Honorable Mention - Open
Piedmont Library and Cultural Events Society, Piedmont

Piedmont: The Winds of Progress

"Piedmont: The Winds of Progress," commemorates the one hundred years that Piedmont has been a town, from 1903 to 2003. The windmills along State Highway 4 stand as a reminder that our past, present, and future are connected by a heritage that is as powerful and ever-present as the Oklahoma wind. Our Centennial Celebration is the perfect milestone to showcase the determined people who have harnessed those winds to build this community on the Oklahoma prairie. This collage captures the essence of the people and the times that we celebrate.

Gathering artifacts -- old and new -- several local residents from all stages of life created this collage. As the collage was assembled, treasures were shared, stories were told, and people learned more about the historical heritage of the town they call home. Their efforts combined to create a visual representation of Piedmont -- it's evolution from a small farm town one hundred years ago to the rapidly growing suburban community it is today. Several people and businesses contributed elements to be placed on the collage, and others assembled those elements into this work of art. Those people, and those who came before them, are just as much a part of this collage as the artifacts upon it.

The collage is an anthology of great stories from days gone by. Among those stories are those which center around the old Wiedemann building. This building has housed many businesses over the years. The Ford medallion is a reminder of the time when the building was an assembly plant for Ford automobiles. The two silver coins tell a story of the Wiedemann grocery and country store. During the Great Depression, the banks had almost no currency. Wiedemann's, like many other businesses, actually printed their own money in order to facilitate trade for their customers. During the Depression, these coins were the same as cash at the store and helped the business stay alive. The building has housed a machine shop, an auto repair shop, and many other businesses over the years. Today, it is a country gift and antique store.

The train tracks are a reminder of the many years that a rail spur came into Piedmont to support the thriving agricultural production that was characteristic of this community. In many ways, the spur was Piedmont's connection to commerce and the wealth which fueled the town. Some would say that the glory days of Piedmont faded with the demise of the rail connections. Others would say that our resilient families responded with a determination to capture the opportunities brought about by change. As the winds of progress blew, the people focused on building a community which looked to the future while holding onto the best of the past. The stalks of wheat are a reminder of the rich agricultural heritage on which this town was built, and which still provides for many of our families.

The people of Piedmont value education. For many years, the school system has attracted students and families from many of Oklahoma's larger and wealthier districts. The Wildcat insignias are mementoes of a school system which values the individual and thrives in the small town atmosphere. Piedmont has a rich tradition of scholars, marching bands, and athletic programs -- a tradition that lives on.

Last, but certainly not least, the people of Piedmont are people of faith. The pictures of two of our churches in their early years are depictions of families that place their trust in a power beyond themselves. Church bells toll daily, reminding the community that we are a people that reach out to help others in service to our God.

Piedmont is a collage -- a wonderfully diverse work of art. To appreciate this art, the viewer must take the time to appreciate all the elements that come together to create a great community. This collage is much more than just a work of art. It is a link which helps us to visualize the connectivity between the elements which define our past, our present, and our future. The people of this community came together to create a thing of beauty. They have captured the essence of the "Winds of Progress." They have created a focal point for our Centennial Celebration. They have provided a work of art which will tell the rich stories to our children and grandchildren.