“The Hanging Gardens of Babylon” were said to have been among the Seven Wonders of the World in ancient times, and they were believed to have been constructed by a Babylonian monarch for his wife in what is now the nation of Iraq and were lyrically described by ancient chroniclers for their beauty and the wonder that they inspired. But like many other wonders and feats from that pre-modern era, there is some question as to whether or not they were a feat of pre-modern engineering or were more the product of imagination and poetic sensibilities. But what is not in doubt is what might be termed the ” Elevated Gardens of Norick’s True Value Hardware Store” that are found in front of that establishment’s location in Quail Plaza on May Avenue in North Oklahoma City today. They consist of a diverse variety of plants that are offered for sale and are place on tables supported by sturdy sawhorses and some that dangle from the ceiling of the covered porch there much like their counterparts presumably did in ancient Babylon, and on occasion they can be observed being watered in the morning by a staffer armed with a large hose. Another unusual sight that is sometimes found there is the presence of an employee presiding over a grill where meat is being grilled in close proximity to those gardens and being given to passersby and other staffers. In addition to the occasional dispersal of culinary fare, that establishment, like several college sports teams, has a live mascot in the presence of an amiable goldendoodle who goes by the name of Tucker, who can be seen on occasion being walked down the red brick walkway that is in place there past the others businesses there. When what is now a pizza joint was the home of the Camilya’s Mediterranean Cafe, the young bearded Arab chefs who presided there would greet him fondly in Arabic as they stood in that places open area under a bright blue sky on their smoke breaks and the dog would respond with a vigorous wagging of his short tail. A portrait of Tucker is also found within the store under a sign that reads “Tucker Bargain Alley,” that list items that have been marked down for sale. The store is presided over in large part by Lance Norick, who takes Tucker to his home after work, and is the scion of a distinguished family as both his father and grandfather served terms as Oklahoma City’s chief executive. During the term of Lance’s father Ron Norick, the state’s capital community began its ongoing transformation into a world class city, in large part through his leadership, and it is said that the former mayor can be frequently seen at the store greeting patrons and stocking shelves in an unassuming manner.
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Against the Grain 