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Downtown Is the Place to Be

If you’re looking for indoor activity, don’t skip the treasure trove of businesses found in Claremore’s historic downtown.

By: Sheryl Sowell | Category: Retail | Issue: November 2009

Janice Whittaker welcomes you to peruse the many rooms of books at Boarding House Books, located upstairs in the historical building at 300 W. Will Rogers.

The cold weather is here, folks! If you’re looking for indoor activity, don’t skip the treasure trove of businesses found in Claremore’s historic downtown. Three notable stores on Will Rogers Boulevard will help you finish your holiday shopping list, find some great books to read, and start a project or two.

Bookworms love to spend hours browsing the rooms of Boarding House Books, located upstairs in the historic building at 300 W. Will Rogers Blvd. “This building was constructed in 1907 as the Ward Boarding House. Mrs. Ward and her daughters ran the house and rented out the 15 rooms, most of which are now filled with books,” says owner Janice Whittaker. “We are only the fourth owners of the building, and about 80 percent of the upstairs – the ceilings, walls and more – is exactly like it was over a hundred years ago. It is a very fun, unique bookstore to spend time in.”

Boarding House Books holds approximately 20,000 pre-owned books of all genres. You’ll find Christian books, science fiction and horror novels, series of romances, cookbooks, and a lot more, all at great prices.

At the November 7th Dickens on the Boulevard event, the store will be part of the historical tours featuring reenactments of Victorian times. “We plan to keep one room as a permanent period room for shoppers to enjoy,” says Janice. Boarding House Books is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and offers books for trade and sale. Call (918) 342-4700 for more information.

Sharon Coppedge and owner Barbara Cruse of Ann & Barbara’s Interiors offer custom design ­services and home décor to give your home a beautiful look.

Travel down the street a bit to 412 W. Will Rogers to Ann & Barbara’s Interiors, a business that opened back in 1970. The store has been in its downtown location for the past 20 years. “We offer top-quality custom work – draperies, upholstery, blinds, color renderings, accessorizing and more,” says owner Barbara Cruse. “We can put together your house, old or new, with color and treatments. No job is too big or small, and we’re affordable.”

Along with sister and right-hand woman, Sharon Coppedge, Barbara emphasizes the very best in customer service. “We pride ourselves in friendly, personal service that other places simply cannot offer. We truly take care of our clients.”

Ann & Barbara’s also has a wide variety of home décor, including Western, French Country, Tuscan and traditional pieces. Check out their selection of rugs, tables, art and lamps, as well as their new line of shower curtains and valances. Free gift wrapping is available.

Get your home ready for holiday gatherings with the help of Barbara and Sharon. Call (918) 341-4446, or stop in Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To create some fantastic home or holiday projects, or to fix up what you already have, Waterfront Frame & Art at 508 W. Will Rogers is the place to go. Owners Linda and Dave McFall explain that their customers travel from all around – Vinita, Pryor, Miami, Grove, Broken Arrow – because they find unparalleled service and attention to detail. “When a customer comes in, we give them our full attention and take the time to help them achieve the design they’re looking for,” says Dave.

Waterfront Frame & Art offers framed and unframed art, a huge selection of frames with custom picture framing, glass and frame repair, conservation framing for prints and memorabilia, photo restoration and much more. “We encourage people to come in, even if you don’t know exactly what you want – that’s what we’re here for,” says Linda. “For example, one of our customers wanted to do something with a special hand-held fan that belonged to her grandmother. We had the idea to put the fan in a shadow box with a picture of her grandmother, and it turned out beautiful. The little extras are what make us stand out.”

Since moving to Claremore four-and-a-half years ago, Waterfront has twice been voted as one of the Top 100 Picture Framers in America. Stop in Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can also call them with questions and ideas at (918) 342-0068.

For more information, contact

Boarding House Books

300 W. Will Rogers Blvd.
Claremore, OK
(918) 342-4700

Ann & Barbara’s Interiors

412 W. Will Rogers Blvd.
Claremore, OK
(918) 341-4446

Waterfront Frame & Art

508 W. Will Rogers Blvd.
Claremore, OK
(918) 342-0068


Owners Linda and Dave McFall ­create unique photo gifts for sports fans at Waterfront Frame & Art.

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Sheryl Sowell Profile Picture

About Author Sheryl Sowell

Sheryl Sowell was born and raised in Tulsa, OK. She graduated from Will Rogers High School and received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Northeastern State University in 2007. She has worked for Value News as editor, writer and advertising copywriter since 2008. She enjoys meeting and interviewing people for Value News articles, learning about their backgrounds, and helping to promote their businesses and local events. In her free time, she enjoys reading, trying new recipes and crafts from Pinterest, attending concerts and sporting events, and spending time with family and friends. Sheryl lives in Tulsa with her fiancé Paul, their daughter Scarlett, and their two dogs, Gunner and Boo.

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