The museum houses items from Tom Mix's personal collection, providing a glimpse into the life of one of Oklahoma's most colorful figures.
In the early days of Western movies Tom Mix was an incredible stunt man and Silver Scren Idol. Tom's horse, Tony, "The Wonder Horse" was almost as popular as Tom.
Thomas Hezekiah Mix was born January 6, 1880 in Pennsylvania. During his formative years he grew up around horses as his Dad was a stable master, Like most young boys, Tom wanted to be a cowboy.
Tom came to Oklahoma to follow this dream and found work at the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch. A movie company was shooting a film at the ranch and Tom's riding talents were discovered. From this humble beginning he rose to become KING of the Cowboys--long before Roy Rogers came along to claim the title.
Before Tom became famous in the movies he worked at various jobs--bartender in Guthrie, OK- Town Marshall for Dewey. The third of his five wives was a Dewey girl--Olive Stokes.
Tom went on to make over 300 movies during his career--mostly silent films. He created his own circus in the late 1930s and his daughter, Ruth Mix was his co-star.
He was killed in a car accident October 12, 1940.
Tom's fame continued past his death with the Ralston Purina radio show staring Curley Bradley as Tom Mix.
Through artifacts and photographs the Tom Mix Museum provides a glimpse into his life. Those too young to remember the man and his talent are sure to find his story as fascinating as those who watched him ride across the movie screen years ago.
