Vol. 47, No. 4 Published monthly by the Historical Society, serving since 1893 April 2016

Sequoyah’s Cabin to host 2016 Oklahoma History Conference Cherokee Cultural Day in Woodward

On Friday, April 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sequoyah’s The 2016 Oklahoma History Conference will be held at the Cabin in Sallisaw will host Cherokee Cultural Day. This event Woodward Conference Center in Woodward, Oklahoma, on is held in cooperation with the Cherokee Heritage Center and April 27, 28, and 29. Advanced registration is required, with the Oklahoma Historical Society. Presenters will demonstrate the deadline to register Friday, April 22, by noon. Materials native games, blacksmithing, storytelling, and much more. detailing the conference and registration forms have been There will be hands-on Cherokee crafts and other activities mailed to all OHS members. available for attendees of all ages. For reservations please The conference will feature program sessions with presenta- contact Jerry Dobbs at 918-775-2413. Sequoyah’s Cabin, a tions related to the theme “Landmarks and Turning Points in National Historic Landmark, is located at 470288 Highway Oklahoma History.” Among the activities that will be available 101 in Sallisaw. during the conference are three bus tours, two luncheons, one dinner and concert, eighteen program sessions, vendors, Woodward area attractions, and the unveiling of a statue of Temple Houston. Please contact Paul Lambert at 405-522- 5217 or [email protected] or Shelly Crynes at 405-522- 0317 or [email protected] with any questions.

Fur Trade Rendezvous continues at Fort Washita

Fort Washita in Durant is hosting a Fur Trade Rendezvous from Wednesday, March 30, through Sunday, April 3. This is a living history event reminiscent of a fur trade rendezvous that was the center of commerce on the early western frontier. Visitors can expect to see trappers representing the far north- west mountain areas to the desert southwest, as well as trad- ers with French and Spanish influence. Visit Fort Washita April events at the Cherokee Strip and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of history. Regional Heritage Center The rendezvous will include instructive programs in cus- toms, survival skills, and lifestyles of the period. “School The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (CSRHC) in Days” are scheduled for Thursday, March 31, and Friday, Enid will host three exciting events during the month of April. April 1. Students will travel through the camps where re- The CSRHC will roll out the red carpet for the winners of the enactors will explain life on the frontier in the early nineteenth Red Dirt BBQ student art competition with an exhibit of multi- century. There is no charge for school buses. There is a $5 media art from area school students. The winners’ exhibit will per car fee for others visiting the Fur Trade Rendezvous, with be on display in the J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation Exhibit all proceeds to benefit preservation projects at Fort Washita. Gallery from April 5 through April 16. Please call 580-924-6502 for more information. Fort Washita Family Saturday will be held in Humphrey Heritage Village was established in 1842 in the Nation, Indian Ter- on Saturday, April 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. The activity of the day ritory, as the southwestern-most military post of the United will be household chores in the Glidewell House. There is sure States. A National Historic Landmark, Fort Washita is located to be laundry to wash and coffee to grind in addition to other at 3348 State Road 199 in Durant. household chores that families will need to perform. On Wednesday, April 13, at noon, the museum will host a Brown Bag Lunch and Learn program entitled “The American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson,” by Dr. Aaron Mason from Northwestern Oklahoma State University. The presentation will be held in the Humphrey Heritage Village on the grounds of the CSRHC. The Brown Bag programs are held on the second Wednesday of each month and are free to the public. The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center is open Tues- day through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about CSRHC programs, please call 580-237-1907 or visit www.csrhc.org. The CSRHC is located at 507 South Fourth Street in Enid. for special events, community meetings, New Members, February and educational programs. As we were working on the exhibits, we *Indicates renewed memberships at a had a chance to acquire a major collec- higher level tion with more than three thousand rare Director’s items from political campaigns going back Director’s Circle column to the 1880s. We organized the collec- *Karen Keith, Tulsa tion in a large room of the old Historical Associate Building and asked Aubrey to see it on *Barbara Berry, Sapulpa his way home from work. He immediately recognized the value of the collection and Friend offered a challenge grant to acquire it. We Ken and Barbara Buettner, Edmond raised the match and it is now secure for *John Clackler, Plattsburgh, NY By Dr. Bob L. Blackburn Barbara Cooper, Oklahoma City Executive Director all time. *Steve and Rachel Davis, Durant I will never forget the first time I gave *Jose and Elizabeth del Pozo, Del Mar, CA As we go through life, we seldom know Rhea Griffin, Mira Loma, CA Aubrey a tour of the finished museum ex- *Niles Jackson and Barbara Thornton, Edmond how we might affect our community both hibits. He went through so quickly I was *Carlos and Pam Jackson, Oklahoma City now and in the future. In the case of afraid he was not absorbing the details of *Jim and Pat Kirk, Bethany Aubrey McClendon, who recently passed our multi-leveled design. But when we fin- Majors Energy, Oklahoma City away, we do know. His legacy is clearly ished the tour, he turned, gave me a big visible today. Family bear hug, and said, “Great job. . .I’m proud Bob and Mary Lee Allen, Oklahoma City Aubrey will be remembered mostly as of you.” That is a fond memory. Vere Atkins and Clayton Lawrence, Washington, DC an innovator in the oil and gas business. In 2007, as a state centennial project, Roosevelt and Cynthia Calloway, Oklahoma City As I told him many times, his willingness *Donald Carnahan, Norman I wanted to honor public service by rec- George Carney, Oklahoma City to take a risk, his embrace of technology, ognizing the seven living governors of the *Martha Custer, Oklahoma City and his ability to inspire those around Jack and Rachel DeHanas, Marco Island, FL state. I went to Aubrey to see if he could John and Pamela Fischer, Oklahoma City him reminded me of E. W. Marland, the help and he said yes, but challenged me Ronald and Shantele Graham, Warr Acres founder of Conoco who set new standards to think big. The exhibit was a smash hit, Alma Harper, Eufaula for excellence. *Charles Holcomb, Midwest City with all of the governors in attendance *Linda Horn, Edmond Just as importantly, Aubrey will be re- and a standing room only audience of *Nadine Johnson, San Diego, CA membered as a community leader. Most 1,200 people. Aubrey did not let me drag *Ann Kennedy, Oklahoma City people know about his philanthropy and Wayne and Linda Loftin, Checotah him into the spotlight for recognition, but Robert and Susan Markman, North Little Rock, AR investments, clearly visible in the OKC I publicly thanked him anyway. Typically, Patsy Miller, Tulsa Boathouse District and the many busi- he was at the back of the room absorbing *Sammie Moser, Choctaw nesses he nurtured, but his generosity Alison Ogden, Prague the historical importance of the event. Victor and Teresa Sansalone, Oklahoma City was shared by many organizations, in- A few years later Aubrey encouraged me *Grayson Schuering, Checotah cluding the Oklahoma Historical Society. to write two books. One would be an up- Ron and Sandra Skinner, Choctaw Lee Wells, Yukon I met Aubrey in 2001 as we were dated history of oil and gas pioneers in launching plans for the Oklahoma His- Oklahoma. The other was a history of the Individual tory Center. Our project appealed to him Chesapeake campus. He did not want a John Asher, Fort Gibson for several reasons. First, Aubrey at heart biography of himself or the company, but Cherie Beauprie, Grove was a historian. He was a history major Fatima Brazil, San Jose, CA he wanted to get a better picture of how Kaitlin Caldwell, Duncan at Duke and he was a voracious reader. the campus fit into the history of the com- Pat Campbell, Enid When I loaned him one of my early books, munity. I suggested a James Michener Lorene Childers, Jenks he bought all the copies he could on the Loralee Cooley, Yukon approach that would put the reader on Carolyn Crofford, Tahlequah Internet and gave them to friends. one spot of land and watch history whiz Aubrey also appreciated big dreams, by. He loved the idea, which reflected his cont’d. on p. 7 which described our $62 million project sense of community over self. that had only $32 million in funding. He Neither book has been finished, but they Oklahoma Historical Society was one of the first community leaders to will be someday. Both will be a small part Membership Office: Alma Moore see the potential of the History Center and of Aubrey’s legacy. 405-522-5242 he quickly agreed to be the first major do- [email protected] Mistletoe Leaves (USPS 018-315) is published monthly by the Oklahoma nor with a pledge of $600,000. Today, the Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105- Chesapeake Events Center is used daily 7917. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK. (ISSN 1932-0108) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mistletoe Leaves, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917.

By authorization of the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Board of Directors, 6,000 copies are prepared at a cost of $1,276 each month. The Development News publication is financed in part with federal funds from the , United States Department of the Interior. By Larry O’Dell Contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Oklahoma Historical Society or the United States Department of It is April and time again for the Oklahoma Historical Soci- the Interior. Mention of trade names does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by either organization. ety’s Annual History Conference. This event is a great opportunity to investigate the status Mistletoe Leaves is published for the members and friends of the Oklahoma Historical Society in partial fulfillment of the Society’s of Oklahoma’s historic scholarship. At the awards luncheon the OHS will bestow awards purpose to “perserve and perpetuate the history of Oklahoma and its people, to stimulate popular interest in historical study and research, for publications, theses, and dissertations. The presentation sessions will reveal new or en- and to promote and disseminate historical knowledge.” hanced research on the state’s unique story. The presenters will be historians and scholars The public and OHS members are encouraged to submit heritage- related items for publication. Students and teachers are invited to share from around Oklahoma. While the OHS is excited about young and active researchers, the studies and programs and to duplicate contents as desired. Editors are welcome to reprint materials with credit. organization also celebrates people who have made history their lifelong pursuit. This year we All Oklahoma Historical Society facilities are for the education and enjoyment of all. State and federal regulations prohibit unlawful honor Arthur Tolson, Steven Gragert, Dr. L. V. and Pat Baker, and Mike Larsen. discrimination in state and federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, and/or handicap. An exciting evening event on April 28 will be a dinner and concert that will honor Western Anyone denied benefits should contact the grievance manager of Swing Hall of Fame member Ron Hohweiler. He has put together an excellent band that the Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917, telephone 405-522-5204, and/or the director, will perform. OHS members and anyone interested in history should enjoy these three days Office of Equal Opportunity, United States Department of the Interior, in April. You can read more about the conference in Woodward throughout this issue of Washington, D.C. 20240. Mistletoe Leaves.

2 old fashioned cake walks every hour on The book is by Sue Schrems and Vernon Events the half hour, and the museum will offer Maddux, on behalf of the Cleveland free admission. The Spencer Museum County Historical Society in Norman. It Attend the monthly meeting of the and adjacent Ben Black Park are located features newly uncovered black and white Muskogee County Historical Society at the corner of NE Fiftieth Street and photographs, poised to expose a piece of in Muskogee on Thursday, April 14, Palmer Avenue in Spencer. For additional World War II history. In 1944, A. L. Simon, at 11:30 a.m. The meeting will be held information please call Mary Hammon at a sailor at the Norman Naval Air Station, in the second floor conference room at 405-771-4472 or Linda Verges at 405- illustrated a booklet, “On the Beach,” the Cherokee Nation Health Center. 771-3561. about Navy life in Norman, Oklahoma. It includes a potluck luncheon and a The title he chose reflected the irony of presentation by Ron Boren, curator Visit the Talbot Library and Museum in the US Navy establishing two bases in at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. Colcord for a program with Jack and Pat a landlocked prairie town in 1942. The Boren will play guitar, give a summary Fletcher, authors of the three-volume initial activation of the Naval bases (from of local music history, and talk about Cherokee Trail Diaries. The program will 1942 to 1945) and their reactivation plans for the Oklahoma Music Hall occur Saturday, April 30, from 2–4 p.m. (from 1952 to 1959) greatly increased of Fame’s upcoming event entitled “G in the historic Springtown Schoolhouse the employment rate and economy in Fest”—scheduled for June 16–18 in on the museum property. The Cherokee Norman, offering locals a much-needed Muskogee. The Cherokee Nation Health Trail was the name given to the two routes boost after the Great Depression of the Center is located at 1001 South Forty- taken by Cherokees traveling west to the 1930s. The men who influenced the Navy First Street East in Muskogee. Please call California gold fields in 1849 and 1850. to choose Norman as the location for Ellen Johnson at 918-453-9842 with any The wagon train, consisting of people installations were T. Jack Foster of the questions. from the Cherokee Nation and northwest Norman Chamber of Commerce; Joseph Arkansas, met at the Grand Saline Salt Brandt, president of the University Head to the Washita Battlefield National Works on the Grand River to start the of Oklahoma; and Savoie Lottinville, Historic Site in Cheyenne for Junior journey. Jack and Pat Fletcher will pres- director of the University of Oklahoma Ranger Day on Saturday, April 16, from ent information on the present status of Press. Norman’s Navy Years, 1942– 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Junior Ranger Day is a the Cherokee Trail, along with new trail 1959 is available for purchase at local th great way to celebrate the 100 birthday evidence and the work of groups from bookstores and www.arcadiapublishing. of the National Park Service. Adults and Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming where it com. For more information please contact children are invited to participate in nu- is designated a State Historic Trail. The Katie Parry at 888-313-2665, ext. 161 or merous activities and programs including Talbot Library and Museum is located at [email protected]. archery, a Cheyenne art workshop by re- 500 South Colcord Avenue in Colcord. nowned artist George Levi, the Western Regular museum hours are Wednesday The second edition of Nichols Hills: Plains Bookmobile, an active beehive through Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. For A Residential Community, by Konrad display, the US Fish and Wildlife Ser- more information please call 918-326- Keesee and Ann Taylor, is now available vice Environmental Education Trailer, 4532, email [email protected], for sale. This updated book features the Seventh Cavalrymen camp, and a visit www.talbotlibrary.org, or find the additional social photographs, including twenty-one-foot-tall tipi. Guests also can Talbot Library and Museum on Facebook. those of early debutantes and the 1960 make a pollinator seed bomb, commu- Best Dressed Ladies. It also features the nicate through a HAM radio, and stroll Celebrate the life of Temple Houston at history of the Oklahoma City Golf and the Battlefield Trail. Washita Battlefield a statue unveiling on Friday, April 29, Country Club, many of the earliest houses National Historic Site is located at 18555 at 2 p.m. The statue will be unveiled at that have since been demolished, and Highway 47A near Cheyenne. For more the and Pioneers Museum interior photographs of the G. A. Nichols information please contact Barbara Ford in Woodward. Temple Houston, along estate, the Fred Jones mansion, and the at 580-497-2742, ext. 3013. with his family, moved to Woodward af- John A. Brown residence. The book is ter Houston participated in the land run available for sale at Nichols Hills Town Celebrate the Land Run of 1889 at the into the Cherokee Strip on September Hall, located at 6407 Avondale Drive in thirteenth annual Choctaw Frontier Days 16, 1893. Following the statue unveiling, Nichols Hills. All proceeds will benefit (formerly known as the Land Run Festival) guests are invited to tour the museum. Nichols Hills parks. For more information on Thursday, April 21, and Friday, April The Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum please call 405-843-6637. 22. This educational event will be held is located at 2009 Williams Avenue in at Choctaw Creek Park in Choctaw. Woodward. Museum hours are Tuesday Do you want your organization’s meet- The eastern boundary of the 1889 Land through Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and ing, event, exhibit, or announcement Run was the Indian Meridian. Today is it admission is free. Please contact Direc- included in the “Around Oklahoma” sec- known as Indian Meridian Road, which tor Robert Roberson at 580-256-6136 or tion of Mistletoe Leaves? The “Around runs through Choctaw. Choctaw Creek [email protected] for more information. Oklahoma” section features Oklahoma Park is located at 2001 North Harper history and heritage-related activities Street in Choctaw. For more information or programs sponsored by entities other please call 405-390-8198. than the Oklahoma Historical Society. Announcements To submit news items, please contact The Spencer Historical Society will host its Evelyn Brown, assistant editor, by email annual Baked Goods Sharing and Plant A new book entitled Norman’s Navy Years, at [email protected] or by mail Sale on Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m.–3 1942–1959 was recently released by at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma p.m. This event is open to the public and Arcadia Publishing, which adds to its ever City, Oklahoma 73105. If you wish a will be held at the Spencer Museum and expanding “Images of America” series. news item to appear in the May issue, you Ben Black Park in Spencer. There will be must submit it by Monday, April 4, 2016.

3 T. B. Ferguson Home to May Day celebration and Keynote speaker for present lecture education day at the History Conference

The T. B. Ferguson Home in Watonga Murrell Home Luncheon announced will present a free lecture on Saturday, The George M. Murrell Home in Park April 16, from 10 a.m.–noon. Liz Bergey Jay Hannah of Okla- Hill will host a May Day celebration on from the University of Oklahoma will homa City will be the Saturday, May 7, from noon to 4 p.m. present a lecture about the history of keynote speaker of the Formerly called the Murrell Home Lawn sewing machines. The lecture will be held 2016 Oklahoma History Social, this free event will include dance at the Watonga Library, located at 301 Conference. Hannah will lessons, croquet and horseshoe tourna- North Prouty Street in Watonga. For more speak during the Annual ments, music, and lawn games. Reen- information please call 580-623-5069. Conference Luncheon on actors in period dress will demonstrate Thursday, April 28, at daily life in the mid-1800s at Oklahoma’s noon, at the Woodward only remaining antebellum plantation. Conference Center. Hannah is executive Bring picnic basket lunches, quilts, and vice president of Financial Services at New Oklahoma National lawn chairs to enjoy a picnic on the lawn BancFirst. A citizen and former tribal of- Register listing from noon to 1 p.m. ficial of the Cherokee Nation, he is a stu- Experience activities all afternoon, then dent of Cherokee history and a renowned The State Historic Preservation Office is stay for the maypole, which will close the public speaker. pleased to announce a new National Reg- event and commemorate the start of the Hannah’s topic will be the Beck-Hilde- ister of Historic Places (NRHP) listing in growing season on the plantation. For brand Mill. He served as treasurer of the Oklahoma. The National Register of His- school groups, the May Day living history Beck-Hildebrand Museum, a local pres- toric Places is our nation’s official list of education day will be held on Friday, May ervation group dedicated to securing and properties significant in our past. 6, with two sessions: 9:30–11:30 a.m. and preserving the mill site, structures, and The Balloon Hangar at Henry Post Army 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Teachers are invit- equipment. The historic site and struc- Airfield on the post is recognized ed to bring their students and experience tures are scheduled for re-creation and nationally for its association with the life in nineteenth-century Indian Terri- preservation as a working interpretative evolution of Army aviation activities, tory through exciting hands-on presenta- facility of early nineteenth-century com- particularly balloons during the years tions by Oklahoma Historical Society staff merce. between World War I and World War II. and costumed living history presenters. The Balloon Hangar is also significant Tours of the 1845 Murrell Home mansion nationally in the area of architecture and also will be available. The May Day liv- engineering as a distinctive, eight-story, ing history education day is open to pub- military-related, metal balloon hangar. lic, private, and home school groups. To “Mysteries of the The Balloon Hangar at Henry Post Army register a class or group, please call 918- Airfield is one of only a few extant, eight- 456-2751 or email apritchett@okhistory. Mansion” tours story, metal balloon hangars constructed org. The Murrell Home is located three “Mysteries of the Mansion” tours at the by the US Army during the interwar miles south of Tahlequah at 19479 East Overholser Mansion in Oklahoma City years and is an excellent example of this Murrell Home Road in Park Hill. For more will take place at 7 p.m. on the third unusual type of building. information please call 918-456-2751. Thursday of each month. In April, the Listing in the National Register is tour will take place on Thursday, April an honorific designation that provides 21. These extended tours allow guests recognition, limited protection and, in to tour the mansion at night, examine some cases, financial incentives for these archival materials, and hear some amaz- important properties. The State Historic ing stories. Guests are asked to RSVP in Preservation Office identifies, evaluates, 2016 Oklahoma History advance. To make a reservation for this and nominates properties for this spe- Conference committee tour, please call 405-525-5325 or email cial designation. These nominations are [email protected]. made on a quarterly basis. If you be- recognized Regular hours of operation at the man- lieve a property in your area is eligible, The Annual Conference Committee of sion are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 please fill out the Historic Preservation OHS directors has been working hard a.m.–3 p.m. The Overholser Mansion is Resource Identification Form located at to organize the 2016 Oklahoma History located at 405 NW Fifteenth Street in www.okhistory.org/shpo/nrprelim.htm. Conference, scheduled for April 27–29 Oklahoma City. It is owned by the Okla- For more information about the National at the Woodward Conference Center in homa Historical Society and managed by Register of Historic Places, please contact Woodward. Preservation Oklahoma, Inc. Lynda Ozan at [email protected] or In addition to committee chair Deena 405-522-4478. Fisher of Woodward, the committee mem- bers include Cheryl Evans, Tonkawa; Sandie Olson, Waynoka; Sherry Much- more, Ponca City; and Charles Tate, Ardmore. Working with the committee is the OHS Staff Coordinating Committee, consisting of Conference Coordinator Paul Lambert, Elizabeth Bass, Bob Blackburn, Evelyn Brown, Shelly Crynes, Nicole Harvey, Alma Moore, Jeff Moore, Larry O’Dell, Jennifer Towry, and Tim Zwink.

4 2016 Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame honorees 2016 Oklahoma History and award recipients announced Conference sponsors

Deena Fisher, chair of the 2016 Okla- of the National Park Service in Santa Fe, The 2016 Oklahoma History Confer- homa History Conference Committee, New Mexico, where he assists with the ence experience for attendees will be sig- announced that the committee has se- congressionally designated Route 66 Cor- nificantly enhanced by the contributions lected four individuals to be inducted ridor Preservation Program. His article of our event sponsors. The sponsors have into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of “The Twilight of Route 66: Transitioning contributed to the event in various ways, Fame. The induction ceremony and pre- from Highway to Freeway, 1956–84,” was from making direct financial contribution sentation of other awards will take place published in the Fall 2015 issue. to providing in-kind services and the do- during the Annual Awards Luncheon on Recipient of the Joseph B. Thoburn nation of equipment and facilities. Friday, April 29, at noon, at the Wood- Outstanding Student Award will be Kate Sponsors for the conference include ward Conference Center. Garner, a student at Centennial Mid- The Stock Exchange Bank of Wood- The honorees include Dr. L. V. and Pat dle School in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. ward, Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma, Baker, Elk City; Steven K. Gragert, Still- Among her activities has been research- OG&E Energy Corporation, City of Wood- water; Mike Larsen, Perkins; and Arthur ing and writing a paper titled “Saint ward, Woodward Chamber of Commerce, L. Tolson, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Kate—Kate Barnard: The Leadership Woodward Industrial Foundation, Wood- The Bakers will be inducted as a team and Legacy of Oklahoma’s First Commis- ward Convention and Visitors Bureau, for their outstanding work, beginning in sioner of Charities and Corrections,” for Woodward Public Schools, Northwestern the 1960s, to create the museum com- which she won a first place award at the Oklahoma State University, Mead Fer- plex in Elk City and to preserve the his- state level of the 2015 Oklahoma Nation- guson, Bedré Fine Chocolate, and the tory of the Elk City region. al History Day competition. Nation. Gragert has spent his career research- The William D. Pennington Award will The officers, directors, and staff of the ing and writing about Will Rogers as well be presented to Linnett Williamson, an OHS appreciate the support of these or- as editing the Will Rogers papers and Oklahoma history teacher at Felt High ganizations and individuals. serving as the executive director of the School in Felt, Oklahoma. Williamson is Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore. being recognized for years of excellence in An internationally acclaimed artist, teaching Oklahoma history. Larsen has emphasized historical accu- The Outstanding Local Museum Award racy in his works of art depicting the his- will be presented to the Plains Indians New Oklahoma license tory and culture of the Chickasaw Nation and Pioneers Museum. Located in Wood- plate features original as well as other tribes. His historical re- ward, the museum has upheld a stan- search in preparation for various projects dard of excellence for decades. state flag is legendary. The Outstanding Local OHS Support Tolson was the first African American Group Award will be presented to the Oklahoma drivers have an opportunity to earn an MA degree in history from Friends of Historic Fort Supply. This to purchase a new license plate that Oklahoma State University and a PhD group has rendered long and effective features Oklahoma’s first flag and its degree in history from the University of support in the effort to preserve the phys- official state motto, Labor Omnia Vincit. Oklahoma. He authored several pioneer- ical remains and the history of a histori- This Latin phrase translates to “Labor ing works on the history of African Ameri- cally significant military installation. Conquers All.” Oklahoma’s first state cans in Oklahoma. Willard Jacob “Jake” Cornwell of Tulsa, flag was adopted in 1911, four years In addition to four individuals who will Oklahoma, will be honored as the author after statehood. It consisted of a red field be inducted into the Oklahoma Histori- of the Outstanding Thesis on Oklahoma with a five-pointed, white star outlined in ans Hall of Fame other individuals and History. His thesis titled “Playing Be- blue. The number 46, in blue, denoting organizations will be recognized for their tween the Lines: An Examination of Ne- Oklahoma’s position as the forty-sixth efforts on behalf of Oklahoma history. gro League Baseball in Oklahoma, 1892 state, was placed in the star’s center. The Muriel H. Wright Award is pre- to 1965” was completed at Oklahoma This new license plate is a wonderful way sented to the author of the best article State University in 2015. to celebrate Oklahoma’s heritage. published in the previous volume of The Awards for Outstanding Book on Okla- The cost for the Original State Flag Chronicles of Oklahoma. This year we homa History published in 2015 will be license plate is $18. Please visit www. have cowinners. presented to author Amy M. Ware of Aus- ok.gov/tax/documents/708-E.pdf in or- Joe Specht, collection manager of the tin, , and the University of Kansas der to complete the Application for the McWhiney History Education Group and Press for the book The Cherokee Kid: Will 2016 Special License Plates. As the form former director of the Jay-Rollins Library Rogers, Tribal Identity, and the Making of indicates, the Oklahoma Tax Commission at McMurry University, Abilene, Tex- an American Icon. (OTC) must have one hundred prepaid as, will receive one of the Muriel Wright Individuals wishing to attend the April applications on file by May 1, 2016. If an Awards. His article was titled, “Turning 29 Annual Awards Luncheon without insufficient number of applications are to the Right: More Oil Patch Songs from attending other conference events may received by that date, all application fees Oklahoma,” which appeared in the Win- do so without paying a registration fee. will be refunded. Please call the OTC at ter 2015–16 issue. To make arrangements, please con- 405-521-2468 for more information. Also receiving the Muriel H. Wright tact Shelly Crynes at 405-522-0317 or Award will be Frank Norris, a historian [email protected]. for National Trails Intermountain Region

5 Friends of the Murrell Sod House Museum Oklahoma History Center Home to host tour of Fort to host “History of to host April events

Smith historic sites Oklahoma Poets” lecture The Oklahoma History Center (OHC) Education Department will host two The Friends of the Murrell Home will On Saturday, April 16, at 10 a.m., a events in April. February marked the be- host its thirteenth annual Friends field “History of Oklahoma Poets” lecture will ginning of a new series of events known trip on Saturday, April 9. The chartered be presented by Dr. Shawn Holliday. as First Saturday Hands-on History pro- bus tour will explore some of the impor- Holliday is a professor and associate grams. These programs are an extension tant historic sites at Fort Smith, Arkan- dean of graduate studies at Northwestern of the department’s popular practice of sas. The tour will start with a visit to Oklahoma State University. He recently encouraging participation in historically the Fort Smith National Historic Site, its wrote a book entitled The Oklahoma Poets based crafts and activities. On the first courthouse, outbuildings, and the Trail Laureate: A Sourcebook, History, and Saturday of each month, from 1–4 p.m., of Tears Memorial. The cost is $6 unless Anthology (Mongrel Empire Press, 2015). the OHC Education Department will fo- you have a NPS Senior Lifetime Pass and Holliday’s presentation will include an cus on a particular theme and will cre- then it is free for you and family mem- outline of his book about the Oklahoma ate learning opportunities connected to bers. For those who have visited this site Poets Laureate followed by a book signing. that theme. The activities will target chil- before and also want to visit other nearby Holliday took on the book project when dren of all ages, but adults are welcome historic sites, the Fort Smith Museum of he realized that many citizens were un- to participate. “One of our primary goals History ($7) is nearby and there is a trolley aware that Oklahoma had a poet laure- of First Saturday events is to engage stu- ride ($3) that tours the area. In the after- ate. The book intends to celebrate the dents and families in hands-on learning, noon the group will tour the Belle Grove Oklahoma poets laureate and to exhume bringing Oklahoma’s rich and diverse Historic District and National Cemetery the work of those early poets whose books history to life through activities and ex- on the bus with a local expert before vis- have been long out of print. hibits,” said Director of Education Sarah iting Miss Laura’s, the famous bordello. The Sod House Museum is located Dumas. Later the group will visit with the staff of southeast of Aline on State Highway 8. The First Saturday Hands-on History the future US Marshals Museum, sched- The museum is open Tuesday through program this month will feature “Earth uled to open in 2018. They will provide Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more in- Day” and “Pioneer Life” themes. The pro- a presentation and explain the scope of formation please contact Director Renee gram will be held on Saturday, April 2, this national museum dedicated to all US Trindle at [email protected] or 1–4 p.m. Attendees can make birdfeeders, Marshals. 580-463-2441. stake a claim for their family homestead, The bus tour begins promptly at 8 a.m. and enjoy various photo opportunities. Attendees are asked to arrive at 7:45 a.m. The OHC Education Department also to load the bus. It will depart from the invites individuals to learn a new skill Murrell Home in Park Hill and will return Smithsonian’s Let’s Do with a hands-on Dutch Oven Cooking at approximately 7 p.m. Cost for the tour class on Saturday, April 30, from 1–5 program is $38 per person, which covers History tour p.m. Experience a participatory class and the tour group’s use of the Villager Bus, learn to cook in a Dutch oven! Teens and fee for our guide through the historic dis- On February 11, educators from the adults will learn various cooking meth- tricts, and donations to our host institu- Oklahoma History Center (OHC) were in- ods, discover new recipes, and create a tions. Information packets and handouts vited by the Smithsonian’s National Mu- dish to share with the group. Cost for the will be provided. seum of American History to participate class is $15 and all necessary materials The Friends tour group is planning to in their Let’s Do History tour in Norman, will be provided. The class will begin with eat lunch downtown. There are at least Oklahoma. During the hour-long pre- background information in a classroom six restaurants within walking distance sentation, OHC staff shared various pro- setting, but the majority of the class will ranging from a deli and Subway to res- grams offered for teachers and students take place outdoors. A group meal will taurants serving barbecue, Mexican food, by the History Center, spending most of be prepared. Please remember to dress local brewery fare, and Central American the time discussing the traveling trunk for the weather and no open-toed shoes food. Each individual will be responsible program. Teachers were able to engage or sandals are permitted. This class re- for their own meals. If you wish snacks with four different trunks and participat- quires registration and is open to indi- or drinks (nonalcoholic) on the bus dur- ed in two different activities, one in which viduals ages ten and up. The Oklahoma ing the day, or to fix your own food, you they investigated history through analyz- History Center is located at 800 Nazih should plan to bring those items with ing an artifact and another during which Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. For more you. Before the trek home the bus will they had to help a pioneer family pack information please call 405-522-3602 or again visit that same downtown area for their wagon for a trip to Oklahoma Ter- email [email protected]. dinner. The bus is equipped with a rest- ritory. It was certainly a fun afternoon, room, water, and wireless internet (wifi) and it seemed the teachers enjoyed them- access. selves as well. But for the OHC Education Friends of the Murrell Home have been Department staff, perhaps the best part given the first opportunity to reserve a of the afternoon was when they returned seat. On March 21, the Friends group back to the museum. Waiting in their in- will begin accepting reservations from boxes were dozens of requests for use of all OHS members and the public. Make our resources. In fact, of the fifty teachers your reservation as soon as possible to who attended the workshop, almost half ensure your seat. Major credit cards are have already made plans to participate accepted. All sales are final, but tickets in an OHC program. What a wonderful are transferable. To reserve a seat or for end to an exciting day with some fantas- more information, please call the Murrell tic teachers and the great folks from the Home at 918-456-2751. National Museum of American History. Dutch oven cooking at the Oklahoma History Center.

6 Third Saturday Living Round two National 2016 Statewide History program at the Register nomination Preservation Conference

Murrell Home grant applications Save the dates June 1–3, 2016, for Oklahoma’s Twenty-Eighth Annual State- Visit the George M. Murrell Home in available wide Preservation Conference to be held Park Hill on Saturday, April 16, from 1 The State Historic Preservation Office in Enid, Oklahoma. The conference will to 4 p.m. to participate in a nineteenth- (SHPO) is now accepting applications for include three concurrent tracks of ses- century living history activity. The Third round two of its annual matching grants sions, one to two plenary sessions, local Saturday Living History program is free to state, local, and tribal governments tours, receptions, SHPO’s annual awards and open to visitors of all ages. It is held and nonprofit organizations for the banquet, and Preservation Oklahoma’s on the third Saturday of each month, preparation of National Register of annual meeting and luncheon. The full with a new topic for each program. Reg- Historic Places (NRHP) nominations. conference schedule will appear in a fu- ular hours of operation at the home are The SHPO reserved $10,000 of its FY ture issue of Mistletoe Leaves. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2015 Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) 5 p.m. For more information please call allocation from the US Department of the 918-456-2751, email murrellhome@okh- Interior for these grants. The deadline for istory.org, or visit www.facebook.com/ New Members, cont’d. round two applications is Friday, June 3, murrellhome. The Murrell Home is lo- at 5 p.m. Individual cated three miles south of Tahlequah at Each grant is limited to $1,000, and Pritam Dahal, Ada 19479 East Murrell Home Road in Park William Elson Jr, Tulsa the applicant must provide a nonfederal, Hill. The 1845 plantation home was the Mary Jo Finley, Plano, TX cash match of at least $700. Grant Jessica Gregg, McAlester residence of George and Minerva (Ross) recipients will use the funds to retain Geneva Hancock, Edmond Murrell, and is a National Historic Land- Kris Helt, Cherryvale, KS an appropriately qualified professional Jeremy Holbert, Maysville mark. to complete an individual property Myrna Holland, Jay Chad Hulsey, Stratford nomination for the NRHP. Clinton Johnson, Oklahoma City The NRHP is the list of our nation’s Robert Key, Mustang significant buildings, structures, sites, Esther King, Warner Dr. John H. Falk Gary Kiser, Nowata districts, objects, and landscapes. While Sheldon Knowles, Wynnewood presented program to listing in the NRHP is not a guarantee of Mark Lewin, Ada preservation or financial assistance, it is J. P. London, Arlington, VA museum educators at the Catherine Lyon, Edmond one of the most important components William McMurry, Oklahoma City Oklahoma History Center of the preservation strategy for any Gwendolyn Mukes, Oklahoma City Bryan Niles, Moore significant property. The designation Lloyd Noble, Tulsa On Wednesday, March 23, the Okla- provides increased public awareness of Jay O’Meilia, Tulsa homa Museums Association hosted the these irreplaceable resources, provides Shelly Oneal, Orlando Tony Poe, Pontotoc annual Oklahoma Museum Educators limited protection for them, qualifies Jason Poundrier, Rush Springs (OKME) meeting at the Oklahoma History property owners for federal tax credits Linda Price, Norman Sheila Seivert-Thomason, Sulphur Center. This year’s program featured Dr. under certain circumstances, and may Terry Snow, Lindsay John H. Falk. Dr. Falk is internationally qualify the property owner for grant Gilberta True, Foster recognized as a leading expert on free- assistance when such programs are Teresa Tyndall, Jenks Roy Wall, Chesterfield, MO choice learning and has published more funded. Jason West, McAlester than 150 works in his field. He has held To obtain a NRHP nomination grant P. G. Wilson, Oklahoma City many positions in the museum and application, please visit www.okhistory. Janet Wood, Oklahoma City Harvey Yost II, Stillwater learning community, spending fourteen org/shpo/nrgrant.htm. Applications also Louise Young, Wilson years at the Smithsonian Institution may be obtained from the SHPO by call- and currently serving as the director of ing 405-521-6249. Organizational the Institute for Learning Innovation and Beemer Books, Minneapolis, KS the Sea Grant Professor of Free-Choice Learning at Oregon State University. He has been awarded numerous prestigious Twenty-year members renew in February awards including the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Education Committee’s Listed below, with the date they joined the OHS, are people and organizations highest honor, the John Cotton Dana that, when they renewed their memberships in February, have been members Award for Leadership; the Distinguished twenty or more years. Their long-term loyalty is most sincerely appreciated! Career Award for Research from NARST; and recognition by AAM as one of the P. G. Wilson, Oklahoma City, March 1, 1967 Felice Calhoon, Beaver, January 22, 1987 one hundred most influential museum Jerry Anduss, Piedmont, February 17, 1970 Jean Tomassi, Tulsa, November 16, 1987 Shirley Rider, Adair, February 1, 1974 Vicki Hicks, Washington, DC, September 5, 1989 professionals of the past one hundred Phil and Gail Roberts, Edmond, February 1, 1977 Lloyd Noble, Tulsa, December 26, 1989 years. Dr. Falk spoke to attendees about Harvey Yost II, Stillwater, February 1, 1977 Linda Horn, Edmond, January 2, 1990 Eugene Baade, Renton, WA, January 1, 1978 Charles Smith, Yukon, June 20, 1990 assessment in museum programs. This Allen and Linda Hicks, Kenefic, May 1, 1980 Eva Briley, Idabel, February 6, 1991 event offered a unique opportunity for Peggy Talley, Poteau, May 1, 1981 Robert and Susan Markman, North Little Rock, AR, the state’s educators to engage with a Bob and Mary Brown, Burneyville, February 1, 1984 April 11, 1991 Kenneth Corder, Edmond, February 1, 1986 INCOG, Tulsa, September 18, 1991 renowned expert in this field. We were Eastern Oklahoma State College, Wilburton, Tom and Kathleen Hughes, Wheaton, IL, January extremely fortunate to learn from his October 6, 1986 27, 1992 knowledge and expertise and believe that Betty Ruth Kemp and Charles Kemp, Norman, John Lawrence, The Colony, TX, January 9, 1995 November 4, 1986 Betty Johnston, El Reno, May 26, 1995 all who attended left with exciting and Michael Tower, Cortez, CO, December 29, 1986 Michael Higgins, Norman, September 12, 1995 practical ways to improve their respective Sapulpa Historical Society, Sapulpa, January 21, 1987 institutions.

7 Oklahoma Historical Society 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917 PERIODICALS

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Vol. 47, No. 4 April 2016 SHPO announces May workshops

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is pleased to announce its May workshop series. The workshops will be held on Wednesday, May 4, and Thursday, May 5. Sessions will be in the main conference room of the Bureau of Land Management’s Oklahoma Field Office, located at 7906 East Thirty-Third Street, Suite 101 in Tulsa. There is ample free parking available. Attendees must enter through security as this is a federal government facility. The workshops are free and open to the public, but attendees are asked to register by Wednesday, April 27, at 5 p.m. Space is limited and will be available on a first-come basis. To register, please contact Jesse Dearman at 405-521-6249 or [email protected]. Individuals may register online at www.okhistory.org/ shpo/workshops. Design professionals who attend the workshops will qualify for HSW hours needed to fulfill requirements of the State of Oklahoma’s Board of Governors of Licensed Architects, Landscape Architects, and Interior Designers. A certificate of attendance will be emailed to participants after the workshops, then attendance must be self-reported to the board. The workshop schedule and descriptions are listed below. Please contact Melvena Heisch, deputy SHPO, at 405-522-4484 or [email protected] with questions about any of the workshops. April events at a glance The Section 106 Review Process: Introduction and Overview Wednesday, May 4, 10 a.m.–noon 1–3 Fur Trade Rendezvous, Fort Washita Historic Site, Durant This workshop provides the basics about Section 106 of the National Historic 2 First Saturday Hands-on History program, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City Preservation Act and how the process works in Oklahoma. Specific topics include who is responsible for Section 106 compliance, when does Section 106 apply, 5–16 Red Dirt BBQ student art competition exhibit, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid what is the SHPO’s role in the process, what other agencies are involved, what 9 Quilting workshop with Martha Ray, Sod House Museum, Aline is a historic property, and what happens when a project will affect a historic

9 “Household Chores” Family Saturday program, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid property. This workshop is designed as a stand-alone session and as a companion to Determination of Eligibility under Section 106. 9 Field trip with Friends of the Murrell Home to Fort Smith, Arkansas, George M. Murrell Home, Park Hill Determination of Eligibility under Section 106 11 Tom Mix Museum annual membership meeting, Tom Mix Museum, Dewey Wednesday, May 4, 1:30–4:30 p.m. This session provides a step-by-step description of how to document standing 13 Brown Bag Lunch and Learn program, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid structures for the SHPO’s review. Specific topics include a discussion of the 15 Cherokee Cultural Day, Sequoyah’s Cabin, Sallisaw National Register of Historic Places Criteria for Evaluation, how to complete the Historic Preservation Resource Identification Form, photograph requirements, 16 T. B. Ferguson Home presents “History of Sewing Machines” lecture, Watonga Library, Watonga what a determination of eligibility means, how differences of opinion about 16 “History of Oklahoma Poets” lecture by Shawn Holliday, Sod House Museum, Aline eligibility are resolved, and when consultants may be helpful to agencies in preparing documentation for the Section 106 process. This session is designed 16 Third Saturday Living History program, George M. Murrell Home, Park Hill as a stand-alone workshop or as a companion to The Section 106 Review Process: 16 Tatting lace making workshop, Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher Introduction and Overview.

21 “Mysteries of the Mansion” tour, Overholser Mansion, Oklahoma City Working with the National Register of Historic Places Thursday, May 5, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 21 Historic Preservation Review Committee meeting, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City The National Register of Historic Places is the foundation of the SHPO’s pro-

22–24 Frontier Brigade Muster, Fort Gibson Historic Site, Fort Gibson grams, and a basic understanding of the National Register is essential for those involved in historic preservation at all levels of government and in the private 27–29 Oklahoma History Conference, Woodward Conference Center, Woodward sector. This workshop provides detailed information about the National Register 30 Dutch Oven Cooking class, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City criteria, what listing means, the rights of property owners in the nomination pro- Please visit www.okhistory.org/calendar for a complete list of OHS events, programs, and exhibits. cess, tips for preparing successful nominations, and much more.