Old post gift shop reopens at Fort Sill

FORT SILL, Okla., Feb. 4, 2016 -- After being closed for more than two years the Post Trader's Store Gift Shop re-opened today at 9 a.m.

The store, part of the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum, is opening after much work from Marsha Chasteen, a museum volunteer and now manager of the store. Chasteen began volunteering at the museum nine months ago and has been inquiring about the store since day one. Her goal was simple: She wanted to shop.

"I wanted to buy stuff in here. I could see them through the window but I couldn't buy anything," said Chasteen. "I'm a battalion commander's wife and I need things for farewell gifts and thank you gifts. I knew this store was going to fill a need."

Chasteen was granted her wish to open the store. With the doors being closed for years, the cobwebs and dust were plentiful. She said she didn't want people to come and be "grossed out" so she, along with other volunteers, worked for three days simply cleaning the old store. Now the wood floors shine, the windows are dressed and the gifts are on display.

The Friends of Fort Sill, a non-profit foundation, run the gift shop and provided Chasteen a small budget to prepare the store for a future of visitors. With it she contacted old vendors and began to refill her stock. Old staples including stuffed animals, old-fashioned candy and toys, T-shirts, Oklahoma souvenirs, replica cannons and Native American art have refilled the display cases. The metal Christmas ornaments Chasteen originally spotted through the store's window are prominently displayed. The ornaments have images of Fort Sill, to include the Old Post Chapel (which celebrates its 100th year this year). Additionally Chasteen plans to add new shirts, metal art and new souvenir items.

"Some of the items we have can only be purchased here," said Chasteen. "The colored Half-Section print is only sold here, and it's no longer being printed. That means the value of it has increased, but the actual cost has stayed the same."

Other items in the store include post cards, cannon models, sabers and books for children and historians alike. The items all have a tie to the military, Fort Sill or the region. Chasteen said the store is a benefit to the Fort Sill community as the funds generated flow back into the post's historical programs.

"The money supports the museum and helps them maintain and improve the museum," said Chasteen.

Chasteen said the store is open Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until more volunteers can be recruited. She hopes as volunteers increase so will the hours and days the store will be open. Those who are interested can email her at posttradersstore@gmail.com.