It's always nice when I get a surprise letter delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. Nearly all my communications the past years has been via the computer. And when I received an old fashion letter from long time Carter County resident Mary Wilson of Lone Grove this week, it put a smile on my face. Mary is a historian extraordinaire in her own right. She mailed me a 1971 clipping from the Healdton Herald newspaper.
Woman Remembers Loam Post Office - Healdton Herald Newspaper, March 15, 1971
Mrs. Mildred (James L.) Steel (1911-1980), the former Mildred Monson south of Wilson is telling about a long vanished post office in that area that most people have never heard about. Mrs. Steel says, in 1911 the Department of Interior sold at auction a large section of southern Carter and northern Love County.
This was the surplus land left from the Indian allotments of the Chickasaw Nation. A.F. Monson of Walters bought a half-section of land five miles south and three miles east of the present town of Wilson. Here he built a general store and applied for a post office since the nearest mail service was at Lone Grove and Cheek several miles away. On May 14, 1913 he got approval for the Loam post office.
The name suggested by Mrs. Monson because of the deep sandy loam soil in the area. Soon after the post office was established, a small building was built for it and Mrs. Bessie Garvin became the first Postmistress. She was Mrs. Monson's sister, and in 1914 she married M.M. Clark and Mrs. Monson became the postmistress.
The mail was carried from Cheek to Loam by horse and buggy. At times the Bayou had to be forded. One of the first carriers was Knox Garvin who later became a well-known Oklahoma oil man and state senator. He was the father of Harold Garvin who was a state senator. On January 1914 the post office was established at New Wilson, and on Jan 20, 1920 the name town was changed to the present name of Wilson. A.F. Monson sold his store in 1917 and as Wilson grew and rural mail routes were established, he asked that the Loam area be served by a route out of Wilson.
Rural Route 3 was formed later to be added to Route 1 and the Loam post office was closed March 15, 1918. Monson was the first mail carrier on Route 3. The present home of Neil Monson, Mildred's brother, is located on the site of the Loam post office.
Thanks Mary Wilson for sharing the above piece of Carter County history.
A few pavers I sandblasted this week.
http://oklahomahistory.net/bricks/TexBrowningPaver.jpg
http://oklahomahistory.net/bricks/WayneFitePaver.jpg
http://oklahomahistory.net/bricks/ParnellPaver.jpg
http://oklahomahistory.net/UMCpavers/UMCJamesCochran.jpg
http://oklahomahistory.net/UMCpavers/UMCDocRuster.jpg
http://oklahomahistory.net/UMCpavers/UMCSueCrooke.jpg
http://oklahomahistory.net/UMCpavers/UMCMaryLucas.jpg
I mentioned 2 weeks ago that Windows 10 is free and ready to download from Microsoft. I did install Windows 10 on my laptop with no problems. But I'm still hearing about bugs and such on the new version, so I may wait a few weeks before installing it on my PC here at home with Windows 7. But if you're itching to try 10, here is a good tutorial to make the job easier.
http://www.howtogeek.com/225048/how-to-upgrade-from-windows-7-or-8-to-windows-10-right-now/
Myself and a number of friends have been losing weight and keeping it off with TruVision, plus feeling better than I have in many years. If anyone wants to try it, give me a holler. "I'll meet you at the Walmart mailbox!" Join us and check it all out at the link below.
http://www.oklahomahistory.net/truvision.html
http://butch.truvisionhealth.com/
Even with all the heat the past few weeks and the running of my air compressor parts of nearly every day during July my Okie Power Saver has been doing a great job. Plus it's a whole house surge protector. Win-Win.
Q. Dinosaur fossils are found
in two places in Oklahoma. Where?
A.
Near Atoka and in the Panhandle.
Q. What Oklahoma county
was named for a Civil War general?
A. (answer in next week's T&T)
From This and That newsletter archives of August 11, 2001:
Don't you just love a mystery? This week I
walked into my office, and there was a hotel key laying in the seat of my chair.
Now this is no ordinary key, one like Tom Bodet might have in his pocket. This
key is from a 4 star hotel in Paris, France. So how did this key end up in
Ardmore, Oklahoma? That is the mystery. Boy, I have no idea who left it in my
office or who's in room 34 for that matter. But I will bet you one night's
lodging the key is stolen.
http://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos15b/ParisHotelKey.jpg
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I traveled to Woodford in far northern
Carter County last Saturday. A few years ago I told about the wishing well that
is 1/2 mile north of Woodford, on the road to Mountain Lake and have some photos
of it on my website. This trip up there I noticed the wishing well has been
"remodeled". Its been cleaned up, the wood housing painted and a historical
marker placed next to the sulphur springs. While I was looking down at the
springs I noticed someone had dropped a couple of pennies along the ring of the
well. So I followed suit and drop one too. I wished the water was drinkable, but
I wouldn't advise it. On July 16, 1997 I had the water tested by the Oklahoma
Department of Environmental Quality and it tested positive for one or more
coliform bacteria. Below is a picture I took of the Woodford wishing well in
June 1996.
And here are several photos I took of this artesian well just last weekend.
http://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos15b/WoodfordWellA.jpg
http://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos15b/WoodfordWellB.jpg
http://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos15b/WoodfordWellC.jpg
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"Butch, In answer to question about
Overbrook school, I have several pictures. I too graduated from Overbrook in
1952 and still live in Overbrook. I was one that wrote last week my father
taught school here in early l930's,and other Love county schools." They can
e-mail me at ritac@brightok.net
----------------------------------------------------
"Butch. In issue 224, someone asked if
anyone remembers Rex Imitation Jelly. I do. My mom was a country girl raised
with everything homemade - including jelly. She still will not buy jelly. Makes
her own at 87 years of age. Anyhow, in the early 40's when she didn't have
enough money to use her sugar ration stamps, someone gave her some Rex jelly. In
fact, we had it several times until her sister finally actually gave her some
sugar to make her own. Even today, Mom gags when Rex Jelly is mentioned."
----------------------------------------------------
"Rex Jelly was indeed a product of the
worst kind of imitation. The stuff was available in the late 30's I remember,
and must have been made mostly from gelatin with a flavor added. Not much flavor
at that."
----------------------------------------------------
"Hi Butch, Just finishing today's edition
of T&T. Great as usual. Since you are interested in old lumber yards, my late
husband, Hurmon Anthony, made miniature buildings. One of his first was a
reproduction of the old Chickasaw Lumber Co. After his death I donated it to the
Greater Southwest Museum. You may see it there. I still have the picture he used
for details. I wonder if the Lake Southeast of Ardmore that you referred to is
Kincaid Lake? A lot of people used to go there. Hurmon played there as a child
and it was one of his favorite places."
----------------------------------------------------
"Butch, just read your Aug 4 T&T and
someone wrote in about the Engine 1108 which was moved out besides the H. Murphy
Col. My dad, Clarence Patrick, was working for the Santa Fe Railroad at that
time (retired from there in 1973) and he helped lay the rails down the middle of
the street so the engine could be driven to its destination. I can remember him
coming home and telling us about laying the track, right up to where the engine
was finally placed. Good memories."
----------------------------------------------------
"We live at 705 C St. N.W. Ardmore. This
house was the old Westheimer home built around the turn of the century and was
turned into apartments in about 1940. I would like any pictures or information
about anyone ever living here. I know Judge J H Dillard owned it in 1920. Zona
Wilcoxon, Leatha Allen, Patricia Thomason Ruggs, McClure Apartments, Charles and
Kathleen McClure, Stanley and Wendy Armstrong are some of the names listed on
the abstract. I was told it was once a dance studio and also that soldiers
stayed here from the air base with the wives before shipping out. I would like
to complete a history of the people and activities in this home. It seems as if
hundreds of people lived in the apartments. Any help would be appreciated."
-Steve and Sharon Messenger
----------------------------------------------------
"Hi Butch Really enjoyed your T&T this
morning, one of the letters you received mentioned London bridge, reminded me of
my childhood, when I was in Infant school, we would sing and play a game to the
tune of London bridge is falling down. The game was played by a group of
children, two of which would outstretch their arms and form a bridge while the
rest of the children walked in turn underneath the bridge, singing the nursery
rhyme, as the rhyme came to an end the bridge came down on whichever child was
underneath, then it was their turn to be the bridge, oh to be so innocent......
Do you know the words or tune ?"
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"Hey Butch, I remember the spraying for
mosquitoes too. I also remember about that same time- I think the summers we had
drought and extreme heat were 55-56, or 56-57- big tanker trucks filled with
water from Lake Murray would drive down the streets late at night, and spray
some water on the lawns to keep them from completely dying. I was just a little
kid and we lived on Davis Street, and I can remember lying in bed and listening
to the deep rumbling pulsating sound those tankers would make as they parked
outside and pumped water to the yards. It's one of those warm, fuzzy memories."
-----------------------------------------------------
"In going through an old trunk of my great grandmother's I found several l927
feed bills and a flyer with the picture of Rube Chambers presenting the Famous
Temperance Lecture John Barleycorn. There is no date and a blank line that was
to be filled in with where it was to be held. It says, "A man who knows the
Liquor Question. He's been there. He's funny. He will tell you a joke or two.
But he is going to tell you some facts about this liquor business that you don't
want to miss. Hear Him. Meet Him. You Will Like Him. There was an admission
charge." I wondered if any of your readers remembers anything about this or
when it was."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Barleycorn
-----------------------------------------------------
"My Father Ray Perkins build this house in 1958. A log cabin use to set on this
property. We lived in the log cabin until dad got two rooms of this house built
than we moved in and the log cabin was torn down. 2nd house This house is by the
Black cemetery . I do not remember what street it is on. It is out by the old 70
Highway and about 3 or four blocks from P ST NE going out toward Dickson. I
remember my Dad worked for the City of Ardmore and would come home after he had
worked all day then work most of the night on this house. This house is a short
distance from the Boys Food store. There was a small store across the Highway
called Mary and Albert's, where I could get a soda for six cents. If you know
the address of this house. Please contact Peggy Perkins "
"I am sending you two pictures, one is of
my Grandmother Sarah Watkins and the log cabin that was across the street from
ours. Sarah, sister Dellar and her husband Ben Jackson lived in the house beside
Sarah.
http://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos15b/WatkinsHome1.jpg
http://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos15b/WatkinsHome2.jpg
----------------------------------------------------
Butch, here is a pic I took of some
mill in Durant. I wonder if they still use it and what they made there.
http://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos15b/DurantMill.jpg
----------------------------------------------------
"What a great group of readers you have-
they are great and so helpful! We mentioned one word- "grapette" and got all
kinds of "leads" and then even saw an e-mail to you from the company itself!! We
had so many suggestions- hard to know where to start but made just one stop, and
they had just gotten a case of 24 20 oz bottles in- so we took it! And then they
were out of stock again! But we got some and "smuggled " it back to Ohio and
while we will share a few with relatives, we are being very "conservative" -got
to make it last you know! Thanks again for such great response."
----------------------------------------------------
Well, pretty soon I'll be on easy street.
I received a letter this week from a lady psychic named Mary Galante of New York
City. She predicted a huge sum of money from a lottery is in my immediate
future. Boy, that sounds good to me. But she told me more: said in 1998 or 1999
I faced a challenge in my life, and from 1997 to 1999 someone close to me was
ill, and between 1974 and 1976 there was a major change in my life, and between
1988 and 1994 something important happened in my life. Yes! It's all true!! And
that's not all.... in 8 weeks I'll receive an important phone call, in five
months I'll meet a mysterious person, and a long standing wish becomes a reality
in the next 10 weeks! Oh boy! I can hardly wait! She asked me to send her $20.
But I'm going wait until her prophecies come true, I'll give her half, and we'll
both be happy. lol
----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
Some mail from this week's MAILBAG.....
This weekend will be the first annual
Literacy Day at Central Park hosted by Ardmore Literacy Leadership. This event
will have dental goodies, hearing checks, haircuts, immunization reviews, free
books, free school supplies, and free food kits. See attached pictures of the
flyer for more information. We look forward to seeing you there!
Elizabeth Negrete Gaylor
Vice President
Ardmore Literacy Leadership
Literacy Coordinator
Ardmore Public Library
http://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos15b/LiteracyDay2015FrontFlyer.jpg
http://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos15b/LiteracyDay2015BackFlyer.jpg
Trestles in Ardmore, Oklahoma
"I've been working on this project for a long time and finally completed it. I'm no expert on this subject (or any subject for that matter) so if you see any errors or revisions that are needed let me know and I'll correct them. This is meant only as a brief documentary and is certainly not all inclusive." -C. Dwane Stevens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oq5yRnvcfIk
"Butch, I saw on your history site someone was interested in the old Rex Jelly that we use to buy in those buckets. Some would use those buckets for a lunch pail. I remember when I went to Overbrook School in the early 50"s some would carry a lunch in the bucket. Good old days. I found on the internet the recipe to make that jelly out of Kool Aid. I'm going to make some." -Pat
Know what you mean about retirement, much busier than I ever dreamed of being. In the last T&T someone mentioned Rex Jelly, I remember it well and loved the stuff, artificial fruit flavor, probably mostly sugar. I have also wondered about whatever happened to the company that made it.
Wayne Mitchell
Georgetown, TX
"I saw this photo for sale on eBay. Puny Sparger's Pullman Cafe at 123 East Main in 1940, Ardmore, Oklahoma." -Mark Coe
http://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos15b/PullmanCafePunySparger1940a.jpg
http://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos15b/PullmanCafePunySparger1940b.jpg
Dear Friends,
Here are some dates for you to consider. Hope you can attend some or all of them.
August
14 - Arvest Bank, Bartlesville, 10am, free show, Call 918-914-3742 for more
information.
15 - Wyldewood Cellars, Mulvane, Kansas: 7pm, 316- 554-9463: $20 with
dessert served;
Kansas Turnpike Exit 33, a few miles south of Wichita; 951 E. 119th St,
Mulvane, KS
September
10-12 Miles of Memories Music Festival, Hastings, NE call 903-467-9545 for
more information (www.texandmary.com)
19 - Country Music Festival, Jewel, KS - cancelled by organizers due to
conflict.
October
5 - Doc & Jan Jam, Kimberling City, MO - 10am to 4pm - Bowling Alley -
Reservations required - cost of admission is one side dish - Collection
taken for meat - 785-843-3898 or 785-550-1040
17 - Gospel Jubilee, Ponca City, OK 7pm Call 580-765-4730 for more
information
31 - New Year's Eve Supper / Show/Dance - Prairie Rose Ranch - Benton, KS
Farewell Appearance - After this night, Les is retiring his Silver Lake
Band.
(Les will continue to do solo shows) Gates open at 5pm, Supper at 6:30
Reservations required - Call 316-778-2121 for reservations, directions and
information
Latest Schedule - www.lesgilliam.comThanks
Les Gilliam
"The Oklahoma Balladeer"
"Butch, I recently came across a report (see below) of those who would be on the ballot for several "positions" in the first election after statehood, 1907. It's very difficult to read but I do see where my grandfather, N W Grisham, was running as a Republican for Justice of the Peace in Graham, Carter County. I doubt he won due to being a Republican in a heavily Democratic part of the country. You seem to be able to find answers for just about everything that has to do with Carter County, so I was wondering if you might be able to find the results of this election?" -Marjorie
Click Here for article
In your August 6th letter you have a picture of the Round Barn at Pond Creek. That is what it is called although it is not a barn, it is known throughout north central Oklahoma as the best place to have weddings, reunions, meetings, parties of any type or meetings. etc. The ramp in the picture is to move equipment up to the 2nd floor which is where everything takes place. To get to the 2nd floor, a spiral staircase is in the middle of the 1st floor. It is a nice place and used a lot.
More info: The owner, Marvin Bules, actually designed and built
this round barn himself, with the help of his plumbing crew. The first
floor houses the restrooms and part of his antique machinery collection with
only a spiral staircase to access the second floor. The ramp allows vehicle to
drive up to the main (2nd) floor for events, caterers, musicians with equipment,
etc.
http://www.enidnews.com/archives/bules-barn-only-one-round-here/article_5c01e6d1-89ef-599c-a4f7-fd2c93fc943b.html
Capt. Levine, I just saw your note today on "This and That Newsletter" and wanted to remind you who had the most merit badges...
G♥
www.gheart.net
http://oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos15b/EagleScoutLevineAndHartsell.jpg
"A fool and his money are soon parted." -Thomas Tusser 1524-1580
See everyone next week!
Butch and Jill Bridges
PO Box 2
Lone Grove, Oklahoma 73443
Follow me on the TruVision lose weight program
http://www.oklahomahistory.net/truvision.html
Vicious Dog Attacks in Oklahoma
http://www.oklahomahistory.net/viciousdogs.html
Bells of Oklahoma
http://www.oklahomahistory.net/bellpage.html
Carter County Courthouse Paver Project
http://www.brightok.net/cartercounty/pavers
Ardmore High School Criterions Online
http://www.ArdmoreCriterion.com/
Oklahoma Bells:
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/bellpage.html
Bill Hamm's Cemetery Database
http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/carter/cartercm.htm
American Flyers Memorial
Fund - Administration Webpage
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/crash66.html
Official American Flyers
Memorial Website
http://www.brightok.net/~wwwafm
Ardmore Army Air Field/Ardmore Air Force
Base Website
http://www.brightok.net/~gsimmons
Mirror Site of the Ardmore Army Air Field/Ardmore Air Force Website
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/airbase/
Carter county schools, past and
present
http://community.webshots.com/user/oklahomahistory
Carter County
Government Website
http://cartercountyOK.us/
All previous issues of This & That can be found on my
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