Ardmore, Oklahoma
Email: butchbridges@oklahomahistory.net
11:11 PM 3/22/2022
Phone: 580-490-6823
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Below is September 7, 2006 to September 28, 2006.
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September 28, 2006 Circulation over 5,000 Vol 10 Issue 505
I received an interesting email last week from Missouri. Gary Ayers is heading up a memorial dedication for a man buried at Newport Cemetery north of Lone Grove. George Bowling was in the Civil War from Texas and the memorial will be dedicated to him. Gary is planning quite an event, and if you have never been to one of these staged, you are missing a great history lesson. They are dressed up in the Confederate uniforms with their rifles and all. There will be several speakers and the main event will start at high noon saturday. Gary will call for the honor guard at 12 o’clock sharp to post the colors, so if you want to see the dedication, and learn a lot about a war that took place over 150 years ago, do try to make this one. Realitives and others will be gathering around 11am that morning at the cemetery, coming from several states, soom as far away as Tennessee. The organizers are expecting anywhere from 100 to 150 in attendance. Below is a special invitation from Gary Ayers to anyone interesting in attending this memorial program:
“The Col. John T. Coffee Camp #1934 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans of Stockton, Missouri, will be conducting a grave stone dedication and memorial service to honor George Bowling who served with the 9th Texas Infantry, Confederate States of America. This service will begin at 12 noon, on Saturday, September 30 at the Newport Cemetery at Newport, Oklahoma. Joining the Coffee Camp will be members of the Oklahoma and Texas Divisions of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Anyone who is interested in attending this function is encouraged to do so.” -Gary Ayers, MO Click Here
The program itself will last about 30 minutes or so, so try not to be late. Its high noon this saturday, September 30th 7 miles north of Lone Grove, Oklahoma. Here is a map to the cemetery. Click Here
I am planning to attend and if you want more info send an email to Gary Ayers at garyayres@centurytel.net before Saturday. Or give him a call in Missouri at 417-754-8397.
Doug Williams was at the courthouse this week and while standing outside, a beautiful hawk landed in the yard on the south side. He had his camera with him, and snapped 3 pictures of this beautiful bird. Click Here – Click Here – Click Here
I spoke a couple of weeks ago about the Bowman Building coming down on Stanley SW. Well, this week that is just what happened, its now history. Click Here
It had been about 3 or 4 years since I stopped in at D&S Pit Stop at Dickson for a hamburger. Today I was out that way and decided to try one of their old fashion burgers. It was a great burger. Juicy and moist, and the condiments were crisp, plus a piece of meat that was cook well-done. For $3.29 this burger was a good’un. Click Here
Nearly every weekday morning around 7am or so, there are several of us who meet at the post office to check our mailbox about the same time. We call it our “bored meeting”. This morning Chan Brewster asked me if I was going to put anything in my T&T about Ardmore High School having their 1,000th football game Friday evening at 8pm at the new stadium on Veteran’s Blvd. Well, I didnt even know they were setting this milestone in the school’s history. They are playing Capital Hill. I wont be attending, but I hope someone will email me the score of this historic game so I can put it in my next T&T.
Next week there’s going to be a lot of fun stuff going on at Antlers, Oklahoma. Antlers is just an hour’s drive east of Ardmore in Pushmataha county (locals call it Push county). Antlers is known as the deer capital of the world and the gateway to the one of the most beautiful parts of the state… southeast Oklahoma. And October 6th and 7th everyone will get a taste of it all at the Deer Festival and Outdoor Show held at the Antlers Fairgrounds. A couple gave me the poster on the event, so I scanned it, and the link below will take you to this year’s poster. Click Here – Click Here
The past 2 or 3 weeks, a lot of my AOL subscribers, their T&T has been bouncing back to me. I guess about 50 t0 100 bounce back. Wish there was something I could do to tell AOL my T&T is not spam, but its not worth the hassle. Guess AOL don’t like some link or something in my T&T. You’d think AOL would have an option to allow their paying subscribers to manually enter an approved email address, so their spam catcher will let it go through. Oh well, such is life. Anyway, all my newsletters including the current can be found on my website. Oklahoma History Website – Click Here
SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK’S MAILBAG
“The moon flowers are grown from seed, and once you get them started they re-seed them selves every year. They have beautiful large white blossoms which bloom one day, from early evening until the middle of the next morning, from spring to late fall. When the bloom falls off, a “prickly” ball grows until it’s size is about a half-dollar in diameter. Then it will open and drop its seeds. The balls can be picked at any size. Place them in an uncovered container in a warm place and they will open and spill their seed. I always harvest some each year and have friends and family wanting a start. I have found the plants difficult to transplant, so for me the seeds work better than seedlings.”
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“Here’s a bell from Faxon in Comanche county, Oklahoma. This is in front of their post office. ” -Minnie Whittington Click Here
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“Butch! What’s going on! Long time no see/talk! I hope you are doing well! Your website has GROWN man! I was out scouting around and ran into yours. I am a member of the Lake Country R/C Flying Club. We fly R/C aircraft at Lake Murray R/C Flying Field. Is there anyplace or way you can implement us into your website? Check out our website. We fly every Sunday afternoon weather permitting.” -Joe Hornback Click Here
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“Hi Butch, I went down to Brown Springs today to show some friends the lagoon and cemetery. I know it’s been a while since I was there, about 2 or 3 years in fact but I had no idea that things would change that much. Have you been there lately? The lagoon is completely dry except for a couple of puddles which could be due to the lack of rain but the cemetery has been “rearranged” for lack of a better word. Many of the headstones have been moved around and alot of brush cleared out and there are no longer just one or 2 definite trails, now there are many. What is going on? Is someone trying to develop that land or have people carelessly tromped all through the cemetery moving stones about and making new trails as they please?? I have visited that cemetary several times and was always very respectful of where I trod and tried not to disturb anyone’s final resting place. The cemetery does not look like it was vandalized. It looks like someone is clearing it out for something. Can you shed a little light on this?”
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“There is also a Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, noted as the place where the phrase “Iron Curtain” was first used, in a speech at that college by Winston Churchill.”
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“The church on NW 25th Street in Oklahoma City was and is the First Presbyterian Church. The pastor at this time is Carl Bosteels. Westminster Presbyterian Church is at NW 44th and Shartel in Oklahoma City. It is currently without a pastor. Both are very substantial and active churches. Westminster is a common name for Presbyterian churches and Presbyterian-affiliated organizations.”
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“Hi! I found your site quite by chance. It would seem with my genealogy research has landed me in Ardmore, with the name of Bruce Alexander Kirk, married Marguret Blassingan on March 22,1941. Would you know if there may be any info on them. Bruce is son to Fred Kirk, which is brother to William Kirk, born 1877 in Cannon County, TN. Am hoping to find info or family to share info with. Thank you.” skitzanoia@yahoo.com
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“When I first looked at the picture a reader sent in, showing a country/western band and asking if anyone could identify the members, I thought “It shouldn’t be too hard to find information on a completely left-handed band.” Then, after I tried to read the ad on the clock in the background and the cases under the pedal steel guitar, I realized that this is a reversed print. So, for anyone who didn’t pick up on that, don’t be looking for a band called “The Lefties”. This ain’t them. Here is that picture flipped to the correct perspective, if you want to post it.” -Chuck Click Here
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“Butch, the thunderheads around Ardmore the last couple of days have provided for some interesting photo effects. To bad they didn’t provide some much needed rain in Ardmore. These photos were taken at sunset and I resisted the temptation to brighten up the overall image so that I wouldn’t blow out the highlights and lose details in the cloud formations.” -Dwane Stevens Click Here – Click Here
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“Hi Butch. Great job producing the This & That each week. I read every issue. An email from Trev Patton in last week’s issue prompted me to write to you. My name is Richard Henry (called Richie back then) and I am the grandson of Frank and Lora Floyd who ran the skating rink at Whittington Park for a number of years for my uncle Jack Floyd. My grandparents were called Mom & Pop by the skaters. My uncle Jack played the records for the skaters and made announcements. My grandparents took me to the skating rink in my bassinet and I learned to skate soon after I began walking. I later became a skate boy who helped put the skates on the skaters shoes. It was a good time in my life with memories to last me a life time. I have a story about the skating rink on my web site. I am attaching some photos of the rink to this email. Thanks again for publishing T&T.” -Richard Henry Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here
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“Butch, I was doing some research for a friend and came across this. I thought you might be interested about the Burney Institute east of Marietta, Oklahoma and its restoration.” Click Here
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“Hi Butch, I have noticed several references in T&T of the flood on the Washita River in 1957. I was working for Dolese Bros. Co. at Big Canyon at the time and snapped these pictures of the curve of the river just south of the plant. By the way, we dumped rip rap on the railroad embankment for 30 straight hours, trying to save the railroad from washing out on the curve. We lost the battle and the entire fill went down the river. you could stand up under the sagging rails and ties after the water went down. Thanks for the T&T each week. it is the first thing I read each time it shows up in my mailbox.” -Roy Miller, Oklahoma City Click Here
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“Butch, When I was a grade schooler at Fox in the 1940s, there was a family named Thomas who had a grocery at Ratliff City. Later they moved it to Pruitt City. I don’t remember the names of the adults but they had kids named Ruthie, Doyle, James (who was an excellent boxer/athlete at Fox) and one or two other kids. The old Thomas Grocery building is still standing at Pruitt, on the west side of Hwy 76. There were two other groceries, both in Wilson. There was a Brimer Grocery, owned and operated by Sam Brimer, and a Super C Grocery (ownership unknown).” -Jim Bramlett Sooner1938@cebridge.net Click Here
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“Butch, I enjoyed your stories, especially about the bells, I know Patty and her Husband Danny . Danny and I went to school in elementary school in good ole Wilson. Keep the info coming. By the way Dudes Diner in Wilson made a hamburger that was hard to beat. Thanks again.” Click Here
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“hi butch, i continue to enjoy the newsletter here in hot, flat baton rouge. first, the “moonflower” is common here in the tropics & is called the datura. it is related to the angel trumpet which is called brugmansia. all parts of it are deadly poison. at one time, i had a double purple one that was white petals on outer edge with purple petals in center. the difference between them is that angel trumpet’s flowers hang down. also on my migration route from okla city to baton rouge, i lived in claremore for 5 yrs. it is a lovely town, the home of lynn riggs who wrote green grow the lilacs which was made into the musical oklahoma. also the home of patty page (do you remember her?). the most famous person is ,of course, will rogers. there is a great museum where he is buried. also there is the j.m. davis gun museum. many guns but also wwll memorabilia, saddles, & a large collection of beer steins. they have a university with many marble statues (worth a drive thru the beautiful grounds). on another subject, the westminster presbyterian church was at 44th & shartel. it was the church for the rich & famous presbyterians. i went to northminster for not so rich. the minister, don milligan, had a beautiful singing voice & sang oh holy night better than anyone i have ever heard. on another topic, wild horse canyon was a “box” canyon with only one end open. if you herded them in, they could not get out. enough for now.” -susan
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“My 10 yr old granddaughter Sarah Chase is in the hospital with a stomach disorder– she is on the anti-nausea meds they give chemo patient– has been throwing up for over a week– we think the anti-nausea meds have helped. Please include her in your prayers for healing.” laveta_chase@msn.com
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The optimist sees opportunity in every danger; the pessimist sees danger in every opportunity.
-Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
See everyone next week!
Butch Bridges
Ardmore, Oklahoma
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September 21, 2006 Circulation over 5,000 Vol 10 Issue 504
Every now and then I get an email that just knocks my socks off. Well, this week I received such an email from a lady who lives right outside Durant, Oklahoma a few miles. Actually this was the second email Patty Wells had sent me….. the first was sometime back telling about her bell collection. So I knew Patty had a bell collection, but boy, this lady has got a collection like no other in the state of Oklahoma! Patty has accumulated around 50 bells over the years, some just ordinary cast iron dinner bells, but some are bells extraordinaire. Just looking at some of her bells makes me want to drive over to her place and starting ringing every one! Of course, she would probably think I was crazy. But then since she is an avid bell collector, she just might not. lol
Here is a Folder with a few of Patty’s bells. Click Here
Before Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Ben Collins was an Indian policeman for the Chickasaw Nation. He lived 5 miles south of Milburn, Oklahoma. One evening around 10pm in August 1906, Ben Collins was standing on the porch with his wife, when he was gunned down by several men from out in the darkness. The Chickasaw Nation offered a reward of $1,000 for info leading to the arrest of his killers. In November that same year deputy marshals and detectives arrested Henry Pruitt, A. Washmood and Ben Tie for Collin’s murder. Three years later, at a mob lynching in Ada, Oklahoma on April 19, 1909 four men were taken from the jail and lynched. It would become known that these four men and the three arrested for the murder of Ben Collins were all accomplices that dark night in 1906 south of Milburn, Oklahoma. This band of outlaws had killed several people during those years, earning up to $2,000 per killing as hired guns. Click Here – Click Here
Those of you who made it to the tractor show at Sulphur last Saturday, it was the place to be. The weather was beautiful and the crowd was wonderful, and the show had something for everyone who attended. I took some pictures while there, and so did Gary Simmons and Dwane Stevens. I put all the pics in a Folder called “SulphurTractorShow”. I’m looking forward to next year’s Antique Tractor Show! Click Here – Click Here
From the October 11, 1997 T&T Vol 1 Issue 25: “The other day I received my mailorder of a computer component including a box of 50 diskettes. Inside the box, the company had given me a small advertising magnet. The kind made of rubber with their address, 800 number, etc on it. I thought, hummmm…. is this a good idea? Placing a magnet inside the box with the diskettes? So, you know me, the wheels starting turning. I decided to do a scientific study. I took the rubber magnet and a diskette to which I had just copied around 50 files to. I rubbed the magnet all over the diskette, both sides. No damage done. I could copy the files from the diskette to my hard drive fine. So, I left the magnet sitting on top of the diskette all night. Still no damage. But… and remember there is always that but, when I opened the little sliding door of the diskette and stuck one corner of the magnet into the opening, then the data was damaged. I could access the diskette, read the files, but could not copy the files from the diskette back to the hard drive.”
I was told this week the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center here in Ardmore has an job opening in their Technology Department. If your computer and network savvy and interested in this position, contact the Center for more info. Click Here
The Ardmore Police Department has a new revamped website. Its got all the bells and whistles including info and pics of the registered sex offenders. Those of you who have ever created a website knows its a lot of work, and its evident the new APD website has a lot of work put into it. Very impressive! Just remember its still a work in progress when you visit….. but the wait for the rest will be worth it. Click Here
I found a great place to order prints online. They charge 12 cents per print (standard 4×6), and postage is .99 no matter how many prints you have them make and mail to you. And with my first order I got a coupon code number to enter giving me my first 50 prints free. So I uploaded some pics I wanted on photo paper, and 3 days I had my 47 pictures in hand and all for only 99 cents. They use quality Fuji Crystal Archive photo paper and chemicals too. I was very impressed with the pics when I opened my package. Just remember the large the photo size you want, the greater the DPI needs to be. (photos bigger than 4×6 do not fall in the 50 free offer.) Just follow their instructions. Its easy. Click Here
SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK’S MAILBAG
“Butch!…. recent talk about the perfect Hamburger reminds me of the Fall of 1952…a new menu item at JOY’S GRILL on the main drag in Healdton..the JOYBURGER…specially baked buns from Ford’s Bakery easily the size of a dinner plate..or larger..triple meat, cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickle, mayo and mustard… often called a DOCTOR BURGER because Healdton’s lady doctor, EmmaJean Anthis was very fond of ’em. I continually search for something comparable…flame broiled just doesnt cut it. My wife constantly telling me to enjoy what I can find, ’cause I ain’t gonna find a JoyBurger no-way, no-how. I continue the search. Someone told me the burgers at the bowling alley in Lone Grove come as close as any to a JoyBurger. When the snow flies here in the high country, I’ll escape to Okla and check-in at the Lone Grove establishment. Until then, thanks for the weekly newsletter. An eagerly awaited weekly thrill!!!!” -Li’l ol’ Sonny McClanahan cmccla121@yahoo.com
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“Butch, After reading your T&T today, I came up with a couple of thoughts. How about Westminster United Presbyterian Church that used to be on 25th St, NW in OKC. That is where I joined the church in about 1943. Wonder if it tied in with Westminster College. Some day, perhaps “someone” might check the micro-film records of the Daily Ardmoreite at the Ardmore Library and see if the 1987 files report anything about the murder of my grandfather, Robert William Bridges by a guy named Cain. Hint, hint.” -Don
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“Butch, Here is a super freebie from Google. It’s a 3-D modelling program. I have it and have been using it for about a week. I’m attaching a screenshot of a drawing I just finished. You might be able to use it or just play with it. 73.” -Jim, N5COP Whitesboro
The modeling tool SketchUp has long been a favorite of designers, architects, and hobbyists who have used the powerful program to render 3D images of their ideas. In March, search-engine giant and emerging software powerhouse Google acquired SketchUp developer @Last Software. Last week, Google SketchUp was quietly released to the public. The program has been made completely free for personal use, and it includes tools for integrating your creations with Google Earth or uploading them to Google’s 3D Warehouse gallery. Google is establishing a pattern of acquiring software companies and releasing free versions of their programs. As with Keyhole (now Google Earth) and Picasa, Google hopes to make SketchUp popular with its massive Web audience. We get very cool free software, and Google gains new users, loyal customers, and a potential avalanche of third-party content added to Google Earth. It might appear at first that the free version of SketchUp has been watered down, but you’ll find most of its same functionality in an easier-to-use interface. The creative possibilities are endless, and included video tutorials will get you up and modeling in no time. Not only can Google SketchUp create detailed structural models, it can also be used as a more general conceptual visualization tool for everything from games and art projects to work flows and engineering. Take Google SketchUp for a spin, and let us know what you think. Then see what others have to say about Google’s latest software or add a review of your own. Finally, if you’re a fan of CNET Download.com and are willing to back it up with an Internet vote, please help support us by voting for Download.com in the Webby’s People’s Voice competition. Voting ends this week. -Peter Butler Senior Editor, CNET Click Here
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“Hi Butch, I enjoy your column very much, my gr-gr-grandfather was a US Deputy Marshall commissioned out of McAlester, Oklahoma. I am sending you some attachments that I copied from old accounts of his adventures. Maybe someone will remember the name, his commission papers were signed by a Mr. Enlow. I am hoping some folks will be able to fill in some of the blanks for me… He was born in Gainesville, moved to Thackerville, finally settling down in Holdenville to have a lifetime occupation of law enforcement. Thanks for your consideration, and pardon some of the content, I copied it the way it was for the day, I certainly do not intend to offend anyone, so if you decide not to include some of it because of some offensive words. I will completely understand.” -G. Ryans Click Here
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“Butch, I would like for anyone that went to the Graham School or Woodford School ,and might have a picture of a Wanda Tippitt, to contact me at kwlittlefoot@aol.com or call me at 580-475-0410.” -Kathleen W. Stoner
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“Butch, you never know how small a world it is. My sister and brother in law lived in New Wilmington, PA and taught at Westminster College for 25 years. He retired and they moved back to Iowa about 5 years ago.”
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“Hey, Dwane! Great shots on the Washita! I have traversed that river thousands of times as a Game Warden. I knew exactly where you were in nearly every shot! Thanks for the memories!” -Rome Ingle, Tulsa
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“Butch, I found these in a box of old pictures. I wondered if you could identify them. I think one is Bob Wills but I don’t recognize the other band members. I’m sorry the owner didn’t label the photos and give them better care.” glenda777@cableone.net Click Here – Click Here
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“I used to live in Purcell, Bristow. Cushing, and Perkins Ok from 1964 until 1968. I know this is out of reach from your area around Ardmore, but up south of Perkins south of the Cimarron River then to the east there is a real interesting place to see. It was always cool back in the 60’s we used to hike out to this place called Horse Thief Canyon which was along the river. you walk off the dirt road and if you weren’t careful you would drop the 50 or so feet to the bottom. It kinda sneaked up on you if you wasn’t paying attention to where it was. As a Boy Scout we used to go out there and camp by one of the ponds on weekends and do some exploring. Its been so long I do not remember the exact roads to take to get out there. But I just thought it might be something interesting you might want to do something on. I was told that it was called Horse Thief Canyon was because back in the old days they would steal horses and hide them down inside, hence the part if you don’t watch your step you would fall in. I also do not remember who owns the property. I believe they guy tried to go commercial with it but it didn’t pan out for him. Also when we lived there my mother was always taking these trips around Oklahoma on weekends, I have been in Ardmore but its been a long time ago. Thanks for the memories. Hope everything goes well for you.” -Steve Martin, Kansas City, Mo Click Here
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“i was wondering if u could get me a copy of the pic in the newsletter “this and that” jan 1999 to mar 1999 of the 1914 pic of the Radium Well and four bathhouses at Claremore, Oklahoma even were in Claremore it was located i called chamber of commerce at Claremore and they didn’t tell me anything but the only thing left is s shell of the building, they wouldn’t even give me the location.” Click Here
“here are the pics i took today of 2 of the bathhouses that remain in Claremore one happened to be tore down and a back but there, i will eventually check at claremore library for more info on them. one pic is of a street sign but i don’t think ya can read it, i should have gotten closer to it. they are in town of claremore, they were a sulfur bath houses why they named it radium i don’t know but hope to find out. see ya later.” -Arlie Welker Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here
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“Butch, right next to the swimming pool in Whittington Park was the old skating rink that was so much fun and the only thing besides a movie that the young people had to do and meant so much and was so much fun. My best times during high school was at that skating rink. Have you printed something about this? Such good memories.” -Trev Patton
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“I love reading your weekly newsletter, and wanted to send you a note of thanks for all you do to promote our historic City of Ardmore and Carter County!! You keep us visible!! Just a note to tell you that our Awesome Ardmore Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution has a new website, and we encourage ladies who can prove their lineage to a Revolutionary Patriot (1776 – 1783) to contact our regent Diane Hamill through our website, about membership. We do many things to help grow Ardmore and surrounding cities, as well. Constitution Week is proclaimed around our county with posters reminding citizens that September 17-23 should be celebrated with repeating the Preamble to our United States Constitution, flying our flags, and ringing bells.” -Nell Truitt, Ardmore Chapter DAR, webmaster Click Here
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“The Murray County Antique Tractor & Implement Association held their 13th annual show this past weekend, September 15, 16, & 17, titled “Gettin’ Our Kicks In 2006.” The association has a 60 acre fairground located 7 miles north of Sulphur, Ok. on the East side of Hwy 177 loaded with at least 16 working exhibits demonstrating such old fashioned talents such as blacksmithing, broom making, saw milling, rope making, hay bailing and threshing just to mention a few. The highlight of Saturday’s show was the 12:00 noon “Parade of Power” which included hundreds of vintage tractors and for this year an added feature was the 8 Mule Team Hitch from Diamond, JK Ranch of Cyril, Oklahoma. The “Touch of Ear” Hitch was composed of eight blonde sorrel ladies of Belgian stock that stand over 6 feet tall and weigh an average of 2,000 pounds each. They stand about 19 hands tall, a hand being four inches. There also were various vendors with handmade crafts, antique tools, antique engines of all sizes and other unique items. The Association plans and arranges each year’s event to accommodate all with easy directed parking, free transportation from your parked car to the main event area, handicapped parking, nice clean restrooms and friendly Association Members to help you enjoy your visit, answer any questions and take care of any particular needs you may have. They also provide free camping space for those wishing to bring a motor home or camping trailer. In all, a very well organized, entertaining and educational event. If you didn’t make the show this year then start planning for next year’s event.” -Dwane Stevens
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“Some call it art, some call it desecration OF art. You decide.” Click Here
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“Hello, I am working on my genealogy and found an old letter of my great grandmother’s , sadly it’s very hard to read and the spelling is not all that great. She is writing about her Marriage and the date is 1903 and by the spelling the marriage could have been Bartlesville, Barnsdall or Pawhuska. I was hoping you could help with a list of Church’s in the time line of 1903. Thank you for your time.” knyghtryder1@yahoo.com
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“Butch, I must say I have learned a great deal from your newsletter … your site should have been included in the realtor packets when we moved to Oklahoma. 😀 Question: this moonflower, where do you get one??? Local nursery didn’t know what I wanted. I assume this is one of those old flowers that Grandma probably had. If you can lead me in the right direction, I’d love to plant one. Thanks!” Click Here
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“The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plan.” Click Here
See everyone next week!
Butch Bridges
Ardmore, Oklahoma
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September 14, 2006 Circulation over 5,000 Vol 10 Issue 503
If you haven’t been to see the yearly tractor show at Sulphur, you’ve been missing a lot of fun. Really, its a lot more than just tractors. WIth each passing year the event grows in size, and this year will be no different. Saturday will be the really big day, so if your able, I urge you to attend. I’m especially wanting to see those big mules at noon saturday. Hope to see you there! Click Here – Click Here
Grover Wells sent in another great pic that shows the wading pool next to Washington Grade school. Now I ask you, have you ever seen two bigger smiles? Click Here
Grover sent in a group photo of the 1936 Ardmore High football team a couple weeks ago, and there on the back row was my dad….. number 61. People have told me that my dad, RV Bridges, won all the trophies that year in football. And to think I cant even tell who’s got the ball, so I sure didnt take after my dad. And I dont think I have much resemblance of my dad. But you will read in the next paragraph of a relative over 100 years ago that I do resemble. Click Here
But this week I found a photo taken in 1847 in Altoona, PA of my great grandfather Howard Carmon and I am the spitting image of him. I have wondered all my life what he looked like and low and behold this week I found a pic of him hidden behind another old photo of my grandfather Stanley Carmon. Howard Carmon’s dad, Livingston Carmon, was one of the original founders of Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA and served as treasurer on its board. In 1993 I was told by the college archivist that some of the original buildings at Westminster were built by my great great grandfather Livingston Carmon and are still standing today. Guess I need to make a trip to PA and do some genealogy work, and find some cousins. Click Here – Click Here
Here is a photo of ex-Carter County Sheriff Gerald Cobb in his football uniform back in 1950. Click Here
The old Bowman Building located in the 200 block of Stanley SW will be coming down in a couple weeks. Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here
A couple of historical information plaques was recently placed on the south side of the Carter county courthouse. It always nice to see things that happened years ago, presented so people today can learn about it. Sometimes things get forgotten with the passage of time. Click Here – Click Here
Its been so hot and dry the last few weeks its been almost impossible to get the new markers installed in the confederate section of Rose Hill Cemetery. But now with a break in the weather, Doug Williams has set another 5 or so markers this week. About 30 have been set, with another 10 and another 1j0 or so will be set over the next few days. Click Here
SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK’S MAILBAG
“Terri and I did another kayak trip down the Washita River last Saturday. We had a good time but were sore from bouncing off rocks! Ha! Our youngest son Brandon drove us up to Davis to set us in the river and then later picked us up down at the Dougherty bridge. I’ve attached a few shots of our trip. We stopped at “The Cut” and I shot the Heartland Flyer and a BNSF freight train from the river. We also found what I believe to be an old abandoned Railroad Bridge northwest of Dougherty alongside the river.” -Dwane Stevens Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here
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“The annual Murray County tractor show north of Sulphur is scheduled for Friday Sept. 15 through Sunday the 17th. Always crammed with activities, this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. For a description of events and a map, see the Association’s website: http://www.arbuckletourism.com/mcatia/home.htm
And on Saturday, there will be an extra special bonus. The “Touch of Ear” group will appear – a hitch of sorrel blonde mules that are becoming quite famous. The eight beautiful ladies are not as large as the Clydesdales, but averaging a ton each they certainly aren’t puny. For pictures and information go to http://www.diamondjkranches.com and click A Touch of Ear at upper left.
This a great outing opportunity for the whole family. Hope everyone can make it.” -Elizabeth Dyer
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“Hi Butch, For people doing research, the Ardmore Public Library now has The Daily Ardmoreite on microfilm all the way back to the 1800s. It’s easy to print out copies when people find what they need. They also have some new reference books on all kinds of vehicles for do-it-yourself mechanics. I think there will be an article on this in Monday’s paper. Terri Sharp at the library sent me a news release. Your newsletter is a blessing for many. Thanks for all the great work.”
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“Following up Butch & Elizabeth’s comments on the tractor show this weekend in Sulphur, below is link to the Ardmoreite’s article. I hope that someday, the Ardmoreite folks will work out how to include web links in their online articles like Elizabeth was so kind to do in her posting.” -Garth Hoard, Lone Grove, America http://ardmoreite.com/stories/091206/living_0912060013.shtml
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“I have had several customers in recently looking for anything (authentic) WW II, particularly helmets with the liners, uniforms (most were continued to be worn, perhaps even dyed other colors to conceal their origin, or discarded), ribbons and badges, weapons of any kind, Zippo lighters, rations, etc. Also folks are continuing to search for railroad items including: lanterns, passes, caps and hats, pocket calendars (particularly ’40s and earlier), china (and any other marked food service pieces) used in the dining cars and in the Fred Harvey Restaurants, ash trays, etc.; authentic advertising signs (especially porcelained metal); and any kind (especially green) depression glass. Keep in mind that there is a collector out there for anything and everything ever made. It’s more valuable if it reminds them of their childhood, or something that parents or grandparents had in years past. They’re buying “memories” to pass on to the grandkids, and they’ll buy multiple copies for as many grandkids as they have. Yesterday afternoon I continued to do some mowing. I’d had rain on Saturday stop my mowing of the front yard here at home, so I finished that and then took the mower back to the Elm Street properties to mow the back yard and the alley because later this week I anticipate lots of traffic as usual when our main streets are being blocked off for the downtown festivities here in Perry, Oklahoma. The Saturday parade, the food booths, all the activities in the courthouse park, etc. Our fair began accepting entries Saturday and continues until Friday at 2PM, and then the BIG celebration takes place on Saturday (we’re celebrating the 113th anniversary of the Cherokee Strip Land Run of September 16th, 1893). To my knowledge, we are the ONLY city to have celebrated the run each and every year since it happened. Enid skipped the first 5 years I think, but they also have large celebrations. And then there’s the 22nd. Annual FREE outdoor barbecue hosted by the Exchange Bank (next door to my shop) tomorrow Tuesday) where EVERYBODY is invited to the big feed, and the band “The Country Travelers” will perform from 11 AM ’til 1 PM. They always serve large portions of baked beans and potato salad along with the delicious barbecue (prepared by Sooner’s Corner Restaurant) and I usually have the large iced tea with mine (rather than other drinks offered). It’s always a fun week even if we have pouring down rain or sleet (I can remember surviving an ice storm during the big parade a few years ago). For the parade itself, I have chairs already in storage at Jim Franklin’s art studio, set aside just for the occasion and will be at my regular place on the sidewalk along with Kevin & family plus any and all of the Franklin relatives who show up.” -Roy roy_kendrick@peoplepc.com
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“There is also a place near Cushing in Payne County that has been dubbed Ghost Hollow. This spooky spot is located about a mile north of the Cimarron River and in the late 1800’s was an ideal spot for hanging outlaws. There was an old elm tree and a sycamore there where lawbreakers were often strung up. The elm tree is said to still stand today… and is haunted. According to legend, an innocent man was hanged there in 1887 and the next day, all of the bark mysteriously fell off of the tree. From that night on, at the time of the full moon, the tree is said to glow an eerie, white color. The natural effects of having no bark in the light of the moon…. or the ghost of the wrongly punished man?”
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“Hey, your bush is nearly as large as mine. And you have as many blooms. Way-to-go. If you let one of the seed pods, stay on the bush, till it dries and bursts, it will scatter the seeds, and maybe by the end of May or first of June, you will have some new plants coming up, to share with others.” -Jo Ann
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“Butch, My grandmother grew the moonflower when I was a little girl and we played with the blooms to make doll dresses .(homemade dolls of twigs). She would always tell us not to play with them. Don’t look into the blooms or it would make one eye bigger than the other. I think she mean’t the pupil. The plant is probably poisonous. I think it is used to make whatever it is that drs use to dialate eyes. I’ve grown them when I was younger but they spread like the plague so as I grew older I quit . The seeds will pop everywhere.” -Minnie Lou Whittington
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“I took this picture while we were doing some geocaching and a small bit of genealogy in Healdton. The bell is outside of the Oil Museum.” -Jim & Linda Oliver Click Here
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“Butch, FYI-Local Plainview High Golfer, Paige Martin, will be visiting the University of Arkansas this weekend, Sept. 8-10, for an Official Visit. Our Lady Razorback Golf Coach, Kelley Hester, is really keen on Paige joining our #10 golf team next year. And as a former Ardmoreite, I have been keeping her abreast of Paige’s accomplishments. If Paige chose to attend the U of A she would be joining the #1 ranked amateur in the U.S., Stacy Lewis. So, keep your finger your fingers crossed that Paige will pick up over the Oklahoma or Texas schools.” -Kathi
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“Butch, once again, you have brought back an unforgotten memory. Oh, how I remember those Saturday afternoons of walking down the block to go wading in that pool. As kids, we lived on the corner of 7th & G NE (my brother & I both attended grade school at Washington in the 60’s; my son went there for kindergarten in the 80’s). I don’t remember the little white building though. I think it was gone by the time we were in school. I do remember when they filled it in with sand and then eventually removed it completely. That was a sad day in my memory book for myself. I’m sure that somewhere in my dad’s old photo albums there are pics of myself & my brother wading in that pool, but not sure where they’re at. I will gladly save this photo though, to share with my grandchildren some day. Thanks again.” -Kathi Click Here
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“Butch, The flood that Mike Pennington was refering to, was in 1957 I believe. There were a lot of people that lived in and around the Bar-Mont Village which was located at the east curve in Healdton, displaced because of high water. My older brother, Cecil, saved someone from drowning, that I thought was a small girl but don’t remember for sure. Still love your T&T.” -Perry Pearson
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“Hey Butch, I was reading about the old ringer washing machine. My mother had one in the basement but also had a new Maytag automatic washing machine. On wash day, she would run the first load of not too dirty clothes through the new machine but catch the first wash water that came out and run it into the old Maytag ringer washing machine. Then she would wash blue jeans and Dad’s coveralls in the old machine. I guess that was early recycling. I never did get a hand stuck in the ringer but my sister did. It popped open when it got too big a load in it.” -Dr. R.J. Woodbridge
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“Dog disposal horrifies Caddo, Oklahoma residents. Several residents of Caddo are upset about the way the Caddo Police Department handled the removal of one man’s dogs, calling it cruel and inhumane. Janice Price was watching her grandchildren Tuesday when the children came in talking about a man across the street who had a gun and was shooting dogs. Price said she went outside to investigate.” For more of this story, click on the link below: Click Here
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“Are you having computer problems? I was big time. I would loose all of my Icons off my computer screen, it was slow and my email was always shutting down, plus it would lock up all the time. If you logged on to Outlook Express it would take two logins to get it working. A friend of mine that works on computers told me to remove the screensaver and try that. I did and have not had any trouble since. I was going to get my computer scrubbed and fixed and now it is fine.” -Doug Williams
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The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet. -J. Robert Oppenheimer
See everyone next week!
Butch Bridges
Ardmore, Oklahoma
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September 7, 2006 Circulation over 5,000 Vol 10 Issue 502
The Murray county Antique Tractor and Implement Association’s annual show is September 15, 16, and 17th. The place is 7 miles north of Sulphur just off Hwy 177. A special added feature on SATURDAY will be 8 mule team hitch from Diamond, JK Ranch of Cyril, Oklahoma. The hitch will be part of the “Power Drive” at noon that Saturday. The “Touch of Ear” Hitch is composed of eight blonde sorrel ladies that stand over 6 feet tall and weigh an average of 2,000 pounds each. They stand about 19 hands tall, a hand being four inches. Big animals have big appetites. Each mule consumes about 22 pounds of grain and 45 pounds of hay each day. Their mammas are Belgians. Numerous show events and many tractors are to be enjoyed. Admission is $2 per person, under 16 and over 60 is free. If you have any questions email Jim Dyer at jdyer@brightok.net See you there! Click Here – Click Here
Grover Wells sent in a fantastic photo this week of the old wading pool that was across the street west from Washington School on 5th and G NE. I swam in that wading pool many times back in the late 50s and early 60s. Eddie Graham ran the pool every afternoon during the summer months. Eddie and Ancel Graham (Ancel was the Carter county court clerk) lived just a block south of the wading pool at G and 4th NE. This photo was taken in the 30s and you can see the 2 story red brick Washington Grade School in the background. Click Here
And if the above pic wasnt enough, Bob Farrington sent in another great piece of Ardmore history, a couple of photographs of the old EzyWay convenience story that was located where the present day Animal Health Center is today. You can tell in the pic the store was originally half as big as it is today… with the west side being the original, and a wing added to the east later. Here is the email Bob Farrington sent: “Hi a couple of things come to mind and usually a couple is about all I can handle! First was the Animal Health Center which you mentioned. Lets go back further on that, to 1947 when it was E-Z Way food store. I was there! Wayne Payne and Wig Yeats were there along with myself. There has been some added since the original, on the left. We used to really get a work-out on Sunday’s especially when people going to the lake would stop for last minute items, including pop and watermelons. On right hand side of picture we had a large walk-in cooler where we always had chilled watermelons and customers would go in and select their choice! Wonder if there are still any people around who used to stop there? Pictures are attached. Another item is copy of a recent “happening” in Akron Ohio and would have sent it sooner but was afraid if you came up I would be embarrassed if you asked for an “educated hamburger” although looks like you could have gotten your fill anyhow! This is also attached.” Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here
I need to correct a mistake I had in last week’s T&T when I said the old mansion that was torn down at Dornick Hills was the old Otey Johnson place. It may have been that Dr Otey Johnson lived there in later years, or maybe it was next door, but the home was originally built in 1905 by the Galt family. Wirt Franklin lived in the house after the Galts. This piece of Ardmore history is gone now… victim of the wrecking ball. Click Here
I have a young Empress Tree ready for anyone locally who wants it. It is very healthy, so it should do fine. I’ll let it go to the first person who brings me $7. Pot not included. lol Click Here
Speaking of plants, our newly planted cannas are doing great, now that the rains have came. Click Here
And the two month old Moon Flowers, they are growing like a weed. They only bloom at night. Click Here
I was in Lone Grove, Oklahoma last Monday at noon and found another great hamburger in that fair town (like the one at the Lone Grove bowling alley). This time we stopped at Monty’s Diner on the south side of Highway 70 just east of the UPS place and what a burger we found! It comes with a big thick piece of well done meat, crisp onions, pickles, and lettuce. And when I say it was delicious, I really mean it with this Monty’s Diner burger. And the table service was the best. The waitress came 3 times to check to see if we needed more ice tea. Plus they bring you with an ample supply of big 10×10 dinner napkins, besides the ones on the table in the dispenser. So to sum it up, this was a great burger, and for $2.10 this was one of the best tasting bargains I’ve ran across when it comes to hamburgers! Click Here – Click Here
Speaking of food, I think I may have mentioned this only once or twice in the past ten years, but my other favorite food next to the hamburger is Chinese food. We have several great Chinese food places in the Ardmore area, but I was at one last Saturday that was one of the best I’ve ate at in a long time. Its located in that little strip mall next to Homeland Grocery. Its called the New China King. Everyday they have a special besides all the other items on the menu. We tried Saturdays special and the $14 worth of food was enough for two people to eat 3 days, I kid you not. And I’m really particular when it comes to egg rolls, and I liked their egg rolls were great, along with their own sweet and sour sauce I dipped them in. And as most of you know, if a Chinese food place uses ‘old’ cooking oil, that turns me off really quick. But the New China King was really fresh tasting. And you know, when I go to a place to eat, I like to enjoy the atmosphere and the people, and have fun eating. And I promise you, if you go in to New China King and strike up a conversation with the owner, you’ll be all smiles. He’s really fun to talk to. His English is not all that great, but the conversation will keep you grinning. lol Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here
About 3 weeks ago when we were in Gainesville, Texas I took some pics of the workers replacing the 8 year old aluminum windows, and restoring the windows back to wood. The ceiling inside the rotunda of the courthouse is awesome. I got more pics, but will save them for another issue. Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here –
SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK’S MAILBAG
“Butch, Enclosed are pictures of a bell that is located on the porch of the Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee. Here is a brief history of the bell: In about 1898 a wealthy businessman, James G. Brown, of Englewood, New Jersey provided the funds for the materials for the construction of a school to be located approximately 3 ˝ miles southeast of Muskogee, Oklahoma in Muskogee County. It was agreed that the community would provide the labor for the construction of the school to be known as the Sally Hungerford Brown Memorial Chapel. The primary use of the school was for the education of the native Americans living in the area. Sally Hungerford Brown was the daughter of James Brown. She had died in 1849 at the age of 9. In 1901 the Sally Hungerford Brown Chapel was completed and the Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church, Muskogee, Indian Territory was organized by the Presbytery of Sequoyah, of the Synod of Indian Territory. The church had a membership of nine at the end of the first year. Upon the completion of the chapel the community agreed to add a belfry to the chapel if Mr Brown would provide a bell for the chapel. A newspaper of the area stated: “The Sally Hungerford Brown Chapel, three miles southeast of town, is the recipient of a neat Christmas present from James Brown of New Jersey. It is a neat bell with the inscription: ‘This bell was cast by the Meely Bell Company of Troy, New York for the Sally Hungerford Brown Chapel of Indian Territory.’ School and church services were held in the building until approximately 1961 when a new school building was built. It is not known how the bell came to be at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. Butch, I am also attaching a photo of another bell located at the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. It is mounted on a pole and I could not get a good photo. I have no information on this second bell. Also, I am attaching a photo of a bell located at a church in Porter, Muskogee County, OK. I have no information on this bell. I would invite you to Muskogee to visit these bells and the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. The museum itself is worth the trip to Muskogee. If you decide to come up here please let me know in advance. Sure enjoy THIS AND THAT. Keep up the good work.” -John Key, Muskogee, OK jmkskk@sbcglobal.net Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here – Click Here
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“Butch, My husband is looking for an article and photographs of the Boadie L. Anderson Quarry from between 1972-1975. He’s not sure what publication it appeared on, but was formerly located on microfiche at the Chickasaw Museum at Tishomingo, but we can’ t locate it now. We have researched on the internet to no avail. Could you hunt around a little and let us know if you find anything. his father is pictured in several of the photographs and we would like to track this down. Thank you for your time.” -Sandy Samis ssamis01@yahoo.com
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“Enjoy Southern Oklahoma at its finest, this is an old bridge at the fish hatchery at Regan, Oklahoma. This is Pennington Creek. Are we lucky to have such untouched natural beauty?” -Doug WIlliams Click Here
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“There was and is a town named Pittsburg, Oklahoma. The USPS Zip Code site shows its zip code is 74560. Both the Official State Highway Map and Mapquest show it about three miles east of the Indian Nations Turnpike on Oklahoma State Highway 63. George Shirk’s Oklahoma Place Names shows the post office, established in the 1800s and having several earlier names changed its name to Pittsburg on August 27, 1909. The Official State Highway Map shows the 2000 population as 280.” -Wes Leatherock
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“Butch: For Mel who wrote in last week and asked if there was ever a town in Oklahoma named Pittsburg. The answer is, yes there was and still is. It is located near Kiowa in the eastern part of the state. Official location is Section 20-20, 2N, 14E.” -Richard Haney
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“Hi Butch: tell Mel that there is a Pittsburg, OK. It is in Pittsburg County, south of McAlester & about 5 miles east of Kiowa. There are many pimple mounds in the immediate area, the origin of which remains a mystery.” -Tom Meason, Tulsa, OK Click Here
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“Last week there was a short note of a bank robbery that occured here in McCurtain county in 1919. The two robbers were apprehended at a resort in the Arbuckle Mountains called Fallis Falls. It seems these two cowboys were spending alot of money very freely. The take was after all over two thousand dollars. I have never heard of Fallis Falls resort. I was wondering if anyone had? Thanks” -Jack Ricketts
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“Butch, Before there was the world of plastics of today, there was Bakelite which was invented after the turn of the century by Leo Baekeland. One of its first uses was as gramophone records produced by Thomas A. Edison. There were thousands of uses developed for Bakelite over the years because it would not warp, shrink, or change shape. Many items are now quite expensive to buy. Prior to WWII, the Bakelite Company became the Union Carbide Corporation.” -Monroe Cameron
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“Butch would anyone of your readers have a 1954 or 1955 Graham, Ok. high school album. I would like to get one or be able to look at it and maybe get a picture of two out of it. I enjoy reading your article every week.” -Kathleen Stoner kwlittlefoot@aol.com
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“Butch, the picture of the old washing machine looks similar to the Maytag washing machine my grandmother Jodie Gore, of Gainesville, Texas used during the late 30’s and 40’s. She used her washing machine for many, many years. She told me the washing machine was older than I when I was a boy of about 8 or 9 years old. This incident occurred when I was helping my grandmother wash on a “Monday Wash Day. Yep, boys had to also learn to do the washing. There were four boys and only one girl at home at that time. After washing the first load of clothing my grandmother went outside to hang up the washed clothing on the outside clothes line. During her temporary absent I decided to wring a shirt using the automatic wringer. I slowly and diligently fed the shirt through the wringer. Near the end of its journey through the wringer I failed to let go of the shirt as it moved slowly through the upper and lower rollers. Thank God, my uncle Willie Joe was present at the time. He rushed over and hurriedly released the safety release on the wringer that opened the rollers allowing me to free my arm. Had he not been there at the time of my predicament my right hand and arm would have been badly injured.” -Elmer G. West ewest1@satx.rr.com Click Here
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“The new Oklahoma State Quarter is due to be released in early 2008. Governor Brad Henry is asking Oklahomans to help with the selection of the final design. Go to www.gov.ok.gov/coin2.php to see the final ten design selections, which have to be narrowed down to five to be sent to the U.S. Treasury, who will make the final choice.”
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“I was wondering if anyone could help me. I am trying to research my Great-Grandfather. This name was Leo John McGivern. I believe his family came to OK from Illinois. I was told at one time he was the Mayor of Wilson OK. Is there any place I can look this up? I wanted to tell my kids about it. Thank you for any help you may be able to give.” -Melissa King Foster melissaf@colonialsavings.com
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“Butch, It is with great sadness that I let you know a retired mail carrier has died. Don Slawson who worked at the Ardmore post office for 30 years and has bee retired for several years died this week. Don’s last assignment was to carry the route that served downtown Ardmore so many there will remember him from that tour.” -Ron Brown, Retired Letter Carrier, Ardmore OK
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“Butch, here’s a couple of photos I shot today of some relics of the past on my farm that I inherited from my Parents. I lost them both a few years back but there are lots of reminders of hard work and good times on the old farm. Some of your readers may remember using hand pumps and grain drills like these.” -Dwane Stevens Click Here – Click Here
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“I bought a 1920’s fire truck that i was told came from oklahoma, the motor was made by the Buda company but the fire truck was made by General Fire Truck Company. the model # is G f 6 serial # is 1913165A. can one find out any information about it?” tryates@clicksouth.net
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“Hello Butch: have been enjoying the T&T as usual but have refrained from putting anything back. this issue mentioned Wilkerson Feed. I don’t know what your readership considers ancient history but to me this isn’t so ancient. Shock Wilkerson was an OHP trooper stationed in Ardmore with my dad. He and my dad had much of the same mannerisms and seem to always have a smile on his face. I really liked him. he had a son Bruce which I was sure I would see him on the PGA circuit. when he was just a child I played golf with him and he beat me. It wasn’t that he was a long hitter it was that he knew exactly where the ball was going. I found real quick from him that distance didn’t mean much. it was accuracy that counted. anyway, before it was Wilkerson Feed it was Cochran (sp)? Feed. Gerald Cochran was the owner operator. I liked him also. I remember one day with my dad we stopped in to visit him. I didn’t know it at the time but the purpose of the visit was for Mr. Cochran to convince me to go to his alma mater, Texas A&M, being an alumni seem to give me a boost. he also offered to assist in any financial aid i needed. it was tempting but I didn’t even know where the school was and i had never been very far from home. to me it was half way across the world and i didn’t see me attending. well, back to my story, Mr. Cochran had a daughter and she and Shockney (Shock) became married and i always suspected that a part of Mr. Cochran’s approval was that he resign from the OHP, which he did. this is one of the reasons i don’t reply very much seems i don’t know when to stop, so, will not bore you any longer. just wanted to say something about some of the greatest people associated with our fair town.” -Gerald Cobb
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“Butch: Thanks for all your help with my book. They are flying off the shelves, so to speak. I have a story coming out in the Ardmoreite next week and am currently seeking a good location for my book signing. I am already preparing for the second printing. Orders have come from: Australia, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Nevada and Virginia. I never dreamed the response would be anything like it has been. I have enjoyed hearing what people consider their favorite parts. So far, none have been duplicated. I have been asked to speak to student teachers at the Higher Education Center for 3 different classes and have been asked to speak to a class at Dickson High School.” Click Here – Click Here
Doug Williams, Author
Gene Autry, Oklahoma:
A Lifetime Of Memories
Click Here
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The Wilson News April 8, 1915
“The youth, Curry, who shot Henry Starr, and to whom no doubt belongs the credit for capture of that notorious bandit, is likely to be spoiled by the prominence and notoriety that he will get. Unless he has careful guidance he will probably think he is sure enough “gun man” and will contract the habit of “toting” one or two guns with him at all times; and that is what will probably do the damage. A “gun toter” is usually good for nothing in a business or social way. That’s what young Curry may come to unless he is carefully watched by his parents. Author’s note: Henry Starr was shot by Curry after having committed a double bank robbery in Stroud, OK in March 1915. He was shot and killed in Feb. 1921 while robbing a bank in Harrison, AR. Paul Curry later became a respectable school teacher, farmer and family man. Paul Curry holding the gun he used to shoot Henry Starr.” -Submitted by Mindy Taylor mindy@brightok.net Click Here – Click Here
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“Hi Butch, I just thought some of your readers may have information on the Healdton Flood back in the 50″s. A friend almost drowned at the time and was rescued in the Healdton Curve area. I believe there was a photo and news article but not sure? Thanks.” -Mike Pennington
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“Butch, Thanks for your T&T sharing… it is always nice. As you probably know, the Chickasaw National Park here at Sulphur is celebrating its 100 birthday (actually in the beginning it was Platt National). In honor of this year’s celebration, attached is a poem I wrote recently. We have a wonderful writer’s group here at Sulphur and were invited to read things for the Centennial Celebration. Seeing that you seem to like poetry, am sharing this with you.” -Joh in Sulphur
O CHICKASAW
> O Chickasaw, O Chickasaw
You are so lush with life:
Your towering canopy of trees,
Entwining vines so rife,
Your hidden sanctuaries
That only wild things know –
Safe haven for the foxes,
The rabbit or the doe.
We walk your paths and seldom
Think that in your bosom deep,
A thousand tiny seedlings
Of the future giants sleep.
How many helpless, newborn things
Are safe within your care,
Whose future, hopefully,
We’ll all be blessed to share?
Your springtime paths bid lovers stroll
Beneath the towering heights,
Or bask in moonlight’s golden glow
On mellow autumn nights.
Your dappled shadows beckon those
Whose hearts are filled with grief,
To pause and let the healing strength
Of nature bring relief.
O Chickasaw, O Chickasaw
May future years be kind,
And keep you safe and bountiful
For those who walk behind.
-Joh Gainey
See everyone next week!
Butch Bridges
Ardmore, Oklahoma
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