Research Center Reading Room Now Open

Vol. 37, No. 5 Published monthly by the Oklahoma Historical Society, serving since 1893 May 2006

Robbers Cave State Park to host 18th Annual Preservation Conference Research Center Reading Room now open

Pack your jeans and walking shoes and The new OHS Research Center opened to hike or drive to Robbers Cave State Park the public on April 20 at 9 a.m. The attrac- in Wilburton, where historic preservation tively furnished, well-equipped facility is lo- professionals and advocates will meet cated on the first floor of OHS’s new home, May 31 through June 2 for Preservation the Oklahoma History Center, at 2401 Inside and Out: Oklahoma’s 18th Annual North Laird Avenue in Oklahoma City. Statewide Preservation Conference. The John and Eleanor Kirkpatrick Read- Conference cosponsors include the State ing Room, where patrons will use the collec- Historic Preservation Office of the Oklahoma tions, encompasses more than 10,000 Historical Society, Oklahoma Main Street square feet of area for public use. According Center, the Oklahoma Department of Com- to Research Division Director William merce, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recre- Welge, “Patrons who visit the new Reading A large, adjacent room houses 30 micro- ation Department, Preservation Oklahoma, Room will be amazed at its spaciousness. film readers, 6 reader-printers, and micro- Inc., Wilburton Main Street, Inc., Robbers It’s more expansive, it’s a place where a re- film cabinets. The room is quiet and com- Cave State Park, Wilburton Chamber of searcher can really spread out and do a lot fortable, and its glass wall provides a view Commerce, Latimer County Arts Council, of work.” of the Reading Room. the Wilburton Round-Up Club, Twentieth The new Reading Room offers numerous, Century Club, and Eastern Oklahoma State well-lighted tables and 15 computers for pa- College. tron use. Researchers will access various On Thursday, June 1, at 1:45 p.m., online Web resources, including the U.S. Charles A. Birnbaum, FASLA, Coordinator Census and other informational Web sites. of the National Park Service Historic Land- Extensive book stacks, including the scape Initiative, will deliver the conference Daugherty Family Rare Book Room, pro- keynote address. According to Melvena vide access to a huge collection of bound Heisch, deputy state historic preservation volumes. officer, Birnbaum will offer his thoughts in Six other computers allow patrons to a presentation entitled “Change, Continu- mine the OHS’s resources, he noted. “Our ity, and Civic Ambition: Preserving Amer- new online catalog system was funded by a ica’s Cultural Landscapes.” generous bequest from Edna Bowman, a Prior to joining the NPS in 1992, Birn- longtime treasurer of OHS and a Board baum spent a decade in private practice member. The new system has allowed us to As the move from the Wiley Post Building with a focus on landscape preservation and expand the capabilities for research. It in- to the Oklahoma History Center proceeded, urban design. His most recent projects in- volunteer groups contributed 4,900 hours clude the online series Cultural Land- of assistance to the regular library and ar- scapes as Classrooms and editing Design chive staff. Participating individuals and with Culture: Claiming America’s Land- organizations were honored at an open- scape Heritage, for the University Press of ing-night preview on April 19. Virginia. He has also edited Preserving Current hours of operation are Monday Modern Landscape Architecture and its through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. companion publication, Making Post-War Landscapes Visible, for Spacemaker Press, and Pioneers of American Landscape De- It’s National Preservation sign: An Encyclopedia, Volume I (June Month! 2000) and Volume II, scheduled for publi- The National Trust for Historic Pres- cation in 2008. ervation will celebrate the second an- cludes all the resource holdings; a patron nual National Preservation Month dur- can enter one keyword–a town, a family ing May 2006. The Trust encourages name, a subject–and the search engine will the public to participate in heritage bring up a list of the appropriate holdings. events being held in their communities They might be manuscripts, books, maps, throughout the month. The theme of film, photographs, or any number of useful the month-long observance is Sustain media. This system will revolutionize re- America–Vision, Economics, and Pres- search for the users of the OHS collections. ervation. The purpose of Preservation “Another major change is the inclusion Month is to spotlight grassroots pres- of more family histories on the Reading ervation efforts around the country. Room shelves. In addition to the ‘history To learn more about these topics or books,’ there are 40 percent more family to view activities and events on the on- histories. Our collection of telephone direc- line calendar, visit the National Trust tories and city directories will also be Web site, . Restaurant at Robbers Cave State Park accessible.” (SHPO/Wiemer photo) We had to integrate more than 80,000 books from several parts of the building, Oklahoma State History Day pull volumes considered rare or damaged, is May 5 and arrange them in order on carts ready for the move. We had to sort and box 6,000 The new Oklahoma History Center in Director’s manuscript collections, carefully pack more Oklahoma City will be the site of the than 10,000 maps as well as oversized docu- annual History Day on May 5. This Column ments, and organize the move of more than all-day event brings together students 4,000,000 photographs. in grades 6 through 12 to compete for There were rooms filled with film equip- top honors and a trip to the nation’s ment and more than 10,000,000 feet of capital. For information on the event, footage, oral history collections with ancient contact Kelsey Arnold of the Outreach but essential machinery as well as 3,500 Division at 405/522-0692. By Bob L. Blackburn tapes, and the Indian Records, consisting of Executive Director more than 4,000,000 documents stacked in New Annual Members a basement that looked like the last scene in Anne Ault, Oklahoma City the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark. There is nothing I enjoy more than see- Jennie Buchanan, Altus Then, before catching our breath, we had Carolyn Carroll, Chickasha ing people work together to achieve a com- to unload each cart and each box in the Adam D. Collier, Tulsa mon goal. Jim Dyer, Ardmore perfect order. As an historian, I have written about help- Alice Ebert, Oklahoma City When the Legislature failed to provide Nancy M. Ehrlich, El Dorado, CA ing one another during times of need, such emergency funding to hire additional help, Mary Elliott, Broken Arrow as the devastating death march known as Peggy Gattenby, Oklahoma City a small army of volunteers stepped forward the Trail of Tears, or the first harsh winter af- Mary F. Gentry, Bethany to help get the job done. On any given day, Gregory A. George, Guthrie ter the land run of 1889 known as the “Year seven days a week, crews have been scurry- Marilyn Baldwin Kuna, Somerset, NJ of the Turnip.” Alysha Little, Tahlequah ing in all directions, pushing carts, shelving As a public servant, I have seen the Polly Lowe, Chino Hills, CA books, and bringing order to the mountain Gary Lower, Oklahoma City power of partnerships when people pull the of material. Roger McCracken, McKinney, TX same direction with an attitude of never Ramona O’Dell, Moore On April 20, 2006, we celebrated their giving up. The Oklahoma History Center is Harold A. Pricer, Fairfield, CA achievement and opened the new Research proof of that power. Juanita Register, Greenwood, FL Center to the public. Once again, our moun- Norma Sue Shirley, Elk City For the past several months, I have been Patrick Wert, Oklahoma City tain of material, Oklahoma’s attic, is accessi- heartened on a daily basis by the staff and Belinda Yeager, Marlow ble to anyone curious about their family, volunteers working together to move the their community, and their state. New Family Members library and archive collections from the Yes, there is nothing I enjoy more than Joe Foote, Norman Wiley Post Historical Building to the new Bud & Marge Hightree, Oklahoma City seeing people working together for a com- Oklahoma History Center. Deena Standfast, Newalla mon goal. Emily Wilson, Norman When we closed the old reading room on Jerald & Sue Wyssman, Shawnee March 1, it looked like a tall mountain to New Institutional Members climb. We had collections stacked floor to DAR Library, Washington, D.C. ceiling, with every nook and cranny in the Jill May, Washington High School, Tulsa old building stuffed to overflowing. For 113 years, we had served as Oklahoma’s attic, a New Supporting Member place to collect and store our shared heri- John Marshall, Oklahoma City tage, and we had created our own problem through our success.

Development News Oklahoma Historical Society Publications Division By Dr. Tim Zwink Editorial Office: 405/522-4860 Dianna Everett, Ph.D., Editor Linda D. Wilson, Assistant Editor William E. Siemens, Graphic Artist One of the special features at our Oklahoma History Center is the Red River Journey area Membership Office: Alma Moore 405/522-5242 with its 13 patios of nearly 4,000 monogrammed bricks. Many folks are still asking whether they can sponsor a monogrammed brick. The answer Mistletoe Leaves (USPS 018–315) is published monthly by the Oklahoma Historical Society, 2401 N. Laird Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73105–7914. remains “yes”. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK. However, anyone wanting a brick engraved and installed this summer will to need place POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mistletoe Leaves, 2401 N. Laird Ave- the order by the end of June. nue, Oklahoma City, OK 73105–7914. By authorization of the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Board of Directors, In July we will start the process of getting the bricks monogrammed and installed. 5,100 copies are prepared at a cost of $1025.00 each month. The publication is financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, United These monogrammed bricks are a wonderful way to recognize family and friends, to ac- States Department of the Interior. Contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the knowledge special events such as marriages and anniversaries, to honor loved ones, and to Oklahoma Historical Society or the United States Department of the Interior. record genealogy. The bricks make great graduation gifts, too. Mention of trade names does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by either organization. The monogrammed bricks have greatly enhanced the beauty of the Oklahoma History Mistletoe Leaves is published for the members and friends of the Okla- homa Historical Society in partial fulfillment of the Society’s purpose to Center park. Visitors strolling along the Red River Journey walk are fascinated by the “preserve and perpetuate the history of Oklahoma and its people, to stimulate popular interest in historical study and research, and to promote and monogrammed bricks and by the stories they tell. If you want to sponsor a brick, make sure disseminate historical knowledge.” The public and OHS members are encouraged to submit heritage-related your order has been sent in before the end of June. Remind friends who want a mono- items for publication. Students and teachers are invited to share studies and programs and to duplicate contents as desired. Editors are welcome to reprint grammed brick at the History Center, too. Sponsoring a brick is a great way to be part of materials with credit. the Oklahoma History Center experience. All Oklahoma Historical Society facilities are for the education and enjoy- ment of all. State and federal regulations prohibit unlawful discrimination in For order forms, contact me by e-mail at or call me at state and federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, and/or handicap. 405/522-5217. Anyone denied benefits should contact the Executive Director of the Okla- homa Historical Society, 2401 N. Laird Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73105– 7914, telephone 405/521-2491, and/or the Director, Office of Equal Oppor- tunity, United States Department of the Interior, Washington, DC 20240. portrayed by Tonia Compton, daytime nonmembers and $3 for Broken Arrow Events workshops, and local entertainment. Historical Society members. Children and Nineteenth-century characters will in- students, 18 years old and younger, are Pawnee will be the venue for the 40th An- clude William Clark, York, Tecumseh, free. Stinchcomb Mansion and Victorian nual Steam and Gas Engine Show from John Jacob Astor, and Sacagawea. For Gardens is located at 1004 South Main, May 5 through May 7. Members of the information contact the Oklahoma Hu- Broken Arrow. For information call the Oklahoma Steam Threshing and Gas En- manities Council at 405/235-0280 or society’s president, Dr. Gary Gerber, at gine Association will display their collec- e-mail . 918/259-4300. (Broken Arrow Daily tion of restored equipment at the Steam (Humanities Interview) Ledger) Park, which is north of Pawnee. Admission Braggs will host its Second Annual Iron Minco Historical Society has received a will be $5. For additional information, call Mountain Day on Saturday, June 3. donation that will enable it to build a 918/762-6788 or inquire via e-mail at Events will include a rodeo and a 2,400-square-foot museum on donated . The reenactment of a store robbery formerly land. The structure is expected to be con- other activities that weekend will include a reported by local newspapers as “Bloody structed in fall 2006. The society is seek- downtown flea market. (Pawnee County Braggs.” Visitors will enjoy food, crafts, ing new members and donations. For in- Historical Society Museum Newsletter) and games (Hillbilly Olympics). Call Rev. formation call society secretary Marvin Oklahoma City’s National Cowboy and Ted Rogers at 918/487-9838 or e-mail Woodworth at 405/732-0527. Western Heritage Museum will host a spe- . (Special to ML) [The (Chickasha) Express-Star] cial beadwork symposium on Saturday, Pawnee’s Pawnee Bill Ranch Site will May 6, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The five host a style show featuring authentic Awards beadwork authorities who will lecture are Wild West Show period costuming on Dr. Robert K. Liu, James Allen, Dr. Moyo June 4, from 4 to 6 p.m. In conjunction Oklahoma City’s National Cowboy and Okediji, Alice Scherer, and Dr. Steven with the outdoor style show, an Grafe. The symposium is open to the pub- Western Heritage Museum inducted old-fashioned ice-cream social will be Frederick Drummond of Pawhuska into lic for the price of museum admission. For held. E-mail further information visit the Web site at the Hall of Great Westerners at the mu- or telephone 918/762-2513. seum’s annual Western Heritage Awards . (Special to ML) (Special to ML) on Saturday, April 22, 2006. Drummond, a third-generation rancher, is recognized for Colcord’s Talbot Library and Museum will his family’s 130-year ranching history in be dedicated on May 13, 2006. The library Osage County, Oklahoma. He is also hon- area will be named the “Walkingstick Re- Writings ored as a businessman who wants to pre- search Room” in honor of the late benefac- serve the open spaces. Drummond has tor, Ollie Walkingstick Rooks. More infor- OU Regents recently approved funds to served as president or mation is available at 918/326-4532 or by purchase the Arthur H. Clark Company as director of various e-mail at or of Spokane, Washington. Founded in national and local or- . (Special to ML) 1902, the company published nonfiction ganizations. He also books relating to the American West. OU provided a gift to the Altus’s Museum of the Western Prairie will bought the publishing assets, including new Oklahoma His- host an exhibit entitled April Showers, May an inventory of approximately twenty tory Center that went Flowers on Saturday, May 20. Photographs thousand volumes, and plans to acceler- to support the instal- will showcase the beauties of spring in ate the number of books released each lation of the Ranching southwestern Oklahoma. For information year as well as possibly reprint old titles. Exhibit. Constructed contact the museum at 580/482-1044 or (Daily Oklahoman) in 1905 in Hominy, . Oklahoma, the Drummond Home was do- Oklahoma’s ghost towns come alive in (Special to ML) nated to OHS in 1980. (Special to ML; Small Towns, Ghost Memories of Okla- photo courtesy National Cowboy and Honey Springs Battlefield will hold a homa by Sid Sperry and nine other re- Western Heritage Museum) reenactor program on Civil War non- searchers/writers. One town from each of combat activities on May 20 from 1 to 5 Oklahoma’s counties is represented in Bartlesville has been named one of p.m. For further information telephone the 160-page book. For more information America’s “Dozen Distinctive Destina- Howard McKinnis at 918/473-5572. Re- about this limited edition, telephone tions” by the National Trust for Historic cently two members of the Boy Scouts of 405/478-1455 or go online to the Web Preservation. Added to the Trust’s annual America completed projects at the battle- site . (Hollis News) list in 2006, Bartlesville was selected for field as part of their work toward becom- its pride in its rich history and culture. ing Eagle Scouts. They were assisted in Bartlesville has the nation’s only Frank their work by Troop 642 of Checotah. Lloyd Wright–designed skyscraper. (Special to ML) Happenings (Special to ML)

Elk City’s National Route 66 Museum Broken Arrow Historical Society and Waynoka Historical Society hosted a rib- Complex grounds will be the venue for the the Stinchcomb Mansion and Victorian bon cutting and open house for the re- 2006 Great Plains Chautauqua, From Sea Gardens will host traveling exhibits of- stored, four-room section foreman’s to Shining Sea: American Expansion and fered by the Oklahoma Humanities house, located at the Waynoka Station Cultural Change, 1790–1850 fromJune2 Council from May 2006 through January near the Harvey House and the Santa Fe through June 6. Guymon will host the 2007. The purpose of the exhibits is to Depot on April 15, 2006. (Special to ML) Chautauqua from June 9 through June celebrate Oklahoma’s 2007 centennial as 13. Programs include evening perfor- well as to raise funds for the development mances, moderated by Dolley Madison, of a new museum. Admission is $5 for SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE PRESERVATION Registration: Belle Starr View Lodge, 2500 Park Track B: Developing Preservation Potential INSIDE AND OUT Cabin Road. Opens at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, Developing a Comprehensive Fundraising Strat- May 31, and runs throughout the conference. Note: egy, Sheri Stuart (See Highlights) Oklahoma’s 18th Annual Statewide Plan to arrive at registration at least 30 minutes be- Preservation Conference fore presentations begin so you will have time to Track C: Heritage Tourism Development May 31 – June 2, 2006 drive or ride a shuttle to sessions that will be held at The First Thing Visitors See in Your Community Eastern Oklahoma State College. The schedule al- How to Maximize Your Streetscape Experience: lows plenty of drive time between sessions. Durant’s Perspective, Richard Andrews, Donna Belle Starr View Lodge Dow Robbers Cave State Park Wilburton’s Streetscape Project: A Case Study for 2500 Park Cabin Road WEDNESDAY, MAY 31 Small Towns, Maryellen Mooney, Karin Woodruff Wilburton, OK (Five miles north of Wilburton 1:45 pm – 3:15 pm on SH 2, then right at the park sign) 10:00 am – 10:20 am BREAK Track A: Preservation in the Great Outdoors 10:20 am – 11:50 am CONFERENCE COSPONSORS New Deal Legacy State Historic Preservation Office, Oklahoma Track A: Preservation in the Great Parks, Politics, and the People: A National Over- Outdoors Historical Society view of the CCC/NPS State Park Collaboration, The Big Picture Oklahoma Main Street Center, Oklahoma James W. Steely Department of Commerce Preserving the Past for the Future: The Antiquities Oklahoma’s First State Parks, An Overview, Jim Act, 1906–2006, Connie Rudd Preservation Oklahoma, Inc. Gabbert Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Wilburton Main Street, Inc. Track B: Developing Preservation Potential Track B: Developing Preservation Potential Robbers Cave State Park Developing a Comprehensive Fundraising Strat- Federal and State Rehabilitation Tax Credits Wilburton Chamber of Commerce egy, Sheri Stuart (Cont’d.) Working with the SHPO to Qualify for Federal and Latimer County Arts Council State Rehabilitation Tax Credits, Catherine Wilburton Round-Up Club Montgomery Track C: Heritage Tourism Development Twentieth Century Club Streetscape Projects in Historic Districts: Ap- Eastern Oklahoma State College plying the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards Track C: Heritage Tourism Development for Rehabilitation, Keith Franklin, Catherine QUESTIONS? A Unique Heritage to Share Montgomery Contact Melvena Heisch, Deputy SHPO, at Protecting Lt-11 and Other Oklahoma Archeologi- 405/522-4484 or e-mail cal Sites: The Archeological Conservancy and the or Maryellen Mooney, Program Manager, Wilburton 11:50 am – 1:45 pm Oklahoma Archeological Survey as Preservation Main Street, Inc., at 918/465-2254 or e-mail at Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.’s Partners, Robert L. Brooks, Amy Espinoza-Ar . Annual Meeting and Luncheon The Red River Steamboat Project: TEA-21 and In- KEYNOTE SPEAKER terpretation of Oklahoma’s Early Transportation Advocacy: What Can It Do for Preservation? Charles A. Birnbaum, FASLA, Coordinator of the Heritage, Kevin Crisman, John Davis Emily Wadhams, Special Guest Speaker National Park Service Historic Landscape Initiative, 3:15 pm – 3:35 pm BREAK will deliver the conference keynote address entitled OR: “Change, Continuity, and Civic Ambition: Pre- 3:35 pm – 5:05 pm serving America’s Cultural Landscapes.” (See page Local Tours with Lunch (See Highlights) one for more details.) Track A: Preservation in the Great Outdoors 1:45 pm – 3:10 pm SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS New Deal Legacy Keynote Session Kevin Crisman, Institute for Nautical Archeology, Texas Lake Murray State Park, Mark Teders A&M University, College Station, TX Robbers Cave State Park, Mitch Arteberry Change, Continuity, and Civic Ambition: Pre- Amy Espinoza-Ar, Southwest Field Representative, The Ar- serving America’s Cultural Landscapes, cheological Conservancy, Albuquerque, NM Charles A. Birnbaum (See Keynote Speaker) Track B: Developing Preservation Potential Glory-June Greiff, Public Historian, Historian- at-Large, Federal and State Rehabilitation Tax Credits Indianapolis, IN 3:10 pm – 3:30 pm BREAK Shawnee’s Aldridge Hotel: A Rehabilitation Tax Joan L. Gould, Historic Preservation Consultant, Fayette- Credits Case Study, Paul Hill, Meg Jordan, Jim 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm ville, AR Petty, Rory Simmons Janie Headrick, State Coordinator, Heritage Tourism Snapshots of Certified Rehabilitation Projects in Track A: Preservation in the Great Program, Texas Historical Commission, Austin, TX Oklahoma, Catherine Montgomery Outdoors Paul Hill, Architect, The Hill Firm, Inc., Fort Smith, AR The Big Picture Heidi Hohmann, Professor, Landscape Architecture Track C: Heritage Tourism Development The Platt District, A Cultural Landscape Case Study, Heidi Hohmann Department, Iowa State University, Ames, IA A Unique Heritage to Share Tommy Jameson, Preservation Architect, Jameson Archi- Restoring the Platt District’s Cultural Landscape, Honey Springs Battlefield: Protecting and Inter- Tim Jarrell tects, P.A., Little Rock, AR preting a Civil War Site, Ralph W. Jones, Howard Meg Jordan, Project Manager, The Hill Firm, Inc., McKinnis Track B: Developing Preservation Potential Fort Smith, AR Mt. Williams: A Vanished Landmark of Okla- Robert H. Lafferty, III, Archeologist, Mid-Continental Re- homa’s Naval History, John Hartley Building Relationships, Building Success, search Associates, Inc., Springdale, AR 6:00 pm Achieving Our Preservation Goals, Emily Rick Parker, Arts Conservator/Beck-Hildebrand Mill Mu- Opening Reception Wadhams (See Highlights) seum Board Member, Gentry, AR (See Highlights) Jim Petty, ERC Development Group, Fort Smith, AR Track C: Heritage Tourism Development Rory Simmons, ERC Development Group, Fort Smith, AR THURSDAY, JUNE 1 James W. Steely, Senior Historical Consultant, SWCA En- 8:30 am – 10:00 am Heritage Promotions on Main Street, Stephen vironmental Consultants, Phoenix, AZ Boyd, Lindy Chambers, Codie Finnigan, Debbie Track A: Preservation in the Great Sheri Stuart, Program Officer, National Trust Main Street Harrison Outdoors Center, Burien, WA The Big Picture Emily Wadhams, Vice President for Public Policy, National 6:00 pm Challenges of Managing Resources in State Parks, Trust for Historic Preservation, Washington, D.C. Pre-Banquet Reception (See Highlights) Jeff Erwin Jack Williams, Founding Partner, Hoshide Williams Archi- Indiana’s New Deal Legacy in the State Parks, 7:00 pm tects, Seattle, WA Glory-June Greiff Awards Banquet (See Highlights) FRIDAY, JUNE 2 Track B: Developing Preservation Potential Building Relationships, Building Success, FRIDAY, JUNE 2 Design Review Roundtable for Historic Commer- Achieving Our Preservation Goals: Elected offi- 8:30 am – 10:00 am cial and Residential Districts (Cont’d.) cials at all levels of government are involved in de- cision making that can enable historic preserva- Track A: Preservation in the Great Track C: Heritage Tourism Development tion efforts or, conversely, threaten historic re- Outdoors Oklahoma Programs and Services for Heritage sources. When preservationists build and main- Landscapes, Parks, and Recreational Resources Tourism Development, Barbara Elder, Pamela tain relationships with elected officials, they can Historic Parks: Designs, Plantings, and the Signif- Wilcox influence decisions on issues such as government icance to the Communities, Brian Dougherty funding for historic preservation and incentives that help communities thrive. This workshop pre- Will Rogers Park, JoAnne Vervinck HIGHLIGHTS sented by the National Trust for Historic Preserva- tion will provide information on how to develop Special Events Track B: Developing Preservation Potential and strengthen relationships with elected officials and how to translate those relationships into sup- Design Review Issues for Local Historic Preserva- Opening Reception: Begin your evening in down- port for your preservation goals. Attendees will tion Commissions: A Workshop, Jack Williams learn about laying the groundwork for relation- (See Highlights) town Wilburton by joining friends and colleagues at the Gallery at Wilburton, 108 West Main Street ship building, developing a message that will for refreshments. Then take a walk along Main resonate with elected officials, effective ways to Track C: Heritage Tourism Development Street to enjoy shopping and the special hospital- communicate the message, activities that can ity of the downtown merchants. (May 31) help strengthen the relationship, and overall Building Heritage Tourism Programs strategies to influence policy making through ef- The Oklahoma Historical Society’s Heritage Trails Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.’s Annual Meeting fective advocacy. (June 1) Projects and TEA-21, Kathy Dickson and Luncheon: Oklahoma’s statewide nonprofit organization invites you to join them for their an- Effective Design Review in Local Historic Dis- The Texas Heritage Trails Program, Janie Headrick nual meeting and luncheon. The program will in- tricts: Jack Williams, Hoshide Williams Archi- clude an update on their activities this past year, tects, Seattle, Washington, representing the Na- tional Alliance of Preservation Commissions, will 10:00 am – 10:20 am BREAK awards presentation, and special guest speaker, Emily Wadhams, Vice President for Public Policy, conduct a half-day workshop on the wide range of 10:20 am – 11:50 am National Trust for Historic Preservation, present- design review issues facing local historic district ing “Advocacy: What Can It Do for Preservation?” commissions and city staff, including district des- (June 1, reservations required) ignations, consistent application of design guide- Track A: Preservation in the Great lines, requests for demolition, and much more. Pre-Banquet Reception and Awards Banquet: Outdoors (June 2, 8:30 am–11:50 am) That afternoon he will Join the State Historic Preservation Office at the facilitate a roundtable discussion of specific de- Landscapes, Parks, and Recreational Resources Robbers Cave State Park Amphitheater for the an- (Cont’d.) sign review cases that have come before local com- nual presentation of the SHPO’s Citations of Merit missions in Oklahoma. Several local commission Modernism in Landscape Design, Deborah W. and National Register certificates. The SHPO will representatives will present cases for the discus- Dalton also recognize Oklahoma’s newest Preserve Amer- sion. Bring your own examples and plan to partic- Stimulating Local Economies Through Tourism to ica communities, Durant and Newkirk. (June 1, ipate in the exchange. (June 2, 1:45 pm –5:05 pm) Historic Landscapes, Charles L. Leider reservations required) CASUAL DRESS ENCOURAGED. In the spirit of Tours Track B: Developing Preservation Potential the overall conference theme, we encourage participants to dress casually. Jeans, T-shirts, and Design Review Issues (Cont’d.) Tour 1: Downtown Wilburton Walking Tour (in- walking shoes will insure your comfort at ses- cludes lunch)—Wilburton has an exciting history sions, tours, receptions, and all meal events. Track C: Heritage Tourism Development and to quote the tour planners, “Our Walking Tour tells all!” So, you will not want to miss the oppor- The Oklahoma Scenic Byways Program, Richard tunity to learn about the community’s develop- Attention Architects, Engineers, Landscape Andrews, Pamela Hockett-Lewis ment and see the results of downtown revitaliza- Architects, and Planners tion efforts. (June 1) Architects, engineers, landscape architects, and 11:50 am – 1:45 pm Tour 2: Belle Starr–Heck Thomas–Robbers Cave planners can earn continuing education credits for attending the conference. The SHPO is a regis- Local Tours with Lunch (See Highlights) (includes lunch)—Hear the legend from the famous outlaw herself, hear about his deeds from tered provider of the American Institute of Archi- the famous sheriff, and enjoy lunch near the infa- tects (AIA) Continuing Education System (CES) mous cave! Put your comfortable clothes on for learning units. Many of the conference sessions 1:45 pm – 3:15 pm this one! (June 1 and 2) provide Health, Safety, Welfare (HSW) credit to meet state licensing continuing education require- Track A: Preservation in the Great Tour 3: Lutie Coal Miners Museum and the Alum- ments. Each person submitting a completed Con- Outdoors ni House at Eastern Oklahoma State College (in- ference Program Participation form (available at Landscapes, Parks, and Recreational Resources cludes lunch)—Visit the Lutie Coal Miners Mu- the registration site) will receive a certificate of at- (Cont’d.) seum, located in an original miner’s house, from tendance to self-report to their professional orga- the days when coal mining was the major industry The Ardeneum: A McAlester Case Study, Randy nization and registration board. AIA members en- in the Wilburton area. The museum features arti- Floyd joy the benefit of having their conference partici- facts and tools the miners used. The tour contin- pation reported directly to the AIA for continuing Projects of the New State Women’s Club: The ues to the recently rehabilitated Alumni House, Olustee Park and Public Library, Cynthia Savage education tracking convenience. For details con- built as the home for Eastern Oklahoma State Col- tact Catherine Montgomery, AIA, SHPO Historic lege’s president. (June 2) Preservation Architect at 405/522-4479. Persons Track B: Developing Preservation Potential interested in earning the continuing education credits for their respective professional develop- Workshops Design Review Roundtable for Historic Commer- ment programs should simply register for the con- cial and Residential Districts, Jack Williams ference and check in at the SHPO’s table when Developing a Comprehensive Fundraising they arrive at the Belle Starr View Lodge. There are Strategy: Sheri Stuart, Program Officer, Na- no additional fees for this service. Track C: Heritage Tourism Development tional Trust Main Street Center, Burien, Beck Mill: A Preservation Planning and Heritage Washington, will conduct this half-day work- LODGING shop. Raising funds for a comprehensive revital- Tourism Case Study, Joan L. Gould, Jay You must make your reservations by May 17 ization strategy is an essential task for many pres- Hannah, Tommy Jameson, Robert H. Lafferty III, to guarantee room availability and to receive ervation efforts. Yet, because each town and situa- Rick Parker, Ray Stinchcomb the conference rate. The State Historic Preser- tion is different, it is important to develop an effec- vation Office can provide information concern- 3:15 pm – 3:35 pm BREAK tive strategy for sustainable funding based on lo- ing the conference hotel and other available ac- cal circumstances. This workshop will help focus 3:35 pm – 5:05 pm commodations in or near Wilburton. After May energies to gain better results from fundraising 1, contact the SHPO at 405/522-4484. Track A: Preservation in the Great campaigns and volunteers. Participants will learn Outdoors about the multiple sources of funds for revitaliza- Conference facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities. If you require any special Landscapes, Parks, and Recreational Resources tion, linking funding to strategic planning goals, accommodations, contact Melvena Heisch at (Cont’d.) how to prepare fundraising materials, creating and training the fundraising team, and strategies 405/522-4484 or by Dornick Hills to Southern Hills, Perry Maxwell’s for handling donor objections. (June 1) 12:00 noon on May 17, so that arrangements Impact on Oklahoma Golf, Jim Gabbert may be made. The Pawnee Bathhouse Case Study, Elzie Smith OHS Places... Oklahoma Route 66 Museum FORT SUPPLY HISTORIC SITE to host Native American P.O. Box 247 Cultural Event May 20 Fort Supply, OK 73841-0247 (Site entrance is 1/8 mile northwest of Wolf Creek bridge or one mile east of the town of Fort OHS’s Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Supply on S.H. 3/U.S. 270) Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Phone: 580/766-3767 area public school systems, and Positive E-mail: Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Futures for Native American Youth Admission: Free 1892 Guardhouse (OHS photo) (PF-NAY) are collaborating to present a Na- tive American Cultural Event to museum visitors on May 20, 2006, from 2 to 4 p.m. Known as Camp Supply until 1878, Fort the only brick structure built at Fort Supply. Allen Toppah, PF-NAY mentor and singing Supply was established on November 18, The Visitor Center, located west of the member of Thunderhill, will serve as the 1868. Located in present Woodward County guardhouse, offers exhibits of artifacts, pho- master of ceremonies for the Native Ameri- in northwestern Oklahoma, the camp origi- tographs, and graphics relating to the fort’s can Cultural Event. nally served as a supply base for Maj. Gen. history. Visitors will experience Native American Philip Sheridan during his winter cam- An annual Living History Day occurs in culture through distinguished perform- paign against tribes of the southern Great September. Reenactors portray the lives of ers. From the Southern Great Plains, Plains. Lt. Col. George A. Custer launched soldiers and buffalo hunters and demon- Thunderhill forges a never-before-heard his attack on the Cheyenne village of Chief strate cavalry and artillery drills. The pri- blending of southern plains singing and Black Kettle on November 27, 1868, from vate Historic Fort Supply Foundation, an or- choral hymnody. Their soulful style, infused this camp. ganization of individuals, joins the Oklahoma with ethereal harmonies, captivates the Visitors to Fort Supply will see five period Historical Society in preserving the site. heart and soothes the spirit. Most recently, structures and a replica of a stockade. Rep- the Thunderhill singers were nominated for resentative of the early buildings are the Best Native American Album at the Grammy Ordnance Sergeant’s Quarters (ca. 1875) Awards. and the Teamster’s Cabin (ca. 1882) con- During the day, high school students from structed of upright logs, rare examples of the various participating western Oklahoma common frontier construction. To accom- school systems will share history of dress modate the commanding officer and his and tribal culture. In addition, a display will family, a ten-room, board-and-batten Com- highlight the talents of Native American art- manding Officer’s Quarters, completed in ists and potters. 1879, offered comfort. A one-and-one-half Positive Futures for Native American story, frame, clapboard building repre- Youth programs are an educational part- sents one of eight similar buildings erected 1879 Commanding Officer’s Quarters nership with Southwestern Oklahoma between 1882 and 1883 for Officers’ Quar- (OHS photo) State University, Weatherford, and are ters. A guardhouse, constructed in 1892, is funded through the Office of Juvenile Af- fairs. SWOSU’s Academic Coordinator for Celebrate summer’s Drummond Home plans Underrepresented Students Richard Subia serves as the program director, and Dean beginning with a summer events of the SWOSU College of Arts and Sciences solstice walk June 21-22 Dr. Radwan Al-Jarrah serves as the Princi- The Drummond Home starts its summer pal Investigator. Will it be the longest summer on record events in May with a hat and accessory ex- at your house? Start the summer right hibit. The original items belonged to the with a trip to Spiro Mounds Archaeological Drummond family and other members of Hammer out a new career Center for a special guided tour and educa- the community. In June a clothing exhibit tional program on the summer solstice. Ar- will feature wedding dresses belonging to (or hobby) at Pawnee Bill chaeologist Dennis Peterson will offer three present-day Drummond family women Ranch blacksmithing and also dresses loaned by the Friends of “solstice walks,” at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 seminar May 13 p.m. on Wednesday, June 21 and at the the Drummond Home. Area residents are same times on Thursday, June 22. Each encouraged to bring their wedding dresses to be included in the display, now in its The Pawnee Bill Ranch will conduct a be- walk takes you one mile over fairly level ginner’s blacksmithing seminar on May 13, ground and lasts about 2 hours. planning stage. A collateral exhibit of historic wedding photos will complement the 2006, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Members of the As you walk, Peterson will talk about the Saltfork Craftsmen Association will con- history of the mound site and the Native clothing. In July the Friends will host their annual duct the class in the ranch’s historic black- Americans who constructed it more than a smith shop. thousand years ago. The 7 p.m. walks will Tea and Victorian Style Show. This event takes place on July 15 at 2 p.m. in the Cal- Blacksmithing, a 19th-century art form, also allow the observation of the sunset, is kept alive by people who enjoy hand- which was the most important part of the vary Worship Center, Hominy, Oklahoma. Taking “Somewhere, Over the Rainbow,” as crafted items and equipment. The Pawnee solstice event for the Spiro people. With Bill Ranch is proud to be part of that great luck, you’ll see various wildlife as twilight its theme, the program will include entertainment and food. Martha Ray of OHS will tradition. deepens. Participants need to bring heavy gloves, a There’s a $3 adult and $2 child admis- emcee the style show. Door prizes will be awarded. There is a $10 fee to attend, and long-sleeved shirt, closed-toe shoes, safety sion fee for the event. Spiro Mounds Ar- goggles with side shields, a lawn chair, and chaeological Center is regularly open Wed- reservations are required. All proceeds benefit the historic house through the Friends a brown-bag lunch. They will receive nesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 hands-on training and will probably com- p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m. of the Drummond Home. Call 918/885-2374 to make a reserva- plete a project. Cost for the class is $15 per Call 918/962-2062 for information. The person; preregistration and prepayment are center is 3 miles east of Spiro, Oklahoma, tion. Drummond Home is located at 305 North Price in Hominy. requested. For information or to register call on Highway 9/271 and 4 miles north on 918/762-2513. Lock and Dam Road. rience but the opportunity to work with so Hidden Collections... OHS Faces... many different communities across the By Larry O’Dell state. It is great to have a job that takes you Kathy Dickson, from Guymon to Hugo and Bartlesville to The Henry–Cunningham Collection Director, Outreach Division Altus and many places in between. Al- Investigating the trading houses that oper- though we have many properties to oper- ated during the mid-19th century can reveal The Oklahoma Historical Society’s Out- ate, the OHS is really a a number of historical and cultural details. reach Division encompasses the manage- small agency, so even An example is the Henry and Cunningham ment of 31 historic sites, historic homes, as a Division Director I Mercantile Company manuscript collection and museums in all corners of Oklahoma. still get to experience (97.11), located in the Research Division of Rounding up the personnel and overseeing all aspects of any the Oklahoma Historical Society. In the the activities of all these is Kathy Dickson. given project. This mid-1830s Major John Henry and Edward An OHS employee since May 1979, Dick- means one day I might Cunningham merged their business inter- son served as curator of the State Museum be working on a ests, establishing a retail outlet in Van of History, as Director of Central Services, long-range plan, writ- Buren, Arkansas. The business restocked its and as Director of Museums before becom- ing a grant proposal, inventory via the Arkansas River and its ing Outreach Director in 2003. or working on an in- main port New Orleans. While Dickson was born in Cascade, terpretative plan, and The collection’s correspondence dates from Idaho, she considers herself a native Okla- the next day I might be painting walls or 1848 to 1877, with most materials predating homan. She is a 1975 graduate of Bethel making faux food or mannequins for an ex- the Civil War. D. C. Williams later became a High School (Shawnee, Oklahoma) and hibit. In 27 years I have never had a boring business partner, and after Cunningham’s holds a bachelor’s degree in history from day.” death the firm’s name was changed to Henry Central State University (Edmond, Mistletoe Leaves also asked her to de- and Williams. Henry relocated to New Or- Oklahoma) and a master’s degree in liberal scribe the most demanding aspect of her leans during the Civil War, with Williams studies from the University of Oklahoma. job: “Without question, the most demand- controlling the company. Although for a time President of the statewide Oklahoma Mu- ing aspect is trying to stretch limited re- Williams partnered with William Whitfield, in seums Association (OMA) in 1988–90, she sources to address long-standing repair 1878 the company was sold. also served as president of the Moun- and maintenance problems at our proper- Grant Foreman received the collection from tain-Plains Museums Association, a ties. We have National Historic Landmarks Clara Eno, who was an Arkansas historian, ten-state regional organization of museum that need new roofs and other major re- and placed the papers in the Oklahoma His- professionals in 1995-97. In 1997 she re- pairs. It is a struggle to keep air condition- torical Society. ceived OMA’s highest accolade, the Award ers and heaters running. Some place al- Oklahoma researchers will be interested for Outstanding Service to the Museum ways needs a new paint job, the plaster re- in the business correspondence between Profession. paired, or the sewer fixed, and our repair the mercantile and various Indian Territory Mistletoe Leaves asked Dickson to de- and maintenance budget doesn’t begin to entities, including the Cherokee Agency, scribe her most rewarding experience dur- address the need. This means choices have the Seminole Agency, Mission Station, Fort ing her career at OHS: “When you have to be made. When 10 buildings need a new Gibson, and Fort Washita. Notable custom- been here 27 years, that is a very difficult roof and you only have funding for one, ers included Robert M. Jones, Evan Jones, question to answer, especially since I find which one do you replace?” William Murrell, and John Taylor (a Creek most aspects of my job rewarding. In fact Dickson’s office is on the second floor of who sent numerous letters to Henry and the more I thought about this question the the new Oklahoma History Center in Okla- Cunningham). harder it became. What I really find most homa City. Those who are curious about river com- rewarding about my job is not just an expe- merce and 19th-century steamboats will want to study the abundant bills of lading in the collection. A few of the steamers that are named include the Santa Fe, Pennywit, Murrell Home will hold 13th annual General Shields, Pontiac, Lucy Robinson, Magnolia, Lawn Social June 3 Tennessee Bell, and Little Rock. The goods sold to The OHS’s George M. Murrell Home will and bought from Indian Territory citizens hold its 13th annual Lawn Social on Satur- are telling signs of the region’s economics day, June 3. The event begins at noon and and culture. Pecans, beeswax, beef, and continues until 4 p.m. Site manager Shir- hides were prevalent I.T. exports, and flour, ley Pettingill promises historical skits, pe- iron, and sugar were noteworthy imports. riod music and dancing, demonstrations, and refreshments. The Lawn Social is open to the public without charge. For information contact the staff at 918/456-2751 or at . Murrell Home is located at 19479 East Murrell Home Road in Park Hill.

Museum Week at Peter Conser Home May 14, 2006, the Peter Conser Historic Home and the drama department of Heavener High School will stage an outdoor theater party and luncheon for the community. The students will depict various happenings in “The Life and Times of Peter Conser,” the Choctaw In 1997-98 Freda Hicks completed a thor- Light Horseman. The Friends of Peter Conser Historic Site will provide volunteers for the ough, useful inventory of the Henry and luncheon, and the students will present the short stories at various places on the grounds Cunningham Mercantile Company manu- and in the home. A local quilt club is helping to costume the students in clothing represen- script collection, enabling researchers to fo- tative of the late 1800s. High school band members will play music popular in those days. A cus on their interests. few dances from the late 1800s will also be presented. This is the event’s second year. For further information contact . Enid lecture series to feature Pawnee Bill The Museum of the Cherokee Strip in Enid will host Wayne Spears as Pawnee Bill on Vol. 37, No. 5 May 2006 Wednesday, May 17 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in its ongoing Brown Bag Lecture Series. Spears will portray the legendary Wild West cowboy entertainer, recalling Pawnee Bill’s life in the early 1900s with “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show” as an interpreter and per- Pawnee Bill rides again!! former. He will also talk about the formation of his own program and the addition of his fearless horse rider and sharpshooter wife, May. June 10, June 17, June 24 Spears has portrayed Gordon W. Lillie as Pawnee Bill since 1991 for the Pawnee Bill Ranch in Pawnee, Oklahoma. He and his horse, Y, have appeared across Oklahoma Come one, come all! Come to the and in the United States and Canada in cooperation with the Oklahoma Historical So- Pawnee Bill Ranch in June and see ciety and Friends of Pawnee Bill Ranch. Their travels have led them to such places as the wild West as never before, in the the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and exciting revival of the show that the Calgary Stampede in Canada. made Pawnee Bill famous!! The Museum of the Cherokee Strip is located at 507 South Fourth Street in Enid. On consecutive Saturdays—June Admission to the museum and to the program is free. For more information call 10, June 17, June 24—the fabulous 580/237-1907. Pawnee Bill’s Original Wild West Show rises from the ashes. Festivities begin at 2 p.m. with a parade from downtown Pawnee to Volunteers are needed at the Oklahoma the ranch. Reenactor performances will occur every 30 minutes on Blue Museum of History! Hawk Peak from 2:30 p.m. until the midway/sideshow opens for your entertainment and wonderment at On Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon the Oklahoma Museum of History, in 5:30 p.m. near the arena. The Wild the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City, will hold a general orientation session West Show begins promptly at 7:30 for people interested in volunteering to help with museum programs. Information will p.m. Ridin’, shootin’, ropin’, and be provided on opportunities for service, the application process, training sessions, and general hoopla will take place. Paw- time commitment. OMH volunteers assist with daily activities, act as tour guides, and nee Bill and May Lillie couldn’t have work behind the scenes in a variety of areas. Help is needed on a daily basis. This is a done it better themselves!! Pawnee Bill (Wayne Spears, courtesy photo) general information session, but attendance is not required in order to become a volunteer. Reservations are encouraged. For information or for a reservation contact Robbin Davis, Volunteer Coordinator, at 405/522-0754 or at . Dan D. Dynamo (aka Danny Williams) donates costume to Oklahoma Museum of History On March 13 the Oklahoma History Center’s Chesapeake Events Center filled with Oklahoma Historical Society prominent Oklahomans to honor Danny Williams, well-known television and radio per- 2401 N. Laird Avenue sonality. The occasion was Williams’s donation of his “Dan D. Dynamo” red-and-gold Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7914 costume, worn on his afternoon children’s show on WKY-TV during the 1950s. After the PERIODICALS unveiling of the costume by Williams, his wife, Maureen, several family members, and ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin, Williams took the podium to introduce a legion of other media personalities. “3-D Danny” was in rare form, describing his adventures as Superintendent of the Space Science Center. There, for nearly a decade, he had “led” children into outer space through his “synchro-retroverter,” which he called a “magic time machine.” While out of our universe, Dan D. Dynamo and his young friends trav- eled back and forth in time to view cartoons. Interestingly, the technical-looking con- trol panel was contrived using Jello molds, measuring spoons, and miscellaneous hardware-store items. Danny was also featured on the Circle 4 Ranch Show as “Xavier T. Willard,” who, with Foreman Scotty, had many entertaining Western adventures. After a brief retirement, Williams returned to the airwaves as a morning personality on KOMA. The uniform will hereafter reside in an exhibit in the museum.