Vol. 50, No. 4 Published bimonthly by the Historical Society, serving since 1893 July/August 2019

OHS acquires the Jerry L. Cornelius Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show Photography Collection postponed, will be held in July

The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) recently acquired On May 31 the Oklahoma His- the Jerry L. Cornelius Photography Collection from the Cor- torical Society announced that nelius family. The collection contains more than 19,000 photo Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West negatives and digital images. The photographs are primarily of Show would be postponed until people and places in Tulsa and the surrounding area from the Friday, July 26, and Saturday, 1950s through the early 21st century. The collection will be July 27. Preshow entertainment archived by the OHS, and through OKPOP the collection will begins at 7 p.m. and the Wild remain with the Tulsa community. The OHS eventually will dig- West Show starts at 7:30 p.m. itize and catalog the negatives, making the collection search- each evening. The show, origi- able on The Gateway to Oklahoma History website at gateway. nally scheduled for June 7–8, okhistory.org. has been postponed due to the Jerry L. Cornelius, a professional photographer in Tulsa for unprecedented rain and flooding more than 50 years, owned and operated Cornelius Photogra- across Oklahoma. phy and Cornelius Photocraft. He was a third-generation pro- “It was a difficult decision to fessional photographer, and his family spanned more than 100 make, but the safety of our per- years of professional photography in Oklahoma. His father, formers and spectators is our Meyers A. Cornelius, and his great-uncle, Z. P. Meyers, were first priority,” said show director commercial photographers. The Z. P. Meyers/Barney Hiller- Mona Denney. “The Pawnee area has received almost 21 inches man Photographic Collection is one of the largest photography of rain and more is predicted almost every day through the first collections currently archived by the OHS. week of June. This much rain makes the arena slippery and Cornelius was a graduate of Tulsa’s Will Rogers High School dangerous for both our human and animal performers.” and the University of Oklahoma. At age 29, Cornelius became According to Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum manager Ron the youngest president of the Oklahoma chapter of the Profes- Brown, “Staff at the ranch will be contacting those who have sional Photographers of America (PPA). He also held two PPA purchased advance tickets for the June 7–8 performances to designations, Master of Photography and Photographic Crafts- find out if they would like a refund or if they wish to keep their man. Cornelius was a longtime member of the Tulsa Rotary tickets for the new date.” Club, and he was a driving force in the Rotary’s effort to acquire, “We anticipate being able to reopen the Pawnee Bill mansion preserve, and catalog the Beryl Ford Collection photographs, a for the new show dates,” continued Brown. “The mansion has significant collection of photographs of historic Tulsa. Corne- been closed to the public for extensive stabilization and resto- lius was the executive director of the Ford Collection for several ration work. The rainfall has delayed the project completion so years. He passed away in 2016. we were not going to be able to have the mansion open for the “The Jerry L. Cornelius Photography Collection will enhance original dates of the show.” the already considerable photographic legacy established by This year’s show will celebrate the theme “Women of the Wild his family at the OHS, which began with the acquisition of the West Shows.” Through the years, many talented women were Z. P. Meyers/Barney Hillerman Photographic Collection in featured in Wild West Shows. They performed dangerous and 1998. Additionally, the images will contribute to telling the sto- daring feats on horseback, and proved to be just as good as ry of Tulsa through a professional lens, which parallels what their male counterparts. As true pioneers, they challenged the Cornelius’s uncle, Z. P. Meyers, did for Oklahoma City,” said traditional roles of women in the 19th century. Rachel Mosman, OHS photo and digital assets manager. Anyone holding tickets can contact the ranch for a refund Jerry Cornelius’s three daughters, Janet Carmichael, Jamie or to let them know they plan to attend on the new date. The Danias, and Andrea Spencer, noted his love of history and its phone number at the ranch is 918-762-2513. Rain and con- connection to his chosen profession. struction have caused frequent outages of the phone service. If For more information please contact Rachel Mosman at you are unable to reach the ranch by phone, you can contact [email protected] or 405-522-5208. them by email at [email protected]. “We want to thank our supporters and the many performers for their patience. The show will go on—just with a new date,” stated Brown. To purchase tickets or for more information, please call 918- 762-2513 or email [email protected]. No tickets can be purchased online. Advance tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors ages 65 and older, $10 for children ages 4–10, and free for children ages 3 and under. Groups of 20 or more qualify for a group rate of $12 per person. For $22 you can purchase the full package, which includes a water bottle, a program, and a ringside reserved seat. On the day of the show, tickets are $15 for adults. Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum is located at 1141 Pawnee Bill Road in Pawnee. McCall, will work with Route 66 advocates base appropriation, so this action fulfills to focus efforts on historic preservation, a pledge made to us at that time. Fund- community participation, and greater ing for the History Center will replace the awareness of the road’s significance in roof, reseal the exterior, and repair major both economic development and popular components in a building that is quickly culture. approaching its 20th birthday. Director’s Lieutenant Governor Pinnell, who re- Finally and most importantly, the OHS column quested language for the bill, will serve received funding to launch the Heritage as chairman of the commission as part Preservation Grant Program that will of his greater campaign to promote heri- assist local historical societies and muse- tage tourism. Many state agencies will ums with care of collections, creation of be involved, with staff support from the exhibits, and development of educational OHS and the Oklahoma Tourism and programs. By building capacity at small Recreation Department. museums, the OHS has a chance to share Funding also was appropriated for the best practices that have been gained over By Dr. Bob L. Blackburn Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Com- the past 30 years. Executive Director mission. Based on plans coordinated by Yes, I have written too many columns For the past nine years I have writ- Senator Kevin Matthews, the funding will about budget cuts. It is a pleasure to ten a number of columns describing be leveraged with private grants to de- write one that provides a map for forward our efforts to absorb major budget cuts velop exhibits, programs, walking tours, progress. without threatening higher standards and events to draw state and national and disrupting long-range plans. It is a attention to the consequences of racism relief to report that we have a welcome and the politics of hate and fear. The opportunity to gain back some of the lost OHS, which coordinated the Oklahoma ground with an increase in state funding. Commission to Study the Tulsa Race Riot “Oklahoma’s Medal Several legislators and members of from 1997 to 2001, will provide staff sup- of Honor Recipients” Governor ’s team stepped up port. to help us this year. The Stafford Air and Space Museum is presentation in Altus In the House, key advocates included another partner receiving funds through Representatives Kevin Wallace and Carl the OHS appropriation, as part of a three- On Thursday, July 18, at 7 p.m. the Newton. In the Senate, key supporters way collaboration to move the Gemini VI Museum of the Western Prairie in Al- were Senators Roger Thompson and spacecraft to that museum and bring to tus will host a presentation about Okla- Darcy Jech. On the governor’s team, the Oklahoma History Center the last homa’s Medal of Honor recipients. Jody encouragement came from our Cabinet Apollo spacecraft to fly to Skylab. The Turner of Enid, Oklahoma, will review the Secretary and budget direc- Apollo, flown by Okemah’s Bill Pogue, history of the Medal of Honor from the tor Mike Mazie. I want to say thank you has been on display in the Smithsonian Civil War through the most recent mili- to them and their colleagues. National Air and Space Museum since tary conflicts, focusing on the interesting In addition to funding critical projects, the 1970s. and inspiring stories of Oklahomans who legislation created the Oklahoma Route Critical repair and maintenance funds have earned the oldest US military award 66 Centennial Commission to plan for were appropriated for the Will Rogers Me- for bravery. Turner is a veteran of the US the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in morial Museum and the Oklahoma His- Air Force with 21 years of service. She is 2026. The seven commission members, tory Center. The Memorial Museum was also a history buff who has done exten- appointed by Governor Stitt, Lieutenant transferred to the OHS three years ago sive research on the Medal of Honor. This Governor Pinnell, and Speaker Charles without repair funds embedded in our program is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served. The Mu- seum of the Western Prairie is located at Development News 1100 Memorial Drive in Altus. Please call 580-482-1044 for more information. By Larry O’Dell Oklahoma Historical Society The OHS will be launching our Annual Giving Membership Office Campaign in the month of July. This is the season 405-522-5242 [email protected] in which we hold fundraising and awareness events to support OHS exhibits, collec- Mistletoe Leaves (USPS 018-315) is published bimonthly by the Okla- tions, and programs. The OHS will be hosting two upcoming events as part of our His- homa Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK (ISSN 1932- tory OffCenter series. This series is focused on immersive and engaging experiences, so 0108)

mark your calendar for these fun evenings with the OHS: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mistletoe Leaves, 800 Nazih • Oklahoma Trivia Night – Thursday, July 18, at 8 p.m. – The Pump Bar, 2425 North Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917. Walker Avenue, Oklahoma City By authorization of the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) Board of Directors, 5,400 copies are prepared at a cost of $1,170.57 bimonthly. This fun-filled evening is back by popular demand. Be sure to arrive early to sign up The publication is financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior. for Oklahoma trivia and enjoy a night fueled by great drinks and company. Contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Oklahoma Historical Society or the United States Department of • A Night in the Life: The Swinging Sixties – Friday, October 18, at 7 p.m. – Oklahoma the Interior. Mention of trade names does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by either organization. History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City Mistletoe Leaves is published for the members and friends of the OHS Pull out your shift dress and white lipstick, or don your love beads and tie-dye—the in partial fulfillment of its mission to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. third annual OHS gala theme is the Swinging Sixties! Step back in time with the mu- The public and OHS members are encouraged to submit heritage- related items for publication. Students and teachers are invited to share sic, décor, clothing, and food from everyone’s favorite decade. This is the can’t-miss studies and programs and to duplicate contents as desired. Editors are welcome to reprint materials with credit. OHS event of the year. All Oklahoma Historical Society facilities are for the education and enjoyment of all. State and federal regulations prohibit unlawful All money raised during our Annual Giving Campaign is used to support the OHS mis- discrimination in state and federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, and/or handicap. sion to collect, preserve, and share Oklahoma history. You will receive more information Anyone denied benefits should contact the grievance manager of in your mailbox about upcoming OHS events and our 2020 Annual Giving Campaign. the Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917, telephone 405-522-5299, and/or the director, If you have questions you can email me at [email protected] or visit our website for Office of Equal Opportunity, United States Department of the Interior, updates at www.okhistory.org. Washington, DC 20240.

2 boy, past and present. The Chisholm Trail The exhibit explores what happened af- Events Heritage Center is located at 1000 Chis- ter the Trail of Tears, when the Cherokee holm Trail Parkway in Duncan. Please people began arriving in Indian Territory. Visit the Plains Indians and Pioneers call 580-252-6692 for more information. It includes information about how Park Museum in Woodward for a special pre- Hill got its name, who the original inhab- sentation entitled “Apollo in My Rearview Join the Oklahoma Museums Associa- itants were, how missionaries came to Mirror” by Dan Schneider on Saturday, tion (OMA) for the 2019 OMA Annual the area, and how many of the Cherokee July 20. Schneider was a key engineer Conference on September 18–20 at the elite ended up settling in the community. on the Apollo program at NASA, and his Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant. This The exhibit will be on display through presentation will provide keen insights year’s theme is “Museums Rock: The Best January 1, 2020. Housed in former Rural and firsthand information. Introducing of Oklahoma Museums.” The conference School 51, the museum gives visitors a Schneider and providing the historical will showcase great programs, collections glimpse into the life and leadership of the context for the events that led to the first practices, fundraising, and more. Ses- great Cherokee leader John Ross. He was moon landing will be Dr. Deena K. Fish- sion topics include accessibility, careers principal chief of the Cherokee Nation for er, dean of the Northwestern Oklahoma and midlife crisis, homeschoolers, com- more than 30 years during some of the State University campus in Woodward. munity museum experience, digital me- tribe’s most trying times, including the The Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum dia, STEM in museums, collaborations, Trail of Tears. The John Ross Museum is is located at 2009 Williams Avenue in edutainment, and board governance. located at 22366 S 530 Road in Park Hill. Woodward. Museum hours are Tuesday New this year will be intentional network- Regular hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ing and friendship building. To register through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free. Please contact Di- online please visit www.okmuseums. For more information please call 918- rector Robert Roberson at 580-256-6136 org/conference. Early-bird registration is 431-0757. or [email protected] for more information. available through August 2. The Choctaw Casino Resort is located at 4216 South Preservation Oklahoma and the Oklaho- Highway 69/75 in Durant. For more in- Announcements ma Archeological Survey continue their formation please call 405-424-7757 or free workshop and exhibit series in Clare- visit www.okmuseums.org/conference. On June 12 the new Ben Johnson Cow- more on Saturday, July 27. Visit the Cla- boy Museum opened in Pawhuska. The remore Museum of History from 11 a.m. A summer’s worth of live music is on tap museum features exhibits about Ben to 2 p.m. for an interactive workshop pre- at the Arcadia Round Barn. Oklahoma Johnson Jr., who was a rodeo cowboy, sented by research faculty from the Okla- singer-songwriters will offer Morning Mu- Hollywood stuntman, actor, and ranch- homa Archeological Survey. Visitors can sic from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every er. Johnson, one of Oklahoma’s favorite also view the 2019 Most Endangered Plac- Saturday in the downstairs area of the sons, was born on June 13, 1918, near es traveling exhibit. The event will feature barn, which was built in 1898 and has Foraker, Oklahoma. He won the title of a simulated archaeological dig, hands-on been operated as a museum since 1992 1953 World Champion Cowboy and the activities with Oklahoma artifacts, and a by the Arcadia Historical and Preservation 1972 Academy Award. The museum chance for children to try reconstructing Society. The artists will provide acoustic will also showcase exhibits about world pottery. For adults, there will be a brief Americana, bluegrass, and country mu- champion rodeo cowboys that hail from presentation about pre-European contact sic. The Round Barn Rendezvous is from Osage County—there are more than 20! Oklahoma and what someone should do noon to 5 p.m. on the second Sunday of There will be displays of world-class art if they find an archaeological site. In ad- every month in the loft of the barn. On and sculptures, interactive exhibits, and dition, an archaeologist will be available most months the Rendezvous is a jam a gift shop. There’s something for every- to help identify artifacts that you bring to session open to local musicians, but on one. Regular hours for the museum are the event! This program is free and open June 9 the ukulele festival will return for Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to to the public. The Claremore Museum of a second year, featuring ukulele bands 6 p.m. The Ben Johnson Cowboy Muse- History is located at 121 North Weenonah from across the state. The outdoor Round um is located at 201 East 6th Street in Avenue in Claremore. For more informa- Barn Elm Tree Concerts are scheduled Pawhuska. It is right around the corner tion please visit www.preservationok.org at least once a month through October, from the world-famous Pioneer Woman or call 405-525-5325. from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sundays other than Mercantile. Please call 918-287-9922 for the second Sunday. The lineup will in- more information. Beat the heat and spend the day indoors clude the Regular Joes, Steelwind, the at the annual National Day of the Cowboy Brave Amigos, Gypsy Twang, and the 4-H celebration in Duncan. This free event Music Corps. Concert dates will be post- will be held on Saturday, July 27, from ed on the Arcadia Round Barn website Do you want your organization’s event, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chisholm Trail and Facebook page. Admission is free, exhibit, or announcement included in the Heritage Center. Attendees can rope a but donations are accepted. For more in- “Around Oklahoma” section of Mistletoe longhorn, ride a bucking bronc, and even formation please call Joe Baxter at 405- Leaves? This section features Oklahoma create their own brand. Learn something 833-1350. history- and heritage-related program- new about life as a cowboy or cowgirl, ming sponsored by entities other than enjoy the museum exhibits, and visit the the Oklahoma Historical Society. To sub- 4-D Experience Theater. This year’s event Exhibits mit news items, please contact Evelyn will also feature Oklahoma authors and Moxley by email at emoxley@okhistory. an Oklahoma basketry artist. Bring the The John Ross Museum in Park Hill re- org. If you wish a news item to appear in whole family out for a fun-filled day of cently opened a new exhibit titled End of the September/October issue, you must celebrating the life and times of the cow- the Trail Exhibit: The Founding of Park Hill. submit it by Monday, August 5.

3 27 “The Revolutionary War Your 16 Sign of the Times: The Great July events Mother Didn’t Tell You About” American Political Poster, 1844–2012 living history program by Mike exhibit closes, Cherokee Strip 2 Oklahoma Landscapes: Watercolors Sheriff, Oklahoma History Center, Regional Heritage Center, Enid by Derald Swineford exhibit opens, Oklahoma City Museum of the Western Prairie, 17 Aviation Day, Cherokee Strip Altus 27 “My Family Tree” Family Fun Day, Regional Heritage Center, Enid Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage 10 “Political Intrigue and Print Center, Enid 17 “Judge Parker’s Court” presentation Making” Brown Bag Lunch and by Dr. Aaron Mason, Sod House Learn program by Dick Morgan, 27 National Day of the Cowboy Museum, Aline Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage celebration, Pawnee Bill Ranch and Center, Enid Museum, Pawnee 17 “Corn Husk Dolls” Family Day at the Ranch, Will Rogers Birthplace 10 Okietales, Oklahoma History 29 Blacksmithing Demonstrations, Ranch, Oologah Center, Oklahoma City Cherokee Strip Museum, Perry 21 “UCO: The Best-Kept Secret in the 12–13 Overnight at the Chuck Wagon, 31 Okietales, Oklahoma History OKC Metro Area” program by Nicole Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Center, Oklahoma City Willard, Oklahoma History Center, Claremore Oklahoma City 31 Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 13 Battle of Honey Springs Memorial Oklahoma!: The Origin of Modern 26 Blacksmithing Demonstrations, Service, Honey Springs Battlefield Musical Theatre exhibit closes, Cherokee Strip Museum, Perry and Visitor Center, Checotah Museum of the Western Prairie, Altus 27 50 Years of Photojournalism at The Oklahoman exhibit opens, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid 30 Will Rogers Movie Night, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore 31 Traditional Trades Day, Chisholm Trail Museum, Kingfisher August events 31 “Digital Photography” Family Fun Day, Cherokee Strip Regional 1 Vintage Snack Sets exhibit opens, Heritage Center, Enid Fred Drummond Home, Hominy 31 Vintage Snack Sets exhibit closes, 13 “Choctaw Beadwork” Second 1 Back to School Bash, Oklahoma Fred Drummond Home, Hominy Saturday Demo, Fort Towson History Center, Oklahoma City Historic Site, Fort Towson 2 Historical Timeline Candlelight 13 Quilting workshop with Martha Tour, Oklahoma History Center, Ray, Sod House Museum, Aline Oklahoma City 15 “Salute to America” Kilgen Organ 3 “Finding the Girls” genealogy performance by Dave Wickerham, program by Dr. Debra Spindle, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City Oklahoma City 10 Will Rogers and Wiley Post Fly-In, 15–19 Junior Curator Camp, Oklahoma Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch, History Center, Oklahoma City Oologah 17 “Treasures of the State Archives” program by Jan Davis, Oklahoma 10 “Civil War Weapons and Artillery” History Center, Oklahoma City Second Saturday Demo, Fort Please visit www.okhistory.org/events Towson Historic Site, Fort Towson for additional information about OHS events, programs, and exhibits. 17 Okietales, Oklahoma History 10 Victorian Tea Party at Horizon Hill, Center, Oklahoma City Chisholm Trail Museum and A. J. 18 Oklahoma Trivia Night presented Seay Mansion, Kingfisher by History OffCenter, The Pump 10 Quilting workshop with Martha Bar, Oklahoma City Ray, Sod House Museum, Aline Victorian Tea Party at 18 “Oklahoma’s Medal of Honor 14 “Aviation and Vance Air Force Horizon Hill Recipients” presentation by Jody Base” Brown Bag Lunch and Learn Turner, Museum of the Western program, Cherokee Strip Regional Prairie, Altus Heritage Center, Enid Visit Kingfisher on Sat- urday, August 10, from 18 Historic Preservation Review 15 Mysteries of the Mansion tour, Committee meeting, Oklahoma Henry Overholser Mansion, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for History Center, Oklahoma City Oklahoma City a Victorian Tea Party at 18 Mysteries of the Mansion tour, Horizon Hill, the home Henry Overholser Mansion, 15 Oklahoma Landscapes: Watercolors Oklahoma City by Derald Swineford premiere of Oklahoma Territorial Governor A. J. program, Museum of the Western Seay. Guests will be treated to a variety Prairie, Altus 20 “Carpentry” Family Day at the of traditional teas and snacks in the par- Ranch, Will Rogers Birthplace 16 Living History Interpreter Training lors of Horizon Hill. During the event, Dr. Ranch, Oologah class, Oklahoma History Center, Lindsey Churchill, associate professor 20 The Day We Walked on the Moon Oklahoma City (2019) film screening, Oklahoma in the Department of History and Geog- History Center, Oklahoma City raphy at the University of Central Okla- 24 Okietales, Oklahoma History homa, will speak on the topic of women’s Center, Oklahoma City movements. 25 National History Day Boot Camp, The cost for the Victorian Tea Party is Oklahoma History Center, $10, and payment must be received to se- Oklahoma City cure your registration. Seating is limited 26 Will Rogers Movie Night, Will Rogers to 30 guests. Please contact the museum Memorial Museum, Claremore at 405-375-5176 to reserve your seat. 26–27 Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West The Chisholm Trail Museum and A. J. Show, Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum, Pawnee Seay Mansion are located at 605 Zellers Avenue in Kingfisher.

4 Celebrate notable “The Revolutionary War Heirloom quilts Oklahoma women Your Mother Didn’t Tell now on display

Our newest deck of OHS playing cards You About” The Cherokee Strip Museum in Perry was recently released and is now available recently opened a special exhibit featur- The OHS and the Oklahoma Genealogi- to purchase online. These playing cards ing heirloom quilts. There are more than cal Society will present a Revolutionary feature historic images of notable Okla- 40 beautifully hand-quilted items on War living history program on Saturday, homa women—artists, activists, astro- display, some of which date back to the July 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. Historian Mike nauts, authors, ambassadors, athletes, late 1800s. The exhibit will be on display Sheriff will give this presentation in two and more! As you shuffle the deck, you through the end of September, and is in- parts. It will begin with a first-person can learn about the pioneering achieve- cluded with regular museum admission. narrative of a 1783 Virginia regimental ments of 52 Oklahoma women. The cost The Cherokee Strip Museum is located at soldier talking about the American War is only $10 per deck. To purchase yours, 2617 West Fir Street in Perry. For more of Independence. This will include events please visit bit.ly/OHSPlayingCards or information please call 580-336-2405. leading up the war, some battles, the life call 405-522-5214. of a soldier, the division between people living in the colonies, and how troops were raised and fought. During the sec- ond part of the program, the presenter will refute some myths about the Revo- lutionary War, share little-known facts about the brutality of the war, and invite audience members to ask questions. Mike Sheriff is an avid historian and is recognized as an authority on the cattle drives, the Civil War, and US marshals in Indian and Oklahoma Territories. He teaches multiple courses for the Univer- sity of Oklahoma (OU) Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and is a frequent guest lecturer at OU, various schools, and civic groups. He is a docent at the Oklahoma Upcoming events at History Center, presents multiple living Honey Springs Battlefield history characters, and also volunteers as a curator working with various arti- Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor facts at the OHS. Center near Checotah will host a memo- Following the presentation, lemonade rial service honoring the anniversary of and light refreshments of the period pre- Overnight at the the Battle of Honey Springs on Saturday, pared from Colonial Williamsburg recipes Chuck Wagon July 13, at 10:30 a.m. The event is free will be served. and open to the public. The cost for this program is $15 per per- Pack your sleeping bag, pajamas, tooth- The memorial service commemorates son and advance registration is preferred. brush, and toothpaste for a special event the largest of approximately 107 docu- To register, please visit okgensoc.org. The at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in mented Civil War military engagements program will be held in the Musser Learn- Claremore. Overnight at the Chuck Wag- throughout Indian Territory. The engage- ing Lab, which is located inside the OHS on will take place from 6 p.m. on Friday, ment took place on July 17, 1863, just Research Center on the first floor of the July 12, to 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 13. two weeks after the famous Battles of Oklahoma History Center. Do not miss this family-friendly night at Gettysburg and Vicksburg. Approximate- the museum! This event is for children ly 9,000 Union and Confederate troops, ages 5–12, accompanied by at least one mostly American Indians and African adult chaperone. Participants will bed Americans, were involved in the Battle of OHS Specialty down in various parts of the museum for Honey Springs. Of those, approximately License Plates a night of 19th-century activities, movies, 200 total casualties were suffered. After arts and crafts, games, and storytelling. a decisive Union victory, Confederates Support the OHS by purchasing a spe- A chuck wagon dinner and breakfast will lost control of Indian Territory north of cialty license plate. For every plate sold, be served. the Arkansas River. The Union victory the Oklahoma Tax Commission distrib- Space is limited and registration is re- also ensured federal control of Fort Gib- utes a portion of the $39 license plate fee quired. The cost is $35 for members of son in Indian Territory and Fort Smith in to the OHS. The application can be found the Will Rogers Memorial Foundation Arkansas. online at www.okhistory.org/lp or at your and $45 for nonmembers. Both children Be sure to save the dates for the Battle local tag agency. and adults are required to pay the regis- of Honey Springs Reenactments at 1 p.m. tration fee. Each child will receive a Will on Saturday, November 2, and Sunday, Rogers book, and each child and parent November 3, 2019. will receive a t-shirt. Participants can Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor register and pay at www.willrogers.com/ Center is located east of US Highway 69 overnight-at-the-chuckwagon. Please call between Oktaha and Rentiesville. The 918-341-0719 for more information. The new address for the Visitor Center is Will Rogers Memorial Museum is located 423159 E 1030 Road in Checotah. Please at 1720 West Will Rogers Boulevard in call 918-473-5572 for more information. Claremore.

5 From the OHS Archives: Disaster Preparedness Oklahoma Route 66 The World Golf Hall and Threats to Historic Centennial Commission

of Fame and Museum Resources The 57th recent- Collection By Lynda Ozan ly created a new, 21-member Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission to plan, By Jan H. Richardson Oklahoma’s weather poses coordinate, and implement a statewide one of the largest threats to effort celebrating the 100th anniversary Oklahoma governors have bestowed a historic resources across the of Historic Route 66. Governor Kevin Stitt variety of imaginative honorifics on no- state; it is not an “if” state- signed the bill on April 30, 2019. table individuals from Oklahoma and ment but a “when” statement. Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, who beyond, but one of the most creative Winter storms, flooding from will serve as chairman of the commis- was Acting Governor Leo Winters’s trib- torrential rains, and tornadoes destroy sion, sees the effort in terms of economic ute to comedian Bob Hope in 1963. Win- historic buildings and archaeological development, historic preservation, and ters designated Hope an “Admiral in the sites at an alarming and unpredictable marketing. Great Space Fleet of the Sovereign State rate. We have almost reached the end of “Through the efforts of this commis- of Oklahoma.” More pedestrian honors tornado season, but the reality is that sion, we have a unique opportunity to were bestowed by Governor J. Howard tornadoes can strike 365 days a year. pull together all of the private and public Edmondson, who named Hope an “Hon- The threat of wildfires is a near constant assets that have made Route 66 an iconic orary Colonel on the Governor’s Staff” in Oklahoma. Large expanses of flat land destination for travelers from around the (1961), and Governor George Nigh, who and high winds in the west often lead to world,” said Pinnell. “We have the historic honored Hope with the position of “Ter- multiday battles for firefighters working buildings, attractions, and roadbed. We ritorial Marshal Number One” (1983). for the Oklahoma Forestry Services and have dedicated community leaders who The World Golf Hall of Fame and Muse- local fire stations. recognize the significance of the route. By um Collection (2018.225, two legal box- Earthquakes continue to plague Okla- working together, we can add value to all es and one oversize box) contains items homa as well. In 2016, Pawnee experi- of those assets.” from the estate of Bob Hope, including enced a 5.8-magnitude earthquake while Route 66 was officially created by fed- those he received during his many pro- Cushing experienced a 5.0-magnitude eral designation on November 11, 1926, fessional and charitable visits to Oklaho- earthquake. There is not complete data which gives the commission a little more ma. Manuscript items include petitions on how many historic resources suffered than seven years to build momentum for and letters from schoolchildren urging earthquake damage during these two the centennial celebration. Hope to come to Oklahoma to participate events, but with the increase in mag- The Oklahoma Historical Society will in the Bicentennial Celebration in 1976, nitude in the earthquakes, there is no provide support services for the commis- a diploma for an honorary doctorate from doubt that it is having a negative impact. sion. Oral Roberts University in 1983, and nu- Of course flooding is also a concern, “My goal is to have a kick-off sympo- merous certificates, proclamations, and and often threatens historic resources sium for all stakeholders on December 3 resolutions. Two oversized scrapbooks across the state. Record rainfall over the and 4, 2019,” said Pinnell. “We will gath- with memorabilia, programs, and news- past few months has been devastating. er people from across the state to identify paper clippings recounting The Bob Hope Oklahoma Emergency Management attractions, set goals, and develop a work Show that was staged in Oklahoma City (OEM) has the Oklahoma Emergency App plan.” The symposium will be hosted at in 1954, and the opening of the Bob Hope that helps you prepare for, respond to, the Oklahoma History Center in Oklaho- Eye Surgery Center at Presbyterian Hos- and recover from disasters. Within the ma City. pital are also available. app you can upload real-time photos and As stipulated in the authorizing legisla- The World Golf Hall of Fame and Mu- information about the disaster, which tion, the master plan will include sugges- seum Collection is available for viewing can help OEM with its planning pro- tions for exhibits, programs, and events in the OHS Research Center Tuesday cesses. The app also includes informa- focused on Route 66; a greater awareness through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:45 tion about preparing a plan, building a of the highway’s cultural impact through p.m. The Research Center is located on kit, where shelters are located, and much popular culture; and opportunities to the first floor of the Oklahoma History more. For more information about Okla- combine private investment and public Center. For more information please call homa Emergency Management’s app and policy to encourage further preservation 405-522-5225. other resources, please visit www.ok.gov/ of assets along the route. Jan H. Richardson is the processing oem. For more information about the Okla- archivist in the OHS Research Division’s In addition, the Oklahoma State His- homa Route 66 Centennial Commission, Manuscript Archives. toric Preservation Office, in conjunc- please call Dr. Bob Blackburn, OHS ex- tion with Preservation Oklahoma, will be ecutive director, at 405-522-5202. Bob Hope working over the next 24 months to cre- arriving in ate a toolkit specific to historic resources Oklahoma regarding natural and man-made disas- City for the ters. Check the websites of Preservation opening Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State His- of the Bob toric Preservation Office for updates and Hope Eye announcements as the project develops. Surgery More details will also be provided in up- Center at coming issues of Mistletoe Leaves. Presbyterian Lynda Ozan is the Deputy State Historic Hospital in Preservation Officer in the Oklahoma State 1983. Historic Preservation Office.

6 History Day Preservation Prizes awarded in May Family Fun Day activities

On May 1 and 2, 2019, the annual Okla- The Senior Division prize was awarded On the last Saturday of each month, homa National History Day competition for “The Battle of Antietam,” an individual the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage was held at the Oklahoma History Cen- exhibit by Tillmon Miller from Morrison Center will host Family Fun Day from ter. National History Day is a year-long High School. Miller’s teacher was Patty 1 to 3 p.m. Each Saturday will feature academic program focused on historical Sanders. a different theme and activity. Activities research, interpretation, and creative ex- and supplies are included with admis- pression for students in grades 6–12. The sion, and all family members are encour- National History Day contest encourages aged to participate. The theme for July 27 more than half a million students around will be “My Family Tree” and the theme the world to conduct historical research for August 31 will be “Digital Photogra- on a topic of their choice based on the phy.” Please call 580-237-1907 for more theme of the year. The 2019 theme was information. The Cherokee Strip Regional “Triumph and Tragedy in History.” Heritage Center is located at 507 South Participating students conducted ex- 4th Street in Enid. tensive primary and secondary research through libraries, archives, museums, and historic sites. They presented their research in various formats, including Vintage Snack Sets exhibits, documentaries, performanc- es, websites, and papers. The projects exhibit presented on May 1 and 2 at the state Oklahoma History Center Director Dan The Friends of the Fred Drummond level had previously been through a dis- Provo with Tillmon Miller, Senior Division Home are pleased to announce a new trict competition. State competitors were winner of the historic preservation prize. Vintage Snack Sets exhibit, to be dis- identified from a pool of contestants at played during the month of August. The regional contests throughout the state. exhibit will feature many examples of First- and second-place winners at the History Day winners vintage snack sets, often used by wom- state competition level advanced to the en when entertaining or hosting guests National History Day contest on June receive national honor in their homes. There will be pieces from 9–13 in College Park, Maryland. the 1940s through the 1970s, including The State Historic Preservation Office, Three senior division students from sets made by Anchor Hocking, Hazel- through a private donation, continues Classen School of Advanced Studies— Atlas, Royal Windsor, and Queen Anne. to award a special prize for outstanding Laurel Mossman, Kate Schein, and Ame- For more information, including admis- achievement in addressing the Nation- lia Peoples—presented their Oklahoma sion fees and hours of operation, please al History Day theme through historic National History Day winning documen- call 918-885-2374. The Fred Drummond preservation. In the Junior Division, the tary at the Oprah Winfrey Theater at the Home is located at 305 North Price Av- prize was awarded for “Tulsa Race Riot,” National Museum of African American enue in Hominy. a group exhibit by Jayson Hair, David History and Culture (NMAAHC) on June King, and Carson Plumb from Grove Pub- 12. The title of their documentary was lic Schools. Their teacher was Kim Jones. “Fighting for the Right to Love: The Tri- umph and Tragedy of Loving v. Virginia.” This is the second year a documentary “Judge Parker’s Court” from Oklahoma has been selected to be presentation shown in this prestigious venue. Typically, there are only 15 documen- The Sod House Museum near Aline taries featured in this showcase from the is excited to host a presentation titled entire national competition. After win- “Judge Parker’s Court” on Saturday, Au- ning first place in the Group Documen- gust 17, at 10 a.m. It will be presented tary category at the state contest, the by Dr. Aaron Mason, professor of political students submitted their entry to the Ed- science at Northwestern Oklahoma State ucation Department at NMAAHC for con- University in Alva. sideration for the showcase. On June 1, Isaac C. Parker was appointed as judge they were notified by a National History of the US District Court at Fort Smith, Day representative that they had been Arkansas, in 1875. The court had juris- chosen for one of the presentation slots. diction over 11 western Arkansas coun- “The honor of getting to show their doc- ties and Indian Territory. Many people umentary at the Smithsonian’s National recognize Judge Parker as the enforcer Museum of African American History and of law for Indian Territory, but his court Culture in Washington, DC, is a once-in- played an additional role in Oklahoma a-lifetime opportunity for these students. history. Dr. Mason will explain the back- We are so proud of them for this accom- ground, importance, and long-term sig- Oklahoma History Center Director Dan plishment,” said Sarah Dumas, director nificance of the US District Court at Fort Provo with Junior Division winners of the of education for the Oklahoma History Smith. historic preservation prize, awarded for Center and state coordinator for Okla- For more information please contact their “Tulsa Race Riot” group exhibit. homa National History Day (OkNHD). Director Renee Trindle at 580-463-2441. For more information about OkNHD, The Sod House Museum is located south- please contact Sarah Dumas at 405-522- east of Aline on State Highway 8. 0785 or [email protected].

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Vol. 50, No. 4 July/August 2019 Will Rogers Theatre renovations complete

The west wing of the Will Rogers Memo- rial Museum in Claremore opened nearly four decades ago. The centerpiece of this wing is Will Rogers Theatre, the fulfillment of a dream of Will Rogers Jr. to have a place to further share memories of his father’s movie career. Last year, the 100th anniversary of Will’s first movie, the Will Rogers Memorial Foundation completed a successful Red Carpet fundrais- ing event to renovate the 36-year-old theater. “With the help of people from around the country sponsoring the new seats, renovations on the theater began in earnest at the beginning of 2019,” said Tad Jones, executive director of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum and Birthplace Ranch. “With the leadership of Rillis Howard from the Oklahoma Historical Soci- ety, the theater received a wonderful upgrade and a completely new look.” New leather seats were installed, taking the total number of seats from 175 to 191. There is new flooring, new carpet on the back wall, and the walls and ceil- ings have been painted. The reconstructed stage was named for Jim Hartz, former Will Rogers Commis- “Finding the Girls” genealogy program sioner, longtime television newsman, and former Today Show host. It received several upgrades including a larger projector screen, new speakers, and a new by Dr. Debra Spindle backdrop. Features added to the theater include new touch screens for controlling movies, The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) will present “Finding the Girls” on Sat- sound, and lighting; new outlets for presentations using computers; and a new urday, August 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. Individuals researching their family history for lighting system throughout the theater. The backlit vintage movie posters from any length of time have encountered the problems with researching females. In the museum’s collection, many donated by former Tulsan Gordon Kuntz, comple- our society their names change with marriage, and in the past, females could not ment the theater’s feel. own property or enter into contracts, which makes locating them in legal records A beautiful organ was donated to the theater for use during silent movies to even more difficult. So, what’s a researcher to do? Learn how to consider the add to the experience. The theater will be able to host business and community times and some of the techniques for researching the females in your family with meetings, weddings and receptions, talent shows, and maybe even video game OHS Librarian Dr. Debra Spindle. competitions. The cost for this program is $5 for OHS members and $10 for nonmembers. “Even though the theater can now handle more events and activities, the main Participants are asked to register in advance by calling the OHS Research Center purpose of the theater is sharing Will Rogers with people from around the world,” at 405-522-5225. The program will be held in the Clark and Kay Musser Learn- said Jones. “Visitors will be able to pick the documen- ing Lab, which is located inside the OHS Research Center on the first floor of the tary of their choice at the beautifully designed ticket Oklahoma History Center. (Photos below are circa 1900.) booth, then lights will slowly dim as they make their way to their seat and become immersed in the story of Will Rogers.” “We are so grateful for all those who helped sponsor the theater and for all the work that went in to making it a true Oklahoma jewel,” Jones added. Mark your calendar for free Movie Nights at Will Rog- ers Theatre on Friday, July 26, and Friday, August 30. The Will Rogers Memorial Museum is located at 1720 West Will Rogers Boulevard in Claremore. Please call 918-341-0719 for more information.