A Pioneer Legacy
by Rhys Martin
Pioneer Tourist Camp, circa 1933. Image courtesy of 66postcards.com
The Pioneer Camp near Wellston, Oklahoma opened in 1929 under the ownership of Lloyd Swisher. The campground on the side of US Highway 66 featured one-room cabins, a service station, and a small store. Ownership changed several times over the years and the site evolved along with the road; from campground and tourist court to tavern and restaurant. At some point, the wooden building was given a rock facade which is what Route 66 travelers today are familiar with. But one thing that has been consistent over its long history is its reputation for excellent barbecue.
Jack Wells, one of the owners of the Pioneer Camp over the years. Note the stone bases of the archway on the right. Image courtesy Levi Bouska.
Elsie and Luther “Shorty” Harris operated the Pioneer Camp for decades, giving Route 66 travelers a refuge for a good meal worth remembering. Clifford and Billie Scott purchased the building from them in 1995, bringing their own traditions to the long-time Oklahoma culinary destination. In 2007, a terrible fire gutted the building. Thankfully, nobody was hurt…but the damage was severe and the business closed.
The Pioneer Camp BBQ building in 2017, long after the fire closed its doors permanently. Note the stone bases from the arch are still there.
Levi Bouska, grandson of the Scotts, started spending time at Pioneer Camp BBQ when he was 5 years old. He more-or-less grew up at the restaurant, watching his family and learning the trade. His father David owned a butcher shop in Chandler for decades and, along with Levi’s uncle Martin, barbecued competitively. In fact, the team had already won multiple championships for smoked meats by the time the Butcher BBQ Stand opened in 2015, continuing the family legacy on the same spot next to Historic Route 66.
The new restaurant was wildly successful, winning awards and growing from an outdoor-only affair run out of a converted railroad car to a large enclosed space. Today, the line often goes out the door and if you arrive after lunch time they’ll be out of certain items. Just like in the old days, it's not unheard of to speak to customers that have crossed state lines just to enjoy a good meal. The old Pioneer Camp building stood nearby the entire time, a silent reminder of the past.
Signage for The Butcher Stand, with the old Pioneer BBQ building in the background.
In 2022, Levi bought that original building with the hopes of being able to utilize it once again. Sadly, the damage and years of further deterioration were too much to overcome. The Pioneer was razed in early November...but not before many parts of the Pioneer were salvaged for the Butcher Stand. Brick and vintage wooden floorboards were used to build a new bar. Several booths and tables were salvaged and relocated. Photos and other items will also be incorporated as The Butcher Stand continues serving people from around the world.
The remains of the Pioneer Camp building, November 2023.
Although the Pioneer Tourist Camp and the old stone station are no more, the parcel of land just east of the Highway 66b junction is still serving up great barbecue, as it has for the last nine decades. Stop in next time you’re near Wellston and get a seasoned taste of history.
Repurposed tables from Pioneer Camp BBQ, now available for use at the Butcher Stand. Photo courtesy of Levi Bouska.
Thanks to Dr. T Lindsay Baker and his book, Eating Up Route 66; Tim Green; and Levi Bouska for photos and other information.
