Byng, OK

If you follow the gently rolling hills north of Ada up Highway 377, just south of the Canadian River, you will come upon the town of Byng.

They say a rose by any other name will smell as sweet, and that is certainly true for the town of Byng, Oklahoma.  Throughout the years, Byng has been known by a variety of names. Although Byng as we know it now was not official until 1917, before then, the area compromised two different towns- Tyrola and New Bethel.  

Tyrola grew in the early 20^th century from the expansions of the railroads. A depot in the town brought economic growth including stores, a post office, and a school. The town of Tyrola even had to overcome a devastating flood in 1914, but the community was strong and rebuilt.

New Bethel had a school district, and in 1925, consolidated with Tyrola. In 1929, the name Byng was adopted, in honor of Sir Julian Byng, a British World War I war hero who also served as Governor General of Canada.

Although Byng was not official incorporated until 1972, the town continued to grow.

Today the town has over 1,100 residents, and has a number of churches and an active school.

One proud son of Byng is former Chicago Cubs pitcher, Don Kaiser, who is said to have thrown seven no-hitters in high school.

The town also boasts a serene park, originally named Veteran Park, which was renamed for Byng native and United States Army Veteran, Ron Parks, who remained active in the local American Legion throughout his life.

When you find yourself in the heart of Chickasaw Country and see a sign for Byng, be sure to take a detour and enjoy this town that embodies home for so many.