Dugout Soddy on the Prairie

by Wayne Cooper

Early pioneer life in a sod house is depicted in this painting by artist Wayne Cooper. Sod houses such as these dotted the landscape in western Oklahoma after the land run. Here, a pioneer woman tends to her chickens while everyday homesteading life goes on behind her. The wash pot and wood axe in the foreground symbolize the harshness of life on the windswept prairie.

Sod houses were cool in summer and easy to heat in winter. They were never expected to last very many years since sod is highly susceptible to damage from the elements—especially wind, rain and temperature extremes. But the sod did furnish a readily available, cheap building material.

The only remaining sod house in Oklahoma is located at Aline, Oklahoma and is preserved and protected by the Oklahoma Historical Society.

Dugout Soddy on the Prairie by Wayne Cooper was dedicated in 2003 the commission was managed by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc.

Dugout Soddy on the Prairie by Wayne Cooper is located inside the Oklahoma State House of Representatives Chamber lobby on the fourth floor of the Oklahoma State Capitol and can be viewed daily from 8:30-5:30 when the House is not in session.

The Artist

Wayne Cooper is an acknowledged national painter known for his portrayals of Western and American Indian subjects. He comes from a background of Indian heritage and was raised on a small ranch gaining first hand knowledge of Oklahoma ranch life.

Cooper is listed in Artists USA, Who’s Who in the Midwest, Who’s Who in American Art, International Who’s Who in Art and Antiques, Universal Directory of the Art and Personalities of the Americas, and others.

His works consist of oils, water colors, charcoals, pencil, sculpture (bronzes) and lithographs. His works are held in many private and public collections worldwide, including the halls of the Oklahoma State Senate and House of Representatives.