Oklahoma Farm & Ranch

OKFRDecember 2016 | www.okfronline.com | Volume 1 Issue 12

Art of Second Chances Harold T. Holden FREE 2 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 3 4 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR Oklahoma Farm & Ranch

OKFR Eat, Drink and Be Merry... STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Hello OKFR readers, and welcome to Publisher the December issue of the Oklahoma Farm J. M. Winter & Ranch magazine. The OKFR team would like to be among the first to wish you and Editor your friends and family a Merry Christmas! Laci Jones | [email protected] Christmas is one of my favorite holidays because of the holiday traditions and spend- Managing Editor Jessica Crabtree | [email protected] ing time with loved ones. To kick this holiday issue off, read about an old school building on Ralph Chain’s Art Director Kayla Jean Woods | [email protected] property near Canton, Okla. Nature nearly claimed the school that had stood since 1893 or 1894 until Chain and his family restored Advertising Executives Stephanie Cox | [email protected] the old building. Learn more in “The Pump- Susan Stewart | [email protected] kin Center School” in the Farm & Ranch section. Kathy Miller | [email protected] Next, read about a retrovirus capable of causing cancer in cattle, Bovine Leu- kemia Virus (BLV). This disease is estimated that 44 percent of dairy cows and 10 percent of beef cows in the United States are infected with the virus. Learn more in Business Manager Brenda Bingham | [email protected] the Farm & Ranch section. The profile of this holiday issue is Harold T. Holden from Enid, Okla. The 76- Circulation Manager year-old western artist got his start by drawing in the margins of his school books Marnie Brown | [email protected] as a child. He is a self-taught sculptor who was commissioned to sculpt bronzes across the state. In 2007, the artist was diagnosed with a fatal lung disease with no Copy Editor known cause or cure. In July 2010, he received his second chance at life with a lung Judy Wade transplant. Read about his second chance in “Art of Second Chances.” This month, Joanne Jones visited a classic diner in south-central Oklahoma, Contributing Writers Ralph Chain Hamburger Inn. Located in Ardmore, Okla., the Hamburger Inn is 78 years old but Rob Cook has been in its present location since 1958. In “Hamburger Inn” in the Attractions Russell Graves section, Jones writes about her latest trip to this eatery. Ddee Haynes If you are looking for a fun dessert to make with children, we suggest making Sara Honegger Joanne Jones “Grinch Fudge.” This fudge from Lacey’s Pantry in the Country Lifestyle section Dr. Lauren Lamb will make any heart grow three sizes. Krista Lucas This holiday season is full of events for you and your family. Check them out Lanna Mills in the Calendar of Events. If you have an event, photo or topic idea that you would Lacey Newlin Dillon Steen like to see in Oklahoma Farm & Ranch, email [email protected]. Keep up with Judy Wade new OKFR updates on our Facebook and Twitter pages. For more information or Barry Whitworth subscription information, visit our website www.OKFRonline.com. Until next month, CONTACT US

Oklahoma Farm & Ranch OKFR 200 Walnut St., Bowie, TX 76230 940-872-2076, www.okfronline.com ON THE COVER in association with Western artist, Harold Holden got his start by drawing buffalos and horse heads in the margins of his school books as a child. After attending the Texas Academy of Art, the 76-year-old artist went into the commercial art field, later working for “Horseman Magazine.” He is a self-taught sculptor who was commissioned to sculpt commemorative bronzes to depict the Cherokee Strip history. Pictured on the cover is the first monument of the OKFR is not responsible for omissions or information that has been series, “Boomer.” (Photo by Laci Jones) misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. Reproduction in whole or part without writtenwww.okf permission fromronlin the publishere.c iso prohibited.m DECEMBER 2016 | 5 table of contents 15 28 41

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20 Profile Page 28 Equine Page 23 Harold T. Holden They Call Her Coach Western artist, Harold T. Holden is a Kaylee Moyer is the head rodeo 28 self-taught sculptor. coach at Frank Phillips College. farm & ranch Page 10 outdoor Page 52 Bovine Leukemia Virus Little Bluestem Bovine Leukemia Virus is capable of Little bluestem is considered one of causing cancer in cattle. the “big four” grasses. 09 Socializing 36 Lacey’s Pantry 10 Bovine Leukemia Virus 38 Prairie Circuit Finals 15 The Pumpkin Center School 41 Life of a Ranch Wife 16 Ranch Rigs & Farm Fixtures 42 The Twisted Mule Saloon 18 Oklahoma Christmas Trees 44 Hamburger Inn 20 Equine Vision: Part 1 46 Calendar of Events 23 They Call Her ‘Coach’ 48 Lake Murray State Park 26 Horses of the World 50 Travels to the Top of Texas 28 Art of Second Chances 52 Grazing Oklahoma 34 2016 Christmas Guide 53 Classifieds 35 First Impressions 54 Parting Shot

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www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 9 By Barry Whitworth, DVM Bovineovine Leukemia Virus comes. TheLeukemia most common out- Virus (BLV) is a retrovirus ca- come is the animal appears nor- Bpable of causing cancer in mal. Another 30 percent of the cattle. The disease that is caused cattle will have an elevated lym- by the virus may be referred to phocyte count that is referred to as Enzootic Bovine Leukosis as persistent lymphocytosis (PL). (EBL), malignant lymphoma or The last outcome is cancer; how- lymphosarcoma. ever, less than five percent of the In the United States, it is es- cattle with BLV will ever develop timated that 44 percent of dairy lymphosarcoma. cows and 10 percent of beef cows Even though most cattle never are infected with the virus. Most develop cancer, some evidence cattle that are infected with the exist that cattle infected with the virus are asymptomatic or show virus have decreased milk produc- no clinical signs of the disease. tion, higher cull rates and may be However, BLV is responsible for more susceptible to infections. production losses due to increase Research has demonstrated that a veterinary cost, reproduction inef- susceptibility to persistence lym- ficiency, decrease milk production phocytosis and lymphosarcoma and deaths. are genetically determined. The No. 1 reason for USDA Research also indicates that condemnation of a carcass at certain cows have a genetic resis- slaughter is lymphosarcoma. An- tance to virus. These cows tend other source of lost income is non- to remain in the herd longer than export of live cattle, semen and their BLV- infected herd mates. embryos to foreign counties that In the future, genetic resistance have control programs in place. may play a role in controlling the Producers should follow proper biosecurity to prevent the spread of Cattle are infected with the disease. Bovine Leukemia Virus. (Photo by Laci Jones) virus when blood is transferred When producers have cattle between animals. Lymphocytes, that have lymphosarcoma, the These BLV infections can be de- changing needles between cattle, a particular white blood cell, are common symptoms are loss of termined by testing the animal’s by using a new palpation sleeve the specific cells that are infected appetite, weight loss, fever, eye blood for the presence of the for each cow, and by keeping in- with the virus. Transfer of blood problems, digestive problems, antibodies to the virus. Since no struments clean and free of blood. may occur through contaminated problems walking, hind limb pa- vaccine is available for BLV, the Calving pens should also be kept needles, instruments used for ralysis or enlarged lymph nodes. presence of antibodies to BLV clean and disinfected. If feeding castration or dehorning, tattoo Most cattle are three years old or indicates exposure to the virus. colostrum, feed frozen or pasteur- instruments, palpation sleeves, or older before tumors develop. A sample of the tumor must ized colostrum to calves since this fly taggers. The clinical signs of the disease be submitted for histopathology inactivates the virus. Controlling Calves may be infected in the are associated with the location of to determine if the animal has insects may be beneficial. uterus or during the birthing pro- the tumor. For example, if a tumor lymposarcoma. Eradicating the This virus will continue to be a cess. Calves can also be infected is in the spinal cord, a cow will disease requires testing and cull- problem in the United States until from colostrum, but this appears to have paralysis or problems walk- ing infected cattle until no positive a vaccine is developed or an eco- be rare. Biting insects may play a ing. Some of the common sites cases are found for two years. This nomic incentive to eradicate the part in transferring the virus, but for the tumors are the heart, abo- may not be economically feasible disease develops. Until that time, the evidence is lacking. Many masum, spleen, intestines, liver, in a highly infected herd. producers should follow proper animals have been experimentally kidney, omasum, lung, epidural Currently no treatments exist biosecurity to do all they can to infected with the virus but only space and uterus. for cattle that are infected with prevent the spread of the virus. cattle, water buffaloes and capy- This disease can be diagnosed BLV. This makes prevention a pri- If producers would like more baras are infected naturally. by two important aspects. One is ority. Prevention of BLV requires information on BLV, please con- Cattle that are infected with diagnosing the infection and the reducing the transfer of blood. tact their local veterinarian or BLV have three possible out- other is identifying the tumor. This may be accomplished by county extension educator.

10 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 11 12 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 13 14 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR The Pumpkin Center School By Ralph Chain

was on the bulldozer ready to knock down the skeleton I of the old Pumpkin Center School House when it struck me. I was about to commit a horrible waste. I almost started on it and I thought, “What am I doing?” I don’t like to see history aban- doned. The old school building was withering on our property not far from Canton, Okla., in northwest Oklahoma. Destroying it seemed a natural inclination, since about all that was left of it was the walls. The roof was caved in, cedars were growing up all around it, and the floors were rotted. Nature had nearly claimed a building that had stood since 1893 or 1894, about the time my grandfather, Oscar, traded a shotgun and $50 for the first 160 acres of what would be- come one of Oklahoma’s larger ranches. I went up there that day to doze it in and burn it, but decided The Pumpkin Center School, built in the late 1800s, was rehabilitated by the Chain family. (Courtesy of Chain Ranch) it would be a shame. That’s when my wife, Darla, and I decided to for a site and the community paid we began to search for old school by a settler who lived near the move it down to the property. a house moving company from furnishings. We found an old, South Canadian River and guided We decided to bring it home Enid, Okla., to move the old heavy slate blackboard and an people through the quicksand to and rebuild and refurnish it. Our building. It gave the building a old teacher’s desk near Medicine the county seat of nearby Taloga, family had come to its relationship second life, but before long, the Lodge, Kans. Okla. with the school slowly. None of ever dwindling rural population We picked up about a dozen Across the road is our family’s us had attended school there, but again cut its life support. In a few matching children’s desks from first Oklahoma property, with the my father, Lenard, saw his first years it was again sitting empty, an antique dealer at Seiling, Okla. original dugout underneath the silent movie in the school build- the land ownership reverted back These apparently came from family’s first real home, and the ing about 1910 when they used to us, and the building was going northern Kansas. From another old mule barns which sheltered to travel around the country and the way of thousands of other one- location near Medicine Lodge, the horsepower which allowed us show silent movies. room school houses in America’s we found an old merry-go-round. to farm in those early years. As people moved out of the countryside. Last, we found an old cast-iron The mule barns that serve country and school consolidations By the late 1980s, it was just a stove from a country school near sometimes now as a headquar- accelerated, the Pumpkin Center shell, and I figured it was an eye- the Vici and Seiling area. It had a ters for school children to learn School became a surplus building sore due for a healing. Driving a bunch of dents in it where some about history, about how “old sometime around the 1950s. It sat bulldozer is my only hobby, so the kid threw a handful of .22 caliber people” like me lived and how empty for 10 or 15 years, and then remedy seemed clear. But some- shells in it. they farmed. the local community of farmers how, something stopped me that Today the school sits white and The old school building can and ranchers and the local voting day. I went home and discussed shiny, maybe how it looked in its give children a glimpse of where district needed a place to vote and saving the school with Darla. heyday, but now much quieter. they might have learned to read a place to gather. We hired a father-son team of Our family cemetery sits nearby and write if they were a few un- We donated two or three acres carpenters to do the work, and along with an old log cabin used imaginable generations older. www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 15 Chevy Colorado Diesel Ranch Rigs & Farm Fixtures or years, people who drive pickups have sung the Fpraises of diesel engines. They last longer, they can get better gas mileage, they make monstrous torque that helps when pulling trailers, and they have a better resale value – or so their reputation goes. Why, then, do so many truck brands only sell diesels in their biggest, roughest-riding, heaviest- duty models? Seems like every- body should be able to experience some diesel love. Ram answered that question a couple of years ago with their half- ton EcoDiesel models, and now General Motors is pushing that envelope even further for 2016 by packing a diesel engine into a place you don’t normal find one: under the hood of mid-size truck. I just spent some time driving the diesel-powered 2016 Chev- rolet Colorado in the Texas hill country, and it’s a fantastic option for people who want the benefits of a diesel powertrain without Colorado’s base price of roughly Boss back-to-back with the new- diesel car buyers and diesel truck paying the big bucks and living $20 grand. It’s not a bad price generation 2016 Toyota Tacoma buyers are completely different with the drawbacks of a full-size, at all compared to the full-size to compare the differences, and the people. Buyers of a supposedly heavy-duty pickup. diesel-powered Chevy pickup, Toyota seemed noticeably quieter “clean diesel” car are doing it to The engine itself is brilliant, though. and more refined on the inside. help the planet, but buyers of a making 369 pound-feet of torque If you want to take the next step That said, the diesel Colorado diesel truck are doing it because without sounding too diesel-like. on GM’s diesel-powered truck is the hands-down winner if I’m they’ve got a job to do. They need Chevy did a great job controlling ladder, you’ll have to pay around pulling a heavy trailer. that capability. the noise on it. $42,500 for a Silverado 2500 with As much as the Tacoma felt To be sure, Chevy says the With ample power available a 6.6-liter Duramax V8. like it was ready for a quiet high- Colorado’s new engine is the across a broad spectrum of rev And that’s going to be overkill way trip, the Colorado’s Duramax cleanest diesel ever offered by range, it feels like it would be a for a lot truck drivers. felt ready to do some serious General Motors. It uses cooled great engine for moderate tow- Fortunately, the diesel Colo- hauling. exhaust gas recirculation to clean ing. It shows in the numbers, too, rado retains the nice mixture of The two trucks seemed to have up the emissions, they say, without with a maximum trailer rating of a smooth ride, handsome styling, drastically different personalities, any VW-style software cheat. 7,700 pounds – better than any and right-size capability that even when both were in their I’m also glad to see GM push- other mid-size truck and giving helped it earn Motor Trend’s tough as nails off-road trim. ing the envelope on its powertrain it the kind of capability that’s “Truck of the Year” honors last Chevy’s timing of rolling out offerings. With Ford selling its traditionally reserved for its full- year. a new diesel model also begs an turbocharged trucks and Ram of- size cousins. Unfortunately for Chevy, obvious question: will Volkswa- fering its half-ton, it’s encouraging Pricing starts around $32,000 though, it has some fresh compe- gen’s diesel emissions scandal to see GM pioneering diesel pow- for the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel tition this year. affect its sales? ertrains in the modern mid-size model, a serious premium over the I drove a diesel Colorado Trail I don’t think so, simply because truck market.

16 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 17 Oklahoma Christmas Trees By Laci Jones n the early 1980s, a Christmas trees or something like that, but I tree grower from Norman, had a lot of diversity and obstacles IOkla., started the Oklahoma in growing them.” Christmas Tree Association. Only Jacobs accidently sprayed and two Christmas tree farms existed killed many trees. The Corps of in the state at the time—one in Engineers said the area would not Norman and the other in Skiatook, flood, but in 1986 they lost their Okla. entire crop from a flood. “It was a new industry at the “We started looking for more time,” said Bill Jacobs, president land, bought this place and started of the Oklahoma Christmas Tree all over again,” Jacobs added. Association. “Somebody needed “We left all of our mistakes out to be out there to create a way there.” to trade information and experi- Jacobs said owning a Christmas ence.” tree farm could easily become a At one time, more than 100 full-time job except for January or Christmas tree growers were in February. It takes six years to get Oklahoma, but only 12 Christmas a full crop, and they own 13,000 tree farms exist today. Jacobs trees in their rotation today. said the decline in the number of “For the first six years, you Oklahoma Christmas tree farms do nothing but work,” Jacobs ex- is due to aging farmers and the plained. “That discourages people, younger generation does not take and a lot of people do not get over. However, six new farms through the first six years.” are going to open within the next After the season, the Jacobs do four years. is remove the old stumps as soon The Nantucket pine tip moth will deform a tree by boring and kill each “I would strongly recommend as they quit selling. When they tree tip. (Photo by Laci Jones) that if you are going to grow plant new trees, the Jacobs imme- “They would kill a tree after a they keep the grass mowed. When Christmas trees in Oklahoma, diately water and settle the soil. while,” he explained. “What they grass and weeds grow up into the you need to become a member,” Most Christmas trees in Okla- do is deform the tree by boring tree, it deforms the tree. The trees Jacobs added. homa are grown in the eastern half into every tip of the tree and kill are not pruned until the third year Jacobs and his wife, Paula, of the state. While they will grow that tip.” around the middle of May. started Owasso Christmas Tree in western Oklahoma, they need The moth cycles every 21 days, “We make sure it has a nice, and Berry Farm in 1981. At the plenty of water. In the spring, they and pheromone traps are set out to straight top,” Jacobs said. “If you time, the Jacobs were planning for make sure all the irrigation is still learn when the first cycle is. Then, have a nice top, you have a point to retirement and looking for a hobby working, and they irrigate once a they try to spray every cycle to work around to prune the tree.” to bring in extra income. week in the hot summer. prevent damage. They also spray The Jacobs use several ma- After seeing some Christmas “There have been years where to prevent fungus problems, he chines including the SAJE shear- tree growers on a visit to Jacobs’ we do not turn the irrigation on added. ing machine, which has an eight- home in Missouri, Jacobs became and there are years when we irri- The Jacobs also stake every foot long sickle bar. They shear interested in starting a Christmas gate from March until Christmas,” tree in the beginning of its second again in the first of August. The tree farm. While Jacobs was raised he added. year with a bamboo stake to make pine trees turn yellow in the fall, on a farm, he said he did not know When it starts to get dry in sure it has a straight handle. They and they tint with green paint in anything about Christmas trees. At March, they monitor for Nan- also prune the handle on the bot- the beginning of September to en- the time, the Jacobs did not know tucket pine tip moth. While they tom of the tree in March and April, sure they are green in December. how much work was required. have damaged the trees at Owasso he added. “The colorant is advanced,” “I was told to start small,” Christmas Trees, they have not lost Jacobs said the ground needs Paula explained. “You used to be Jacobs recalled. “I planted 2,000 any trees to the pine tip moth. to be bare underneath the tree, and able to tell it was painted, but now

18 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR the needles absorb the paint, and ity of the trees. naturally grow in Oklahoma. Their will sell up it looks more natural.” “It gives a tree for everybody’s customers left with their money in to 800 trees In mid-October, the Jacobs tag pocketbook,” he added. “We give their pockets, Paula said. per day. the Christmas trees. These tags a variety of prices to fit everyone’s “After two years of watching “That means include the height and grade of the pocketbook.” people drive down the street, I a tree should be cut, trees. The standards for each grade Half of the trees sold at Owasso thought maybe we need to start shaken, drilled, baled, are determined by the United Christmas Tree Farm and Berry buying [Noble Firs],” he added. loaded and tied on ev- States Department of Agriculture Farm are grown on the farm, while Today, they purchase five semi ery 45 seconds,” Jacobs ex- grading rules. the other half are shipped from loads of Noble Firs from Oregon plained. “That is why we hire at These standards include the outside states. and one semi load from North least 40 guys for the season.” density of the tree, the straightness The Virginia Pine species are Carolina. However, they also Owasso Christmas Tree and of the tree at the top and at the the only species that will grow grow the Leyland Cypress species Berry Farm is all about the ex- trunk and the overall symmetrical well in Oklahoma, he said. This on their farm. perience and the tradition, Paula shape of the tree. species is a “forgiving tree” as The Leyland Cypress is a said. A grade of U.S. Premium is a it can withstand the cold. While southern species, and Oklahoma is They have their niche and do perfect tree all the way around, he other trees can grow in the state, at the northern range of its habitat, not feel the competition from large said. A U.S. No. 1 tree can have they grow slower. Jacobs added. corporate stores, and the demand one irregular side but no less than “Other trees don’t require all of “We have learned how to grow continues to grow. They also de- medium density. A U.S. No. 2 tree the maintenance that the Virginia them in the hoop house until liver trees for customers. can be an irregular shape but still Pine requires,” Jacobs added. they are a pretty good size,” he “We have the family experi- be fresh and healthy. “Virginia Pine is really a weed explained. “Then, we put them ence with hay rides, free hot apple Trees that do not meet these tree. With a lot of ‘TLC,’ it will in the field where they can toler- cider, a gift shop and candy canes standards and are five to eight make a decent Christmas tree.” ate the cold more than when they for the kids,” Paula added. feet tall will be sold at wholesale The first year the Jacobs were were little.” For more information on start- prices. However, Oklahoma grow- in business, they chose to only The Jacobs have almost 3,500 ing an Oklahoma Christmas tree ers only sale retail. Each tree at sell Oklahoma-grown trees. The trees for sale on the farm. Dur- farm, visit www.oklahomach- Owasso Christmas Tree Farm and Jacobs saw a large demand for the ing the holiday season, Owasso ristmastrees.com or www.owas- Berry Farm is priced per the qual- Noble Fir species, but they do not Christmas Tree and Berry Farm sotreefarm.com.

The Virginia Pine species are the only species that will grow well in Oklahoma. (Photo by Laci Jones)

www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 19 Equine Vision By Lauren Lamb, DVM Part 1

he more we understand the differences between human and equine vision, the Tbetter we can understand and predict a horse’s overreaction to a minor stimulus from the environment. Part of the reason for the overreaction is due to the evolution of a horse as a prey animal. Over millions of years of evolution, a horse has developed a mentality to run fast from any signs of danger and ask question later. Another reason for a horse to have such exaggerated response to minor stimuli is the way they see the world. Before we go into detail on the horse’s vi- sion, let’s quickly review some of the basics of vision. Vision is simply taking light from the environment and focusing it onto the retina. The cornea and lens help focus the light onto the retina. The retina has cells called rods and cones that make an electrical or chemical signal that is sent to the brain via the optic nerve. The brain will take these signals and form an image, and voila’ we have sight. This is obviously over simplified, but covers the basics of sight. A horse’s eyes are placed in a position on their head to give them the maximum field of This is a picture of the tapetum lucidum. The reddish circle is the optic disc in the back of the view (325 to 350 degrees). This large field of eye. (Courtesy of Lauren Lamb) view allows the horse to see a predator early cattle, deer, etc.) have rectangular pupils. The lucidum and have poor vision during times and out run the potential predator. rectangular shape does two things: it provides of low light. They have small blind spots directly in front a wider field of view and allows more light Unlike us, a horse has both binocular and of their head and directly behind their hips. The to enter the back of the eye during times of monocular vision. Humans and most predators blind spot in front of their head is as wide as low light. have predominately binocular vision, which their eye and tapers like a cone to a spot three The iris also has a structure called corpora means both eyes focus on the same object and to four feet in front of the horse’s head. The nigra. These are little brown or blue bulbs that give a three-dimensional image. Monocular blind spot behind the horse is slightly wider are attached to the top portion of the iris. They vision means a horse can see with each eye than its hips. It extends indefinitely behind it act as a sun visor during times of the day when independently. if the horse keeps its head directly in front of the sun is extremely bright. Monocular vision is good for detecting its body. Have you ever wonder why a horse’s eye movement at far distances but does not allow It is important to understand where these glows with a green color when you shine a flash three-dimensional vision. blind spots are when working around a horse light into its eyes in the middle of the night, or A horse’s ability to detect subtle motion so as not to startle them. why it seems like they have night vision? several feet away is far superior to human’s A horse’s pupil is also designed to increase This green glow is coming from the tape- vision. This is another evolutionary adaptation its field of view. The pupil is the part of the eye tum lucidum, which is located on the retina. that allows horses to detect predators quickly that allows light to enter the back of the eye The main purpose of the tapetum lucidum is and then escape. and focus on the retina. The size of the pupil to take what little light is available and focus A horse has 146 degrees of monocular vi- is determined by the iris, which is the colored it onto the retina, hence giving the horse far sion on the left and right sides of its body and portion of the eye. Most predators and humans superior vision at times of low light compared 65 degrees of binocular vision greater than have circular pupils. Animals of prey (horses, to humans. Humans do not have a tapetum three feet in front of its nose.

20 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR With this knowledge of the horse’s monocular and binocular vision, it is easy to understand why a horse may react to a subtle motion on the horizon that was seen with monocular vision and then wants to face the potential danger to analyze it with binocular vision. This brings up the next ques- tion: Why do horses raise their heads so high when they are startled or alarmed? One reason could be to make themselves look bigger and more threatening, but I doubt that. Most horse would rather run from danger than towards it. Another explanation for this may be in the retina of the eye. Remember the retina has the cones and rods that make the electrical and chemical signal to the brain. When the retina is examined under a microscope, a large density of rods can be seen in a horizontal streak pattern just above the optic disc. When a horse raises its head it is focusing the image in front of them on this streak of rods, which results in a larger and more detailed binocular image of the object of interest. They are es- sentially focusing their sight by raising their heads. Finally color vision. Horses have dichromatic vision which means they can see blue/gray and green/yellow. They do not see red. Humans have trichromatic vision which allows us to see red. It is PHOTO DETAILS also thought that colors appeared (Top to bottom) Image showing the field of washed out for horses rather than view of a horse when allowed to carry its head sharp and vibrant like a human in a natural position (left) vs a flexed position would see them. (right). The blind area is in front of the horse when there is extreme pole flexion. (Courtesy In conclusion, the horse’s eye is of Elsevier Health Science, Philadelphia) This a complex and elegantly designed graphic shows the area of binocular vision structure. It is highly specialized directly in front of the horse, monocular vision to keep the horse safe by detecting on the left and right side of the horse and the danger from any direction at times blind spot directly in front of the horse. This of high and low light. image shows the large density of rod on the When riding and handling horse’s retina, denoted by the black streak horses, we need to keep in the running horizontally. The optic disc is the white mind how they may perceive the circle in the middle of the gray. The gray circle is the retina. (Courtesy of Lauren Lamb) world to help us better understand their behavior. www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 21 22 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR They call her ‘coach’

By Ddee Haynes

f I were asked to use only five words to describe the head Irodeo coach at Frank Phillips College, the first five words that immediately come to my mind are faithful, dedicated, optimistic, fearless and energetic. Take those five words, add a cowboy hat with wisps of sandy blond hair falling out, a faded pair of jeans along with piercing all-seeing eyes and you get Kaylee Moyer, also known as “Coach.” In 2014, Moyer stepped into the position as the head rodeo coach at FPC, located in Borger, Texas. The goal at FPC is to try and un- lock the athletes’ full rodeo and academic potential. Smaller class sizes, dedicated teachers and top quality rodeo stock to practice on are some of the reasons the rodeo team at Frank Phillips have had a long winning history in all levels Moyer took the role as head rodeo coach at Frank Phillips College in Borger, Texas in 2014. (Courtesy of of competition, from National Kaylee Moyer) Champions on down. Okla., to attend Panhandle State cian? graduate programs. She was ac- Prior to taking the position, University. At the end of her However, her biggest thought cepted into two speech pathology Moyer had a dream or inspiration senior year, rodeo coach Craig was how and where could she get a programs, one of which she had in the back of her mind of becom- Latham offered her the oppor- master’s degree in a field she could already provided the necessary ing a rodeo coach. Not having tunity to put on two goat tying excel in, along with a fifth year of documents and enrolled in classes. come from a rodeo family with a clinics at the college. After the National Intercollegiate Rodeo On a whim, she decided to look at legacy in the winning circle and first clinic, Latham, a coach of few Association (NIRA) eligibility one more college, Southwestern self-doubt of her own abilities of- words, encouraged her to continue which also meant a fifth year of Oklahoma State University, locat- ten made her consider that dream putting on clinics. tying goats? Her heart yearned ed in Weatherford, Okla. SWOSU impossible. Upon graduation from When he mentioned the words to stay at PSU with Latham and had a Master of Education Read- high school, she started her fresh- “coaching at a college level,” all Robert Etbauer along with a one ing Diagnostician program that man year of college at Eastern she could do was stare at him with of the most influential men she had she was interested in. Wyoming College. wide eyes and a pounding in her ever met, John Townsend, Ph.D. Due to her late entry into the With no experience of qualify- heart. Still not quite being able to Townsend was a huge supporter program, Moyer would first need ing or attending either the High grasp or allow herself to believe and fan of PSU rodeo, often help- to meet with the Dean of Educa- School National Finals or Inter- she could actually realize her ing to move policies, procedures tion. She would have to plead her national Finals Youth Rodeo, head dream, she once again pushed that and sometime gravity to fight for case on why her late application rodeo coach, Jake Clark saw her dream down and moved forward the PSU rodeo athletes. However, should be accepted. As she waited true potential. In her own words, with the required student teaching PSU did not have a graduate pro- patiently outside the dean’s door Moyer credits Clark as one of the needed to complete her degree. gram so Moyer was forced to look for a 9 a.m. appointment, the first rodeo coaches to give a no- While doing her student teach- ahead to another college. receptionist stepped out and in- name cowgirl with a passion for ing, she had many ideas rolling While doing her student teach- formed her the meeting would be goat tying a chance. around in her mind. Should she ing, Moyer applied to many dif- postponed to 10 a.m. After a successful two years at go into special education, speech ferent colleges, finally narrowing Moyer said she now knows EWC, Moyer moved to Goodwell, pathology or reading diagnosti- down her choices between four See COACH page 24 www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 23 coach Continued from page 23 beyond the shadow of a doubt that words, she looked Coach V in the tinuing the tradition of a winning this was God’s intervention—that eye and declared she wanted to rodeo team. A normal day/week the meeting was postponed for a be a rodeo coach. “Then do it,” for Moyer consists of team work- reason. God had a plan for her and he replied. outs from 6:30-7:30 a.m., teaching that plan was to meet the SWOSU A little taken aback by his class 8:30-9:45 a.m., followed by rodeo coach, Mike Visknieski, words, she half heartily said, “But feeding/watering/doctoring the also known as Coach V. Asking I’m a girl.” The look he gave her rodeo stock, working the arena around, Moyer found his office said it all. After their meeting, he and team practice 1 to 6 p.m. On and knocked on his door. After proceeded to introduce her to the Mondays, she has team meetings, the usual niceties were exchanged, man who would be responsible study hall and goal and mental Coach V blatantly asked her “So for setting up her schedule. The training at 7 p.m. what do you really want to do?” new schedule was for a Master of On weekends when the team Going through the prim and proper Education with electives in sports has a rodeo, she and her team will explanation of why she was apply- management. often leave on Thursday and get ing for her master’s degree and Moyer said the next year was Moyer also earned the All-Around back late Sunday. When Monday how it would help her profession- filled with tremendous opportu- Cowgirl title. (Courtesy of Kaylee rolls around, she will not be relax- ally, Coach V narrowed his eyes nities. In addition to working on Moyer) ing or taking a day off. Instead, she and asked her once again, “What her master’s degree, she had the All-Around Cowgirl title enabling will be hard at it as usual. Coach do you really want to do?” privileges of getting to rodeo with her to compete at the College Na- Moyer is a great example for any- It was at that moment that the an awesome team and meet some tional Finals. After the finals, she one who has a dream. Never give encasing that protected her heart of the most amazing people. That took her current coaching job at up or think you cannot accomplish and deepest desire and unimagina- same year she not only won the Frank Phillips College. that dream. Dreams can come true ble dream broke out. With choked region in goat tying, she earned the Three years later, she is con- with hard work and faith.

24 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 25 Horses of the World By Krista Lucas he equine animal can be found in all shapes and Tsizes. Depending on the particular job a horse is used for, one may need to be strong and sturdy or lean and fast. Breeds have evolved by being selectively domesticated over time. Different characteristics have been taken from breeds to create certain physical attributes, as well as temperament. There are hun- dreds of breeds that have changed throughout the centuries. Breeds like the draft and harness horses are ones that are becoming rare to find because they are not needed as much. The cob, the hack and the hunter are examples of specific types. These are not registered as a specific breed, meaning it is possible to have a registered Thor- oughbred hunter or hack. The hack has evolved over time to mean a general riding horse. The two types, park hack and covert hack, vary in several Arabian mare pictured with ways. The park is ridden for plea- foal. (Courtesy photo) sure and must be good looking and well behaved. The covert was originally ridden during foxhunts Hunter classes, horses are required hunting horse with a Thorough- lar in show jumping and eventing, and should be comfortable to ride. to jump as well. bred. Each of these types of equine they are also suited for competi- During shows, the hack is judged Riding ponies are most suitable is popular in Britain. tive events like endurance riding. on conformation, presence, ac- for children. Native breeds have Originating in Western Eu- The purity of the Arab breed is tion, manners, training and riding been evolved from the wild and rope, the Arab is the oldest pure- highly guarded by many horse so- quality. are extremely intelligent, hardy bred horse in the world. This cieties, and these can only be seen A hunter is suited for carrying and sure-footed. Their bodies breed displays a small head with in chestnut, bay and gray colors, a rider for a long amount of time, are broad, and they can also have a noticeably dished face, a thinner ranging from 14.1 to 15 hands. sensibly and comfortably for a strong-willed attitudes. Anything muzzle and elegant movement. From the purebred equines of season of hunting. Some may need below 14.2 hands can be classified Most enjoy companionship, and Europe to the feral horses of North to be able to run long distances as a pony. they are quick to learn. These America such as the Mustang, as well as jump over obstacles. Horses known as cobs are horses are tough, fast and agile. horses play a historic part in the Hunting mounts need to have calm strong and stocky. Being smooth The breed is a popular choice to world. temperaments and be sure-footed. and calm makes them ideal for the crossbreed in order to refine other They are majestic, strong and When showed, classes are divided elderly and nervous riders. Some breeds. This has made the Arab the beautiful, providing horse lovers by weight. These horses must have are even used as lead horses for biggest influence on the world’s from around the world experi- good conformation, manners and racers on the track. These can horse population. ences they will remember for a a nice gallop. In the Working come from crossing a heavier Not only are Arab horses popu- lifetime.

26 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 27 Art of Second Chances >>>>>>>>>> Harold T. Holden n artist is critical of his Academy in Culver, Ind. art field in Wichita, Kans. Eventually, he started mak- own work, or so they “[Attending Culver Military Holden worked on everything ing more money on his art than Asay. Western artist Harold Academy] was kind of a tradi- from feed bags for Bemis Bag working for the magazine and Holden walked around his studio tion,” Holden explained. “My Company to painting for a poster decided to focus on his art. Holden located in Enid, Okla., where he brother, Tim, went and all three of company. He even hand cut Pizza befriended fellow sculptor, John occasionally analyzed one of his the Failing brothers went.” Hut’s former mascot, Pete, from Free, from Pawhuska, Okla. Free completed pieces. Holden’s cre- Like Tim, Holden won the silk screens. In 1967, Holden opened a foundry in Pawhuska ative process is a roller coaster, lightweight boxing championship picked up a copy of “Horseman called “Bronze Horse” to provide according to Holden’s wife, Edna while at the academy. Holden con- Magazine” containing illustrations a facility to cast metals. Mae. sidered himself a natural at boxing for training articles. Free helped Holden with the “He will come in at night and because he had to protect himself “I didn’t think too much of foundry as well as his sculptures. say, ‘I like how this is going,’” from his brother. Tim taught his it,” Holden chuckled. “I thought The sculptor continued to work on Edna Mae said. “Then, he will younger brother new wrestling I could just go in there and take his art, but the young artist, who come in the next night and say, ‘I holds, and Holden honed his skill over the job.” was about to be drafted into the just hate this.’” as a boxer from the instructors at When he walked into the of- military, joined the Navy in 1964. The western artist comes from the academy. fice, the editor of “Horseman Holden completed a two-year tour a long line of inventors and en- After graduating from Enid Magazine” said they had an artist with the Navy aboard the U.S.S. gineers. His great-grandfather, High School in 1958, Holden on payroll, but they left the oppor- Rainier, but he continued to draw George Failing, invented the bottle when he had extra time. capping machine in 1915 that is “Proportions is one of the big While away, Holden’s friend still used today. His grandfather, and horse trainer, Les Williams George E. Failing, was an oil pio- things a sculptor needs to make died. In honor of his friend, Hold- neer, inventing the first portable en drew a picture of him from drilling rig as well as numerous sure is right before enlarging. memory and mailed it to Wil- drilling bits. liams’ family. Tragically, Holden’s father Enlarging makes everything “I used a sharpened piece was killed when he was six years of wood and dipped it in ink,” old, leaving his mother Betty a big, including the mistakes.” Holden explained. “It gave it a widow at 31 years old. Harold’s different effect than just straight grandparents helped raise him and pencil or pen.” his siblings, Tim and Katy. Holden -Harold T. Holden While it was a sketch of Wil- was raised north of town where he liams, Holden said it looked like and his brother played “cowboys attended Oklahoma State Uni- tunity open. Six or seven months him. Williams’ wife entered the and Indians.” versity for a year, where he was later, the magazine hired Holden drawing into the local fair where it The 76-year-old artist was enrolled in ROTC. However, a as their art director. won a first-place blue ribbon. raised around horses, a love he trip to Houston, Texas, resulted in Holden drew illustrations for When he returned from his tour, continued throughout his life. He meeting an instructor at the Texas the magazine during the day, but Holden focused on his fine art and drew cowboys and Indians when Academy of Art. he painted and sculpted at night. showed in several galleries. The he was young, and he had “a “They taught me how to stay The artist got his start in sculpting National Cattlemen’s Association knack” for drawing. Other former alive in commercial art,” Holden by carving Indian heads out of an commissioned Holden from 1982 students of Enid Public Schools explained. “Commercial art is eraser while at work. to 1986. His work for the National have textbooks where the young completely different now.” He learned about plasteline Cattlemen’s Association got the artist drew buffalos and horses in Everything artistic was com- clay and oil-based clay and he attention of other collectors. Af- the margins. pleted by hand without the help taught himself how to sculpt. The ter, Holden started creating larger Holden was a natural athlete, from computers and other technol- artist gradually started making monuments. In 1987, Holden was playing football and running ogy. Holden subsequently gradu- little figures and horses, and his contracted to sculpt a series of track in high school. He attended ated with an art degree, and then paintings and sculptures launched commemorative bronzes to depict summer school at Culver Military pursued a career in the commercial his career in fine art. Continued on page 30

28 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 29 Art of Second Chances >>>>>>>>>> Continued from page 28 Harold T. Holden the 165-year history of the Chero- campus in Stillwater, Okla. The kee Strip. He completed his first memorial features a bronze monu- monument entitled “Boomer,” ment with a cowboy with a sad which is located in Enid, Okla. expression, kneeling with his hat The image of Boomer was used in his hands. on a U.S. postage stamp as the His inspiration for the piece symbol of the Cherokee Strip in came from his grandson, Patrick Kansas and Oklahoma. Martin Meyer, who was born with “He had some issues with a heart defect and died at four-and- Boomer because he had never a-half days old. The following done anything big,” Edna Mae January, 10 men associated with explained. “He had some people Oklahoma State University died helping him—artists who knew in a plane crash near Strasburg, how to make the sculpture from Colo. Friends and family members the model to the larger size.” of Nate Fleming, who died in the The artists helped him, but the crash, suggested Holden for the proportions were wrong. Now creation of the memorial. occasionally teaching a course “I used what I felt like when my on sculpting, the artist said one grandson died,” Holden recalled. of the biggest mistakes made by “I fell down on my knees.” sculptors is not accounting for “I hated that he had to do it— proportions. we all did,” Edna Mae explained, “Proportions is one of the big “but he put the grief he was having things a sculptor needs to make for Patrick and funneled it into the sure is right before enlarging,” monument in a shared way with Holden explained. “Enlarging the families of the 10 men from makes everything big, including OSU who were killed.” the mistakes.” Holden continued to work until A sculpture, no matter the size, he was diagnosed in 2007 with will be correct if the proportions of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a the model are correct, Edna Mae fatal lung disease with no known added. If the model is slightly cause or cure. unproportioned, the larger size “Evel Knievel made this state- will be off in that degree. Holden ment, ‘I’ve broken practically developed his measuring system every bone in my body, and here A casting of Holden’s monument “Thank you Lord” is located at to help ensure the proportions are is a disease I never even heard of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Enid, Okla., and outside the Emergency accurate. that’s killing me,’” Holden said. Room of the Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Center in Oklahoma City. (Courtesy “He’s come a long way in 50 “It was.” of Edna Mae Holden) years of sculpting,” Edna Mae While transplants are more his unfinished pieces. the Holdens received the phone explained. common today, Holden said the “I just went down really fast,” call they were waiting for. Holden’s favorite sculpture is prognosis for this disease is three he recalled. “I went twice to the “I went to the hospital, they Boomer because it was his first years to live. The cowboy artist hospital as a backup for a lung hooked me up and I didn’t have monument. He even met his wife said he felt fine for the first two transplant.” to worry that someone else was of nearly 28 years while he was years, but he knew something After returning home without a getting the lung,” he recalled. working on Boomer. However, was wrong toward the end of the lung transplant, Holden decided to Holden received a single lung his hardest monument was the third year. not go back to the hospital unless transplant at the Nazih Zuhdi “We Will Remember” memorial Holden closed his studio in the he was positive he would receive Transplant Center at Integris at the Oklahoma State University summer of 2010 and planned for a transplant. After many prayers, Continued on page 32

30 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR PHOTO DETAILS (Clockwise) Holden’s inspiration for the “We Will Remember” memorial stemmed from his grandson. Holden stands in front of the Will Rogers Monument, which currently sits at the Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. Pictured is Holden’s painting entitled “School Days.” (Courtesy of Edna Mae Holden) Holden makes final touches on a model. (Photo by Laci Jones) www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 31 Art of Second Chances >>>>>>>>>> Continued from page 30 Harold T. Holden Hospital in Oklahoma City in Holden said. July 2010, just after he turned 70. “Sometimes he still has the Three weeks after his transplant, drive when he gets an idea of the artist was already working on something,” she said. “He just small projects. has that desire to do it and gets Holden is thankful for his sec- it done.” ond chance at life. A casting of For his several decades of his six-feet-tall monument “Thank work, Holden received the Life- you Lord” graces the garden at time Achievement award from Emmanuel Baptist Church in the Oklahoma Sculpture Society Enid, Okla. A second casting of in 2010. In 2004 the sculptor was “Thank you Lord” stands outside elected into Professional Mem- the Emergency Room of the Nazih bership in the National Sculpture Zuhdi Transplant Center in Okla- Society. homa City. The artist was invited into When asked if he preferred membership in the prestigious drawing, painting, or sculpting, Cowboy Artists of America orga- Holden could not decide. How- nization in 2013. A year later, the ever, he does not draw or paint as Enid native was inducted into the much as he used to. Oklahoma Hall of Fame. “I would get behind on my Holden will also be inducted learning curve,” he explained. “I into the “Hall of Great Western- once read, ‘If you’re going to be ers” at the National Cowboy a painter, you paint all the time. and Western Heritage Museum You don’t stop and sculpt half the during the 2017 Western Heri- time, but you work in painting all tage Awards in April. He will be the time.’” the first Oklahoma Artist to be Holden said most painters do inducted into this group, and he exactly that. It is not common to is the tenth artist to receive this “U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves” monument was the first equestrian see many big sculptors who also recognition. sculpture to be dedicated in Arkansas. (Courtesy of Edna Mae paint. However, he spends so Throughout his career, Holden Holden) much time focusing on the details has completed more than 20 in the sculpture or painting. monuments. Among these include shal Bass Reeves” monument As for the future, Holden hopes “[His] work, though, is so de- “Oklahoma’s Native Son” located located in Fort Smith, Ark., was to complete a monument of Frank tailed that it takes him a long time at Will Rogers World Airport, the first equestrian sculpture to “Pistol Pete” Eaton. to put every brush stroke in,” Edna “Headin’ to Market” at Stockyards be dedicated in Arkansas. One of In his non-historical pieces, Mae explained. City in Oklahoma City and “Mon- the challenges of working on his- the artist draws inspiration from The artist said he is a “looser” arch at Rest” at the Oklahoma torical sculptures is the historical the western lifestyle. Holden and painter than, for example, contem- History Center. accuracy. his cousin, Jeff Holden, raised and porary western artist, Tim Cox. He has also helped universities “If you’ve got the wrong cloth- ran quarter horses in Oklahoma as However, he is more detailed than with their endowments through ing, the wrong hat or they’re rid- well as other states for many years. cowboy artist, Bruce Greene. the sale of maquettes including ing a horse they would’ve never Throughout his life, the cowboy The time spent on a piece of art “Broncho” at the University of ridden, it’s there forever,” Edna owned ranch horses for both plea- depends on the piece, he added. Central Oklahoma, “Crossing the Mae explained. sure and team roping. More subjects in a piece requires Red” for the Altus Public School Holden studied pictures and did “Everything he sculpts, if it’s more of Holden’s time than a sin- Foundation and “Bison Spirit” for his research before starting many in clay, it looks dead,” Edna Mae gular subject. The hardest part is Oklahoma Baptist University. of his pieces, including “U.S. explained. “When it is in bronze, figuring out what he wants to do, Holden’s “U.S. Deputy Mar- Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves.” it comes to life.”

32 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 33

2016 Christmas Guide <<<<<<<<<<<<

The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado brings muscular designs and new customer-

focused technologies to the most

dependable, longest-lasting family of full-size pickups on the< road. (Courtesy photo) < Thunderbird Designer Bag is a popular designer The Pioneer Woman Farmhouse bag by Holy Cow Couture has a cowhide front Lace Dinnerware Set can be and leather back. It contains two interior pockets and found at Walmart. This Pioneer a leather bottom with metal studs. (Courtesy of Holy Woman dinnerware 12-piece set Cow Couture) comes in three different colors including red. (Courtesy photo) <

The RTIC cup makes an excellent gift for any guy. Coffee or sweet tea, he will

< surely enjoy it! Customize

it with his name, brand or This custom cowboy hat from Shorty’s logo!. (Courtesy photo)< Caboy Hattery has a whip-laced brim Made of vintage-inspired and is embellished with swarovski distressed honey bunch crystals. This custom cowboy hat will leather, these Macie Bean make a perfect gift for your loved one. Rose Garden Cowboy

(Photo by Laci Jones) Boots can finish off any

look. These boots have colorful floral embroidery < and can be found at Sheplers. (Courtesy of Sheplers)

The Magnolia Home Furniture collection by Joanna Gaines

encapsulates her artistry. The

Magnolia Home Living Room < Primitive Cocktail Table can be found at Bob Mills Furniture. (Courtesy of Bob Mills Furniture)

34 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR Cristabelle

Dear John Playback

The Sorrel; Savannah 7s Colder Weather find that as the weather gets colder, texture and quality become increasingly important. When you can find pieces with intricate details and texture it will make your outfit pop even in the chilly winter weather. I try to pair a Indigo Rd. I nice jacket from a local boutique with pieces that are already in my closet so Harland Wedge that I can gain layers without purchasing a new wardrobe every winter. Then by adding shoes with detail and unique jewelry, your outfit can transition from the workplace to social events. I like pairing a thin minimal necklace with a chunky stone necklace of a different length, or a bracelet with those same stones. By doing this you are adding another texture and color. My favorite place to find these pieces of jewelry is while on my travels. If you add this to your to-do list while traveling, each time you put it on you will have a story to go with your fabulous outfit. www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 35 Grinch Fudge Time: 1 hour 20 minutes Serves: 20 people

Ingredients 3 cups white sugar 3/4 cup margarine 2/3 cup evaporated milk 1 (12 ounce) package white chocolate chips 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow crème 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Green sprinkles

Directions Grease a 9x13-inch pan. Mix sugar, margarine, and evaporated milk in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Bring mixture to a full boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Re- move from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and thoroughly combined. Beat in marshmallow creme and vanilla extract. Transfer fudge to the prepared pan and disperse sprinkles over fudge. Lightly press sprinkles into chocolate so they stay affixed; let cool before cutting into squares. 36 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 37 Prairie Circuit Finals By Judy Wade

he Prairie Circuit Finals Rodeo kicked off Thursday, Oct. 20 for a three-day Trun at the Stephens County Fairgrounds and Expo Center in Duncan, Okla. The top 12 competitors in each of eight events vied for money and prizes plus the right to go on to the Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo in Kissimmee, Fla., in April 2017. A three-head average determined the winners with the top two in each event advancing to the RNCFR. The PRCA instituted the circuit system in 1975 to reward those contestants who were unable to compete nation-wide in hopes to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals, but could rodeo close to home. These fiercely competitive girls and guys were nicknamed “weekend warriors,” but do not let the word “weekend” fool you. They are just as talented and determined as their counterparts. At the beginning of the year, each contes- tant must declare in which circuit he wishes to compete, or he is assigned to the one cor- responding to his home. The Prairie Circuit covers Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. The Ram National Circuit Finals Rodeo brings together the winners in each of the 12 circuits and the WNFR winners where they will compete for over $1,000,000 in cash and prizes including a $20,000 voucher for a new Dodge Ram and Polaris ATV. The rodeo in Duncan began each night at 7:30 apart from the steer roping which was at 9 a.m. Friday morning. Numerous vendors offered everything from tack to boots, a bounce house, clothing, art, jewelry and lots of bling. Concessions were operated by volunteers from Christian Helping Hands of Comanche, Comanche FFA, Comanche School Cross Country teams, and Comanche National Honor Society. Proceeds benefited projects for each group. Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, Sydney Spencer; Miss Rodeo Kansas, Lauren Rumbaugh; and Miss Rodeo Kansas, Emily Taylor added glitz (Top to bottom) Bryan Sechrist dismounting from horse. Riley Duvall (right) steer wrestling at and glamour as they carried the flags of their the Prairie Circuit Finals in Duncan, Okla. (Photos by Thomas Fly)

38 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR respective states and led each Youree and John Farris. Men re- event winner in a victory lap. ceive a custom-made buckle with Clown and barrel man, John Har- their picture and women receive rison kept the crowd entertained a bracelet. with his antics. Friday night was Tough Enough On Saturday, he received a call to Wear Pink in recognition of telling him he had been selected cancer awareness, and Saturday by a vote of the PRCA members night was Respect the Blue, hon- to appear at this year’s Wrangler oring peace officers, firefighters National Finals Rodeo in Las Ve- and EMTs. gas in December. He was joined in “Chisholm Trail Prairie Circuit the arena by bull fighters Weston Finals Rodeo Committee are a Rutkowski and Mark Evans. group of volunteers from the area On Wednesday prior to the ro- who have dedicated their time and deo, fourth and fifth grade students talents to producing the rodeo,” from Duncan, Marlow, Temple, according to Joe Henderson, Bray, Empire and Grandview were chairman. “We are a non-profit treated to Rodeo Career Day at the organization and have given over arena. They were able to “interact $23,000 to the Stephens County with cowboys, rodeo queens, ro- Youth Shelter and the Cancer deo clowns and those who work Center of Southwest Oklahoma. at the rodeo. It is all about giving back to our They not only shared what the community.” sport is about but the work that Saturday night, when the arena goes into making the sport so dust had settled and the last rope spectacular,” according to KSWO and rigging had been put away, Channel 7 News. Cody Doescher was named All- Students also got to meet Ryan Around Champion, having won Jarrett of Comanche, 2005 PRCA the most in two events: team rop- All-Around Champion and nine ing and steer wrestling. time National Finals qualifier. First and second in each event, “We’re just giving them a dose winning money, prizes and the of what rodeo is like,” he com- right to advance to the RNCFR mented. were: Thursday night, Living Legend *Bareback Riding—Justin Awards were announced. Honored Pollmiller and Caine Riddle (tied this year were Ote Berry, four for first) time steer wrestling Champion of *Steer Wrestling—Riley Du- the World and Roy Duvall, three vall and Ryan Swayze time steer wrestling Champion *Team Roping—Coleman of the World and his wife Karen. Proctor and Billy Jack Saebens The Duvalls appeared in person, and Bret Christensen and Dawson and Berry was Skyped in on a big McMasters screen from Sioux Falls, S.D. *Saddle Bronc Riding—Hardy We honor “people who have Braden and Shade Etbauer made significant contributions to *Tie-down Roping—Bryson professional rodeo,” according to Sechrist and Cody Quaney Mike Anderson, Stephens County *Barrel Racing—Tracy Now- Fairgrounds and Expo Center lin and Emily Miller director. *Steer Roping—Rocky Pat- Past honorees include Clark terson and Chet Herrin McIntire (father of singer Reba *Bull Riding—Colten Jesse McIntire), Junior Garrison, Sherry and Guthrie Murray Price Johnson, Carol Goosetree, Total payout for the event (Top to bottom) Hardy Braden, Cain Riddle and Colten Jesse compete Kendra Santos, Barry Burk, How- was over $175,000 in cash and at the Prairie Circuit Finals in the Stephens County Fairgrounds and ard Council, Dale and Florence prizes. Expo Center on Oct. 20. (Photos by Thomas Fly) www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 39 40 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR Life of a By RanchLanna Mills Wife elcome back y'all! It's hard to believe that Wanother month has came and gone, and that we are wrapping up 2016. It has been a very busy year, but a very great year. We have been blessed with much needed rains, lots of grass, fat cattle, and a healthy happy family. We are weaning yearlings (big calves ready to be on their own) here on the ranch. Work starts early with everyone meeting and creating a "game plan.” The cowboys will spread out and head to the back of the pasture and push the cattle towards the pens. Everyone works together to make sure no cattle turn back or brush up. The cattle are gathered from the pasture into the trap, and then into the pens. Any cattle that get away or do not make it to the pens will be roped, loaded in a trailer, and hauled to the pens. Once all the cattle are penned, the calves will be stripped from the cows and put in a pen by themselves. Any calves that haven't been worked (branded, cut, or doctored) will The cattle market has steadily decreased over the past few months. (Photo by Lanna Mills) be. Cows that haven't calved will be pregnancy checked. 580 pounds and brought over $2 They got the leak fixed finally, the presents and wait on Santa to The cows, bulls, and any calves per pound. I had a guy tell me he after I had accidentally bought come. Cowboys are probably the that are not yet ready to wean will sold some 450 pound calves in the wrong parts and had to go easiest to buy presents for. They be turned back out in the pasture. November and that they brought back into town to get the correct are always happy with a new rope, Yearlings ready to wean will be $1.13 per pound. It makes it hard ones. We were bringing cattle to saddle pad, spurs, or pretty much held in the pens for a week or two to sell when you know what they the pens and one of our Hereford anything they can use. Once the and then turned out in a separate would have brought before. With bulls crawled down in the hole gifts are opened, dinner has been pasture until it's time to be sold. wheat coming up and getting with the water line to rub in the eaten and visiting is done, it's Hopefully the market will return ready to be grazed, maybe the fresh dirt. back to work. Just because it's a when that time comes. demand for cattle to turn out will Needless to say, he destroyed holiday doesn't mean it's a day Over the past few months the drive the market back up. the freshly fixed water lines and off. The cattle don't care what day cattle market has steadily gone It seems that no matter what we had to do it all over again. It’s it is. They still need to be fed and down. Compared to this time last it is you’re doing with cattle you funny now looking back but it their water checked. They deserve year it is a huge drop in prices. always come away with a story. wasn’t too funny at the time. Christmas dinner too! We were recently looking at some Recently we had a water leak in Christmas time is upon us. My Y'all have a very Merry Christ- paperwork from when we sold front of the pens. My husband and most favorite time of year. The mas. Be safe and remember to cattle from around this time last a friend spent two days digging tree is lit and the stockings are check back next month for more year. The cattle averaged about up the line. hung. Now just to finish wrapping life of a ranch wife. www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 41 The Twisted Mule Saloon An Interview with owner, Jerome Grayson By Dillon Steen

hat is your family would run across in Oklahoma background? and Texas. W I grew up in a small When they wanted to sell, I farming and ranching community jumped on it. We kept booking in Allison, Okla. I think there were bands and had good success. maybe 150 people when I gradu- However, it was not big enough to ated; there were five of us in that do what I wanted to do. I wanted class that year. the folks who live and work out My mom worked as a cook here in western Oklahoma to at the school and my dad owned have a place of their own, a place the grain elevator and feed store where they could see a band like while I was growing up. He also Reckless Kelly without having before Garth Brooks told us to like about the Red Dirt/Texas guys. worked a lot in the oilfield when to go to Amarillo or OKC. The Chris LeDoux and the Bellamy They stay pretty true to what they it was booming. We had a pretty Twisted Mule Saloon in Elk City Brothers. There were a few local believe in. Sometimes it works simple life really. My dad played is a throw-back to the old dance bands like SlideBar and Trader and sometimes it doesn't, but that's in a couple of bands, and I would hall days. Price that were big around western the beauty of genre. It's always go around with them to little dive What drew you to the red Oklahoma. I could go on and on, evolving, but there is always a bit bars out in the panhandle and dirt scene? but I was a country fan when it was of honesty in the music. western Oklahoma and sit in the Where I grew up, we only still country. Who are some Oklahoma corner and watch. had access to about three radio Then after I graduated, I joined musicians you admire? Why open a music venue stations—two were country and the Air Force and ended up being I wish I could tell everyone when you are a musician/artist one was a top 40 station. My stationed in Abilene. You could how much Tom Skinner and Bob yourself? dad had a killer record collection see a lot more bands in Abilene Childers influenced me, but we did It was kind of just a quick though, including the Beatles, than you can in Allison, Texas. not know about the music scene in reaction. I had been playing with Rolling Stones and the Eagles. I would go see The Nixons and Stillwater, Okla. It never made it a band for a few years and loved Then he had musicians like Hank Bowling for Soup before they to our little spot in the world. it. But like a lot of things, the real Williams, Guy Clark, Jerry Jeff blew up. It was kind of an awe- I mentioned earlier a band world caught up with me. Be- Walker and, of course, Waylon some time really. I was finding called Slidebar. The lead guitarist tween my wife and kids and my and Willie. all this new music and the stations was also the son of the lead singer. "day job" I just did not have the In high school, I was play- down there were starting to play His name was Lyle Parman and time. We bought another bar here ing in a cover band and we did guys like The Great Divide, Pat they were from Reydon, Okla., in town called “The Pit Stop.” I all the top 40 country songs at Green and Kevin Fowler. which is about 12 miles from was helping the previous owner the time—George Strait, Keith Country music doesn't have to where I grew up. He was my hero get in touch with some bands we Whitley and Tracy Lawrence. be about BPMs and Banjos with for a long time. They would play would either be playing with or We were covering Chris LeDoux a drum loop. That's what's great the Sadie Hawkins dances and

42 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR rodeo dances around here, and I that the folks around here will went to every performance I could. enjoy and want to come out and Parman was a killer guitarist and see. As far as bands I would like I would just watch him in amaze- to have out at The Mule, there is ment, wishing to be that guy. To not enough paper to write it all this day, I cannot play as good as down. he can. We have already had some What does the future hold great artists: No Justice, Reckless for you? Kelly, The Great Divide and Bleu I have no clue. I wake up in a Edmondson. We had Mickey and new world every day. I guess it The Motorcars in October, Zane just depends on what happens out Williams and Jason Boland in here in the Wild West. Oil and November. I think we locked cattle prices are a big factor with down a date with Adam Hood, our success as well, and we need who is one of my personal favorite those to turn around as quickly as songwriters. possible. Being a fan, I want to get guys I'd like to have a small herd of like The Bellamy Brothers and cows and farm to be honest. I do Johnny Lee and maybe some of not know what capacity I'll be in the guys from the ‘90s like Travis music-wise. It has been my life as Tritt or Tracey Lawrence. At the far back as I can remember so I end of the day, we only have room don't see that changing much. for 400 people so it makes it hard Who are some of the art- for us to pull off. ists you hope to bring to The For more information on The Twisted Mule in the future? Twisted Mule, find them on Fa- We want to bring in bands cebook.

www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 43 Hamburger Inn

By Joanne Jones

any people say you eat Hamburger Inn. with your eyes. That I had a chili dog that day be- Mmay be true, but I think cause I could not afford the onion you get your appetite through burger, but oh, how I had wanted your nose; at least you do at the one. I had my first grilled onion Hamburger Inn in Ardmore, Okla. burger there a few years later Just walk down North Washington when I was a young mother. It Street between Main and Broad- was delicious. It had been quite a way; you will be hungry without few years since I had been to the ever entering the building. That is inn, so all those memories came because you can smell the grilled rushing back. Boy, did that set the onion burgers from half a block bar for the burger I was ordering away. that day. Then you enter this tiny little There were people lined up business that is dwarfed by the waiting for service. One waitress surrounding buildings. Inside was taking orders from people you find one tiny little table at the who were lined up along the front front for two, another two along window. I waited for an opening at the north wall and a row of shiny the counter to be able to order. vinyl-topped chrome pedestal A few customers settled down stools at the counter filled with to enjoy the atmosphere of an era people. gone by in the diner. This is an It is so small there is seating for authentic old hamburger joint with only 12 people at the bar. How- just good old fashioned values ever, the size of the building and and food that have stood the test limited seating have not stopped of time. this restaurant from being one of I placed my order for the grilled the best little hamburger joints in onion burger and fries. I was the state. tempted to order the chili dog. My class was on a fundrais- I had a chance to talk with the ing event in downtown Ardmore, waitress while I waited and get a when my buddy suggested we bit of the history of the Hamburger eat lunch at the Hamburger Inn. Inn. The Hamburger Inn has been The Saturday I rolled up to get an a long-established place. Jones ordered the grilled onion burger and fries from the Hamburger onion burger was a major déjà vu Its first home was in a building Inn in Ardmore, Okla. (Photo by Joanne Jones) moment for me. across the street from its present and a Lucy. (I don’t know what a the favorites were the coconut I could smell the onions cook- location in 1938, making it an Lucy is.) and lemon cream/meringue pies. ing as I got out of my car. I walked astonishing 78 years old. It moved Then you have a full array of If you want a whole pie you can in and I swear it was like I was 13 to its present location of 27 N. add-ons: cheese, jalapenos, bacon get it there, too. again and entering it for the first Washington Street in 1958. mushrooms and chili. Then, just so While I waited on my food, time. The setup was the same The inn is open for breakfast you don’t get bored with burgers, I noticed that the customers rep- with the grill still in the southwest and lunch only and closes at 2 p.m. you have a choice of hot dogs, resented a wide array of people. corner in full view of the patrons. They serve a full array of break- patty melts, BLT, chicken salad, At the end of the counter, I could Even the smells and workers fast items: eggs, bacon, sausage, and several others. hear the laughter of young families were all oddly similarly to when biscuits, gravy, Texas toast and To finish off your meal you with children and mothers enjoy- I was 13. even a specialty custard pancake. can have a slice of homemade ing the day. The kids were asking Back then my family had just Then they transition into lunch pie. The same woman has made if the food was good and moms moved to Oklahoma from Texas, and serve several different types of pies for the small diner for more were quietly assuring them that so I had never even heard of the burgers: regular, deluxe, educated, than 16 years. The waitress said the burgers were great. Next to me

44 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR were a couple of older gentlemen and couples young and old coming through the door at a steady pace. To say the place was hopping would be an understatement. To be honest, I have never been in there when it was not busy. I sat in full view of the cook and grill. The six workers were scurrying around prepping food less than 10 feet from where I sat. Every to-go order prepared and brought to the counter I hoped was mine. Then came the moment when it was my order, I could hardly wait. Inside the plain brown paper bag were the smells of a long-ago day. Inside the burger were grilled on- ions, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles. I salted my fries and headed out the door to enjoy my meal. I sat in my car and just savored the aroma for a minute, and then I tore into one of the best burgers ever. Now normally, people tend to eat their fries first, at least I do. I think I was halfway through my burger before I even thought about the fries. The fries were hand-cut, dark golden brown, crisp and salted to perfection. No ketchup need for those fries. I think I need to go back soon, just to find out what a Lucy is. I also want to try their chili burger; a friend assures me they are great. She also says their breakfast items are delicious too, especially the custard pancake. Breakfast might be a bit hard for me since I now live 90 miles away from Ardmore, but will do lunch again when I am down that way. If you enjoy a good meaty hamburger with a taste all its own, the Hamburger Inn is the place to try. This place does not have to pretend to be an old-fashioned 1950s hamburger joint, it is one. They are still serving up their original grilled onion burger and house-made fries. The Hamburger Inn even has the distinction of having cre- ated the first grilled onion burger. Happy eating! www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 45 calendar of events

Festival of lights parade December 1 TERRITORIAL CHRISTMAS CEL- EBRATION, Harn Home- stead Museum. Oklahoma City, OK 73105. Experience the wonder of a truly old-fash- ioned Christmas at the Territorial Christmas Celebration at the Harn Homestead Museum in Oklahoma City. Bring the family out for a tour of the Harn Homestead, which will be fully decorated in traditional 1880s Christmas decorations. For more informa- tion on the celebration, visit www. harnhomestead.com.

December 1 CHRISTMAS ON THE WEST- ERN FRONTIER, Downtown El Reno. El Reno, OK 73036. Christ- mas on the Western Frontier fea- tures an old-fashioned Christmas parade with more than 50 floats, December 2 along with evening festivities that ROPE THE OZARKS, Tulsa Minco Honey Festival include trolley rides, storytelling, Expo Square. Tulsa, OK 74114. Santa’s workshop, strolling carol- See some impressive team roping ers, children’s craft projects and skills put on display at Rope the the lighting of the city Christmas Ozarks in the Mustang Arena of tree. The tree lighting ceremony Tulsa’s Expo Square on Dec. 2-4. will begin at 7 p.m., at Petree Plaza Bring the whole family for two with live entertainment. Visit days of horse riding and equestrian www.elrenomainstreet.com for displays at Rope the Ozarks. For more information. more information, visit www. ustrc.com. December 2 TULSA STEM EXPO, Tulsa December 2 Expo Square. Tulsa, OK 74114. HISTORIC CANDLELIGHT Bring the kids to Tulsa Expo TOUR, Chickasaw National Rec- Square to explore their interest reation Area. Sulphur, OK 73086. in science, technology, engineer- Follow the lighted pathway in ing and mathematics. During the Flower Park at the Chickasaw Na- Tulsa STEM Expo, elementary, tional Recreation Area as part of middle and high school students the National Park Service centen- can display projects created for nial celebration on Dec. 2-3. Enjoy this alternative science fair. Be- a guided tour through a series of sides showing off their work, vignettes presented by park staff students can also learn more from and volunteers dressed in period educators, scientists, presentations costume depicting scenes from the and hands-on events. For more 1930s. Visitors will be escorted information on the Tulsa Stem on a half-mile walk through the Expo, visit www.okstemexpo. historic Bromide Pavilion area of com/tulsa/. the park.

46 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR calendar of events December 3 December 8-10 Minco honey festival, TULSA FARM SHOW, Tulsa Minco, OK 73059. Come out to Expo Square. Tulsa, OK 74112. the 26th annual Minco Honey As Oklahoma’s largest indoor Festival on Dec. 3. This annual farm show with over 400,000 event has more than 90 craft ven- square feet of exhibits, the Tulsa dors, a quilt show, honey plant Farm Show at Tulsa Expo Square tours, kid’s tractor pull and Made is a great end-of-year opportunity in Oklahoma products. Known to view all the latest in agricultural by locals as the land of milk and and ranching equipment. Come honey, visitors will receive free out to view a full line of displays samples. Visit www.minco-ok. from more than 375 companies, com for more information. including tractor, sprayer, tillage, harvest equipment, cattle manage- December 4 ment products and more. Head to MOTORCYCLE SWAP MEET, this Tulsa Farm Show to enjoy Oklahoma State Fair Park. Okla- horsemanship seminars, trick rid- homa City, OK 73107. Get ready ing demonstrations, cattle equip- to see some unique, top-of-the-line ment demonstrations, hustler ride motorcycles and turn your bike and drives and other agriculture- parts into cash at the Motorcycle related events. For more informa- Swap Meet at the Oklahoma State tion on the Tulsa Farm Show, visit Fair Park in Oklahoma City. Pick www.tulsafarmshow.com. up some of the latest fashions Tulsa Farm Show in biker apparel, check out new December 9 motorcycle designs and watch TAHLEQUAH CHRISTMAS December 15 December 28 stunts in the demonstration area. PARADE OF LIGHTS, Down- FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PA- WORLD’S RICHEST CALF For more information, call 816- town Tahlequah, OK 74464. One RADE, Downtown Okmulgee. ROPING, Tulsa Expo Square. 228-5811. of Oklahoma’s largest and most Okmulgee, OK 74447. Get into Tulsa, OK 74114. Come see some spectacular Christmas parades, the the holiday spirit at Okmulgee’s fast-paced, high action barrel rac- December 5 Tahlequah Christmas Parade of annual Festival of Lights Parade, ing and calf roping during Mike BARREL RACING FUTU- Lights delights all in attendance. one of the state’s oldest nighttime Johnson’s annual World’s Richest RITY WORLD CHAMPION- Come out and enjoy this holiday parades with more than a million Calf Roping event at Tulsa Expo SHIP, Oklahoma State Fair Park. parade featuring elaborate floats lights. This year’s “The Magic Square on Dec. 28-29. Put on your Oklahoma City, OK 73107. The with holiday lights, marching of Christmas” parade will travel cowboy hat and boots to look the annual Barrel Racing Futurity bands, elves, horses, classic cars, east on 6th Street. Visit www. part while enjoying a day full World Championships come to Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and lots of okmulgeeonline.com for more of equestrian competitions. For Oklahoma State Fair Park. Put on surprises. For more information, information. more information on the World’s by the Barrel Futurities of Ameri- visit www.tourtahlequah.com. Richest Calf Roping, call 405- ca, this six-day event is one of the December 15 743-0869. premiere barrel racing events in December 10 WINTER SOLSTICE WALKS, the country. Watch cowboys and ULTIMATE CALF ROPING, Spiro Mounds Archaeological December 31 cowgirls compete for the champi- Stephens County Fair & Expo Center. Spiro OK 74959. These OPENING NIGHT, Downtown onship title. For more information, Center. Duncan, OK 73533. Watch special guided tours are offered Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City, visit www.bfaworld.com. as ropers show off their skills at at Oklahoma’s only prehistoric OK 73102. Opening Night is Ultimate Calf Roping, held at the Native American archaeological a New Year’s Eve celebration December 7 Stephens County Fair & Expo site open to the public. Archae- with music, dancing, theater and ENLOW RANCH AUCTION, Center in Duncan. The best of the ologist Dennis Peterson will tell fireworks. Since 1987, Opening Enlow Ranch. Tulsa, OK 74131. best will be on hand to rope and tie about the powerful Caddoans Night has been the way to ring in Come on out to our monthly auc- as quickly as possible, competing who created the mounds between the New Year in downtown Okla- tion. Enlow auction service has against each other’s times. See all 900-1450 A.D., how they became homa City. Come and enjoy a va- more than 50 years of experience. the fast-paced action of Ultimate a very important leadership group riety of performances from some Not only are we reliable, but we Calf Roping, and cheer on your and why some of the 12 mounds of Oklahoma’s brightest stars on have the knowledge to sell items favorite ropin’ riders. Visit www. line up to solstice and equinox 16 stages. For more information, right. Call 918-224-7676 for more ultimatecalfropings.ning.com. sunsets. Call 918-962-2062 for visit www.artscouncilokc.com/ information. more information. opening-night. www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 47 Oklahoma State Parks Lake Murray State Park Part 1 By Laci Jones

s Oklahoma’s oldest and largest state park, Lake AMurray State Park offers south-central Oklahoma visitors beautiful scenery, rich history and recreational activities. Lake Mur- ray State Park, located south of Ardmore, Okla., was named after then Oklahoma Governor, Wil- liam “Alfalfa Bill” H. Murray. Louis Fischl, John Steele Bat- son, Fred Tucker, C.W. Tom- linson and others supported the construction of the lake and state park in present-day Lake Murray State Park. The state legislature appropri- ated $90,000 to purchase 16,500 acres of property for recreational activity in April 1933. Murray signed the appropriations bill when he was assured the state park would be named after him. The state park was constructed during the New Deal Era by Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and other public works programs. The state park Lake Murray Nature Center opened in its current state in 2013. (Photo by Laci Jones) was built with the help of National Park Service architects. tic” to describe the architecture of agencies built the Lake Murray south of Highway 70 on Highway “Lake Murray State Park be- the state park. The facilities were Dam and Spillway. By 1938, Lake 77S. came the only state park built made of stone native to the area Murray was filled, and it was the However, the most iconic land- by the National Park Service to and timber to look natural. largest body of water in Oklahoma mark of the state park is the 65 provide permanent camping facili- The state park located in Carter at the time. feet tall tower. Known as Tucker ties for African-American youth,” and Love County features Lake Because of its lengthy his- Tower, it was named after then according to the Oklahoma His- Murray, a 5,728-acre lake. Lake tory, many of the landmarks of Oklahoma State Senator Frank torical Society. Murray was created by damming Lake Murray State Park are still Tucker This landmark was primar- The state park was designed anadarche and fourche maline in good condition. One of these ily built by the WPA with the help with the intention of looking as creeks. landmarks includes the Johnson of the CCC in 1933. natural as possible. Herbert Maier In 1932, supporters of the state Memorial Bridge, built in honor of The men of the WPA built was inspired by other parks in- park started working on getting a E.J. Johnson. From 1935 to 1942, the tower made of limestone as a cluding Yellowstone, Grand Can- dam built, and the work began a E.J. Johnson was the designer and summer retreat for the Governor yon and Yosemite National Parks. year later. superintendent of the park. The William H. Murray. However, the The engineers used the term “rus- The WPA along with other memorial is located three miles governor never used the tower.

48 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR Tucker Tower was turned into a The visiting hours for Tucker geological museum in 1954. Lake Tower are the same as the Nature Murray Nature Center opened in Center. During March through its “current state” in 2013, accord- October, the tower is open daily ing to Lake Murray. It is connected from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From to Tucker Tower overlooking the November through February, it is lake by a short path. open at the same time on Wednes- Tucker Tower, which visitors day through Sunday. can see from most areas in the Lake Murray State Park be- state park, has two levels. The came the first Oklahoma state park first level is a museum, displaying to be listed in the National Regis- artifacts and information from the ter of Historic Places in 1997, per PHOTO DETAILS history of the tower. The second the Oklahoma Historical Society. (Top to bottom) This art piece is displayed outside the Lake Murray and top level, which is accessed For more information on Lake Nature Center. Lake Murray is Oklahoma’s oldest and largest state by a couple of staircases, is a Murray State Park, visit www. park. Lake Murray State Parks most iconic landmark is Tucker Tower, 360-degree viewing point for Lake lake-murray.org or call 581-223- a 65 foot tall tower. (Photos by Laci Jones) Murray. 6600. www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 49 Travels to the Top of Texas By Russell A. Graves y most standards, the Gua- dalupe Mountain range Bdoesn’t fit the conven- tional idea of a mountainous country. Instead of a collection of individual mountains rising from the surrounding plains, the mountain range is a collection of peaks that rise from an immense and ancient reef that was once part of a prehistoric Pangeatic sea. From Texas, the immense ridge runs north into New Mexico. When the ridge plays out in Texas, mountain peaks rise from the stone comprised of fossilized algae and fungi. Approaching the range from the south, travelers see the same cragged peaks jutting out as they have for centuries. The state’s signature peak, El Capitan, stands like a sentinel over the West Texas desert while behind it, Guadalupe Peak rises to the highest point in the state. Like any good story, a good adventure tale is made of three acts. This one is no different. On a warm March morning, my brother Bubba and I, along with my 11-year-old son, Ryan, arrive at the Guadalupe Mountain National Park. For the past three days, we’ve been planning and smartly packing for the adventure. I’ve done the hike before but never Russell Graves along with his brother, Bubba and son, Ryan. (Photo by Russell Graves) an overnight stay. Day trips up food stores, a small camp stove, it didn’t seem to matter at first. was my son Ryan. He’s barely 60 to the peak are one thing, but to his sleeping bag, and of course, We were excited about the trip pounds soaking wet, but he has the spend the night is quite another. enough water for him to sustain and earnestly began our 4.5 mile, heart of a lion. Like most boys his Therefore, we’ve done our best the rigors of hiking in vertical 3,000 foot elevation gain to the age, Ryan is involved in sports, to pack the necessary gear in country in 80 degree weather. In top. is shy about girls, but loves the order to make the ascent safe and all, probably fifty pounds. Act Two thought of adventure. comfortable. In my pack I was carrying a A quarter of the way into the He is fortunate. Many kids his Act One sleeping bag, some of our food, trip, the excitement has waned and age only get to see the inside of a Act one finds us in the trail’s lightweight sleeping pads, and wa- the realization that humping heavy gym or baseball field, the inside parking lot sorting the gear one ter for me and Ryan. Even Ryan, packs up the side of a mountain of their house, or the extent of last time. We are excited about with his small stature, had to pitch isn’t as easy as we thought. Our their yard. the ascent and can’t wait to get in. He carried a sleeping bag and legs and backs ached, but we Few experience what he does. started. Bubba’s carrying a pack camera gear in his pack. pressed on. Bubba led our trio While he might not understand the with a small tent, our dehydrated While the packs added weight, while I was in the back. In between See TRAVELS page 51

50 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR Travels Continued from page 50 extent of his experiences now, I past thin soils with exposed rock. more feet to climb, we head for to lead us to the top and does so know one day he will. In the ascent we traverse from the the top around 4 p.m. The last cheerfully. The relation of the pack size floor of the Chihuahuan Desert, thousand feet is marked with Before taking the last few to Ryan’s body weight is a higher through piñon pines, and around anticipation as we can finally see steps I turn around to look to the ratio than either mine or Bubba’s 6,500 feet, big Douglas fir trees the summit. It’s a long way up, southeast. Far past the Delaware packs, yet he powers on. The size lined the north facing slope. Dead but we persevere. The break at Mountains that ripple before me, of the rocks in which we walk in trees litter the slope, their fibrous the campsite caused our muscles the rest of Texas lies. At this point relation to his kid’s feet is more innards twisted by the incessant to cool and ache so each step is a in time, Bubba, Ryan and I stand than what Bubba and I experience, wind that marks the high mountain bit more labored than earlier in higher than any other on Texas yet he powers on. Each step up ranges. the day. soil. It’s a remarkable feeling. and each foot we move forward is Along the trail there were As we labored around the After several minutes at the bigger in relation to Ryan’s size, places that, if you errantly step southeast face of the mountain, the top, we sign the summit register, yet he powers on. off, certain doom follows as the back side of El Capitan came into take a few pictures, and spend a I am proud of his efforts. Our sheer cliff falls away a hundred view. The craggy escarpment is few minutes watching the sun sink country needs more rugged men feet below. remarkable from any angle. in the west. This panoramic view and he will undoubtedly become At around 7,500 feet elevation, After laboring for a few more of the top of Texas is spectacular one. we stop at the campground and minutes, we arrive twenty feet and we take it in. Act Three drop our packs. We take a well- from the summit. At the pinnacle, “Lead us down,” I tell Ryan as The walk is long and arduous earned rest before heading to the a stainless steel pyramid marks the he picks his way down through and at times, borderline danger- summit. By now, we’ve been on point. Bubba stops and tells Ryan the rocks. He’s more than willing. ous. Switchback after switchback the trail for about five hours. to lead the way. Ryan smiles and Camp is about an hour away and takes you up the mountain and One mile and one thousand obliges. He’s earned the chance we’ve earned the rest.

www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 51 Grazing Oklahoma

Little Bluestem

By Rob Cook, Noble Foundation Pasture and Range Consultant

haracteristics: Little soils from open prairies to rocky highly visible tuft of stems that re- bluestem is a native, outcrops. It is the state grass of mains after proper grazing, when Cwarm-season, perennial Kansas and Nebraska. It is a domi- in fact, the leaf material at the base tufted bunch grass. Mature height nant forage of the True Prairie in of the plant has been utilized by is about two to four feet tall. The Oklahoma and is considered one cattle. This is especially notice- leaves are flat, erect and have a of the “big four” grasses. It is able after the stems have turned a blue-green color during the grow- good forage for cattle. Although reddish-brown color. Continuous ing season. it has very little forage value for over-grazing will weaken the plant They can grow up to 1/8 to 1/4 wildlife, it provides good fawning and lead to a decrease in density inch wide, up to six to 10 inches cover for deer and excellent nest- over time. Proper stocking rate long. The leaves and stems gradu- ing cover for grassland ground- and growing season rest, provided ally turn reddish-brown by late nesting birds. from a rotational grazing program, fall. The stems are flat, especially Attributes: Grazing value is will allow grass to persist across at the base, and may be purplish best from March to July while the landscape. in color when they are young. protein levels are at their high- References: The slender spike-like seedhead est. Cattle can still utilize little Coffey, C.R., R.L. Stevens. emerges from a lightly inflated bluestem during the winter if Grasses of the Great Plains: A leaf. protein supplementation is pro- Pictorial Guide Area of Importance: Little vided. Often, the grazing value Linex, R.J., 2014. Range Plants bluestem grows in well-drained is underestimated because of the of North Central Texas

52 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR 777 CHAROLAIS RANCH- Registered auction Sam's Best Buys- in business bulls for sale. Large selection Commander 71 years. A family owned surplus bloodline. Also do custom hay baling farm type store established in 1945. with hay for sale. Call Jim Lemmons Red River Livestock Auction- We offer department store quality at 580-276-8052 or Bud Lemmons 580- Sale every Wednesday at 10 a.m. I35 goods, personal service and real 276-7534. 11-01p exit 24, Overbrook, OK. 580-226-6933 bargains. Quality Gift Ideas for less. We would like to earn Mcalester union stockyards- your business. Please check out our 71 straws of registered Regular sale every Tuesday. 10 a.m. Facebook page to see what we are limousin bull semen- Calves & Yearlings. 6 p.m. Cows & Bulls. all about. Also see us on Yellowbook. Currently stored at Reproduction 918-423-2834. mcalesterstockyards. com. We carry ropes, tarps, gloves, Enterprises in Stillwater. Make com rubber knee boots, farmer overalls, offer. 405-240-4568. Chandler. 12p coveralls, rainwear, men’s big and tall to 10XL. Brands: Williamson, employment Dickies, Big Smith, Walls, Key, real estate Round House FRC (Fire retardent clothing). 2409 South Agnew Ave., OKC, OK. Close to Stock Yards. 405- 800 ACRES-East of Ryan Oklahoma. 636-1486. 12p Native grass range land, Big Bluestem, LIttle Bluestem, Indian and Switch grass. 12 ponds across OKLAHOMA FARM & RANCH- ranch. County road access all the Post Oak Media is looking for an hay way around ranch. Some mesquite, energetic and professionally minded a lot have been sprayed and killed. person for the position of Advertising A set of metal pens are located at hay for sale- $30 Bermuda/Mixed Executive for Oklahoma Farm & center of the ranch. Two water Grasses. Cattle hay. 4x6 net-wrapped. Ranch magazine. The right candidate wells are on the east and south. Delivery available. Reduced prices for for this opportunity should have An additional 50 acres of lease volume sales. 580-434-2722. Durant, reliable transportation and be self- land comes with this purchase. OK. 12p motivated. Previous sales experience Call Mike Faulkner Turner Land required. Compensation based on Company 580-465-3571 or visit experience. If this sounds like the job www.turnerlandcomapny.com for for you, submit your resume to OKFR, hunting more information. 12 P.O. Box 831, Bowie, TX 76230.

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Curious Squirrel... Photographer, Kathie Fleming was at a park in Yukon, Okla., looking for photography inspiration. This cute and curious squirrel caught her eye. He must have been used to people because she said he looked like he was waiting for her to take his picture. (Photo by Kathie Fleming)

54 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR www.okfronline.com DECEMBER 2016 | 55 56 | DECEMBER 2016 OKFR