The most recent destination on my Virtual Hike was Kenton, Oklahoma. This segment of the hike started at the Spanish Peaks Scout Camp in Colorado.

The route took me through the corner of New Mexico on the way to Kenton. The tiny little town of Kenton has a family connection for me.

The town of Kenton is so small that if you blink you can miss it. The population today is less than 20 people, but at one time it was a bustling little town that served the ranchers of the area.

Kenton is all the way at the end of the Oklahoma Panhandle. Since it served mainly the ranchers from New Mexico and Colorado who were on Mountain Time they also observed Mountain Time. Some older maps show a little jog in the time-line around Kenton, but officially the time-line follows the Oklahoma/New Mexico border.

On Main Street in Kenton is a little store called The Mercantile. My 2nd Great Uncle John Duncan ran this store for 36 years before he passed away at the age of 102 in 1983. Before John Duncan took over the store he was a rancher in Colorado and there are some very interesting stories about his life.

I visited Kenton along with John’s  granddaughter back in the summer of 2000. The Merc was very interesting to visit and see the many items that were for sale.

Also on display in the store are some Mammoth tusks and bones that were excavated near Kenton.

My cousin had many memories of visiting the store when she was growing up.

I have great memories of visiting Kenton, including an overnight stay with my Grandma’s cousin who was in her 90’s. She had me go out and walk around that night to experience the clear skies of Kenton. Due to Black Mesa which is just north of Kenton there is an updraft that clears out the sky. Along with minimal light pollution Kenton has some of the darkest skies in America. That night was moonless, but I was still able to see my shadow just from the light of the Milky Way. It was the most majestic night sky that I have ever seen.

I could ramble on about my trip to Kenton, but will save something for another post some day.

I am already well on the way to my next destination which has something do with pancakes and the Land of Oz.

Have you ever been to Kenton?

Steven