TULSA, Okla. — Buck Atom has been proudly standing tall (21 feet tall to be exact) next to the store cleverly named after himself as a Tulsa icon Buck Atom's Comsic Curious on Route 66.
Store owner Mary Beth Babock wants to keep her hopes as high as the space cowboy statue Buck Atom is tall despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funky, colorful, robot filled store features keepsakes, post cards, art work, soaps, candy, clothes, and toys unique to Oklahoma made by local artists.
"It's a passion of mine to work with these artists and to see what we can come up with through collaboration," Babock said. "That's why it's good to come here to Buck's because when you buy something here you are supporting other local small businesses."
Every where you look in Buck's you'll see something to make you laugh, think, or imagine something out of this world.
"I try to create a fun atmosphere and unique experience, a fun experience," said Babock. "Of course when you see a space cowboy outside, you know you're going to have a good time."
The Oklahoma native has called Tulsa home for over 20 years. Her love of Tulsa is almost matched by Buck Atom's height.
"The community, the music, the people, the art," Babock said. "Tulsa is a special on-of-a-kind place."
When she opened Buck Atom's two years ago, it was a dream come true.
"I've always loved retail and I had a shop for 10 years on the old alignment of Route 66 and I would travel on it all the time," Babcock said. "When I bought this space which used to be an old 1950s gas station actually on Route 66, it was just screaming to become a road side attraction."
Business usually picks up for her during the summer months but the coronavirus pandemic has slowed business down. Despite the setback, Babock is determined to still over service in ways that are safe.
"We are closed but we have shifted everything to online and curbside pick up," Babock said.
Route 66 in Tulsa is being updated to allow for a bike lane along the road. Babock says this slower time period and work being done in the area is an indication on how Tulsa will come back strong.
"That's why we need to support local shops especially now," Babock said. "It is a scary time but I feel strongly that Tulsa will come back from this and be even better."
To check out some of the wacky, creative, funny, and zany items at Buck's, click here.
Curbside pick up for online orders is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays.
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