- Maysville -

With a community consisting of around 1,200 residents, Maysville is a humble agricultural town in the northern part of Garvin County located at the crossroads of State Highways 74 and 19 in the heart of the Washita River Valley. While its population may not be the largest, you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere that takes more pride in its history, food and residents.

Maysville prides itself on being the origin place of one famous American aviator, Wiley Post. Although Post was most prominently known for being the first pilot to fly solo around the world, he was also highly regarded in his achievements with high-altitude flying. He assisted in the development of one of the world’s first pressure suits and discovered the jet stream. In 1935, Post and American humorist, Will Rodgers, were both tragically killed when Post’s aircraft crashed while taking off from a lagoon near Point Barrow in the Territory of Alaska. As a Tribute to Wiley Post, locals in Maysville hold a Wiley Post Festival each year to celebrate this American Icon. In addition to Wiley Post, Maysville offers some other unique pieces of history.

Have you ever heard of the Buford Corporation? Maybe not, but you have been influenced by the Buford Corporation more than you may think. Have you ever wondered how those tiny sesame seeds get distributed so evenly across your burger buns? Or how those twist ties that keep your loaves of bread fresh before and after you buy them are applied? These sometimes-overlooked commodities are all possible thanks in part to Charles Buford. Born in Lindsay, Oklahoma, Charles Buford invented and patented the equipment that makes and applies twist ties on bread bags, the machines that distribute sesame seeds on burger buns and many other useful creations. Other patents include many types of sealers, toppers, sprayers, splitters and shakers. Although Mr. Buford is now deceased, his home and the long-standing Buford Corporation are still alive and active in the heart of Maysville, Oklahoma. Now, let’s move away from machines that help package food, and let’s start looking at some unique places that offer freshly made cuisine!

Baker’s Pizza is regarded as one of the best pizza spots in Oklahoma. Featuring custom made pizzas with fresh ingredients, these hand made “pies” are worth driving the extra distance for many residents surrounding the Maysville area. Some favorites include, but aren’t limited to, a jalapeño and hotlink pizza as well as a specialty barbeque chicken masterpiece. This pizza shop offers quite the list of topping options to give every customer exactly what they want, no matter how unique their pizza appetites might be. If you happen to be more of a burger person, Maysville has another tasty spot that might interest you.

Papa’s Famous Charcoal Hamburgers is a name that reflects everything you need to know about this hoppin’ spot. Papa’s fires up a grill and hand-makes every burger fresh to order. Whether it is a classic charcoal cheeseburger or a double-meat with chili, Papa’s fresh ingredients and grilling expertise puts together a masterpiece to be enjoyed by all. However, burgers aren’t the only thing this spot can make, as their chicken fried steak sandwich, salads, pickle-o’s and onion rings give customers a wide range of tasty dishes to try if they ever tire of these tasty burgers (as unlikely as that may be).

Making our way back to the subject of Wiley Post, this next spot takes on the name and produces food that lives up to the icon’s grand achievements. Wiley’s is a small shack offering big flavor! For a tasty lunch, simply walk up to the window and order from the wide-ranging menu that includes barbeque, sandwiches, tacos, snow cones, malts and shakes. This local spot is a favorite for the residents in Maysville. Next time you are here, take a seat at the picnic tables and join the other happy customers for a bite to eat.

Now that you have an idea of the rich history and tasty food Maysville has to offer, be sure to check out other local events and locations this small, but lively, town has to showcase. Once here, it will be hard to leave without a full stomach and some interesting conversation pieces involving a special American aviator.