Travel: February 2021 Archives

The Pierce Pennant Tavern - Miami, Oklahoma History

From the May 11, 1929, issue of Tavern Talk, a description of the main entrance of the soon-to-open Pierce Pennant Tavern in Miami:

"Upon alighting from his automobile under a massive white pillared canopy and entering the spacious doors of the terminal, the visitor will be immediately impressed by the depth of the main waiting room. Depending upon the season, his senses will react to its cool coziness or satisfying warmth. In the chill days of late spring or early fall, he will find an open fireplace at the end of the room, logs blazing merrily, just the tang of wood smoke redolent of the Ozark backwoods hanging in the air, inviting a relaxing "stretch" before its hearth. Summer, with its heat and glare and dust, is quickly transformed by the refreshing coolness of the well ventilated lounge, huge ceiling fans silently wafting synthetic lake breezes to the massive and comfortable divans and easy chairs. This room is 50 feet long and 35 feet wide, backed by a soda fountain for soft drink and sandwich service, with tables and chairs to accommodate 50 guests."

The building later served as the administrative building for the Royal Air Force flying school during World War II and as home of Winart Pottery in the 1950s.

MORE: The Pierce Pennant chain and the Tulsa location, later known as the Bates Tourist Hotel.