Ardmore in Carter County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Luke’s Music Store

Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 21, 2019

1. Luke’s Music Store Marker

Inscription. In 1893, E.B. Luke came to Ardmore, Chickasaw Nation, from Detroit, Michigan. At the time, his brother, Jack Luke, operated a music and school book store in Oklahoma City, and urged E.B. to open this same type of store in Ardmore. So in 1895, E.B. opened Luke’s Music Store on East Main Street, near the site of the Whittington Hotel.

Prior to opening, being a non-native American, Mr. Luke had to obtain a merchant’s permit from the Chickasaw Nation. Following the railyard explosion of 1915, the music store was moved to its present location of 212 West Main. In the early years the only means of delivering pianos was by horse and buggy. E.B. kept six teams busy delivering pianos to customers throughout the Chickasaw Nation.

Over the years, in addition to pianos, E.B. Luke increased the scope of merchandise offered to customers. During World War I, appliances were added. One of the piano companies E.B. represented, sponsored pianos for “winter recreation” and outboard motors of “summer fun”. Thus, the store became a dealer for Evinrude Outboard Motors.

Following the death of his father in 1942, Mr. Ed A. Luke operated the store. Continuing to increase the firm’s product line, following World War II a complete line of sporting goods was included. Luke’s Music Store was closed in early the death of Ed Luke.

In addition to providing an ambience of cultural refinement for the community, through the selling of pianos, records, sheet music, and household appliances, many a young Ardmoreite obtained their hunting or fishing license at Luke’s Music Store. This early historic mercantile landmark is a source of pride for all Ardmoreites.

Erected by Ardmore

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.

Location. 34° 10.383′ N, 97° 7.859′ W. Marker is in Ardmore, Oklahoma, in Carter County. It is on West Main Street (Oklahoma Route 199) west of B Street SW, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 212 West Main Street, Ardmore OK 73401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Chickasaw Nation.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Randol Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Federal Courthouse (1898) (within shouting distance of this marker); Noble Brothers Hardware

Luke’s Music Store Marker can be seen behind the bed of the red pickup truck. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 21, 2019

2. Luke’s Music Store Marker can be seen behind the bed of the red pickup truck.

(within shouting distance of this marker); Carter County Courthouse (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Banker's National Bank Building (about 500 feet away); Carter County (about 500 feet away); First Carter County Courthouse Sidewalk (about 500 feet away); The First National Bank and Trust Company of Ardmore (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ardmore.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 9, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 866 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 9, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.