Email: butchbridges@oklahomahistory.net

Phone: 580-490-6823

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 March 6, 2004 to March 27, 2004.

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Saturday March 27, 2004 T&T Weekly Vol 8 Issue 362

A Reader in the Mailbag below told where the Hill Crest Cottages we talked about last week were located in the 1940s. They were not the English Village as some thought. The tourist court was located at 1425 Boundary NW on the west side of Memorial Hospital where their parking lot is now. I did a little research and it seems that around 1931 a James and Mary Edson started Joy Camp, another tourist camp just south of the Hill Crest mentioned above. Joy Camp was located at 1400 Boundary NW whereas Hill Crest was at 1425 Boundary. In a previous issue some time back I mentioned that Boundary Street is now Monroe Street NW and extended to Commerce (old Highway 77) and then north, I think. Boundary Street that ran east and west would have ran along the south side of Memorial Hospital (now 14th Street). Then in 1937 a Mr. Alvin Smith was the owner of Hill Crest Cottages and James Edson was running Joy Camp. By 1939 Mr. Edson was back running the Hill Crest Cottages again.

Without a 1930s map to look at and verify, I think Boundary NW ran north and south along Highway 77 by the Memorial Hospital. I guess it was what we today called the east service lane.

In 1930 there was a Paradise Vista Tourist Camp located at 316 Boundary NE (Monroe NE and D Street – the old Highway 70E going to Dickson). English Village at 1010 12th NW started around 1931. There was also a Shady Rest Camp at #10 Boundary NE in 1932.

Some might wonder why so many tourist camps for travelers to rest. Cars were slow and weather hot in the summer, people needed a place to rest. I can even remember about 1958 my grandfather Carmon and I going to Dallas to get a load of Dal-Worth Paint in the station wagon. It was so hot traveling down that old Highway 77, we stopped about every 25 miles just to cool off and drink a soda pop.

Last week we talked about a hanging near Healdton, Oklahoma in 1885. I Reader sent me a link to a map of the area from wayhoo.com and sure enough, there is Demijohn creek coming right by Healdton in a southeasterly direction, going right past Dillard, Oklahoma which would be the approximate area where the hanging took place. Click Here

A Reader discovered a secret railroad crossing last week on Mt Washington Road here in Ardmore. Its been kinda hidden behind a house at 1510 Mt Washington (about 2 blocks north of the old Will Rogers School), and a person would have never knew trains came through there, except for the railroad crossing sign. 🙂 Click Here

Ardmoreite Jim Rozzell brought me by a 1942 or so photo taken on the south side of the old Ardmore High School band room. There are 35 young school girls in the photograph. He believes his sister is the 9th girl from the right, top row… standing in front of window, Laveda Rozzell Meyers. Jim hopes someone can positively identify her has his sister, and also name as many of the others in the photo. I am always amazed how a computer scanner will enlarge a photo to where the faces are a lot more visible. This was a very small photo Jim brought to me before scanning. Click Here

Let’s see, the past few days we added the following places as now have a free copy of “Southern Oklahoma’s Playground” VHS movie…. Madill Library, Durant Library, Ada Library, Wynnewood Library, Pauls Valley Library, Lake Murray Lodge, Love County Historical Society, Marietta Museum, Marietta Senior Citizens Center, and Lawton Public Library. Click Here

Those of you who already have the 45 minute VHS tape, you might want to break out the little “Play Only tab” on the rear of the cassette. That way no one will accidently record over the tape.

Those of you who do not belong to the ConnectOklahoma ListServer has sure missed some terrific memory jogging emails the past week. Some of the best I’ve seen in the past eight years! Click Here

Our webshots had another record week….. over 1,500 look-sees. The winner by a landslide this week was the old pics of Carter county school. A distant second was That & That Photos Nov 30, Dec 7, 2002. Click Here

If you’ve been thinking about starting a website, and do it without paying out greenback dollars, here is the best place! They even have templates and all the html tools you need!! Click Here

Recorded by Betty Carroll March 17, 1989: “Once Upon A Time…. Charles Hobart Heald and Eliza Guy Heald, a Chickasaw, lived in Mill Creek where C.H. owned the hotel, post office and dry goods store. Eliza had 2 sisters, Serena, called Tina, and Anne. In 1882 Ben Carter, a Chickasaw and widower rode into Mill Creek with his 12 year old son, John Elliott Carter behind him. Ben soon fell in love with Serena Guy and married her in 1885. They had one son, Charles Carter. Ben was a judge in Ardmore for years. Charles Carter became a Congressman and remained with this elected position for many years. He did a great deal to help the Chickasaws while in Congress and Carter county was named for his family. Serena’s sister, Eliza Heald, died of pneumonia and her husband, Charles Hobart Heald, broken up over her death, sold all his interest in Mill Creek and moved on to establish the town of Healdton, Oklahoma.”

SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK’S MAILBAG

“Hi Butch, Your photo of Hillcrest Cottages brought back a long forgotten memory. The year was 1947. My family was relocating back in Ardmore after a stay in Midwest City where my father had transferred as crash firefighter at Tinker Air Force Base when The Ardmore Base closed at the end of WWII. We stayed at Hill Crest Cottages for a couple of weeks until we could secure permanent lodging. If my memory serves me correctly This little “tourist court” as they were called in those days was located on N Commerce St on the west campus of Mercy Memorial where the parking lot is located. I don’t believe 14th Street and 15th Street were there and the only other structure was Von Keller Hospital {later Ardmore hospital} at the 12th Street intersection.” Click Here
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“Dear Mr. Bridges, thanks very much for sending me T&T is really very interesting and I learn a lot about Oklahoma and the people of yesterday and today. I know everybody asking you questions about people of 100 years ago, and people that were hanged and a lots of questions, well Mr. Bridges I going to ask you about people of only 50 years ago, so maybe is not that hard, all of my question of course have something to do with fans of the Ardmore base ball Club ( I really think of this little town a lots of time), I will try to send you a couple of pictures but if it doesn’t come out good, let me know and I will send you the originals, you are an expert in this field, but not me. I know you talk a lot about beautiful houses, and you show those houses in T & T I don’t have the picture of this particular house but let me tell you Mr. Bridges I lived in Mr. and Mrs. Peden or Pedens house for 6 months, I Had the room of their son that was in Korea at that time ( in the Airforce) the room was really beautiful, but the rooms they had downstair was out of this world, the had a room with only chinese furniture, figures of porcelain rugs and everything was antique and beautiful, they also had a room with Edison furniture (That is what they called) and very pretty also, they used to put the house in exhibition every year, very nice people and I never forgot them, they treated my friend Nodar and me like their own son, Sorry I am writing to long but I can’t avoided. well now I will ask you Mr. Bridges about other people that I would like to know. There was a lady named Valaska she is in the picture I am sending to you she is between Joe Nodar and me, around there she was the owner I believe of a movie theater in Main St, next to Mr. Bridge Jewelry Store,around there was also a Drug Store owned by Mr, Eddie and Virginia Latz, and finally Mr. Bridges I would like to know about a very nice family that were very good friends, probably Mary Elizabeth know about this people because if she knew about Nancy Dulaney and the others girls that were in the picture I sent you before , maybe she knows about Maryann Austin her mother Irene and her brother Bob, I went to the Cemetery a couple of times where her father was buried. I Heard that Maryann got married with an airforceman and moved to Amarillo Texas, and I really would like to know how is she doing if anybody knows about her, I think she was maybe cousin of Nancy Dulaney, here is a picture of her with her mother Irene Joe Nodar and me.” -Ernie mewa1723@aol.com Click Here Click Here
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“Read your notice in ‘This and That Vol 8 Issue 360’ saying the bells from the Ardmore First Presbyterian Church were back on Oklahoma soil and in Ardmore! The plan was to raise them back to the top of the belfry starting around 8:00 am on Monday, March 15th. You had links for pics of the bells being removed December 17, 2002 for shipment to The Netherlands for tuning. You hoped someone would take some pics of the bells being put back in place Monday and share them with the rest of you! Well here they are – 11photos attached. After reading your note – my husband and I decided to be there as the 11 bells were placed back in the belfry. The bells were originally dedicated in October 1920 after being manufactured by Meneely & Company in West Troy, New York. Rev. Rick Mills said there would be another dedication ceremony and Concert – June 6, 2004 at the morning worship service. We remember seeing the bells atop the church bell tower when we lived in Ardmore from 1962 to 1969 when my husband worked for the Samuel Robert’s Noble Foundation doing basic cancer research. We also attended and graduated from Fox High School – classes of 1956 & 1958. People would refer to the church with all the bells as a landmark to locate other business places in downtown Ardmore. The church is an older but beautiful structure, and the bell tower and bells are very unique. Drive by and see for yourself. Better yet – attend worship service there sometime. God will bless you, and we found the members to be very friendly and gracious to visitors. Many of the church members were present throughout the day to watch the project. But Dan & I ( we are members of the Methodist Church in Durant, OK) live 60 miles away, so we just stayed from 9:15 A.M. to 4:15 P.M. It was an enjoyable seven hours watching the two workers from Holland along with Eddie Johnson’s crane operators from Ratliff City as they lifted the tools, steel bell frame, and bells to the top of the church bell tower. Very tedious, precise work by skilled craftsman and the bell raising project was completed in one day. But according to Bill Lumpkin, the project architect and church member, it will take the rest of the week (or longer) to have the bells actual ready for playing from the organ in the church sanctuary. The Great Bell weighs 2,500 lbs and is 50” in diameter, while the smallest weighs 275 lbs and its diameter is 23 “. The total weight of the eleven bells with the original pine frame mountings had an aggregate weight over 18,000 lbs or 9 tons. With the replacement mounting frames of powder coated steel, this weight is greater than 9 tons but should maintain its integrity for a longer time period.

It was printed in the 1920 dedication program that: A set of chimes should not be a mere aggregation of so many bells, but a set of sweet, musical, mellow-toned bells, each with a rich tone quality and all accurately attuned to each other. Such is the special goal set by the Old Meneely Bell Foundry and their success is universal.

The bells may be chiming by this week end if the two workers from Holland (plus local electricians and carpenters) complete the installation so the bells can be played – the residents of Ardmore will hear these sweet, musical, mellow-toned bells, each with a rich tone quality, attuned to each other once again. This was the goal set by the Presbyterian Church Congregation when they decided to send the bells to Holland for tuning and construction of steel mountings made to support the bells on the bell tower.

It was a great day for the Presbyterian Congregation. It was a great day for the residents of Ardmore. And it was a great day for Dan & I. The Bells were raised – they were put back on the bell tower. Praise the Lord.” -Dan and Patty Wells, Durant, Oklahoma 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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“….putting up the bells at First Presbyterian Church.” Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here
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“Butch seeing the article about “Flour Sack Wardrobe”, I was reminded of a poem by my cousin, Lottie Schutz.

Mama’s Handmade Underwear

When I was a maiden fair,
Mama made our underwear.
With 6 tots and Pa’s poor pay,
How could she buy us lingerie?
Monograms and fancy stitches
Were not on our flour sack britches;
Just panty-waists that stood the test,
Gold Medal’s seal upon the chest!
Little pants were best of all,
With a scene I still recall-
Harvesters were gleaning wheat
Right across the little seat!
Tougher than a grizzly bear
Was our flour sack underwear.
Plain or fancy, three feet wide,
Stronger than a hippo’s hide!
Through the years, each Jill and Jack
Wore this sturdy garb of sack.
Waste not, want not, we soon learned,
A penny saved, a penny earned.
Bedspreads, curtains, tea towels, too,
And tablecloths were all reused.
But the best beyond compare
Was our flour sack underwear!”
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“I’m looking for name and any information you may have on the lady that married George Andrew Lawrence and to them were born sons (Mike, Forrest and Dutch). Later married Rosa Ella Terrel Lawrence and then Etta Willingham. Thank you so much.” bfriday6743@charter.net
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“Butch, this is my second request: Does anyone in Ardmore remember Roxie LEEPER, who died in Ardmore, Carter County, Oklahoma, in 1967. Roxie never married, and after her mother, Palinia, died (also in Ardmore), Roxie lived with her sister-in-law, Minnie Leeper, in Ardmore. Louis and Virginia Leeper also lived in Ardmore. Someone must remember at least one of the above.” backpage@semo.net
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“A high school friend of mine (AHS ’53) thinks the woman on the right with Nancy Dulaney is Jimmy Joy Hill. Any other identifications??? Someone said the other lovely young woman could be Nan Kay Smith. Could be, looks a bit like her as I remember from 50 years past.” https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/IndiansLadies1950a.jpg
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The Daily Ardmoreite, November 6, 1903

Two Taps When you hear the five bell give two taps in the morning, children, remember that is 8:30 o’clock and time to start to school. This will be repeated during the school term.

Personal Mention Walter Colbert left here this morning for Tishomingo. C.L. Herbert has returned from a business trip to Washington and New York city. W.B. Tyler of Duncan was among other visitors today. George H. Powers from Elmore is in the city today on business.

November 8, 1903 Story of Buried Treasure W.L. Taylor, a merchant of Springtown, was in town last night. Mr. Taylor told an exciting story of the finding of a stone jar containing $8,000 in gold on the Hill place, one mile west of Springtown, by parties unknown, Sunday night and how the entire community is wrought up over the news. For years there has been a tradition that a brother of the Hill girls, four of whom were hanged with their father for harboring horse thieves many years ago, came to the place while in feeble health and before dying buried a stone jar containing his treasure, which, according to the story amount to $8,000 in gold. He left no clue to the place where the money was hid and for years ineffectual search has been made for the treasure by various parties. The place is now owned by Col. James Hutchinson, and he had a standing offer to divide with anyone who would find the money. Last Sunday night someone , it is believed, succeeded in finding the treasure. A hole was discovered at the root of an oak tree, and in this hole was found a part of a stonejar. Whether or not this is the jar that Hill buried or whether it is the work of a practical joker is not known, but the neighborhood has been much excited by the discovery. The circumstances have been related to the authorities of Weatherford and Col. Hutchinson hopes that whoever dug the hole will be found.–Fort Worth Telegram

Wants His House Yesterday afternoon, through his attorneys, Eddleman & Graham, W.F. Whitehurst entered suit against A.Moore for the possession of his premises, lot No. 7 in block no. 371. The rental value of the premises, the plaintiff says, is $15 per month, and the defendant fails and refuses to pay the rent when due. Mr. Whitehurst prays the court for a writ of possession of his premises.

Personal Mention Dr. W.A. Darling of Hewitt was in the city yesterday. A.D. Hyde was here last night from Keller. Mr. & Mrs. S.G. Ashby are the guests of relatives at Roff for a few days this week. Mrs. M.A. Chancellor came up Friday from Sherman to attend the bedside of her daughter, Mrs. Lee Stewart, who has been sick a long time.

Ardmore’s Pride O.M. Redfield, principal musician and manager of the First Regiment band, has been doing some telling work recently in the interest of the band. The members are loyal to him and under his experienced business management the band is growing to be one of the busiest anywhere in the Southwest. There are now fourteen active members and within a brief time the band will be made up of eighteen first class musicians. F.E. Ward of Carlo, Ill., is preparing to move with his family to Ardmore. Mr. Ward will establish a wall paper and paint house. He and his family are first class musicians and they will take membership in the First Regimental Band. N.E. Cooklock, an experienced cornetist and railroad man of Minneapolis, Minn., has moved to Ardmore and will become a member of the band. Each of these gentlemen have rehearsed with the boys and are profuse in their praise for the Ardmore musicians. It is not a mere matter of boast when Ardmore claims the distinction of possessing one of the very finest bands in the Southwest. Too much credit can not be given to each individual member as well as the leader and manager. The band will give a rehearsal this afternoon at 2 o’clock at the city hall.

Territory Pensioners The following pensions have recently been issued in Indian Territory; John Lively, $8; James A. Brooks, $6; Tilford Davis, $12.

Phone 196 is Cole & Jenkins, photographers.

November 9, 1903 Band Going to World’s Fair The First Regimental band of the Indian Territory is practicing and getting ready to go the World’s Fair next year. Under the directorship of Prof. Brothers, the band is becoming more and more proficient each week. The First Regiment band is the only acknowledged first class band in the Indian Territory, and they are all home boys.

Indian Territory Pensioners The following pensions have been issued to persons living in Indian Territory: Samuel Wade, $10; Manetho Utley, $6; Porter M. Lewis, $8; David A. Johnson, $8; Caty Acorn, $8; Jacob N. Waggoner, $8; James H. McBee, $10; Ira R. Dodd, $6.

Born to Mr. & Mrs. Dolph McBride, a daughter.

Saddle Stolen–$10 Reward Stolen from Fox on the night of Saturday, October 31; a red leather saddle; has J.L. Johnson, maker, Ardmore, and six figure 9’s stamped on it; has high horn. Will pay $10 for return of saddle to me. John E. Smith, Graham, I.T.

An Odd Oklahoma Medal Washington Gave the Silver Disk to an Indian Geary, OK., Nov. 8–John Dillon, a local banker, owns a medal alleged to be one of the eight given by George Washington as President to eight Arapahoe Indian chiefs in 1789. The medal is nearly two and 1/2 inches in diameter and made of unalloyed silver. It was given to Mr. Dillon by an Arapahoe chief, Jock Bull Bear, who declared that it was given originally to his granfather, White Own, by Washington and transmitted by White Owl to his son of the same name, who was the uncle of Jock Bull Bear, and from whom Bull Bear received it. On one side is the head of Washington, encircled by the fords, “George Washington, the Father of Our Country”. Below is the date “1789”. On the other side are two olive branches enclosing two clasped hands, with the date, “1789” and two crossed pipes beneath. In the outer margin at the top is the word “Friendship”, with six stars on each side separating it from the words, “The Pipe of Peace” in the outer margin at the bottom of the medal. The thirteenth star is immediately beneath the word “Friendship”. The story of the medal as told to Mr. Dillon is that the Arapahoe tribe was in camp at Colorado Springs in 1788 when eight chiefs left on horseback for Washington. They made the trip successfully and returned in nine months from the day of departure. Mr. Dillon does not know the value of the medal, but has refused all offers for its purchase.”
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“Mr. Bridges: Sure enjoyed your T&T of March 20th. The article by Betty Carroll. The old schools of 1923. There were several there that brought back many memories. Starting with Crinerville School. My mother attended that school around the early 1900’s. The picture of three men at the bottom of that school, the man sitting on the right is my Grandfather, Boone Bigham. I had siblings that attended Plesanthill School. Also 2 sisters and 3 brothers attended school at Plainview High , as well as many nieces and nephews. I attended Brock school in 1943 & 1944, as well as my younger sister and brother. We attended the Baptist church at Brock. The Baptist Church at Stobtown was also attended by my family and friends. One nephew pastored that Church for years. I am a faithful reader and enjoy you history.” O. Lee, Arkansas
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“Dear Butch, The historical marker for the Whittington Hotel indicates that Wiley Whittington moved to Ardmore in 1880 to take advantage of the expected business boom resulting from the new railroad. However, it was not until May 1886 that a rail crew drove a stake to mark the site of the future station to be called Ardmore. There was no town yet. The first train arrived in 1887. Since the 700 ranch house was built in 1880, there certainly were people in the area, but one wonders of Mr. Whittington could have anticipated the future town, railroad, and business climate as early as 1880. Thanks for the weekly news letter. It is always interesting and entertaining.”
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“Butch, I was born and raised 3 miles south of Healdton and not far from Chuck West. He said he had a picture of the men hanging and the way he talked, the hanging took place close to the golf course. I was just a small boy of about 7 or 8 years old at the time, so I could have been mistaken of the location, but I don’t think so. (This would have been in the 40s when he told me of this). Chuck had a lot of pictures and other relics of the era.”
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“Butch, there was an article in the Wichita Falls newspaper about the presbyterian bells. I eagerly read all about it and then thought “I already knew all that–Butch told us”. But anyway it was interesting to see something from home way out here in Bowie, Tx. Keep up the good work.”
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“Oddly enough the picture of the “club” that you couldn’t remember is directly west of that same friends house at Dornick Hills. It is the “Rod and Gun club” house.” Click Here
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“Awhile back, in T&T, several of your readers wrote about noodling and also some tales of huge catfish caught in the Washita and Red Rivers. Thought you all might like to see a picture of the latest record cat taken out of Lake Texhoma. This picture is from April ’04 Field & Stream.” -Bob Elliston Click Here
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“On November 23, 1916, a charter was granted by the Corporation Commission to the Ringling and Oil Field Railway Company, capitalized at $600,000. The Board of Directors was composed of Jake Hamon, John Ringling, Charles C. Wilson, H. A. Coomer, P. C. Dings, and C. L. Anderson. The charter provided for the railroad line to begin at a point on the Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Pacific, near Ringling and proceed north to Oklahoma City eventually. The first town on this new line was to be located in the west half of section two, four south, three west, one mile west of Healdton and two miles east of Wirt. In less than a month, work was begun on this new townsite designated as New Healdton. Over fifty tents were staked near the location and a large crew of men, with one hundred and fifteen teams, was rushing construction of the road bed and line. By January 2, 1917, two miles of track was completed, and freight was sent up the line from Joiner City, the point selected as the southern end of the Ringling and Oil Field road. Mr. Jack Langston, a business associate of Mr. Hamon’s, had established head-quarters at the townsite and was supervising the planning of the proposed town. Town lots sold rapidly, for on January 9, the first day of the sale, over three hundred and fifty lots were sold, and by February 19, three new banks were established in New Healdton and the post office at (old) Healdton had been moved to New Healdton. The Post Office Department authorized that New Healdton become just Healdton, and Jake Hamon ordered the name of the town to correspond with that of the post office. An unofficial census of Healdton on March 18, placed the population at two thousand people and the business district at about fifty establishments. Thirteen days later, the last spike in the Ringling and Oil Field road was driven and by April 26 a total of two hundred freight cars had been shipped to Healdton over the new line, regular freight service having been established April 15, and a passenger schedule announced one week later.

Healdton was built at a very favorable time, since the price of oil had started advancing steadily. The field was “booming” and the payroll was heavy, due to higher wages and new men finding employment. Then, too, Healdton held an advantage over Wirt since the latter was not a railroad town. Healdton rapidly, but surely, became the trade center for the oil field people and it has held that distinction continuously ever since. http://digital.library.okstate.edu/chronicles/v019/v019p368.html#368

Note 1: New Healdton was moved one mile west…….this might help explain where the Demijohn Creek hanging took place.

Note 2: It is obvious that Ringling was named for the famous show man, John Ringling, but it is not so generally known that Wilson was named for Mr. Ringling’s personal secretary, Charles Wilson, instead of Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States at that time.
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“Hello Butch, I notice that some T&T readers are interested in Radios. Here is a pic of my (1928 RCA Radiola 80) Super Heterodyne that was made by RCA Victor Company,Inc. in Camden, N.J. and it still plays.” -Lee Wages, Ft. Worth, TX. Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here
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“Here’s a couple of photos of my latest find in the oil field. I actually found an old power house that still has the original two cylinder Cooper-Bessimer Engine sitting in it. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it in that good of condition. Most of these old engines have been hauled off to the scrap metal yards many years past. This is the first two cylinder engine of that type I have seen. Quite a treasure. These photos are stitched. The powerhouse was so small for such a large engine that I couldn’t get back far enough to get it all in one shot so I had to take overlapping photos again. I normally crop out the rough edges but left these to show as much extra detail as possible. Notice those cool twin stack exhausts going out through the roof. Bet this one had a great sounding exhaust back in it’s day.” -C. Dwane Stevens Click Here Click Here
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“Hello Butch, I just wanted to show you some Tools that I use for eating those delicious “Star Ruby” or “Ruby Red” grapefruit that are grown in the Rio Grand Valley of Texas. You can also eat them by hand with just a knife, as I show in one of these photos.” -Lee Wages, Ft. Worth, TX Click Here Click Here
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I – – Me; an individual; a committee of one.

Pledge – – Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.

Allegiance – – My love and my devotion.

To the Flag – – Our standard; Old Glory ; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody’s job.

United – – That means that we have all come together.

States – – Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.

And to the Republic – – Republic–a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it’s from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands

One Nation – – One Nation–meaning, so blessed by God.

Indivisible – – Incapable of being divided.

With Liberty – – Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one’s own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice – – The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others.

For All – – For All–which means, boys and girls, it’s as much your country as it is mine.

And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God. Wouldn’t it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools, too? -Red Skelton February 14, 1969 Click Here

See everyone next Saturday!

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Saturday March 20, 2004 T&T Weekly Vol 8 Issue 361

In last weeks T&T I had a special test link typed in for AOL users so they could easily go see the pictures, instead of doing all that cut and paste. I have typed the picture links below so that AOL users and anyone else should be able to click their way to the photos. Let me know if you have trouble pulling up the pics.

In response to an email in the Mailbag last week, I received an interesting phone call from a T&T reader. The article in the Mailbag spoke about three horse thieves being hung just south of Healdton, Oklahoma around 1885. One of those hung high was the grandfather of this caller, and he had been researching this hanging incident, evening traveling to the archives in Ft Worth, looking for more on his grandpa’s hanging. His research concluded the hanging took place about 3 miles SE of Healdton. The 1925 newspaper clipping spoke about in last week’s T&T said the hanging took place next to Demijohn Creek. According to the map Demijohn Creek is south of Wilson, so the exact place is a little confusing. I think this 1885 hanging warrants further research!

Last week the “grapefruit lady” came to the courthouse selling those beautiful Ruby Red grapefruit grown down in ‘the valley”. We’re talking about the Rio Grand Valley of south Texas. She makes her trip around to the courthouse a couple of times a month during the growing season, to see if anyone wants any grapefruit. I happened to see her, and this time bought a large bag, 8 grapefruit, to try them. Boy, as soon as I cut it in half, I thought of my distant cousin that lived in McAllen, Texas and each Christmas they would bring us a big bushel box of those Ruby Reds. That was my first time, it was in the 60s, to learn about a special knife that is used to cut the grapefruit. Howard and Irene Heath taught me how to use that knife with a curved blade to cut under each wedge of fruit and then the other end was used to separate the wedges. These Ruby Reds the grapefruit lady brought by this week, had such large wedges, just like I remember those grapefruit in the 60s. Here are some pics I took including the special grapefruit knife I use to cut the grapefruit. This particular knife is a Pampered Chief grapefruit knife. I am sure you can buy grapefruit knives all over southern Texas, but here in Ardmore they are scarce as hen’s teeth. They also make a spoon for eating grapefruit, it has a sharp serrated point. In the last pic, you will see these are from the good ole U.S. of A! Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here

Now that I think of it, I have a friend that goes to the Rio Grand Valley all the time. We might talk him in to picking up a few grapefruit knives and bringing them back. IN fact, he’s down there right now. Let me know if you want one, and I’ll see what we can do.

The last several years I’ve spoke several times about my good friend and fellow history buff, Herman Kirkwood of Oklahoma City. Herman could very well be one of the most knowledgeable people on Oklahoma’s colorful history of bygone years on bandits, desperadoes, outlaws, U.S. Marshals, sheriffs, bank robbers, and shoot-outs. Herman is a retired Oklahoma City police officer (1988) and now spends a lot of his time traveling the state researching the stories of long ago. A couple of years ago Herman was in Ardmore and brought me by one of his horseshoe mementos he makes with a welding torch. He takes three horseshoes, bends them certain ways, to make a man he calls “little cowboys”. He dresses the man in different wearing apparel. The ‘little cowboy’ he made and brought me was a cowboy whirling his rope above his head. Click Here

If you want to learn a lot more about this self made preserver of Oklahoma history, there was a great write-up about Herman Kirkwood in the February 25, 2004 issue (page 17) of The Daily Oklahoman. And if you want to hear an interesting lawman or desperado story from Oklahoma’s past, Herman Kirkwood is the man to call on!

Sometime after the Carter County court house was built in 1910, the Carter County jail was built next door on the east. It was a red brick building 2 stories with another floor partially below ground level, I guess you would call it a basement. Here is a post card I own with a good picture of that no longer in existence jail. A newer jail was built in its place in 1949. Click Here Click Here

Here is an interesting old envelope a Reader emailed me this week. Its from a Mr. A.E. Dickson, the Carter County Superintendent of Public Instruction in 1926. Also on the envelope is a pic of the Carter County Court House. I assume his officw was in the courthouse. Click Here

A couple of times in the past I’ve mentioned a Mr. A.L. Senter being my next door neighbor behind the Carmon lumber yard where I grew up on 3rd Northeast. Mr. Senter worked for the post office and picked up the mail at the train depot 3 times a day and took it to the old post office on North Washington back in the 60s. I found a 1930 picture of Mr. Senter along with A.G. Smith and A.O Craighead when they served on the Ardmore School Board. Click Here

On the southwest corner of East Main and Caddo is where the old Whittington Hotel stood. I see the Main Street Authority has placed a historical marker there. Click Here Click Here

Here is an interesting photo taken of the Hillcrest Cottages on North Commerce. Does anyone remember these, and their exact location? Click Here

This is another photo a Reader sent me this week. My memory is failing me, but I think its the ‘club house” north of town by Dornick Hills????? Click Here

Here is a 1950s photo of Ardmore’s First Methodist Church. Click Here

And I took this photo of the Methodist Church late Friday on March 19th. Click Here

No one ever sent me any pics of the crews putting the bells atop Ardmore’s First Presbyterian Church, so I guess no T&T Reader took any.

There are many advantages to living in a small town, and you know, I’m glad I live in a small town. Ardmore is only 24,000. When I see how the people of this town can drive by the drop-off box on the east side of the post office, just lay packages on top, and drive away, and no one takes them, that’s when I’m thankful. Can you imagine doing this in LA or NYC or Chicago? Click Here

Recorded by Betty Carroll March 15, 1989: “Once Upon A Time…. Plainview school was located on the originally established land three miles southwest of downtown Ardmore. School District I-27 was approved March 9, 1909 and was a one-room school. The first building had one teacher, Miss Pearl Jones, and accommodated students up to the eight grade. This original structure burned in 1918 and was replaced with a two story building. That building ws replaced by a rock building with housed all 12 grades and is now the Clint Buck Elementary School. In 1923 the school had four teachers and an opportunity for a high school education. Teachers were Leona Fullerton, Mrs. O.C Reynolds, and Inez Crites with Verla Clark acting as both teacher and principal. O.C Reynolds was superintendent, the school board members were Arthur Lynch, T.J. Hernon and J.A Zellner. The year 1924 was the first year with a graduating class of seniors. Seven students were graduated, including J.L. Zellner and Lean Lynch (Minter).”

Here is a 1923 photo of Plainview school. I wonder where that bell is in the pic? Click Here

SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK’S MAILBAG

“I was just recently made aware of your web site and enjoyed the old Washington school years and especially the 1964 viaduct fire video. It’s like a window into the past. As you know we lived right next to it on the east side, and there are several shots of our house in the video. I will never forget that day, and I remember you and others from the neighborhood in our backyard watching this awesome event. I was wondering if I could get (purchase) a copy of the DVD if it’s a better quality than the tiny QuickTime video. About Mrs. Zumwalt, I remember her too, later when I went to work for Memorial Hospital her husband Richard Zumwalt was my boss for many years and I had remembered him (with that wavy silver hair) coming to Washington school and having lunch with his wife. I’ll never forget the time I saw him get up and go across the lunch room and give his cake to a boy that didn’t have much to eat.”
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“You said your cousin, Laura Cole, was interested in iron beds. Well, there are a couple of places in Calera, OK (Amish country) that have LOTS of iron beds. I am fairly certain they are not antique but I’m just as certain they are iron!! She might check them out and who knows she might come up with something.”
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“Butch, My wife found a real good deal on printer ink, and it’s a good cause.” Click Here
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Butch, I noticed that the old Moore house at 626 Stanley has had several changes made over the years. 1) The smoke stack on the left is long gone. 2) The “tower room” on the right is gone. What happened to it? 3) The porch railings are no more. What a shame! 4) The roof dormer that used to be offset to the left is now centered and larger. I wonder why? 5) The roof line over the front entrance has been altered. You can no longer see that wonderful detail. 6) The upper porch has been enclosed (the biggest mistake of all!!!), and the roofline over it has been completely destroyed. Does anyone besides me think the new remodel job is a slap in the face of an Ardmore landmark? That siding is awful!!!! (just my opinion, I’m no architect or designer)” Click Here Click Here Click Here
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“Butch, each time I see bells I think of you. These bells are at the Carmel Mission, California. The bell suspended from the bent pipe is one of many on the El Camino Real (Kings Highway) that runs from San Diego to Sonoma, several hundred bells in all.” -Jerry Brown JerryBrownOk@aol.com Click Here Click Here Click Here
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“A great deal of Bill Mauldin’s original artwork for the cartoons is now in the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City.”
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The Daily Ardmoreite, October 19, 1903 Licensed to Wed L.S. Caton and Lena King, Davis J.A. Massey and Bertha Haney, Berwyn Jno.D. Garrett and Alma Paschal, Berwyn C.A. Kirkpatrick, Burneyville, and T.L. Shuford, Leon Walter Brown and Clifford Willis, Burneyville A.D. Smith and Lilla Kennedy, McMillian James Burton and Vada Riley, Elk John H. Welch and Ada Keenon, Chagris A.D. Smith, Hoxbar, and Bettie Beauford, Marsden James H. Gentry, Chickasha, and Annie M. Smith, Verdon, O.T. John T. Green, Chickasha, and Miss Martha A. Carroll, Ireton

Fresh cream puffs at Spiegle’s bakery.

Wanted to Buy Fifty head of horses at I.T. Wagon Yard. Must be fat and workers. Bring them in and get the top price. A.R. Balloch

W.H. MacCraken, M.D. Physician and Surgeon, General Practice Office, Booker-Carter Building

October 24, 1903 Licensed to Wed Harry Baker, Dixie, and Lela Shipman, Graham Ed McDaniel and Pearl Welch, Ryan Walter John and Hattie Smith, Berwyn H.R. Willingham and Ettie Kirbe, Marsden L.J. Mink and Mossie Faulkner, Dougherty W.O. Barger and M.L. Helsell, Sulphur Homer Whayne and Lizzie Rider, Ardmore

Free! Free!! Free!!! The sensational cycle whirl, the whirling wheelers. Sensational, nerve thrilling and dexterious (sic) feats of skill. Double cross and zig-zag with rapid whirl at break-neck speed. Fancy trick and rough riders. Single and double sweve (sic) and sway on one wheel, attempted by no other bicyclist. Smallest trick in the world, only 70 foot diameter at top. Embankment 80 degrees. The most sensational act of the age. Will be seen in Ardmore October 26 to 31.

Buy your lumber from the East Side Lumber company and secure votes in the merchants’ $500 prize. Fraley Bros. Mgrs.

Notice of Dissolution of Partnership The partnership heretofore existing between J.J. Culbertson, A.T. Schmid, George I. Jordan, and G.G. Guthrie under the style and firm name of The Chickasaw Realty Company of Wynnewood, Indian Territory, was dissolved October 17, 1903.

October 23, 1903

Frank James is a Farmer Visitors to His Mother’s Home Found Him Plowing Excelsior Springs visitors who drove out to the Samuels farm say that Frank James has turned farmer in earnest. He is living on the farm with Mrs. Samuels, his mother, and a few days ago a party that drove out to the farm, about eight miles west of Excelsior Springs, found the former bandit plowing.
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“Butch, we went to the 1245th homecoming Friday night in Ardmore. Here are some of the welcome home signs. Their homecoming had standing room only.” Click Here Click Here Click Here
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“Here are some more photos I shot recently at Oscar, Oklahoma near Red River (Jefferson county). I hope I haven’t already sent these before, I’ve taken and sent so many photos lately that I may be repeating in my old age! Ha! There’s a couple of photos of the “modern day” Oscar Post Office. One is a pano shot to help convey the sense of “wide open space” down there. There’s a shot of what’s left of an old Oscar School Bus I ran across. There’s also a couple of shots taken near an another old abandoned oil field power house. One of the shots is from inside the power house looking out through the window toward what was probably an oil field lease residence where the powerhouse operator and his family lived. The other photo was taken from in front of the lease residence looking out toward the power house. Notice the old water tower in each photo. All abandoned now but evidence of Southern Oklahoma’s early Oil Boom Days. It’s interesting to think about the families that lived out there and the kids that used to ride that old school bus. I’m sure that lots of interesting stories could be told.” -Dwane Stevens, “Rambling Oil Field Investigator” (and nephew of “Rag Town’s Rambling Reporter, Neoma Ratliff.”) Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here Click Here
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“Hi Butch, I went to Ark cemetery (near Lebanon, Oklahoma in Love County) and got some pictures. It was originally very large and has graves so old they are marked with field stones and the newest we found was 1972. Mr. Hamm said that the black community of Ark existed between 1895 and 1912. But, the most interesting was that there was another stone Indian mound. I sent you a picture of the one from the Mulkey Cemetery — and attached here is the one from Ark Cemetery. (in fact, I’ll try to attach the Mulkey one, too. These stone mounds are fascinating to me and I can’t find out much about them. Juanita Tate told me that the Chickasaws did not use them. I can find out only a little — looks like back in Tennessee, the Cherokees used them. They are about 6 feet long and 3 feet wide and maybe 2 or so feet tall. I sure wish I could find a source of information on them. Maybe T&T readers?” -Claire Click Here Click Here
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The Flour Sack

In that long ago time when things were saved,
When roads were graveled and barrels were staved,
When worn-out clothing was used as rags,
When there were no plastic wraps or bags,
And when the well was way out back,
A versatile item was the flour sack!

Pillsbury’s Best and Gold Medal too,
Names stamped proudly in purple and blue.
The string sewn on top was pulled and kept,
The flour was emptied and spills were swept,
The bag was folded and stored in a stack,
Oh, that durable, practical flour sack!

For a pillow, it was filled with feathers or down.
Or it could make a baby’s sleeping gown.
It might carry a book and be a school bag,
Or become a mail sack, slung over a nag.
It made a very convenient pack,
The adaptable, cotton flour sack!

Bleached and sewn, it was dutifully worn,
As a bib, a diaper, or a kerchief, adorned.
It was made into a petticoat, shirt, or slip;
Granny braided rugs from its torn strips.
Yes, Mama ruffled curtains for our little shack
>From that humble but treasured flour sack!

It made a strainer for milk or orange juice,
To summon a person was a very good use.
As a sling for a sprained wrist or a break,
Or to help Mama roll out a jelly cake,
Even as a window shade or to stuff a crack,
We used a sturdy, common flour sack!

It became a dish towel, embroidered or not,
To cover bread dough, help with pans too hot,
Or to tie up victuals for neighbors in need.
Men used it in the fields, to carry the seed.
We could not do without it, that is a fact,
Oh, that absorbent, grand old flour sack!

Flour Sack History

See everyone next Saturday!

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Saturday March 23, 2004 T&T Weekly Vol 8 Issue 360

I received a call this week saying the bells from the First Presbyterian Church are back on Oklahoma soil and in Ardmore! The plan is to raise them back to the top of the belfry on Monday March 15th starting around 8:00am that day. Some of you will remember we had pics of the bells being removed in December 2002 for shipment to The Netherlands for tuning. Here are those pics taken December 17, 2002. I hope some of you will take some pics of the bells being put back in place Monday and share them with the rest of us! https://oklahomahistory.net/bellphotos/presbell2.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/bellphotos/presbell3.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/bellphotos/presbell4.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/bellphotos/presbell5.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/bellphotos/presbell5a.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/bellphotos/presbell5b.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/bellphotos/presbell5c.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/bellphotos/presbell9d.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/bellphotos/presbell9e.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/bellphotos/presbell9f.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/bellphotos/presbell9h.jpg

We are still plugging away, working to get the 1936 movie of the WPA building Lake Murray and other places around this area into needed places. This week the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Ardmore, Ardmore Schools (8 tapes), Wilson Senior Citizens Center, Madill Public Library, Durant R.L. Williams Library, are among those places now that has the movie. https://oklahomahistory.net/1936movie.html

Before statehood the U.S. Federal Jail in Ardmore was located where the Hamburger Inn is today on North Washington, next door to the Federal Building. Here is a good pic of that jail. https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/USJailArdmoreIT.jpg

The past few weeks I have been researching a nearly 50 year old controversy and mystery about who was the youngest sheriff to take office in Carter County. Through the years it has been assumed by many people of this county that Enoch Watterson held that distinction. But as my research found, that honor belongs to another man, namely Gerald Cobb. Enoch and Gerald both ran for office and won their respective races when they were both only 26 years old, Enoch in 1952 and Gerald in 1958. But Enoch turned 27 on December 12th, making him 27 when he took office in January 1953. Gerald would not be 27 until the following July 21st the year he took office. So this mystery has been solved and Gerald and an interesting summary of it all, he told me, “Looking back (way back) my question is: Why would the voters of Carter County elect someone (either one) that young?” Now that brings up another mystery, one I’ll probably not find the answer too.

Leland McDaniel put on a feed this week for some invited guests at Ardmore’s OSU Extension office kitchen. I caught him in the kitchen preparing those delicious ribeye steaks for the attendees. I was lucky enough to get to eat some of Leland’s gourmet cooking myself. I’ve said several times in the past, I work with some the greatest people at the courthouse complex. Needless to say, Leland got moved to the top of the list this week! lol https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/McDanielLeland4.jpg

My cousin, Laura Cole, in Hurst, Texas called me this week. She and I are antique buffs, and always looking for something from the past that reminds us of our childhood days. She is looking for one of those old iron beds like our grandmothers had when we were kids. If any of you know of a full size (no wood) old iron bed for sale in southern Oklahoma or north Texas, let me know. Laura said she didn’t want to drive to California to get one. lol

Recorded by Betty Carroll March 15, 1989: “Once Upon A Time…. in 1898 a small group of Nuns traveled to Ardmore to take charge of a newly erected boarding school and were welcomed by the townspeople. The five Sisters of Mercy who traveled from Sacred Heart, which was located in Shawnee, Oklahoma, traveled over rough terrain in covered wagons, which were known as prairie schooners at that time. When they arrived in Ardmore they found a 2 1/2 story school structure known as St. Agnes Catholic Academy which had been erected by the Right Rev. Bishop Meerschaert, first bishop to Oklahoma. Mother Katharine Drexel, founder of the Congregation of the Most Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Blacks, had assisted in securing the necessary funds for promotion of the school. When the federal contract expired in 1932, government support was withdrawn and enrollment decreased. The school existed as a private organization and served the parish as a parochial school for many years.” https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/StAgnes1900.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/StAgnesB&B.jpg

SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK’S MAILBAG

“Butch, I look forward to your mail each Friday evening. The link tonight on OLD TIME RADIO is the best site I have ever seen anywhere. I love and collect old radios and phonographs. I cannot thank you enough for all your efforts to spread great information.” -Jess Roan, Amarillo, TX http://www.radioblvd.com/photos.html
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“Butch you may pass on to all the readers here that are familiar with Davis, OK that the Famous BLUE BRIDGE over the Washita is being dismantled. It is already closed and construction and demolition of the bridge are in the early stages. It will be hard to give directions now ! Before, we could always say, “After you cross the BLUE BRIDGE “…… sad day in Davis.” -Bryan Pullen
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“Butch, In the picture with Nancy Dulaney some one thought the girl on the right was Darla Jean Moore but I think it’s Nan Smith. She and Nancy were good friends. Her baby brother is Hal Smith that has been very successful in the restaurant business. She also has a younger sister around Ardmore I think and her brother Larry lives east of Ardmore maybe in Madill. I think she has passed and Darla Jean Moore has also. Didn’t Betty Hutton record Flash, Bam, Alakazam?” -Mary Elizabeth
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“Butch, the Lake Murray video did come this morning. I brought my mother in to watch it with me. She was born in Ardmore, graduated from high school and attended the Business College there. She’ll be 94 next week so she has many memories of Ardmore and the area. We both thought it was wonderful. Thank you so much for making it available for all of us. My dad worked for the WPA, at Turner Falls, he enjoyed telling of his experiences there. He was very proud of the work done by the WPA. Thank you, thank you Butch, it was much more than I had expected.” https://oklahomahistory.net/1936movie.html
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“You bet! http://www.inkjetrus.com/ is a super deal. I’ve been using this site for ages. They have the most reasonable prices I’ve found.” Louise (Lou) Harper, TwinOaks Publishing http://luharper.homestead.com/PublishCo.html
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“Butch, You may never hear from me again but here’s another little fact. Senator Charlie Carter was Coleman “Santa Claus” Jones step-father. I know numerous people had written in about Coleman; he lived next to us on Douglas Blvd. Sorry for all the notes.”
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“Went to the Sulphur, Oklahoma Dog Trade days early sunday morning March 7, 2004 and all I can say is what a hoot. Everything from guns to pigs and in between. Best $1.00 admission to entertainment I ever spent.” https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/SulphurTradeDays4a.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/SulphurTradeDays4b.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/SulphurTradeDays4c.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/SulphurTradeDays4d.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/SulphurTradeDays4e.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/SulphurTradeDays4f.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/SulphurTradeDays4g.jpg
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Subject: Fred Waite Picture of Fred Waite http://www.angelfire.com/mi2/billythekid/waite.html
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Constantine Buckley Kilgore was born February 20, 1835 in Newman, Coweta County, GA. When only eleven years of age his parents brought him to Rusk County, TX, where he received a common school education and academic training. He entered the Confederate Army during the Civil War, as a private, and by 1862 reached the rank of Adjutant General of Ector’s Brigade. He was wounded at Chickamauga and was captured and confined as a prisoner in Fort Delaware in the year 1864. He was admitted to the bar and practiced law in Rusk County, TX. He began his political life as Justice of the Peace in 1869. In 1875 he was a member of the State Constitutional Convention. In 1880 he was chosen as a Presidential Elector on the Democratic ticket and voted for Hancock and English. In 1884 he was elected to the State Senate for a term of four years and in 1885 was chosen President pro tem of that body. He resigned from the Senate in 1886 because he had been elected a member of Congress, serving from March 1887 until March 1895. President Cleveland appointed him as United States Judge for the Southern District of Indian Territory on March 20, 1895, which position he held until his death in Ardmore, Indian Territory, on September 23, 1897. He was buried in White Rose Cemetery at Wills Point, TX.

Title: East Texas : its history and its makers Authors: Richardson, T. C. b. 1877 White, Dabney

Note: Kilgore, Texas was named after Buck’s family.
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The Daily Ardmoreite, 1925 Last impromptu hanging was on Demijohn Creek near present site of City of Healdton- Old pioneers of this section of the country had a way of regulating affairs, sometimes crude, but always effective and in driving the cattle and horse thieves from the country, they resorted to means that put an end to every individual case. The rope and six-gun were the instruments used and the gun was preferred when they could corral the thieves. Many unmarked graves in this section attest to the vigilance of the cattleman who was compelled to resort to such drastic measures in order to protect his property. The last impromptu hanging that took place in this section, according to one old timer who saw the limb of the tree decorated, occurred in the fall of 1884 (Gainesville newspaper reported it 1888/89 along with another later lynching) out on Demijohn Creek near Healdton and on this occasion three men were strung up after they had been captured with the stolen animals in their possession.. The horses were stolen from Arrington Gray, a farmer in that section, and when the neighbors were gathered and told of the circumstances, they took the trail and in a short time had the three men and horses under a tree on the banks of the Demijohn Creek (according to George R. Tuckers’ interview version, he with his posse men had the thieves in their custody when the vigilantes stopped them near Healdton and took the thieves from the deputy marshal’s posse and hanged them). The men gave the names of Moon, Morgan and Williams, and after they were given a drum head trial under the trees, were left hanging to a limb to be afterwards cut down and buried beneath the shade of the branches. The cattle thief learned that the stockmen and honest farmers were in “dead’ earnest, the vandal would take a chance occasionally, but a majority were captured and short shift made of them, usually by the same methods used with the three mentioned above. Later the farmers and cattlemen of this section banded together in what was known as the Anti-Horse Thief Association, which did good work in state courts after Oklahoma was admitted to the Union. In those days if a man stole a horse that could be purchased for forty dollars, he was almost sure to get hung. Now a man could steal a car valued all the way from $300 to $4000 and get away with it. If the old timers were the owners of these cars, which they are not, hangings would still be in vogue, the old cattleman remarked in closing.
————————————————————————- The Daily Ardmoreite, September 11, 1910 Puckerless Persimmons Department of Agriculture has Experimented for Years Puckerless persimmons are now being experimented with by the department of agriculture in the hope that they may be added to the list of valuable American fruits. The experiments are being carried on both in Washington and in the south, the first to take the pucker out of otherwise desirable persimmons, and the second to grow persimmons that have no pucker to take out. The persimmon has been a problem with the dept. for many years. There are some big varieties that look almost like tomatoes and that make a beautiful spoon fruit when they are ripe, but they cannot be taken to market after they get ripe because then they are too soft to transport. There is another problem on which the dept. worked at one time and that was the production of a seedless persimmon. A tree of this sort was discovered outside of Washington on a Maryland farm, and it was thought if the seedless variety could be grafted on some of the native trees that a new fruit would be produced that in a way would equal the seedless orange. Nothing ever came of this experiment, but among the varieties of the big persimmon that have been introduced from China there is one that is seedless and that may be raised into a fruit that will fill a long felt want. -Washington
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The Daily Ardmoreite, March 11, 1904

The Moore Residence The handsomest residence of the city, and perhaps of the entire territory, is that of W. R. Moore, which has been in coarse of construction for several months and which is now ready for occupancy. The plans were drawn by a Fort Worth architect and the contractor was W.E. Chastain of this city. The residence is a 14-room, two story building of buff brick, with cut stone trimmings and most tastly (sic) designed inside and out. The inside trimmings and grill work has the Moiree(sic) effect carried throughout and in the dining-room is the brudap (sic) wainscoting, with plate rail. There are nine cheerful grates and handsome fire-places, not withstanding the hot air plant. There are two bath and toilet rooms, perfect water-works, electric light and gas connections, etc., and besides all this, beautiful grounds and neat out buildings. The cost of the building itself is estimated in round figures at $20,000.

Don’t Give Away Water An east main street water patron had to pay the penalty of $3 today for allowing his neighbor to use water from his hydrant, and an additional dollar for the water used.

Building at Mill Creek Mill Creek is enjoying one of the largest industrial booms in her history. The new Merchants and Planters bank on the corner of Main and Choctaw avenue is neatly completed, as is also the large stone building of W.S. Eubank. The stone store of J.H. Hersh is rapidly assuming the proportions of a business building and today the contract for one of the largest hotels in the Territory was let. Despite the fact that times are dull and many Territory (sic) towns are on a standstill, Mill Creek seems to be rapidly assuming the air of a city.

Sept 9, 1910 Building Temporary Road E.C. Ricketts solicited financial aid in Ardmore today to open a preliminary road south of Fox and west of Graham to intersect with the main road leading to Ardmore near Oil City. He says the building of that road means more cotton from the western portion of the county will come into Ardmore for market. He was successful in raising what funds he needed.

E.B. Luke’s Music Store Moved Two Doors East of Gas Office on West Main Street Hargrove College Opening Hargrove College opened September 7th. A very nice crowd of visitors from the city was present. New pupils have been enrolled every day since the opening. Pupils are being classified and the work being organized and starting nicely. We are pleased to offer superior advantages to pupils in piano, voice, and elocution as well as literary work. A Greater Hargrove College should be the cry. J.M. Gross, President
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The Evening News, Ada, Indian Territory January 2, 1905 Residence Burns at Ardmore Ardmore, I.T. January 2–Fire Friday night destroyed J.P. Mullen’s residence and contents. The loss was $7000; insurance $4,500.

January 4, 1905 Fire Destroys Paper Lindsay, I.T., Jan. 4–An incendiary fire destroyed the Lindsay News office and contents early Tuesday morning. The loss is $2500, with insurance of $50. The plant will be rebuilt at once.

Blow Open Safe Ardmore, I.T., Jan 4–News reached here Tuesday of an attempt to burglarize the First National Bank at Mannsville at an early hour this morning. The burglars, who are believed to be members of a systemized gang which has been operating throughout the Territory for some time, were three in number. From the small safe, which was blown to pieces $69 was secured, but after several unsuccessful attempts to blow open the bank vault they were frightened away without securing any additional money. Several thousand dollars in currency inside the vault was damaged by the explosions, some of which is in such a condition that it can not be redeemed. Officers secured bloodhounds, which were put on the scene, but after following the trail for a few miles west from Mannsville all trace of the men was lost.

January 5, 1905 Carpenters are busy today on buildings for the new brick plant. There are twenty-five men and ten teams at work and the work is being pushed very rapidly. In a short time Ada will have a brick plant second to none in the territory.

Gip McClintock, of Lehigh, is putting in a late style bouling (sic) alley in the building next to Tubins grocery on East Main street. The house will be in charge of Geo. Wade, and nothing but a strictly respectable house will be run. Special days for ladies will be arranged and announced later.
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“Here’s a picture of the Bill Mauldin figure I just completed work on. Bill Mauldin was famous for his Willie and Joe Cartoons during WWII.” -Bryan Pullen, Davis, Oklahoma https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/MauldinBill04.jpg
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“On Feb. 17, my son Brandon was killed while piloting an air ambulance for EagleMed in Dodge City, Kansas. Two others died with him, a paramedic and an inflight nurse. Among the condolences we have received was a plant from Southern Oklahoma Ambulance Service. I grew up in Ardmore, leaving in 1961.” -Martin Leon Bow, Dallas Texas. unrulee@juno.com http://www.dodgeglobe.com/stories/021804/loc_0218040024.shtml
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“Hey Butch, It’s been a while but I am still enjoying your newsletters. I ran across this while doing some research on Indian epidemics and thought you might want to see it. You may have already ran across it though, I know you get links to a lot of Ardmore stuff. Well, anyhow if I run across more I will send them your way.” -Jeanette 1.Go to the Library of Congress collection “Map Collections: 1500-1999” at http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/gmdhtml/gmdhome.html 2.Click “Search by Keyword.” 3.In the Search menu, enter “Ardmore.”
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“Hi Butch, Here is a bell I have been meaning to send to you for over a year. It is the bell at the old Fillmore, Oklahoma School grounds (Johnston county).” https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/FillmoreOKbell4.jpg
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“Here a set of pictures follows activity in a hummingbird’s nest – from hatching to flight. Remarkable photography.” -Elizabeth Dyer http://community-2.webtv.net/hotmail.com/verle33/HummingBirdNest/index.html
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“I am trying to find out about my ancestors. This is my grandmother’s family. James Rufus Webb – My great grandfather went to Oklahoma from Texas right after the sooners got there, and received a claim of land which is now suburban Oklahoma City and operated a boarding house and had a small family farm. Wife’s name – Lillie – 6 children: Clay Webb – operated a laundry business in OK city all of his life. Pope Webb – operated a gas station . Jeff Webb – Went to Hawaii. Ray Webb – worked for some company in OK City. Ellen Webb – died when she was about 30 from TB. My grandmother Lula met and married my grandfather when she was 16. Another ancestor, don’t know the name, was some kind of police officer. How he died was he was out in his backyard one day chopping wood and somehow hit himself in the head with the ax he was using. I asked my dad how he could have done that, and he said he probably got it tangled up in the clothesline or a tree branch or something and, in trying to get it untangled…………….Well, I don’t know. If anyone has any information, papers or pictures of the Webb family, please get in touch with me. I will be happy to pay for pictures and copies of information you may have. My thanks to anyone who might be able to help me.” -Louise Floate louise_floate@msn.com ————————————————————————-
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Last week I put a feeler out in my T&T asking if anyone wants to have a get together the Saturday my cousin, don bridges, holds his concert in Ardmore, May 29th. About 2 dozen of you emailed me, and it was the consensus to meet that afternoon at Central Park. I think that will be great, just hope the weather is good. Now to get some of you who plan on coming to volunteer to bring some pop and goodies. More in future issues, as that day gets closer.

“Three-Quarter Moon” by don bridges, music and song

Sometimes we think back and wonder what life would be like if things had worked out differently.

Our future shined bright as the Fourth of July when we turned seventeen,
I was the pride of the varsity side and you reigned as 4-H queen,
Midnight hour on the water tower in a Southern Comfort kiss,
Holdin’ on tight we opened our eyes and saw this,
Three-quarter moon, Tumblin’ down, Visions of glory, Comin’ unwound,
Yesterday’s news, Tired of this two-bit town,
Nothin’ to prove, Fadin’ from view, Three-quarter moon.

http://www.donbridgesongs.com

See everyone next Saturday!

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Saturday March 6, 2004 T&T Weekly Vol 8 Issue 359

I been thinking the past few days about a T&T Reader, I think she lived in OKC, that sent me an email 6 or 7 years ago, saying we should hold a meeting somewhere, where as many as possible T&T Readers could get together for fellowship and fun, be able to put a real face with the emails thats being posted each week, make new friends, or refresh old friendships. I never followed up on that idea, but maybe now is the time to do just that. With my cousin Don Bridges coming from VA on Saturday May 29th to give two concerts at the Tivoli, 2pm and 8pm, maybe anyone and all who wanted to get together for a good time for food and fellowship could do so between concerts. We could reserve the Garden Center (old Carnegie Library on Stanley SW) for that afternoon. A Reader even suggested we consider meeting at Central Park on Main Street and forego any rental fee. Some of us could volunteer to bring a 2 litter pop, or a bag of chips, or a homemade cake, or batch of cookies, finger food, munchables, etc. and just have a good time that Saturday afternoon.

If we want to do this, lets decide quickly, we have to put up $100 for the Garden Center and reserve it for May 29th before someone else does. Or if we should just meet at Central Park that afternoon, then lets do that. Anyway, just some food for thought here, let me hear from some of you, see if you think it is an idea we should follow up on.

By the way, my cousin’s CD ‘An Ardmore Afternoon’ is now at Hastings in Ardmore! https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/ArdmoreAfternoon.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/miscfiles/ArdmoreAfternoon.mp3

Talking about music, I remember as a teenager going to Luke’s Music Store on Main Street to buy the latest 45 RPM records by the hottest rock and roll artist of that time. So when you heard a Number 1 record on the radio, you know that it would be available first at Ed Luke’s music store, and that’s where us teenagers headed right after school on Wednesday afternoon. I believe it was on Wednesdays the postman delivered the hot of the press records to Luke’s! The Main Street Authority has placed a historical marker on the front of the old Luke’s music store. https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/LukesMusicStore.jpg

To date the 1936 ‘Lake Murray movie’ has been delivered to all Carter county nursing homes, the Ardmore Village Hall, Creative Living Center, Ardmore’s Senior Citizens Center, all of Ardmore’s schools (except AHS, we’ll get them), Plainview Schools, Lone Grove Schools and Healdton Senior Citizens Center.

Just this week VHS tapes have been provided to Duncan Public Library, Gainesville Texas Library, Denison Texas Library, Sherman Texas Library, Lone Grove Schools, Springer Schools, Fox Schools, Velma Senior Citizens Center, and Duncan Senior Citizens Center.

I’ve created a webpage to list all the places the movie has been made available. Let us know if you think of a place it needs to be, and we will try to get a tape there. https://oklahomahistory.net/1936movie.html

Carter County Sheriff Harvey Burkhart received an interesting item in the mail this week. A lady in a nearby county found a badge amongst some personal belongings and she has no idea who the badge belonged to, so she turned the badge over to Sheriff Burkhart. Sheriff Burkhart hopes that someone will recognize the badge and holder and if it rightfully belongs to a family member, he would like to see it returned. From looking at the condition of the badge, the particular maker and finish, I would say it came from the 1975 era. I know about 1980 and after nearly all the deputy badges had their names attached under the Seal of Oklahoma. If anyone recognizes this badge and knows who or where the badge belongs, get hold of Sheriff Burkhart. https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/CarterCountyBadgeUNK.jpg

A T&T Readers sent me an email this week, a photo taken on May 29, 1987 when the Washita River was out of its banks. Its a photo of the the old Norton Bridge north of Mannsville, Oklahoma and shows how high the water was, almost to the point of flowing over the bridge. https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/NortonBridge1987.jpg

On March 1st Bill McLaughlin was sworn in as the new Carter County Commissioner representing District 1. Bill will finished out the term of Joe McReynolds who passed away last Fall. https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/McLaughlinMarch2004.jpg

Sometimes I am just amazed at the little utility programs I find on the internet for free. I was looking for a freeware program that would automatically restart this one computer at 6am every morning, and low and behold, I found the very program I need, made in Russia. It is called “Switch Off” and is a very tiny utility that so far has worked flawlessly. Besides Reboot at a predermined time, it can also do a Shutdown, Log Off, or Internet Disconnect among other things. http://www.webattack.com/get/switchoff.html

Last year I mentioned a company in Florida where I found ink cartridges at a very reasonable price. I may be more fortunate than some people too. My 3 year old Epson Stylus Color 777 only cost $49 after I received my $40 rebate. And the cartridges only $6.49 for the black and white and $6.95 for color. And free shipping on orders over $30. Not a bad price for brand new cartridges. This is my second order with the company and I’ve been been completely satisfied with the company and products, plus the fast shipping! http://www.inkjetrus.com/

Recorded by Betty Carroll January 25, 1987: “Once Upon A Time…. Reverend John H. Carr, a Methodist missionary found a patch of land 15 miles south of Durant in 1852 he thought would be an excellent location for an academy specifically for Indian students. He set up his tent in a grove surrounded by prairie grasses interwoven with colorful wild flowers. This inspired him to name the new school that would begin under the sponsorship of the Methodist Mission Conference and in conjunction with the leaders of the Chickasaw Nation Bloomfield Academy. It was renamed Carter Seminary in 1934 as a tribute to Charles D. Carter of Chickasaw and Choctaw descent, who represented the 4th District in Congress from 1907 to 1926. The school eventually relocated in the NW section of Ardmore when the federal government purchased the old Hargrove College in 1916 for the Chickasaw Indians. Carter Seminary was established and funded by the federal government to partially fulfill the treaty obligations of the United States to the Indian people. In 1952 the Bureau of Indian Affairs decided to make Carter Seminary a home-living community and to send the students to public schools.”

SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK’S MAILBAG

“Butch, Here is the photo of the fishing dock at Lake Texhoma that the right side is on the ground. It is leaning bad to the left. I have never seen Texhoma so low.” https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/LowLakeTexhomaFeb04.jpg
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Q: “Mr. Bridges, Do you have any pics of old Oklahoma grocers from, say, the 30’s – 40’s (or thereabouts)? I am building a webpage to document multi-generational independent grocers in oklahoma. May I post one or two of your pics as a homepage? Thanks.” www.tikitees.com A: This first one was Moran Grocery. 701 6th NE. (6th and G Street NE) in Ardmore, OK. Basil Moran owner. It was across the street from the grade school I went to (gone now too). https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos/moran.jpg Jones Grocery at Rexroat, Oklahoma. Was owned by George and Margaret Jones. About the only thing left at Rexroat is a cemetery. The Jones’ Grocery was across the street from the Rexroat School at that location. 1953 photo. Store was about 20 west of Ardmore, Oklahoma. https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos/rexroats.jpg
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“Dear Butch, I’m looking for absolutely any information on Thomas Edward Brents Jr. who was a deputy US marshal at Ada from about 1902-1908 when he was made Office Deputy US Marshal at Muskogee for the Eastern District of Oklahoma. He went on to become a special federal prohibition enforcement officer under William E. “Pussyfoot” Johnson from 1908 to about 1914 when he returned to Oklahoma and was given charge of federal prohibition activities for the state headquartered at Oklahoma City. Anything would be appreciated.” -Diron L. Ahlquist OKC. OKLawDog@aol.com
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“Butch, in reply to the 10 VHS tapes being put in the Chickasaw Regional Library system, I would like to share with the others here some more tapes that are available. I am directing The Davis Veteran’s Project here in Davis, Oklahoma and just placed the first 5 Video taped interviews of local Combat veterans in the library here. I am trying to accumulate as many Davis Combat Veteran stories as possible. These interviews are taped and housed at the library. In addition, I also write up a 3-5 page summary of the veteran’s biography complete with their scanned photos. If you know a veteran in the Davis area or immediate surrounding area that would like to record their story please send me their information. Thank you, Bryan Pullen Davis, OK. BryanPullen@cableone.net
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“Dear Butch, Thanks for the memories! I just finished reading your paper and enjoyed all the articles but especially the ones about the Ardmore Indians. I wrote you once before when someone mentioned the old ball park. My husband’s uncle was Arthur Willingham, the man mentioned in the article. His other other uncle was Cleve Willingham, a.k.a. “Happy”, who was grounds keeper, bus driver, and general all around Jack of all trades. I use to know all of the guys in the photo and one of the youngsters seated at the front of one of the photos is Arthur Ray Willingham. He was the son of Cleve Willingham and served as a batboy. I use to know who the other little boy was but time has erased that memory. I thought he was Grandson of Benny Warren, but, I may be wrong. What pleasant memories it brought back. I use to make all the home games [I got in free thanks to Uncle Arthur], and enjoyed it very much. It’s good to hear about what happened to all of them. It was good to see a picture of Uncle Arthur after all these years. He died a few years ago in Oklahoma City. He was a good man and loved baseball with a passion!” -Kathryn in Las Vegas. goody2shu@msn.com
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“We tried a new restaurant last weekend. It’s called Michael’s and is located in the old Dougherty Depot building that was moved out onto the hiway between Davis and Sulphur. For a while it was the Quail Hollow Antiques and had a tea room. The food is GREAT! We had steak and pork tenderloin. Hubby said his steak was one of the best he’d ever eaten. And by all means, save room for the best bread pudding you’ll ever eat!!! If you go on a Friday or Saturday, call ahead for reservations (580) 622-4080. You won’t be disappointed.”
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Healdton Herald, Thursday November 1, 1917 Postage Increase Friday After Nov. 2 all letters except drop letters will require 3 cent postage and postal cards will cost 2 cents. Road Contract Let It is learned that the contract for construction of what is known as the “Wilson Highway” out of Ardmore to Wilson was let a week or two ago and work has started on the road. The contract price is $106,000 and the road will be ready for inspection by the board before the first of the year. August 28, 1930 Mr. & Mrs. Sid Smith of Ardmore were visitors in the city Monday. Mr. Smith is manager of the Smith-Mathews Hatchery in Ardmore. Sept 11, 1930 Two Youths Stick-Up Wirt State Bank Two young men dressed in overalls walked into the Wirt State Bank about 11:30 today and robbed the bank of about $200 in silver and a quantity of currency, amount not yet known, but cash was low owing to heavy payrolls during the morning. The youths after walking into the bank found only Mrs. George Smith, cashier, and Mrs. Ralph Nicholson, in the bank. Commanding them to hand over all cash and then locking them in the vault with John Wilkerson a customer who came in while they were robbing the bank. The bandits left town by a north road at the east part of town traveling in a red Chevrolet coupe. This is the first bank ever robbed in Carter County. East Scot Merchant Passes Away R. M. Hudenall, aged 66 years was the owner and operator of a store in East Scott where he has lived several years. Cases Stolen from Doctors Car Dr. J.R. Allen lost both his medicine and instrument cases from his car standing along side of the Healdton Cash Grocery last Saturday evening. October 2, 1930 Wirt Bank Robber is Arrested H.L. Darr, alias Everett Henry, former Texas convict is in jail at Ardmore charged with robbery of the Wirt State Bank, two miles west of Healdton on September 11. Darr was arrested in Oklahoma City last week and has been positively identified by Mrs. Geo. W. Smith and Mrs. Ralph Nicholson. The arrest was made by Con Kiersey, Carter County Deputy Sheriff together with Oklahoma City officials. Fingerprints taken at the bank following the robbery are said to be identical with that of Darr. The second party is still at large. November 6, 1930 Midget Radio Receivers A new and novel radio receiving set that has been placed on the market in recent months is the Jackson-Bell Midget Radio, an all electric, four screen, grid tubes, electric dynamic speaker, with tone control http://www.radioblvd.com/photos.html
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The Daily Ardmoreite, February 24, 1904 Another School Teacher Resigns Yesterday the school board received communication from Miss Roberta Niblack in which she tendered her resignation as principal of the Carter avenue school. The board accepted her resignation and then selected Miss Lula Campbell, a teacher in the First ward school, and she was promoted to the principalship of the Carter avenue school. To Search for Gold Indian Territory Company will Brave Terrors of Devil’s Den Tishomingo, I.T., Near this place on the Pennington river, is located what is known locally as “The Devil Den,” the most picturesque spot in the Chickasaw Nation. For a number of years it has been a spot visited by hundreds of tourists and not long ago someone discovered what was believed to be traces of gold and silver ore. Other parties became interested and had some tests made which showed ore in paying quantities. This has led to the organization of a company of ten local men, who have decided to prospect the hills in this region thoroughly and determine if there is ore in paying quantities. Devils Den is located on an allotment that has been filed upon by Mrs. T.K. Whitehorn, a Chickasaw woman, has agreed to allow mining operations carried on and will have a high rate of interest to make a satisfactory dividend and most of them fix the rate of interest accordingly. March 1, 1904 Miss Roberta Niblack left over the Santa Fe yesterday for Tyler, Texas. She will enter the Tyler Business College for a term. She will return in about four months. March 3, 1904 Licensed to Wed Jim Roberts and Lula Freeland, Orr R.D. Miller and Sarah Tucker, Leon Wiley Sam and Callie Bell, Ardmore Thos. E. James and Callie Erwin, Ardmore Albert H. Morrow, and Mrs. Lee Etta Dright, Chickasha G.C. Wicker and Edith M. Wyley, Ardmore T.M. Crawford and Tillie Ollison, Ran John W. Nelms, Ardmore and Sarah J. Davis, Marietta J.M. Fair and Sallie Keller, Glenn Thos. C. Grimes and Viola Thomas, Ardmore Dilbert Terry and Annie Bennett, Oakland Oscar Swinney and Currie Dillard, Sulphur H.S. Budwell and Anna Love, Pauls Valley The Daily Ardmoreite, February 24, 1904 For Forging Checks This afternoon Joel Chester was brought in from Tishomingo by Deputy Bridges, where he was arrested a few days ago charged with forging checks on the two Tishomingo banks and signing Guy Cobb’s name. In both instances money was realized on the checks. When arrested Chester denied any knowledge of the forgery, but at the examining trial before Bullett it was proven that Chester was the guilty party and he was bound over in the sum of $500, failing to make which he was committed to jail. Ardmore Electric Light Company The Ardmore Electric Light company today wrapped their electric light pole, corner East Main and Mill Street, with asbestos to guard against its destruction in case of fire in either building close to it. This pole is a very important one, as lines run in four different directions from it.
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The Evening News Ada, Oklahoma February 3, 1905 Mrs. Maud Bledsoe of Ardmore is in the city visiting her sister, Mrs. Latta, and mother, Mrs. Smith. Marriage Licenses Dan Rich, age 29 and Dona Linkes, age 19, both of Owl M.P. Roberts, age 18, and Mary L. Ridge, age 15, both of Dolberg N.K. Naylor, cashier of a Tishomingo bank, stopped over in Ada today, while on his way home from Ramona, OK where he has been visiting friends this past week. Teachers Pass Examination Ardmore, I.T. Feb. 3–Those who passed the examination held by the board of school examiners for the Chickasaw nation at Tishomingo on the 27th inst, were as follows: A.L. Adams, Springer; Fayetta Copeland, Chickasha; Cecil Cockerill, Madill; Miss Mattie Crawford, Paucaunia; Miss Ramona Bynum, Tishomingo; Geo. Chance, Mill Creek; Miss Meta Chestnut, president of El Meta Bond College, Minco; R.D. McManus, Berwyn; G.P. Selvidge, president Selvidge Business College, Ardmore; and John D. West. Three of the applicants failed to meet the requirements of the board. The examination was probably the final one for the scholastic Year.
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“Butch, We got all of the money for the billboard and it is now in place across from the Ardmore Armory. Thanks for your help and everyone who donated.” -Doug Williams http://www.ardmoreite.com/stories/030304/loc_1245.shtml
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“Butch- In recent months, a new reference point has gradually appeared on the landscape east of Ardmore. It isn’t as recognizable yet as the Arbuckle Mountains or Tater Hill, but as a man-made structure, it is getting there! The attached picture was taken about a mile north of Mt. SORD with Tater Hill in the landscape several miles to the south.” https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/MtSORDmarch04.jpg
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“Butch, My computer crashed back in December and I had the email address you had listed for a CD burner. I have a burner, but need some software. could you send me that address.” http://www.DeepBurner.com
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Butch, Nancy Dulaney was a 1951 or 1952 AHS graduate. She was a good vocalist and sang in many school productions. At one of the high school plays she sang a song popular at the time containing the words “Flash, bam, alakazam, out of an orange colored sky.” How can I remember that? The girl on the right looks a lot like Darla Jean Moore who was about a 1954 or 1955 AHS graduate. I infrequently went to ball games in ’52 but there was a ’53 AHS graduate named Joe Nash who never missed a game. I would bet Joe could identify the ladies if someone has his email address.” https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/IndiansLadies1950a.jpg
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“Butch- Three BNSF empty excess height boxcars were derailed Wednesday, March 3 blocking vehicle traffic for several hours at the 1st Ave. SE railroad crossing.. A spectator near Blue Bonnet Feed Center said the cars almost tilted over when they left the tracks. Could have been worse on a busy track at speed but this happened at slow speed on the first spur track near the feed mill sales center.” gsimmons@brightok.net https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/ArdmoreDerail030304a.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/ArdmoreDerail030304b.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/ArdmoreDerail030304c.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/ArdmoreDerail030304d.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/ArdmoreDerail030304e.jpg https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos4a/ArdmoreDerail030304f.jpg
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In 1840 General Arbuckle ordered the fitting out of an expedition of one company of the United States Infantry, Captain Marcellus French to command, Lieutenant Myers to act as quartermaster, with one hundred ox and mule teams, carpenters, sappers and miners and everything necessary to build and maintain a government post in the Creek Nation, somewhere near the Canadian river. The progress of the expedition was rather slow as we had to make the road as we went. When we had got seventy-five miles from Fort Smith and had to stop to build a road over a creek with high banks, one of the men was taken sick and on the third day developed a full case of the smallpox of a malignant type. Every man was ordered up to the government doctor’s tent and received a vaccination. The sick man died and no one else of the entire party took the disease. The expedition moved on to its objective point, and Fort Arbuckle, No. 1 was located and built. When built it looked more like an old fashioned quarter than a government post, for there was nothing to be had but native timber as it stood in the forest. Late in the fall Captain French discovered a better location for a post, some eighteen miles south at a big spring near the Washita River, in the Chickasaw Nation. So Fort Arbuckle, No.1, was given to Black Beaver, chief of the Delaware tribe of Indians for his headquarters, and the troops were moved to the Big Wild Horse Spring in the Chickasaw Nation and Fort Arbuckle, No.2, built, where it has stood as a government post ever since.” -Captain Jeff, or, Frontier life in Texas with the Texas Rangers, Author: Maltby, William J., 1829-1908.
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“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain

See everyone next Saturday!

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