A Comprehensive Guide to Howe, Oklahoma: Discover a Charming Rural Gem

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of southeastern Oklahoma, Howe stands as a quaint and picturesque town with a rich history and a vibrant community. This comprehensive guide unveils the hidden treasures and essential information about Howe, offering an in-depth exploration of this charming rural destination.

Howe's Historical Heritage

Howe traces its roots back to the late 1800s when it was founded as a railroad stop along the Kansas City Southern Railway. The town rapidly grew as a center for agriculture and commerce, and its historic downtown district still retains its original charm and Victorian-era architecture.

In 1907, Howe became a municipality, and its population has steadily increased over the years. The town's rich history is reflected in its numerous historic sites, including the Howe Cemetery, the Howe Depot, and the Howe Public Library.

Community and Culture

Howe is a close-knit community with a strong sense of pride and volunteerism. The town hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the annual Howe Heritage Festival, which celebrates the town's rich history and cultural heritage.

The Howe Arts Council fosters the town's artistic community and hosts regular art exhibitions, workshops, and performances. Howe is also home to the Kiamichi Technology Center, a state-of-the-art training facility that offers a range of technical and vocational programs.

Demographics and Economy

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Howe has a population of approximately 400 residents. The town is predominantly white, with a small but growing Hispanic population. The median household income in Howe is $42,000, slightly below the state average.

Howe's economy is driven by a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The town is home to several small businesses, including the Howe Farmers Market, which offers locally grown produce and artisanal goods.

Education and Healthcare

Howe Public Schools serve the town and surrounding area, offering a comprehensive curriculum from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The district has consistently received high ratings for its academic performance.

Howe is served by the Choctaw Nation Health Services clinic, which provides primary and preventive healthcare services. The clinic also offers dental and behavioral health services.

Parks and Recreation

Howe offers a variety of recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors. The town has a beautiful park, the Howe City Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and walking trails.

The Kiamichi River, just a few miles from Howe, is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The river's scenic banks offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Table 1: Population and Income Statistics

Table 2: Educational Attainment

Table 3: Economic Indicators

Tips and Tricks

• Visit the Howe Heritage Festival: Held annually in October, this festival showcases Howe's rich history and culture, featuring live music, historical reenactments, and arts and crafts vendors.
• Explore the Howe Depot: This historic building is now home to the Howe Historical Society and Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Howe's past.
• Shop at the Howe Farmers Market: Every Saturday from April to October, the Howe Farmers Market offers a wide variety of locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts.
• Go kayaking on the Kiamichi River: Rent a kayak and paddle down the scenic Kiamichi River, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
• Attend a Kiamichi Technology Center event: The Kiamichi Technology Center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including workshops, open houses, and career fairs.

Step-by-Step Approach to Exploring Howe

1. Start in the historic downtown district. Park your car and take a walk around Howe's charming downtown area, admiring the Victorian-era architecture and browsing the local shops and restaurants.
2. Visit the Howe Depot. Stop by the Howe Depot to learn about the town's history and see the collection of artifacts and exhibits.
3. Explore the Howe City Park. Take a break at Howe City Park, where you can relax in the shade of a tree, let the kids play on the playground, or take a leisurely walk along the walking trails.
4. Go kayaking on the Kiamichi River. Rent a kayak and paddle down the Kiamichi River, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
5. Attend an event at the Kiamichi Technology Center. Check the calendar for upcoming events at the Kiamichi Technology Center and attend a workshop, open house, or career fair.

Pros and Cons of Living in Howe, Oklahoma

Pros:

• Affordable living: Howe has a low cost of living compared to many other areas of Oklahoma and the United States.
• Strong community: Howe is a close-knit community with a strong sense of pride and volunteerism.
• Beautiful natural surroundings: Howe is surrounded by rolling hills and the scenic Kiamichi River, offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
• Excellent schools: Howe Public Schools consistently receives high ratings for its academic performance.
• Historic charm: Howe's historic downtown district retains its original charm and Victorian-era architecture.

Cons:

• Limited employment opportunities: Howe has a relatively small economy with limited employment opportunities.
• Lack of cultural amenities: Howe does not have a movie theater, bowling alley, or other large-scale cultural amenities.
• Distance from major cities: Howe is located about 30 miles from the nearest major city, Poteau, and about 100 miles from Oklahoma City.
• Hot and humid summers: Howe experiences hot and humid summers with temperatures reaching into the 90s and 100s.
• Winters can be cold: Winters in Howe can be cold with occasional snow and ice storms.