a published sci-fi author & is available to anyone interested in more information.  You can find him on fb or in person on campus teaching English or leading the Haunted Ghost Tour.

With the matter of literature and science fiction addressed, we review 'Most Steampunk Cities' rank of communities using their measurements:

Lovely steampunk weddings are hosted in Norman, home to Whispering Pines.

• Formal wear
• Paranormal Societies
• Antique Stores
• Walk-ability
• Steampunk conventions
• Flea markets
• Salvage yards
• Hardware stores

In addition to Norman specialties discussed last blog and above, we've listed their criteria below:

Formal Wear - 

• Al's Formal Wear
• Bridal Boutique
• Southern Charm
• Sun Tailor
• Beloved Bridal Boutique
• Jos. A. Bank

Paranormal Societies - over 60 in Oklahoma

• OU Haunted Ghost Tour
• OKPRI
• Quantum

Antique Stores - at least a dozen on Google search + a couple of appraisal services

Walk-ability - probably our #1 asset [approximately 5 miles]

• Historic Downtown [reaching from the Grey Owl Cafe on Grey St. to Main & University
• Campus Corner connecting to the OU campus on the south & stretching to Reeves Park

Steampunk Conventions - 

• OctopodiCon II, November 1st, Embassy Suite Hotel
• Steampunk Art Show, September 21st, Unitarian Church @ 1309 W Boyd St.

Flea Market - Col. Dick's is the 2nd Fri. & Sat. of each month, for the last 15 years

Salvage Yards - seven listed on Google search

Hardware Stores - eight listed on Google search + Habitat for Humanity Resale!

Hope you find something in this list useful as you create your own steampunk library, costume, character and/or cos-play. Hope everyone has a great Labor Day holiday!
More soon,
Dalynda Marie

Photo credits:
Main St. Photo Video
& Danziger Photography

Victorian & Steam sights in Norman, OK!

Visiting Norman? Be sure to see these sights...

Victorian era impressionism at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

Portrait of Alexander Reid, c. 1887
Vincent Van Gogh, Netherlands, 1853-1890
Weitzenhoffer Collection of French Impressionism
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art
555 Elm Avenue- Free Admission!

Circa 1870 Surveyor, Abner E. Norman camps at Santa Fe Railroad Depot

 "In 1870, Abner E. Norman became chainman of the central survey area in Indian Territory. The surveyor’s crew burned the words “NORMAN’S CAMP” into an elm tree near a watering hole to taunt their younger supervisor. When the “SOONERS” (those who headed west before the official Land Run date, April 22, 1889) and the other settlers arrived in the heart of Oklahoma, they kept the name “NORMAN.”

Courtesy of www.oklahomahistory.net

The Santa Fe Railroad depot was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on January 25, 1991.
"After being closed for a short time for additional remodeling, the Norman Santa Fe Depot reopened in January 2003 to once again serve the community of Norman, not only as the railway station, but as the gallery and concert venue for Performing Arts Studio programs and as a beautiful space which can be rented by the community." It is located at 200 South Jones Avenue in 'old' town town.

The Museum of Osteology 

"Focusing on the form and function of the skeletal system, this 7000 square ft. museum displays hundreds of skulls and skeletons from all corners of the world. Exhibits include adaptation, locomotion, classification and diversity of the vertebrate kingdom. The Museum of Osteology is the only one of its kind in America."

Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2013

12 miles or 18 minutes from the Embassy Suites Norman
10301 S. Sunnylane Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73160

 The Crucible The Crucible Foundry, Gallery, Sculpture Garden

110 East Tonhawa - 405.579.2700

Housed behind the historic brick walls of the former Carey Lumber Building, The Crucible Foundry is a reflection of the University community that surrounds it. The Crucible Foundry offers all of the following services: Enlargements and Reduction, Silicone/Urethane Molds, Lost Wax Casting, Alpha-Cure/Set Sand Casting, Patina, Refurbishing and Repair, Freight and Installation.

With a graceful mix of art and science, The Crucible uses the latest innovations in the lost-wax method and alpha-cured/set sand casting to perform the ancient art of casting monumental bronze sculpture. Artisans with a broad range of backgrounds make up the foundry's youthful staff of more than a dozen workers. The Crucible's team combines seasoned foundry men with creative workers whose careers have run the gamut from music and masonry to gunsmithing and tattoo artistry. Through their experiences they understand the creative process and are dedicated to each sculpture they mold and cast.