By Devyn Lyon, Fox23 News
CLAREMORE, Okla. — One year after the devastating Palisades wildfires in California nearly destroyed the historic Will Rogers home and ranch, the family of the beloved Oklahoma native said their focus is no longer on what was lost, but instead on what’s being rebuilt.
Last year’s fire caused extensive damage to Will Rogers’ ranch, a 186-acre property that has long stood as a symbol of Rogers’ legacy.
Images from the fire showed the ranch nearly reduced to ashes, leaving behind emotional scars for not only the family, but for the surrounding community as well.
When asked about the loss, Will Rogers’ granddaughter, Jennifer Rogers, said she’s chosen to think of things a different way.
“Let’s just say what we’re going to gain, not what we lost. I’m not going to look at it that way. Let’s see what we can gain.”
Rogers said the pain of the wildfire extended far beyond the ranch itself. While the family has been able to move forward, many of the surrounding homes and neighborhoods have not been rebuilt.
“It’s eerie. You drive through the town to get up to the park and you’re just looking at nothing. Where there used to be beautiful homes and trees and foliage, it’s all gone.”
Despite the devastation, progress is being made.
Rogers said the remnants of the ranch have been cleared and the Will Rogers State Historic Park was able to be officially reopened to the public back in November. The hiking trails are maintained and visitors can once again picnic and enjoy the land.
However, rebuilding the ranch and home must follow strict guidelines outlined in a 1944 agreement between the Rogers family and the state of California, ensuring the property remains a lasting legacy and public state park.
While California works through the rebuilding process, which is currently awaiting a public forum to gather community input, Rogers said Oklahoma continues to play a vital role in preserving her grandfather’s legacy.
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore is preparing for an $18 million renovation, adding onto what is already one of the most comprehensive collections of Rogers’ life and work.
“Just because we lost so many artifacts in California, this museum has just as many. We’re rotating exhibits regularly and we’re getting ready to do a large remodel with an amazing exhibit of the ranch house so people can see exactly what it looked like and how Will lived in California.”
She emphasized that the story of Will Rogers is far from over.
“That’s not going to be lost.”
Looking ahead, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum is also preparing for increased attention during the Route 66 Centennial, also known as the Will Rogers Highway anniversary.
A movie about Will Rogers is also scheduled to begin filming at the museum later this spring.
Jennifer Rogers said the best way for Oklahomans to support both the investment in Claremore and the recovery efforts in California is simple: visit, learn and enjoy the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore.
