“The following photos were taken in December 1969 showing Colverts Dairy, Frensley Bros lumber co, Coca Cola Bottling, houses on the west side of the block across the street from the Salvation Army Chapel pic 1 is Coca Cola Bottling, pic 2 Frensley.” -Robert Hensley
We’ve had so much rain the past week or so, water is running over the spillway at lake Murray. PS: you must have a fishing license unless you just happen to open the car door and they jump in.
I’ve updated my unclaimed insurance list (over 40 people) for April on my webpage. I found many who have already claimed their money or have filed to claim it. Check it out, you may see someone on the list you know. Please let them know (or me) they have money to claim! And the search continues…..
https://oklahomahistory.net/unclaimed-property-in-oklahoma/
Mail from the Mailbag
Doug Williams took the following photo with his drone of what’s left of the old Pooleville school north of Healdton.
Below is the GPS location of the school using Google Maps. https://maps.app.goo.gl/VXz8XNBNEfKJNcQT6
Gypsy King at Healdton 1950s
Butch, I just talked with my cousin Tracy Oakley, who lives with his mom in Healdton. He’s the son of my aunt Marie Oakley. He said that the Healdton Herald would have everything you need to know about the gypsies and he (Tracy) can tell you the story of his Mom almost being stolen from the family. He says the gypsies always camped in the pecan bottom on the north side of Whiskey Creek in Healdton (just northeast of the Highway 76 bridge going north out of town).. That’s where our Grandpa Moon had a big pecan bottom where we played ball, had Easter Egg hunts, and even picked up pecans to sell for our “allowance.”
The story of the King of the Gypsies death at Healdton is correct. He was traveling through Healdton when he died. Collier Brothers had the major funeral home at Healdton during that time. It was located where the west parking lot of the Healdton First Baptist Church is now. I actually eased into the funeral home with my grandpa Kimberlin and saw him lying in state. I was 10 or 11 then, 81 now. The entire Healdton area was flooded with Gypsies coming in from all parts. They came in big fancy cars all the way to horse drawn wagons. Hundreds, maybe thousands, came to Healdton. After several days he was taken to the Ardmore train station where he was placed on a train then transported all the way to Washington DC for burial. I have much more info on the matter if they want to contact me. I’ve heard both ways on the curse of Healdton. One WAS a curse being placed on the town yet another was how pleased they were for the kindness of the Healdton people. I do recall this, numerous things disappeared during their stay. That very well might happen if any large group of people (not necessary gypsies) had come into anyplace. -Vince Freeman
Below is a link to his account on Find-A-Grave
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/146322496/gregory-john-alvarez
HAM Talk by Butch Bridges KC5JVT – Allstar node # 58735
There were about 10 HAMs meet last Saturday at 9:00am at Swadley’s BBQ. Its just a group of us, not an official HAM club, that meets every 2 or 3 months. All attending had a great time and fellowship.
Do you know where the lightning capital of the world is located? It’s at Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela. There every almost every night (360 nights a year) is the most spectacular lightning display. HAM radio operators do not like lightning. With HAM radio atennas sticking up in the air, they are susceptible to lightning strikes and equiment damage. Most HAM radio operators when they learn a lightning storm is coming will unplug the antenna to their radio transmitter and even unplug from the 110v wall outlet just to be safe. Now my question is there even any HAM operators living at Lake Maracaibo Lake? I did a little googling and yes, there seems to even be a HAM club there.
Below is from my newsletter archives dated
May 22, 2008 – Issue 591
Death of a Gypsy King
The Healdton Herald
Healdton, Carter County, Oklahoma
Thursday, October 15, 1953
Gypsy King Dies in Healdton
GREGORY JOHN ALVAREZ, King of the Gypsies for 20 years, died of a heart attack in Healdton, Sunday, age 78 years. Alvarez was born in Lima, Peru in 1875, was married and came to the United States in 1904, settling at Walnut Cove, North Carolina, where all his children were born. He was a coppersmith working in the textile mills.
“The Old Man,” as he is lovingly called, came to Healdton to see a son and visit with friends along the way. He was a member of the Independent Lodge No. 23, A.F. & A.M. at Due West, South Carolina, also a member of the Methodist Church. All the different tribes, including the EVANS, MITCHELLS, JOHNS, MILLERS, URICKS and many other tribal names, are represented in the gypsy bands coming here to pay their respect to their deceased king. It is estimated that some 300 men, women and children are housed in trailers or occupying the packed cars in which they came. A majority of the tribes will meet in Washington, D. C. where the body is being sent for burial.
The original nomadic group came from Romania, but this tribe comes from Peru and are largely Portuguese speaking people. “The Old Man” spoke seven languages and when he and his wife wanted to talk so their children couldn’t understand them, they used a language not known to the children. The tribes, as a whole, follow the trades of silver, gold, and coppersmiths. They have been educated in public schools. For years they were a wandering people, but now most of them are settled in the principal cities. Son FRED ALVAREZ of Fort Lauderdale, Florida assured me when I asked a question about discrimination that he had not experienced it. As a bad, they still celebrate their feast days, particularly those near the Christmas time such as St. Ann’s, St. Joseph’s, St. Mary’s and Guadaruple(?). For their king, they will observed three Remembrance feasts, one at six weeks, one at six months, and the general feast at one year when all tribes meet from all parts of the country for the occasion and at this time, they decide on their next king. For the year of mourning, there is no dancing or singing. NOAH GRAVES says, “I have an entirely different conception of a gypsy tribe, during these days of close association.” This picturesque band of people coming together to show their love and esteem for their leader has found expression in the elaborate floral tributes to his memory. On the flower bordered pillow rests the majestic white head of the beloved king of the gypsies.
Blues and greens, reds and yellows are the colors of the skirts and blouses of the women; the black hair and eyes of the children gleam in the sunlight and the standard clothing of the men mingle together as Healdton people observe strange faces, manners and customs. As with all peoples, there are those of high and low degree and all will follow the body of “The Old Man” to Washington, D. C. where services will be held and burial will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The body will leave at 3:15 Thursday.
The family is grateful for the kindness and courtesy extended by Collier’s and they appreciate all the gestures of good will coming from the townspeople. The register carries the names of many Healdton people who have had an opportunity to show they believe in Liberty and Justice and the Rights of all men.
Survivors are his wife, JOSEPHINE of North Carolina; four sons, M. J., BOB, and BIMBIE of North Carolina, F. J. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; two daughters GLORIA of North Carolina and RUBY ALVAREZ MILLER of Wilmington, Delaware, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters
The kids had a great time at Healdton’s Chuckwagon Day shucking and grinding corn.
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https://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos8a/CornGrinder051708.jpg
This week Ardmoreite Rick Feiler enlightened me to a huge book, about 750 pages, authored by Davis, Oklahoma resident Richard W. Chadwick. Chadwick’s book, filled from cover to cover with Oklahoma tokens from nearly every city in this state, is titled ‘Oklahoma Exonomia’. Exonomia means “out of money”. I never realized there were so many ‘good for tokens’ made in this state by stores and businesses, and were used by the public for goods and services, just like money. There are literally 1,000s of photos and info on every kind of token imaginable in Chadwick’s book, all used in the state of Oklahoma in bygone years. If you’re interested in having a copy ($49) of this book on Oklahoma tokens, send Rick an email…… rnif@cableone.net
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“I remember very well when the “gypsy king,” whose last name as I recall was Alvarez. I was in high school at the time. He was with a carnival that was in town for about a week. I think he died of either a heart attack or a stroke. It did take several days for gypsies to arrive from all over the country. I was surprised at how many were driving Cadillacs. When all the clan had arrived, a hearse took his body to Ardmore to sent by train somewhere in the northeast, I think. The Healdton High School band, of which I was a member, was asked to go to Ardmore and march behind the hearse down Main Street to the depot.”
“I was living in Lone Grove in 1953 and our family had a service station. I recall groups of Gypsies stopping, on their way to a so called king’s funeral in Ardmore. The women wore long dresses and I recall some dipping their long dresses in the bucket used to add water to radiators, to cool themselves. It was during a very hot summer and several groups stopped. I heard hearing nothing about a curse.
“I remember when the “king gypsy” passed away in Healdton. I believe it was a natural death. We lived on 5th and Stanolind, if I remember right, We would walk a block over to miss Collier’s, but on the trip back, I got brave and walked on Collier’s side right through the gypsy group. Remember the women sitting on the grass with their full skirts and the men wearing vests. I thought it was a “romantic” type setting.”
“Hi Butch, Yes, I can remember well the summer the “King of the Gypsies” died while in Healdton. The services were not held at Collier Brothers who as far as I know had no facilities but just used local churches, etc. The gathering for the King was held at the rodeo grounds there in our fair city. The parking was filled with large black sedans. We kids always wondered where all the vehicles came from and the people. Of course, we were accustomed to seeing glimpses of these transients and had PLENTY of warnings not to go near or we would be kidnapped and never seen again. And yes, the rumor had it that Healdton did have a curse placed on it because the gentleman chose to die there. I doubt he was killed or our one city police man would never have kept that a secret. This was when Healdton had no stop light, just an amber warning light there at the corner of main and what is it fourth? Can’t remember. I just remember my grandmother, mom and other neighbor ladies warning us not to go near.” -John Welcher via email Bayfield, Colorado
“I don’t know of anything about the curse, but my mother did tell me about the gypsies coming through and that her mother would feed them and I guess they stayed on their property. She said in the morning they were gone and they had stolen some or all of the chickens. I’m not sure if my mother lived at the Lone Star gas camp at that time or not. My granddad had a home at Zanies after that. My mother was born in 1926 and I think she was young when this happened, so it was sometime before 1950 I guess. Her name was Letha Herrington.” -David Murphey, Oklahoma City
“I’ve heard this story myself over the years, and between 1948-1952 or 53, the Gypsies came to Healdton running their carnival. At one such event a Gypsy King died, and was taken to Collier Funeral Home. Many large black Cadillacs from all over the country came into town, about 20 or more. The funeral may or may not have been in Healdton. The carnivals were near where the rodeo grounds were on the east side of town. He never saw any persons staying on curbs, as such would not have been permitted by the townspeople. There is another event which made great impressions on some, which occurred when my Grandfather H.V. Price was a ten year old boy living just outside Healdton. He told me one day he saw many large wagons traveling into Healdton, with animals on them in cages. Lion, tigers bears elephants, etc. And was very impressed by the spectacle. I believe it was the circus going to winter in what is now called Ringling. That would have been during 1920. My Grandfather also was born in Healdton, and his Grandfather made boots with a man named Justin in Nocona, Tx. Mr. Price may have started with Justin at Spanish Fort. From Nocona he broke with Justin and moved north of the river. I’ve seen some of the tools used. Anyone having information concerning Lafayette “Uncle Fate” Fate Price, would be appreciated if they could provide it.” -Randall Price, Jr
“Hi Butch and Jill. For whatever it’s worth, the pulley and belt system for making change that Charles Walker was talking about was probably located in the J.C. Penney store. I know there was one there. If there were any others, I don’t remember them. I, too, was fascinated by the system and spent a lot of time watching it while my mother shopped.” -Martin Bow
“Butch- They were filling support pillar forms with concrete, Monday, May 19, 2008 as the new Memorial Hospital building program progresses. This building will be known as the Patient’s Tower and occupies the area in front of the hospital where 14th Avenue use to be. The crane with the US Flag at the top will reach a height of 302 feet.” -Gary Simmons
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Excerpt from “The Wilson News” Submitted by Mindy Taylor
Clippings from February 1916
~The family of Dr. E Payne who lives East of Ardmore and were shot from ambush some days ago are improving so much that they have been able to leave the sanitarium for their homes.
~The foundation has been laid at the northwest corner of Fourth and Main for a new picture show. The proprietors, Messrs. Ed Deberry, L. H. Webb, and B. M Cole are well known men of our city and the News wishes them the best of success in their new enterprise.
~Wednesday night officers Braziel and Leach, after a careful search near Lone Grove, found a big whiskey plant where 28 cases of whiskey and 21 gallons of white mule were captured and taken to the United States Marshal’s office. It seems that the whiskey runners would bring their stuff in from Texas, store it, and when a favorable opportunity arose, dispose of it to their customers.
~Dr. John W. Duke, State Health Officer of Oklahoma, has sent me a supply of Diphtheria antitoxin to be used in this part of the county. The state furnishes this medicine free to those that are unable to pay for it. If you are suffering from diphtheria, take this opportunity at once. Dr. Thos. W. Dowdy
Official state poem of Oklahoma 1973
‘Howdy Folks’ by David Randolph Milsten
Well, here goes some scribblin’ that’s a little past due,
But I reckon I’m always a-thinkin’ ’bout you.
I’ve been readin’ the papers in my own little way,
And I see where you messed up my last birthday.
Through divine television I caught the dedication
And heard some tributes by a mighty swell nation.
Now that’s a powerful nice shack you built on the hill;
But that’s just like the Sooners, it gives them a thrill.
I never did nuthin’ to cause all that fuss;
And sometimes, folks, I could almost cuss.
But, dern you, I love you, I guess it’s my pride
That chokes me all up and hurts me inside.
I heard Jesse, Irvin, Cohan and Fred
And Amon and Eddie, what nice things they said.
I always called Claremore a big little town,
With guys like Mort Harrison and others around.
I see where Joe Crosson winged there for a day;
Remember him, Wiley? We slept all the way.
But I’ll tell you the part which touched me the most,
And it ain’t like me to speak up and boast.
It was when dear Mary pulled the curtain string
For my act in bronze — what a homely thing!
But I guess it was sentiment that filled the place,
‘Cause my kids kind of cried and I saw Betty’s face.
God bless my old partner, she held up her head;
and though none of you heard me, she knew what I said.
And I spied Sister Sally with a shy little glance;
She’s all the West means, charm and romance.
Old Jo had a job a-chisslin’ my mug;
Why, I got more wrinkles than a Navajo rug.
So you’re honorin’ Oklahoma with a replica of me —
Move over Sequoyah, for another Cherokee.
Well, much obliged friends, for the money you spent,
And the words that were spoken by our President.
I wish you had erected a memorial to peace;
We’d be happy up here if war talk would cease.
But I ain’t ungrateful, I just can’t see
Such a hullabaloo ’bout a cowboy like me.
Well, so long folks, it’s time to retire;
I got to keep a date with Odd McIntyre.
See everyone next week!
Butch and Jill Bridges
Ardmore Oklahoma
580-490-6823
https://oklahomahistory.net