Vol. 50, No. 3 Published bimonthly by the Oklahoma Historical Society, serving since 1893 May/June 2019 Will Rogers Memorial Museum and Birthplace Ranch Archaeology Day and to host “Night at the Chuck Wagon” and Frontier Days Summer Solstice Kids Camp Walks at Spiro Mounds Pack your sleeping bag for a “Night at Archaeological Center the Chuck Wagon” at the Will Rogers Me- morial Museum, an overnight event that Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center will take place from 6 p.m. on Saturday, will hold it 14th annual Archaeology Day/ May 25, to 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 26. Birthday Bash on Saturday, May 11, from This event is for children ages 5–12, ac- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The site will celebrate companied by at least one adult. Partici- its 41st year of increasing awareness of pants will bed down in various parts of Oklahoma archaeology. As a bonus, Ar- the museum for a night of 19th-century chaeology Day will be a free day with no activities, movies, arts and crafts, games, entrance fees, although donations are and storytelling, with a chuck wagon din- gratefully accepted. ner and breakfast. All day, items will be given away by drawing and birthday cake will be served. Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch in Oologah. Registration is required and is $45 for nonmembers and $35 for members. The If you have artifacts, like arrowheads or deadline for registration is May 17. Both children and adults are required to pay the pottery, an archaeologist will be on site to registration fee. Space is limited to the first 15 children. Each child will receive a Will identify up to 10 items per person. Rogers book, and each child and parent will receive a t-shirt. Participants can register Flint knappers will show off their stone and pay at www.willrogers.com/overnight-at-the-chuckwagon. tool making skills. Blowgun, stickball, The Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch will host Frontier Days Kids Camp from June 24 to and Chunkee demonstrations will be 26. The camp will be three days of fun experiences, showing children what life on the available upon request. Lectures on local ranch was like in the 1800s. history and prehistory will be featured Campers will converge on the ranch from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a chuck wagon during the day. There also will be a guid- lunch at the close of each day. Activities will include blacksmithing demonstrations, ed tour of the site at 2 p.m. led by man- fence building, games from the time period, learning to do laundry on a washboard, ager Dennis Peterson. leather working, rope making, and hayrides around the ranch. Special guests will be a On June 21 you can start your sum- Cherokee storyteller and cowboy magician. mer with a trip to Spiro Mounds Archaeo- Registration is $45 per child for nonmembers and $30 per child for members. Chil- logical Center for a special guided tour on dren must be registered to attend, and the registration deadline is Friday, June 14. the summer solstice. There will be three Each camper will receive a cowboy hat, shirt, rope, and other crafts, as well as lunch. walks led by archaeologist Dennis Peter- Participants can register and pay at www.willrogers.com/frontier-days-kids-camp. son starting at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information, please call 918-341-0719. The Will Rogers Memorial Museum Each walk will include one mile of easy is located at 1720 W. Will Rogers Blvd. in Claremore, and the Will Rogers Birthplace walking and last about two hours. There Ranch is located at 9501 E. 380 Road in Oologah. is a fee of $5 per adult and $3 per child in addition to the normal admission cost of $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 Jefferson Highway presentation at Honey Springs for children. Oklahoma Historical Society Oklahoma author Jonita Mullins will present a program members, veterans, and Spiro Mounds about the Jefferson Highway at Honey Springs Battlefield and Development Association members get Visitor Center on Saturday, June 22, at 1 p.m. free admission with their membership/ American Indians built the first interstate roads, and the one ID cards. connecting , Oklahoma, and Texas was first called the Peterson will talk about the history of Osage Trace. In the 1820s it was called the Texas Road and the mound site and the American Indians carried thousands of emigrants southward across Indian Terri- who built it more than 1,000 years ago. tory. This road was one of the primary focuses of the Civil War He also will talk about the reasons for in . In 1915 this ancient road became the Jef- the mounds and the alignment of some ferson Highway before the federal system numbered portions of the mounds to track the movement of of it as Highway 69 and Route 66. the sun throughout the year. The 7 p.m. Jonita Mullins is an award-winning author and speaker from walk will allow the observation of twilight Muskogee. She has written eleven books and more than 700 articles focused on regional wildlife and a view of the sunset, which is history. Mullins is a passionate preservationist and serves on the Oklahoma Historical the most important part of the event. Society Board of Directors. When she is not writing, speaking, or conducting historical The center is located three miles east of tours, Mullins works on preservation projects including the restoration of the home of Spiro on Highway 9/271 and four miles Alice Robertson, a missionary, teacher, and Oklahoma’s first congresswoman. north on Lock and Dam Road. For more For more information regarding the presentation and Honey Springs Battlefield and information about Archaeology Day or Visitor Center, please email [email protected] or [email protected], or call the Summer Solstice Walks, please call 918-473-5572. 918-962-2062. OHS. One of the most important but least of resources with production and return glamorous planning efforts was what we on investment, down to the hours spent called the Historic Context Review, which by each employee and volunteer. And the provided a template to define success and Historic Context Review, where it all be- guide future action based on the criteria gan, is updated yearly as our perception of chronological time periods, geographi- of history evolves. Director’s cal regions, and topical themes. Yes, for 40 years I have watched the column In retrospect, I can see that good for- OHS emerge from the doldrums of ac- tune, tempered by bad luck, allowed us ceptable mediocrity. Today, with trans- to put the planning efforts into play from parency and accountability, we are ready 1992 to 1995. and well prepared to collect, preserve, The bad luck was an 18 percent budget and share Oklahoma history for the next cut at a time when we relied almost ex- 40 years. clusively on appropriated funding. We cut staff at the headquarters, which allowed By Dr. Bob L. Blackburn us to start the reorganization process, Executive Director and closed 14 museums, which gener- For 40 years I have watched the Okla- ated a backlash from key legislators. The National Register homa Historical Society emerge from good fortune was a new federal grant pro- Nomination Grants the doldrums of “acceptable mediocrity” gram. The key to success, however, was and prosper under the business plan of our new planning process that included The State Historic Preservation Office “higher standards, greater efficiencies, the goal of self-generated revenue, part- (SHPO) continues to award its annual and partnerships.” ners, and an awareness that we did not matching grants to state, local, and tribal Some of that success is due to good for- adequately tell the story of transporta- governments and nonprofit organizations tune, such as finding the right people at tion. for the preparation of National Register of the right time, winning grants that come The result was the transformation of the Historic Places nominations. The SHPO in cycles, or attracting new partners who old Western Trails Museum in Clinton to has reserved $10,000 of its FY 2019 His- share our goals of education, preserva- the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, made toric Preservation Fund allocation from tion, and heritage tourism. possible by a $600,000 federal grant, a the US Department of the Interior for the Good fortune alone can add to positive $400,000 fundraising drive, and a proj- program. The funds are equally divided momentum, but it rarely sustains long- ect team dedicated to higher standards. for awards in two grant rounds, with any term success. Success comes from good Today, that museum generates more funds remaining from round one carried planning, teamwork, and accountability. than $400,000 per year in gross revenue over for round two. Applications and de- I trace the arc of success back to the and contributes to economic development tailed instructions are available at www. OHS Constitution of 1981 and the fun- through heritage tourism. okhistory.org/nrgrant. damental structure of governance that The same formula for success was used The deadline for round two applications combines private and public leadership to create the Oklahoma History Center, is Friday, June 7, at 5 p.m. Each grant with clearly defined roles of authority and the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage is limited to $1,000, and the applicant responsibility. That governing document Center, Honey Springs Battlefield and must provide a nonfederal, cash match fostered a better balance between our Visitor Center, and OKPOP. of at least $700. Grant recipients will use public/private partnership and coordina- Today, the planning process continues the grant funds and nonfederal match tion with the legislature and governor. to evolve at the OHS. A new strategic plan to retain an appropriately qualified pro- Building on that foundation came a focused on reallocating resources, build- fessional to prepare a complete individ- number of planning efforts in the 1990s, ing on success, and launching new ven- ual property nomination package for the such as divisional budgets, action plans, tures soon will be considered by the OHS National Register. For more information and the creation of 501(c)3 support Board of Directors. The annual Cost/ please contact the SHPO at 405-521- groups for each operational unit of the Benefit Analysis links detailed allocation 6249 or visit www.okhistory.org/shpo.

Oklahoma Historical Society Development News Membership Office 405-522-5242 By Larry O’Dell [email protected]

Mistletoe Leaves (USPS 018-315) is published bimonthly by the Okla- Through a generous donation from Dr. Donnie and homa Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK (ISSN 1932- Shirley Nero, the Oklahoma Historical Society created 0108) the Shirley Ballard Nero endowment. This endowment POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mistletoe Leaves, 800 Nazih funds programming, exhibits, and events that support Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917. and share African American history in Oklahoma, specifically benefitting the state’s By authorization of the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) Board of Directors, 5,400 copies are prepared at a cost of $1,170.57 bimonthly. historically All-Black towns. In 2000 the OHS erected signs in each of the remaining The publication is financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior. All-Black towns to share the communities’ histories, and a general history of the devel- Contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Oklahoma Historical Society or the United States Department of opment of All-Black towns in the state. In the 19 years since, these signs have faded the Interior. Mention of trade names does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by either organization. and need to be replaced. This project is an example of one use for the endowment funds. Mistletoe Leaves is published for the members and friends of the OHS Every June the OHS Black Heritage Committee hosts a event at the Okla- in partial fulfillment of its mission to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. homa History Center, with the money raised earmarked for the Shirley Ballard Nero The public and OHS members are encouraged to submit heritage- related items for publication. Students and teachers are invited to share endowment. We are working on an educational and entertaining program for this year, studies and programs and to duplicate contents as desired. Editors are welcome to reprint materials with credit. so keep an eye out for an announcement. All Oklahoma Historical Society facilities are for the education and enjoyment of all. State and federal regulations prohibit unlawful You can donate to this endowment any time by contacting Angela Spindle at 405-522- discrimination in state and federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, and/or handicap. 0317 or [email protected]. You also can donate online by visiting www.okhistory. Anyone denied benefits should contact the grievance manager of org/donate and directing the donation to the Shirley Ballard Nero endowment. If you the Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917, telephone 405-522-5299, and/or the director, have any questions or concerns, you can contact me at [email protected] or 405- Office of Equal Opportunity, United States Department of the Interior, Washington, DC 20240. 522-6676.

2 every month in the loft of the barn. On Events most months the Rendezvous is a jam Announcements session open to local musicians, but on Join local historian Jonita Mullins and June 9 the ukulele festival will return for Historian Michael Hightower’s latest Okie Heritage Tours for guided walking a second year, featuring ukulele bands book, 1889: The Boomer Movement, the tours through historic Muskogee. Tours from across the state. The outdoor Round Land Run, and Early Oklahoma City, has will be held on Saturday, May 11, and Barn Elm Tree Concerts are scheduled been selected as a finalist in the 2019 Saturday, June 1, at 4:30 p.m. Each tour at least once a month through October, Oklahoma Book Award’s nonfiction cat- is approximately one hour and will cover from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sundays other than egory. Hightower frames his work within 12 blocks of level walking with frequent the second Sunday. The lineup will in- the larger history of Oklahoma, begin- stops. Lace up your comfortable shoes clude the Regular Joes, Steelwind, the ning in Indian Territory where displaced and don your weather-appropriate cloth- Brave Amigos, Gypsy Twang, and the 4-H tribes and freedmen, wealthy cattle- ing for an afternoon stroll through one Music Corps. Concert dates will be post- men, and prospective homesteaders be- of the most historic downtown areas in ed on the Arcadia Round Barn website came embroiled in disputes over public Oklahoma. Explore Muskogee and learn and Facebook page. Admission is free, land and federal policies. The story trav- about its legacy from 1870s Indian Terri- but donations are accepted. For more in- els back and forth between Washington, tory to the present day. Visit “dead man’s formation please call Joe Baxter at 405- DC, and the territory to describe the poli- corner,” walk the police beat of US Mar- 833-1350. tics of settlement, public land use, and shal Bass Reeves, and see where Merle the first stirrings of urban development. Haggard and Babe Ruth played. Learn Drawing on eyewitness accounts, Hight- about Muskogee’s place as the capital of Exhibits ower captures the drama of the Boomer Indian Territory and the seat of federal incursions, the Run of ’89, and the na- government from 1876 to today. The cost The National Cowboy and Western Heri- scent urbanization of Oklahoma City. To is $5 per person, and can be paid in cash tage Museum in Oklahoma City exhib- schedule a book review to business and or with a credit card. Tours start in front it entitled Ancient. Massive. Wild. – The community groups in your area, contact of the Muskogee Civic Center, located at Bison Exhibit will be on display through Dr. Hightower at mhightower@okhistory. 425 Boston Street. For more information Sunday, May 12. Whether painted on a org or 434-249-6043. please visit www.okieheritage.com. tipi or an artist’s canvas, minted on a nickel, or seen grazing in a field, the im- Do you want your organization’s event, A summer’s worth of live music is on tap age of the bison stirs in us deep loyalties exhibit, or announcement included in the at the Arcadia Round Barn. Oklahoma to the North American landscape. Wild “Around Oklahoma” section of Mistletoe singer-songwriters will offer Morning Mu- and fundamental, the bison is a familiar Leaves? This section features Oklahoma sic from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every part of our shared heritage. This exhibit history- and heritage-related program- Saturday in the downstairs area of the explores the meaning and significance of ming sponsored by entities other than the barn, which was built in 1898 and has this iconic creature, from the Plains In- Oklahoma Historical Society. To submit been operated as a museum since 1992 dian culture of the 1800s through the news items, please contact Evelyn Moxley by the Arcadia Historical and Preservation commercial and national symbol of the by email at [email protected] or by Society. The artists will provide acoustic present. The National Cowboy and West- mail at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma Americana, bluegrass, and country mu- ern Heritage Museum is located at 1700 City, OK 73105. If you wish a news item sic. The Round Barn Rendezvous is from NE 63rd Street in Oklahoma City. Please to appear in the July/August issue, you noon to 5 p.m. on the second Sunday of call 405-478-2250 for more information. must submit it by Tuesday, June 4.

Angie Debo: Daughter of the Prairie presentation at Victorian Tea at Cherokee Museum of the Western Prairie Strip Regional Heritage

Author and historian Patricia Loughlin will discuss her re- Center cent children’s book Angie Debo: Daughter of the Prairie on Just in time for Mother’s Day, celebrate Tuesday, June 4, at 7 p.m., at the Museum of the Western the women in your life with a Mom and Prairie in Altus. Utilizing excerpts from Debo’s childhood di- Me Victorian Tea at the Cherokee Strip ary, Loughlin provides an inspiring account of the life of An- Regional Heritage Center on Saturday, gie Debo chronicling her early years in Marshall, Oklahoma May 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu Territory, growing up on a farm with her parents and going will include tasty finger sandwiches and to the local school. In the book, the author also explains the sweet treats plus various flavors of tea historical significance of Debo, who served as a teacher, cu- and lemonade. rator, pastor, librarian, historian, and author. A special program will be presented. Loughlin is a professor of history and director of graduate Guests are encouraged to dress in their studies in the Department of History and Geography at the finest, including hats and gloves. This University of Central Oklahoma, and serves on the Oklahoma Historical Society Board will be a lovely soiree, not to be missed! of Directors. Her book Hidden Treasures of the American West: Muriel H. Wright, Angie Cost per person is $25 and reservations Debo, and Alice Marriott won the 2006 Director’s Award from the Oklahoma Center for are required. To reserve seats, please call the Book. She resides in Stillwater. 580-237-1907 or email csrhcinfo@okh- This presentation is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served. It is istory.org. The Cherokee Strip Region- hosted by the Western Trail Historical Society. The Museum of the Western Prairie is lo- al Heritage Center is located at 507 S. cated at 1100 Memorial Drive in Altus. For more information, please call 580-482-1044. Fourth Street in Enid.

3 15 Sign of the Times exhibit opens, 15 Preservation Oklahoma’s Summer May events Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Soiree, Henry Overholser Mansion, Center, Enid Oklahoma City 1–25 Living history season, Hunter’s Home, Park Hill 16 Mysteries of the Mansion tour, 19 “Juneteenth: Segregation and Henry Overholser Mansion, Emancipation of the African 1–2 Oklahoma National History Day Oklahoma City American Cowboy” Brown Bag contest, Oklahoma History Center, Lunch and Learn program by Oklahoma City 18 “The First ” Dr. Laura Arata, Cherokee Strip presentation by Dr. Jane Regional Heritage Center, Enid 2–3 Gravestone Conservation workshop, Johansson, Honey Springs Tahlequah City Cemetery, Battlefield and Visitor Center, 19 Okietales, Oklahoma History Tahlequah Checotah Center, Oklahoma City 3 Living History Education Day, 18 Oklahoma Archeological Survey 20 Mysteries of the Mansion tour, Hunter’s Home, Park Hill workshop and 2019 Most Henry Overholser Mansion, Endangered Places exhibit, Henry Oklahoma City 4 May Day Celebration, Hunter’s Overholser Mansion, Oklahoma Home, Park Hill City 21 Summer Solstice Walks, Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, 18 Family Day at the Ranch, Will Spiro Rogers Birthplace Ranch, Oologah 22 “The Jefferson Highway” 18–19 Urban Campout, Henry Overholser presentation by Jonita Mullins, Mansion, Oklahoma City Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center, Checotah 25 Apron Strings: Ties to the Past exhibit closes, Museum of the 22 Annual Ice Cream Social, Fred Western Prairie, Altus Drummond Home, Hominy 25 Tour de Quartz exhibit opens, 22 Ice Cream Social, Chisholm Trail Museum of the Western Prairie, Museum, Kingfisher Altus 24–26 Frontier Days Kids’ Camp, Will 25–26 Night at the Chuck Wagon, Rogers Birthplace Ranch, Oologah Will Rogers Memorial Museum, 4 Community Art Day, Chisholm Claremore Trail Museum, Kingfisher 31 Movie Night featuring State Fair 4 Mom and Me Victorian Tea, (1933), Will Rogers Memorial Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Museum, Claremore Center, Enid 31 Smoke Over Oklahoma: The Railroad 4 “Vintage Aprons: Tie One On” Photographs of Preston George presentation by Margaret Goss, exhibit closes, Chisholm Trail Sod House Museum, Aline Museum, Kingfisher 4 Gravestone Conservation workshop, Oaklawn Cemetery, Tulsa June events 8 “126 Years and Counting: A History of the Oklahoma Historical Society” Brown Bag Lunch and Learn 1 Family Day at the Ranch, Will program by Kathy Dickson, Rogers Birthplace Ranch, Oologah Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage 26 Okietales, Oklahoma History Center, Enid 1 Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Center, Oklahoma City Oklahoma!: The Origin of Modern 8 “The Section 106 Review Process: Musical Theatre exhibit opens, 28 Movie Night featuring David Harum A Workshop for Agency Officials Museum of the Western Prairie, (1934), Will Rogers Memorial and Cultural Resource Management Altus Museum, Claremore Consultants” SHPO workshop, Oklahoma History Center, 1 Annual Pioneer Woman Museum 29 Tracing Your Roots intermediate Oklahoma City Golf Tournament, Lew Wentz genealogy class, Chisholm Trail Memorial Golf Course, Ponca City Museum, Kingfisher 9 “Working with the National Register of Historic Places” SHPO workshop, 29 Tour de Quartz exhibit closes, Oklahoma History Center, Museum of the Western Prairie, Oklahoma City Altus 10 “Tax Incentives for Rehabilitating Please visit www.okhistory.org/events Historic Buildings” SHPO for additional information about OHS workshop, Oklahoma History events, programs, and exhibits. Center, Oklahoma City 4 Angie Debo: Daughter of the Prairie presentation by Dr. Patricia 10 “The Secretary’s Standards and Loughlin, Museum of the Western Guidelines for Rehabilitating Prairie, Altus Historic Buildings” SHPO workshop, Oklahoma History 5 Okietales, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City Center, Oklahoma City 11 Rural Heritage Festival, Cherokee 7–8 Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Virtual tour of the Strip Museum, Perry Show, Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum, Pawnee Oklahoma History Center 11 14th Annual Archaeology Day and 8 Quilting workshop with Martha 41st Birthday Bash, Spiro Mounds The Oklahoma History Center has in- Archaeological Center, Spiro Ray, Sod House Museum, Aline creased the ability of patrons to engage 11 “Hugo Lake and Sawyer Dam” 8 Dutch Oven Cooking class, and connect by introducing a free virtual Second Saturday Demo and Tour, Oklahoma History Center, Fort Towson Historic Site, Fort Oklahoma City tour. Anyone with a web-enabled device Towson 10–11 Broadway Comes to Altus: Act II, or computer can virtually visit our beau- 11 Quilting workshop with Martha Museum of the Western Prairie, tiful facility. Of course, the virtual tour Ray, Sod House Museum, Aline Altus cannot take the place of actually being in 11–15 Chautauqua in the Park, Cherokee the exhibit galleries, but we hope it sparks Strip Regional Heritage Center, some curiosity and you visit the History Enid Center soon! Check out the virtual tour 12 Okietales, Oklahoma History at www.okhistory.org/tour. For more in- Center, Oklahoma City formation please call 405-522-0765.

4 The Campbell Pen USDA aerial photographs available in the OHS Archives

By Mike Bell By Marty Alberts

There is group of pens in the OHS col- Aerial photographs are taken from air- lections that have been listed as “Pens – planes flying at various altitudes that can Pens of historic use (11)” with no other range from 5,000 to 60,000 feet. Govern- identifying information. Information has ment agencies have contracted and pro- been slowly filtering in so that staff can duced the largest number of aerial pho- identify some and understand what oth- tographs, although there are commercial ers might be. One pen in particular is one services that also produce and sell aer- of a kind. That pen is the Campbell Pen. ial photographs. The US Department of The Campbell Pen is one of the more Agriculture’s (USDA) aerial photograph unique artifacts that the Oklahoma His- program began after the Agricultural torical Society possesses. W. P. Campbell Adjustment Act farm bill was passed by made the pen from stalks of alfalfa ob- Congress and signed by President Frank- tained from William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Mur- lin D. Roosevelt in 1933. The photographs ray himself. In the 1906–07 Custodian’s were and are used to record land use and Report to the Historical Society Board of soil conservation practices, with soil ero- Directors Campbell wrote, “President W. sion from wind and water being a primary Aerial photograph of a section of H. Murray of the Constitutional Conven- federal concern. Major County. tion on request sent a bunch of alfalfa Aerial photographs have been taken for from his farm near Tishomingo; stems three USDA agencies—the Farm Service Rural Heritage Festival were wound with silk and mounted with Agency (FSA), the Natural Resource and The Cherokee Strip Museum will host co-coons raised in the Lion Store win- Conservation Service (NRCS), and the its Rural Heritage Festival on Saturday, dow at Oklahoma City and furnished by Forest Service—since 1937. May 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fes- the proprietor, George E. Gardner; a pen How can the USDA aerial photographs tival provides an educational and fun ex- point was made by the custodian from a be used? perience to the public that will increase quill of the Oklahoma-captured eagle on 1. To study land use and land cover awareness of the rural heritage of Okla- exhibition at the society room. The pen change homa. Living history interpreters will and holder thus made was presented 2. To study historical land development conduct demonstration throughout the the Constitutional Convention, and duly and urban sprawl in cities day to help visitors understand tradition- accepted. After serving the President in 3. To aid in legal disputes over property al skills and lifestyles associated with ag- signing the constitution roll voted the so- rights riculture and rural communities. Admis- ciety, the convention voted the pen to the 4. To research a property’s past sion to this annual event is free. society and it is now here.”1 5. To study changes on your own prop- A few new additions to this year’s fes- Newspapers reported that the Campbell erty tival are a craft show where only hand- Pen arrived at the Constitutional Conven- The USDA aerial photographs held at made items will be sold, a heritage quilt tion on April 17, 1907.2 Murray used the the Oklahoma Historical Society have exhibit in the new gallery room inside the Campbell Pen to officially sign his name been inventoried and cataloged for use. museum, and food trucks for visitors to to the engrossed copy of the Oklahoma The size and scale of the photographs purchase food on-site. Constitution on April 20, 1907.3 Murray are 24 inches by 24 inches and 1 inch Historical interpreters and reenactors then used a second pen he received from equals 660 feet. We currently have more will be on hand to demonstrate Dutch William Jennings Bryan to sign his title than 1,500 photographs for the following oven cooking, blacksmithing, basket and list the district he represented at the counties (dates of the flights are enclosed weaving, quilting, and lye soap mak- convention. Murray then gave that pen to in parentheses): ing. Guests also will be able to see what Peter Hanratty to give to Samuel Gomp- Blaine County (1941, 1951, 1957, a cowboy camp would have looked like, ers.4 The Campbell Pen was sent to the 1964)—photos are limited to northeast- and might encounter some Old West OHS for safe keeping and it remains in ern Blaine County and are from the NRCS gunfighters. At 11:30 a.m. students of all the collections. Okeene Office. ages can attend Rose Hill School, taught Mike Bell is curator of collections at the Kingfisher County (1937, 1951, 1964)— by the schoolmarm, Miss Musshafen. Oklahoma History Center. photos are limited to northwestern King- There will be hands-on activities such as fisher County and are from the NRCS 1 W. P. Campbell, “Custodian’s Biennial Report 1906-07,” 7, sack races, cakewalks, and apple bob- W. P. Campbell Collection, OHS. Okeene Office. 2 bing and peeling. Music from a variety of “Convention is to Frame New Election Ordinance,” Daily Major County (1942, 1954, 1961)— Oklahoman, April 17, 1907, 3. stringed instruments will be provided by 3 photos cover most of Major County and “Convention is to Adjourn Today,” Daily Oklahoman, April the Dulcimers. 20, 1907, 1. This article discusses Murray using the pen to sign are from the FSA Fairview Office. the engrossed copy of the Oklahoma Constitution and also states The events held at the Cherokee Strip that the pen was sent to the Oklahoma Historical Society. Noble County (1937, 1954, 1980s)— 4 Museum in Perry are designed for fami- “Delegates Affix Their ‘J. Hancock,’” Guthrie Daily Leader, photos cover most of Noble County and April 20, 1907, 1. Page 1 of this newpaper has April 19, 1907, in lies and people of all ages. The museum the masthead, which is incorrect. The remaining pages have the are from the FSA Perry Office. correct date of April 20, 1907. celebrates the community’s heritage and NRCS photography includes in some welcomes everyone for a day full of fun, cases the farm owner’s name, address, food, and learning! and legal description on the reverse side To see an updated list of the attractions as of the photograph. they are added please visit www.cherokee- Marty Alberts is a technical services strip-museum.org and follow the museum technician in the OHS Research Division. on Facebook at Cherokee Strip Museum. The Cherokee Strip Museum is located at 2617 W. Fir St. in Perry. For more informa- tion please call 580-336-2405.

5 Historians Hall of Fame inductees From the OHS Archives:

Since 1993 the Oklahoma Historical So- She has served on the executive committee The Oscar B. Jacobson ciety has annually honored up to four in- and as the president, and is now an emeri- Collection ductees, both professional and amateur, tus member. in its Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame. Mary Jo Watson earned three degrees By Jan H. Richardson Recipients are selected on the basis of from the University of Oklahoma (OU), their contributions to the preservation, including a bachelor of fine arts in art his- Oscar B. Jacobson—artist, teacher, collection, interpretation, and dissemina- tory, a master of liberal studies in Semi- and advocate for Native American art and tion of Oklahoma history. In April 2018 nole aesthetics, and a doctorate in Native artists—was Director of the University Dianna Everett, Helen Freudenberger American art history. She recently retired of Oklahoma School of Art from 1915 to Holmes, Emmy Scott Stidham, and Mary from OU, where she served as the curator 1954. Born in Sweden in 1882, his family Jo Watson were inducted into the Okla- of Native American art at the Fred Jones immigrated to Kansas in 1890. Though a homa Historians Hall of Fame. Jr. Museum of Art. Dr. Watson developed noted artist in his own right, he is princi- Dianna Everett, who retired from the the current Native Art History program at pally known as the mentor to the Kiowa Oklahoma Historical Society in 2010, the university. She has received numer- Five group of artists. Jacobson provided spearheaded the effort for the compre- ous honors, including the Paseo Art As- studio space to the artists and helped hensive project that became The Encyclo- sociation’s Lifetime Achievement Award guide and promote their careers. The pedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. (2010); the OU Students’ Choice Faculty Oscar B. Jacobson Collection, donated A native of New Mexico, she earned her Award (2006); OU Outstanding Faculty, by Jacobson’s daughter, Yolande Jacob- doctorate at Texas Tech University. She Center of Student Life-Indian Student son Sheppard, provides a more intimate has authored several books, including Award (2003); Governor’s Art Award for glimpse into the life of Oscar Jacobson The Texas Cherokees: A People Between Outstanding Service (2002); OU College through the eyes of his wife, the author Two Fires, 1819–1840 (1990). After Ev- of Fine Arts Outstanding Faculty Award Jeanne d’Ucel. The collection includes an erett completed the encyclopedia project, (1997); and Governor’s Arts Award for unpublished memoir by d’Ucel detailing she became the editor for The Chronicles significant contribution to enhance the their life and travels from their meeting of Oklahoma. In her semi-retirement she arts in Oklahoma (1993). at Washington State College in 1915 to has returned to the OHS to keep the on- his death in 1966. The collection also in- line version of the encyclopedia. cludes articles she wrote about Jacobson Born and raised near Pleasant Valley, and art in general. Other items available Oklahoma, Helen Freudenberger Holmes are six oversized scrapbooks compiled by later moved near Coyle. She graduated d’Ucel that include newspaper clippings from Oklahoma Agricultural and Me- and magazine articles about the couple, chanical College (later Oklahoma State “The First Indian Home exhibit and event programs, and other University) with a bachelor’s degree in items related to their work. English, then earned a master’s degree Guard” presentation The Oscar B. Jacobson Collection in journalism from the University of Wis- (M1985.109, seven boxes) is available consin. During World War II she gradu- Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor for viewing in the OHS Research Center ated from the first WAAC officers’ class Center is honored to announce a spe- Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. and served as a public relations officer. cial presentation titled “The First Indian to 4:45 p.m. The Research Center is lo- She later was an intelligence officer in Home Guard” on Saturday, May 18, at 1 cated on the first floor of the Oklahoma Washington, DC, and Germany. She p.m. Dr. Jane Johansson, professor in History Center. For more information served on Guthrie’s City Council and as the Department of History and Political please email [email protected] or mayor from 1979–81. Holmes was the Science at Rogers State University and call 405-522-5225. principle author and editor of two-volume editor of the book Albert C. Ellithorpe, the Jan H. Richardson is the processing The Logan County History, 1889–1979 First Indian Home Guards, and the Civil archivist in the OHS Research Division’s (1978 and 1980) and Homes of Historic War on the Trans-Mississippi Frontier, will Manuscript Archives. Guthrie (1987). She wrote regular histori- speak about the regiment’s unique his- cal articles for the Guthrie Daily Leader. tory in relation to the Civil War in Indian She donated the Helen F. Holmes Collec- Territory and the Battle of Honey Springs. tion to the Western History Collections at “Recruited in Kansas refugee camps in the University of Oklahoma. In 2019 she the spring of 1862, the First Indian Home was inducted into the US Army Women’s Guard was a unique Civil War regiment,” Foundation Hall of Fame. said Johansson. “Comprised of whites, Emmy Scott Stidham was born in Ed- refugee Muscogee Creeks and Seminoles, mond and raised in Checotah. She helped and African Creeks, the regiment served in organize the Checotah Landmark Preserva- a variety of military operations from 1862 tion Society to save the local Katy Depot. to 1865. Notable actions that the unit The organization, with Stidham as presi- engaged in included Locust Grove, Fort dent, moved the depot, financed its reno- Wayne, Cane Hill, Prairie Grove, Honey Monroe Tsatoke, Jack Hokeah, Steven vation, and developed a long-range plan Springs, and many smaller encounters. Mopope, Oscar Jacobson, Spencer Asah, to turn it into a museum and community This presentation will explore the regi- and James Auchiah, c. 1930 center for the town. In 1987 Emmy was in- ment’s background, its composition, no- (21144.4.53.0, Oscar B. Jacobson strumental in organizing and coordinating table personalities, military actions, rela- Collection, OHS). the volunteers for the first OHS Battle of tions with the federal government, and Honey Springs reenactment. She has been the postwar era.” For more information helping with the event for more than 30 please call 918-473-5572. Honey Springs years. In 1988 the OHS membership elect- Battlefield and Visitor Center is located ed Emmy Stidham to its board of directors. east of US Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville.

6 OHS receives grant from Community Art Day May Day Celebration at Oklahoma Developmental brings Egyptian artifacts Hunter’s Home

Disabilities Council to Chisholm Trail It is once again time for the annual May By Angela Spindle Museum Day Celebration at Hunter’s Home! This event will be held on Saturday, May 4, The OHS is working to make the Okla- Visit the Chisholm Trail Museum for from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year visi- homa History Center and our OHS mu- the first Community Art Day on Satur- tors can enjoy cooking, gardening, house seums and historic sites more welcoming day, May 4, from 10 a.m. to noon. Cu- tours, fiber arts, and many farming ac- and inclusive environments. rators from the Mabee-Gerrer Museum tivities. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for The Oklahoma History Center formed of Art will provide hands-on art fun by senior citizens, and $4 for students ages an accessibility and inclusion advisory bringing a little bit of their museum to 6–18. Children 5 and under are free. Vet- committee in 2017. Members include Kingfisher. Participants will create a met- erans are also free with military ID. museum educators, developmental dis- al cartouche (an ancient Egyptian name- Hunter’s Home, a National Historic ability advocates, OHS Research Division plate) and learn how to write their names Landmark, is located three miles south of staff, exhibit curators, and Visitor Servic- in Egyptian hieroglyphics. The Mabee- Tahlequah at 19479 East Murrell Home es staff. The group is committed to devel- Gerrer staff also will bring Egyptian ar- Road in Park Hill. oping strategies to make the Oklahoma tifacts for visitors to touch. All materials History Center and our OHS museums will be provided, and the activity is free Tour de Quartz exhibit at and sites accessible to all members of our while supplies last. community. Founded in 1919, the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of the Western An initial needs assessment of the His- Museum of Art in Shawnee is one of the Prairie tory Center revealed a lack of support oldest museums in the state of Okla- homa. Father Gregory Gerrer, for whom for patrons with less visible disabilities, From May 25 to June 30, the Museum the museum is named, was a Benedic- such as mental or sensory function and of the Western Prairie in Altus will host tine monk of considerable artistic talent. hearing or visual impairments. To help Tour de Quartz, a selection of artwork cre- During Father Gerrer’s travels to Europe, alleviate some of these barriers, the OHS ated by Oklahoma high school students Africa, and South America, he collected applied for funding from the Oklahoma during the 2018 Oklahoma Summer Arts objects of artistic and ethnological value. Developmental Disabilities Council. This Institute at Quartz Mountain. The exhibi- The Chisholm Trail Museum is located grant was used to purchase sensory as- tion of 20 photographs and 19 paintings at 605 Zellers Ave. in Kingfisher. sistive items and accommodating com- will be on display in the First Gallery of puter software. the museum. Staff members and volunteers are un- During their two-week residency at dergoing training on disability awareness Quartz Mountain, students are immersed and how to support our guests. Visitors in one of eight artistic disciplines and to the History Center will have access to taught by nationally renowned artists. complimentary sensory bags that include Abstract painter Geoffrey Todd Smith noise canceling headphones, fidget toys, served as drawing and painting instruc- weighted lap blankets, and sunglasses. tor. Photojournalist and filmmaker Paul The bags will be available for check out Taggert, whose work has appeared in the at the Admissions Desk. Low vision com- Golf fundraiser for New York Times, Newsweek, and Nation- puter software and accessories are now al Geographic, led the photography stu- available in the OHS Research Center. Pioneer Woman Museum dents. Soon, staff at almost all 26 OHS muse- The Museum of the Western Prairie is ums and sites will have been trained and On Saturday, June 1, Lew Wentz Me- open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 have sensory assistive technology avail- morial Golf Course in Ponca City will be a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 1100 Me- able for guests to use. Look for updates the venue for the annual Pioneer Woman morial Drive in Altus. For more informa- and details about future projects in up- Golf Tournament, a four-man scramble tion, please call 580-482-1044. coming issues of Mistletoe Leaves. benefitting the Pioneer Woman Museum Angela Spindle is the development and and Statue. Okietales at Oklahoma membership coordinator in the OHS Devel- Registration begins at 7 a.m., with an 8 History Center opment and Special Projects Division. a.m. start time. The event ends at 1 p.m. Registration is $50 per person, $200 per Join the Oklahoma History Center for Hugo Lake and Sawyer Dam foursome, with carts and lunch includ- Okietales, a storytelling and craft time for tour ed. Extra tournament contests include children ages five to nine, from 10:30 to longest drive and closest to the pin, each 11:30 a.m. each Wednesday in June and On Saturday, May 11, the Second Sat- for $5 per person, and 150 yard par 5 for July, except July 3. Kids will listen to a urday Demo at Fort Towson Historic Site $20 per team. And for those who need it, story about Oklahoma, then make a re- will take to the road. Participants will you can purchase two mulligans for $10! lated craft. The cost for Okietales is $4 for meet at 1 p.m. at Fort Towson and then To register for the tournament, please nonmembers and $2 for members. proceed to the Hugo Lake Dam near Saw- contact Kelly Houston at the Pioneer Dates for Okietales are June 5, 12, 19, yer for a tour of the inner workings of this Woman Museum at 580-765-6108 or and 26 and July 10, 17, 24 and 31. The water control structure. Chris Lynch will register online at www.pioneerwoman- program will take place in the Oklahoma guide visitors on this unique experience. museum.com. All proceeds will be used History Center Museum Store. For more For more information about the event, for maintenance and programming at the information contact the Oklahoma Histo- please call John Davis at 580-873-2634 Pioneer Woman Museum and Statue, lo- ry Center Education Department at edu- or email [email protected]. Fort Tow- cated at 701 Monument Road in Ponca [email protected] or call Carrie Fox at son Historic Site is located north of US 70 City. 405-522-0791. near Fort Towson.

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Vol. 50, No. 3 May/June 2019 Urban Campout and Summer Soiree at the Henry Overholser Mansion

Join Preservation Oklahoma, Inc., for an Urban Campout on the grounds of the Hen- ry Overholser Mansion in Oklahoma City beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, and concluding at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 19. The evening will feature outdoor ac- tivities, a tour of the mansion, and sleeping under the beautiful Oklahoma sky. On-site security is provided. The cost is $100 per campsite, which includes space for up to six people or a six-person tent (or smaller). Camper vans and RVs are welcome as well. Attendees will be provided with all the fix- ings for favorite campfire foods including hot dogs and s’mores, along with juice and donuts for the morning. If you are interested in only visiting for the evening, there is a $50 dinner option for a family of four. All History of aprons on display at Sod House funds raised from Urban Campout will go toward the maintenance and upkeep of the Overholser Mansion. Museum and Museum of the Western Prairie Preservation Oklahoma also will host its fourth annual summer fundraising party, Summer Soiree, on Saturday, June 15, at 7 p.m., presented by Engel & Two OHS museums will host exhibits exploring the history of Völkers Oklahoma City. Summer Soiree also is made possible thanks to Charles- aprons. Both the Sod House Museum in Aline and the Museum of ton Level sponsors Cherokee Nation and the Kirkpatrick Foundation. the Western Prairie in Altus will feature their collections of aprons Taking place on the lawn of the Overholser Mansion, the Summer Soiree will and use them to tell the story of domesticity in the twentieth century. include live music by Born in November; dancing; drinks from COOP Ale Works, In conjunction with the Sod House Museum exhibit, Margaret Prairie Wolf Spirits, and Thirst Wine Merchants; heavy hors d’oeuvres; and a Goss of Carmen will present a lecture entitled “Vintage Aprons: Tie raffle, as well as all the glitz and glamour of the Roaring ’20s. Tickets are $75 per One On” at the Sod House Museum on Saturday, May 4, at 10 a.m. person and can be purchased www.preservationok.org/summer-soiree. Goss’s lecture will draw attention to the new exhibit by discussing Sponsorship opportunities available. This event is co-chaired by Carissa Stevens the history of the aprons on display. She will present a style show of and Sarah Jordan. For more information, aprons during the program. please contact Cayla Lewis at 405-525- “Apron Strings: Ties to the Past” will be on display through May 5325 or [email protected]. All 25 at the Museum of the Western Prairie in Altus. Although taken proceeds benefit the work of Preservation for granted by many social and art historians, the apron is the sub- Oklahoma, Inc., including its stewardship ject of a fascinating reevaluation in this popular ExhibitsUSA exhibi- of the 1903 Henry Overholser Mansion. The tion. Featuring vintage and contemporary examples, the exhibition Overholser Mansion is located at 405 NW chronicles changing attitudes toward women and domestic work. It 15th St. in Oklahoma City. surveys the wide range of design and craft techniques apron-makers Preservation Oklahoma, Inc., is the have used to express themselves, while still working within creative venues tra- state’s only private, nonprofit membership ditionally available to women. organization that is dedicated to promoting, Be sure to visit both of these wonderful exhibits! The Sod House Museum is supporting, and coordinating historic pres- open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and is located southeast of Aline on State ervation activities throughout the state. Highway 8. The Museum of the Western Prairie is open Tuesday through Satur- More information can be found at www. day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 1100 Memorial Drive in Altus. preservationok.org.