PUHA Sign Installed at Historic Quanah City PArk

E. Eugene Johnson Memorial Foundation is pleased to announce the final installation of PUHA at Historic Quanah City Park. The Foundation has worked over the past two years to make this vision a reality.

Among the areas of interest for Quanah Friends of the Park has been an effort to bring public art to the park, and with the support of the Foundation, this unique piece will hopefully serve as an attractive new feature in the park as well as a place to gather for photos and conversation.
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For those not familiar with puha, citing writings by Thomas W. Kavanagh, the Comanche Nation Research Report published by the Texas Department of Transportation in 2021 describes puha, or power, as being “the central focus of Comanche religion” and that puha was “derived solely from supernatural sources.” Kavanaugh’s writing published by the Oklahoma Historical Society states that, “Personal power (puha) could be obtained from the spirit world and could be shared with a small group of others.”

The foundation worked with Baldwin Metals for the design and construction of the six foot tall letters made from corten steel, which over time, will take on a more weathered appearance. Final assembly and installation was completed by Kerry Pruitt. Along with members of the Foundation’s board of directors and Friends of the Park, several other community volunteers worked hard to make the final installation happen. The Foundation would like to specifically thank Marty Johnson, John Akers, and Steven Sparkman for volunteering for the cause.

Friends of the Park and the Foundation welcome all to enjoy the new installation at the park and remind everyone that letters are provided as an art installation and are not playground equipment designed for climbing. Working together with the community, the organizations hope this installation will be one more reason to visit Historic Quanah City Park for generations to come.

Friends of the Park is dedicated to the preservation and beautification of as well as promoting activities to improve enjoyment of the Historic Quanah City Park located in Quanah, Texas between Fourth and Fifth Streets and between Good and Louise Streets. Friends of the Park has been established as a committee of the E. Eugene Johnson Memorial Foundation, a Texas nonprofit corporation and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity. Its purpose is to enhance and improve public spaces, including parks, cemeteries, and museums, in Quanah and Hardeman County, Texas, and improve the quality of life of residents through the use and enjoyment of those spaces.

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