Vol. 46, No. 10 Published monthly by the Historical Society, serving since 1893 October 2015

Ghost Stories event at Murrell Home Doaksville Candlelight Tours

For the twenty-third consecutive year, the George M. Murrell On Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17, Fort Tow- Home in Park Hill will be the backdrop for storytellers spinning son will host its annual Doaksville Candlelight Tours. During yarns about the “Hunter’s Ghost” and other chilling accounts. this event, attendees will learn about life in the Choctaw Nation The event will be held on Friday, October 23, and Saturday, during the Civil War (1861–65). October 24. Tours leave from the gate leading to Doaksville at the north “This family-oriented program will feature various storytellers end of the Fort Towson Cemetery. The candlelight tours begin in a number of rooms telling tales about the Murrell Home, the at 6:30 p.m., with the last tour starting at 9:30 p.m. Admission Nation, and other local ghost stories,” said Amanda for the tour is $6 per person, Pritchett, a historical interpreter for the OHS. “The Ghost Sto- and children six and under ries are one of our most popular events of the year. Many peo- are free. The event is spon- ple return every year,” said Pritchett. sored by the OHS, Friends Ghost stories related to the 1845 plantation mansion are of Fort Towson, and the Fort documented as early as the 1930s. One story, the “Hunter’s Towson Volunteer Fire De- Ghost,” is the legend that grew out of the years George Murrell partment. For more infor- operated the mansion as his “Hunter’s Home” before the Civil mation please contact John War. He often hosted fox hunts in the . This Davis at 580-873-2634. Fort and other tales related to the historic home will be recounted Towson is located approxi- by storytellers in period costume. mately fourteen miles east Sessions will take place every fifteen minutes beginning at of Hugo on US Highway 70 6:30 p.m. The last session will begin at 8:15 p.m. Visitors will in Fort Towson, Oklahoma. move through the house and listen to stories from several unique storytellers. Guests also will have a chance to sample some hot cider and cookies in the Murrell Mercantile Store. Tickets are $5 per person, with reservations required due to Above and left: Historic reenactors limited seating. Visa, Mastercard, and Discover are accepted. portray different This event is not recommended for children under eight years Civil War-era of age. For reservations please call 918-456-2751. characters at the The George M. Murrell Home is a National Historic Landmark, 2014 Doaksville a Certified Site, and is listed on the National Reg- Candlelight Tours ister of Historic Places. It was the residence of two nieces of event in Fort Cherokee Principal Chief John Ross and is the only remaining Towson, Oklahoma. antebellum plantation home in Oklahoma. The home is located at 19479 East Murrell Home Road in Park Hill.

Upcoming events at Pawnee Bill Ranch

On October 24, at 2 p.m., the Pawnee Bill Ranch will host a Black and White Style Show. The style show will feature a diverse ar- ray of local models of all ages modeling approximately seventy pieces of clothing from a golden age of American fashion—the 1920s. The 1920s were a time of great cultural change and these changes were reflected in dramatic shifts in fashion. Clothing from 1900 through 1940 also will be featured. The style show will be narrated by Martha Ray, former director of historic homes for the OHS. Ray will provide historical context for the garments and offer detailed commentary on each piece worn. The clothing in the show will be black, white, or a combination of black and white. Many of the pieces were given to Ray by a local business when new owners started cleaning out their building and found original dresses from the time period with the price tags still on them. These original pieces in nearly perfect condition, as well as reproduction articles of clothing, will be shown. Care is taken to ensure that the fabric and styles of reproduction garments are true to the time pe- riod. Models also will wear period-appropriate accessories and other colors will be utilized as accents. Reservations are recommended for the style show. The cost is $5 per person. Please call 918-762-2513 for more information or to make a reservation. Through the entire month of October the Pawnee Bill Ranch also will host a quilt show. Area quilters will bring in their handiwork to be exhibited during the museum’s normal hours of operation. Everything from historic family heirlooms to modern abstract works of art will be on display. The quilt show, an annual event at the ranch for more than twenty years, is a way for community members to showcase their beautiful works of fiber art. People have shared quilts that date back to the land runs and the Civil War. There will be friendship quilts and modern quilts that tell a story or that have patterns reflecting a theme. The ranch has many quilts in its col- lection that can be seen during the quilt show in Pawnee Bill’s mansion. This event is free. The Pawnee Bill Ranch is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday and Monday from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information please call 918-762-2513. The Pawnee Bill Ranch is located one-half mile west of Pawnee on US Highway 64. The changes are obvious from the out- New Members, August 2015 side looking in. We have more and better programming. We have more and better *Indicates renewed memberships at a exhibits. We have a growing list of part- higher level ners. And we have achieved a level of ac- cess to collections that makes the OHS Fellow Director’s one of the most progressive historical or- Wes and Sandy Milbourn, Oklahoma City column ganizations in the country. Associate This visibility has generated more *Paula Matlock, Oklahoma City press, allowed us to raise more funding, *Earl and Joan Naylor, Edmond and changed our brand from acceptable mediocrity to the highest standards as Friend Brad Sullivan Tag Agency, Oklahoma City reflected in our unique affiliations with *Jay Johnston, Oklahoma City the Smithsonian, the National Archives, Richard and Teresa Knapp, Oklahoma City and the American Alliance of Museums. Phil and Frances Macy, Edmond By Dr. Bob L. Blackburn *Alan and Jo Ratliff, Tulsa Executive Director No other educational facility in the coun- *Jack and Rowanne Uselton, Livingston, TX try shares all three. What a difference ten years makes. Yes, Perhaps most importantly, the new im- Family it has been ten years since we opened the age and reputation have improved our Craig and Maria Abbott, Oklahoma City Sue Albert and Olivia Pribich, Oklahoma City Oklahoma History Center and now it is ability to collect the historical record of Gregory and Mary Helen Blake, Knoxville, TN time to celebrate. our state and people. For the last several Mickey Bottom and Justin Bottom, Anadarko During the week of November 16–20, Bryan and Linda Cox, Edmond years we have accepted on average more Angela Culbreath, Noble 2015, we will host a series of events that than a collection a day, with many col- *Melba Dobbs, Oklahoma City will help us remember the many ways this lections consisting of thousands of items. Jerry and Ellen Duncan, Oklahoma City Rosemary Eskridge and Sarah Donalds, Edmond incredible facility has changed our ability Much of that success is due to the im- Ronnye and Jazmine Farmer, Moore to collect, preserve, and share Oklahoma pact of the History Center on our internal Robert Fredricks and Ruben Fredricks, Edmond history. operations. Susan Guerra, El Paso, TX Brent Hawkins, Edmond On Monday, November 16, we will host The building and grounds have helped Lori Hill, Oklahoma City a donor’s reception and offer a preview of us break down the walls that once sep- Robert Hoover, Oklahoma City the new exhibit Crossroads of Commerce: Mike and Elizabeth Kasti, Edmond arated the various operating divisions Brett Manis, Edmond A History of Free Enterprise in Oklahoma. of the OHS. Now it is all hands on deck *Melinda Mayberry, Sapulpa Two nights later, on November 18, we when needed. The new attitude is due in Jason and Amy Milton, Oklahoma City Eric Morrison, Lawton will invite OHS members, volunteers, and part to the motivated staff attracted by Evelyn Otto, Ponca City staff to join us as we offer another peek at the increased collecting, programming, Phillip Parrish and Ashley Parrish, Sperry the new exhibit and recount some of the and professionalism made possible by Paul Plowman, Nichols Hills Truman and Laura Schrock, Thomas high points of the last ten years. the History Center. Jonathan Sparks, Yukon On Thursday night, November 19, we Just as important is the impact of the Al Whitson, Fort Smith, AR will offer an encore presentation of the Orvil and Lynda Willyerd, Oklahoma City History Center on our ability to pursue an Mrs. David Wilson, Oklahoma City “Rushmore Four,” an incredible first-per- agency-wide business plan that blends son living history event that brings to life state appropriations with revenue earned Individual the four presidents on Mount Rushmore: and money raised. The History Center Alan Abbott, Moreland George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Arthur Adams, Washington has been a laboratory for innovation, and Anne Barker, Nichols Hills Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roos- the lessons learned are helping us main- Edward Beach, Skiatook evelt. It is our way of saying thank you. tain momentum while constantly adjust- Russell Bivins, Elmore City All of this will help us slow down for a ing to shrinking state appropriations. moment and reflect on what the History Yes, what a difference ten years make. cont’d. on p. 7 Center has done for the OHS both inter- Let’s celebrate. nally and externally. Oklahoma Historical Society Membership Office: Alma Moore 405-522-5242 [email protected]

Development News Mistletoe Leaves (USPS 018-315) is published monthly by the Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105- By Larry O’Dell 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. It is October and the Oklahoma Historical By authorization of the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Board of Society has officially kicked off its 2016 An- Directors, 6,000 copies are prepared at a cost of $1,276 each month. The publication is financed in part with federal funds from the National Park nual Giving Campaign. As a reminder, all of Service, United States Department of the Interior. Contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies the OHS exhibits and projects are accomplished using donated funds, whether from indi- of the Oklahoma Historical Society or the United States Department of viduals, companies, or foundations. Our campaign has become even more crucial as other the Interior. Mention of trade names does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by either organization. funding has started to decline. With last year’s donations we accomplished several goals, Mistletoe Leaves is published for the members and friends of the Oklahoma Historical Society in partial fulfillment of the Society’s including digitizing all pre-1923 Oklahoma newspapers, planning and working on the new purpose to “perserve and perpetuate the history of Oklahoma and its people, to stimulate popular interest in historical study and research, Crossroads of Commerce exhibit, digitizing thousands of photos from the Oklahoma Pub- and to promote and disseminate historical knowledge.” The public and OHS members are encouraged to submit heritage- lishing Company collection, recording oral histories, and paying the entry for students at related items for publication. Students and teachers are invited to share studies and programs and to duplicate contents as desired. Editors are the Oklahoma History Center. We also constructed and opened new exhibits in our Altus, welcome to reprint materials with credit. Fort Towson, Fort Gibson, and Clinton facilities. All Oklahoma Historical Society facilities are for the education and enjoyment of all. State and federal regulations prohibit unlawful We have many projects on the horizon and need support from people who love Oklaho- discrimination in state and federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, and/or handicap. ma and its history. These include exhibits, programs, concerts, oral histories, educational Anyone denied benefits should contact the grievance manager of the Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma trunks, and archival processing that help the OHS share our state’s history. Help the OHS City, OK 73105-7917, telephone 405-522-8989, and/or the director, Office of Equal Opportunity, United States Department of the Interior, continue to be one of the best historical societies in the nation. You can contact me at Washington, D.C. 20240. [email protected] or donate online at www.okhistory.org/support/annualgiv.

2 the Sam Noble Museum and the Cleve- to life on the Personalities Tour. For $5 Meetings land County Chapter of the Oklahoma per person, a Marker/Symbolism Tour is Anthropological Society. It will be held available. Tickets may be purchased at The monthly meeting of the Oklahoma in the Kerr Auditorium of the Sam Noble the Ponca Playhouse, 580-765-5360, or Genealogical Society (OGS) will be held Museum, located at 2401 Chautauqua the Pioneer Woman Museum, 580-765- on Monday, October 5, at the Oklahoma Avenue in Norman. Please call 405-325- 6108. The IOOF Cemetery is located at History Center in Oklahoma City. Amber 4712 for more information. 1206 South Waverly Street in Ponca City. Follett will be the speaker and her pre- sentation is entitled “Southwest Genea- Celebrate the one hundredth anniver- Experience a German tradition at Volk- logical Society Family History Room.” The sary of the construction of the Kansas strauertag on Sunday, November 15, at 2 meeting and program will take place from City Southern Railway Depot in Stilwell p.m. in El Reno. The memorial event will 6 to 7:45 p.m., and experienced research- on Thursday, October 8. In 1915 the rail- be held at Fort Reno to honor the Ger- ers will be available before the meeting road company built a modern, brick sta- man prisoners of war who are buried at at 5 p.m. to answer research questions. tion that served the community until the the cemetery’s annex. There will be mu- Monthly meetings are free for OGS mem- depot’s closure in 1971. Rehabilitated in sical entertainment and a wreath laying bers. Nonmembers are welcome, but are 2004, the depot now serves as the head- ceremony. Fort Reno is located at 7107 charged $5 to attend. All are invited to quarters for the Adair County Historical West Cheyenne Street in El Reno. Please join, with more information available at and Genealogical Association. The cen- call Barbara Conrad at 918-492-3273 for www.okgensoc.org. OGS meetings are tennial celebration, hosted by association more information. held on the first Monday of each month volunteers, will feature an open house at the Oklahoma History Center, which is from 3 to 6 p.m., allowing visitors to tour located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in the the historically significant building. The Announcements State Capitol Complex. Please call 405- centennial program begins at 6 p.m. and 637-1907 for more information. will consist of special guest speakers, The Will Rogers Memorial Museums in history presentations, live music, and re- Claremore and Oologah have launched freshments. The celebration is free and a new membership program for families, Events open to the public. The depot is located at individuals, and businesses. They also 1 South Highway 59 in Stilwell. For more added an exciting new partnership with The Oklahoma City/County Historical information please call 918-696-2535. the North American Reciprocal Museum Society will host the twenty-sixth annual Association (NARM). The new partnership Pathmaker Awards luncheon on Tuesday, Quilt enthusiasts are encouraged to at- with NARM will allow members free October 6, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The tend the MOKA Quilt Study Group on access to more than seven hundred luncheon will be held at the Jim Thorpe Friday, October 16, and Saturday, Oc- museums across the country. Just Association in Oklahoma City. This tober 17, in Oklahoma City. Join other a few participating NARM museums year’s honorees include “Pathmakers members of the Quilt Study Group from are Woolaroc in Bartlesville, Philbrook from the Past”—John Belt, Joe Dodson, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkan- Museum of Art and Gilcrease Museum and Pen Woods; and “Pathmakers from sas as the group explores “Commemora- in Tulsa, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art the Present”—Dr. Bob L. Blackburn, Ms. tive Quilts: The Making of Meaning.” This in Norman, Oklahoma City Museum Juanita Davis, Chancellor Glen Johnson, includes a rare opportunity to see some of of Art, and Crystal Bridges Museum of Dr. Larry Killebrew, and Mr. John Temple. Oklahoma’s quilt treasures with an exclu- American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. The Distinguished Service Award will sive, behind-the-scenes viewing of quilts For a full listing of participating museums be presented to Midtown Renaissance. at the Oklahoma History Center. There please visit www.narmassociation.org. Tickets to the luncheon are $40 per also will be a special quilt presentation by Gift memberships and honorariums person. The Jim Thorpe Association is Cindy Rennels of Clinton, Oklahoma, en- also are accepted. For complete details located at 4040 North Lincoln Boulevard titled “Cloth Treasures of the Past.” The about membership levels or to download in Oklahoma City. For more information program on Friday evening will be held a membership application, visit www. please contact Bill Welge, president, at in a meeting room at the Fairfield Inn willrogers.com/JOIN. Please call 918- [email protected] or 405-522-5206. and Suites, located at 301 Meline Drive 343-8129 for more information. in Edmond. The program, tour, lunch, Visit Sam Noble Museum at the Univer- and meeting on Saturday will be held at Do you want your organization’s meeting, sity of Oklahoma in for a spe- Norman the Oklahoma History Center, located at event, or exhibit included in the “Around cial program on Tuesday, October 6. 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma” section of the Mistletoe The guest speaker will be Dr. Elizabeth Cost for the MOKA Quilt Study Group Leaves? The “Around Oklahoma” section Horton, station archaeologist at Toltec event is $30 per person, with lunch in- features Oklahoma history and heritage- Mounds Archaeological State Park in cluded. The deadline to register is Mon- related activities or programs sponsored Arkansas. Her presentation is entitled day, October 12. For more information by entities other than the Oklahoma “Motifs and Iconography in the Sacred please contact Martha Spark at 405-509- Historical Society. To submit news items, and Ceremonial Textiles and Basketry of 6880 or [email protected]. please contact Evelyn Brown, assistant Southeastern Societies.” This fall speak- editor, by email at eebrown@okhistory. er series is free, open to the public, and Step back in time as Ponca City presents org or by mail at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, held in conjunction with the Sam Noble its first IOOF Cemetery tour on Saturday, Oklahoma City, OK 73105, during the Museum’s current exhibit, Collision & October 17, from 2 to 6 p.m. The Set in first week of the month before you wish a Creation: Indigenous Arts of the Americas, Stone Cemetery Tour offers attendees two news item to appear. For example, if you 1890–2015. A reception will be held at options. For $10 per person, local reen- wish an item to appear in the November 6:30 p.m. and the presentation begins at actors will bring Ponca City characters issue, you must submit by the first week 7 p.m. This program is cosponsored by of October. 3 Rural Heritage Festival at Storytelling Festival Cherokee Strip Museum participants leave with a

The Cherokee Strip Museum in Perry story to share will host its annual Rural Heritage Fes- For the third consecutive year, the tival on Saturday, October 10, from 10 Oklahoma History Center hosted the a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a variety of Oklahoma City Storytelling Festival, a reenactors depicting early life in Oklaho- program produced by Arts Council Okla- ma, including fur trappers, settlers, and homa City. The festival took place over cowboys. Other demonstrations include three days, August 27–29, and featured quilting, lye soap making, basket weaving, three renowned storytellers who captured and lace making. Guests can eat cobbler the imaginations and pulled at the heart- and stew cooked in old-fashioned Dutch strings of the audience. Pictured left to right are storytellers ovens. There will be cake walks, apple During the day on Friday and Saturday Jim May, Megan Wells, and Charlotte bobbing, sack races, and more. Festival the tellers presented workshops for Blake Alston. attendees are encouraged to bring their those interested in the art of storytelling. best carved pumpkin, as there will be a Megan Wells’s workshop “Wound to Gold” pumpkin carving contest. This is a free, spoke to ways in which a storyteller can Each evening of the festival the main fun event that the entire family can enjoy. take his or her darkest times and turn performances included two perform- Museum admission also will be free dur- them into stories that encourage others. ers presenting short stories before the ing the festival. In his workshop, Jim May talked about featured teller’s program. On Thursday The Cherokee Strip Museum also in- how personal narrative, culture, and evening, teller Jim May recounted the vites guests to view its newest temporary myth can be utilized to craft a story that beautifully crafted memory of his sister’s exhibit about the 101 Ranch. This ex- provides both individual and universal passing that managed to be humorous, hibit is on display now through the end meaning. Charlotte Blake Alston used elegant, and comforting all at once. He of November. Festival goers can cool off her workshop to discuss music and was followed on Friday night by Megan and enjoy the wide variety of 101 Ranch rhythm and its effectiveness in telling Wells, who told of friendship and broken- artifacts and photographs in the exhibit. an engaging story the audience is sure ness, triumph and pain in her personal The Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose to remember. Finally, the tellers came rendition of the story of Rapunzel as well Hill School are located at 2617 West Fir together in a workshop entitled “Finding as the story of a retired circus elephant. Street in Perry. Please call 580-336-2405 Your Own Voice,” in which all three told She concluded her performance by engag- for more information. the story of Apollo and Phaethon. Though ing the entire audience in singing a beau- the essence remained the same, the three tiful round of African American spirituals stories each reflected the unique talent together. As this wonderful, enriching, and personal style of its teller. and entertaining festival came to a close But perhaps the highlight of the day- on its final night, the audience was grant- time programming at the festival was the ed one more story to remember. During Saturday matinee for children and fami- the intermission before the final perfor- lies. More than 150 participants gathered mance by Charlotte Blake Alston, an un- for “Crawlies! Caterpillars and Worms,” fortunate decision by one to take a smoke a collaborative performance by Jim May break in the men’s restroom caused the and Megan Wells followed by a children’s fire alarms to go off and the firemen to art activity. After stories full of laughter appear. Although the event was subse- and whimsy, the children finished the quently canceled, it did make for an in- morning by creating their very own cater- teresting conclusion to a delightfully rich pillars alongside family and friends. weekend exploring the art of storytelling. Ghost Stories at Fort Washita

Visit Durant for walking tours of historic Spotlight on a Site . . . Fort Washita from Wednesday, October Fort Gibson was the first US military in the 1820s and 1830s. In 1832 the can- 28, through Saturday, October 31. The post established in the area that became tonment was renamed Fort Gibson, and it nightly tours feature ghostly tales as Oklahoma. Until 1824 Fort Smith, Arkan- became a staging area for military expe- told by veteran storyteller and historical sas Territory, had been the major fortifi- ditions such as the Dodge-Leavenworth reenactor Steve Abolt. Guests will be cation in the southwest. As the western Expedition of 1834. During the Civil War, treated to numerous stories, both old boundary of Arkansas Territory expand- the fort was occupied first by Confederate and new, while enjoying a candlelit tour ed, the need for another fort further west troops until Fort Davis was established of the historic site. The tours take place became apparent. Thus, in 1824 Colonel across the Arkansas River. Union troops at 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 10 p.m. nightly. Matthew Arbuckle, commander of the then occupied Fort Gibson and temporar- Reservations are required and the cost is Seventh Infantry at Fort Smith, estab- ily renamed it Fort Blunt. $10 per visitor. Fort Washita will begin lished Cantonment Gibson on the Grand Fort Gibson’s former commissary serves taking reservations on Thursday, October River, near its confluence with the Ar- as the visitor center. Fort Gibson is a 1, so call early to reserve a spot. To make kansas River. Originally intended to keep National Historic Landmark, open Tues- a reservation or for more information, peace on the frontier, the fort also served day through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 please call 580-924-6502. All proceeds as a destination point when the Five Civi- p.m., and admission is free. Fort Gibson benefit Fort Washita Historic Site. Fort lized Tribes were removed from the south- is located at 907 North Garrison in Fort Washita is located at 3348 State Road eastern United States to Gibson, Oklahoma. 199 in Durant.

4 History Never Dies OHS museums and Family Farm Day at Oklahoma Territorial volunteers honored at CSRHC

Museum Museum professionals from across the The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage state gathered in Woodward, Oklahoma, Center (CSRHC) in Enid will host Family Join the Oklahoma Territorial Museum on September 23–25 for the 2015 annual Farm Day on Saturday, October 17, from in Guthrie for History Never Dies on conference of the Oklahoma Museums 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Plowing a garden, shell- Saturday, October 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. Association (OMA). Approximately two ing corn, and grinding wheat are just a This free event includes carnival games, hundred people attended, including mu- few of the activities attendees will expe- prizes, and Halloween-themed crafts. seum staff, volunteers, board members, rience at this event. Join the CSRHC in It also gives children another chance to and students. The OMA awards luncheon celebrating the proud farming heritage dress up, as costumes are encouraged. was held on Friday, September 25, at that built northwestern Oklahoma. This Attendees will enjoy free hot dogs, pop- the Woodward Conference Center. Dur- interactive event harkens back to a time corn, and festive appetizers prepared by ing the luncheon, several award winners when the nation’s food came from farms the Friends of the Oklahoma Territorial from the OHS were announced. powered by animals and human mus- Museum. The museum exhibit galleries The Museum of the Western Prairie’s ex- cle. The entire family can enjoy hands- will be free and open to the public that hibit Buffalo Hide Painting of the History on activities including leather working, evening. Staff will distribute scavenger of Devil’s Canyon won the award for best broom making, fence building, pumpkin hunts and play the “Oklahoma or Bust” exhibit with a budget of $0 to $5,000. decorating, calf roping, spinning wool, game several times throughout the eve- Heritage Founders, also from the Muse- weaving, quilting, and canning. At 1 p.m. ning. Bring the entire family to History um of the Western Prairie, won the award a pie auction will be held to benefit Tur- Never Dies. The Oklahoma Territorial for best technology media exhibit with a key Creek School. Discover the newest Museum is located at 402 East Oklaho- budget of $5,001 to $15,000. farming machinery from P&K Equipment ma Avenue in Guthrie. Please call 405- Three Certificates of Recognition were and view historic tractors from the Major 282-1889 for more information. presented to OHS volunteers for their ex- County Historical Society. ceptional service: This event is made possible by the gen- • Helon LaGree (posthumously), Muse- erous sponsorship of P&K Equipment. um of the Western Prairie Family Farm Day is free with museum • Martha Anderson, Oklahoma History admission. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 Center for students, military, and seniors, and • Lorraine McDonagh, Pioneer Woman children five and under are free. For more Museum information please call 580-237-1907. Congratulations to the 2015 Oklahoma The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Museums Association award winners. Center is located at 507 South Fourth Street in Enid.

Museum Store News by Jera Winters

The Oklahoma History Center Museum Oklahoma History Center Store is proud to be your source for great to host Home School Day products that highlight the culture and history of Oklahoma. For our favorite The Oklahoma History Center will host family historians, we are happy to have its seventh annual Home School Day on archival supplies to help with the preser- Monday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 vation of family history. These products p.m. Home School Day offers families an will keep documents and photos safe for opportunity to participate in a program years to come, and are the same prod- that is specifically designed for mixed ucts that the Oklahoma Historical Soci- age groups. Activities are ongoing for the ety uses in preservation. duration of the event, and attendees will Keeping family photos safe is a prior- experience a hands-on adventure into ity for many family historians. We offer Oklahoma’s past. archival quality polypropylene photo en- Visitors can explore the museum with velopes in three different sizes, as well the help of gallery guides, complete as a polypropylene binder page with four a scavenger hunt, enjoy a variety of slots for preserving photos. We also have historical interpreters, and participate in a 35mm filmstrip polypropylene binder hands-on demonstrations. Students will page that holds seven different filmstrips. fragile document, and cotton gloves can find activities throughout the museum Important documents, such as birth help extend the life of your family’s his- exhibit galleries. No registration is re- certificates, graduation announcements, torical objects. quired for this event, and admission to and wedding invitations, can be saved for We are offering an additional discount the program is free. generations to come in archival folders of 10 percent on all archival products This program is sponsored in part by and boxes. We have three sizes of boxes, during the month of October. As always, SONIC, America’s Drive-in. For more including drop front and clam shell. We members receive a discount of 15 percent information please call 405-522-3602 also have archival letter file folders for on Museum Store purchases. Please con- or email [email protected]. The document organizational needs. tact us at 405-522-5214 with questions Oklahoma History Center is located at Do not forget the accessories, as well! about these or any of our other great 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. Document repair tape can give life to a items.

5 Call for papers and History Center is all SHPO accepting awards presentations for 2016 “wrapped up” nominations

Oklahoma History If you see the History Center cruising The State Historic Preservation Office Conference down one of the city streets of Oklaho- (SHPO) is now accepting nominations ma City, do not rub your eyes because for its 2016 awards program. Individu- The OHS is seeking papers and presen- you think you are seeing things. In an als, businesses, government agencies, tations for the 2016 Oklahoma History attempt to increase building recognition and other organizations contribute to Conference, sponsored by the Oklahoma and familiarity, the marketing team of the preservation of Oklahoma’s heritage Historical Society. The conference will the Oklahoma History Center has entered through rehabilitation/restoration proj- be held on April 27, 28, and 29, 2016, into a contract with Transit Advertising ects, archaeological site protection, field at the Woodward Conference Center in and Embark, the company that currently and archival research, publications, and Woodward, Oklahoma. A total of eighteen manages the city transit system. A bus public programming. Previous award presentation sessions will take place on has been wrapped with images from the recipients are featured on the SHPO’s Thursday, April 28, and Friday, April 29. History Center and will rotate the dif- website at www.okhistory.org/shpo/ The theme for the 2016 conference is ferent routes across the Oklahoma City shpoawards.htm. Submit a nomination “Landmarks and Turning Points in Okla- metro. and help the SHPO focus attention on homa History.” From prehistory to the One fully wrapped city bus generates accomplishments like these in your com- present, landmarks and turning points between forty thousand and seventy munity. have played prominent roles in the histo- thousand vehicular impressions per day. The SHPO’s awards program includes ry of Oklahoma. Landmarks may refer to Oklahoma City is a large market with the Shirk Memorial Award for Historic geographic or man-made structures that Embark routes covering 83 percent of Preservation and the SHPO’s Citation define a locality or have played a signifi- major arterial streets. Embark has an ef- of Merit. The deadline for nominations cant role in the history of a community fective mass transit system that operates is Friday, December 4, 2015, at 5 p.m. or geographical region. Landmark events on average from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Each Nomination sponsors and award recipi- in history also may refer to episodes or fixed route is seventeen miles in duration ents will receive notice of the results of movements that are turning points in the and each bus repeats itself on average the selection process in February 2016. histories of cities, towns, groups of peo- ten times per day. Each route has on av- The awards will be presented at the ban- ples, historically significant individuals, erage seventy-eight bus stops per route. quet during Oklahoma’s Twenty-eighth companies or industries, regions of the So each day the moving billboard will be Annual Statewide Preservation Confer- state, or the state as a whole. starting and stopping at each of these ence in Enid on June 1-3, 2016. Presentation sessions will be forty-five bus stops from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. The The Shirk Memorial Award for Historic minutes in length and will feature one bus is rotated to a new fixed route each Preservation recognizes historic preser- presentation not to exceed thirty min- day for total saturation and reach of the vation programs or activities that have utes. This will allow fifteen minutes for Oklahoma City market. had statewide impact. The SHPO’s Cita- an introduction and questions. Individu- tion of Merit highlights noteworthy ac- als interested in making a presentation complishments in historic preservation should prepare a one-page proposal that at the state or local level. includes the title of the proposed presen- Nominations will be accepted in either tation; a one hundred-word description electronic or hard copy format. To request of the presentation; the name, address, nomination forms and instructions, phone number, and email address of the please call 405-521-6249. With questions presenter; and a short vita or biographi- about the awards criteria please contact cal sketch. Those who submit proposals Melvena Heisch at 405-522-4484 or will be notified of their status by early [email protected]. February 2016 if not sooner. Registration fees for presenters will be waived. Presentation proposals are now being Twenty-year members renew in August accepted by mail or email. Postal mail should be sent to: Listed below, with the date they joined the OHS, are people and organizations Annual Conference Committee that, when they renewed their memberships in August, have been members twenty Attn: Paul Lambert or more years. Their long-term loyalty is most sincerely appreciated! Oklahoma Historical Society Jane McConnell, Norman, August 1, 1976 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive Harvey and Kathryn Nye, Norman, November 1, 1980 Geneva Coats, Oklahoma City, April 1, 1982 Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Bruce and Betty Gallie, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, August 1, 1984 Proposals also may be emailed to Robert Dorman, Edmond, August 14, 1986 [email protected]. The deadline Anadarko Community Library, Anadarko, December 16, 1986 Edward and Brenda Granger, Oklahoma City, July 6, 1987 for submitting proposals is Thursday, Fort Smith National Historical Society, Fort Smith, AR, July 5, 1988 December 31, 2015. Please contact Paul Peter Will and Gail Deaton, Edmond, August 15, 1989 Lambert at 405-522-5217 or the email K. M. Armstrong, Fort Worth, TX, August 13, 1991 Burns and Ann Hargis, Stillwater, March 24, 1993 address above with inquiries. Lidia Hook-Gray, Liberal, KS, July 23, 1993 Jo Ann Hunt, Ada, August 3, 1993 Helen Cline, Hennessey, September 7, 1993 David Levy, Norman, September 14, 1993 Earl and Joan Naylor, Edmond, September 22, 1993 Pat Yost, Baton Rouge, LA, July 11, 1994 Jack and Rowanne Uselton, Livingston, TX, July 14, 1994 Gregory and Mary Helen Blake, Knoxville, TN, July 28, 1994 James Floyd, Tulsa, August 18, 1994 Ira and Linda Seay Lieberman, New York, NY, August 25, 1994 Jeanne Ray, Denison, TX, November 18, 1994

6 Caring for Your Family OHEHS Hall of Fame Oktoberfest at Pioneer Heirlooms workshop induction ceremony Woman Museum

Join OHS staff for a workshop on pre- The Oklahoma Higher Education Heri- The Pioneer Woman Museum will join serving your own family collections on tage Society (OHEHS) was established in the Marland Mansion in celebrating Wednesday, November 4, from 10 a.m. 1991 as a nonprofit to support aware- Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 3, and to 4:15 p.m. Our knowledgeable staff will ness of higher education’s vital role in Sunday, October 4, in Ponca City. This share tips and best practices for preserv- Oklahoma history. The OHEHS recently event includes various pioneer learn- ing photos, maps, textiles, paper items, announced its 2015 class for induction ing experiences on the museum’s lawn. and scrapbooks. Participants also will into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall Hands-on activities will include candle learn how to conduct and preserve oral of Fame. These individuals will be hon- making, weaving, tatting, and tradition- histories. The workshop will cover the ored at a formal induction ceremony and al crafts. A rope maker, laundress, and tools and supplies available for preserv- banquet on Monday, October 12, at 6:30 blacksmith also will demonstrate their ing your treasures for future generations. p.m. at the National Cowboy and Western skills. Oktoberfest will be held from 10 Do not miss this chance to learn how to Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. care for your precious family mementos. The 2015 honorees were listed in the to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Oktoberfest activi- Door prizes will be awarded throughout September issue of Mistletoe Leaves. ties are free with admission. For more the day. The Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of information please call 580-765-6108 or The OHS Research Center’s Caring for Fame was established in 1994 to recog- email [email protected]. Your Family Heirlooms workshop will nize and honor individuals, living and begin at 10 a.m. on November 4 in the deceased, for outstanding, meritorious classrooms of the Oklahoma History service to higher education in Oklahoma. Center. Registration is $45 per person This year marks the twenty-second year National History Day and lunch is included. Preregistration to honor higher education educators and research opportunity is required. Call the Research Center at administrators as well as those who sup- 405-522-5225 to register by phone, and port higher education with distinguished The Oklahoma History Center is pleased please have your credit card ready. The contributions. to announce that it will host a research Oklahoma History Center is located at Biographical sketches and photographs day for students interested in participat- 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. of past Higher Education Hall of Fame ing in the National History Day (NHD) inductees are available on the OHEHS competition. This event will be held on website at www.ohehs.org. For more in- Thursday, October 15, from 10 a.m. to formation about the Oklahoma Higher 2 p.m. at the Chambers Library on the Education Hall of Fame or the OHEHS, University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) please email [email protected] or campus and is free for teachers and stu- call 405-522-0778. dents. Attendees will have full access to the library resources, librarians, and the Oklahoma National History Day (OKNHD) staff. Registration is required and must be submitted to OKNHD Coordinator Sarah Dumas at [email protected]. National History Day is a nonprofit New Members, cont’d. education organization in College Park, Teresa Martin, Ada Maryland. Established in 1974, NHD June McClain, Lawton offers year-long academic programs that Individual Lathan Meadows, Owasso Chayli Blackmon, Elk City Edward Mendoza, Ponca City engage more than half a million middle Clayton Brown, Durham, NC Johnny Meyers, Enid and high school students around the Mikylee Burris, Prague Micah Minthron, Elgin Linda Bussard, Perry world annually in conducting original Richard Mitchell, Yukon Heidi Chizmar, Grove Shirlene Moore, Ardmore research on historical topics of interest. Danny Chronister, Davis Wayne Moore, Ardmore Kimberly Cooper, Ardmore These research-based projects are Sheryl Munkres, Wynnewood Angela Corbitt, Pauls Valley entered into contests at the local and Patti Neal, Oklahoma City Joshua Cottrell, Pauls Valley Scherara Oliver, Mooreland affiliate levels, where the top student Beau Davis, Sterling Vivian Pollock, Blanco Steven Dunn, Muskogee projects have the opportunity to advance Larry Prins, Grove Nancy Fisher, Durango, CO Jeanne Ray, Denison, TX to the national contest at the University Tyler Fitzsimons, Coweta Candace Reed, Apache of Maryland at College Park. Kendall Flowers, Idabel Andrew Reid, Stillwater Darren Gipson, Burns Flat Oklahoma National History Day is part Clinton Renshaw, Hennessey Janetta Gothard, Lone Grove Claudette Robertson, Oklahoma City of NHD and is a highly regarded academic Carl Grandstaff, Woodward Misty Robinson, Reydon Jenna Grant, Mannford program for sixth through twelfth grade Elijah Salinas, Stillwater Nancy Griffith, Blanchard students. It gives teachers the opportu- Jessica Selby, Cement Darla Guerra, Muskogee Larry Snider, Wills, TX nity to incorporate an academic program Jay Hall, Pauls Valley Shirley Snow, Stuart Rhonda Hamor, Stilwell that directly addresses Common Core Jeryme Stahley, Lawton Johnny Harrel, Elmore City Terral Stephenson, Healdton and Oklahoma Assessment Standards Aloray Haselton, Sperry Jerry Thomas, Fitzhugh for the social studies with student-based Ron Hawkins, Davis Joe Thomas, Ada Brittany Henley, Tulsa projects. The next state OKNHD contest Jessica Thompson, Ponca City Mike Hickman, Muskogee Norma Washington, Gore is scheduled for May 4–5, 2016, at the Brad Holt, Oklahoma City Kristopher Williams, Boley Emily Khalil, Tulsa Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma Tim Williams, Pauls Valley James Klingler, Coalgate City. Junior Division will compete on John Lacy, Drumright May 4, and Senior Division will compete Joel Luevanos, Hennessey Organizational Rameth Manahan, Afton Arbuckle Historical Society, Sulphur on May 5. More information may be ob- Susan Mann, Pauls Valley Gilcrease Museum Library, Tulsa tained at http://ok.nhd.org.

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Vol. 46, No. 10 October 2015 Celebrate Archaeology Month at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center

October is officially Archaeology Month in Oklahoma, and the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center will host a special event on Saturday, Oc- tober 17. The event will include a lec- ture about the Spiro Mounds at 1 p.m. and a guided tour of the site at 2 p.m. Archaeologist and Manager Dennis Peterson will share information and answer questions. The regular exhib- its will be available throughout the day as well. The Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only prehistoric American Indian archaeological site in Oklahoma open to the public, and is the perfect place to celebrate Archaeology Month. The Archaeology Month proclamation from the executive department of the State of Oklahoma states, “Now, therefore, I, Mary Fallin, Governor, do hereby proclaim October 2015, as ‘Archaeology Month’ in the state of Oklahoma and call on our citizens to assist in the protection of the special places that teach about October events at a glance our state’s unique past.” This proclamation was signed by Governor Fallin on 3-4 Oktoberfest, Pioneer Woman Museum, Ponca City June 4, 2015. Archaeology Month is sponsored by the Oklahoma Anthropological Society, the Oklahoma Archeological Survey, the OHS’s State Historic Preserva- 10 Rural Heritage Festival, Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Hill School, Perry tion Office, and the University of Oklahoma Anthropology Department, and will 10 “Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma!” book discussion group, Pioneer Woman Museum, Ponca City feature many more events across Oklahoma throughout October. The Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center also can be a great resource for school 10 Dutch Oven Cooking class, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City teachers and home school groups. A visit to Spiro Mounds for students can 12 Seventh annual Home School Day, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City provide context to Oklahoma and American history. Peterson can give groups an introduction to a hidden past and answer questions on the region’s history, 12 Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame induction ceremony, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City thousands of years before Columbus. Not only is this a great opportunity to learn about the most powerful group in the United States before 1492, but with up to 13 Cemetery Symbols workshop, Pioneer Woman Museum, Ponca City two miles of trails in half-mile segments it is also an opportunity for students to 14 Brown Bag Lunch and Learn program, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid get some outdoor exercise in a beautiful nature preserve next to the Arkansas River. All tours and activities can be crafted around the ages and time limits of 15 Historic Preservation Review Committee meeting, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City each group. 15 National History Day research day, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond There are several pretour resources that also may interest teachers. There is a video tour of the site available at www.archaeoexplorer.com. On YouTube there 16-17 Doaksville Candlelight Tours, Fort Towson Historic Site, Fort Towson are several OETA videos posted about the site. Teachers can download a Teacher’s 17 Oklahoma Archaeology Month lecture and guided tour, Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, Spiro Guide on the site’s Facebook page at Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center. There are a number of schools already scheduling so call or email as soon as possible 17 Family Farm Day, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid to schedule a tour. 23-24 Twenty-third annual Murrell Home Ghost Stories, George M. Murrell Home, Park Hill Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 24 Black and White Style Show, Pawnee Bill Ranch, Pawnee for seniors, and $1 for children. Spiro Mounds can invoice the admission for any 24 History Never Dies event, Oklahoma Territorial Museum, Guthrie schools. The center is located three miles east of Spiro, Oklahoma, on Highway

28-31 Fort Washita Ghost Stories, Fort Washita Historic Site, Durant 9/271 and four miles north on Lock and Dam Road. For more information please contact Dennis Peterson at 918-962-2062 or [email protected]. For more about 29 Civil Rights Music program featuring The Ambassadors, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City Archaeology Month events, please visit www.ou.edu/cas/archsur/oas. Please visit www.okhistory.org/calendar for a complete list of OHS events, programs, and exhibits.