At its inception in 2017, The Little Orange Barn, owned and run by P.D. and Marla Woolery, began as a business to sell P.D.’s woodworking crafts and furniture. Over time, it has grown into a rustic store known for its allergy friendly, preservative free, private label foods, pastries, handmade goods, and unique furniture pieces.
Both P.D. and Marla have full-time jobs, making The Little Orange Barn a special treat for patrons since they currently only open it on Friday and Saturday each week or by appointment. Many Bristow residents know Marla as Mrs. Woolery, a Bristow schoolteacher. Although many parents and students may be sad to see her leave, she is retiring after this year. Fortunately for the community, her retirement means that The Little Orange Barn will be expanding its days of operation as summer begins. New business days will be from Tuesday through Saturday with the possibility of extending hours one day each week.
Walking inside The Little Orange Barn presents a welcoming experience. The aroma of hot beverages, fruit-filled pastries, and freshly cut wood delights guests as the door opens. The beautifully designed rustic décor dazzles eyes and beckons visitors to explore and grow comfortable. In fact, the Woolerys designed and built the entirety of the building’s interior themselves. The lighting conveys a gentle welcome with its soft, warm glow. Of special interest, two large lighting fixtures near the entrance are dairy farm milk collection pieces that P.D. converted for unique interior lighting. Original measurement lines remain visible for curious visitors to inspect their authenticity. P.D. is responsible for the woodworking, and many of the furniture pieces are his creations. A large, charming bench sits against the south wall near the entry. P.D. used an old bedframe to construct the unique piece. It fits nicely within the rustic confines of the barn. He also makes signs, games, and game boards. An example of a dart board he made hangs on the north wall, but he also makes Cornhole and Tiki Toss games.
The center of the barn hosts a large table stacked with many delectable goodies, all preservative free and allergy friendly. P.D. and Marla’s favorites include the peach salsa, peach and blackberry fruit butters, and seedless conserves; although, they also eat and enjoy all of the products that they sell. They also offer several varieties of fruit butters, dressings and marinades, BBQ sauces, pickles, salsas, and more. At the western end of the large, goody-stacked table, rests a smaller table of P.D.’s creation, covered in sweet jars of honey. His newest furniture creation is the table nearest the door, soon-to-be amply stocked with pickles.
The southern side of the barn anchors all things comfortable and cozy. Centered around a welcoming fireplace, visitors find comfort in soft, snuggly clothing. Marla has added a few small children’s items, house-flops for tired feet, and a menagerie of shirts adorned with her own designs. She accepts custom orders for print designs as well, but customers may purchase the clothing items she displays. Additionally, Marla makes all jewelry pieces for sale and accepts custom requests. Engraving for jewelry pieces lies within P.D.’s repertoire.
Visitors notice aesthetically pleasing soy candles for sale throughout the barn. Marla makes the candles and plans to create her own soaps in the future, too. She also designed and made each of the wreaths displayed throughout the barn and property. Customers may special request wreath orders.
Along the northern side of the barn, a large table covered in dry goods invites inquisitive guests to check out its wares. The table plays temporary home to an array of soups, dips, and casserole mixes. Behind it, the kitchen draws in guests anticipating a scrumptious find. In the kitchen, pastries include Marla’s exceptionally delicious turnovers and LOB tarts, which are made from the private label conserves they sell. They also offer large pretzels with customers’ choice of dipping sauce and more seasonally available items such as chocolate caramel apples, homemade fudge, cider and other hot beverages. They plan to add soft serve ice cream and dipped cones this summer. Candied items include hot chocolate and coffee bombs and taffy. They may even offer fresh popcorn in the future.
The Little Orange Barn sits across the street to the south of the tank at the VFW. Until summer, they are open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 to 4 and by appointment. For more information, check out their Facebook page, website at www.thelittleorangebarn.com, or call 918-704- 4388.
Finally, following in his parents’ footsteps, P.D. and Marla’s son has started his own business as well. Jake Woolery aptly named his business “The Music Room” as he teaches private music lessons. He currently has openings for weekly private lessons on guitar, piano, and drums. Weekly private lessons of 30 minutes duration run for $65 per month. Marla says that construction of his studio is set to begin this summer with the goal of being completed by summer’s end. For more information on The Music Room or to inquire about scheduling lessons, contact Jake at 918-260- 4557.