Three Sticks 
in the Wind

story and photos
© Copyright 2002
by Lin Stone

Three Sticks is an historical monument. It was dedicated to President John F. Kennedy for his participation in the opening of the Ouachita National Forest Road on 29 October 1961 in Big Cedar, Oklahoma.

The President spoke only briefly. His remarks are printed in the 1961 volume of the Public Papers of the President: John F. Kennedy that should be available in the reference department of any large research library.

Neither President Kennedy's appointment books or his secretary's trip files do mention Three Sticks, Oklahoma.  Nor is there any record of remarks by the President at a dedication of that monument.  The actual erection and dedication of the Three Sticks monument seems to be the quickest forgot event that ever happened in the state of Oklahoma.  NOBODY remembers the event more than vaguely.  Why was this particular site chosen?  Why was it forgotten so quickly?  Even the Oklahoma Historical Society has little or nothing on this event. ftwashita@ok-history.mus.ok.us promised to dig into this and may have more by now.

The three "sticks" symbolize Land, Water and Wood. The monument is found high on a mountain slope on US 259S between Big Cedar and Smithville -- on the way to Beavers Bend. The view sweeps off for many miles.  Click on the picture to get more detail.

Last update done at 09/19/08 07:57:56 PM

US 259 in this area is traversing a rugged, wonderful scenic drive with several 180 turns which leave you not knowing if you are coming or going.  Small streams decorate the landscape.  Many of the mountain sides have runs of slate almost as smooth as a slab of concrete.  A sprinkling of quartz invites you to stop and go looking for crystals.

What few people I met on the highway here were extremely generous, possibly needing reassurance they were still on earth since they hadn't seen anyone else for many miles.