Tucked away inside the old City Meat Market just over a block from Route 66 is a national treasure! The Mediocre Music Makers, Harley and Annabelle Russell entertain visitors from around the world with songs and stories. I had seen the Sandhills Curiosity Shop for years when I would visit my family in Erick and the surrounding area but I always thought it was a thrift shop and I never went in until May 2007. Nothing is for sell in the Sandhills Curiosity Shop. It is Harley and Annabelle's "theatre". All of the entertainment and drinks are on the house, tips are accepted, of course. It might even be that Harley and Annabelle are better known on other continents than they are here. The first time I was there, a film crew from Belgium had just left. The second time I was there a film crew from Ireland was on their way.

Harley was the inspiration for "Mater" the little tow truck in Disney's Pixar animation "Cars" with Larry the Cable Guy's voice. Meet Harley and see the movie and you'll understand! Just a block away from the Sandhills Curiosity Shop is the Roger Miller Museum. It is interesting in its own right but not nearly as exciting as what Harley and Annabelle have to share. Maybe I shouldn't say that since I have relatives that are on the Roger Miller Museum board of trustees and one of my cousin play keyboards for Roger for a few years. Across the street from the Roger Miller Museum is the 100th Meridian Museum. I have never seen it open and I have learned that the fellow that runs it has cancer so it may not be open much now. To the south of the 100th Meridian Museum is the old Bonebreak Hardware Store. Take a look in the window and you'll see brand new items that are probably, at least, seventy five years old! But again, none of this is as exciting as Harley and Annabelle!

If you get anywhere near Erick, Oklahoma, from Interstate 40, take Exit 7 and go south on Oklahoma State Highway 30 and visit Harley and Annabelle to see "Rednecks live and play in their own environment". You won't be sorry that you did! They are truly a national treasure!