SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"The lady that inquired about the hanging in Ada in 1909- The name of the book is
"Four Men Hanging". It is out of print and I have found 4 on the internet for sale-
The cheapest one was $175.00. I didn't buy it. It was written by the small boy that
is peeping through the boards in the picture taken of the 4 men in the barn. Go to
Barnes and Noble or Amazon and click on rare and/or out of print books."
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"Butch, I have the book that I think this gentleman is looking for. The title is
"Four Men Hanging: The End of the Old West," and was written by Welborn Hope. The
publisher was Century Press, in Oklahoma City."
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"One of your readers asked about the hanging of four men in Ada in 1909. I have the
book. The title is: Four Men Hanging: The End of the Old West by Welborn Hope
copyright 1974 I will try to find out where it can be purchased. I watched the
Capitol Dome Dedication several times on OETA. What a wonderful show for our state."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Several years ago the Amarillo (TX) paper did a long story about it, It seems we
had two policemen who were descendents of the hanging one was related to one the
hung men and one to one of the lynchers."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"In your T&T of Nov. 22, the question was asked "where were you and what were you
doing on Nov. 22, 1963, when you heard about the assassination of Pres. Kennedy? I
remember vividly...I was taking a history test at Plainview High School (Ardmore,
OK), in Mr. Darrel Kunkel's class. During the test, one of our teachers, Betty
Hammer, came to the door and motioned for Mr. Kunkel. He went out into the hall and
they talked in whispers for a few minutes. After everyone had finished the test, he
made the announcement that Pres. Kennedy had been shot in Dallas and had not
survived. I remember feeling numb and confused. When the bell rang for us to change
classes, the halls were very quiet except for sobbing you could hear now and then
from both students and teachers. I remember putting my head against my locker and
crying. Of course, like most Americans, we stayed glued to the TV and radio at home
and read everything we could find in print about the incident. It was a dark time in
the history of our country...a time I hope we never again experience as a nation."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"In the Daily Ardmoreite (Nov. 18), there was an article about how the severity of
the winter weather can be predicted using the kernel of a persimmon. If you cut open
the kernel (seed), there will be one of 3 shapes inside : a knife, a fork or a spoon
- each mean different types of weather prediction. According to the article, if it
is knife-shaped expect bitter, icy winds; fork-shaped - relatively mild winter with
light powdery snow; and for the spoon-shape, lots of snow to shovel. This year, the
inside of the kernel is spoon-shaped, so I guess (if the folklore is correct), we
better get those snow shovels out. I personally would rather have lots of snow in
the place of what we usually have...sleet and freezing rain."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"This weeks issue mentioned Mr. and Mrs. O. R. Bridges. She taught second grade at
Jefferson school for many years and was a great teacher. I was in her class and she
asked my Mother about me every time they would run into each other for many years. I
would visit with them when I was back in Ardmore. Mrs. Bridges bought special
pencils with square erasers on them. When you did something really well she would
give a pencil as a reward. I was always grateful for this wonderful teacher. She was
one of many good teachers in Ardmore. George Hand was Supt and picked a great group
of Ardmore Teachers. Keep up the good work, Butch."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi Butch: In answer to your question about November 22, 1963; I was working as
Senior Film Editor at Channel 9, KWTV in Oklahoma City and was carrying that days
movies into the projection room behind Master Control and noticed that a small crowd
was gathering there watching the CBS Network monitors. I asked what was happening
and someone answered that the President had been shot while in a motorcade in
Dallas. I watched for a few minutes and then saw Walter Cronkite take his glasses
off and announce that President Kennedy was dead, killed by an assassins bullet. I
carried the films on into the projection room and hurried back to my office to call
my mother to tell her the news, and then called my fiancé in Shawnee to tell her
that I wouldn't be able to come pick her up from OBU (college) to transport her to
her parents home for the holidays, that she should ride the bus into Oklahoma City
and stay with some friends until I could get off work and pick her up. Then I
inspected movies and other film shows; enough to use to fill time in case we lost
the network feed while the station stayed on the air 24 hours a day as long as it
took to cover the news of the assassination and upcoming funeral. Then I drove to my
friends house in south Oklahoma City to get my fiancé and take her to her parents
home in Minco (Grady County). I honestly don't remember much about what I did the
rest of the weekend except stay close to the TV or radio just like everyone else."
RoyKendrick@oklahomahistory.net
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"Hi Butch, I was in Ardmore last week and had breakfast at Ponder's Restaurant.
Trish Ponder and I talked about when Joe Ben started his business on Lake Murray
Drive many years ago. He still has the best food around. I worked for him in the mid
70's." -Nelda True, St. Louis, MO
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"Butch, I dont know where you came from originally but those are hedge apples not
Horse apples. Horse apples are horse droppings. *roflol* Your friend in Missouri who
has tons of horse apples." -Sue
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"This is Lighthouse Assembly of God baptism service probably at Lake Murray in the
50's.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/baptlighta.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/baptlightb.jpg
This is a hay baler that my father worked on also probably in the 50's or possibly
the 40's. http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/baler40.jpg
Left to right: Henry Guess, John Guess, Harve Guess and Bill Guess. You wrote about
Bill Guess, the police officer in the early 30's. And Henry Guess was shot at the
Blue Front Cafe in 1947 on Caddo Street in Ardmore.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/guesshenryjohnharvebill.jpg
This is a copy of Henry Guess Obit. You had an article on the shooting in an earlier
T&T.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/guesshenryobit.jpg
Bill Guess is written about in your Memorial to Officer Moorhead. Bill shot and
killed the man who murdered Moorhead.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/guessbillobit.jpg
Just the obit of John Guess, the brother of the above. He was my Step-father.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/guessjohnobit.jpg
My mother told me she thought this was taken at the Rock Crusher where my father
worked years ago at Mill Creek or Doughtery.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/blackburnco.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/crusherd.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/crusherd2.jpg
My mother is the lady in the hat. Her name was Elvie West(now Guess) and the other
lady was Neta West Marsh(I believe). It was taken by someone on the street here in
Ardmore. I just thought it was kinda interesting because it shows some signs such as
Ardmore Hotel, etc.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/westmarsh.jpg
Just a picture of someone I don't recognize. The back had the name Lorn Gaines and
it shows it was taken in Indian Territory. Just wondered if anyone knew of this
person."
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/lorngaines.jpg
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I was sitting in Mr. Allen's Science class when the intercom announced Pres.
Kennedy being shot. Then on my birthday, Nov. 25th I had a slumber party and it was
very somber and all we could watch on tv was all the events that was going on. Still
sad thinking about that day so many years ago."
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"The real reason i am writing is that while surfing i came across and interesting
Ardmoreite that i never knew about....you may know of him ...i was reading from
cablecenter.org and came across Larry Boggs from ardmore who was a cable pioneer
i'll paste a little about him......Cable History Section."
Operator and Business: 1965 The NCTA creates a National Award in memory of Larry
Boggs, a pioneer cable operator. Boggs started the Vumore Company in Ardmore,
Oklahoma in 1950 and attracted the investment of Video Independent Theaters in 1952.
The company also operated one of the early common carrier microwave services and was
eventually bought by RKO General, becoming CableCom-General. The Larry Boggs Award
is presented to the man whose leadership and foresight place the cable industry in
the vanguard of new communications technology. The recipient of the first award is
Bill Daniels, founder of Daniels and Associates."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Your paragraph about the Quaker oat dishes brought back some really fond memories.
My sisters and I were always so excited when Mom brought home a new box of oats. We
could hardly wait to see what was inside. A bowl, cup, or saucer - can't remember if
there were any glasses - do you? Anyway, we thought they were all beautiful. I have
a thing for pretty glassware to this day and collect tiny lead crystal and silver
salt and pepper shakers. Usually find them in antique or second hand stores when my
middle sister visits from Baton Rouge. She loves to shop for antiques and always
drags me along."
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"Have you ever eaten boiled peanuts - probably not as they're an Alabama, Georgia
and Florida delicacy! It's peanut harvest time here in S.W. Oklahoma so I got a bag
of peanuts fresh from the field and boiled them in their shells. Takes about three
or four hours of boiling in heavily salted water but well worth the wait. Like pinto
beans with a peanuty taste - yum! Good hot or cold!"
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"Butch, I've just been readin some old This and That ref house apples. They do not
smell as they get older at least mine don't and mice seem to love them at least this
one did until my cat Bro caught him last night."
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"Re: Windmills, my father and I have been trying to find one that is in fairly
decent shape for his farm in Madill. I hope someone out there knows of some around
that they would be interested in letting go of. Thanks." JHP@airmail.net
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"Hey Butch, I still enjoy your newsletter so much, even though I'm not an 'Okie'.
The Quaker Oatmeal goblets are so pretty. I have silver flatware with a pattern that
is very similar. I think my mom bought it in the 1040's.
I do have a question some of your readers may be able to answer. We had some mugs
that we always used for hot chocolate when I was a kid. They were a little taller
than the big coffee mugs today. They were white on the inside, but the outside had a
texture. The outside was also colored, pastels I think... I remember a blue one and
a green one in particular. Anyone else recall those or know where I could locate
some?"
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"I was in preschool on November 22, 1963. I remember all the moms were crying when
they came to pick us up. We had been to DC that summer and visited the Whitehouse."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"I'am looking for information on my great grandfather. I think he might have taught
school in wilson or ringling oklahoma. His name was E.B. Mabra I thought you might
remember him. thanks for any information." whisper@us.inter.net
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"This is pretty cool. Put your birth date in the window when you click on this link
and see what happens.... http://www.frontiernet.net/~cdm/age1.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================
"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others
and the world remains and is immortal." -Albert Pike 1809-1891. A crusader for
justice for Native Americans and only Confederate soldier to be honored in America's
capitol: Washington, DC. The Albert Pike Highway runs from Hot Springs, Arkansas to
Muskogee to Tulsa, to Alva to Dodge City to Colorado Springs, Colorado.
http://www.owu.edu/~deschul/trails/national/albert.html
http://www.masonicinfo.com/pike.htm
See everyone next Saturday!
Butch Bridges
Nashobish Ikana
PO Box 11
Ardmore, Oklahoma 73402
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday November 23, 2002 T&T Weekly Vol 6 Issue 292
According to the earliest Ardmore records, in 1887 the Board of Trade in Ardmore was
working for civic and community improvement under the leadership of Samuel
Zuckerman. Soon after 1900 the Board of Trade was renamed the Ardmore Commercial
Club and by 1909 had 232 members including livery stables, hackline operators and
carriage works. Also five banks, 7 drug stores, 8 real estate and land companies, 4
florist, 3 furniture dealers, 14 grocers, 12 insurance agents, 7 lumber yards, 3 oil
companies, 10 doctors, 3 railroads, and a long list of public officials including
the Honorable Charles D. Carter, 3rd District Congressman. By 1916 the Ardmore
Commercial Club was changed to the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce with an office in the
Carter County Courthouse. http://www.ardmore.org/
Stromberg-Carlson, a division of General Dynamics was opened at the Ardmore Airpark
in September 1964 and utilized 5 buildings at the airpark.
Turner Falls is named after Mazeppa Thomas Turner, a Scotsman who married an Indian
wife and became a Chickasaw Indian citizen. They settled near Turner Falls in 1878.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/tfalls10ab.jpg
As the story goes, in 1887 Main Street was marked off by a man named Jim Staples,
using a tongue plow to scratch a furrow into the prairie for a quarter of a mile
west of the railroad tracks, thus the beginning of Ardmore, Oklahoma.
Lawrence A. "Sprek" Sprekelmeyer (1886-1966) started his printing business in the
Von Weise Building at 230 West Main on May 15, 1923.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/sprek.jpg
A photo taken in 1952 of local oil man Waco Turner swinging a golf club. Waco Turner
was the driving force in 1955 in moving Locomotive 1108 to the Hardy Murphy Coliseum.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/waco52a.jpg
Waco Turner is in center holding his white hat.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/loco1108.jpg
This photo was taken about 1952 of Waco Turner sitting in a car. Other man is
unknown.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/waco52b.jpg
This photo was taken in 1954 of Waco Turner's wife Opie at a gold tournament.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/opie54a.jpg
Another photo taken in 1954 of Waco Turner's wife Opie at a gold tournament. If
anyone recognizes the golfers in the photo, let us know.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/opie54a.jpg
This photo was taken about 1954 of Opie Turner, on right, giving an award to an
unidentified lady.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/opie54c.jpg
Here is a 1940/1941 school class photo taken at Dickson Schools.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/dickson40b.jpg
I received a request this week from Pamela Barbour in Cleburne, Texas. Her husband,
Wayland, is needing a bone marrow transplant and is seeking his natural
parents/family. He was born in 1954 in Holdenville, Oklahoma and at age 3 adopted by
a family in Healdton, Oklahoma. The attorney's name who handled the adoption was
Wolfe, and Cleo LaValley was the judge. Wayland's name at birth was Archie. If you
know amy information that may help Wayland Barbour, he can be reached at
817-558-3973.
When I was a teen in the 60s a man who owned an egg farm right outside Sulphur gave
me an egg weigher. I know it was made before 1963. It says: Oakes Mfg. Co., Inc.
Tipton, IND. USA on the front of the metal weigher. The scale is Small, Medium,
Large and Ex Large. Plus there is a DOZ and OZ measurement. I'm not sure exactly how
those work. I guess an Large egg weighs between 2 to 2 1/4 ounces? Then the DOZ
is???? http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/eggweigh.jpg
I hope some of you made it to OKC last Saturday night (Nov 16th) and saw the Dome
Dedication. I watched it on TV and it was a moving experience. The $200,000
fireworks display was unbelievable. Sure made an Okie proud of this state!
Just to let everyone I am out of books. If you didn't get one, I hope to have
another set of T&Ts in book form after the Christmas Holidays. The series will most
likely be Mar Apr May Jun 1997. Thanks to everyone who helped make those first 100
books possible.
I received an email this week of a bell in Sobol, Oklahoma (Pushmataha county). You
say you never heard of it? Well don't feel alone, neither had I. Sobol is 24 miles
east of Antlers, Oklahoma on Highway 3 and then a little south. The bell was donated
to the Sobol Baptist Church by a lady named Cora Smith. The plaque in the photo is
in honor of Ruby Lawless who was Clerk at the church from its beginning until 1986.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/bellphotos/sobol.jpg
A Reader in Lone Grove has about eight goblets from around 1950 her mother got out
of the round Quaker Oatmeal boxes.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/oatgob2.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/oatgob3.jpg
Last Thursday evening, November 21st, I went to one of the best Ducks Unlimited
Banquets I've ever had the pleasure of attending. The annual event was held at the
old Civic Auditorium here in Ardmore and everyone who made it down there had a
wonderful time! I guess one of the best parts is seeing the smiles on the kids when
each and everyone receives some kind of gift. The kids are called Green Wings and to
start with each one received a Ducks Unlimited cap, and then drawings during the
evening assures other gifts to each child attending. Of course the adults win a lot
of great prizes too. At the very end, the last drawing, Ardmoreite Kent Tucker won
the Benelli Shotgun. I know he must be smiling right now. I won a camouflage mouse
pad, a Redneck Deer Huntin' Game CD, and camouflage suspenders. But the best part to
me was the food. The owner of Budro's, Buddy Simon, catered the food, and those
steaks were delicious! If you missed this DU Banquet, you missed some great
fellowship inside that packed auditorium.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/bsteaks.jpg
SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"Found an add... big newspaper add, 4 pages including front and back.. Monday
November 18, 1940... Williams-Eubank Grocer, Ardmore, Okla., Phone 41."
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"Hi Butch~~in reply to the Chickasaw Rod and Gun Club picture in this week's column,
it is located East of Ardmore, just before you get to the Noble Foundation. You turn
back to the North by the old Andrew Riddle home and follow the road. The original
house burned about 5 years ago, but has been rebuilt. My grandparents, Ott and Clara
Chambers were cooks and caretakers for many years during the 50's and it was a
WONDERFUL place. My sister and I have many very fond memories of having great days
and nights out there with our grandparents."
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"Hamburger In's hamburgers and what made them taste so good. I know they cooked
onions on the grill and added them when anyone wanted. But what was the spread that
they used on an "Educated Burger". From 1950 til the late fifties I had lunch there
many times and always looked forward to their burgers and chili. My Dad John W.
Koons worked in the tractor business selling and maintaining Ferguson tractors, and
as a kid before school age, and then during the summers I would go with him out over
the countryside to fix farmers & ranchers equipment. But the highlight of any day
was lunch at the 'Hamburger Inn'. Went back recently and guess what the thrill was
still there, but the taste is gone. Help! What was the magic ingredient?" -John J.
Koons, Georgetown, Texas mailto:jkoons@texas.net
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"Butch, Tell them the name of the fault is the "New Madrid Fault" and I believe it
is centered near Memphis, Tennessee. Being over here in Arkansas we get a few small
rumbles from it now and then. I remember one last year that woke me up in the middle
of the night. It was kind of like the ground was rolling in waves like the ocean
waves. It was kinda neat, though. However, I don't think I'd like to be around when
the "big one" hits!"
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"My sister Ann Rempel was kind enough to refer me to your website and later, to send
me a hard copy of your Newsletter. I found your collections really heart-warming. I
am grateful to both of you. I was in and out of Ardmore all my early life but spent
three years there 1940-1943 when I was a teenager. I lived with my grandparents,
Lucian and Harriet Jones in the 800 block of Carter Ave. SE, across from Mary
Ringer's big house. I have wonderful memories of that time and took away great
educational experiences when I graduated from Ardmore High School in 1943. I could
talk about some of the wonderful teachers: Hamilton Green, Mr. Crockett, Mrs.
Madden, Miss McPheeters, Miss Reece and many more. Every student should be so
fortunate as to have such intelligent and caring teachers. Ardmore itself was a good
place to be. I loved going to the Preview on Saturday midnight at the Tivoli Theater
and having great food at Priddy's Restaurant.(Did anyone ever get the recipe for
that salad dressing?) Those frozen malts and grapefruit slush served at a drugstore
on Washington near the High School were unforgettable. I also made some great
friends, and still maintain contact with a few of them. I left in 1943 for TSCW at
Denton, returned briefly in 1945 to work at KVSO, then located in the Ardmore Hotel.
I then moved to the Pacific Northwest. One does lose connections after nearly sixty
years, but not memories. By the way, my grandparents didn't have a telephone, so
when we had an emergency, I would be sent up the street to use the one at the home
of a Mr. and Mrs. O.R. Bridges. I hope they were your relatives, as I don't think I
every got a chance to thank them properly for their kindness." -Carolyn Frei
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, Just an FYI...The Hinckley family lived on Davis Street. I believe 2 houses
west of Robinson street on the south side of the street."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Do you know about the small older Indian schools close to Ardmore? My sister has a
photo of a one room school. My dad said it was an Indian school, and I am sure it
was somewhere close to Ardmore. The children were sitting along the side of it and
also there is a mule in the photo. Some children had ridden it to school. Guess that
was one of the country school buses at that time. The photo was made about 1907,
just guessing. Dad was born in 1900 and he looks about seven maybe. I was send some
info about the Mary Niblack school and it was interesting to read. I had seen where
there were a few people on roots that had been asking about it. Many thanks, anxious
to read your paper."
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"Butch, I was told that you have a news letter that talks about old buildings & the
such from Healdton. I would love to subscribe to it, if you let me know how much it
costs, I will send it immediately. I am especially interested in the old Gee Hotel
that was behind the new Library in Healdton. Also if anybody has any pictures of it
I would love to get a copy of it. Thanks for any help you might give me. I would
like to thank Wylene also for the heads up on your news letter. I have really met
some great people since I started my Tree 6 years ago. I have also found some super
cousins that I never knew I had. Some have even drove all the way from Maryland,
Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas, & Louisiana to visit with us, & they were all
just great people to know. Well better go for now, once again thanks." -Bob Kunau
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"In response to the person who ask about the woman that was murdered some where
around 1930 out by Springer or Gene Autry. The way I heard it was that she was
killed in 1927. She might have been a descendant of Quanah Parker. And after her
body was released to the family they took her body to a field about 2 miles north
and a couple miles west of Springer and a big pile of brush and wood were hauled and
her body was placed on top of it and set a fire. And for three days and nights they
kept piling wood on the fire."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi Butch~~in reply to the Chickasaw Rod and Gun Club picture in this week's column,
it is located East of Ardmore, just before you get to the Noble Foundation. You turn
back to the North by the old Andrew Riddle home and follow the road. The original
house burned about 5 years ago, but has been rebuilt. My grandparents, Ott and Clara
Chambers were cooks and caretakers for many years during the 50's and it was a
WONDERFUL place. My sister and I have many very fond memories of having great days
and nights out there with our grandparents". -Linda Lamb Smith
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"My mother had read a book quite a few years ago about the 4 men hanged in Ada in
1909, and is trying to locate the name of the book so she can purchase it (to keep
in the family). One of the men hanged (Jesse West) is a family relative. I did some
searching on the internet, but wasn't able to come up with anything. - Any help you
could provide would be greatly appreciated! - Thanks again!"
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"Hi Butch. We had a meeting of some of the local Ham Operators at my house this
evening. (you know as you were there). But we had an honored guest: Jonathan Lofton,
Who has been working for the government in the State Department for several years as
a communications officer. He is from the Healdton area and is now retired and moving
back to Carter county. In the Pooleville area. He is a globe hopper, having spent
service time in Australia at the U.S, Embassy in Canberra Au. He also did a hitch in
Algeria. I was in radio contact regularly while he was in Australia, but the
government would not let him transmit from Algeria, so we lost contact with him for
over a year. Jon's Ham call letters in Australia were VK1KZ but in the U.S.A. it is
KZ5Z. We are happy to have Jon back in the area funneling some of that big money
back into the local economy." -Howard Robinson, WB5FAJ.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/jloftonb.jpg
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I had the privilege recently of meeting the sole survivor of a "tight-formation"
training accident occurring at 20,000 feet between two B-17 Flying Fortresses. It
happened February 12, 1944, over Mill Creek, OK. One of the B-17s was separated into
two sections just behind the waist-gunner station of the aircraft. The incident was
reported on the Ardmore Army Air Field/Ardmore Air Force Base website when it was
uploaded Veteran's Day, November 11, 2000. After learning of the tragic aerial
collision, I attempted to make contact with the tail-gunner, the only on-board
survivor of the crew of eleven. Uninjured, he parachuted from the separated
tail-gunner compartment. Finding the man, if he had survived WWII, seemed impossible
after 58 years without knowing his hometown, state, or correct name. The name was
incorrect in the newspaper account and on the government accident report. But it
happened! We spent a day together last week, visited the base and the place where it
all happened to the 20-year old, that cold, clear, dreadful February afternoon.
The story is told on the webpage so I won't tell it here. It is an amazing, almost
unbelievable happening that brings the same reaction from everyone who hears the
account. The story is told in three segments beginning with an email contact by a
retired Navy Captain who was an 8-year-old boy in Mill Creek that day. To read his
account, scroll down to the third "recollection" article under "This I Remember..."
http://www.brightok.net/~gsimmons/remember.html. There are links from there to the
other two pages. The account of how it all came together is found at "A Small-World,
God-Directed, Get-Together" http://www.brightok.net/~gsimmons/strangers.html. The
story of that unforgettable day is told by the man who is the only one who can tell
it---Cpl. Joseph (Jack) William McClanahan. It is found at "A Story of Survival"
http://www.brightok.net/~gsimmons/jackmclan.html.
For those interested in the history of the Ardmore base during two activation
periods, go to http://www.brightok.net/~gsimmons.
The purpose of the website is to remember those killed in "on-duty" accidents while
there. Their names are listed at "In Memory Of"
http://www.brightok.net/~gsimmons/memorial2.htm. The monument honoring them will
soon be erected in the Remembrance Memorial Park just inside the Ardmore Airpark
entrance. It will be officially dedicated Memorial Day, 2003. Thanks to the generous
giving of the readers of "This and That," and others, these men will not be
forgotten." -Gary D. Simmons
Attachments: Jack McClanahan at American Flyers' monument, 11-15-02.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/mclanahanpark.jpg
Jack McClanahan and Artie Quinton (90), Mill Creek, OK, 11-15-02
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/mclanquinton.jpg
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hello Butch! Would you or anyone have information about a plane crash at the
airbase sometime from '59 through '62. it was a general aviation Piper i believe
that crashed in the wooded area short of the field due to low fuel. several people
killed. any help would be appreciated. thanks."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"How might I find information on Thackerville Schools in the 1920 time frame? So far
my searches have been futile. I have a picture from a newspaper of a 1930
Thackerville school reunion, although it has our grand parents there are other names
and faces listed that some folks might like to have." -Evie Hadlock
mailto:shadlock@brightok.net
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/thack30a.jpg
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"This is the URL for our website for Wilson's Historical Society and Museum. You
might like to see it and sign in. It will get better as time goes along. Watch and
See. Share this with your friends too."
http://www.rootsweb.com/~okwhm/index.htm
Ph # 580-668-2505 Open on Tuesday, Thursday, something's on Friday, and Saturday.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Where and What were you and your family doing on November 22, 1963? This Friday,
November 22, 2002, will mark 39 years since President John F. Kennedy was
assassinated in the streets of Dallas, Texas. Do you remember where, what you (or
your parents) were doing back to that date? I was sitting in an Economics or
Bookkeeping Class taught by Mr. Kendricks at Alva High School and I would have been
about 15 years of age. I believe the World Series was also being televised and was
interrupted shortly after the afternoon school session had begun. Shock... and not
believing that anything like this could happen in the USA brought the citizens of
this NW Oklahoma small, rural community to a stand-still while people were glued to
their TVs ... wondering what, why this happened. How did it affect your community,
family? What do you remember? Thanks for letting me jog your memories concerning
November 22, 1963."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================
We at the Carter County Annex Building had our Thanksgiving Dinner at noon Friday
Nov 22nd. Boy, I mean those ladies from OSU, the Election Board, and the
Commissioners office set a table fit for a king. We had Baked Ham, Brisket, green
beans, salads, boston baked beans, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and the list goes on and
on. I ate until I thought I'd pop. But I think the best and most unusual treat was
the Candied Pecans Michelle Bray brought. In fact, they were so good I wanted to
share her recipe with everyone.
2 cup pecans
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup can milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp water
Cook all together in a sauce pan on medium heat. Stir very often. When the contents
start sticking to the pecans and its hard to stir with a spoon, spread out on a
sheet of wax paper and sprinkle with sugar. Let cool and break up into small pieces.
By the time I got around to taking a picture of these delectables, they were almost
gone. yum yum.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/cpecans.jpg
I wish everyone a good Thanksgiving and we should all stop on that special day and
give thanks for the good things we enjoy here in the land of the free, even in times
like these when the threat of terrorist looms all around the world. May everyone
give thanks in his or her own way.
"If I can in any way contribute to the diversion or improvement of the country in
which I live, I shall leave it, when I am summoned out of it, with the secret
satisfaction of thinking that I lived not in vain." -Joseph Addison, The Spectator,
1711
See everyone next Saturday!
Butch Bridges
Nashobish Ikana
PO Box 11
Ardmore, Oklahoma 73402
Saturday November 16, 2002 T&T Weekly Vol 6 Issue 291
I was thinking this week how I used to wait what seemed like forever for a box to
arrive by the U.S. Mail when I was a kid. A box that contained some kind of "free
gift" from sending in several cereal box tops. Or sometimes we'd buy a box of cereal
with the free gift already inside. One I remember was Quaker Oats. Back in the 60s
they put beautiful glassware inside the box of oats. It might be a water glass, it
might be a cereal bowl, it might be a dish. And you tried to collect at least one of
each item they offered. I'm sure some of you remember sending off for those cereal
gifts or getting them in the cereal boxes.
http://www.theoldtimes.com/past/0102_1.html
Someone sent in an email last week about a possible balloon that "bombed" Boise
City, Oklahoma back in WWII. Actually it was July 5, 1943 when a B-17 bomber
accidently dropped 6 practice bombs on Boise City about midnight. This webpage tells
all about the incident. http://www.ccccok.org/bombed.htm
There has been a lot of talk the past couple of weeks about horse apples. On my way
to Gene Autry, Oklahoma last Monday I found at the south entrance of Gene Autry a
horse apple tree!
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/apples3.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/apples4.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/apples5.jpg
I was at the Ardmore Airpark Fire Department this past week looking at their new
place of operations. The fire department is located in the south end of the
building. I know those guys are proud of their new building.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/apfire2.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/apfire3.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/apfire4.jpg
I have put a notice on my T&T Webpage saying I am out of books. I only have a dozen
left out of that box of 100, so if you still want one, let me know now. Thanks to
everyone who bought a book(s) and made it all possible. Now to decide what the next
"book project" will be. Guess I'll start working on Mar Apr May Jun 1997 T&T
Newsletters for book form.
http://www.oklahomahistory.net/ttnews.html
We had another milestone take place at the Carter County Commissioners office this
week. Michelle Bray, one of two secretaries for the commissioners celebrated her
30th birthday. Secretary Phyllis Russell and some girls at the OSU Extension Office
decorated the place all up Friday, and you should have saw the look on Michelle's
face when she drove up! First she found a sign in front of her parking place.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/bray11a.jpg
Then on the entrance of the building they hung a banner with more balloons.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/bray11b.jpg
And then on the front door was a black wreath and more balloons.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/bray11c.jpg
As you entered her office area the girls had her desk really decked out with even
more balloons and even the screensaver on her computer said "Over the Hill".
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/bray11e.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/bray11f.jpg
But I guess what really took the cake was the gag gifts she received. Like the old
lady cane. It had a horn on it and it had a magnifying glass. It even had a squirt
bottle of Old Man Repellent!
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/bray11g.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/bray11h.jpg
But the best gag gift was her old lady glasses. When she put them on everyone just
cracked up.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/bray11k.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/bray11m.jpg
But there was a serious part of the celebration too. Her dad sent her a beautiful
flower arrangement.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/bray11n.jpg
And Phyllis baked some delicious cinnamon rolls and blueberry muffins!
Now I want to tell everyone, this has been pretty traumatic for Michelle, going from
a young lady to an old woman, almost overnight. She sure could use some cheering up.
Her actual 30th birthdate is Sunday November 17, so I hope a lot of you will send
her an email at redcounty@hotmail.com and wish her a happy birthday! Oh, and I want
everyone to know I didn't have anything to do with any of it. And that is the truth,
the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. hahahaha
My Webshots.com photos had nearly 500 hits the past 7 days. Each week I get a report
from webshots.com telling me how many hits each album received. This week it was the
Album containing July 21, 28, 4, 11, 2001 T&T Photos. That one album had 50
look-sees in one week. Sometimes I wonder just what photo(s) it is that draws people
to certain albums. Oh the psyche of man is a complicated thing.
http://community.webshots.com/user/oklahomahistory
Here is a pic of the Chickasaw Rod and Gun Club in Ardmore. I'm not sure where it
was located.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/rod&gun2.jpg
Saturday morning November 23rd is Distribution Day for those of us who participate
in the Share Program. Here's a sneak preview for the meat on regular share box.
Farmland Maple River Sausage - 1 LB. Chicken Drums - 1.62 LBS. Sirloin Tips - 12 OZ.
Tasty-Snack Braunschweiger - 11 OZ. Flame Broiled Meatballs - 1 LB. Jenni-O Tender
Cured Turkey - 2 LBS. See It!!! 6 meats this time. Also for December's Bonus: "Home
for the Holiday II" Meat and Cheese Box. Packaged for Gift Giving. 2 - 9 oz. Beef
Summer Sausage 1 - 9 oz. Regular Summer Sausage 1 - 8 oz. Pepper Jack Cheese 1 - 8
oz. Medium Cheddar Cheese 1 - 8 oz. Colby Jack Cheese. For more info on how to
participate in the Share Program just check out their website.
http://www.heartlandshare.com
Here is a little unknown fact to Ardmoreites. John Warnock Hinckley Jr. was born in
Ardmore, Oklahoma, on May 29, 1955. He was the youngest of the three children of
John W. Hinckley Sr., called "Jack," a successful businessman who became chairman
and president of the Vanderbilt Energy Corporation, and homemaker Jo Ann Moore
Hinckley. John Hinckley attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan in 1981.
http://www.crimelibrary.com/terrorists_spies/assassins/john_hinckley/3.htm
On Saturday November 16, 2002 an Oklahoma piece of history will finally, after 87
years, will be finished. The new dome for the State Capitol will be dedicated.
Oklahomadome.com even has a webcam! http://www.oklahomadome.com/
If your looking for a place to pick up some dirt cheap CD games, utilites, and
electronic gadgets, the link below is a place I've ordered from several times.
Perfect and fast service. They have many items for five dollars or less, and there
is it, no shipping. Keep in mind, you normally only get a CD at these prices, no
fancy box or manuals. Example: Norton Utilities 2001 is only $4 total!. I ordered
one many months ago and sure glad I did. http://www.clickcooldeals.com/
With November half gone, our little group saving money on long distance calls by
using WorldxChange has already surpassed 6,000 minutes and 500 calls this month!
There is no better time to starting making long distance calls for 4 cents a minute
than during the upcoming holidays!
http://www.worldxchange.com/agent/228072
SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"Butch, I enjoyed the film.I lived on 5th street in Ardmore in 1964 next door to
Bobby and Melba, Doyles brother.Everyone in our area went to Washington Elem.to
watch the fire.Thank you and Doyle Williams for the film." -Harrell Allen in Irving,
Texas
http://www.oklahomahistory.net/viaduct.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, I love getting your News every week. I finally made it back to Ardmore last
June, after 30 or so years to visit my kin folk down there and in 4 days I had one
of the best times of my life. I brought my 12 year old boy so he could see his and
my "roots" I have missed for so long. I met cousins I didn't even know I had and
some that did'nt remember me, but we had a blast. My mother was a Holley from Tater
Hill east of Ardmore, who's family homesteaded there god knows when....... I got to
revisit some of my favorite places, Turner Falls, Lake Murray, drove by my old kin
folk homes in town and parked in the street and looked at the house's and remembered
my childhood...... I would like to thank all my cousins that took use in and treated
us like family they just saw last week..... Holley's....Joe Kenneth, Jerry, Margret,
and my " little " cuz Bobby. We went crusin on Lake Murray and went to Tucker Tower
and they have a display case there with a large photo of the workers that worked on
the lake and I found my father in that photo ! I was amazed.. I had an Uncle who had
a small grocery store with his brother, I believe, on maybe C street. Name was Earl
Payne and I think his brother was Wayne. I also after 30+ years got to stop in Pauls
Valley at Ballards Drive In and get a "Pizza Burger" that I been dreamin about
forever..... Same guy, same burger....great. Once again, it was great to get back
there after 30+ years and be treated the way I was by my long lost kin folk, and I
hope to come back next summer. Thanks to the "Tater Hill" Holley's for the
hospitality!" -Kirk Holley Smith, Hamilton, Montana khsmith@montana.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, you mentioned in your column today about the grapette pops. Have you been to
"The Old Time Soda Pop Shop (I think it is called) across the street south from the
Tivoli? They serve all kinds of old drinks as well as the grapette which you
referred to. They serve sandwiches, soup, chili dogs, etc. and all the old time soda
drinks. As a matter of fact, I had a Purple Cow in there the other day. Remember
that. Grapette milkshake. Absolutely delicious. They are great people and very
friendly. Also, one of your readers asked about an old teacher, Billie Zack Boles. I
think that is Billie Zack Graybill and she is still alive and kicking here in
Ardmore. She is the widow of Dr. Graybill. Really look forward to Saturday mornings
and your column."
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"Hello Butch, As always T&T seems to capture the heart and soul of the home town
experience, more specifically Ardmore. It's also very enjoyable to read the mail bag
section and read the input of those who have grown up here, or have historical
knowledge to share with the readers. I often intend to reply to something in almost
every issue but unfortunately don't always get around to it. You mentioned, the
movie, "Dillinger," and I remember that well I worked for the Postal Service as a
letter carrier then and subbed on Leonard (Granny) Walkers, route he delivered the
Court House and Down town area for many years. There are several things I remember
during the filming of Dillinger. The scene, in which Ben Johnson, was getting his
shoes shined in the Court House Lobby has a sign in the back ground. It is clearly
visible, and the Words, Lake Murray are very prominent on this sign. In reality,
Lake Murray had not been built during the time when John Dillinger was living.
During the filming of Dillinger, one of the town drunks, got caught up in spirit of
the Roaring 20's. A day or two later he attempted robbing one of the local banks,
using his finger inside a coat pocket as a pistol. He was quickly arrested. Granny
Walker who had carried the down town route for many years was, extremely irate when
he had heard they arrested this poor soul, claiming the wanna be bank robber had a
case of Jake leg so bad he could hardly walk, and was actually quite harmless. It
was also while subbing on Granny's route that I delivered mail to the Squeeze Inn
cafe. It was still in operation in the early 70's. Does anyone remember in 1971, the
incident in which someone was bitten by a dog? the dog tested positive for rabies.
When they told this person he would have to take a series of rabies shots, he ran
off and no one could find him. This happened about the time I began my career with
the U.S. Postal Service in 1971."
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"Anyone interested in windmills? someone posted this on Rootsweb: windmills. In
Shattuck, OK, there is a windmill museum. Has many set up, and it is very
interesting. I had known about windmills all my life, in Kansas, but they have some
different and unusual ones. Going on a trip and interested stop and see them."
http://www.shattuckwindmillmuseum.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch: We do not have horse apples in California. But on one of my trips back to
Oklahoma, I picked some and brought them home with me, and took some pictures of
them on the trees. However, we do not have lightning bugs here either, and I think
the people in California are missing something of interest."
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"Hi Butch. I really enjoy T&T. Regarding Grapette pop, I was able to buy plenty at
the Gene Autry museum cafe in Gene Autry recently. Regarding Bois-d'arc trees, in
1987 I bought a house in Oak Cliff, TX, that was built in 1923. It has a pier and
beam foundation and when I crawled under the house I saw that it was held up by
Bois-d'arc stumps about five inches in diameter. Only the ones down the center beam
had little concrete pads under them, the others were right on the ground. I sold the
house in 1998 and all the doors were still fairly well balanced. Amazing trees."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"About the Osage Apples: I once fixed some when I lived in Arkansas. They are very
hard & I used a saw to slice them fairly thin. I cooked them in the oven on a low
heat for several hours & the odor was not pleasant either. I later threw the old
pans away (think I used aluminum pie tins). Fixing these apples is a lot of trouble
& messy, but I made some beautiful flowers with mine. I added floral stems to them &
kept them for several years. I would like to do it again if I had the apples but I
do not see them around TorC, NM. Thanks so much for your wonderful newsletter every
week. I was born in Ok. but grew up in Arkansas. I still have relatives living in
Ok." -Evelyn J. Pyles ejp@zianet.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch you can put horse apples in bowls under you cabinets in your kitchen and you
won't have a single cockroach. And they last for a long time before they wilt and
when they do they don't smell either."
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"EAT HEDGE APPLES AND STAY HEALTHY..... I have been eating hedge apples, or Bois d
Arc for about 25 years. When I have a stomach virus, bacterial infection, or food
poison I take a chunk of the apple about 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick
from my freezer and place it in a blender along with apple juice or sprite or
anything to liquify the apple. It has never failed me to be feeling great in less
than an hour. The apple has a natural antibiotic (tetraphydroxystylbean) in it. It
is also a natural fungicide and are a very strong antioxident. I could type for days
about this amazing tree. (DON'T TRY THIS UNTIL THE APPLES HAVE FALLEN ON THE GROUND)
in October or after."
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"Butch, in Issue 289 you commented on horse apples. Also known as Osage oranges, the
botanical name is Maclura pomifera. The wood is very hard and was used to make bows
for archery - hence the French name bois d' arc (pronounced BO-dark). The fruits
when split open are said to repel roaches. This is yet another native plant that the
pharmaceutical companies should be investigating for special properties, but
probably won't because they likely couldn't patent their findings."
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"Hi Butch, I found your page on the old stores and I don't know how long its been on
and you may already have these stores by now. There was Williams & Woods Grocery at
419 East Main. It was there in 1947. And another was a article in the Ardmoreite
July 25, 1975 showing a pic of the first motel in 1926 and it also shows Paul
McLain's Grocery, Paul was Bob's great uncle, it was on the old route of US Highway
70 east of Ardmore."
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"I have heard of the "Oklahoma Sunshine" bottles. In fact, I used to have several of
them sometime during the 70's. My dad used to go to conventions and would receive
them in his "goodie bag". I remember some little piece of paper inside, but couldn't
tell you what was on it. I doubt they are still around since I'm not much of a pack
rat."
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"The San Adreas Fault in California gets all the attention, but back in the 1800s,
there was a "biggie" quake along the Mississippi River that started the rivers
flowing North instead of South, especially in the Ozark region of Missouri. Experts
predict another 8.0 plus earthquake in the area within 20 years or so. Heck! I
forgot the name of the fault line (age, you know), but its existence is probably why
KS recently had a quake that followed one in OK."
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/quake1811.jpg
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"I'm wondering if you know of, or aware of a tale of a woman who was supposedly
murdered near Springer or Gene Autry, in or around the turn of the century --
possibly as late as the 1930's? The murder, if indeed it took place, was not solved,
and has added to a legend of a female ghost who pushes vehicles back up an incline.
I know this is a strange question, but I'm hoping that you know something about the
tale, and whether or not it is true."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Really enjoyed your latest T&T - brought back a lot of memories when I read about
the old skating rink at Cedarville. The Prater's (mother's side of the family - her
older brother Douglas), and the Bridges spent a lot of time in and around
Cedarville. Ma and Pa Bridges (our Grandparents) used to run the little curio store
just south of the skating rink, Mother and Dad lived in one of the cabins just
across the road. The Praters (Hamm's) owned most of the cabins just to the northwest
of the curio shop and skating rink. Used to life-guard at Cedarville and Turner
Falls as Mom's sister Dovie and her husband Bill Williams used to run the bathhouses
at one time or another in both at both locations. See we are connected to that area
as well. The small cabins just across from the Methodist Camp were eventually owned
by the Geiss family whose son "Waldo" used to run a horse-back ride concession up
into the Arbuckle Mountains - rode trail for him a few times as well. Thanks for
bringing back a lot of good memories from my childhood - keep up the good work."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Someone e-mailed you concerning horny toads several weeks ago. I was at the Arts
and Crafts Show last weekend in Ardmore and saw a booth that specialized in jewelry
dealing with horny toads and I got a website that sounded interesting. For those
interested in jewelry, "facts", and "legends" about horny toads, you might find
http://www.hornytoadsonline.com interesting."
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"This issue of T&T was Sat. Nov. 9th, my 80th birthday. I have a lot of memories of
Ardmore and a little town named Dougherty. Some day I hope to share some stories.
Thanks for having me on your mailing list. I enjoy the letters very much."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I remember Billie Zack Boles Graybill well. She was my Accordion teacher and a
wonderful family friend. She was a fishing "buddy" of my Mothers, as was Mr. and
Mrs. Bartgis. Does anyone remember the Bartgis grocery store on 12th, at least I
think that was the street name. They had a son named Dee Bartgis, I remember his
name because he was my age."
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"Hi Butch, I had never heard of the balloon bombs of WWII. Living in a city that has
annual balloon races and having a father that served in the war, it caught my
attention. There were 6 casualties on US soil from one of the balloons, a preacher's
wife and 5 school children. I found some interesting photos and articles."
USAF article
http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/history/wwii/jbb.htm
pic of an actual basket in Canadian museum
http://collections.ic.gc.ca/balloons/basket.htm
photos
http://motlc.wiesenthal.org/albums/palbum/p00/a0044p5.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hey, Did you know, Walmart carries (sells) grapette soda? I buy it there quite
often."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I need some help, I have been trying to do my Jones line genealogy and I would like
to know if anyone remembers my dad, Jeff Jones, or any of his family members. I know
he was born in Tipton, Ok. 26 Dec. 1917. His mother was shot and killed Aug. 15,
1924 in Tipton, she is also buried somewhere there. Then it seems that all the Jones
line ended with my Grandpa Jones. His name was Grover Cleveland Jones, June 16,
1892, then seemingly he change his name to Carl Grover Jones, that is the way he is
buried. I do know that Grover came from Tex. and he was married to Gracie Blackwell,
(born Nov. 22, 1896) my Grandma, the one killed. I have a picture of a Mae Jones and
Wayne Jones along with Don Allen Jones. Grover's sister was Bessie Cleo Jones
Morman, she lived in Burkburnet, Tx. I had two cousins, there names, Austin Jones,
and Margaret Schulzt. This is all I know of my father's side. Anyone knowing
anything about that side of my family, please let me know, and I thank you. And
thank you very much, Mr. Bridges." -Vera Jones kamieljones@webtv.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch: I remember Roland Deskins who was the director at the Ardmore Chamber of
Commerce. Roland came in my Drug Store one day and purchased several dozen round and
tall prescription bottles from that he said would contain a message concerning the
sunshine on the sunny side of the Arbuckles. It was an advertising gimmick and yes
they were to be dropped from an airplane. He explained that the shape of the bottle
was to simulate the old water tower at Ardmore which is still standing on north
Commerce (HW 77) the date was in the 50's. I don't have any details."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hey Butch, I was reading your book and came across the Whet and Wet thing, and
noticed something I had not when it first came out: Kinda Cute: to Quote: "Butch
because you mentioned the spell checker , I thought I'd be smarty and tell you the
word that intices you is whet not wet . Sorry I just had to do it." Here is what
caught my attention, the word, if you use your spell checker, is not intice it is
entice. If you look it up in Webster's you will find intice listed as Obs. So he/she
that wrote you failed to use their spell checker. Sorry, I just had to do it."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"This bell pic is of the old school bell from Scott, Arkansas, where my dad and his
siblings went to school when they were kids (30's & 40's). I did some research and
found where there's supposed to be an old church bell over in Stilwell, Oklahoma
(Adair county)."
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/scottar.jpg
------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================
"I have a list of folks I know......all written in a book,
and every now and then......I go and take a look.
That is when I realize these names......they are a part,
not of the book they're written in......but taken from the heart.
For each name stands for someone......who has crossed my path sometime,
and in that meeting they have become......the reason and the rhyme.
Although it sounds fantastic......for me to make this claim,
I really am composed......of each remembered name.
Although you're not aware......of any special link,
just knowing you, has shaped my life......more than you could think.
So please don't think my greeting......as just a mere routine,
your name was not......forgotten in between.
For when I send a greeting......that is addressed to you,
it is because you're on the list......of folks I'm indebted to.
So whether I have known you......for many days or few,
in some ways you have a part......in shaping things I do.
I am but a total......of many folks I've met,
you are a friend I would prefer......never to forget.
Thank you for being my friend!!"
-Author unknown
See everyone next Saturday!
Butch Bridges
Nashobish Ikana
PO Box 11
Ardmore, Oklahoma 73402
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday November 9, 2002 T&T Weekly Vol 6 Issue 290
The other day I received a phone call from a lady in Florida inquiring about
Peerless Oil and Refining Company of Ardmore, Oklahoma. It was incorporated in 1917
by two Ardmoreites named Arthur C. Wood and I.M Putnam and a third man from Poteau,
Oklahoma by the name of Elmer S. Wood. This lady's mother is in a nursing home in
Florida and her mother owns a stock certificate issued to her father in Illinois in
1919 for 500 shares of Peerless Oil. This lady and her husband came to Ardmore and
stayed a couple of days trying to find out if this stock certificate is of any value
without any success. The Ardmore company was in business from 1917 to 1925 when it
was suspended by the Oklahoma Tax Commission from doing business. That's all that
was known. I told the lady in Florida I had never heard of Peerless Oil and Refining
of Ardmore, but I would do some checking around. This lady who called me in FL does
not have a computer.
I didn't know where to started so I sat down at my computer and went to the
internet. I posted one message regarding this company and the stock certificate
issued in 1919 at a website of 270 experts from every field that specializes is
searches. Within 20 minutes of posting my request for help, I had two replies. Here
is the first of two messages I received:
"From http://www.e-analytics.com/stocks/oldstock.htm the first thing to do is
contact the Secretary of State for the state the shares were issued in. The State
Corporation Commission (or equivalent) for the issuing state may also be able to
provide some information if the company is still in business. If the Secretary of
State can't help, contact the "transfer agent," who will be listed on the stock
certificate. If the transfer agent is still in business and actively representing
the company or its successor, they will be able to provide the information required
in order to value the stock and to adjust the quantity of stock (in necessary do to
splits, mergers, etc.). Keep in mind that transfer agents are not always in business
several years later. A company which provides the service you are looking for, for a
fee, is R. M. Smythe in New York specializes in researching, auctioning, buying, and
selling historic paper, and will find out if your stock has any value. The fee is
$75 per issue. Their address is 26 Broadway, Suite 271, New York, NY, 10004-1701;
their web site is located at http://www.rm-smythe.com and their phone number is
800-622-1880."
Here is the second message that came in just minutes after the first:
"Old Company Research" in Virginia could help you find this out. For a $39.95 fee,
they can determine if the certificates have any value. Even if they have no
investment value, they may be interested in buying the certificate as a collectible.
If they do not find any information regarding the company being researched, you will
not charged for their service or time. Their number is 1-888-STOCKS6 or dial direct
to 703-579-4209." http://www.oldcompanyresearch.com/
I called the lady in FL and gave her the above info. She is going to call the
companies and see what they can find out for her. I am still amazed sometimes at the
info at our fingertips through the internet. The world's largest library.
A Reader raised over in the northeast part of Ardmore on "G" street with me sent a
photo of the Arkansas foliage changing colors for Fall. She lives in Fayetteville
and this pic was taken about a week ago at the University of Arkansas by a friend of
hers. The pic is 300k and takes a few minutes to download, but worth the wait.
Breathtaking colors! http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/arfoliage.jpg
A Reader was at the Sam's Store in Sherman and found Grapette pop, and the next
thing I knew, here he was on my door step with this taste from the past. When he saw
the Grapette soda pop at Sherman, he told his wife he just had to get it for me.
Here's a pic of this Grapette that's making a comeback in the small bottles. The
only problem is I hate to open them!
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/grape11.jpg
A couple of weeks ago we talked about U.S. Deputy Marshal Selden Lindsey (1854-1939)
who lived in Ardmore around 1910. I saw in The Daily Ardmoreite Friday where his
daughter, Zoma Lindsey Barricklow, passed away this week. Zoma Barricklow was 101
years old. http://www.ardmoreite.com/stories/110802/obi_barricklow.shtml
On October 8, 2002 in Oilton, Oklahoma (25 miles east of Stillwater, Oklahoma) 75
year old Della Mae Parker was attacked by three pit bull dogs as she went for her
daily walk. Her right foot was severely mauled by the pit bulls and she will never
regain full use of her foot. I saw in The Daily Oklahoman Friday where a Fund has
been setup to assist Ms. Parker. Donations can be sent to Spirit Bank of Oilton, PO
Box 10, Oilton, OK 74051-0010. Phone 918-862-3294.
http://www.ktul.com/news/stories/1102/62065.html
http://www2.spiritbank.com/locations.html
My 100 books are going fast. I hope I got everyone's in the mail who paid for one,
because you all were hitting me pretty fast there for a few days. If I've missed
anyone, let me know. I hope this book idea helps those of you who have been printing
out each issue on weekends and save money on paper and ink. This week some of you
said I should put into book form March, April, May and June 1997 next. This is the
first issues when I started my T&T. Let me know your thoughts on this, if there is
enough interest, I'll start working on it. It will take me some time to get it ready
to print. Just send me an email. Thanks to everyone who bought my first book.
http://www.oklahomahistory.net/ttnews.html
My webshots.com Pages continue to get hit after hit now totaling over 25,000
look-sees. That means people love photos! I've brought them up-to-date and all my
photos can be seen at:
http://community.webshots.com/user/oklahomahistory
SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"This doesn't really relate to Oklahoma much, but since earthquakes are rare, it got
my attention when I read that an earthquake of 3.3 struck Atoka last week... ten
days later, this morning, one hit around Hays, KS. I wonder if they are
related/linked on a fault line somehow. The Hays one registered 3.5."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Did any of your readers ever hear about putting the horse apples around and down
prairie dog holes to kill the prairie dogs. Also... I have heard that some people
slice them up and bake them for decorations of some sort. Anyway.. that is what I
heard up here in the northwest part of Oklahoma. I am curious what you Southern's do
with all your horse apples."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Certainly! Put them wherever you have a problem with bugs, spiders, whatever and it
keeps them away! So this displaced Okie has been told by folks here in Kentucky!
-Larry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Dear Butch you asked for stories that we remember about halloween. Mine is one of
the sweetest in memory, not scary at all. My sister-in-law and I on Halloween night
about 1957 I believe took our children my son and her daughter to trick or treat in
the neighborhood. Mike (my son) was just three years old and since he was so small
and the trick or treat bag was hard for him to carry we gave him a small brown candy
sack and I carried his larger one. We stopped at our first house and the lady leaned
over to put candy in Mike's sack he turned and looked at me standing on the walk in
front of the house and said "My mommie has a sack too!" He is now 48 years old and
still looks out for MOMMIE. What sweet memories. Thanks for letting me share mine."
-Pat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"In response to the inquiry about the bodarc or horseapples. Someone once told me
you could make some really neat spiral decorations out of them if you sliced them
thin and dried them in the oven. Please dont try this. I got into such a mess. They
are filled with a white sticky milk, and I never did get them dried. yuukkk! I
remember the Squeeze Inn Cafe. It was a bustling place in 1950. I don't know the
proprietor's names though. My husband worked for Means Produce across the street and
ate breakfast there every morning before we married. I love that song by Mark
Willis, "Don't laugh at me" It gives a message to all of us." -Nellie Fox Combe
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi! Butch for years the only use I knew of for horse apples was to bowl with and if
you cut slices and placed them where roaches roamed they would kill roaches. We have
a horse apple tree about 200 ft. from our yard and to my amazement one day while
sitting on the deck I noticed some white stuff falling from a big oak tree. There
was a squirrel sitting on a limb eating the seeds out of the horse apple and letting
the pulp fall. Since that time I have observed squirrels eating them several times."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"A note on the "Horse Apple Tree" They are Bois-d-arc trees. My father used to
cherish the tree itself for fence post. It was very hard wood and took a long time
for the end that was in the ground to rot. The Horse Apple's themselves are, so I
have heard, placed under the cabinet, couch, bed, etc. are a good roach and mouse
deterant, although they tend to get rather smelly after a few month." -Jim Brown
intopickin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi Butch, It's been some time since I wrote to "This and That, but every week there
is something in it that lights up my memories. I do enjoy each and every issue, but
I get frustrated when I read something that lights one of those memories and there
is no name to let the readers know who wrote the article. I think it would improve
T&T and have more meaning to readers to include the names of the writers. How about
asking your readers what they think about including there names unless ask not to.
I'll be back in Ardmore in a couple of weeks and I'll try and stop by for a short
visit." Roy (Buddy) Garnand rgarnand@gvtc.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"One of my readers told me that it was a japanese balloon that bomb that part of the
Oklahoma panhandle in Boise City. Check out my newsletter for
http://okielegacy.org/journal/Vol3/OHTHV3-10.htm -- "According to Stephen, the
japanese tried to instill fear into the hearts of North America during WWII by
sending random Balloon Bombs across the ocean to create havoc and forest fires.
Stephen sent me the following email with more information and had this to say about
that, "While researching and mapping historical sites related to the Plains Indians
I happened across your site and took notice of your request for information on the
bombing of Boise City in WWII. The Japanese sent several balloon bombs across the
Pacific on the jet stream in hopes of creating terror in the American public and
thereby causing the weak-hearted Americans to give up their war efforts. Most of
these bombs fell in the wilderness areas of the Pacific Northwest and went unnoticed
by nearly everyone except the the military. However, some of the bombs came down all
across the western states with some making it as far east as the Great Plains. I
have seen maps of all known bombing sites and some of these were scattered through
Oklahoma and Texas. If it was one of these "balloon bombs" that hit Boise City the
answer "Why Boise City" is that it was just random bad luck as the Japanese had no
way of aiming these devices at any targets other than the entire continent of North
America and even this large target was hit by only a small percentage of the bombs
that were launched. If it was not a random strike of a balloon bomb I would be very
interested in knowing more about this event. If you care to respond with what
information you have I will look into the matter further and let you know what I
find out." - S. Nichols, cougarsightings@aol.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You ask about Wirt Franklin Refinery. Ardmore really had one back in the 1930s.
There was also Cameron Oil Refinery and Cameron Lake. I think later this lake had
another name like Santa Fe or something else. The refineries have had several
different names in the past. As young boys, several of us would go to the lake and
camp out over night and fish and swim. There wasn't a Lake Murray back then. Maybe
someone has an old Phone Book that would list the Refinery. If you don't have a book
left, you can keep the check I'm sending for good luck and T&T."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Wouldn't the property records in the county clerk's office (Register of Deeds) show
the refinery ownership? In the Cherokee Strip, where I grew up, they go back to the
original Patent granted by the government in 1893. On some land in Texas I once had
a small interest in they go back to a grant from the King of Spain (there was even a
certificate by a translator that the original Spanish-language documents, dating
back to before Texas became a country, had been translated into English correctly.
The Spanish-language documents were in there, too, along with the translations."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, I remember growing up in Healdton, at halloween time me and my brother and
our best friends, Jacky and Bobby Mauldin would get suited up and go out trick or
treating. We went all over town and be would get our grocery sacks full. We would
start at dark and end about 9:30. We sure had a good time. We didn't have to worry
about razor blades and rat poison."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hi Butch, Thank you very much for all you do. Your T&T is a treat. I was raised in
the Jones Oil Camp 1 mile east of Dillard and went to school in Wilson. I remember
all my friends from Dillard, Rexroat and Wilson who are on my mind all the time. I
remember all the huge machinery and old methods used in the oil fields there and
memories are refreshed every week in your T&T. Again thank you and all the folks
that write in. I now live just north of Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri and get to
"go home to Oklahoma" every friday night. Best Wishes." -Jack Lake in Missouri
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I have several family members buried in the Mannsville Cemetery. My family came in
to Oklahoma in the late 1800's and some of the older Headstones of my family members
are starting to get Biological Growth on them (it looks like moss). Anyway, if
allowed to stay on there to long it seems to eat the lettering off. I have been
searching for a way for a long time as to how to kill this stuff. I found a web site
on cleaning and doing preservation work in old cemeteries. I sent in a query on
cleaning Headstones and this is the response I got in return. I would encourage
every one who knows of Headstones that are in this condition to do there part and
help clean them. It is quite literally preserving History. Some of these old stones
are very neat." -Karen Palmer
http://www.gravestonestudies.org/faq.htm
http://www.gravestonestudies.org/preservation.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"With all your memories I thought this might give you some good things to remember.
Your mom must have been a super lady. I bet I got a couple of her popcorn balls. I
lived down on 3rd NE and Catherine Reed and I made the rounds all over that area. I
also remember getting candy apples that were great too. We never worried about
razors in the apples or poison in the candy...those were definitely the good ole
days. Our modern conveniences will never make up for the safe feelings we had back
then."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Does anyone remember Billie Zack Boles? She taught 5th grade at Washington School.
One day someone did something they shouldn't and would not confess. So, she lined
the whole class up and gave everyone a whack with her paddle. I still tease her
about it. She is a wonderful lady and was an excellent teacher."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"A bit of history for you. They are renovating the old Tidal School between
Drumright and Shamrock, Oklahoma and putting a winery in it. Check out their site. I
am so thrilled to see that old building restored! Notice the bell in top! I know,
sentimental old fool I guess. LOL They are at Stroud right now until they get it up
and going." http://tidalschool.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I enjoy reading this newsletter you sent to me. Again, it is so awesome!!! Keep up
the good work you are doing. One of these days, your dream will come true.... all 77
counties will be filled with bells. Doesn't our Oklahoma state tell you something??
Our Oklahoma people is the most wonderful people on this earth."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, You probably know this since you use your camera so much, but thought I
would share it with you just in case. Wonder how this film would work at Brown
Springs? I think that is the name. It is really early this morning."
Ancestry Quick Tip
Infrared Film Captures Details
Ever checked out an old family cemetery, house site, or property and find nothing to
see or photograph - no markers, foundations, indentations or indications of
occupancy? If so, pictures taken with a camera loaded with infrared film will
capture details not visible to the naked eye or that cannot be seen on photographs
shot with regular film. Worn lettering on old tombstones, lost gravesites and buried
building foundations will show up on infrared pictures due to decayed man-made
organic compounds at the site. These materials, having rotted, alter the natural
vegetative pattern and details of human occupation (although blurry) become visible
on infrared pictures.
Alternatively, take pictures with regular film late in the afternoon when the sun is
low and shadows are long. Collapsed gravesite and foundation locations will show up
as square or rectangular areas of shadow. Look for right angles since nature doesn't
generally like straight lines. Two things to note when taking either infrared or
regular photographs. First, make sure to have a reference point, e.g. a fence post,
a road sign or a natural outcropping included in any pictures taken, infrared or
regular film, so that an area photographed can be easily located. Second, change
perspective if you are shooting regular film. Standing on a hillock, the bed of a
truck, or even a stepladder will allow shadow details to be more readily observable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"My halloween story is probably quite a bit different that most other people's
stories. The kids in our church would get together every halloween night, and go
door-to-door with the trick or treators, but we didn't ask for candy. We asked for
canned food to make up food baskets for needy families for the coming Thanksgiving
and Christmas. The people who came to the door would be shocked we weren't out for
candy like the other kids, but most were very nice and would give us a can or too.
Of course, we didn't mind if they slipped us a piece of candy as well! The most fun
part was when we got to put the food baskets together and take them on Thanksgiving
and Christmas to families." -Skip Joers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The mention of the car boot sale in your T&T this week is a very common practise
over here, nearly every weekend there is alway's car boot sales on, up and down the
country people selling off there bric a brac etc. They are sometimes held in
field's, usually on pub car parks, just have to hope for good weather though not
much fun in the rain, some people make a living out of it perhaps they are the
modern version of a Rag & Bone man. hahah. We had an earthquake here in the North
West last week. Reached a scale of 4.0 did some structural damage to older
building's chimneys fell down, and walls etc but I didn't feel anything here it
happened 3 days in a row but on a lower richter scale." -England
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, I do believe Horseapples come from the tree called Osage Orange. I read an
article recently that the Hedge apples scattered around the foundation of your home
would repel scorpions. Now wouldn't that be great. I wonder if one could extract the
juice and make a spray. That idea might make a millionaire. :-) Here are a few links
you might want to browse. http://www.hedgeapple.com/
http://www.osagebow.com/Osage_Orange_P.html
We also call the Osage Orange a "Hedge" tree.These are Hedge apples.Deer and
squirrel eat on these.They get about 6 to 8 inches in diameter. Known also as hedge,
hedge apple, bodark from the French bois d'arc/
http://www.osageorange.com/ making of bows, war clubs, etc." -Pat Cooper McGehee,
Sulphur
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"When you mentioned Halloween stories, I have one I'll never forget. Living in rural
Love county, we knew everyone in the community, so we really had to "dress-up" to
fool anyone.(No store bought costumes in those days) My mom always dressed up also
so my sister and me wouldn't be recognized and she'd park the car in a dark spot so
people couldn't see it. Well, the time I remember most, Mom dressed as an old woman,
with a nylon stocking pulled over her face which distorted all her features and even
scared us. At one house, the people had no sense of humor and were not always glad
to see trick or treaters, but they did open the door for us and Mom went in first
while my sister and me stayed on the porch watching through the window. Back then a
lot of people had beds in the front room as did these folks. Of course, they had no
idea who Mom was other than some crazy person in their house. Mom got up on the bed
and started jumping up and down and singing some crazy song. Needless to say the
looks on their faces was PRICELESS!!! My sister and I didn't know whether to die
from laughter or embarrassment. It's just one of those things I'll laugh about
forever. Oh, and we had one lady that fixed popcorn balls every year as you said
your mom did. I looked forward to those more than any other treat." -DDollar
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, those "little buildings" were referred to as "the castle." My parents ran a
souvenir shop the summer of 1942 at the North bend of the highway 77, called the
Bar-C Ranch, about half way to Cedarvale, where there was a restaurant and roller
skating rink. I used to trek along Honey Creek, stopping at "the castle" to explore,
as kids will do, and then take a dip in Blue Hole, which was on South of "the
castle" toward Horseshoe Bend. I was young and that was long ago, so all I have is
pleasant memories without details."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"This is the URL for our website for Wilson's Historical Society and Museum. You
might like to see it and sign in. It will get better as time goes along. Watch and
See. Share this with your friends too."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"It was a medicine bottle that was labeled Oklahoma Sunshine. It had several
instructions on it and I can't remember them all but I know it said you should have
some daily but it cautioned you about having too much and told several things that
could happen to you if you had too much. Inside the bottle there was an article
about the surrounding area of Ardmore. It told that they were given out/sold to
people of the area wanting to advertise the wonderful area of Ardmore in 1955. It
also stated that some were dropped from airplanes and that one was found overseas
from floating in the ocean. Anyone heard of this?"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"In reference to the story about The Milo Baptist Church Dedication, in will be held
November 17, 2002 - 2:00 p.m., Please let the person know this information. Thank
You." -Tammie Armstrong, Member of Milo Baptist Church
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Mr. Bridges, I found your website searching for information on historic Oklahoma
grocery stores. I am currently preparing an exhibit for the new Oklahoma Museum of
History due to open in 2004. The exhibit will be a 1950's kitchen and one component
of the story will be a flipbook with images and short text about grocery stores in
Oklahoma in the 1950's. I'm not having much luck finding information. I have some
names, but no information or photos. Is your information limited to the Ardmore
area? I'm looking on information for Blakemore's Grocery in Enid as well as Rapp's
Grocery; Escott's in Cushing and any others I can find. I have information on
Lovera's in Krebs, the Meers Store in Meers and a couple of photos I pulled from
your website, but that's about it. Any help would be sincerely appreciated." -Sherry
Massey, Registrar Oklahoma Museum of History
smassey@ok-history.mus.ok.us
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I've got some pictures of Devil's Den that one of our young Cross Country/Track
ladies took a week or so ago. Now, mind you this is Devil's Den near Winslow,
Arkansas, not Tishomingo, Oklahoma. But Lilli took so beautiful pictures and I'd
just like to share'em with you."
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/ddenar1.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/ddenar2.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/ddenar3.jpg
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, some info on the refinery in Ardmore, the first refinery was called Cameron
Refinery, then Wirt Franklin Refinery, Ben Franklin Refinery, Bell Oil Refining
Company, Vickers Refinery, Total Petroleum Inc., do not know the dates it changed
hands each time."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"We were in Ardmore last Tuesday 10/29 to attend funeral of Geraldine Rawlins, age
91, Geraldine (York) Rawlins was my 5th grade teacher in 1933 at Washington School
before she moved to Ardmore High School to teach music. I was in her music class
again in 1939 (Graduation 1940). Geraldine choose me to sing bass in the Boys
Quartet; which included Halcolm Crawford (second tenor), Charles Wilbanks, (first
tenor): Bob Gardenhire (baritone). We were fortunate to sing with Gene Autry when
the city of Berwyn changed name to Gene Autry. Our quartet enjoyed being together
and singing for all our 1940 Class Reunions until the death of Charles Wilbanks, MD.
who headed the Sulphur Hospital until his death. Bob Gardenhire still lives in
Ardmore after his WWII duty. Crawford lives in Dallas and we still live in Oklahoma
City. Thanks again." -Doyle Bridges, Oklahoma City
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"J B Ponder, had dogs that slept under the porch of his "old store" and he placed
horse apples there to keep the fleas away. Jake Goode owned and cooked at the
Squeeze Inn before, during and after WWII. His best dish, in some people's opinion,
was beef stew. When a spoonful of chili was added, it was called Red Top."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hello Butch, I just wanted to show you what the cars looked like when I lived at
533 Carter S.E. That's me on the right." -Lee Wages, Ft Worth, Texas
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/leewas2.jpg
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"About those horse apples... Daddy calls them "Bo-dark" apples and Mother says they
keep bugs out of the house. She has them hidden in corners and around the porch at
their lake house at Buncombe Creek. I was interested in them and did a little
research last year. They are actually from the "Bois d'Ark" tree, which was used to
make crossbows - good flexible wood I suppose. Some people also refer to them as
"Osage Oranges". When we were kids, we used to bean each other with them when we
played outside... OUCH! Once when we were camping out at Lake Murray, Daddy had
(finally!) gotten the tent set up and sat down under a bo-dark tree to rest. The
dang horse apples kept falling on him! So he kept moving his chair, but they kept
coming. We finally saw a squirrel up in the tree THROWING them at Dad! I guess he
didn't like us setting up housekeeping in his back yard. Speaking of squirrels,
Daddy is a fanatic about keeping them out of his birdfeeder. He hates them! He has
taken to shooting them from the house with one of his grandson's paintball guns!
Hahahahaha!! (The "paint" is actually colored, non-toxic soap!) We know it doesn't
hurt them, because they come back for more! Now he has bright orange and purple
squirrels trying to pilfer his birdseed. Speaking of Buncombe Creek, there is
actually a "Bois D'Ark Road" out there. Some of the most beautiful houses on that
road - I've got my eye on one that just makes me cry, I want it so badly! Ha ha!
About those "rods" - those things give me the creeps!! My husband saw a special
about a cavern in South America where a lot of extreme-sport-enthusiasts like to
rappell and hike. They had a video camera with them while they were climbing, and
caught hundreds of the creepy things on the video tape! They move too fast for you
to see with the naked eye, but on the video they are visible. Too scary for me!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I've been reading the old This and Thats and July 18, 1998 you mentioned Cliff
McIntosh. I remember him. He was a very nice guy. I worked at Memorial in 1968-69
and again in 1981."
http://www.oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos/mcintosh.jpg
http://www.oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos/mem1975.jpg
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Butch, I saw in one of the T&T letters that someone had a problem getting the large
size maps to print out on one page. The way that I do it is: Put it on a floppy disc
and save it to my mpg photo file. You can then print the full size map on one page."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================
"Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean.
It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned
something from yesterday." -John Wayne
See everyone next Saturday!
Butch Bridges
Nashobish Ikana
PO Box 11
Ardmore, Oklahoma 73402
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday November 2, 2002 T&T Weekly Vol 6 Issue 289
In 1889 there was a group of people who entered the Oklahoma land run for unassigned
lands by sneaking in before everyone else. This way they could stake their claim for
160 acres of land beforehand. This group of people soon came to be known as Sooners.
Well, I can tell you after my announcement of the proposed $7 This and That book
last week, that Sooners are still alive over 100 years later! A number of you went
ahead and sent me your money for a book before the books came in, or I even asked
for the money. I did get the 100 books this past week and I can see they will not
last long. Over 60 is already reserved. If want a book, let me know. Here is a pic I
took of the box of books as I opened it up.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/ttbooks2.jpg
The books are $7 each and if you want me to mail the book(s) to you, add $3 for
postage.
If you want to buy a book right now using any major credit card, you can go to my
oklahomahistory.net link below and click on the BUY NOW button secure PayPal Online
account and do just that! If you have never used PayPal, just click in the middle of
the screen where it says, "If you have never paid through PayPal CLICK HERE" and you
can use your credit card. Just click the link below!
http://www.oklahomahistory.net/ttnews.html
This Halloween I had very few kids come by for trick or treats. Maybe 20 at the
most. And it made me think back to around 1960 on 3rd NE when my mother would spend
all day making popcorn balls to give away on Halloween night. I think the most she
ever made was 200 popcorn balls, and some years those would all be given away and we
started giving out penny candy of some kind. We had a gas stove and she'd shake that
pan for what seemed like hours popping enough popcorn to make 150 to 200 popcorn
balls. She grease her hands with butter and mix the popcorn with caramel so it would
all stick together, then wrap each popcorn ball in wax paper. She placed them in big
wash tubs to hold them all. It was hard work but my mother loved doing it for the
kids. People just don't do that here anymore, for obvious reasons. I'm sure some of
you have some stories to tell about Halloween and trick or treat night as a kid. I
would imagine some parts of the country do it a little differently then other parts.
Let me hear your Halloween stories.
Last week we talked about Turner Falls in the Arbuckle Mountains. But we also talked
about the little buildings located on the grounds just downstream from the Falls and
raised the question just what was these "little buildings". Several of you wrote
back on this, and you will find it in the Mailbag below, but what I forgot last week
was the photo I took of the "little buildings" at Turner Falls. Here is the photo I
took a couple of weeks ago.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/tfalls10q.jpg
On August the 24, 2001 I talked about a strange streak of light I saw in the sky.
Here is that paragraph again from last summer....
"As I looked through the viewfinder I saw, for a second or two, something gray flash
in the background from the southwest to the northeast. It reminded me of a jet vapor
trail, but this only lasted for a couple of seconds, then vanished. I took the
instrument away, and look with my eyes, and couldn't find anything. I looked through
the RangeFinder again, nothing, and continued switching back in forth to no avail.
So, what did I see? Boy, you got me. But it was fast. Very fast. I already had a pic
of the courthouse, so I tried to draw an example of the "flash" as I saw in the
Bushnell Laser RangeFinder. Maybe someone out there has an idea what this could be?
My example is whiter then what I saw in the sky behind the dome Tuesday at noon."
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/domenew8.jpg
At that time I didn't know what I saw, but I knew I saw something in the north sky.
But if you have been watching the national newscasts the past week, there is no
doubt what I saw, it is called a "rod". This UFO is being report all over the world
and there is many websites with this info in detail. This past week the national
news reported a man in Albany, NY taking a photo of a rod. The FBI interviewed him
twice, and even had him take a nearly 3 hour lie detector test. So until proven
otherwise, I am going to assume I saw a rod in the skies over Ardmore in the summer
of 2001. I wonder just what those things really are anyway? http://www.roswellrods.com/
Speaking of the unexplainable, maybe we should do a book on Brown Springs south of
Thackerville, Oklahoma. I get the most hits on my Brown Springs webpage from people
just looking to read that information. What do you think? Any comments on a Brown
Springs book? http://www.oklahomahistory.net/brownspr.html
Here is an interesting email I received this week. I checked it out and it is
bonified.
"I have an old leather suitcase belonging to Frank A. GANZ that has been stored in a
Forest Service warehouse it Sitka, Alaska for several years. No one is really sure
how we came in possession of it, however, we would like to see a living family
member get it. Inside are several photos, letters, bank statements, and other
documents. Frank appeared to be a fisherman and possibly miner and had addresses in
Craig and Sitka, Alaska. Names mentioned are: From Jennings, Oklahoma, Charles and
Esther GANZ, Mrs. Hanna Jane GANZ, Henry GANZ, LoRena I. KEENAN, John H. KEENAN;
from Healdton, Oklahoma John H. and Ruth GANZ; from Gladewater, Texas, Charles E.
and Lorena Keenan McCHESNEY and their son Ronald Max who was born June 20, 1935;
from Buckeye, Arizona, Mary S. ROBERTS, among others. Dates range from 1916 to 1940.
Please explain your family connection and show GANZ in the subject line."
Terry Butler, Resource Specialist
Tongass NF, Sitka Office
907-747-4280 tdbutler@fs.fed.us
FAX 907-747-4344
I got a surprise email this week from Antlers, Oklahoma with 5 bells attached.
Antlers is in Pushmataha county, everyone calls it Push for short, and Teresa Young
is the Pushmataha County Assistant Coordinator for GenWeb at Antlers, Oklahoma. She
took the bell pics for me. Push is one of the most beautiful parts of the state. I
love to go through there on the way to Arkansas. Mountains and pine trees
everywhere! Here are the bell pics Teresa sent.
Bell at Antlers Library http://www.oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos/pushlib.jpg
Bell at St. James Episcopal Church in Antlers http://www.oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos/pushepis.jpg
http://www.oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos/pushepis2.jpg
Bell at First United Methodist Church in Antlers http://www.oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos/pushmeth.jpg
Bell at Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Antlers http://www.oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos/pushcath.jpg
Bell at First Presbyterian Church in Antlers http://www.oklahomahistory.net/ttphotos/pushpres.jpg
I remember back as a kid when we came across a horse apple tree, we thought we'd
really found something but really didn't know what to do with them. I dont know of
one thing horse apples are good for, do you? When I was out at King Lake Southeast
of 3rd and P NE a while back, I happened across a horse apple tree with horse apples
everywhere. Seems like someone told me when I was a kid that horse apples were not
good for horses. Anyone know? http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/horsea2.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/horsea3.jpg
I know our refinery here in Ardmore had several owners over the years. Does anyone
know if they were every owned by Wirt Franklin Oil? This would have been back in the
30s probably. I wonder how one would go about finding out info like this way back in
the 20s and 30s?
Our little history group went over 14,000 minutes and 1,000 calls for October! If
you are not using WorldxChange you may be paying to much for your long distance
calls. And their international rates are nothing to sneeze at either.
http://www.worldxchange.com/agent/228072
SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"Butch, The following is from Bill Geiss. He is the grandson of Ellsworth Collins,
the man that used to own the whole Turner Falls area. Collins built the little
buildings" for tourists to look at. As sort of a tourist trap. He wanted them to
stop and look. The buildings are not tall enough for even Bill to stand up in, and
he is only about 5' 8" tall. They never served any other purpose. The only buildings
that were used are on the east side of Honey Creek. And there was never a ranch
there. Ellsworth Collins was Dean of Education at OU for a while and he was a
collector. The Cowboy Hall of Fame Museum has a hugh barb wire collection. It is now
one of their prime permanent exhibits. It was largely donated by the heirs of
Collins. Collins heirs gave Turner Falls to the city of Davis. Also donated the land
that became Camp Classen."
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/tfalls10q.jpg
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"Funny you should mention those little rock buildings up in the hills of Turner
Falls. I was up there just a couple of weeks ago during the craft fair. I took a
walk up to the falls and also took some time to climb up to the buildings. The
buildings were once the headquarters for the Collins Ranch. On one old rock gate is
a sign that says "Wyld Acre". (There's a story behind that name, but I can't
remember it.) There is also a sign that tells a little about Mr. Collins and about
the architectural style. The structures are really fascinating. They are all
separate from each other, connected only by pathways. Several are multi-story
structures with stairways barely wide enough for a medium-sized person to climb.
Most of the buildings have a fireplace, and the ceilings are not much more than 6
feet high. It's hard to tell which rooms were living quarters and which were for
sleeping. I'm sure they were probably multi-functional. I found nothing that
resembled a kitchen, but there were several outdoor cooking areas....fire pits, rock
fireplaces, and rock picnic tables. What made the biggest impression on me was not
the fascinating old buildings, but the TERRIBLE state of disrepair!! The buildings
were filled with trash, doors were either barely hanging on rusted hinges or
completely torn off, and the effects of vandalism were evident throughout. Graffiti
is everywhere! I think the city of Davis (if they are still in charge of the park)
should be ASHAMED!! These buildings are a part of local history, and are being
destroyed by lack of care and supervision. I would hate to see them made off limits
to the public, but perhaps that is what it will take to preserve them. Maybe that's
not the answer, but something most definitely needs to be done before it's too late.
So much for my soap box lecture of the day. I'm curious if anyone else has been
there recently and has the same impression. Turner Falls, in general, is still one
of the most beautiful places in our area."
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"I remember Muncie Reese as a teacher. One of her students in my class (I won't
print his name) was chewing tobacco when he came in to class. He was much larger
than Mrs. Reese, but she made him swallow it. Someone put her stool up on top of a
filing cabinet by her desk and she couldn't get it down. I guess someone got it down
for her. She was good natured about everything though. What I didn't much like in
highschool was having to memorize poems. Julia Sparger was English teacher and she
was about half the size of her husband. When I left to go to college the person who
interviewed me said that I would not have a good background in math, but my English
would be very good. He told me that when he found out I was from Ardmore. This was
right after the Korean war and all the men teachers were drafted. We had a few good
math and geography teachers back then though."
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"Butch, this makes me laugh. It is so funny, but I realize it was not funny then. As
an ex-junior high and highschool teacher, I am relieved that you boys never got into
trouble again. But the story brings back memories of the days when I was teaching
kids just like you were!!!"
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"Hi Butch. Just wanted to say thank you for recommending to eat at the Broadway
Cafe. My sister treva; her son Jeremy who is 13 & myself went there tonight for
supper & had one of those delicious hamburgers you talked about. That was the best
homemade hamburger & french fries I have eaten in a long time!!! What a change from
the other hamburger places here in town!! We WILL be going back down there. Again
thanks for recommending it. I am really enjoying the memories of Washington School.
I went there also & so did all my brothers & sisters. What memories!! So sad it
burned down! Still enjoying your weekly T&T.Keep up the good work!"
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"Enjoyed all the emails in the last T and T about Washington School, too! I very
narrowly escaped a paddling by Mr. Connely when after school one day, Ricky Dickson
tried to start an argument/scuffle out on the back steps of the school with me and
we both got sent to the office...WHEW, I never was so scared! Wonder what's happened
to Tommy Little and Peggy Mize, etc. Last I heard, Tommy worked at the auto center
out at Ward's before it closed. Tommy and I used to ride our tricycles around the
neighborhood and gather pop bottles to spend on candy at Hunt's grocery store. Peggy
rode up to our house on a horse one day and was trying to find homes for some stray
puppies...I always thought that was a very kind thing to do...That story about you
and Jimmy Echer getting into trouble was very interesting, too. Glad the judge
showed you both mercy...Sure wish Jimmy was still here...his Mom, Mary Margaret,
gave me one of his paintings when I babysat her grandson one summer. She said a lot
of them were ruined (what a shame and a tragedy) when they were in a little storage
building out back of their house a few years ago, so she wanted me to have it. It
wasn't one of his better ones, but I'll keep and treasure it nonetheless! The one he
did of Archie Bunker (Carrol O'Conner) was excellent!" rindy919@swbell.net
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"The mention of car "boots" made me think of a story a friend told me about his
visit to Australia. Instead of garage sales, they have what they call "car boot
sales". Everyone packs up their unwanted junk, loads it in the "boot" of the car and
heads to a local field where they have what resembles a big flea market. No prices
are marked. You just sit around and dicker all day to get the best bargain. My kind
of place!!!"
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"Butch, you mentioned Boise City in this weeks T&T. I lived in Colorado just North
of Boise City for awhile. We went there to shop now and then and to team ropings.
Did you know that Boise City is the only US mainland city to be bombed during WWII?
Check it out some time. Of course it was a mistake and it was one of our planes that
dropped a bomb on the county courthouse."
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"Dear Butch: Really enjoyed the Judge Earl Brown story...so that is why you are such
a good guy? As for the 1917 First Train in Healdton story. I have one of the
original post cards that my dad sent us. He was here in Healdton and we were in
Kansas. I was just a new baby, at the time. Well we came to Healdton on that train
when I was only 9 mos. old. In the second picture you can see a man on the back of
the train. That conductor, on the very back of the train, was Charlie Parker's Dad.
Charlie worked, here, for a number of years for International Supply, I believe, and
later on for Red Man. He was a great guy. He died in May of 1985, and his wife,
Leota, ,just died on June 7, this year. I thought it was interesting that someone
that lived here was the son of the conductor on the first train into Healdton.
Incidently I had an e-mail from our, dyed in the wool, railroad fan Dwane Stevens,
who was really excited about the same postcard offered on e-bay....and he was
bidding on it. I love Dwane's enthusiasm, as it kinda parallels my interest in
trains, but he goes into it deeper than I do. I have been happy to join him on some
of his photo-ops of trains. My son, Alan, also is a train fan, and has a collection
of pictures from all sources, and also takes pictures on his own. He has made,
really nice, wooden models and always gives me books, on trains, for my birthdays or
Christmas."
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"Healdton Pictures Web Page" http://home.rmci.net/farrar/healdton.htm
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hey Butch, do you or any of your readers have a picture of the old 2 story house
that once sat on 5th N.E., where the apartments are now. 6th and MLK."
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"Butch, the Greater SW Historical Museum used to be on the Carter Co website but I
can't find it. Could you, in your spare time, ha, send their website address to me?"
http://home.swbell.net/bhamm10/
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"I was wondering if anyone remembered the "squeeze in" that was located on East Main
in Ardmore, I think in the late 30's or early 40's. Any information or photos would
be nice. I need it for a project I am doing."
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"Butch, someone in your T&T today inquired about oil companies during 1919. My older
brother, the late Richard D. Fronterhouse, wrote a research paper about oil
development in Carter County during the 1920's. A copy is located in the Healdton
Oil Museum in Healdton, OK, and it was published last year in the Healdton Herald's
Oilpatch Mania. I don't know if this would help your reader or not, but the research
article does contain references."
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"Dear Butch, Was Judge Brown the son of Henry Harlan Brown (1871-1940) and Alice
Vance Brown (1875-1831) by any chance? Both H. H. and Alice are buried in Ardmore's
Rosehill Cemetery, and H. H. or "Harlan" as he was known, was a well known Ardmore
attorney and was part of the prosecution team in the trial of Clara Smith Hamon in
1921 when she was accused of murdering Jake Hamon. The jury found her not guilty in
one of the most sensational trials in Ardmore's history. Harlan was my great uncle.
He was the brother of my grandfather, Kelly Brown, who was also an attorney, and one
of the early state congressmen from Ardmore after Oklahoma achieved statehood in
1907."
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"Hi Butch, I just wanted to tell the readers that I experienced MAGNETIC HILL for
myself today! I am certainly impressed!!!!!!!! I stopped as I went down the hill
(completely stopped) and immediately started backing up the hill. I then went all
the way to the corner, turned around and headed back toward hiway 53, stopping at
the first low spot and put it in neutral. I started climbing. My car reached as much
as 20 mi. per. hr. then started very slowly getting a little slower, 15 then 10 etc.
for quite a way. By the time I had come to a complete stop I was 2/10 of a mile from
hiway 53. I drive a Buick Century so it is not like a pregnant roller skate. lol lol
My husband was with me and he also was quite amazed. This could not be an optical
illusion could it?"
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================================================
"I'm a little boy with glasses
The one they call the geek
A little girl who never smiles
'Cause I've got braces on my teeth
And I know how it feels
To cry myself to sleep
I'm that kid on every playground
Who's always chosen last
A single teenage mother
Tryin' to overcome my past
You don't have to be my friend
But is it too much to ask
Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me
I'm the cripple on the corner
You've passed me on the street
And I wouldn't be out here beggin'
If I had enough to eat
And don't think I don't notice
That our eyes never meet
I lost my wife and little boy when
Someone cross that yellow line
The day we laid them in the ground
Is the day I lost my mind
And right now I'm down to holdin'
This little cardboard sign...so
Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me
I'm fat, I'm thin, I'm short, I'm tall
I'm deaf, I'm blind, hey, aren't we all
Don't laugh at me
Don't call me names
Don't get your pleasure from my pain
In God's eyes we're all the same
Someday we'll all have perfect wings
Don't laugh at me."
-Mark Willis, Country Singer 2002
See everyone next Saturday!
Butch Bridges
Nashobish Ikana
PO Box 11
Ardmore, Oklahoma 73402
Saturday October 26, 2002 T&T Weekly Vol 6 Issue 288
Back in the early 60s when I was in the 7th Grade at Ardmore Junior High School, me and my childhood friend, Jimmy Echer, got into some serious mischief, as boys tend to do at that age. On a Sunday afternoon we were at Cardinal Park on East Main and "in a moment of thoughtlessness" as the judge worded it, decided to break out some windows at the "ticket building" next to the ballpark. A man was nearby with his boy flying a radio controlled model airplane, and saw us do it. Needless to say the police came to the Junior High Tuesday afternoon and confronted me and Jimmy, which we quickly confessed to doing. At that time County Judge Earl Brown was working closely with problem kids. Our parents took us to see him at the courthouse to find out what punishment he would impose on us for our wrongdoing. Judge Brown was the nicest man and very understanding with us. He agreed to let our parents replace the broken windows with our promise to never do such a thing again. Two boys could never have been more relieved because our imaginations ran wild as we sat before him. I just knew we were going to prison. And we, or at least I never got into any trouble again, and that is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.
At was at this same time that we got into trouble as kids, that Judge Earl Brown was helping put together the first Children's Shelter and Juvenile Officer to serve Ardmore. Judge Brown was concerned about the troubled young people of Ardmore, and he became involved in many programs that helped kids. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award by the Boy Scouts, the highest honor offered. He received a 40 year Honor of Merit Award for perfect attendance from the Ardmore Kiwanis Club. He organized the first Gideon Chapter in Ardmore. He was Postmaster for 23 years. After his 8 years as County Judge, he was appointed as Special Judge and after his retirement in 1970 he served in the Small Claims Court. And the list goes on and on, but his greatest contribution was to his church. For 47 years he was teacher at Worth Men's Bible Class at First Baptist here in Ardmore. But I don't need to read his accomplishments to know that Earl Brown was a wonderful human being and Christian. I had a 1-on-1 experience with him in Junior High that set me on the right path and probably played a important part in where I am today. Here is a photo of Judge Earl A. Brown (1893-1974).
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/earlbrown.jpg
A Reader sent me a link to a photo taken in 1917 at Healdton, Oklahoma depicting the first train to arrive in Healdton.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/heald17a.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/heald17b.jpg
Last week we talked about Ardmore born author Harrell McCullough. Here is a pic of Harrell from his self published book about his grandpa U.S. Marshal Selden Lindsey.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/mccullough1.jpg
A Reader from Ardmore who now lives in Colorado sent me some pics of bells taken in Boise City, Oklahoma. For you who do not know your Oklahoma geography very well, Boise City is in the very far west end of the Oklahoma panhandle in No Mans Land (19 miles from Colorado).
This first picture is a bell at Cimarron Heritage Center in Boise City.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/boise3.jpg
These next three is a bell at the Good Shepard Catholic Church in Boise City.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/boise4.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/boise5.jpg
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/boise6.jpg
A couple of weeks ago we talked about the electrical re-wiring going on at the courthouse. The Osborn Electricians out of OKC are boring several 3 inch holes through the 13 inch thick concrete floors. He is a pic I took of one of those thick concrete cores they bored out on the first floor.
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/chcore.jpg
I got to snap some shots of Turner Falls up in the Arbuckle Mountains north of Ardmore the other day. One pic is of those little building built on the side of the mountain along Honey Creek near the Falls. Does anyone remember the story behind those little rock buildings? One thing for sure, I truly believe Turner Falls is one of the most beautiful spots in Oklahoma!
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/tfalls10p.jpg
I have some pepper sauce made in California by The Pepper Plant that tastes exactly as I remember Lt McKerson's BBQ sauce back in the 60s. This sauce is not the exact same texture, but the taste is identical. I found a website called pugsly.com that sells the "Original California Style" sauce at $4.95 for a 10 ounce bottle. I'm still looking for a pic of Lt McKerson's BBQ stand that was on East Main. Maybe someone out there has a photo? This sauce in CA is made by The Pepper Plant in Atascadero, CA 1-800-5414355. Also a link to a pic of this BBQ sauce.
http://www.pugsly.com/Pepper_Plant.htm
http://www.OklahomaHistory.net/ttphotos/ltmcbbq.jpg
Last Saturday night Oct 21 around 9:30pm a 3.3 earthquake rumbled south of Atoka, Oklahoma. It was felt as far away as Durant. I talked to a friend at the post office and asked if he felt it. He said he and his wife were sitting in the living room and when the tremor came through, he asked his wife, "what in the world is that"? He said they even found items that fell off shelves in their house, the tremor was that strong. About three times a year Oklahoma has small earthquakes. There has even been recorded epicenters in western Carter county near Wilson not too long ago. Oklahoma has not been famous for earthquakes, thank goodness, but one never knows where one will hit.
We talked about mailwasher a few weeks ago, and I installed it this past week. It really works great! It let's you look at your email, even preview them, before downloading them to your computer. This way you can delete them, and bounce them back to the spammer as if you never downloaded them. This is great for junk mail. It tries to determine if mail is junk mail and mark them as such beforehand. But sometimes it misses one. I had ordered an Internet Explorer 6 CD from microsoft.com this week and when they sent me my order confirmation by email, mailwasher marked the email as spam. hahahahaha Anyway, it works good and if you have a hotmail account, it even works with that Server too. Check it all out at http://www.mailwasher.net
It looks like our history group will go over 14,000 minutes this month using WorldxChange. After 12 months of using their long distance service, many of us know we are saving money on our phone bills. You can too! http://www.worldxchange.com/agent/228072
SOME LETTERS FROM THIS WEEK'S MAILBAG
"In 1957 or 1959 a group met to honor the selection of an all-star football team for the first fifty years from Ardmore High School. Does anyone have this list? My Dad was on it and I really would like a copy of the article."
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"Butch, I was just looking at the Brown Spring site, the image of the child is there, but there seems to be another image in the picture, it is in the shadow on the tombstone, it looks like the face of a woman. My wife and I have enjoyed the pictures of Young, Baum, and Wheeler schools, I think just about every member of my family was in the Young picture. My mother Bernice Williams said it was taken after church about a year before the Berwyn school was opened, about 1935. My wife Wanda Kirby Williams was in the Wheeler picture, she has since been writing to Sue, one of her class mates whom she hasn't seen in a few years (wasn't that nice of me) we enjoy t&t so keep of the good work." -Jerry Williams in Amarillo, Texas wanwil@arn.net
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"I read with interest your remark that the trunk of a car in England is called a boot. Also the hood is called the bonnet."
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"Hey Butch. good job as ever. Re: the book you referred to about Sulphur, there is a copy of it at the Chickasaw Library. I looked at it, it is a photocopy of an original book. I was interested in the part about the 'Landrum' section. That part was in reference to a Senator E.M Landrum, a Cherokee Indian whom the author was thanking for seconding the nomination of a Chickasaw for U.S. Senate. I have done extensive research on the Landrum ancestry, but have not come across that particular name, so back to genealogy.com HA."
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"Hi Butch, Here you go some England cockney slang:
Apples & Pears = Stairs
Johnie Horner = Corner
Jack & Jill = Hill
Rabbit & Pork = Talk
Whistle & Flute = Suit
Jam Jar = Car
Plates of meat = Feet
Bin Lids = Kids ( The lid of your garbage container maybe )
Trouble & Strife = The wife
Porky Pies = Lies
Dog & Bone = phone
Currant Bu