As an informal observer (amateur historian, political scientist, social engineer) of human behavior, in the context of Free Speech Internet Communities and Forums such as this here I just have to interject my Two Cents. As an explorer of many of the finer points of The Great State of Oklahoma, from Broken Bow to Medicine Park even unto Talihina: (Gateway to Mena, AK) and Woolaroc, I am astounded how quickly the discussion of a simple topic such as The Mercantile (in Pawhuska) devolved into dissin' Ree and Ladd vs. Crimes against whomever. On the bright side . . . This thread reminds me, argumentarywise, of the halcyon days of OKCTalk involving Torea (hated railroad noise) vs Thunder (the reminder of all things strange and wonderful) vs Prunepicker (old-line conservative dude). In my opinion only: Don't critique a place you ain't been. Pawhuska is OK. The Mercantile is acceptable. The visit is worth the journey.