If you're looking for a certain article I wrote in a past issue
of "This & That" you might find it faster by doing a "search" with your
browser. With Netscape just click your mouse at the top at EDIT and then
FIND and type in the word or words you're looking for. If you use
Internet Explorer, just click on EDIT and then FIND ON THIS PAGE to do a
search.
Below is October 2, 1999 to December 25, 1999.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, December 25, 1999 Christmas Day Vol 3 Issue 140
Since this is Christmas, I'll try to keep this issue of T&T short. I
hope everyone is spending time with loved ones and friends during this
holiday season. I have lots of interesting photos to share, but will
save them until another day.
I may be wrong on this one, but there
seems to be an effort afoot to make EasyZip a commercial (pay money for)
program. If you don't already have this neat and FREE program on your
computer to unzip files you download, I suggest you get it now.
http://filedudes.sonetcom.com/win95/computil/easyzip.html
http://www.softwarecenter.net/easyzip/
A POWERFUL THESAURUS.
Simply type any word into WordWeb to quickly look up definitions,
synonyms, antonyms, hypernyms, and more. This powerful
thesaurus/dictionary can be used from your word processor or as a stand
alone program. It comes with a template file so you can use it directly
from Microsoft Word, and it comes with macros for use with WordPerfect
and WordPro. WordWeb includes over 120,000 root words and 100,000
synonym sets.
http://www.netword.demon.co.uk/wweb/
I've added
some more photos from my past T&Ts to Netdrive plus this issue's is now
on Netdrive.com for viewing. I've even made a Photo Album called
BrownSprings. In that album are all the photos associated with Brown
Springs in Love County.
http://history.users.netdrive.com/
A
GLIMPSE INTO CHRISTMAS PAST
The Daily Ardmoreite
Sunday,
December 28, 1919
Ardmore, Oklahoma
BUCK GARRETT HOST TO
COUNTY SHUT-INS ON CHRISTMAS DAY
At the county jail, following his
usual custom, Sheriff Buck Garrett was host to the prisoners on
Christmas Day. And the sheriff lived up to his policy of not doing
things by halves and put on a highly appreciated "spread".
There was
turkey and cranberry sauce and pies and all the "fixings" attendant at a
Christmas feast. Besides all the good things at the dinner table, the
"shut-ins" received candies, fruits, nuts, tobacco, etc., all of which
helped materially to lighten the burden of feeling that they were denied
the freedom of the average American citizen.
SOME LETTERS FROM THIS
WEEK'S MAILBAG
"I have been reading your This & That pages. Enjoy
the articles very much. I am sending you this picture, of the last days
of the Ambert Page Grocery store on Marsden road, Love County. I last
entered this store in 1940, before my family moved from Marsden to Cheek
Road, Lone Grove, OK. The store, at that time was south on Marsden Road.
I don't know when it was moved to the cross roads of Marsden and Oswalt.
Photo taken in December 1983, a very cold winter. My next trip down
Marsden road, the store was gone."
ttp://members.xoom.com/XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/marstore.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
"YEAH
!!!!!! I can now see the pictures on my Web TV. The gif deal you use can
be opened by Web TV, Makes a good Christmas present."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hello
Butch, enjoyed seeing that pic of the dew drop inn!!! thank that person
for letting us have a chance to view it.,please. merry Christmas to you
and all your readers."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Grateful for anything at all that's there, but clicking on a thumbnail
brings up an image about 200 percent larger than my monitor can handle.
"Dew Drop" would come in four pieces. One screen width covers from left
edge of photo to just to the right of the bartender. The pencil "mug
shot" sketch, on the other hand, is perfect."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"On an
unrelated note I've created a small page that I'll update about once a
week or so unless I'm out of town. It shows the price of gasoline at a
local station and might be interesting for others to check from time to
time to get an idea of what current fuel costs are in OKC. The URL is:
http://www.oklahoma.net/~efaubion/gasprice.html
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
seem to have upset some of your readers! I should explain that an "Old
Geezer" is a London (Cockney) expression and was used affectionally! So
please let them know that I am a Londoner and I am sorry if I have
offended you or them as that was not my intention!" -Ireland
-------------------------------------------------------------
"New
Prices on paintings!! Please stop by and take a look."
http://www.LauraWilson.com.
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Yes,
the state seal of Oklahoma was stolen. There is the legend that the
Sargeant of Arms of the State House went to Guthrie, OK and took it to
Oklahoma City, making OKCY the state capitol. Every where the State Seal
is, that is where our State Capitol is. The Capitol Building in Guthrie
was truly, before that time, where the Grand Masonic Lodge is located
today. Of course, it's been built onto, but the original part still
exists in use, and can be seen on the east of the building."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Becky
York from northern Idaho e-mailed me these pictures of places here in
southern OK and was wondering if anyone could help her identify any one,
or the places where the pictures were taken. Picture #9 she thinks is
her Grandfather Joseph York and his wife standing in the doorway of the
York, Indian Territory Post Office. (Pontotoc Co. Oklahoma) Picture #8
she thinks was taken at Healdton, OK, but isn't sure. Does anyone know
where these pictures could have been taken??" [email protected]
http://members.xoom.com/XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/008.jpg
http://members.xoom.com/XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/009.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Becky
York is puzzled as to the location of this picture. She thinks it's in
southern Oklahoma somewhere. Maybe someone on the list can help."
[email protected]
http://members.xoom.com/XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/006.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
"As
most of you know, Homestead.com has a mission of helping people create
their own space on the Web -- a virtual home, if you will. For the
holidays this year, we're broadening out to help provide real homes for
those who don't have them, through a partnership with Habitat for
Humanity called Homestead for the Holidays. You can help us help those
who aren't lucky enough to have a real home. All you need to do is visit
the following Web site:
http://for_the_holidays.homestead.com/
For each person who visits and drops a virtual dollar in the can, we
will donate a real dollar to Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit
organization dedicated to constructing homes for those in need. It only
takes a few seconds, but it's an important way you can help. To do even
more, feel free to forward this message to your friends and family."
-------------------------------------------------------------
=============================================================
I
want to thank all of you who sent me E-Christmas cards the past few
days. I appreciate every one. As we look back over 1999, I hope we all
appreciate our friends, both here and in real time. As I went from
department to department, floor to floor at the courthouse where I work
taking care of all the computers, one thing I noticed: This Christmas
has been a great time of friendship and caring throughout the complex.
Smiling faces were present everywhere I went. And there were all kinds
of treats and good things to eat all around. "Yes Virginia, there really
is a Santa Clause." I saw him in the employees of the Carter County
Courthouse.
See everyone next year!
Butch Bridges
Nashobish
Ikana
Ardmore, Oklahoma
ICQ Number 7140238
eFax:
781-207-7862
eCode http://bridges.ecode.com
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges
T&T Mirror Site:
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/
Oklahoma Bells:
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/index.html
Opinion Poll
Page: http://www.brightok.net/~bridges/thepolls.html
T&T Photo
Album: http://history.users.netdrive.com
(all previous issues of
This & That can be found on my Home Page) (feel free to forward this
message) (mailouts: over 700 people) To be removed from my T&T mailings,
just send me email.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, December 18, 1999 Vol 3 Issue 139
The past few months a number of you have written and said you can't pull
up the photos I put on my zoom site. I now have a solution for those of
you with that problem. I am also putting the photos in each issue of my
T&T on a new site I setup just for photos. It's called netdrive.com and
let's me store 100mgs of files. You can check it out at:
http://history.users.netdrive.com/
Just click on "My Pictures" then
go to the bottom of the screen and look for the folders of T&T photos.
Each photo is a "thumbnail". Just click on the photo to enlarge it.
Got another great photo from Ardmore's past sent in by Robert Hensley.
It was taken about 1898 at the corner of Caddo and East Main inside the
Dew Drop Inn. A great pic!
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/dewdrop.jpg
And
here's a TruGrapette soda that was bottled in Ardmore, OK
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/trugrape.jpg
A
couple weeks ago I mentioned a photo I received of Devil's Den, take
about 1950. I had a bad link so here is that old photo.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/d_den.jpg
I've
received a lot of things in the mail during my lifetime. But this week a
cassette tape came to me that knocked my socks off. My cousin in
Virginia, Don Bridges, wrote a song about Brown Springs in Love County!
Don plays the guitar (like my dad did when he was young), and titled the
song "Browns Springs At Night". He and his friend, Doug Rainoff, plays
the lead guitar and accompanied him. Its a great song! Some really good
guitar picking! Here's the lyrics Don wrote:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BROWN SPRINGS AT
NIGHT by Don Bridges
Huntin' snakes where woods devour the
roadway
Leeper Lake down by the Texas line
Set the bait, retreat
into the darkness
Death in the park that hist'ry left behind
Chorus....
Brown Springs at night
(The moon is bathed in
blood)
Shadows in flight
(They shudder from the sight)
Man
dog will bite
(You better bring your Bible)
Down in Brown
Springs at night
Drippin' meat chopped open with a hatchet
Evil deeds left scattered on the ground
Take a drink on top of
toppled markers
Chickasaw heart screams out without a sound
Repeat chorus
Their spirits still fight
In Brown Springs at
night
In the place where cannibals run rampant
Gettin' late
when ghosts begin to rise
Course your fate and hold onto your
partner
Doomed if you start to open up your eyes
Repeat
chorus
Down in Brown Springs at night
Down in Brown Springs at
night
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
So what can I say? If you want to hear this song for yourself,
you can send my cousin $2 (includes postage) and he will mail you a copy
on cassette. His email address is.... [email protected] and his
snail mail address is... Don Bridges, 14808 London Towne Square,
Centreville, VA 20120-1840 By the way, since his song may be headed for
number one, it's copyrighted. Don's singing may not be like Celine's but
I can say its not that bad, and fun to listen too. Just think, this all
started in 1968 when I went down to Brown Springs to see where all those
bodies were being found. One never knows, do they?
Now, if the song
wasn't enough, two days later a reader emailed a drawing of me they
fashioned after the "ghostbuster" photo I put in my T&T a couple weeks
ago! hahahahahaha
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/gbdraw99.jpg
And
talk about the moon, it will be brighter and bigger on December 22nd
then its been in 133 years. Don't miss it!
SOME LETTERS FROM THIS
WEEK'S MAILBAG
"Just finished reading your current epistle. Can't
get over Ireland calling you a handsome old geezer. I resemble (grin)
that remark. Handsome, yes! Old, nada! And, my daughter and I both think
you are probably full of the devil! I think that grin gave you away in
the photo by famous Browns Springs lagoon! LOL!"
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/photos/bsbutch1.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, I couldn't have said that any better. And as to the person from
Ireland saying you were a "good looking Old geezer". I would call you
good-looking, but NOT an old geezer. LOL. That would make me "Older than
a Geezer". By the way, what is a Geezer? hahaha"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
wish you'd stop talking about pecans! They are one of my favorite nuts,
and I walked all over them while researching in OK cemeteries. In
California, they cost an arm and leg but I guess I'm going to have to
break down, take out a second on the house, and go to the market and get
5 lbs. to hold me over for a time."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"What's happened to Devil's Den? I visited there, with my wife and kids,
many times, but a couple of years ago we were going to go there again
and couldn't find it on the map anywhere. I thought maybe I was looking
in the wrong part of the state, but near Tishomingo was where I
remembered it and that's where I was looking...with no success, not even
in "Roads of Oklahoma," which has most places indicated, even those from
the past."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
wanted to upgrade my old 540 HP printer to a better color printer. I
looked and read and looked and thought and read more and finally settled
on an HP 812c ($149). It works really well. I have taken some 4x5
pictures I took at Texas Motor Speedway and turned them into 8x10's.
Printed on plain paper they look good, printed on photo paper it looks
as good as the original photo."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
have a BIG pecan tree in my back yard. It was prolific this year. I got
5 FULL grocery bags of Big, Full pecans. I didn't know how to shell
them. After the feeble attempt with a little hand nutcracker. I called a
local 'Pecan and Gift Store" and asked them how the heck you shelled all
those pecans. The lady told me to get an 'inertial' nutcracker. I didn't
have a clue as to what that was. I looked on INet and saw some photos.
Then I started in, here in Houston. SOOOOO final results, I went to a
fancy kinda upscale kitchen and hardware store (Bering's) here in
Houston. I found one. "Reed's Rocket" ($17.95 and well worth every
penny) !! YES .. it's wood with a metal lever thing..you put the nut in
there and mash down on the handle. It works. You soon develop a
technical slant on the easiest way to do it. I started getting 75% of
the meat out of the nut in one fell swoop and then dug out the little
pieces that were left with the pointy end of one of the little gadgets
that you hold an ear of corn with,to eat. Bottom line, I shelled all 5
bags of pecans, and got at least 20 lbs of shelled pecans. I have most
of them away to my kids to use for Xmas. At the going rate of $4.99 for
8/10 ozs. I figured that was a darn good present :))) AND I finally
learned how to make pecan pie."
http://www.grayandholt.com/NUT-CRACKER.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi
Butch, Hope things are great with you. As far as the grapette thing,
there is a Mexican drink that is sold in bottles in Wal-Mart in the
Mexican foods section, it is called Sangria and is non-alcoholic and
tastes a lot like grapette. anyway near enough that when you drink it,
you think of Grapette!"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
enjoy This & That & the commentaries. Do you have any info on the town
of Wilson, OK which was SE of Ardmore in the late 1890's & early 1900's?
It is mentioned in the gazetteer of OK & was before the "now" town of
Wilson west of Ardmore. My husband's family lived in the area of "old
Wilson" during that time." [email protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Another reader writes "with the recent over-abundance of trojans and
virus warnings, worth mentioning is http://split.netset.com/hackfix." It
is, indeed. It's a real education. In visiting this nonprofit site,
totally devoid of advertising, you'll find how to determine if you've
been infected, what do to about it, and you can even sign up for email
notification to stay updated on these little creatures."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Yes I
can view "My Pictures" and the folder "ttlldec99". I think your idea is
working and it is greatly appreciated. I know I am not the only one that
will enjoy you T&T more than ever. Thanks and I will be looking forward
to viewing ALL of T&T hereafter. Thanks again and God bless you for your
service to mankind."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"YEAH,
BUDDY!!!!!! Came up great. Hope you do many more of them so we can get
the "whole picture" (haha) with your ezine. GREAT IDEA, BUTCH."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hey
Butch, Thanks again for your T&T. Enjoy it more every week. But, what's
the deal with the Devils Den website. I clicked on to it, and got a
commercial for auto insurance among other things. Nothing to do with DD.
Having grown up close to it, and visiting there many times, I was
looking forward to seeing pix, and taking a trip down memory lane.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/d_den.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
"You
can find out if they are a hoax or a virus by checking in at these
websites:"
http://antivirus.about.com/library/blenhoax.htm?pid=2827&cob=home
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Here
are a few web sites with much more technical information about audio CD
burning."
Andy McFadden's CD FAQ Page:
http://www.fadden.com/cdrfaq/
Mike Richter's CD Site:
http://resource.simplenet.com/
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
have been to Muskogee (OK) twice in the past two weeks and have not
found the antique store with any bells out front. I go into Muskogee
from the South end and have drove through it looking. I stopped and got
a list of the antique stores there and stopped at two but they did not
know of any bells. They have apparently been taken down. I have not went
to Choteau yet and probably will not get up that way for awhile. When I
go back to Muskogee I will look again."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
lost my original message to you somehow. Anyway, try again, there is a
long article on-line today (16 Dec) in The Oklahoman by Gene Triplett
regarding the trial, etc of Silkwood. Thought you might be
interested."
http://www.oklahoman.com/cgi-bin/shart?ID=418721&TP=getarticle
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Halito Nashobish Ikana, I have a new website, come see it, you will
most probably enjoy it."
http://www.southernokies.com/itsbig
-------------------------------------------------------------
Here
is an email I received that maybe we all you listen to: "Hello everyone.
I would like to thank each and everyone of you for sharing the forwarded
messages that you receive along with cards and midis with me. After
hearing the news this evening about all of the viruses that will be
released and were released today, I must ask that you do not send me any
forward messages, jpgs (pictures), midis (sound clips), java cards, or
any exe files that must download until after 1-31-2000. From what I
gathered from the editorial, a mega load of viruses were released today
and will attach themselves to any file that is out there on the net
according to what type of application it is programed to target. I hope
you understand the reason why I am asking you not to send me any
forwarded messages but would still love to receive e-mail from you.
Thank you so much for your help! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. God
Bless."
-------------------------------------------------------------
=============================================================
This week I received some sad news from a friend in Davis, OK. Last July
a sweet lady and the "unofficial historian" for Davis took me to where
"Seven Springs" was located at the SW edge of Davis, Oklahoma. No one
else I talked to really knew exactly where those springs where. She was
92 years old and took me right to those springs. Last Monday night there
was a dedication in Sulphur, OK for their new book, "History of Murray
County". She was one of the main authors of this new book and one hour
before she was killed in a two car crash, she was given the first book
at that Dedication Ceremony. Opal Hartsill Brown will be sorely missed
by many. A piece of Murray County history died that night.
Charlie
Durie, west of Marietta, Oklahoma called me the other day. He has the
Love County Courthouse clock running almost perfectly. He found a major
problem with the swing of the pendulum, fixed it, and now its right on
the money. He does have to adjust the timing on the bell, but its
working better then it has in many years.
About 66% of the
respondents who voted in my "newspaper poll" voted that they do
subscribe to their local newspaper.
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges/thepolls.html
For nearly three
years I've wonder how many times my T&T is forwarded each weekend by
those 700 that it goes out to. I've set up a poll to see if I can find
those numbers. Just go to the link below and please cast you vote.
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges/thepolls.html
Next Saturday is
Christmas Day! I hope everyone, everywhere has a wonderful Christmas
day. And if there was one thing I could wish for, it would be for Peace
all around the world on this most celebrated day of the year.... the
birth of the baby Jesus.
See everyone next weekend.
Butch
Bridges
Nashobish Ikana
Ardmore, Oklahoma
ICQ Number
7140238
eFax: 781-207-7862
eCode http://bridges.ecode.com
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges
T&T Mirror Site:
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/
Oklahoma Bells:
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/index.html
T&T Photo
Album: http://history.users.netdrive.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, December 11, 1999 Vol 3 Issue 138
A
couple weeks ago I mentioned in my T&T about a bear being killed in 1915
at Enville, Oklahoma. Bears were thought to be extinct for several years
in that area. An employee at the courthouse who read the article, told
me one of his relatives had participated in the bear kill back in 1915
and his family had a photo. He brought me the photo and here it is! His
family member, Tom Vinson, is one of those listed on the back of the
photo.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/enville.jpg
I've had a lot of emails about Grapette. And one reader in Marietta,
Oklahoma sent in a website that tells all the history of this famous
soft drink!
http://asms.k12.ar.us/armem/daniels/default.htm
A
friend in Norman wrote and gave a URL where Grapette can still be bought
by the case! So here you go, you Grapette diehards!
======================================
Butch - GRAPETTE LIVES!!!
http://www.popsoda.com/soda-pop/grapette.html
order a case a
day!
======================================
In my November
27th issue of T&T I told about a horned owl that took up residence
outside a friend's house here in Ardmore, just a couple blocks north of
the Middle School. He had been in a tree there for a month when I first
told of the owl. Last Wednesday the owl was found in the basement of the
Middle School. Authorities were called and took possession of the owl,
since the horned owl is an endangered species. Now I really wish I'd got
that night pic of him!
This week I got an original photo taken of a
building at Galveston, Texas. The photo was taken about two months ago
by a lady here in Ardmore while she was in Galveston on a tour. On the
side of the building is an image of a man. The image was at the top of
the building where the dark square is, this is where they tried to
sandblast the image off. But it re- appeared in a square below. Has
anyone heard of this mystery? The building is somewhere on the shoreline
in Galveston, TX?
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/gavface.jpg
Does
the numbers making up your phone number make a word?
http://www.phoneSpell.org/
I received another one of those gem of a
photos from Ardmoreite Robert Hensley. It's a 1899 circa of a
Confederate members reunion at Whittington park here in Ardmore.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/vet1899.jpg
An
employee of Carter County Government (who will remain nameless to save
face) got his goose cooked a couple of Thanksgivings ago. A friend of
his went goose hunting and bagged one. He decided he would give the
goose to his friend to cook for Thanksgiving. This county employee had a
real nice cooker and placed the goose in the cooker along with water in
the pan. He let the goose cook about 6 or 7 hours, but didn't know he
was suppose too regularly add water to the pan. Hours later, here is
what a person might call one really cooked goose? hahahaha
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/photos/goose97.jpg
SOME
LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"In 1978 Ardmore had a large train
wreck in the general area of the Yamaha dealership. The entire
neighborhood had to be evacuated because of toxic fumes escaping from
one of the cars."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi
Butch, All that talk of grapettes sent me searching the net to see what
I could find. And all I found was pics of memorabilia, like this sign. I
am sorry to say that seeing the sign only made me wish I had a grapette
. Ice cold on a summer day."
http://www.sodastuff.com/images/grapette/grapettecap.html
-------------------------------------------------------------
"My
wife was a collector of old bottles. I have two old bottles that once
contained "Grapette" grape soda. One bottle she had was given to her by
her mother but it was unusual from many I have seen - its shaped
entirely different and contain 7 oz. instead of 6 ounces.I can still
make out the inscription on it which states: Grapett grape soda -
thirsty of not - licensed by Grapette Co., Camden Arkansas. Its go on to
state "Grapette Bottling Co., Meridian, Miss. contents 7 oz. The next
bottle is much small & shaped more stream line (like most of us member
it) - the inscription is worn almost completely off. contents shown on
the bottom of the bottle is 6 oz."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch
for those that are interested in finding out what became of Grapette
have them to go to yahoo & search on Grapette. The complete history of
grapette is there. Yes today Grapette is on the marked but it is all
outside of the US. ...read the following information: Grapette became
internationally known in 1942 when R. Paul May, a wealthy oil man,
persuaded Tyndle to let him develop a market in Latin America. May sold
his first franchise in Guatemala City in 1945, and other Latin American
franchises soon followed. Armed with his bottling know-how and the
foreign rights to market Grapette, May formed Grapette International in
1962. Grapette International has continued to sell and market
internationally. Still a popular drink abroad, 70 million bottles of
Grapette and other Grapette products are sold annually in South America
and Pacific rim countries. Grapette International is now owned by the
Brooks Rice family, and is headquartered in Hot Springs, Arkansas."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hey
Butch, did a little checking around on the grapette thing. No I didn't
find a place to get one. But did find that grapette was made at the old
7'Up plant at 2nd and Cst N.W. in Ardmore, and was distributed by the
Williamson family. Sure do remember those good ole days when I was a kid
growing up in my families downtown business, would make several trips to
the old Firemans Lunch Box each day to get a cold bottle of grapette.
Seems I remember 7'Up was sold to one of the larger area bottlers and
the grapette was phased out in Ardmore."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"hi
butch, saw this grape drink bottle from sulphur ok. on ebay and thought
of your grapette story."
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=212970812
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Sent
url of the lightning detector to several friends in Texas and Oklahoma.
They like it very much. What is the theory that makes the lightning
detector work? I would suspect that it is a broadband noise detector of
some kind. What kind of an antenna array does it use for locating the
strikes & pinpointing their location?"
http://weather.brightok.net/
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Can't
view the pictures on your latest T&T. Your problem or mine? For past
pictures you have had, could view them with no trouble. Appreciate and
look forward to T&T each week. Getting cold here in Idaho now, much snow
in high country."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I've
been trying to get some information about an outlaw named Casey who
headquartered near Hennepin Ok. Has anyone ever heard of him? Also, I'm
researching the OK land lottery in 1901 & 1906. Any good stories out
there? I know the area is around Lawton in Frederick County. I have a
volumn of the Tillman Co history which is a big help."
[email protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------
"On
your list of used to be's... how about a product called Rosebud salve? I
used to sell it when I was a kid and won a lot of great prizes."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Do
you know where I might be able to find any old Ardmore City Directories
(not phone books), for the years of 1942-1945, 1948, 1950, 1952-1954,
1956, 1958-1959, and 1962??? I have asked the Chamber of Commerce, the
Courthouse, and have searched both libraries and the Museum. No luck on
any of these years."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"....A
story he has told often is about how a descendant of his was involved in
changing the capitol of Oklahoma from it's previous site (whatever that
was, I'm sure you know it *smile*) to the current OKC. It was supposed
to have been done by "borrowing" the paperwork (charter or something)
and riding horseback (before the automobile maybe???) to OKC and who
knows what? Obviously this story has lost a lot in the years but I'd
love to know anything you or your readers might know about it."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Funny
you should mention Pecan trees. Not having been raised in OK (born in
OKC), I'm not really familiar with Pecan trees and didn't even know we
could grow them here in CA. However, when I moved to Stockton there were
several pecan trees in my yard and now I have pecans all over the
ground. I gathered as many as I could find and started shelling them but
obviously I'm not doing it right... got about 1/2 cup in an hour of
shelling . Got any suggestions?"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Wanted to send this informal invitation to invite you over to Ardmore's
Northwest Sixth Grade Center's Web Site. The site has been up and
running for about 3 weeks now. I have made some additions to the page.
Hope you enjoy your visit and will bookmark the site to return to see
what the children are doing."
http://www.brightok.net/~nw6
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
enjoyed your T&T. I read it last night. And, then went out and bought
the new Celine cd. I had heard it was really good and your review just
pushed me over."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Also... just curious... which of those pecan trees produces the best? I
know that is a question my dad would have asked. That pic of the pecan
cracker reminded me so much of him. He built those and at one time
applied for a patent."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Wasn't kidding. Thought there might be some "trick" to it. The shells
on my pecans are hard, the insides moist, and it all comes out in itsy
bitsy pieces. Have to concentrate so hard to get anything that there's
no energy for doing anything else. Had the same problem once with
Walnuts, but soon found the trick to it and now all I get are nice,
clean Walnut halves. Maybe they have different kinds of pecans in
Oklahoma?"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi
Butch, I would like to share something with you and your readers. Last
week when we were have an electrical storm here in Gainesville, Tex.,
lightning struck my computer. Luckily, I had a power surge with a phone
protector and that's what it struck. I just saved myself some money by
making sure my modem was protected. Thought you might want to pass this
information along to your readers and let them know if they don't have
the phone protector with their surge protector, it would be a good
investment. Enjoy your very informative news letter every week."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
wanted to tell you that water-pump pic, you have on your webpage. I've
been lookin for one of them for a few years now. I want it in my
front-yard an possibably make it a fountain. It's hard to find them
here, do you know where they any for sale there? And the price if
possible would be nice." [email protected]
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges/ranpump.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
"In
Sulphur, we have a city park across from the City Hall that is decorated
as the "Avenue of the Angels." The angels are purchased by local
citizens and dedicated to loved ones who have died. The centerpiece of
the display is the largest lighted angel in Oklahoma."
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/sulangel.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, I seam to remember something about funding for the capital dome
being short due to the war in Europe. Not sure if this is true
though."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
want to thank everyone who downloaded the new Netzip Download Demon a
few weeks ago. Netzip Download Demon is the best tool for handling
downloads and contains the same Netzip download technology that more
than 14 million people already use. Better yet, it's F*R*E*E!"
http://www.netzip.com/special/EMDD30.html
-------------------------------------------------------------
"http://www.iWon.com is a new Internet search engine with terrific
content from leading Web sites. They've got great news, sports, money,
weather, email, stock quotes and a whole lot more."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"On
December 3rd and 4th, Chickasaw National Recreation Area presented the
fourth annual "1906 Christmas Candlelight Tour" in the park. I have
published on the internet photographs of the volunteers and employees
who were the actors in each of the scenes on the tour."
http://www.homestead.com/chickasaw6
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I was
looking at your photo. You really are a handsome old geezer aren't you?!
By the way I have never seen or tasted pecan nuts before. What do they
taste like?" - Ireland
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Have
you heard about this program and does your sister have something like
this on her computers while she is hooked to the cable modem? BlackICE
Defender detects unauthorized intrusions on any Windows 95, 98, or NT
system connected to the Internet via DSL, ISDN, cable, or standard
modem. Check out Other BlackICE Defender Features over at:"
http://www.networkice.com and
http://www.networkice.com/Products/BlackICE/blackice%20defender.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hello
Butch, Here is a picture of Devil's Den (Tishomingo, OK) taken early
50's. You can see in the background that the "ROCK" is almost round and
quite large. The folks in the foreground didn't want their picture to
show so I "fuzzed" their faces, but wanted to be able to show the
difference in the size of people to the rock."
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/photos/d_den.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
=============================================================
A
reader sent me email this week asking which tree at the courthouse had
the best pecans. I say it is the Success pecan tree in the NW corner of
the property.
http://www.brightok.net/chickasaw/ardmore/county/photos/pecanlst.jpg
I have a new poll suggested by a reader. The question is, "Do you or
your household subscribe to your local newspaper? Why not go to my Poll
Page and cast your vote.
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges/thepolls.html
A few days ago I
heard a rumor that the Fantasy Land Lights at Turner Falls was not going
to happen this year. I talked to a friend at city all at Davis, OK and
she said, "Oh yes". Fantasy Land is open right now for the Christmas
Season. When I was up there the other night, the Fantasy Lights display
is magnificent. If you live in this area why not drive through and see
all the lights, believe me, it is well worth the $1 or $2 donation you
might give at the gate! Okay, load up the van!
Last Saturday night I
got to see Celine's "All The Way" program in its entirety. She sang my
favorite song right now, "To Love You More". Didn't the violinist from
Japan, Mr. Taro Hakase, put on an unforgettable performance? The way he
walked across the stage of Radio City Music Hall!
"Love that song on
your front page and know the song, but the title doesn't come to me."
This was an email I received this week about the midi file that is
playing on my Home Page. "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" was the first released
(1967) by a group called Procol Harum. Like so many things to us teens
in the 60s, a lot didn't make any sense. That applied to this song too,
it didn't make any sense. But it went to number one that year. Why? I
don't know. I do know this country was almost brought down by teens hell
bent on destruction in the 60s. When I watched what was happening in
Seattle last week, my mind flashed back to those riotous days of the
60s. Dejavu all over.
http://www.aisp.net/damor/whiter.html
This
week I was walking into the supermarket and a man and his wife were just
a few steps ahead of me. At the cart holding area he grabbed the
shopping cart and jerked it around and snapped something at this wife, I
wasn't sure what he said but I know it was not good. A little while
later I ran into them again at the dairy case. This couple was probably
in their forties. She had picked up a can of biscuits and asked him
something. He grabbed it from her hand, let out a few more derogatory
words, and threw the biscuit can back and grabbed another brand. Why I
am telling this story is because this is the Christmas Season. It's a
time when people should be the happiest. A time of song and eating and
gifts and love and peace. Say something good to someone you love. Let
peace start within and share it.
See you all next Saturday.
Butch Bridges
Nashobish Ikana
Ardmore, Oklahoma
ICQ Number
7140238
eFax: 781-207-7862
eCode http://bridges.ecode.com
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges
T&T Mirror Site:
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/
Oklahoma Bells:
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/index.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Butch Bridges Saturday,
December 4, 1999 Vol 3 Issue 137
I've received
another one of those great history photos from fellow Ardmoreite Robert
Hensley! It's Ardmore's first birthday held at Whittington Park in
Southeast Ardmore way back on July 28, 1888.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/ard1bd.jpg
Have
you ever wanted to buy stocks online from some of the brokerage houses,
but don't have the $5,000 or $10,000 minimum to open an account? This
brokerage firm does not require any minimum to open an account, and only
$12 per trade. http://www.mydiscountbroker.com/
Last July I was
about 25 miles east of here in Madill, Oklahoma messing around. On the
way back just a couple of miles west of Madill, on the south side of
Highway 70 was a piece of the past just sitting in front of a store. An
old enclosed carriage.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/carriage.jpg
Last
week I told about my sister in OKC going from an internet connection
over the phone lines to an internet connection through her local cable
company. Here's what she said about it: "This is so incredible, it's
hard to believe. I never knew you could go so fast.... Downloads just
blow me away, sometimes you can't even tell you have downloaded
anything... it just whizzes by so fast. Sure is fun, hope you all get it
in Ardmore pretty soon. You would absolutely lllloooovvveee iiiitttt!"
Just west of Ardmore 7 miles, in Lone Grove, Oklahoma, is a
beautiful little gem. It's an old Canadian surrey owned by Nathan and
Shirley Christian. They own Christian's Auction in Lone Grove and the
surrey is parked behind their store.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/surrey.jpg
Several
of you wrote this week telling me where the list of Oklahoma historic
sites could be found on the Net.
look at
http://www.ok-history.mus.ok.us/SHPO/oknrlist.htm
The last few
issues of my T&T, several wrote about the train wreck near Wapanuka,
Oklahoma when all the Texas Schlitz beer was scattered all over the
tracks. Everyone said the accident happened in the Fall of 1961. Guess
what? A resident of the Wapanuka, OK area who has been gone for 30 years
(now in Oregon) has a photo of this infamous train wreck. Here it is, a
one and only photo! A glimpse into the past!
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/twreck.jpg
On the
courthouse grounds there are 13 pecan trees. They were planted about
1910 by the first county commissioner, O.K. Darden. This week, because
of blustery winds, the pecans have really been falling all around the
property. Leland McDaniel, the OSU Extension Agent for Carter County,
went from tree to tree this week and identified each tree by type. This
is a diagram I drew of the location and type of pecan trees at the
Carter County Courthouse from the information Leland provided.
http://www.brightok.net/chickasaw/ardmore/county/photos/pecanlst.jpg
Would you like to see some of the pecans James Lindsey (in maintenance)
and I picked up the past few days? We put them in the Commissioners
Office for visitors to crack and eat when they are visiting the office.
Everyone enjoys cracking their own!
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/pecanoff.jpg
Now
how about a real ghostbuster, like has not been since Dan Aykroyd and
Ernie Hudson. Fearless Yours Truly. hahaha
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/bsbutch1.jpg
SOME
LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"For whoever is interested, I think
somebody still makes Grapette. I had one about five years ago. I think I
found it in Tulsa. And for a decent substitute, DeKuyper's makes a
liqueur called Grape Smash, or something like that (you can't miss it,
the label is bright purple and white and screams at you from fifteen
feet away). Half of that and half Sprite tastes exactly like I remember
Grapette to taste. It's not very high in alcohol, either, so the mixed
drink is about as alcoholic as a glass of wine, or maybe even less. In
any case, it's no trouble at all to have two. :) Go here:"
http://www.nwmangum.com/Grapette/
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, Read with interest , as usual, your news letter. I was very glad
to hear that someone besides me loved and misses grapette. its been the
better part of 45 years since I tasted one of those wonderful drinks. If
anyone finds a source for them please have them let me know. Also
another thing I lived and miss was Rex fruit jelly. Anyone know if they
are still around? If so I would love to find some. I remember my mother
serving hot biscuits and we always had plenty of Rex jelly. I remember
with great fondness a lot of the places mentioned in your news letter.
The Hamburger Inn, the Dew Drop Inn, the Stag Bar, Steels drug, Fedlers
Pharmacy, the old Paramount theater, and the Ritz theater. I skated at
the old rink that used to be at the old swimming pool out by the fair
grounds."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi
Butch. Ever get the "deadly blue screen" or 'Out of memory" error. Go to
http://www.Cnet.com and search for 'RAMBOOSTER". The program will
increase the amount of memory when you need it. It is a free program and
really works."
-------------------------------------------------------------
The
last few T&T you were discussing "Domes" on State Capitol buildings and
why Oklahoma didn't have one. The Oklahoman Archives Section Online"
(http://archives.oklahoman.com), I found an article written by Paul
English, 04/24/1994, for the "Centennial Edition II 1894-1919 Special
Edition" concerning "Reform Politics Launches Territory Into Statehood."
In that same article it talks about many things, but this paragraph is
what I thought was interesting -- "In a special legislative session in
1913, a new Capitol Commission was authorized and $750,000 was
appropriated to begin the work. To secure more funds, the commission was
empowered to sell lands donated by Oklahoma City in the effort to get
the capital. Construction began on July 25, 1914. Because of a shortage
of funds and immediate need for the building, officials deleted plans
for a dome.""
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Dear
Butch, Want to share with you a former industry in Ardmore. The way I
became aware of it was: Several years ago while in Ardmore visiting and
browsing in one of the Antique Malls I ran across a package of homemade
Christmas ornaments. Inside the zip-lock bag was a hand-written note
which read: "These ornaments were made by the NEUSTADT children and sold
in their father's Hardware Store in 1945-1947" (I think these are the
right dates, I have lost the note). Ornaments were so hard for us to get
during the war the dates could have been earlier. The wire appears to be
24 or 26 gauge, painted barn red, and generously sprinkled with red
glitter. The original satin ribbon ties, faded and frayed are 1/8" wide.
Wanted to share with you how pretty they look on my antique feather
tree. If you know or hear of any further information concerning these
ornaments. Would you be kind enough to pass along to me at
[email protected]
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/nstadt2.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hey
Butch, Enjoy reading your column. I see there have been more inquiries
about the Milburn area this week. Allow me to respond to them. One
respondent couldn't find Milburn on his atlas. It is located 7 miles
east of Tishomingo, Oklahoma which is about 40 miles east of Ardmore, in
Southern Oklahoma. One writer has pictures of the wreck and referred to
the mess. The mess was mostly from the 2 tanker loads of grease that
spilled when the rr cars turned over. He mentioned the wreck happened in
the 50's, but I was,as I mentioned, a freshman in college in Tishomingo,
so the wreck was fall of 61 or spring of 62."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"look
at http://www.ok-history.mus.ok.us/SHPO/oknrlist.htm
it is a page on
the Oklahoma historical site"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi
Butch: Can you tell a little history of the Lazy S Ranch? When I was a
10, 11 year old I used to go to the church camp down near Turner Falls
and they took us by church bus over to this ranch. They sat me up on top
of this huge hereford and took my picture. I think of that event in my
life everytime I come home from Dallas or somewhere down that way and
see that rock sign up on that hill."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, The National Register of Historic Places is administered by the
National Parks Service. The site explains all about the National
Register and under the search link you can search for listed properties
by state and county. Carter County has several listings including the
Carter County Courthouse (there's a plaque on the south wall of the west
entrance on the first floor)."
http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/nrhome.html
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Just
a comment about Grapette soda pop, as a kid that was my favorite
beverage. I remember my dad taking us on drives to the Wichita
Mountains, on warm Indian summer days. We would stop at a small country
store, and get a cold soda pop, I always got a grapette. This country
store, was located in Meers, Ok. And is now the home of the famous Meers
Burger. We visited there about a year ago with my son and his family. I
remembered well the country store that sold a few groceries, cigarettes
and chewing tobacco. As we sat in this cafe waiting for our Meers
Burgers I vividly remembered the creaking wooden floor as I walked to
the pop machine which I suppose would be a collectable now, and
retrieving a cold Grapette. I too have wondered what happened to this
brand of soft drink? Is it no longer in existence or simply no
distributors carrying it in this area?"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"A
couple of years back while visiting in Ardmore had heard a "rumor" that
some stores still carried Grapette but we searched to no avail."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hello
Butch. My parents were one of the hundreds going to California during
the depression in search of work. My dad left Caddo County in May of
1937 and my mother, brother, sister and I followed in July. They were
motivated to go because of Flyers or Tracts handed out, telling of the
abundance of work in CA. Would you know where I can get a copy of one of
those Flyers or Tracts. Any help is appreciated."
[email protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch: If any records are available, would you please print something
about the old (back in the 20's) overnight singing sessions. I think
they were at Overbrook, but possibly it was Marietta. My dad and several
members of the family used to perform there every year. They are all
dead now, and I'd love to hear more about that big annual event."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, someone wrote in and wanted to know about a town named 'Page" &
how it got its name: Oklahoma Place Names by GEORGE H SHIRK = PAGE, in
LeFlore County, 12 miles south of Heavner. Post office established April
6, 1896, named for William C. Page, prominent Choctaw."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi
Butch, One of the readers of T&T commented on the whereabouts of that
great drink "Grapette". I was born in Ada, OK but my family moved to
Santa Fe, New Mexico when I was 7 years old. Every summer, we would pack
the family into the car (no air conditioning or Interstate Highways in
those days) and drive to Tishomingo to visit my grandmother, Selena
Thomas and my uncle, aunt and favorite cousins who lived there. One of
my first official acts was to go to downtown Tishomingo and drink a
Grapette and then buy firecrackers, neither of which were available in
Santa Fe. (I used to drive my relatives and parents crazy popping
firecrackers.) By the way, my grandmother, whom we called "Keke", was a
former Johnson County clerk and lived right across the street (on the
old jail side) of the court house for many, many years. Another favorite
thing for my brother and sisters to do during those summer visits were
to chase and capture fireflys on the courthouse grounds."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"My
grandfather, General Jackson (Jack) York married Emma Thompson in York,
OK in 1900. The town of York was named after my great grandfather,
Joseph York who was Postmaster from 1894-1914. It was about 30 miles
south of Ada, OK. The town eventually became a ghost town. Jack and Emma
had a son named Jesse. He was born in Ravia, OK in 1904. The family
later moved to Healdton, OK where Jack worked in powerhouse
(~1915-1920). Any idea how I could find out more historical information
on York, OK. I've attached a school picture of my uncle taken at New
Healdton Primary School ~1917 (Teacher is Mrs. Brace). My uncle, Harlton
Franklin York, is seated ist row 3rd from right. I can find no
information about this school. [email protected]
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/york.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Here's one you'll get a bang out of..." http://www.fedstats.gov
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Don't
know if you ever post classifieds, but I just found this place and they
run your ad for up to 2 months, and you can pick 2 categories. It's alot
better that most of the FFA's I post to. Thought you might want to check
it out."
http://www.4-1-1.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
=============================================================
In
last week's poll I asked if parents should paddle their children. The
YESes are way ahead! And hey, it looks like most people don't like to
eat fruit cake according to my Poll. Now to come up with another poll.
Ideas? http://www.brightok.net/~bridges/thepolls.html
I finally got
my film developed on the photos I took of the new cupola on top of the
courthouse. Here is a pic of the restored dome and new cupola. Looks
more beautiful everyday.
http://www.brightok.net/chickasaw/ardmore/county/photos/newcup1.jpg
Last week I watched Celine Dion's "All The Way" special on TV. Now I
have her newest CD and it's great. She has a lot of moving songs on it.
Why it is that we always have this one song out of all the others on a
CD we like the most? I think 'To Love You More' is the best song she has
on her new CD! Oh and by the way, I was told this week Celine's "All The
Way" special will be aired again Saturday night 12/04/99 on CBS. Guess I
better check that out! Anyway, here is her song 'To Love You More':
'To Love You More' by Celine Dion
"Take me, back into the arms I
love
Need me, like you did before
Touch me once again and
remember when
There was no one that you wanted more
Don't
go, you know you'll break my heart
She won't, love you like I
will
I'm the one who'll stay when she walks away
And you know
I'll be standing here still
I'll be waiting for you
Here
inside my heart
I'm the one who wants to love you more
You will
see I can give you
Everything you need
Let me be the one to love
you more
See me, as if you never knew
Hold me, so you can't
let go
Just believe in me
I will make you see
All the things
that your heart needs to know
I'll be waiting for you
Here
inside my heart
I'm the one who wants to love you more
You will
see I can give you
Everything you need
Let me be the one to love
you more
And some way, all love that
We have can be
saved
But whatever it takes, we'll find a way
Believe in me
I will make you see
All the things that your heart needs to know
I'll be waiting for you
Here inside my heart
I'm the one who
wants to love you more
Can't you see I can give you
Everything
you need
Let me be the one to love you more."
See everyone
next Saturday.
Butch Bridges
Nashobish Ikana
Ardmore,
Oklahoma
ICQ Number 7140238
eFax: 781-207-7862
eCode
http://bridges.ecode.com
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges
T&T
Mirror Site: http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/
Oklahoma
Bells: http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/index.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Butch Bridges Saturday,
November 27, 1999 Vol 3 Issue 136
In my October 30,
1999 issue of T&T, I mentioned that the oldest house in Ardmore may be
at 618 6th Southeast. A friend of mine told me his house is listed on
the National Registry of Historical Places as the oldest house in
Ardmore. I tried several searches on the Net to find this National
Registry, but to no avail. Does anyone know where to find this listings
of Historical Places on the Internet? Anyway, here is a photo of Noel
Mann's house at 323 F Street Southwest here in Ardmore, and it is right
in my neighborhood! It was built in 1887.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/mannhse.jpg
Here
is that pic again of the 1888 house at 618 6th Southeast.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/rouse1.jpg
Ever
wonder about those gobs of files in that "Temporary Internet Files"
directory on your hard drive and what they are? Or should you delete
them? If you do, what will happen?
http://pages.prodigy.net/jdjd/htm/cache.htm
Just a few blocks north
of the old Ardmore High School, 3rd and North Washington, an owl has
taken up residence in a friend's backyard. The owl has been there over a
month. Now keep in mind this is in the middle of downtown Ardmore! I
sure would like to get a photo of this hoot owl, but I don't have a
camera that will take a good night shot. Hint.
SmartSum is a talking
calculator and adding machine that can replace your Windows calculator.
Any entries are spoken out, along with any calculation results. SmartSum
has a scrollable "tally roll", which is similar to a rolling tape. You
can go back and make changes to any entry, add comments, and even
insert and delete entries. Calculations can be saved and re-loaded and
you can even create your own macros. Other features include: the ability
to check off entries, automatic sales tax calculations, ten memory
locations, and the ability to replace the digit vocalization with your
own sound files. http://www.smartcode.com/smartsum/index.htm
Last
week I mentioned the Lazy "S" Ranch 10 miles north of Ardmore at the
foothills of the Arbuckle Mts. This is a photo of the "lazy S Sign" in
the side of the mountain as can be seen going north on I-35.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/lazys.jpg
TWICE AS
NICE. Manage files intuitively with TWinExplorer, a cool tool that
displays two instances of Windows Explorer in a single window. This
makes it a snap to compare the contents of two directories and to easily
drag and drop files between folders. TWinExplorer even adds a few nifty
extras of its own, including a built-in image viewer, speed buttons for
accessing your favorite folders, file-type filtering, and handy shortcut
buttons for performing common file management tasks.
http://www.pepsoft.com/twinx/intro.html
Iceptur Family Edition
Internet Filter blocks pornography, hate and violence, and illicit drug
websites. It also allows you to prevent divulging sensitive personal
information in chatrooms and interactive websites. The database of
inappropriate websites and patterns is updated every week. This is a
full-function evaluation version. It will not expire. For more
information see http://iceptur.com
Here is a listing of the
Brightnet of Oklahoma Access Numbers:
http://www.brightok.net/accessnumbers/
Below is an email I got from
a friend today telling about a utility on the Windows95 CD that can come
in handy:
"Ever wished you could copy and save multi items in
Windows Clipboard then paste all that stuff where your working? Here is
how to archive that..... on your Windows95 CD, in the Other folder, is a
folder for a nifty utility called ClipBook. Clipbook is kind of like
Clipboard on steroids. Not only can you cut and paste to and from it,
you can also save things you've copied into the Clipbook and call them
up anytime you need them. Images are even previewed as thumbnails in
Clipbook.
To install Clipbook, open Add/Remove Programs from Control
Panel. Insert your Windows95 CD and click on the Windows Setup tab. Now
choose Have Disk and browse to D:\Other\Clipbook folder on CD. Select
the .INF file and hit OK.
A dialog box should appear, check the box
and hit OK. Clipbook will now install and a shortcut will be placed into
your Accessories folder under Programs on the Start Menu."
SOME
LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"Hi Butch, OK, you've got my full
attention now. I want to know what it is all about.....those Milburn, OK
Lights? I am doing a lot of family research in the
Milburn/Emet/Tishomingo area. Can you tell me where to look for info on
the Milburn Lights? Some kind of strange phenomenon? Anxiously waiting
for reply."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
can't see a darn thing in that picture taken at Brown Springs. What
should I be looking for? Also, what is the "Nashobish Ikana" name after
your name at the bottom of your newsletter? Could it possibly be an
Indian name that means "Ghost Buster"? "
-------------------------------------------------------------
"When
I was growing up, 1940's early 1950's . the sign on the side of the
mountain read Moss Patterson ---- Lazy S Ranch. I think the S was laying
down tho."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi
Butch, I did not see any Southern Comforts listed. What could be
smoother going down as a soft drink. Well maybe some Kahlua and Cream or
Baileys in Coffee. That stuff you have listed eats nails up. What does
it do to the stomach? Hahahaha. Oops, Sorry. I could not vote on any
this time."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Enjoyed the soft drink poll you featured. It reminded me of something.
Do you remember Grapette? Gosh, it was wonderful! Do you know what
company made Grapette? Just cannot imagine why they ever took it off the
market. Back in the very early 80s, I found a little old service station
at Wilson, Oklahoma that still had Grapette. Went over there often to
buy one. Then the station closed and after that, there was never any
more Grapette. Boy! Would I love to drink one right now!"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, I was just wondering if you or anyone of your readers might know
anything about Page,Ok. Town History? How the town got its name?
Anything along those lines. My Grandpa was from Oklahoma, and my Great
GrandParents lived there all their lives. Their name was Page. I know
there is probably no relation between them and the town but I was just
kinda curious. Look forward to seeing you next Saturday."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Talk
about memorable times. And the big train wreck in Wapanucka. I was a
freshman at Murray A&M (now Murray State) at the time. A friend of mine
(now my brother-in-law) and I went over there. Beat the authorities,
loaded up his 55 chevy with cases and cases of Texas Schlitz beer. Hid
most of it in the woods on my dad's farm northwest of Milburn, carried
some of it back to the dorm, and PARTY time. A couple of weeks later, we
went back to our hiding place to get more beer, and found a couple of
squirrel hunters sitting on our stash, having a good and drunken time.
So, this weeks column has brought back some memories, and a couple of
chuckles. Thanks Butch."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
also remember the train wreck in 195?? I even have some color slides of
the train wreck that I took before it was cordoned off. It was a
mess!!"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi
Butch, Do you have a pic of the finished product (cupola) in place on
top of the court house? Later man."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Happy
to receive yr column from my daughter, in Va who is an Ardmore HS grad,
we are Oklahomans who have been away for many yrs, and enjoy hearing the
news. we would like to hear about how the city has grown, etc.. what the
football team is doing.. who coaches, and all that. what is the
population now.. thanx." [email protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Say
whoa!!!!! I loved the map on the area you had up ,but for some reason I
was not able to download it (print) it out. Sure brought back some fond
memories. In fact I could have added a small road or lane in the
Meadowbrook area that was not on that map. Also my father took us down
to "Blue Lake" which I remember being south or so of Thackerville. Had
the national guard down killing water moccicans (snakes) in the lake as
they were so bad they would get into the house of the family that lived
there. Had thought about buying that place untill we heard of the snakes
being so terrible. I first began reading your site when my brothers ,who
still live in Okla were forwarding it to me and have enjoyed it ever
sence......"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi
Butch, I have read in some of the recent T&T s about the building in
which Dr. Hardy had his first hospital. It not only is historic in that
respect, but also for another reason...in the basement of that same
building there was an establishment named The Dew Drop Inn. Follow the
link below for more."
http://freeweb.pdq.net/bsriner/wobblin.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------
"howdy
butch , hope lifes treatin' you well. i can remember when i was a kid
(probably around 7-10) my parents and my aunt and uncle took us kids and
we all camped on red river right at the tucks ferry for a couple of
weeks. it was kinda hard to get to then but i still remember the dugout
for the ferry guy . i always thought it was a very interesting place.
thinkin' about people crossing on them in the old days."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
WONDER IF BROWN'S FERRY IS THE SAME ONE IN THE SONG BROWN'S FERRY
BLUES?????? I LOVE THAT OLD SONG!"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch: In last week's mail you had a request for info and photo on the
old Squeeze Inn located on east main. Durning the late 50s and all of
the 60s My Captain on the police dept Lawton (Red) Smithers ate his
daily lunch there and at times I joined him I do not have a photo but
the young pretty waitress Mary Barnes is still in Ardmore and now works
at the Total station with her daughter, the station I mention is located
on "P" NE and hwy 199."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"A
black panther has been spotted in the Indianola, Oklahoma area,
(Pittsburg Co.) by deer hunters. A couple of horses were killed sometime
ago and a possibility by the Panther."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
would like to see the Milburn, Oklahoma lights. They sound very
interesting and eerie like the Hornet, OK lights. I do not find Milburn
in my Road Atlas. Where is it located."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
found this searching with the Web Ferret . I was going thru some of your
older pages and I thought you had something in some of your history
about Bud Ballew. And in it is listed Leslie Segler."
http://members.tripod.com/ok_lawmen_outlaws/ballew2.html
-------------------------------------------------------------
"hello
butch, always enjoy your newsletter. i found this sight while killing a
little time this morning and didn't know if you had seen it yet. it
sounds promising, but you never now things you find on the internet.
your loyal subscriber in stonewall, ok"
http://www.ureach.com/loginVCB.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hello
Butch: Adam Jimmy or Adam's Jimmy was a horse and mule trader during the
late middle and later part of the 1800's. He traded mostly with the Army
and was kind of a hermit. He was not married and lived in a small log
cabin that was small and had a pole in the center holding up the roof.
He lived first in a dugout until his cabin was finished. The dugout is
about ten feet from the north side of his cabin. The open prairie area
north of Overbrook, Oklahoma was known as Adam's Jimmy prairie. His
cabin was on the west side of that prairie on the ridge that runs along
the west side. The cabin is gone and nothing remains that shows one was
ever there. However, I know the exact spot where the cabin and dugout
were located. Adam's Jimmy did not retire to the Hot Springs, Arkansas
area as most people believe. He died in a drunken brawl when his skull
was split with a brass stirrup and was buried in the Oil Springs
Cemetery there in Love County."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
will be in Ardmore on December the 11th at the Hastings Bookstore to do
a book signing on the 'Red River Prosecutor'. I enjoy your letter." Ken
Bacon mailto:[email protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
noticed you were of the Choctaw Lineage. I am trying to trace my family
history. I know that my Great-Grandmother was buried on a Choctaw Indian
reservation here in Oklahoma. Any ideas on how I would go about finding
information on this and tracing back further? Any websites? Really enjoy
T&T. Lot's of interesting and helpful info. Thanks!"
[email protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------
"This
is a common misconception; actually, probably a dozen states have
domeless capitols -- New Mexico comes to mind among our closest
neighbors. Louisiana, Florida and Nebraska have little skyscrapers; so
does North Dakota, whose small Capitol is one of the most attractive in
the country. (I do suppose Oklahoma's is the only state where the
Capitol was obviously _intended_ to have a dome, and they just forgot to
finish it!)"
------------------------------------------------------------- "Someone
has put together a listing of every High School in America. You find
your state, find your city, then find your school and graduation year.
Then, add your name and information Soon, you can contact anyone from
your class that is already there. Whoever did this was very
thorough."
http://www.highschoolalumni.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
=============================================================
There was a dedication ceremony last Wednesday of the new cupola on top
of the courthouse here. The Honorable Judge Tom Walker was Master of
Ceremonies.
http://www.ardmoreite.com/stories/112699/new_cupola.shtml
http://www.ardmoreite.com/images/112699/cupola.jpg
My sister in
Oklahoma City will be getting fast Internet access on November 29th
through Multimedia Cable. From what she told me, its going to be
lightning fast! They have three computers networked in her house, and
all three will be using the CableModem, all for $45 per month. More
later.
In last week's Poll, it looks like Dr Pepper is falling
behind. Coke is winning (bearly). But hey, we all know you can't eat a
hotdog garnished with mustard and relish without a Coke!
http://vote.Pollit.com/webpoll2/141793
I live in the "bible
belt" of the United States. Here lately there has been lots of publicity
on whether a parent should spank his/her own child. I know my mother and
grandmother both gave me whoopings, and I probably should have received
more than I did. My mother used a freshly pulled switch from the
hackberry tree in front of our house. I remember getting several
spankings in Grade School, even one paddling from the principal, Mr.
George Connely. When I was in the 5th grade we knew it was against the
rules to play on the grass in front of Washington School, but myself and
Jimmy Echer decided to do it anyway one afternoon. Needless to say we
both got a paddling from the principal. hahaha. When I drive by Mr.
Connely's old house at 610 North Washington, I think about that
paddling. Do you think a parent should spank/paddle their child as a
disaplinary action? (Note: I ask that no one send me email on this
question, but only cast your vote on my Poll Page.)
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges/thepolls.html
A friend in
Thackerville, Oklahoma invited me to a meeting of the Southern Oklahoma
Writers Guild last Monday. We met here in Ardmore at Al and Marion
Sadler's home and I will say it was a delightful experience. I saw one
face I hadn't seen since childhood. And the talent gathered together in
that room of 12 people humbled me. I thought, "what is lowly me doing
here?" But I enjoyed the gathering immensely and if they have patience
with me, maybe that can work a miracle on my writing. I hope to attend
the next meeting. To learn more about this local
writers guild:
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Study/4589/
The "Celine Dion All The
Way, A Decade Of Song" was last Wednesday and guess what, I missed the
first part. My favorite singer's special program and I only got to watch
the last half. Did anyone record it on VCR? I'd sure like to see the
entire show. Celine closed her program with the words from a song by the
late Frank Sinatra. And that's the way I'll close today.......
"Who
know where the road will lead us,
Only a fool would say,
But if
you'll let me love you,
It's for sure I'm gonna love you - all the
way."
See everyone next Saturday!
Butch Bridges
Nashobish Ikana
Ardmore, Oklahoma
ICQ Number 7140238
eFax:
781-207-7862
eCode http://bridges.ecode.com
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges
T&T Mirror Site:
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/
Oklahoma Bells:
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/index.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, November 20, 1999 Vol 3 Issue 135
Two days ago, Thursday, the wind really got up here in Ardmore. We have
12 pecan trees around the courthouse. The past couple of weeks, the
pecans haven't been falling all that much. But when that wind hit (up to
30 mph) they really started falling. Thursday around noon I bet there
were at least 12 people gathering the pecans. Me and James (in
maintenance) have been gathering them nearly every morning too. We have
nearly a box full now at the county commissioners office for visitors
who stop by. So come on by and have a pecan on us.
On the west side
of the courthouse (front entrance) there is a granite stone on the
ground by the sidewalk. It reads: "O.K. Darden, Pioneer in Pecan
Improvement". O.K. Darden was one of the first county commissioner here
from 1907 - 1912 and a promoter of pecans as a good cash crop for the
area. By looking at all the pecan trees in this county, it looks like
his endeavor paid off. The best tree is on the northwest side. Most of
the trees are what I call 'papershell native pecans". Pecan anyone?
A friend brought by an old map of Love county, Oklahoma this week.
Marietta is the county seat of Love county located in south-central
Oklahoma along the Red River. Looks like there were about 12 ferry
crossings across the Red River many years ago. I see on the map the
ferry crossing by Browns Springs was called Browns Ferry. But the
springs is given the name Refuge Springs. I notice on the map south of
Ardmore on Highway 77 just over into Love county is "Adam Jimmy House".
I wonder what that was??? I may need to make a little trip south and
check that out! If any of you see something on the map that reminds you
of bygone days, I'd like to hear about it!
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/lovemap.jpg
I
noticed on the map the community of Enville, Oklahoma (eastern Love
county). I was searching some old newspaper archives the other day
around 1917, and read a paragraph about Enville. For several years the
black bear was thought to be extinct in the Enville area. But in 1917 a
farmer near Enville shot and killed a black bear. Interesting. But I'm
sure they are gone now. Sad.
DONE DOWNLOADING? Disconnector can hang
up your Internet connection or play a sound once your downloads are
complete. It works intelligently alongside your favorite Web browser,
download manager, or FTP client.
http://www.pixiesoft.com/disconnector.htm
Most of you will remember
on Halloween, October 31, a group of us had an excursion trip to Browns
Springs south of Thackerville, Oklahoma. One of those who took the trip
had a camera, and after getting her film developed, was astonished at
the image in her photo. I saw it immediately!
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/bstour.jpg
This
week the sheriffs office here had their jail management program updated
to a Windows format, and ready for the year 2000. The company who
produces the software, Evercom, sent Paul from their Dallas office up
here this week to do the update. He did a great job and the employees
are excited and learning all the updated features of their jail booking
program.
Before 1907 (Statehood) Ardmore boasted a skating rink like
has never been since. It was called the Royal Roller Rink and was
located where the present day Lincoln Center stands. The building was
10,200 square feet, with a seating capacity for 2,500 people and had 500
roller skates.
The new cupola on top of the courthouse is now
lighted. If you are in the area and happen to be downtown at night,
drive by and see how beautitful the dome is with the light in the
cupola!
Ardmoreite Robert Hensley sent in a 1910 postcard he has of
the Fourth of July Parade in Ardmore. Really nice. At the far right is
the old Hardy Hospital. That building still stands today in the
northwest corner of East Main and Caddo streets.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/ard41910.jpg
SOME
LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"Butch, thanks for putting a pic on
here of the school that burned. I did catch it up here in the city but
they never did show any pics of it. I am sorry that Ardmore lost another
old building."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"My
wife and I are doing our family histories, and we need a photo of the
old Squeeze Inn Cafe that was located at 119 E. Main....between The
Barber Shop and Greenberg's Jewelry Store. My wife's grandma owned it
for almost 10 years, in the '60's and early '70's. If you don't have
one, any ideas who might????"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Always enjoy your news letter. Oklahoma Capital Bldg is the only one
without a dome, is it not? There is so much history around us we fail to
appreciate it. I was down at the cemetery at Willis to see a great great
aunt's grave and recalled the story of how that and many other
cemeteries and of course families were moved when the dam for Lake
Texhoma was built. Thanks again for doing the news letter!"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi,
Butch. Intended to write you last week to let you know that I really
enjoyed the B.S. trip on 10/31. At one point...for just a minute or so
on the trip back, the hair on my neck became alive and about 6 inches on
both sides of my knees just turned to jello. It was so weird. Sherrie
grabbed the digital and started shooting photos in every direction. We
are still contemplating them. The other reason that I intended to write
you last week was after I read the excerpt about the lights. When I was
in high school (early 60's), I can remember hearing tales of the Milburn
lights. We planned to go there every Saturday night; however, some
good-lookin hunk usually drove down Healdton Main Street and diverted
our attention. We never did get to go see the Milburn lights but I've
always remembered. We were not deterred, however, when we heard about
the Wapanucka train wreck. Remember that one?"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I am
the coordinator for the Oklahoma Lawmen and Outlaw page for the Oklahoma
Gen Web Project. Would like to have any information that could be added
to this web site for the Oklahoma Genealogy Researchers. Check out the
page titled: Lawmen and Outlaws - Oklahoma and Indian Territory."
http://marti.rootsweb.com/law/law.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I do
wish you could figure out something to do other than xzoom so we could
all open and see the pictures. A few you have that don't say xoom I can
see."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"It
appears that the Happy99 Virus is going around again. Attached is a link
where there is a fix for this virus. All you need to do is click on the
link and download this file. Save it to disk. To your root directory. (
i.e. C:\ ) Once you have done this you are ready to remove the virus.
Now go to start | shut down | restart in MS-Dos mode. Once in MS-DOS
mode type in cd\ and hit enter. Now type in hapy99 and follow the
instruction on the screen."
http://www.redriver.net/~robertp/Hapy99.bat
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Well
I did it, I got me of of those high speed ADSL telephone lines, now I
can pull up the pictures on your site without having to wait a long
time. Sometimes it would seem to take forever to get anything to come
up, so a lot of times I would not click on those blue lines if I was
running short of time."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Discovered sometime recently that sure came in handy while I was away
from home. I could still check my email and get your column. A friend
told me to go to http://mailstart.com/ and when it came up all I had to
do was enter my email name and my passcode. I could read the mail, then
elect to save, forward, reply or delete it. I have used it while I am
switching my ISP, that way I don't miss any email while I notify
everyone of the change of email address."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi
Butch, have been enjoying your paper the last couple of weeks that we
have been receiving it. I just wanted to mention about the Scivally
family. I wouldn't argue the point but what research I have been able to
uncover is that in the late 1800"s the Scivally family did own some
property on what is now the LAZY S RANCH. I have heard that the
Scivally's called their place the "Flying "V" Ranch". I have seen the
Flying V painted on and old barn where a new addition had been added on.
The information I have is that the Cal Washburn family purchased the
ranch from the Scivally's about the turn of the century. Cal Washburn's
son C.F. once told me that his father purchased a herd of cattle out of
North Texas from the estate of Col. C.C. Slaughter who branded the" Lazy
S "on all of his cattle in Texas. At one time this brand was on more
cattle in Texas than any other brand. In Texas it is also sometimes
referred to and a" Long S". C.F. told me that his father Cal liked the
brand on the cattle and adopted it to use on his cattle. That is the
story I have been able to uncover on how the LAZY S RANCH got it's name.
The Washburn family later sold the ranch and moved to Hennepin. The
"Lazy S " brand stayed here and they acquired another brand." Tom Rankin
Sr. General Manager LAZY S RANCH Springer, OK
-------------------------------------------------------------
Hello
Butch.... Do you have a picture of the old swinging bridge in
Tishomingo??? I seem to recall a year or so ago something be said about
it. I found this on old calendar in some of my mother's
things."
http://www.brightok.net/~lwmac/bridge.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
"hey
man, check this out.... everything you ever wanted to know about
bigfoot. even what they sound like. (saw this on tv and found the site)"
http://www.moneymaker.org/BFRR/index.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------
"When
I was in high school (early 60's), I can remember hearing tales of the
Milburn, Oklahoma lights. We planned to go there every Saturday night;
however, some good-lookin hunk usually drove down Healdton (OK) Main
Street and diverted our attention. We never did get to go see the
Milburn lights but I've always remembered. We were not deterred,
however, when we heard about the Wapanucka, Oklahoma train wreck.
Remember that one? It was a trainload of beer...surely you remember. I
think every young person this side of the Mississippi heard about it. By
the time we got there, however, it was cordoned off. We never saw the
train, never saw the beer but we sure did meet a lot of people from all
over the place! Now, really... that was the best part about it!"
-------------------------------------------------------------
=============================================================
Okay. A number of you wrote in and asked what the words Nashobish Ikana
designated. Being of Choctaw lineage, a friend gave me this Indian name.
It means "Wolf's Friend". And now you know.
I'm going to try and
have some kind of poll every Saturday. This week the poll is on "What's
your favorite soft drink." I'm open to any suggestions for future polls.
For now, I hope everyone will go to the link below and cast your
vote.
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges/thepolls.html
Thanksgiving will be here in a few days, a time to spend with loved
ones. We should all take a few minutes that day and reflect back on the
good things and look forward with optimism the days ahead. This week I
received a Royal Mint medallion I ordered honoring Princess Diana.
Written on the enclosure is the following:
Time is too slow for
those who wait,
To swift for those who fear,
To long for those
who grieve,
To short for those who rejoice,
But for those who
love, it is eternity.
See everyone next Saturday.
Butch
Bridges
Nashobish Ikana
Ardmore, Oklahoma
ICQ Number
7140238
eFax: 781-207-7862
eCode http://bridges.ecode.com
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges>br> T&T Mirror Site:
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/
Oklahoma Bells:
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/index.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, November 13, 1999 Vol 3 Issue 134
On February 13, 1946 a tornado came across Main Street in Ardmore.
Besides destroying some buildings around Main and Washington streets, it
destroyed the cupola on top of the courthouse. On Saturday November 6,
1999 a brand new cupola was raised by Eddie Johnson Crane Service out of
Ratliff City, Oklahoma to the top of the courthouse. I was in the post
office the other day and overheard a man and lady talking. She said the
courthouse looks so "majestic now that it's copper dome has been
restored". And now with the cupola being restored after 53 years, it
truly is back to it's original intent and purpose. I have a webpage
dedicated just to the courthouse cupola. On it are several photos I took
the day it was raised into place.
http://www.brightok.net/chickasaw/ardmore/county/cupola.html
Here is
an article and photo in last Sunday's Ardmoreite about the new
cupola.
http://www.ardmoreite.com/stories/110799/new_crown.shtml
This week I received the latest edition of the OklahombreS. The
OklahombreS is an Oklahoma organization dedicated to preserving lawman
and outlaw history of Indian Territory. They now have a membership of
over 200 strong, all working together to keep this segment of Oklahoma's
past alive. If you or anyone you know is an avid lawman/outlaw fan, I
would urge you to be a member of this unique 10 year old
organization.
http://www.oklahombres.org
The Bogus Check
Division of the DAs Office here has now moved into their new offices in
the Colston Building. CableOne of Ardmore put in the fiber optic lines
as a public service so the ladies could have access to their data at the
courthouse one block away via the computer network. This makes at least
the third time CableOne has helped Carter County Government at no
charge. They just may have turned us into the largest data network in
the area, connecting all our downtown buildings with fiber cabling. A
big "Thank You" to General Manager David Wall, employees Bill Reynolds,
Virgil and the rest of the gang at CableOne of Ardmore for making it all
possible!
I've been having a blast with dialpad.com calling everyone
in the country, and for free too! The sound has been real good. You do
need IE 5 or Netscape 4.5 or better since dialpad.com is using java
scripts. The person you are calling doesn't even need a computer!
http://www.dialpad.com
An anonymous virus writer who is apparently
an avid "Seinfeld" fan has created a virus -- actually a
self-replicating worm -- that can spread itself through a user's
Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express client. The worm, called
"BubbleBoy" in an apparent reference to a "Seinfeld" episode, is unlike
anything that anti-virus software vendors have seen to this point. It
doesn't rely on an attachment. Instead, all a user has to do is open an
e-mail. An embedded Visual Basic Script command attaches itself to the
Outlook address book and mails the e-mail to everyone in the address
list. Currently, the virus is considered low-risk by most anti-virus
vendors, but many of them view this as a harbinger of worse things to
come. To protect yourself, download and install the Microsoft Internet
Explorer Scriptlet. "Scriptlet.typlib/Eyedog" Vulnerability Patch,
Windows 95/98/NT Freeware:
http://www.softseek.com/files/review?INWEBR27392sw
SOME LETTERS FROM
THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"Hey Butch, Thanks again for the wonderful
letter you post each week. I have tried several different off site
mailings to be able to see the XOOM pictures. I can get the text ones
with no problem. Tonight, I decided to type in the URL and Presto! I got
pictures. Duh, some of us aren't as fast as others. I am so glad I did
in order to see the LA canebreak. My grandparents had one in their back
yard on B St SE when I was a kid. And it was hot and airless in there,
but what a wonderful fantasy place for a little boy. My grandmother
eventually had it cut out in the early 50's. I enjoyed reading the
account of the bear hunt. The Mr Mcillheney of Avery Island is the
family that produces Tabasco. Avery Island is the main headquarters.
Located on a salt mound in South Louisiana below Lafayette. It is also
home to an Egret preserve and have some wonderful bamboos and cane
gardens on the property. One of the later Mr McIllheney's is responsible
for the vast invasion of nutria in South Louisiana. Glad your trips to
Brown Springs was a success. Keep up the good work."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
don't have a clue as to the actual history or age of the KVSO building
but this much I can tell you from memory. Before it was used for a
radio station it had been commonly referred to as "Home Beautiful". It
was a private residence and in fact, as a boy, I had a friend that lived
there by the name of Elmer Moore. When the building was used as the KVSO
studio, what is now known as NW Blvd. was commonly referred to as KVSO
road."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch! What a beautiful sight to see the Courthouse Dome all bright &
shinny and NOW with the Cupola in place it is especially beautiful. I
would be surprised if there is anyone living that has ever seen the
Courthouse looking as regal as it does today. You deserve most of the
credit for this chore being accomplished. Even a Citation, a bronze
plaque, a commendation or any award would not be sufficient to show the
appreciation the citizens of Carter County owe one BUTCH BRIDGES. You
are truly a mover & shaker and it amazes me how much you have done for
the folks - much of which is never revealed to the public. It is good
for me to say that you are my friend."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch
I just got up, turned on the coffee pot and the computer, downloaded my
e-mail and starting reading your T&T news letter. Checked out the
picture that your friend took with her digital camera while visiting
Brown's Springs. Butch, there is something to this place. And from my
6th sense, It's not a good feeling that I am picking up from there. My
first impression is that it has ET presence there. The reason that I say
this is from the 'image' that continues to appear. I would be curious to
know if in your picture and then again compared to her's, is the image
appearing in the same spot or is it a random thing? Only appearing in
the area the picture was taken or related to the whole area?"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hello. I was reading your info about the cemeteries around the
Thackerville area. I am researching my family name of Shurbet. Do you
have any information on any Shurbets in that area? Or any other listings
of the people buried in other cemeteries besides the Brown Springs one?
Any information or links you could send me would be very helpful and
greatly appreciated. I am especially looking for a connection to the
Shurbet name and Cherokee Indians. Do you have any cemetary listings of
where the Cherokee were buried, or any links that might be helpful?"
[email protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hey
dude, I wasn't able to go last time due to the fact I was working at the
ambulance service, let me know the next time you go, I want to go."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"VISIT
YELLOWSTONE FROM ANYWHERE, ANYTIME (WYOMING, MONTANA, IDAHO) -- Visiting
Yellowstone National Park online now has new meaning with the start-up
of two WebCams located at Old Faithful and the Mammoth Hot Springs area.
The Old Faithful WebCam sends a real-time image every 35 seconds,
allowing online visitors the opportunity to watch the famous geyser
erupt from the comfort of their homes, offices, and classrooms. The
Mammoth Webcam affords visitors a chance to view the Mammoth Hot Springs
Terraces, and occasionally catch Elk and other wildlife in the area. The
WebCams were donated by Stardot Technologies of Buena Park, California,
and Cool Works of Gardiner, Montana. The WebCams can be found at the
following Web addresses:"
http://www.nps.gov/yell/oldfaithfulcam.htm
http://www.nps.gov/yell/mammothcam.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------
"...And, saw the part about strange goings on in Coalgate and Hornet. I
never heard of Hornet, but we had some strange lights in Bold Springs,
Oklahoma which is north and east of Milburn. Sometime at night strange
lights would appear with no known explanation. Haven't been back that
way in years, so don't know if it still happens. If you have readers in
or around Tishomingo/Milburn area, maybe they could update us...."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch. Good Afternoon! Was just looking over your Carter County
website, and I noticed you had a page for pictures of other courthouses
here in Oklahoma. Attached is a picture of Washington County's
courthouse (Bartlesville, OK) that we had taken about a month or so ago.
It is a black and white picture because we were at the time only taking
it for a flyer the courthouse was putting out. Feel free to crop it or
re-size it if you need to. Anyways, thanks a lot, and keep up the good
work - the site looks great!!"
http://www.brightok.net/chickasaw/ardmore/county/photos/washco.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi.
In take picture of Ardmore. Have you ever run into this family Scivally.
James Calvin Scivally the preacher in Ardmore and Marietta about 1895.
he was my great grandfather. The Lazy S ranch, the S stands for Scivally
family. James uncle or cousin own the ranch. James and his wife Mattie
had a daughter there name Margaret Ural Scivally. There was a Luther and
Virginia Watts there at the same time. Their son was Emmett Edgar Watts
here was born in 1892. Ural and Emmett would later married in Greer
County, Ok. The Monkres family that live there were Virginia Watts
family. The Scivally stills live in Ardmore area. I don't if any Watts
or Monkres still live there. At one time my Green family also live in
Love County. There might be some still there. Now my Stewart live in
McCurtain County, Ok. Here is my webpage:"
http://www.angelfire.com/mo2/janetsgenealogy
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Appreciate the info and if you get a chance take a look at the new
webpage. I've been working on it once again after a prolonged "I don't
wanna touch another computer" stage. Its a little slanted towards MSIE
but only because Netscape doesn't support some of the things I am doing.
LawSearch! Police Tools-Search Engine-Chat"
http://www.chickasaw.com/~waedens/
IACIS Computer Forensics DSC, DPC
Certified
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
will start with an Ardmore, I.T. postcard of the Union depot train
station before it was destroyed in the explosion of 1915. I think your
readers will enjoy this pic. It's from around 1898 and colorized for
Hoffman drug store, Ardmore, I.T."
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/arddepo.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Do
you know of any site where I can obtain daily temperature data for
Ardmore. I am specifically interested in November and March."
-------------------------------------------------------------
=============================================================
I
was at the grocery store this week and found some bread that's different
from the run-of-the-mill breads. It is by Grants Farms and called
Cornflour Bread. I put butter on it, and boy, I think it sure has a
great taste!
Talk about bread, when I was a wee lad in the 60s
living on 3rd Northeast here in Ardmore, a block south of our house was
John Small's Bakery. John and Eileen Small lived almost right across the
street from us at 816 3rd NE (we lived at 805 3rd). Before going to
school in the mornings, I'd go outside for a few minutes, many times,
I'd see John Small walking to his bakery at 204 "H" Street Northeast.
He'd be whistling. And loud too. You could hear him whistling his way to
work for two blocks. But what I remember most after coming home from
Washington Elementary School, was smelling that bread baking. My mother
would give me a nickle and I'd walk to Small's Bakery, employees Charlie
Bailey or Joe Smith would take brown wrapping paper and wrap up a hot
loaf of bread, I'd rush home with it, my mother would take a butcher
knife, split the top of that hot bread, and put in the butter.... we'd
make a meal out on it!
I mentioned above about my old grade school,
Washington Elementary. Last Thursday, November 11th, it burned down.
Sad.
http://www.ardmoreite.com/stories/111199/new_fire.shtml
Here's the way Washington School looked when I attended.
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges/washschl.jpg
"It is easier to
build strong children than to repair broken men."
---Frederick
Douglass
See everyone next Saturday!
Butch Bridges
Nashobish Ikana
Ardmore, Oklahoma
ICQ Number 7140238
eFax:
781-207-7862
eCode http://bridges.ecode.com
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges
T&T Mirror Site:
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/
Oklahoma Bells:
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/index.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, November 6, 1999 Vol 3 Issue 133
Last
week I mentioned finding probably the oldest house still standing in
Ardmore. The owner, Mr. Rouse, says it was built in 1888 or there
abouts. This is the north side of the house.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/rouse1.jpg
South
side of the house, with the metal roof and decor.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/rouse2.jpg
This is
the old stairway in the house with a portal window.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/rouse3.jpg
One
more interesting thing about this old house. Mr. Rouse has probably the
only Louisiana Canebreak growing in the backyard.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/canebrak.jpg
And from "In the Louisiana Canebreaks" by Theodore Roosevelt: The
canebreaks stretch along the slight rises of ground, often extending for
miles, forming one of the most striking and interesting features of the
country. They choke out other growths, the feathery, graceful canes
standing in ranks, tall, slender, serried, each but a few inches from
his brother, and springing to a height of fifteen or twenty feet. They
look like bamboos; they are well-nigh impenetrable to a man on
horseback; even on foot they make difficult walking unless free use is
made of the heavy bush-knife. It is impossible to see through them for
more than fifteen or twenty paces, and often for not half that distance.
Bears make their lairs in them, and they are the refuge for hunted
things."
http://pantheon.cis.yale.edu/~thomast/texts/cane/cane.html
Are you annoyed by some of the workings of Windows 95/98? If so,
this site has lots of help to get rid of the clutter.
http://www.annoyances.org
Found a great photo on the Net of the old
Convention Hall that was located in Ardmore where the present day Civic
Auditorium sits.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/conv20.jpg
JetCar
is a downloading utility that splits files into many parts and downloads
them all simultaneously in order to speed up downloading time. Version
0.72 beta supports multiple file links and integrates more closely with
your Web browser.
http://jetcar.163.net/en/
And here's a pic of
the old KVSO radio station here in Ardmore. Back then it was located at
Chickasaw Blvd and Northwest Ave.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/kvsopic.jpg
My dad
used to have a weekly radio broadcast from this building when he played
his guitar on live radio back in the 30s.
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges/rguitar2.jpg
You can make free
phone calls from your web browsers to any telephone in the US. Now, you
don't have to disconnect from the Internet to make a phone call. Just
come to dialpad.com and make free unlimited long distance calls. You
don't have to download and install anything. Just come to dialpad.com.
With its Java/Web technology, everything is automated. Enjoy!
http://www.dialpad.com/
I received an interesting email about
some strange things going on near Coalgate and Hornet, Oklahoma. I don't
know what to think, but it sounds interesting. Anybody know anything
more about these mysteries?
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/coalgate.txt
For as long
as anyone can remember, there has always been a Stolfa's Hardware Store
at East Main and Mill Street. This is an old Standard Computing Scales
there in the store.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/scales.jpg
The
Ducks Unlimited banquet in Ardmore is being held November 18, 1999 at
the Hardy Murphy Coliseum. I've been attending for several years, and I
will say it is a lot of fun. Tickets are available at Jerry's Gun Shop
on Grand Ave. Hope to see some of you there. http://www.ducks.org/
The two excursion to Browns Springs last weekend was interesting. 15
brave souls went Saturday afternoon. Another 32 people visited the
Springs on Sunday. And the Sunday Oklahoman had a write up about Browns
Springs. You can read all about that and the Marietta, Oklahoma Monitor
newspaper article at the link below.
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges/brownspr.html
Talk about something
strange. A friend in Healdton, Oklahoma went to the Browns Springs
excursion last Sunday afternoon, and took some photos with her digital
camera. Here's one she took that she said has another image in it. I can
see it.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/bsstone2.jpg
Another friend let me take a pic of her back door here in Ardmore. She
said everyone who comes over to their house and sees this door, sees a
weird image on it. hahahahaha
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/thedoor.jpg
SOME
LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"Someone inquired about the Woodmen
of the World in this week's "THIS & THAT." I read in the World Book
Encyclopedia once about the Woodmen. It was an insurance
fraternity...."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"After
reading about Meals on Wheels .. you're making me think about
volunteering to deliver the meals .. I'm a widow now ..and have a lot of
time ..of course, I'm a nerdette and just glued to the PC ..but .. but.
I know to really be happy, you need to give of yourself .. Guess it's
time for me to start."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, in your article on oldest house in Ardmore you said it was built
around 1887-88. If I remember my history, that is not just after the
Civil War. The Civil War was 20+ years before that."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi,
my folks joined WOW sometime in the 1960's. The Woodsmen sold some kind
of life insurance - my parents paid a initial sum of a few thousand
dollars and about all I can remember is that when daddy died we had a
heck of a time collecting."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch
I thank that woodsmen of the world is a faternal Org. such as The IOOF
the International Order of Odd Fellows at least that is what I remember
My father explaining to me he said he was a woodsmen of the world I ask
what was that then he explained it to me. boy I learn something new
everytime I get your newsletter. I thought California was the only place
that had it's faults I stand corrected but they dont have them like we
do I survived the Loma Preata earthquake 7.1 on the Richter scale and we
just had a 7.5 down south we are all shook up out here"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Wow!
You made the Sunday Oklahoman with your trip to the cemetery (which I
offered to attend, but you would not send me a ROUND-trip ticket."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, was out driving around last week-end and ran across an old bell
you may not be aware of. It is located in someone's front yard at the
end of the service road which goes by Camp Classen. You might want to
check it out, I'm sure it would have a great story behind it. We turned
off interstate 35 at the Davis exit-I think this would be exit 51. You
want to turn back to your left (do not cross the washita river) look for
the sign that says Camp Classen, follow this road but do not turn into
the camp itself, keep going North (you'll cross a WPA 1937/1938 concrete
bridge) keep going North till you dead end. The beautiful home with the
bell will be just after you cross a cattle guard."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi,
This site is a collection of Windows *.dlls (especially Win95). These
dll files are here so if you are having difficulties running a program
because of a missing or defective *.dll, you will have a place to turn
to. Bookmark this url you may find it of use someday."
http://solo.abac.com/dllarchive/index.html
-------------------------------------------------------------
"A few
weeks ago I received a copy of your paper called This and That and am
wondering how I could get a subscription to it. I was raised in Ardmore
and enjoyed the hamburgers so much at the Hamburger Inn that I was
spoiled to their burgers and haven't had a decent one since leaving
Ardmore."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi
Butch just was looking at all the wonderfull things in oklahoma. I was
born in Chickasha. I lived most of my life in Tishomingo. I still have 2
daughters and my mother lives there. I now live in Boothville la a place
i dont like very much i guess im just an old oklahoma woman all the way
around and now when i get home sick i will look at your web site for i
love Ardmore and all the things there and i miss them all so much."
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
On
Tuesday night, Nov 2nd, I had an experience I won't soon forget. A
friend invited me up to the Arbuckle Mountains north of Ardmore where he
lives. In pitch darkness, five of us went into the mountains in search
of Bigfoot. He pointed out to me several interesting things but I won't
go into detail right now. My eyes were opened to some fascinating stuff
concerning this well publicized mystery. Fact or fiction? I don't know.
But I was glad we were all heavily armed with rifles and the people who
took me were highly knowledgeable and trained. Unless one is in that
situation, in that darkness, and in that unknown, one can not imagine
the trust five people can have in each other, relying on each other to
come out of there safely. His wife even pleaded with us not to go that
night. Maybe someday I will know more, and can tell you more.
By the
time most of you read this issue, hopefully the new cupola will be
already installed on top of the courthouse dome. It's going to be
beautiful. More next week.
"I have not failed. I've just found
10,000 ways that won't work." -- Thomas Edison
See everyone next
Saturday!
Butch Bridges
Ardmore, Oklahoma
ICQ Number
7140238
eFax: 781-207-7862
eCode http://bridges.ecode.com
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges
T&T Mirror Site:
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/
Oklahoma Bells:
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Butch Bridges Saturday, October
30, 1999 Vol 3 Issue 132
Sometimes I just can't help
but give credit where credit is do. Several months ago my 88 year old
aunt and uncle here in Ardmore had gotten so homebound because of their
deteriorating bodies, neither were able to go buy groceries anymore.
They were literally running out of food and too proud to ask for help.
Nor would they take any help if someone offered. Over several weeks I
had nearly worried myself sick wondering what to do. I called the
director of the Southern Oklahoma Nutrition Center here in Ardmore,
Stella Newsom. They have a Meals On Wheels Program. After several
attempts, because my aunt would not accept help, Ms. Newsom had to give
up trying to put them in the Meals On Wheels Program. So, we had to fall
back and regroup. I called Ms. Newsom again in a few weeks (after I had
built up my aunt's psyche to try the program) and she said there was a
waiting list for the Wheels On Meals Program but would put them on the
list. A month later just like she promised, Stella visited my aunt and
uncle, got them enrolled in the program, and now they both get a
nutritious meal everyday delivered to their door. There are so many
government waste programs out there, but I believe the Meals On Wheels
for the elderly and shut-ins is a Godsend. It was to me. I couldn't find
an Oklahoma webpage dedicated to Meals On Wheels, but I did find this
one that told a heart touching story of the Meals On Wheels volunteers
across this nation. They just may be angels.
http://www.rmc.com/gbu/gpcp/consumer/hot_topics/mow/why_volunteer.html
If you can't pull up the wav file below, here are the words to the
song: "I believe there are angels among us, sent down to us from
somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours, to
show us how to live, to teach us how to give and guide us in the light
of love."
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/angels.wav
NEVER FORGET A BIRTHDAY
ClickTray Calendar is a free calendar and
reminder utility that runs in the System Tray area of your taskbar.
Simply enter notes on your calendar, and when Windows starts up,
ClickTray Calendar shows you the current day's reminders.
http://www.waseo.de/en/Products/Freeware1/freeware1.html
THE TECH CORNER
For
those of you who have Windows 95, you may want to go to Microsoft's
Website and download the y2k fixes if you haven't done so already and
get ready for midnight December 31st.
1. go to
http://www.microsoft.com/windows95
2. look in the center of the
screen for the word "DOWNLOAD"
3. below that word is "Windows 95
Year 2000 Update"
4. click that link and then click NEXT then click
DOWNLOAD
Save the file to your hard drive where you can find it
after the download completes. The file name is win95y2k.exe and it's 2.2
megs in size. When I installed it on my computer I told it NOT to update
my Windows Explorer at this time. To only update my Windows 95 files.
The download only takes about 15 minutes and the install about 5
minutes.
THE 7" MEERS BURGER
About 12 miles north of Lawton,
Oklahoma is the wee town of Meers. Meers has been the location of a
seismograph center since before statehood (1907). But what many do not
know, is tucked away in the side of that mountain is probably the best
hamburger in Oklahoma. The 7" burger is made from family raised Texas
Longhorn cattle that are free of chemicals, hormones, etc. So step back
in time to the Meers Family Restaurant in Meers, Oklahoma.
http://www.oklahomaadventureguide.com/greatplainscountry/places/meers_st
ore.html
From January 1, 1977 through August 12, 1990 there were 695
earthquakes in 64 of Oklahoma's 77 counties. The most seismic ally
active areas of Oklahoma are from near the Red river in Love county,
north to Garvin county, Oklahoma and in the El Reno and Kingfisher,
Oklahoma areas.
THE OLDEST HOUSE IN ARDMORE?
This week I talked
to the owner of probably the oldest house in Ardmore. He says it was
built around 1887/1888, right after the Civil War. And the location of
this old house is where people would least expect. Next week I will
reveal where this house is and show some pics to everyone! (I don't have
them developed yet.) This may be the oldest treasure in Ardmore.
VIRUSES ARE STILL CIRCULATING
A friend brought me a diskette this
week and on it was some files he wanted me to look at. He does not even
have a computer nor how to turn one on. After he left I had this feeling
I should check it for a virus. I used my InocculateIT Virus Program to
check the diskette and it found the Form Virus. InocculateIT removed the
Form virus safely and easily. I hope everyone is checking their
computers for viruses before its too late. Get your free virus checker
here:
http://antivirus.cai.com/
BOGUS CHECK DIVISION RELOCATES
The Bogus Check division of the DAs Office here in Ardmore has moved
from the courthouse to the 2nd floor of the Colston Building at #10 West
Main. Sharon, Beth and Vicki moved yesterday and are trying to get
everything setup again. They are suppose to have Open House soon, I'll
let everyone know and maybe some of you who live nearby can stop by.
They are some great ladies.
THE BROWNS SPRINGS GREEN LIGHT
The
little excursion to Browns Springs in Love County, Oklahoma is still a
go. Several have wrote in saying they plan to be there.
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/photos/bsprmap.jpg http://www.brightok.net/~bridges/brownspr.html
Several of us are going to go to Lindsay, Texas (4 miles west of
Gainesville, TX) and eat at the Smokehouse BBQ. We plan to be there
about 11:30am or so. Anyone who wants to join us are welcome! Just ask
for the Browns Springs group! It might rain a little Saturday afternoon,
so bring your umbrellas. The temp at Browns Springs is going to be
cooler.... 62 degrees. Here's a Halloween feature story the Marietta
Monitor did this week on Browns Springs and my webpage.
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/photos/monitor.jpg
SOME
LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"The Pharmacy in the Simpson
Building was not the Reavis Pharmacy - take my word for it. was the
"Ardmore Pharmacy" and was owned by Mr. T.A. Gravitt - not Reavis"
-------------------------------------------------------------
Some
of your readers may find this of Interest. I lived there (Lake Murray)
from around 1946 until 1963 when I joined the Navy.
http://www.ou.edu/special/ogs-pttc/murray.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Are
you aware of the white buffalo (not an albino) born about three years
ago--I think in Oklahoma. His birth is considered a good omen to the
Native Americans."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"My
dad James (Jim) was a plumber at lake murray. We first lived between the
lodge turnoff and the boatdock turnoff next to the original Horse
stable, west side of the road. Scenic 77 was dirt then. we next lived
north of the lodge turnoff at what was called sp-11. east side of the
road close to what later become Tipps Point. Then we lived at Buzzards
Roost in the first rock house on the right. What beautiful memories.
I've traveled all over and that's still the most beautiful place to me.
Of course it was my home. I washed dishes and drove a garbage truck at
the lodge for 50 cents per hr. My 1st job was at the Tee Pee house cafe
in 1957. I was 11 then. When I graduated from the 8th grade at
Overbrook, we were down to one room."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"BUTCH. WENT TO OSWALT CEMETERY SAT. MARKER MRS WILSON FIXED IS NICE
JOB. I HAVE MANY KINFOLKS BURRIED THERE. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TO BROWN
SPRINGS CEMETARY. HOPE YOU HAVE FUN ON YOUR TRIP."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I am
very interested in going to your tour of Brown Springs. Hum will all the
fuss over the Blair Witch Project seems like we could make a movie there
of our own. If you have not seen the movie all you need is just a
camcorder to make mega bucks."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Do
you know anything about the Woodsmen of the World? He and a son, have
large grave markers with that inscription. I was born at Duncan, and
grew up and went to school at Empire, Ok."
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
I
just installed a Sony DVD ROM. Watched Armageddon on it. The clarity and
beauty is awesome. Before long we wont need televisions the way things
are going. If you haven't seen the new DVDs in action, check it out.
Nice.
If I tell you something, do you promise to keep it a secret?
The crane operator told me this week he plans to set up his crane at the
courthouse early Saturday morning Nov 6th. If everything goes as
planned, that's when the cupola that's been missing for 50 years will be
lifted in place back atop the dome. Now remember, don't tell a soul.
Want a peek?
http://www.brightok.net/chickasaw/ardmore/county/photos/cupolahe.jpg
"The moral test of a society is how that society treats those who are in
the dawn of life -- the children; those who are in the twilight of life
-- the elderly; and those who are in the shadow of life -- the sick, the
needy and the handicapped. --Hubert Humphrey
See everyone next
Saturday!
Butch Bridges
Ardmore, Oklahoma
ICQ Number
7140238
eFax: 781-207-7862
eCode http://bridges.ecode.com
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges
T&T Mirror Site:
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/
Oklahoma Bells:
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/index.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, October 23, 1999 Vol 3 Issue 131
Last September 4th, I told about a Deputy Sheriff of Love County,
Oklahoma whose 1917 death in the line of duty was all but forgotten. He
was not memorialized by Love County nor the National Law Enforcement
Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. I also told about Mary Wilson, who
owns a monument company in Lone Grove, offered to repair this officer's
tombstone, upright it, and affixed it again to its base in the Oswalt,
Oklahoma cemetery. This week Mary Wilson called to tell me she has
deputy Walter Tate's marker repair and standing upright again. Now I
hope the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC
will soon list deputy Tate as killed in the line of duty from Love
County, Oklahoma on their website. http://www.nleomf.com/index1.html
Here is the full story of Deputy Walter Tate's death.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/wtate17.txt
Here is a
photo I took of Walter Tate's tombstone at Oswalt, OK.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/wtate17.jpg
TaxACT
'99 Standard Edition is a free U.S. personal income tax return
preparation program. TaxACT includes all of the commonly used forms,
schedules, and worksheets necessary for preparing a personal income tax
return. An on-screen interview guides you through the data entry at each
step of the way, or you can enter data directly onto the relevant forms.
As you move through the process, TaxACT calculates and displays your tax
liability. You can review your return at any time, and a final review
tells you what documentation you need and summarizes your numbers in one
location. A handy calculator is included for determining the annual
depreciation of your assets. Once the calculations are done, you can
choose how you wish to file -- you can submit your return electronically
(for a small fee) or print IRS approved forms and schedules.
http://www.taxact.com/
The Encyclopedia Britannica just put all 32
volumes of its encyclopedia on the Net and its all FREE!
http://www.britannica.com
Q: How do I find out if my e-mail system
can handle HTML messages.
A: Most e-mail programs now have HTML
capabilities, though some corporate mail systems block or interfere with
the special codes in HTML messages. Send a blank e-mail to
mailto:[email protected], and you'll get an automatic reply with a fully
formatted HTML message. If the message doesn't include colors and a
picture, check your mail setup and try again.
Q: How do I stop a CD
from playing the moment I insert it.
A: Hold down the Shift key
while you close the CD-ROM drive door. This will stop automatic
installation from a software CD and prevent an audio CD from playing
immediately.
The little excursion to Browns Springs in Love County,
Oklahoma is still a go. Several have wrote in saying they plan to be
there. I will mention that Leeper Lake is private property and the land
owners have it closed to the public. Please respect their wishes. A
couple weeks ago I told about the five youths from Gainesville, Texas
who were hunting snakes at Leeper Lake. Here's their pic:
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/shunters.jpg
Next
Saturday at 2pm will be the first excursion to Browns Springs. Let me
know if you plan to attend. Also my Browns Springs Page is updated about
Browns Springs regularly. A map to Browns Springs. The link is also on
my Home Page.
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/photos/bsprmap.jpg
I've
place a number of emails I received on the Springs here....
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/bsemail.txt And here's the
link to my Browns Springs Page again......
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges/brownspr.html
A GLIMPSE INTO THE
PAST
Copyright The Daily Ardmoreite
Ardmore, Oklahoma
September 28, 1990
Big Stink at Courthouse
There was a big
stink in the Carter County Courthouse Annex Thursday when a skunk
wandered into a water shed drain on the building and became
agitated.
Assistant Election Board Secretary Katy Merritt happened
to look out her window as the small black and white animal ambled across
A Street SW and into the drain.
Ardmore Animal Control Officer Jerry
Stone, called to survey the problem, and the animal peered at each other
through a hole in the pipe where it runs through the vault at the
election board, Clerk Mina Howard said.
The stink began when Stone
poked at the skunk hoping it would exit peacefully, Howard said. Instead
the animal let loose its natural defense.
Ardmore firefighters were
called to the scene and shot water down the drain, causing the skunk to
retreat into a waiting cage.
The problems were not over, however,
for employees in the election board, county superintendent's office and
Carter County Health Department, which are housed in the building.
The odor had penetrated the air conditioning vents and quickly spread
the obnoxious smell throughout the building, which has no windows which
open.
Doors were propped open to allow in as much fresh air as
possible, without much success.
A liquid industrial strength
chemical called Nilecho was sprayed into the vents and on the air
conditioning filters by Bill Hamilton, health department sanitarian.
Sharon Stewart, administratative assistant, said the chemical was chosen
because it is an oil soluble reorderant.
Election Board Secretary
Janie Tipps scattered mothballs in the election board vault and offices,
Howard said, and Hamilton also put out used coffee grounds to help
absorb the smell.
Stewart said the odor is gone from the health
department offices today. Employees in the election board offices, where
the odor was strongest, are only getting an occasional whiff, Howard
said.
SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"Butch, I just
notice the name of your bell site is Oklahoma Bell. Are you aware that
the first baby born after the Landrun Of '89 in OKC, was named Oklahoma
Bell? I think her maiden name was Cunningham, but her married name was
Cheever. She was born May 19, 1889. She and her husband had a floral
shop for years. Her grandson, or great grandson, still runs it in Quail
Plaza in OKC. So much for a history lesson this morning.. HA"
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/index.html
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, Thankyou for the great pic of the old simpson building. My
father bought the building when he and my mother came to Ardmore. I
remember so much of that building especially the boiler in the basement,
the entire building was steam heated. It was huge and I can still
remember the excitement of lighting of the boiler by my Grandfather Penn
Scott each year, it was not to be missed. There was of course the old
Ardmore Pharmacy on the first floor along with the bank, my Mother still
has some great old photos. I can even remember old Mr Felix Simmons
showing me all the money in the vault of the bank at one time. The
building was remodeled in the 60's and as I look back, lost so much of
its charm. All the ceiling fans which pulled air up at a very slow speed
so as not to ruffle the papers on one's desk were removed. Most were
sold for junk. Still have one over at Mom's. There was even a huge old
style water chiller in the basement that pumped cold water up to
fountains. It was fascinating for a boy to see. This could go on for way
too long, but a nice memory brought to mind. Thankyou."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Someone told me you wrote a story about James Stevenson of Pauls Valley
who killed Sheriff Cathey. He was a GG Uncle of mine and I have been
researching this line of the Stevensons. His Mother was Texas Adalaid
(Houston) Stevenson who married a Solomon Gay. Can you tell me anything
on this family and I would like to have your article. If indeed you did
write one. His brother John Houston Stevenson was married to Tecumsi
McClure's Daughter Malinda who was the step son of Smith Paul, founder
of Pauls Valley. Let me hear from you. mailto:[email protected] of
Wilson, OK"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Do
you think Charlie's phone booth made it through the quake this
morning????"
-------------------------------------------------------------
=============================================================
One year ago today the Carter County Court Clerk here in Ardmore gave me
permission to put the Court Docket on her website. Right now it only
lists the Docket one week at a time. We are still the only courthouse in
Oklahoma who furnishes this information to the public via the Net. If
you haven't visited Court Clerk Karen Volino's website lately, you may
want to take a look, especially if you're an Elvis Presley fan! Also
while you're there, check out the new group photo of the ladies.
http://www.brightok.net/chickasaw/ardmore/county/crtclerk.html
I was
thinking of what quote I'd put in this weeks T&T. I looked at the
usually quotation websites, but didn't find just what I wanted. Then my
mind flashed back to high school. I thought of those manual Smith-Corona
typewriters we used in Typing Class. "Now is the time for all good men
to come to the aid of their country." With midnight December 31, 1999
quickly approaching, this may be a quote we truly need. Who knows what
demented minds around the world are planning.
This week I was
listening a CD with some old rock and roll songs. One I had not heard
since I was a teen... "Hurt" by Timi Yuro, the little lady with a big
voice. She recorded it in 1961. Rumor was she recently died, but she is
alive and doing fine in Las Vegas.
http://www.crl.com/~tsimon/yuro.htm
"I'm so hurt to think that you
lied to me,
I'm hurt, way down deep in, inside of me,
You said
your love was true, and we'd never ever part,
Now wants someone new
and it breaks, it breaks my heart.
I'm hurt, much more, then you'll
ever know,
Yes darling, I'm so hurt, because I still love you
so,
But, but, even, even though you hurt me, like nobody else could
do,
I would never ever hurt you."
Here you can go to Timi
Yuro's biography and listen to her music clips including "Hurt". (Must
have RealAudio)
http://www.sonicnet.com/artistinfo/19474.jhtml;$sessionid$A5MYLCIAADCNVU
ID1AKCFEQ
"Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I
really need it." --Swedish proverb
See everyone next Saturday.
Butch Bridges
Ardmore, Oklahoma
ICQ Number 7140238
eFax:
781-207-7862
eCode http://bridges.ecode.com
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges
T&T Mirror Site:
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/
Oklahoma Bells:
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/index.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, October 16, 1999 Vol 3 Issue 130
On
January 1, 1974 the Feds dropped the speed limit from 70 down to 55 mph.
I will always remember it. Just two weeks into the month, I was
traveling to east Texas. Near Marshall, Texas I was traveling about 75
or 80 and the Texas Highway Patrol caught me speeding. It was on Sunday
afternoon, and I had to go to the courthouse and wait for the Justice of
the Peace. Fines had to be paid to JPs. I waited over 2 hours! Finally
he arrived, I paid $30 and was on my way. But now with the advent of the
Internet, Texans can pay their speeding fines AFTER they get home via
the Net. I know people in every state will want this!
http://www.ecourtinc.com
I've had another two or three write in and
say they can not pull up the Xoom photos. Some of you have forwarded my
T&T to your "portable" email address, such as yahoo.com or
justicemail.com or rocketmail.com, etc. Then the xoom photos should pull
up.
At West Main and A Street in the southeast corner here in
Ardmore is what many call the old Exchange National Bank. Long ago it
was called the Simpson Building. Here is an old pic of that
building.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/simpson.jpg
The
Worlds Largest Bell is now in Newport, Kentucky and ready to ring in the
Millennium as the World Peace Bell. "On December 31, 1999 the Peace Bell
will sound for every time zone around the World. The event will be
televised live to each time zone separately so that the people from
every country can ring in the new millennium with the World Peace Bell."
Is your bell ready? Maybe we need to ring in the New Year with the bell
at the Carter County courthouse?
http://byroads.com/magazine/peacebell.html
Rain or Shine Screen
Saver displays an outdoor country scene along with weather information
for your city. The scene changes from a sunny morning, to a rainy
afternoon, to a starry night. You can customize the screen saver to
display the temperature and weather forecast for your city by entering
your zip code. You can update the forecast whenever you choose. The
interactive screen saver also provides links to popular content areas of
the Weather Channel's Web site.
http://www.weather.com/screensaver/
The present day Lincoln Center at 301 West Main here in Ardmore used
to be the Ardmore Hotel years ago. I remember going in there as a kid in
the 50s. We did not have a tv at home and the Ardmore Hotel was the only
place we could go and watch television.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/ardhotel.jpg
This
week I have gone to the Browns Springs cemetery several times. And I am
happy to report I have not seen any ghosts, ghouls, or goblins. And I am
still at a loss as to what is in the photo, if anything. But myself and
a lot of others feel there is something very wrong down there in Love
Valley along the Red River. Without exposing my sources, I will tell you
there are people who are doing some very serious research in Love
Valley. Maybe someday we will know more about this evil place. In the
mean time, I can tell you I have been flooded with email about Browns
Springs. So many I am not going to list those emails in my usual Mailbag
below. I have placed the emails I've received about Browns Springs in a
special file in chronological order. So if you're interested, just read
and enjoy!
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/bsemail.txt
I did achieve what I went to Browns Springs this week to do. I was
able to get the wording off the marker of that child:
"Tis a little
grave, but O! have care for world wide hopes are buried there. How much
of light, how much of joy, is buried in a darling boy."
Here is a
listing of Love county cemeteries and its interesting what is written
about the Brown Springs Cemetery:
ftp://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/ok/love/cemeteries/cem-desc.txt
For genealogy researchers, here is a listing of those buried there as
complied by Bill Hamm. Because of rummaging, pilfering, and grave
robbing, only about 5 markers are still there on which writing is
readable. This is sad.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/bscemlst.txt
From Browns
Springs we traveled on east about a couple miles to Leeper Lake. There
were five young men there, all with 22s shooting snakes that were hid up
under the small fishing boats along the shoreline. While we were there I
know they killed 10 to 15 snakes. There were at least 3 under each boat!
You can imagine all the hollering and bullets flying with the lifting of
each boat. Everybody's hearts were beating fast! These five young men
had driven up from Gainesville, Texas that afternoon to hunt snakes.
Leeper Lake was really dry and low, with tree stumps sticking up all
over that eerie looking lake. I'll have some photos to show of those
Snake Hunters soon.
For those of you who were not able to see the
image from my Xoom.com website, here is that image again:
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/photos/bschild1.jpg
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/photos/bschild2.jpg
If
anything new develops in this saga, I'll pass it along. I've also
created a direct link from my home page to the Browns Spring Page to
make it easier to find all the scoop on the springs.
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges
SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S
MAILBAG
"Butch, here's an old genealogist's trick to make the
writing on tombstones easier to read. The next time you're in a cemetery
take some chalk along with you. Rub it across the words and it'll
highlight them. The best thing about this is that it doesn't do any
damage to the stone and will wash off during the next rain."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I am
told: if you spray a tombstone with shaving cream and wipe with a flat
object the letters will be easy to read. Have never tried it, but it
sounds reasonable. Good luck-- but watch out for the Brown Springs
haints. lol"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi
Butch. I am sure you do not remember me, but we went to school together
at the Washington Elementary School in Ardmore...as you know it is now
the Early Childhood Center. Your grandparents, the Carmons, lived up the
street from us and owned a lumber company. I remember going up there
when I was very small and buying nails for my dad and I wanted to let
you know that my maternal grandmother Nona Pittman worked at the
original Hamburger Inn for a Mr. and Mrs. Brown who owned it at that
time. I, too, used to delight in eating their delicious onion burgers.
In Jr. High, we had open campus and could go there for lunch...such
wonderful memories."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Ok,
borderline, it's genius, you gotta leave out the o.... Enjoyed the T&T..
Keep up the good work."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Reference the reader who wrote about the "Susan" Pruitt who won the
$4,000 on Regis and Kathie Lee. It's Sandra Pruitt, works at McCulloh
Travel and is married to Joe Ben Pruitt. Her parents are Calvin and
Hazel Duncan. Just thought you might want to know."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"There
was a question in this weeks This and That ref: Susan Pruitt who is she?
Since those folks saw her win $4000.00 on Regis and Cathy Lee. It should
be SANDRA Pruitt and she works at McCulloh Travel. Butch, her dad is
Calvin Duncan our old OHP friend."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
have thought several times of how much time writing this on a weekly
basis takes, not to mention the photos, and I just wanted to thank you
for your time and effort. I know you probably do it because you love it,
but just remember, there are lots of people who appreciate all the time
you put in."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi
Butch, have enjoyed your stuff on Browns Springs and the Phone out in
the desert. I surfed the whole web site about the phone thing and found
it interesting. Next time I go out west i'm going to find that phone
booth and call you. HA :-)!"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
have completed 4 paintings and have the photos up on my web site."
http://www.LauraWilson.com
-------------------------------------------------------------
"howdy
i have been to the Dickson park many many times as a matter of fact i
was at the Dickson park when i was supposed to be in school!! haha!!
theres a few pieces of playground equipment and a pavilion,,, in 1984
when i graduated Dickson we went down there to take some pics i was
voted biggest flirt,, i'm sure a lot of Dickson yearbook pics are still
taken down there,, oh yeay they probably locked the gate cause we used
to party all hours of the night out there,, and i know some of the old
sherrif deputies know there way out there cause i can remeber them
coming out there and running us off,, i guess they wanted us to go to
town to drink and party???"
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/lazypark.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I am
seeking information on a former Chief of Police of O.C. He was Vilas
Edward Lewis. Probably served in the 1940's though not sure. I am his
cousin and am writing a family history and would like to include
something about his service record, a photo and when and where he died
and is buried. I was told he died in the 1960s but this is only
speculation. His last known address was 625 W. Choctaw, OC."
mailto:[email protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------
"....On the issue about this time there was a letter from someone
interested in the Bill Guess shooting of the Mexicans. Do you possibly
have the address of this person. I would like to contact them as they
could be relatives since I am the niece of Bill Guess. Sure would
appreciate if you do...." mailto:[email protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------
=============================================================
A
friend told me about a bell this week less then 1/2 mile south of
Wilson, Oklahoma on the west side of the road. So, it's off on another
bell hunting expedition!
Last week I told about Charlie Durie
getting the Seth Thomas clock running at the Marietta courthouse. I
talked to him this week and it is running great. In a 48 hour period it
was only off by one minute! He is still fine tuning it.
http://www.brightok.net/chickasaw/ardmore/county/morclock.html
All
the flowers of all the tomorrows
are in the seeds of today - Indian
Proverb
See you all next Saturday.
Butch Bridges
Ardmore,
Oklahoma
ICQ Number 7140238
eFax: 781-207-7862
eCode
http://bridges.ecode.com
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges
T&T
Mirror Site: http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/
Oklahoma
Bells: http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/index.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From: Butch Bridges Saturday, October
9, 1999 Vol 3 Issue 129
Last week I had a typo. Well
not exactly a typo, I just couldn't see the photo I took very good. I
said Rosella Hightower was a Cherokee Indian. Wrong. She was a Chickasaw
Indian. I've since learned her's and the other four Prima Ballerina's
are depicted in a painting on the fifth floor of the state capital.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/rosella1.jpg
For
two weeks I have been wrestling with myself, trying to find the words to
tell about something out of the ordinary I've found at Brown's Springs
south of Thackerville, Oklahoma. I hate too say too much. We hear on the
news all the time now... about kooks... they seem to be coming out of
the woodwork, and I don't want to be thrown in that category. I had
about a dozen photos taken at Brown Springs and as I started to scan one
of the photos I was holding it in my hand, I saw what looks like an
image of a child, peeking up from the ground. I just couldn't believe my
eyes. Another photo I took was of a cemetery marker there, from the
barely visible words, it must have been a child's marker. It started
out, "Tis a little grave, but..... hopes one buried... had much..." and
I wasn't able to make out the other words. But then I didn't really try.
I want to go back and try to decipher each word. Needless to say this
whole thing is creepy.
Here is the photo I have with the image. I
don't know if it is just a coincidence, or something more... you be the
judge. http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/bschild1.jpg
This is a close up of the image only.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/bschild2.jpg
Here
is the child's hard-to-read tombstone.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/bschildt.jpg
Like I said, I want to go back and learn more about the words written on
the child's grave marker. But I don't feel comfortable going by myself.
Are there any volunteers?
I've also added some more photos of the
area. This is where the springs bubbles up out of the ground. The water
looks clean.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/bsbegin.jpg
This
is where the water coming up out of the ground first forms a small pond
of water before spilling out of the pipes.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/bsmain.jpg
And
this is where the water overflows from those pipes, then running south
under the dirt road and into a lagoon.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/bspipes.jpg
More Bells: This is Nice big bell located in Lake Murray Village south
of Ardmore (in Love county). Just go all the way to the end of the main
entrance, then turn east a few feet on the north side of the road.
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/photos/lmbell.jpg
This
bell is north of Lone Grove, Oklahoma on Newport Road almost 3/4 mile
north of Hwy 70 on the west side of the road.
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/photos/nportbel.jpg
Very
beautiful brass bell on the grounds of the Thackerville, Oklahoma school
system.
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/photos/thacsbel.jpg
SOME
LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"Butch, We have only lived in
Ardmore about five years, so I obviously didn't eat at the Hamburger Inn
during the time period mentioned in your newsletter two weeks ago. I
would tell you, though, that the food the ladies serve there now is
excellent and the service is always fast and friendly. The hamburgers
are wonderful and the fries and onion rings are as good as any my wife
and I have had. The place reminds us of a great Kansas City hamburger
landmark called Winsteads. Three years ago my wife's folks came for a
visit, and the only thing they still talk about is the lunch we had at
Hamburger Inn. I hope the ladies continue to be successful and keep the
Inn going indefinitely. Maybe you should find out the story behind the
current owners and let us know."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I'm
related to the Winter family and a Winter told me to view the 50th
Wedding Anniversary web site and I've been meaning to E-mail him and ask
for the URL. Bennie and Joyce don't know who I am, but I do wish them
all the blessings possible. A CA fan who looks forward to your letter
each Saturday."
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Andes/2694/50years.html
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I was
so surprised this afternoon to see a story on CNN all about Charlie
Wilcox and his phone booth in the high Mojave Desert here in California.
Having read about him in your weekly letter, I wondered if it was real,
or another Internet hoax, since some reader said he tried to call the
phone booth and it was busy." 760-733-9969
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch: Loved the article about Choc and the "hamburger inn", I wonder
how many of your readers remember the original "Hamburger Inn" when it
was directly across the street and was run by Ernest Brown. He sold
hamburgers for .5 cents each or 6 for a quarter. Hate to admit it but I
do remember those days. (Smile)."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
really do enjoy reading your weekly report each week. Thanks for making
it, I noticed a mention that there was a ROLLINS CEMETERY on Tiny Chapel
Road and I wonder where I might get a listing of those buried there with
their statistics. I have run into a blank wall trying to find my Great
Grandfather." [email protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, you spoke of a detection network for lightening strikes. we need
such a thing in California. we have had a lot of wild fires caused by
strikes. one is a collection of automobile tires since 1950 in a canyon
south of here, just west of I-5 interstate. they have been burning for
at least two weeks. makes me want to move back to Oklahoma. NOT SO says
my wife. I dont know how we can mess things up the way we do. we get
into trouble then cant figure a way out. see you. keep this & that
coming" http://weather.brightok.net
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Since
my name is Durwood I find this too cool to have a town named after me.
The y musta known what a far out dude eye b. thanks Butch"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, Found an old bell in an antique shop in Davis, OK. It is right
behind the Police station. Just thought you might be interested...."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"...I
took a different route this time and passed through a little town called
Mead, OK. My mother pointed out the old school gymnasium and told me she
remembered playing basketball there. The old gymnasium is in ruins,
looks burned-out also, but is made of stone, and is a real GEM. I know
the folks of Mead don't have enough money to save that beautiful thing,
but you ought to be sure and mention it in your newsletter so more
people might slow down and take a look at it. It was on the right-hand
side of the road heading from Durant to Kingston. Thanks for your
newsletter. I enjoy it so very much. October is the perfect month to
visit Oklahoma. Heavenly weather!"
-------------------------------------------------------------
"The
sign for Lazy Creek Park (Dickson, OK) says "Land and Water Conservation
Fund" which is a grant program run by the National Park Service. So,
this is some info about that fund. I have not found that particular park
yet."
http://www.ncrc.nps.gov/lwcf/
-------------------------------------------------------------
"My
2nd cousin, Carolyn Massey, graduated from Ardmore High School around
1956. I'm not positive of the year. I could be off 1-2 yrs, I'd guess if
I'm wrong, that '55, or '54 would be the direction to go. I have no idea
what her married name is or where she lives. I thought that you might
know who keeps the schools records. In McAlester, OK they are
computerized by an Alumni Association, not connected with the school. If
you can get me the name of a contact person, it would be great. Thanks a
bunch! -Jerry Snider" [email protected]
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hey
Butch, Here is a pic of a bell I took while on a recent trip to Vietnam.
It was hand forged in the early 1800's, and is in a Buddist Temple in
Hue, Vietnam. The only purpose of the bell is to drive away the evil
spirits. Is still in use today. I have many pics taken in Vietnam if
anyone would like me to send them just email me." Larry in Sulphur, OK
[email protected]
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/vietbell.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Here
are a couple of scans of a token my wife won at the Four Queens in Las
Vegas. Wish she had won a lot more! I like your column a lot. Keep it
up!"
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/4queens1.jpg
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/4queens2.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I got
so excited this morning watching Regis and Kathie Lee. We watch every
day and are interested in the "Trivia" question. This morning he called
Susan Pruitt in Ardmore, Okla. Well of course that got my attention
FAST!! Who is she and are you related. She works at a travel agency
there. She won $4,000."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Hey
Butch, I have ran across a website that might be of some interest to
others out there. You can get anything from free coupons, free trial
issues of magazines, free samples of just about all name brand items. Of
course, like anything that they advertise for FREE one has to be careful
of all the loopholes that goes along with all of this FREE stuff out
there. I just thought there might be some other stay at home shoppers
that this might be of interest to."
http://mplx3.freeshop.com/
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Courthouse workers have the dome cleaned and down to the beautiful
copper. There was rumor it might not be, but it is ALL copper, just like
in 1910 when the courthouse was completed. Soon they will raise the
cupola into place on top with a crane. Here's a pic of the dome with a
fresh coat of Spar Varnish.... magnificent!
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/domecop.jpg
Speaking of courthouses, I received an interesting call this week from a
Mr. Charlie Durie of Marietta, Oklahoma. After 10 or 15 years of it not
working, Charlie has the tower clock at the Love County courthouse in
Marietta working again. In the weeks to come, he hopes to get the clock
fine tuned and running near perfect. I've been waiting three years for
someone to come forward in Marietta and do just that. Thank you Mr.
Durie!
http://www.brightok.net/chickasaw/ardmore/county/morclock.html
Last
week I mentioned about a friend here in Ardmore setting up a program for
golf enthusiasts. The initial info is now online and can be found at the
URL below. Some lucky golfers, even if they are not a pro, will have a
chance to win $1,000s in prizes. If you or someone you know is into
golf, be sure and have them check out this link. I'd love to win
something, but I don't play golf. But hey, I guess I could learn. How
much does a golf club cost?
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/playview.html
"There are
two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The
other is as though everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein
1879-1955
http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Mathematicians/Einstein.html
Did you all know I am a borderline genious? I could go either way!
hahahaha. See everyone next Saturday!
Butch Bridges
Ardmore,
Oklahoma
ICQ Number 7140238
eFax: 781-207-7862
eCode
http://bridges.ecode.com
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges
T&T
Mirror Site: http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/
Oklahoma
Bells: http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/index.html
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Saturday, October 2, 1999 Vol 3 Issue 128
I've lived all my life here. I've been through Dickson, Oklahoma (9
miles east of Ardmore) a million times. A couple weeks ago I first
noticed two things in the center of Dickson along highway 199. First,
there is one of those green historical markers on the south side of the
highway, across from the Dickson High School. That marker tells about a
Durwood, Oklahoma (located just south of Dickson) resident by the name
of Rosella Hightower. Ms. Rosella Hightower was born in 1920 and later
became a renown prima ballerina. The U.S. produced five world leading
prima ballerinas at the same time, and they all were from the eastern
half of Oklahoma, all of Indian heritage. No other nation ever produced
five prima ballerinas at the same time. The five prima ballerinas were:
Yvonne Chouteau (Cherokee Indian) from Vinita, Oklahoma; Moscelyne
Larkin (Peoria Indian) of Miami, Oklahoma; Maria and sister Majorie
Tallchief (Osage Indian) of Fairfax, Oklahoma; and Rosella Hightower
(Chickasaw Indian) of Durwood, Oklahoma. Here is a photo of the
historical marker in Dickson, Oklahoma dedicated to Ms. Hightower.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/rosella1.jpg
Secondly, in Dickson, Oklahoma right beside the above historical marker
is a sign denoting a park. I have never heard of this park nor do I know
anything about it. The sign reads Lazy Creek Park. You travel south a
few hundred feet down the road and come to what I guess is the park. But
when I was there, the gate was closed and locked. Maybe someone knows
more about this park?
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/lazypark.jpg
While
we're in the area, 1/2 miles east of Dickson is Durwood Road. Traveling
south about two miles down Durwood Road one comes to Tiny Chapel Road.
Turning east on Tiny Chapel Road just a little ways east of Tiny Chapel
and but just before Rollins Cemetery, is Durwood Baptist Church. Tiny
Chapel Road is a dirt road all the way east into Mannsville, Oklahoma.
Here is a photo of the Durwood Baptist Church.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/durwchur.jpg
Here's a photo I took in July 1998 of Tiny Chapel. My August 1998 issue
of T&T told about Tiny Chapel and its creator, Mr. W.B. Trible.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/tinycha1.jpg
The
present day Durwood Baptist Church was erected in 1963 thanks to the
generosity of an Indian lady by the name of Janie Chubbee. Does anyone
know of this lady and her gift? This a photo of the cornerstone and the
Ms. Chubbee inscription.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/chubbee1.jpg
I
mentioned last week Charlie who lives near that phone booth in the
Mojave desert. I've tried everyday to call Charlie, but the line is
aways busy, he must be long winded. 760-733-9969
http://www.cardhouse.com/g/moj/mojave.htm
Here's an interesting URL
sent in by a reader. It is like a clearinghouse of police and criminal
justice related information. Even has links to scanners in major cities
in the U.S.
http://www.apbnews.com/
Wanted Jobs 2K lets you
quickly search for job listings on 32 popular Internet employment sites.
To find postings of interest, simply enter a few keywords along with a
region and a job category. The program simultaneously searches up to 32
popular sites, including America's Job Bank, Best Jobs in USA Today,
Career Builder, Career.com, CareerCity, Career Exchange, Career Mosaic,
E.span, HeadHunter.Net, JobBankUSA, Monster Board, and Net-Temps. Search
results can be highlighted, refined, and sorted by title, company,
location or relevancy. To save time, you can have Wanted Jobs download
job descriptions for later offline browsing, or you can read
descriptions immediately in your Web browser by simply double-clicking a
job title.
http://www.wantedjobs.com/
Last week I was visiting
the Chickasaw Regional Library and across the street in an open field
sit a helicopter. I was told the pilot had landed/parked there while
staying at the Hampton Inn next door. I happen to noticed on the
helicopter tail the words "boatpix.com" Come to find out the helicopter
is from Florida and used by a company to take photos of boats. He/she
sure flew a long way to take photos of boats at Lake Murray, if that is
the case. Anyway it sure was a beautiful helicopter.... and I wanted to
take a ride.
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/photos/boatpix.jpg
Here
is the URL to their website..... http://www.boatpix.com
Send them
some email in Florida and tell them you saw their helicopter parked in
Ardmore, OK. hahaha. I still kick myself for not going and asking for a
ride!
Two friends of mine, Bennie & Joyce Winter, are celebrating
their 50th wedding anniversity, and their children set up a website to
announce it. Why not stop by, and send these two Ardmoreites some
congratulations email and help make this event memorable!
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Andes/2694/50years.html
SOME
LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"I use Norton Utilities also. a
good program. for someone who doesn't have Norton Utilities they can try
using Scandisk to recover files on a floppy disk."
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"I've
started an elist for members of Ardmore High School Class of 1958. We
have about 20 members so far and are having a good time discussing old
times and it also helps us stay in touch with each other even after 40
years. If any 1958 AHS graduate would like to join they can do so by
going to:
http://www.egroups.com/group/ahs-1958/info.html
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"Hi
Butch, A good site to share with your T&T readers is
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems This is the Department of
Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's site
that contains technical service bulletins, consumer complaints and
defect investigations. You can check if your auto is listed as having a
defect. There is an article in the October 1999 Consumer Reports
magazine "Hidden Warranties" about automobile defects"
http://www.ConsumerReports.org.
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"Thanks for the memories on original Hamburger Inn. I can recall eating
there when I was rather young. The grill and the table used to put
together the sandwiches ran across the north side of the building (to
the left of the front door). The counter was just to the left of the
front door with stools. People coming through the front door had to
squeeze past the patrons already seated to get in. Rather close."
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"Gee,
thanks. Your story about Chock and the Hamburger Inn just set my taste
buds for a couple of coneys and an order of those wonderful, greasy
fries they used to serve. Heaven! And they're nothing even remotely
close to either one in Norman, so far as I know. Does the Inn still have
the same food that it used to have? I haven't eaten there in years; when
I'm in Ardmore the place is always closed. When I was in high school in
the early seventies, we used to RUN, not walk, to the Hamburger Inn for
lunch. We'd go to the drive up window and order a coney or burger,
fries, and a coke, and sit outside on the patio in the back to eat
lunch. It cost a buck or so, maybe a little more. Lunchtime has never
gotten any better than that."
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"While
making garage sales last saturday in Lake Murray Village, I spotted a
huge bell. Best I remember, when you drive into the village, go all the
way to the end, make a left. Go east till you see the bell. It is at the
end of a driveway by the street. As large as it is, you can't miss it. I
hope the directions are right, if not, it is in that area. Shouldn't
have any trouble finding it. Have a good one, see you next
saturday."
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"Hi, I
liked your photos of Ardmore. I am attending the Stamps Reunion at Lake
Murray on Oct 8-10, 1999. The original family who started the reunion
lived and still does in Wapanucka. My grandfather was born in Pontotoc.
Just wondering if you have any pictures of that area or any Stamps
people." --California [email protected]
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"Man,
some people will do almost anything for a coconut cream pie, huh?"
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"I
lived out west of Marietta while growing up, went to the Meadowbrook
school. The Rose ranch was just west of our place and would go to both
Ardmore and Marietta on Sat. nights . To some this may seem to have been
a slow life. To us at that time, we were raised to be kids and enjoy
life with out the dangers a lot of the youth now have. We moved there in
1946 and must say it was one of the greatest things my parents could
have did for us. We knew our neighbors from all around, not so in the
city now. Only rarely will you find friends next door any more. I loved
the country and have at times gone back to look over the old home place.
I wish to thank you and let you know how much I have enjoyed your
articles."
-------------------------------------------------------------
"I
forgot to mention another project we are working on. It is a local
lightning strike detection system....."
http://weather.brightok.net/
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The past couple of weeks my computer has had a mind of its own. When I
turn it on for the first time in the mornings, the Celine Dion CD I have
in the CDROM automatically starts playing. It only does this the first
thing each morning. At first it kind of bugged me, but after a few
mornings, as I prepare to go to work, the music is kinda nice.
Next
week I'm going to tell about a golf program a friend of mine here in
Ardmore is setting up. I really can't say much right now, since the
website and info packets are not completely ready. But you will be the
first to hear about it. If you or a friend of yours is into golf, it
will be worth checking out next Saturday in my T&T. It will mean $1,000s
of dollars in prizes to some lucky golfers! Does anyone have a slightly
used golf club they will loan me so I can start practicing?
"Always
give your best; never get discouraged, never be petty; always remember
others may hate you. But those who hate you don't win, unless you hate
them." -Richard M. Nixon 1913-1994
See everyone next Saturday!
Butch Bridges
Ardmore, Oklahoma
ICQ Number 7140238
eFax:
781-207-7862
eCode http://bridges.ecode.com
http://www.brightok.net/~bridges
T&T Mirror Site:
http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/OklahomaPast/
Oklahoma Bells:
http://meltingpot.fortunecity.com/italy/56/index.html
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