My dad grew up in Picher, OK, a rough mining town that figures into one of my novels, and that was one helluva tough place to try and survive in when it was booming. I took two of my boys there recently, as we go each year, to climb the old tailing piles, wander through what’s left of the town, and sense the past.Â
 
Similar to the shack my dad was raised in, always near the Chat Piles.
Atop one of the Piles, looking out on the ruined countryside.
How Picher looked in the 1920s.
The town’s water is poisoned with lead from the mines and piles, it’s one of the largest Superfund Sites in the country, and is slowly being abandoned. The tragedy and courage of the place is an amazing story that I don’t have time to delve into today, but it always inspires me. I’ll discuss in depth another time.
Two knaves atop one of the piles.
Hi:
My mom also grew up in the general area, but she was from Commerce, OK. She grew up during the depression, and she has told me many stories. Those were extremely difficult times, and most people are completely out of touch with how bad things can be like that. Anyway, it’s nice to see the chat piles and remember.