OKLAHOMA: Rural Towns With High Children's Poverty Rates

[@daviddecelles8714]

Did see the first cat in Clayton; but espying those three other cats imperiously ensconced upon an automobile in Hartshorne was a welcome visual addition. Didn't know Albion existed? No U.S. stats for it? Makes one wonder whether the U.S. government knows it's there. Said somewhat facetiously but, if it were true, it would be a delightful novelty. It's more than OK if they don't know everything. Counted four people on foot. Like to look for them. The poverty stats in Talihina (beautiful name) are especially grim since the numbers for the general population, the elderly and children (especially the latter) are all over 30% Still, for the kids (44% poverty) who grow up there, I don't think it's a terrible thing that'll scar them for life. Certainly hope not. Your beloved spouse's compassion for canines compelled her to break her deferential silence to be sure you avoided hitting the creature, although, I'm sure, there was no real danger of that happening. Coming East?! Looking forward to it.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Great comment as usual, David. :)

[@bobbieleland7687]

We grew up poor also, with focus on God HE blessed us.

[@johnhart125]

Child poverty? Wtf, most children don't have money, what are you talking about?

[@guysumpthin2974]

Toxoplasmosis & depression go hand in hand

[@brendaz9222]

Poverty does not equil laziness and nastiness! My extended family grew up in poor rural America and they kept their yards and homes neat and clean! No excuse for living in a junk yard dump even if you're poor!

[@robertmoore2049]

I heard this saying many times: sweep the floor even if it is a dirt floor.

[@davidroberson8030]

That is definitely for sure you don't need a lot of money to be clean course being sober is a good idea too I mean from everything not just alcohol.???

[@jamesmacswell9165]

Being poor has nothing to do with it being on drugs does

[@killgorian131]

If you grew up in a town like this you'd know they were junkers. Those people work very hard to make their yard look like that lol.

[@jamesmacswell9165]

@@killgorian131 yeah there's those two but junkers most generally equal up to junkies

[@matthewmayfield8095]

This needs clarifying. There’s no work here. Most people make a living by scrapping which is finding what most consider junk and selling it. That’s why some of these yards look like this but some of these people can pull a wad of cash out of their pocket and buy a new truck whenever they want. Everything they own is paid for. It’s a little rougher way to make a living but it works for them.

[@purplenurple5176]

I and my Family live in the small town of Clayton. And it may appear bad however. We don't have the crime your big cities have . All the people care about each other we know the kids in our town and we all watch out for each other.. So I would rather live where my kids grew up playing at the two beautiful lakes you did not show ..hunting fishing and many more things we enjoy. Safety. Love and Respect for your neighbor!

[@Friendofstfrank]

Exactly. He does not talk to anyone and knows nothing about it. Yards With lots of junk has to do with no trash service as much as anything else. People get creative about making do rather than buying more crap. Visits for groceries etc are 1 x a week minimum. People eat at home-know how to cook. And everyone knows everyone but big city spying crap. Pretty easy to figure out source of problems and deal with them in creative ways.

[@Mountainrock70]

@@Friendofstfrank not to forget these small towns look great compared to many major cities now.

[@gaylepothoff3420]

I was born and raised in a small town in Southeastern Oklahoma and it seems odd that all you look for in these places is the worst parts. Stop and talk to these people so at least you’ll know the correct pronunciation for these towns. Your approach to this makes me sick.

[@guitarpickin8431]

@@gaylepothoff3420 I am from Buffalo Valley, (between Clayton and Talihina, north of Albion) and I agree with your comment. They only came to trash the communities. It is a great place to live. There are nicer parts to each town/community, which were either skimmed over, or not mentioned at all.

[@pattypierce8189]

Whats his point ? Ilived in sall towns in Oklahoma and it was always a great experience.

[@bobmanfre5083]

14:24. That's my house on the left! Lived in Red Oak for many years.

[@delstanley1349]

One of the most scenic fall foliage drives I've ever been on, believe it or not, terminated in Talihina. It's been at least 25 years since I took the last trip, and I've done it twice. For me, it began in Mena, AR and ended in Talihina, OK. The drive is so popular that it is given its own name in various tour guides, Talimena National Scenic Byway. The year that I went (circa 1997) I saw more fall colors on this byway than I did on Skyline Drive in Virginia going through Shenandoah NP. Like Skyline and Blue Ridge you're driving on a high ridge with steep valleys on either side of the road. The valleys are carpeted with trees from top to bottom. The Talimena drive is less than 50 miles if memory serves. Your current trip is taking you westward, the Scenic Byway is east of where you were when you left Talihina. I really don't know how scenic it is before and after the fall color season. Skyline and Blue Ridge are still quite scenic regardless of season. The colors play out on the Talimena Scenic Byway in about mid November or so I guess. Anyway, in the future if you're back that way you may want to check it out in peak fall season.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I believe it!

[@reginachanley4118]

I was born in DeQueen, Arkansas. 15 miles or so from Broken Bow, OK. Mena, I grew up in with my grandparents and parents.

[@delstanley1349]

@@reginachanley4118 > I worked for Exxon back in the early 80s and met a new co-worker (Lesa James) from DeQueen. I never heard of DeQueen until I met her. I left Houston and Exxon in the mid 80s. When I did my fall foliage drive years later (Mena to Talihina) I was living in Dallas. From Dallas to Mena I passed through DeQueen and remembered Lesa. It was larger than I thought it would be! I thought there would a stoplight, MAYBE two, ha ha. I remember how peaceful the drive was going through there, it was all tree lined before and after you let the city.

[@enriquewilliamsteeny]

I live in De Queen! Your right about the scenic drive.

[@reginachanley4118]

So true!!! I love it there. My grandparents were there until they died years ago in DeQueen. Family in Mena, DeQueen, Lockesburg. I remember the drive to my grandparents every summer. Crystal clear and cold creeks we swam in, picking blackberries in the woods. I now hear from my Aunt that a lot of those holes we swam in dried up. Super sad. Lots of memories down that way!!!

[@hillbillybeerdranker6678]

Back in the 1970's Wilburton had alot of industry, such as a carpet factory and a sewing factory for baby clothes. Talihina also had a sewing factory. When the politicians were bribed to pass NAFTA years ago, which allowed companies to move to Mexico, they closed down. Before NAFTA, if they moved to Mexico, they couldn't ship their products back into the US without paying a high tariff, which prevented them from leaving.

[@russellhalford8811]

Yeah, Slick Willie had to get funding for his Mexican cartel buddies.

[@kathleennile7611]

This is so true. NAFTA did a lot to hurt small towns in the south.

[@daviddecelles8714]

Thanks for pointing that out. NAFTA was a very bad idea pushed by globalist politicians.

[@ridenourbikewithdystonia5888]

Yeah, it was Ross Perot, who tried to warn us about that, the people must have wanted it because he didn't get elected.

[@kathleennile7611]

@@ridenourbikewithdystonia5888 Ross had a hard road to climb to become president. The fact that he came closer than anyone else proved that people wanted it. When they threatened his family, he withdrew then came back. People never got over the fact that he withdrew.

[@johnrobinson1140]

Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton has a good forestry program. Robbers Cave State Park is beautiful with rock climbing, a lake and of course a cave. Beautiful area of Oklahoma.

[@LJones69]

That’s so great your wife Nicole is with you and talking! Maybe she usually is but she doesn’t talk so we never knew she was along for the ride! I think it’s great that we are getting to hear part of her commentary…..

[@deannewhitney]

My youngest daughter just walked in a saw the ‘downtown’ area of wherever you were and she said that looks like Skiatook. That’s where my family lives now, every small town in Oklahoma looks the same practically

[@robertcampbell8639]

Just found your show a couple of weeks ago and enjoyed it. It shows what some small towns are. Ya'll do a good job with the show and comments on what people see in these small towns. Keep it up and my family and I will watch when we get a chance. Thank you for your time to show small America and what living is like living in some of these small towns. Thanks for your time.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Robert!

[@amandamartin2777]

This is a different part of America. We are still free here in Oklahoma. No we all aren't poor. some of us work out state make 250,000 a year. There are thousands of people in these hills. We don't fill out census.

[@Coyotes-galore]

Amen friend. Small towns and rural communities here in parts of Oklahoma are so different than big cities. Yes we are a free thinking and free living state. Some folks choose to live a quiet laid back life-style. I live outside a small town in NE Oklahoma where million dollar houses are common in a 25 mile radius. We're not all poor here.

[@timothyvanderschultzen9640]

paranoid much?

[@Lkydog8165]

Thankyou for the videos of these small towns in SE Oklahoma I use to live in Snow about 10 miles SE of Clayton and did my weekly shopping there it's absolutely beautiful in those areas and yes definitely a different lifestyle and slower paced communities and some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet...

[@richardbowers3647]

House upkeep & painting-time isn't a big thing, I'm guessing.

[@WaltBeller-s7k]

Have family in Clayton. Love the area.

[@buzzardcounty]

Thank you for doing these videos dude. I’ve really enjoyed them all. God bless you guys.

[@macf2067]

Some comments were very inconsiderate! Such as “there’s no way people live in that”. Well guess what people do! They do the best they can with what they have ❤

[@texasrodeogirl3814]

I lived in central Oklahoma for 40 years, rodeoed nearly every weekend all over the state. Hartshorne puts on one of the best rodeos in the state and has a beautiful big sandy arena. It’s pronounced Harts-HORN btw. Also it’s Wilbur-TON…lol. Talihina has the best old time soda fountain downtown. I live in east Texas so can’t wait for the next video. If you go back to Oklahoma, check out area around Apache, Medicine Park, Cyril, etc. love the videos ❤

[@billymania11]

I'm from Anadarko. Now live in Denver. I miss it. Thinking about a trip just just to feel the pangs of my youth and drive around.

[@texasrodeogirl3814]

@@billymania11 I lived in Shawnee and ran at many rodeos and jackpots at the Anadarko rodeo grounds and spent a solid 40 years at every round up club arena in that area. We moved to East Texas 2 years ago to escape tornado alley, the brutal winds, and unpredictable winters. Much calmer here.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I've got a rural Texas video coming up that features Brenham, La Grange and several smaller towns in-between. Amazing towns! Can't wait to show them to the viewers. :)

[@jeandlg1]

Some areas house looks run down but have some updated cars

[@lilaflores7816]

​@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip what small towns in the South part of Texas would be the best to move too, could you please tell what you think would be the best ones?

[@dannymcgee7520]

My dad grew up in the town of Albion (Al - Be - Yen). My great mother lived across the street, north ( long since burned down) from the school house. I spent many a summer frolicking around Albion. In the 60's it had two stores that serviced the town, and way back in an earlier era it had two banks. That store on the left with red brick columns was once Shorty's store, with LaPhloons being straight across the highway, now a vacant lot now. I been in both more times than I could count, fonds memories indeed.

[@1611-DaleW]

Most of those towns are only surviving because of Ft Smith, Ar. Im native from that area. Majority of people are traveling to Poteau, Ok or Ft Smith, Ar to find work. Oilfield, logging industry, and cattle industry are some of the more popular jobs outside of towns.

[@Turner2503]

"Holy cow look at all that stuff." 🤣 Pretty common for okies. I live about 50 miles north of Wilburton. Get out in the boonies of Oklahoma and you'll really see more of that, but you'll probably get lost because Google maps doesn't cove a lot of that.

[@octoberkitten949]

"Ton of stuff in the yard" it's just an Okie thing lol I enjoy Wilburton. Also correct way to saying the name is Wil-ber-ton 😁 Happy New Years. Can't wait to see some more adventures y'all do!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Cool! :)

[@marthaanderson2346]

Thank you for correcting him.

[@McCurtainCounty888]

Have you seen those permanent garage sale signs in the poorer parts of Oklahoma and Arkansas? Lots pure dee junk laying around with for sale signs on them? They're trying to cover their drug income with garage sale money. " Yes Mr Irs agent I made 100k on my garage sale last year"

[@BradFarris-pj1vi]

Oh I remember living in Wilburton great times :)

[@jaredbills72]

I live in Dallas now. Grew up in wilburton. That town was also a coal mining gown. That's why their high school mascot are the diggers and lady diggers while Hartshorne (I've always pronounced it like hearts horn but the other pronunciation could be used) are the miners. Wilburton and Hartshorne are rivals. Both cities had a population decreas when coal stopped being the main fuel used. Wilburton has done a bit better than Hartshorne in terms of growth but both need more improvement. The problem is there just aren't enough job opportunities in those areas. Franklin Electric, eastern oklahoma state college, and the local public schools are the only decent employers there which can pay a sustainable amount for a small family. The rest of the jobs are all customer service based and are made for high school students (mcdonalds, dollar store, tractor supply, etc.) Hartshorne has had issues with the city government officials. There was a lady in office a few years ago that had been stealing tax payer money for years using that money to pay for luxury purses, TV for her home and other non essential items. It made the state news. Literally stealing money from poor people. Wilburton had robbers cave state park just north of the city. Every fall, usually in early October there is an event called the fall festival which brings in loads of money and life to the town. You should go there sometime and capture what you see! It's a fun time for a small town venue and I always enjoy the car show. My parents grew up in talihina. My moms parents place and grandparents place was in town on Duke Street or avenue. We tore them down a couple years ago because they had been abandoned for years. I do wish we took care of them but it is hard since wilburton is about 45 min away, parents trying to take care of themselves and their own families, etc. Not many people have the funds of the time to take proper care of those assets and what they are trying to build at their own home.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Always interesting to hear from a local. Thank you for the great comment!

[@jaredbills72]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip happy to help. I do recommend you go to robbers cave in the fall. Great family event.

[@CaIIofDutyMobiIe]

Thank you for the time and effort in providing this information 🙏

[@jaredbills72]

@Jason Dupree happy to do it. I think not enough people from small towns get a chance to explain what it is like growing up in those areas. They are poor for the most part but people find a way to make ends meet. I wouldn't move back there unless I retired or had some stellar job. Dallas has a lot more opportunities for someone in their 30s.

[@rajeevdeshpande7666]

Hi Lord Spoda Happy New Year to both of you. Thank you for showing these rural micro interiors of Oklahoma. Life is a mosaic. That includes all: rich and poor, prosperity and want! Times change, life goes on. Through these virtual trips we are able to see all facets of America. A patch in the video @18:00 to 19:10 is simply picturesque. Waiting for your next video. Have a nice time.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Rajeev. Happy New Year to you and your family as well.

[@angeldodd34]

The house y'all passed in wilburton with the fire truck in the yard is my fire chief. The house with all the stuff in the yard is actually the asst chief of police that also has a construction company. We roll up the sidewalk on certain days and we live quite. There's a lot more to the great town. We also have one of the best state parks just north of town. Maybe Y'all should come back and check out more of our town.

[@leslieirvin8530]

I worked for the US Census for a survey in Oklahoma. Lots of the houses looked vacant but there would be people living there. Look to see if the tires are flat.

[@kerrynight3271]

Thank you for finding everybody. The Census is so very important.

[@jeffsmith846]

I grew up in Ada, OK but left in 1974. There are many beautiful parts of Oklahoma and the friendliest people I have encountered. I hope these kids who live in poverty in these little towns can overcome it. I did so by joining the Air Force. We weren't as poor as many of these people seem but my prospects for gainful employment were not good had I stayed. I enjoy your videos and whenever I travel I try to go through as many small towns as possible. I live in Kansas City and miss seeing the stars at night. (more than just a half dozen) and also miss the quiet of rural towns.

[@Not_your_mom1986]

My family has family reunions in Clayton during the summer. We gather at Lake Sardis. It's beautiful out by the lake

[@gatorgogo2742]

So happy you've added cats. LOL These towns remind me of my hometown now. It's heart breaking to visit, but bring back good memories as a child when we were allowed to run free and be home at dark. Nicole, I'm glad you joined the conversation! You bring a different perspective that I enjoy. Happy New Year!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, GGG! :)

[@summerz8867]

Agree..🐾🐾😽💫

[@guysumpthin2974]

Toxoplasmosis is REAL and real bad : mild to severe depression, headaches , flu symptoms, miscarriage, low vision, eye floaters, detached retina, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s, cysts(usually misdiagnosed), cysts (usually dormant,waiting for a weakened immune system) , behavior changes, loss of smell for the litter box, putting cats first, congenital in humans and cats.

[@teresitaabaloyan8081]

Love to visit Oklahoma one day...!! Looking forward travelling to this place..My .bucket list 😀 👌 watching from Dallas Texas 🌺

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Cool!

[@ericweber7707]

The band members “Kings of Leon” have a lot of family in Albion and Talihina. The band goes down to family reunions often. I attended one of these family reunions, it was really fun. The Talihina drive during the fall foliage is gorgeous. Sardis Lake near all these towns is gorgeous, make a visit there someday.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Really? That's interesting.

[@tinareed3606]

Sardis lake is beautiful.

[@ericweber7707]

@@tinareed3606 ❤️❤️

[@billywilliams8753]

I wish that was the case for Led Zeppelin. lol

[@jonathonhansen6005]

Loved the ride today. Wishing Lord Spoda and Nicole a prosperous and healthy new year 2023! Thank you for sharing. Safe travels

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Jonathon. Happy New Year to you!!

[@poowg2657]

Old railroad towns all and some still have service. Excellent video as usual and always like hearing your wife's comments. Thanks much!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks 👍

[@courtneyjohnson782]

Small town Oklahoma is depressing, a lot of people are moving away so there’s a lot of abandoned homes. The cost of living is low but so is the pay. I always hated going somewhere and always seeing someone I know 😂

[@pamelawallace9671]

I'm from Oklahoma and still learning about other small towns this is the first time hearing about this town

[@katietaylor8659]

You didn’t see trash cans in front of some of the homes because people in rural Oklahoma (myself included) typically burn their trash instead of paying for garbage services.

[@scottsmith1386]

These towns are in the Winding Stair Mountains area where the story of True Grit was set. The original movie starring John Wayne did not depict the area well at all but the well done remake with Jeff Bridges playing Rooster Cogburn showed the terrain much more accurately.

[@igorslocks]

So beautiful up there

[@bunnygaffney2765]

Thank you for taking us along, totally enjoying your videos. Happy new year

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Bunny!

[@carlaechols8427]

Awww!!! I grew up in Clayton. The best memories!!

[@kituwahband]

Boy you went to some boot splat towns!! Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton is where Dept of Corrections used to train their officers. My mother and dad went there for their DOC training in the 90s

[@joemalikowski8961]

@lord spoda I live in the hills off the grid in Red Oak thanks for coming to town. I thought the purple trash cans are cool. I'm a transplant from Central Minnesota. I'm not sure because I'm only in Red Oak for four months the winter months but I believe the purple trash cans are the school colors.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

That makes sense.

[@richardwooley876]

I haven't lived in Oklahoma in 18 years. It's sad to see the condition of my home state, although, I know it's that way in every state. " Happy New Year," and keep up the good work!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks, Richard. :)

[@richardbowers3647]

Poverty is 'to be an interpreted word'' Just saying.

[@charleswillams9501]

It's really getting better in Oklahoma Richard

[@richardwooley876]

@@charleswillams9501 - Good to hear! Oklahoma will always be home, regardless of where I live.

[@Kerfufflekitten]

Exactly Richard, it’s like that in every state.

[@marjorieanderson8626]

Red Oak has purple trash cans because of the school's colors. They are really good in small school sports there. Mostly baseball.

[@theroughneckredneck4417]

Yes we do

[@Joseph-sv2hk]

Happy New Year! Thank you for another great tour!! I'm hooked on your videos, especially the ones of my home state MO!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Joseph!

[@sarahlaster445]

Keep in mind that the population of the town are just people within city limits. There are always people who live near the town that depend on the town for goods. That can make the town appear larger than the population.

[@Bearclaw_Jake]

You can always tell who's not an okie by how they pronounce our town names. SE Oklahoma is considered The Choctaw Nation. Theres a hospital in talihina ran by the tribe, my daughter was born there.

[@empressvogt]

I like watching your videos. I like seeing random towns! Thanks for sharing these.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, EJ. I love seeing them too.

[@CaIIofDutyMobiIe]

Randomly came across this channel. Great job on editing and narration, you've got a new subscriber!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome, thank you, Jason!

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Greetings from Australia. Thanks for sharing. I noticed several basketball hoops on the roadside and not on the properties. Your pronounciation of Albion was interesting. I gew up up in Melbourne Australia and there is a suburb call Albion which is pronounced " Al-bee-an". Happy and safe travels.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Interesting.

[@vickielusby4068]

The local's pronoun it the same way the Ausie's do.

[@jamesbasaldua100]

Another fantastic video on your travels threw Oklahoma sir. Take care and be safe sir. See you soon on your next video.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, James!

[@sheronturner8787]

Happy New Year Sir and the Wife love traveling with you to all these small towns in the US. I am a silent watcher looking forward to seeing more in the new year. Watching from Jamaica 🇯🇲.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Sheron. Happy New Year to you as well!

[@raimobalk757]

Love your sharing. I lived in tulsa in 1970-74 when I attended university there. Drove around Tulsa a lot, Osage county too, one christmas in Westville, near Arkansas border. so maybe everythings changed now. I did drive (twice) route 66 to California to my aunt's place for summer hols. that was a great experience too. Keep these videos coming!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I will! :)

[@PushCoRednex]

The income reported for the towns is skewed. If you have a decent income you live outside of town on a few acres. Those who live in town are typically lower income families, the Government Assisted Housing is in town and the minimum wage jobs are typically in walking distance of town. If you would've drove through town in the early morning you would see alot of traffic leaving town for jobs elsewhere, you also would've seen people in town walking to the local jobs. Pronounce Albion AL-bee-un

[@Nativeindi123]

Lol so the thing with this Area is all those small towns gravitated towards the major city there which is McAlester. A lot of people I know that started in one of those small towns usually just end up in McAlester since it’s close to doctors and groceries. As for income I mean it’s either work for the tribe, small shops and neither pays much.

[@igorslocks]

Worked for the Choctaw Housing Authority for awhile while we lived up by Lake Eufala/Porum Landing and we absolutely loved it. We were good carpenters so we got tons of jobs and we were killing it compared to how we lived in Chicago doing the same stuff. Love SE Oklahoma

[@Brian-mp2mv]

8:13, you missed some damn good cookin' at Pam's Hateful Hussy Diner. When I'm out motorcycle riding, I always stop in there. (little red, white, blue sign up top of red brick building on the left)

[@scottsmith1386]

Lol, I was wondering if he would see that place and point it out!

[@Brian-mp2mv]

@@scottsmith1386 good groceries, for sure!

[@Brian-mp2mv]

@@sandi8596 Ate there last friday, because I had to visit Nathanial at the leather shop across the street... Going back down today to pick up my holster retention straps, so I'll be sure to eat there again today!

[@nealhathaway2004]

My parents were from a little town in Oklahoma.. I remember going there as a young kid at my grandparents house. In door plumbing, outdoor sewer. You get the picture. Love your work, happy new year.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Neal!

[@willyschmidlkofer1753]

That's typical small town Oklahoma I grew up in Oklahoma a town of about 300 people

[@SouthernNurseAndTheLaw]

1980 an “ Oil Bust” occurred in Oklahoma and the most of the country. That’s why population declined in many areas. Prior to the early 1980s there weren’t enough homes and people were pitching tents in public parks in hopes to obtain lucrative petroleum industry jobs.

[@donaldmilhoan6379]

I like that house (22:46) Happy 2023 to you and Nicole.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Donald. Happy New Year to you as well!

[@pamelahardwick4135]

I was adopted for labor, always fainted from hunger, worked sun up to sun down or beat senseless.

[@KevinBarry-n6i]

Sounds like my job at Amazon.

[@vickielusby4068]

Downtown Talihina is own the way back. There are lot's of cute new shops that have opened in the last few years. I wished you would have been able to go into a few. The town depends mainly on tourism & the Indian Hospital for employment. Crooked politicians shut down the other main employer which was the Veterans Center. The Veterans Center's property is for sale. It would make a wonderful location for a resort, casino or upscale retirement center. It has a million dollar view!

[@sonuntoktobaeva7939]

Happy New Year! Wish you happiness! Thanks for the interesting video! Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, thank you, sonun! Happy New Year to you as well.

[@recycled3654]

Reminds me of my home state. Extreme poverty and low education levels, economies struggling, high crime and domestic problems. Seemingly unable to rise above, for generations.

[@kerrynight3271]

The people with the wherewithal to escape to greener pastures seem to have already escaped. The vast majority of those left behind just couldn't figure out how to get out. I hope they can figure out a way to have a happy life right where they are.

[@hoopty.]

I bet you are from Mississippi. You are describing it exactly 💯.

[@mmm7m672]

Always enjoy your videos. America is in a sad state & lots of drugs. No matter where you go drugs are really taken people out. Texas rural areas is really going down. God bless everyone & 🙏🏻✝️for America 🇺🇸

[@BillyBBecker]

Really enjoy the adventures, super informative and fun.

[@derekb7814]

This is a very interesting part of the state. I used to storm chase all through this area when I was a meteorology student at OU back in the mid to late 90s. If you are ever back in this area head over to Krebs to a restaurant called Pete's Place. Great Italian food and craft beer. I love your channel!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Derek! I will do that. :)

[@Brian-mp2mv]

Chauffered a limousine group out to Pete's Place earlier this year... I used to love taking groups there and a few dates before 2014. This year's experience and food was extremely unpleasant.

[@jbtornado]

you were daring to chase that rough terrain.. coming from a storm chaser.. I didnt like chasing east of Stillwater to Ada at all.. and would avoid it all I could

[@Brian-mp2mv]

@@jbtornado Craziest thing I saw yesterday in Poteau... 8 city police cars had a guy pulled over in walmart parking lot, cuffed him and stuffed him. He had "Storm Chaser" BIG printed graphics on all 3 back windows of his SUV. Pretty sure he didn't go home last night! 😆

[@marcodarko6941]

Happy New Year Lord & Lady! 🎉🍾 You two are like hanging out with old school friends taking a country cruise like back in the old days. I quite enjoy the good mix of quiet and light hearted banter, it's nice having the occasional chuckle. Your view of how things are out there is similar to mine.. til the next time happy trails! 🚗💨✌🏼😎

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the great comment, Marco!

[@olinwright7628]

I have seen alot of these types of towns in southeastern oklahoma. I have a buddy in Antlers Oklahoma. Thanks!

[@debilarge]

My Great-Grandparents lived in Red Oak. You might've seen Maw Cash Road...that's her. I spent a lot of time there. My mom was raised in Wilburton (pronounced Will-Bur-Ton). Spent many summers there. You were right the first time...it's Harts-Horn.

[@TheMayor5000]

As sad as it is seeing our country fall apart, your videos are very relaxing to watch thank you for driving so much and showing us america in ways we cant see for ourselves

[@hibbo1351]

This is nothing new. Rural America has no jobs or are reliant on one industry. No social or economic diversity. No infrastructure (public transportation, hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores, etc). Not all states have it this badly though. Most are south of the Mason Dixon line.

[@hibbo1351]

@Chad Thompson Yup, social and economic diversity. Like here in Minnesota. We have 19 Fortune 500 companies and a 17 BILLION dollar surplus. How is Oklahoma doing? Oops, welfare state. They'll never KNOW what a surplus is. Minnesota sends it's extra money to Oklahoma so kids can eat.

[@hibbo1351]

@Chad Thompson Good think Biden is working to get those companies back, right? What crime statistics are you looking at? America is WAY below the crime rate of the 90s.

[@hibbo1351]

@Chad Thompson Who or what are you mad at here? Do you just lash out at strangers and have an inability to make a salient point without raging? Whipping, not whiping.

[@anthonyburdett2167]

I think most people in the UK have a distorted view of the USA , I watch a similar channel about rural Russia and think how can people live in what people in the U.K. would regard as sheds as we tend to have brick or stone built multi story houses, 40,000 $ for a home appears cheap until you see it’s a shed. Maybe if there were more programs like this on international tv and less like Desperate Housewives you wouldn’t have so many immigrants down at the southern border.

[@Lyle_918]

It would be interesting to know the history of some of those unoccupied dwellings, the ones about to collapse, to know about the original inhabitants. How many meals were made on a coal oil stove or about the babies born under that failing roof and what happened to those people. Reminded by your movie theater comment, in Coffeyville Kansas during renovation the crew at a movie theater has turned up nearly 20 wallets that were lost over the years.

[@MegaBait1616]

I travel around our country as you guys do since I retired n even before for work.... You make excellent videos giving the Data for Each Place..... Always give ya a thumbs up.... Happy New Years n be well.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, MB!!

[@RedProg]

I am going to be busy traveling this spring. Got my list of places to see thanks to you folks. Happy New Year. Safe travels

[@bobbierosenthall3582]

We grew up on a plantation and we lived in houses my dad fixed up and we was clean our yard dad built a screen in porch raised our foods

[@stevemelton4128]

In Oklahoma we are taxed to death. We pay taxes on everything. State and Federal taxes out of pay checks. Then taxes at the store for food and everything. Then property taxes. Then tag your car taxes. Then driving on the tollway taxes. Anything else you get taxes.

[@latifx3944]

I know right? Half of my electric bill is from taxes. Literally. My actual bill is only 80$, but by the time they slap on tax fees my bill comes out to over $160.

[@jbtornado]

Kansas is very similar, its odd for being so heavily Republican

[@lindataylor6512]

True were taxed above the limit each building on property porch inclued on property taxes garage also

[@BLUERAVENWANDERER]

Thank you for sharing this 🙏🏻 ive been driving state to state and seeing this everywhere its scary.

[@SouthernNurseAndTheLaw]

Born and raised in Oklahoma. I’m 60 yrs old presently. I’ve never heard of Clayton , Talihina or Albion. What you are seeing is people that stay where generations of their family were raised. There are various reasons for this. The elderly living in those areas won’t care about higher incomes. The cost of living is low. Life there is what they are used to. It’s all they know. All they would be happy with. You must remember rural areas feed into the schools you saw in those small towns. Perhaps your way of life isn’t the only way a man can be happy ?

[@Oklaprepping56]

If you had on toward wilburton and go to a small town called panola it has the smallest Post office in the world.. plus just got some really cool mountains right there behind it I used to live in when I was 16 in a bus but no electric the bus is abandoned and sits in that mountain behind that post office. I would like for you to see it and explore it it's really cool.

[@ipaintu]

Nice video, seems like a fun adventure touring the small towns of America

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It is. :)

[@Melanie-xb7tg]

Oklahoma has some of the sweetest, most loving people you will ever find. Every time I have ever visited there, it was a joy. Wouldn't it be great if some people with extra money, maybe some athletes, would go to some of these towns and reclaim buildings or land and put willing people to work??? Many places could use just a little love and elbow grease.

[@sandramulholland9975]

When in Oklahoma check out Spavinaw it is a very small town. Flooded once years ago and the water still hasn't gone down

[@jasmith1867]

I know people who live in some of these little Ok towns. Sometimes they are without electricity for weeks or a couple months after ice storms. No urgency for power crews to service the little towns I guess. Cars and food costs the same or more as it does in bigger towns. So that poverty level number affects them a lot. Half of those houses that look uninhabited are inhabited.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Interesting.

[@Friendofstfrank]

Most people in little towns who are accustomed to power outages, water freezing up etc. are prepared for it. Have generators, back up storage water, etc. So losing power is not as 'awful' as it is for city slickers.

[@Brian-mp2mv]

7:54 at that intersection, to the left where the red picnic tables are... was a shootout and explosion that destroyed buildings May 11, 2018 "TALIHINA - One suspect is dead following a shootout and explosion that occurred when law enforcement officers attempted to serve a search warrant Friday in Talihina, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol."

[@doogalloonni]

All the positive comments aside, when you kids eventually hang up the Bronco keys, you'll have so many years of adventures to look back on. Most people never get out of their state, much less record what they see... Your and the wife's 'Memory Lane' will be many thousand miles long, while we happily tag along to look over your shoulders. Thank you for that.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

You're right. :)

[@iamiao94]

There’s an interesting beauty in all of it. Reading the different responses to poverty ridden towns/cities based upon geographical location is indicative of our country’s current state of affairs.

[@melissabeck7932]

I live in Southwest Okla. if you also show interesting places- you should check out Medicine Park, established in 1909. It’s got a rich history- many think it has healing waters. Lovely little place- Medicine Creek runs through the middle of town- which is also used for a swimming area. Sir- it’s history and beauty make it wonderful- many gangsters and famous people visited- President Franklin Roosevelt was one- even has B&Bs for you and your wife- I’ve lived out here in the Wichita Mountain range most of my life- it is considered one of the oldest in the USA- I am 70 years old. Lake Lawtonka is a man made lake at the base of Mount Scott- Native American lore is fascinating. Ken Burns the director of many films like “ The Dust Bowl” has a mention in his film about Mount Scott-anywho- a sweet place to tell stories and is quite beautiful- I truly like your demeanor- your voice and respectfulness. Be safe and well on your journeys..

[@jbtornado]

I think SW Oklahoma is extremely beautiful for nature when I've been through it..

[@blackgrl71]

I've always believed that we need to re-imagine dying rural towns, especially now with our increasing housing crisis. Obviously not EVERY town can (or should) be saved.

[@alexandralovesgoats3360]

Some great rock houses and free roaming dogs and cats. I’m amazed there are no ordinances regarding accumulating treasures on one’s lawn! Nice to see off the beaten path parts of OK. TY.

[@ANDRSNS]

Happy New Year, guys! Wish you inetersting travels and lots and lots of fulfilling experiences!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Andrew!!

[@burndog5520]

Another great video! I hope when it gets warmer we see you in the Midwest again. There are several towns in Iowa I think you would be interested to see. I remember you mentioning Iowa City as a future destination...also maybe checking out more of Wisconsin or Michigan would be cool to see.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Yes, we will absolutely be heading up that way this summer, especially Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan. We kind of stay south in the winter, and go north in the summers. :)

[@condeerogers5858]

Nice trip. Good to see your company again. Nice conversations you all have. I follow you on Google Maps. Sometimes I get lost unless I see a landmark in town. Quite fun at times. Gives me something to do instead of just sitting there. I do pause the video a lot, though.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Sounds perfect, Condee!

[@jamesmacswell9165]

I am from Oklahoma just thought you should know the house that you seen with the blue tarps on it you think it didn't have anybody living in it there's a very high 90% possibility that there was somebody living in it that's Oklahoma

[@macf2067]

Exactly! I didn’t like their snide comments! They seem like snotty people. Maybe they should get out and get to know these people!

[@jamesmacswell9165]

@@macf2067 🤣 they are just need help all good

[@Tiredofbizarroworld101]

Some of those falling down "gas stations" in Oklahoma are know as stops for Bonnie and Clyde back in the day.

[@louisesiegrist4520]

In small towns everyone knows one another. Most small rural towns have no trash pickup and factories for jobs..the weekly incomes has to cover all necessities and basically leaves small amount for anything else. I always said smaller towns have less violent crimes than larger cities.

[@TheStoryOfNell]

I grew up in Atoka, OK. I left back in 2007. At the time I lived there, it was the second poorest town in the state. Coalgate was the poorest which was just 15 minutes away.

[@billallen4235]

I live in Stringtown about 15 mins from Atoka and about the same from Coalgate . We are all still here and Atoka, Coalgate have grown some. Still making it not ghost towns yet.

[@igorslocks]

Worked in all of them,used to work construction for the Choctaw Housing Authority. I love SE Oklahoma.

[@peggymcnabb5198]

My home town Allen Oklahoma started going down hill when the refinary closed. Allen is in SE Oklahoma Ponrotpc county

[@reginaeast2824]

Been to Clayton, it's mainly know for Horse back riding. Most folks around there live off their land or have to drive over an hour to work. Talahina is known for its beautiful fall foliage! It's living in wide open spaces. I love Oklahoma ❤️ However, I live in a larger population City.

[@victoriasanchez6821]

Gracias por el tour excelente, las casas muy tradicionales.

[@magsstewart5488]

There’s a college in Wilburton, up that hill. Some neat old orthodox churches out there, I think in Hartshorne.

[@jerrycummings2821]

Here's hoping 2023 is good to America - keep showing us YOUR image of our once great nation. Plus . . . I always look for chickens and have only seen a few - keep an eye out for them and give the cat "search" a rest - LOL - Best wishes.

[@Castleknight]

Rural America for the most part is emptying out. As old people die off, they aren't being replaced, as most of the young folks have moved to larger towns for work. I think most of these small towns are probably comprised of retired folks and people of working age who commute to work.