Revealing Towns With Weird Food or Drink Names in Oklahoma

Alfalfa, Oklahoma

Yes, it was named after food: animal food! Alfalfa was originally named "Boise" but was changed in order to prevent confusion with Boise City. Although it is considered an "unincorporated residential village," you can't miss the town sign while passing through on Highway 58.

Buffalo, Oklahoma

Although they were hunted nearly to extinction years ago, there are still possibilites of eating buffalo in Oklahoma and other plains states. The town of Buffalo earned its name before statehood thanks to Buffalo Springs and was once one of the stopping points on an old military trail.

Cookietown, Oklahoma

This incorporated community was named after a mercantile that handed out cookies to children. Rumor has it that one child had said that he "never wanted to leave Cookietown" and the name stuck. Serving cookies seems to be a theme for some residents: Sandra "Cookie lady" Pinkerman serves cookies to bands and artists all over Oklahoma and Texas, but calls Cookietown her home.

Corn, Oklahoma

Originally this town was named Korn, with German ties in its early years. The name was changed to present-day Corn after World War I, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society. At one point, the town thrived with a cotton gin, a wheat elevator and a flour mill. Today, though, Corn is home for 601 people and is still a prominent harvesting community.

Hennessee, Oklahoma

Now, I know Hennessee isn't a food, but it is something consumed and this town is worth mentioning. Originally named after a wagon master, Pat Hennessee, killed in the Buffalo War, Hennessee has been established since the Land Run. The community is small, but growing, with 2,167 people calling Hennessee home.

Hominy, Oklahoma

The food comes from maize; the town comes from Native American history in Osage County. In its early beginnings, Hominy was used as a trading post and earned its namesake from an Osage chief named "Ho'n-Mo'n-I'n," according to the Oklahoma Historical Society.  Since then, Hominy has grown into a popular historical marker in Osage County with many oppportunities for visitors to learn a little more about Oklahoma's history with Native Americans.

Hydro, Oklahoma

Again, not food, but is still noteworthy for its name dedicated to the "town's plentiful well water" in 1901 when the name was changed to Hydro. With less than 1,000 people living in this Caddo County town, it is still small enough that people know one another well. But, it has grown enough to have a popular harvest festival that draws statewide attention.

Olive, Oklahoma

I'm sure by now you know what the term "incorporated community" means, so just add Olive to that list. Only 110 people live in this community, originally named after the daughter of the first postmaster.

Welch, Oklahoma

It may not be a food, but who can see the word Welch and not think of grape? The town originally earned its name in honor of A.L. Welch, an official in charge of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway (Katy). Welch became a shipping point in Oklahoma for hay and grain and has since grown to offer more than just shipping. Even with less than 700 people living in Welch, they still draw plenty of people for their yearly harvest celebrations. 

Oklahoma can't be left out when it comes to states that contribute greatly to the country's crop and food production; if the names of our towns don't point it out, the various harvest celebrations in these towns should drive the point home.