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Picher, OK Chat Piles
Picher is a small town in Northeastern Oklahoma that has been devestated by poor practices during its mining past. These chat piles, which dwarf the town, are what is left over after you extract lead and zinc from ores. Unfortuntately, the dust still contains lead, which is toxic. In addition, the town is hollowed out beneath, meaning that there is a danger of it collapsing. US 69 still runs through town, but a truck spur to keep heavy loads off of Connell Ave has been built to Baxter Springs, KS, the next town north.
On our first trip, in 8/2007, we visited with Orval Ray, who has turned the pool hall he's owned since the early 1960s into a museum of the town's history. Some of the phots here are from his museum.
Our second trip was in March, 2008.
On May 10, 2008, an EF4 tornado hit the south side of Picher and caused death and devastation. Most of the photos on this website are from the central and northern sections, which were apparently spared. But this latest misfortune might be the end of the town.
Please remember those who died in this tradgedy and consider a donation to the Tulsa chapter of the American Red Cross to help those who lived.
The Daily Oklahoman's coverage of Picher's situation (and the situation of the rest of the Tar Creek Superfund Site:
("http://newsok.com/news/tarcreek) Ottawa County, (8/2007)
