Oklahoma has a variety of unusual roadside attractions. One of the most unique is in Arcadia – a big, round, red barn. This eyecatching building was built in 1898 by a farmer, William Harrison (Big Bill) Odor, who came to the area in 1892 and purchased a 300 acre farm.
The barn Mr. Odor built is 60 feet in diameter and 43 feet high, sitting on a rock foundation. Odor used local burr oak green timber which was soaked in the nearby river until soft and then placed into a mold to create the curve. Mr. Odor designed the barn himself. One story was told that a round structure would help withstand Oklahoma tornados.
The barn was used for housing hay, grain and livestock. The second floor would serve as a community center and for dances. Mr. Odor compared the barn’s acoustics with those of the Mormon Tabernacle…