[Mattie Jo]

Where and why? A California friend that used to live near Tulsa said that Noel was a neat town to visit. Why and where is it?

[berdee]

I've never been there and I hadn't found much in a Google search.
I did find the Google map showing where it is though.

noel oklahoma - Google Maps

[LadyRobyn]

Mattie, it is just across the border in Missouri. Noel, Missouri - Main Page About an hour from Grove, OK and 2 hours from Tahlequah.

[Synopsis]

Looks like a beautiful place.

[linicx]

Here is a link to the Christmas City called Noel, MO. I've been there many times.

Noel, Missouri - Main Page

[Mattie Jo]

there is a noel, ok too. but the one in mo sounds really interesting.

[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by Mattie Jo

there is a noel, ok too. but the one in mo sounds really interesting.

I'd pick the one in MO over the Noel OK anytime Mattie.

[cindycat]

Here's a little trivia about Noel. In 1961 McDonald County seceded from the state of Missouri because Noel was left off a tourist map. They declared themselves McDonald Territory. It didn't last long but it was big news for awhile around Miami, where I grew up. There's some info about it in Wikipedia, titled McDonald Territory.

[mobarbq]

Originally Posted by cindycat

Here's a little trivia about Noel. In 1961 McDonald County seceded from the state of Missouri because Noel was left off a tourist map. They declared themselves McDonald Territory. It didn't last long but it was big news for awhile around Miami, where I grew up. There's some info about it in Wikipedia, titled McDonald Territory.

And the whole secession attempt was quite fascinating, really. You might say they were fed up with their government before that was even cool (thinking of the current tea parties, etc.) Even today, there are old-timers in the area who get very hot under the collar if you ask them about it. Some say that it was just all a big joke and not serious, but don't try to tell that to folks around Noel.
If you would like to read more detailed information, check out my webpage at McDonald Territory Private Dispatch: 50 Years Later-still remembered
I am still doing research in preparation for philatelic commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the event, and welcome input and participation from those that might have information. I am still needing mailpieces from the event, as well as other paper and ephemera, including examples of McDonald Territory visas.
Keywords: McDonald Territory, McDonald County, private dispatch, private despatch, secede, secession, Missouri, 1961, Noel, Pineville, territorial government, local post, local posts, label, cinderellas, philatelic