By MIKE SIMONS Staff Photographer on Jun 20, 2012, at 9:31 AM Updated on 6/20 at 12:11 PM
I have worked for the Tulsa World for almost 12 years now. Here's a confession: I thought downtown Bixby was that part on South Memorial Drive with the strip centers and the convenience stores. Yesterday I had an assignment in actual downtown Bixby, and as I arrived early I grabbed my camera and started walking. I must have looked lost or confused because Red Stevenson chased me down and wanted to show me around.
Most small towns have one; and Bixby's "character" is Stevenson. He has a casket for a desk, and built the tiny Be-Mar chapel for his wife.
Stevenson was happy as we walked through an old downtown warehouse that is being converted into a fine arts center.
I know I am not breaking any news here. Stevenson has gotten his share of attention
and has been in the paper before. He was even photographed for
John Clanton's Everyday People project. But, if you are like me, and have never been to downtown Bixby, you should go and find Red Stevenson. He will give you a tour, and keep you laughing the whole time.
Road Work is an occasional series within a blog. The self imposed rules are simple. I must be on foot. Whether I arrive to an assignment early, or just set out walking the photographs have to be spotted and made away from the car.
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