Chilly Mcintosh and the Muscogee Living History Education Day (Creek) Nation: 1800–1875” Presentation at Fort Towson

Vol. 49, No. 2 Published bimonthly by the Oklahoma Historical Society, serving since 1893 March/April 2018

“Chilly McIntosh and the Muscogee Living History Education Day (Creek) Nation: 1800–1875” presentation at Fort Towson

Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center is honored to On Thursday, March 8, Fort announce a special presentation, “Chilly McIntosh and the Towson Historic Site will host Muscogee (Creek) Nation: 1800–1875,” to be held at the battle- Living History Education Day. field’s new Visitor Center on Saturday, March 24, at 1 p.m. Educational stations will include T. S. Akers, the fourth great-grandson of Chilly McIntosh, reenactors portraying time peri- who was colonel of the Second Regiment of Creek Mounted ods from the fort’s beginning in Volunteers C.S.A. during the Battle of Honey Springs, will 1824 through the 1860s. Partici- talk about his ancestor’s importance to the Muscogee (Creek) pants can expect to see soldiers Nation during the tumultuous Civil War years in Indian Ter- in full gear and civilians who ritory. The program is free to the public, but donations are dealt with the soldiers at the fort. The reenactors will teach stu- appreciated. dents about the uniforms, weapons, and lifestyles of soldiers, “At the onset of the American Civil War, the Muscogee (Creek) trappers, storekeepers, and other people around the region Nation found itself suffering from a division that had existed who were connected to the fort. Visitors will move from station for fifty years prior to the United States being pulled apart. to station to see demonstrations about military life. Creek leaders sought the best course for their tribe that would There is no charge for this opportunity to learn about our ensure their future survival,” said Akers. “One such leader that state’s history, but reservations are required. For more infor- worked to guide the Muscogee (Creek) Nation through the tra- mation or to make reservations, please contact John Davis vails that awaited in the Indian Territory was Chilly McIntosh: at [email protected] or 580-873-2634. Teachers must ac- a chief, a minister, and a soldier.” Mr. Akers will be available company each group, and a ratio of one adult for every eight for questions immediately following the presentation. students is recommended. Individuals who make a reservation After the presentation and questions, visitors will have the will be met upon their arrival and instructed to proceed to the opportunity to tour the battlefield and learn about key aspects many educational stations. Fort Towson Historic Site is located of the engagement and those who fought at Honey Springs. one mile east of the town of Fort Towson and three-quarters of Visitors also will be able to tour the new Visitor Center build- a mile north on Highway 70E. ing, purchase items from the gift shop, and learn about the new exhibits that will open in the near future. T. S. Akers is a resident of Oklahoma City who graduated from Eufaula High School in 2003. He earned his bachelor of “Old-Fashioned Bed Turning” arts in American history in 2007 and his master of arts in mu- presentation at the Sod House Museum seum studies in 2015, both from the University of Oklahoma. He is a member of the First Families of the Twin Territories Ready for an old-fashioned bed turn- and of the Oklahoma Historical Society. He is the author of the ing? Martha Ray of Pawnee, Oklahoma, books Knights on the Prairie: A History of Templary in Oklaho- will be at the Sod House Museum to pres- ma, Masonic Generals of the Oklahoma National Guard, 1894– ent just that on Saturday, March 17, at 1965, and numerous articles on the history of Freemasonry in 10 a.m. Oklahoma. Akers serves as the curator of Masonic collections What is an old-fashioned bed turning? In a time when pio- for the McAlester Scottish Rite Temple. neer women did not have much of a social life, they would bring For more information regarding the presentation and the their quilts when they got together and enjoy the spotlight while Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center, please contact telling the story of making the quilt, the fabric used, the pat- Director Adam Lynn at [email protected] or 918-473-5572. terns, and the challenges faced when creating it. With several Honey Springs Battlefield is located east of US Highway 69 be- women in one house there was not a proper place to display all tween Oktaha and Rentiesville. The Visitor Center is located the quilts out in the open, so they would place them in layers on a hill within close proximity to the Oklahoma Blues Hall of on the bed and each woman would take her turn in telling her Fame in Rentiesville, Oklahoma. Driving from the west, take story. This was the origin of the name “bed turning.” the second left after reaching the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame. Martha Ray has extensive knowledge about the history of an- tique and vintage quilts, and has presented workshops and seminars on the history of quilts. She will present this program in first person, telling stories from the perspective of pioneer women who wrote about their quilts in their letters and diaries. Ray also will explain that a young girl would make quilts for her dowry and in the “bed turning” she would show all the quilts she made from her first quilt up to her wedding quilt, allowing her some well-deserved bragging rights. The Sod House Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located southeast of Aline on State Highway 8. For more information please contact Director Renee Trindle at 580-463-2441 or [email protected]. members. They voted unanimously to egist who helped us stay one step ahead adopt the staff’s plan, which was a sig- of the next challenge. nificant display of faith, but more impor- Denny was my mentor, my friend, and tantly, it showed the legislative members my sounding board. For the past twenty- that the OHS was setting its own path to eight years I have talked to Denny at least the future. I will never forget his steady once a week, sharing the challenges and Director’s hand at the tiller. opportunities, seeking advice about the Dr. Guy Logsdon was another longtime twists and turns of the political world, column friend and mentor who led with his cre- and sorting the important from the inter- ativity and curiosity. Guy, who passed esting. away on February 5, had a talent for I visited with Denny for the last time connecting the dots of history with the in Bartlesville a week before he passed expressive output of singers, writers, per- away. Every question was either about my formers, and folk artists. Before we even family or the OHS. To Denny, they went dreamed of OKPOP, Guy was an advocate together. The OHS family was his family. By Dr. Bob L. Blackburn for collecting and sharing the stories of He cared about us, fretted about us, and Executive Director pioneers such as Woody Guthrie, Bob threw his support to us when needed. He and Johnnie Lee Wills, and lesser known will be missed. If you follow the trail of success in the artists who never made the big time. All three of these leaders set examples history of any organization, you usually Guy, with his wife Phyllis usually sing- that we must follow in the future. Yes, we end up in the footprints of leaders who in- ing harmony, was a performer as well. are walking in their footsteps. vested their time and talents in a shared Every time I called them and asked them vision. Since the beginning of 2018, the to share their music, stories, and poetry Oklahoma Historical Society has lost with a group, they were as generous with three such leaders who made a difference their time as they were with their talent. in our rise from acceptable mediocrity to Guy was a living conduit to the ancient Smithsonian standards of excellence. skill of storytelling, and he dedicated a OHS announces the Dr. Lewis Stiles, who lived most of his big part of his life to collecting those sto- life in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, passed ries expressed in a variety of ways. release of Just in Time away in January. Lewis joined the OHS If there is a father of the modern Okla- Board of Directors in 1984 and served as homa Historical Society, it is Denzil D. The OHS is proud to announce the president in the early 1990s. Although in Garrison, who recently passed away at recent release of Just in Time, a book poor health, he attended his last board the age of ninety-one. chronicling the Oklahoma Honor Flights meeting in October 2017. Denny was on the leadership team in (OHF) Program. This work was written Lewis was fearless once he was on the 1981 that drafted and adopted a new by former State Representative Gary W. trail. I will never forget a board meeting in OHS Constitution that served as the Banz with a foreword by OHS Executive 1992 when we were challenged by a bud- major turning point from a nineteenth- Director Dr. Bob L. Blackburn. The book get cut of 18 percent. Our plan included century antiquarian society to a progres- describes the hard work and determina- either closing or withdrawing some sup- sive public/private organization that tion of thousands of individuals as they port from fourteen sites and museums. added “sharing” to the existing goals of honored Oklahoma’s World War II veter- To me, a young executive without much “collecting” and “preserving.” ans with a pilgrimage to see the National legislative experience, it was intimidat- Denny was involved in every step for- World War II Memorial in Washington, ing when a dozen legislators came to the ward thereafter, with one eye on the DC. Just in Time may be purchased from board meeting and threatened to retaliate effectiveness of the leadership team and the Oklahoma History Center Museum if we made the cuts. the other eye on the planning, execution, Store for $29.95. OHS membership dis- After I made the presentation, Dr. Stiles and completion of our mission. And as we counts will apply. politely let the legislators speak in turn, claimed our independence from external then led the discussion among the board dominance, Denny was the political strat- story continued on page 7

Oklahoma Historical Society Membership Office 405-522-5242 Development News [email protected]

By Larry O’Dell Mistletoe Leaves (USPS 018-315) is published bimonthly by the Okla- homa Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK (ISSN 1932- One of the exciting things that the Oklahoma 0108)

Historical Society does to fulfill its mission is host POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mistletoe Leaves, 800 Nazih its annual history conference. This year’s theme is “OHS125: Collecting, Preserving, Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917. By authorization of the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) Board of and Sharing for the Next Generation.” There are plenty of activities associated with the Directors, 5,400 copies are prepared at a cost of $1,170.57 bimonthly. conference, including a reception, luncheons, tours, and a concert to commemorate the The publication is financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior. 75th anniversary of the Broadway musical Oklahoma! Central to the conference is fulfilling Contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Oklahoma Historical Society or the United States Department of our mission to share Oklahoma history as we present eighteen educational sessions. the Interior. Mention of trade names does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by either organization. This year the sessions will feature diverse subjects including a discussion of Oklahoma’s Mistletoe Leaves is published for the members and friends of the OHS in partial fulfillment of its mission to collect, preserve, and share the literary history with current Oklahoma State Poet Laureate Jeanetta Calhoun Mish, and history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. The public and OHS members are encouraged to submit heritage- a presentation on the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Washita by NPS Park Ranger related items for publication. Students and teachers are invited to share Sydney Stover. On Thursday, April 26, the luncheon speaker will be David Grann, author studies and programs and to duplicate contents as desired. Editors are welcome to reprint materials with credit. of Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. Sharing research All Oklahoma Historical Society facilities are for the education and enjoyment of all. State and federal regulations prohibit unlawful and stories about Oklahoma history is why the OHS is here and why our conference is im- discrimination in state and federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, and/or handicap. portant. I hope you will attend the Oklahoma History Conference April 25–27 in Oklahoma Anyone denied benefits should contact the grievance manager of the Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City. You can register at www.okhistory.org/conference. Please call 405-522-6676 or email City, OK 73105-7917, telephone 405-522-5299, and/or the director, Office of Equal Opportunity, United States Department of the Interior, me at [email protected] with any questions. Washington, DC 20240.

2 of treaties and legal papers, a traditional through the closure. Museum hours are Events Potawatomi wedding dress, and other Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to artifacts. The Citizen Potawatomi Nation 5 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. The Celebrate the birthday of Bob Wills at Cultural Heritage Center exists to edu- Edmond Historical Society and Museum Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa on Saturday, cate tribal members, the greater Ameri- is located at 431 South Boulevard in Ed- March 3. Bob Wills, known as “the King can Indian community, and other visitors mond. For more information please visit of Western Swing,” was born on March 6, about the historical and contemporary www.edmondhistory.org or contact Exec- 1905. By 1935 Wills and his band were aspects of the tribe. It is located at 1899 utive Director Anita Schlaht at 405-340- playing shows at Cain’s Ballroom, mak- South Gordon Cooper Drive in Shawnee. 0078 or [email protected]. ing it the perfect setting to honor this Regular hours are Monday through Fri- legendary musician. Join the celebration day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday The Love County Historical Society’s and enjoy live music and dancing. Cain’s from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more informa- 2018 calendars are available for sale at Ballroom is located at 423 North Main tion please visit www.potawatomi.org. the Pioneer Museum in Marietta. Fea- Street in Tulsa. For more information tured in the calendars are historic pho- please visit www.cainsballroom.com. The Round Barn in Arcadia is in need of tos, including Westheimer Department volunteers to keep the nonprofit, Route 66 Store, 1906 on the cover; Reid’s Filling In honor of Women’s History Month at attraction open seven days a week. Vol- Station, 1927; Leon High School Basket- the Washita Battlefield National Historic unteers work three-hour morning shifts ball Team, 1956; Oil Springs Saw Mill, Site in Cheyenne, Dr. Henrietta Mann or four-hour afternoon shifts, greeting 1900; Burneyville Boy, 1938; Meadow- and Emma Standingwater Brewer will visitors from across the world and work- brook Seniors, 1946; Marietta Sandlot speak for the Owa Chita Sundays series ing in the gift shop. The barn was built Baseball Team, 1951; Norton Jewelry, on March 25 at 2 p.m. These two modern in 1898 by pioneer farmer William Odor, 1956; Thackerville Fifth Grade, 1957; members of the Cheyenne and Arapaho who later founded the town of Arcadia. It Jimtown Young Ladies, 1944; Greenville Tribes will describe what women’s his- was restored in 1992 by a group of vol- First and Second Grades, 1930; Marietta tory means to them as they share their unteers led by Luke Robison. The barn is School Bus, 1943; and Bond Brothers, experience and knowledge with visitors at owned and operated by the Arcadia His- 1929. The calendars can be ordered from the Washita Battlefield National Historic torical and Preservation Society. Its loft, the Love County Historical Society, PO Site Visitor Center. Owa Chita Sundays an architectural gem, is the venue for the Box 134, Marietta, OK 73448. The cost will take place on the last Sunday of each Round Barn Rendezvous, a free acous- is $5, plus $2 for postage and handling. month leading up to the sesquicenten- tic music concert from noon to 4 p.m. on For more information please call Laquitta nial commemoration in November 2018. the second Sunday of every month. The Ladner at 580-276-3477. The program includes free activities and loft also can be rented for weddings and crafts to engage all ages in the history other special events. For more informa- Celebrate the centennial of the W. T. Fore- and cultures that enrich the historic site tion about becoming a volunteer, please man Prairie House in Duncan. Listed in located within the Black Kettle National contact Volunteer Coordinator Kimberly the National Register of Historic Places, Grasslands. Washita Battlefield National Burk at [email protected] or the home was built in 1918. It is the for- Historic Site is located at 18555 Highway 405-651-0240. mer residence of W. T. Foreman, a banker 47A in Cheyenne. For more information and pharmacist who was one of Duncan’s please call 580-497-2742 or visit www. After three and one-half months of reno- earliest and most prominent citizens. The nps.gov/waba. vations, Phase II of the City of Edmond home is architecturally significant as an Capital Improvements to the 1936 build- early example of the Prairie School archi- ing that houses the Edmond Historical tectural style. All are welcome for tours Announcements Society and Museum is now complete. of the home with knowledgeable docents This round of improvements includes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 In January the Citizen Potawatomi Na- new LED lighting throughout the building p.m. The home is also available for pri- tion Cultural Heritage Center in Shawnee and renovations to the restrooms to meet vate events, so please call for additional opened its doors to the public for the first ADA standards. While permanent exhib- details. The W. T. Foreman Prairie House time since it experienced extensive flood its are being reinstalled, the museum is is located at 814 West Oak Avenue in damage in March 2014. The renovation pleased to host Once Upon a Playground, Duncan. For more information call 580- features ten new exhibits as well as in- a traveling exhibit from Mid-America Arts 512-9153. teractive and digital displays that tell the Alliance, with partial funding from Okla- story of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation homa Humanities and the National En- Do you want your organization’s meeting, chronologically. The exhibits were rede- dowment for the Humanities. The exhibit event, exhibit, or announcement includ- signed to be more immersive and to tell features photographs and artifacts from ed in the “Around Oklahoma” section of deeper, more accurate stories of Potawa- historic parks and playgrounds across Mistletoe Leaves? The “Around Oklahoma” tomi history. One of the exhibits features the United States. It invites visitors to section features Oklahoma history and a nearly ceiling-tall display of eighty-six walk down memory lane and remember heritage-related activities or programs pairs of moccasins, handmade by Citi- times from their childhoods when they sponsored by entities other than the zen Potawatomi Nation members. Each visited some of these historic landmarks. Oklahoma Historical Society. To submit pair represents 10 of the 859 Potawato- A companion local exhibit entitled Mon- news items, please contact Evelyn Moxley mis who walked the Trail of Death dur- key Bars and Walking Trails: 100 Years by email at [email protected] or by ing the tribe’s removal from their homes of Edmond Parks is also open. The Chil- mail at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma in the Great Lakes region to reservation dren’s Learning Center has also reopened City, OK 73105. If you wish a news item lands. Additional exhibits and displays for the youngest visitors to the museum. to appear in the May/June issue, you include original documents and replicas Other museum programs have continued must submit it by Monday, April 2.

3 March events April events Save the dates for two conferences in June 1–24 Sixth annual Trappings of the 1 Easter Sunrise Service and Cherokee Strip exhibit of fine Friends of the Pawnee Bill Ranch Western art and custom cowboy Association Easter Breakfast Save the dates for two upcoming con- gear, Cherokee Strip Regional Fundraiser, Pawnee Bill Ranch, Heritage Center, Enid Pawnee ferences cosponsored by the OHS. • June 1–5, 2018: The Association for 2 Bound to Please: The History of 3 Lone Star School book review and Corsets exhibit opens, Pioneer presentation by Richard Simunek, Living History, Farm and Agricultural Woman Museum, Ponca City Museum of the Western Prairie, Museums Annual Conference to be held Altus in Tahlequah 3 “Women’s History” Family Activity Saturday program, Oklahoma 3, 10, Tracing Your Roots genealogy class, • June 6–8, 2018: Oklahoma’s Thirtieth History Center, Oklahoma City 17 Rose State College, Midwest City Annual Statewide Preservation Confer- 6, 13, Tracing Your Roots genealogy class, 7 Preserving Your Family Memories ence to be held in Tulsa 20, 27 Rose State College, Midwest City class, Oklahoma History Center, Both conferences will feature presen- Oklahoma City 8 Living History Education Day, Fort tation sessions, workshops, banquets, Towson Historic Site, Fort Towson 10–28 Red Dirt Student Art Show exhibit, tours, and special events. Registration Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage 10 The Art and Life of Don Blanding Center, Enid fees apply. More information will be pub- exhibit opens, Chisholm Trail lished in the May/June 2018 issue of Museum, Kingfisher 11 “Women of the Western Cattle Trails” Brown Bag Lunch and Learn Mistletoe Leaves (vol. 49, no. 3). 10 Quilting workshop with Martha program by Dr. Sara Jane Richter, Ray, Sod House Museum, Aline Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid 14 Brown Bag Lunch and Learn program by featured Trappings 14 Quilting workshop with Martha artist, Cherokee Strip Regional Ray, Sod House Museum, Aline Heritage Center, Enid 19 Milam Lecture Series presentation 15 Mysteries of the Mansion tour, by Steve Warren, Will Rogers Living History Education Henry Overholser Mansion, Memorial Museum, Claremore Oklahoma City Day at the Murrell Home 19 Wee Winsome Wildflowers art 16 T. B. Ferguson Home’s annual exhibit opening and premiere Chicken Noodle Dinner, Blaine program, Museum of the Western The George M. Murrell Home in Park County Fairgrounds, Watonga Prairie, Altus Hill will host its eighth annual Living His- 17 31st annual Family Kite Flite Day, tory Education Day on Friday, May 4, Spiro Mounds Archaeological with two sessions: 9:30–11:30 a.m. and Center, Spiro 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Registration is now 17 “Old-Fashioned Bed Turning” open. Teachers are invited to bring their presentation by Martha Ray, Sod House Museum, Aline students and experience life in nineteenth-century Indian Territory through 17 Will Rogers Memorial 5K and Fun Run, Will Rogers Memorial Museum exciting hands-on presentations by OHS and Rogers State University, staff and costumed living historians. Claremore School groups will enjoy lawn games, live 17 Third Saturday Living History music, animals of the plantation, gar- program, George M. Murrell Home, Park Hill dening, food preparation, fiber arts, and blacksmithing demonstrations. Tours of 19–23 Spring Break activities, Will Rogers the 1845 mansion also will be available. Memorial Museum and Birthplace Native wildflower art by Sandra Dunn Ranch, Claremore and Oologah The public picnic area and playground 19 Historic Preservation Review will be reserved exclusively for Living 20 Vernal Equinox Walks, Spiro Committee meeting, Oklahoma Mounds Archaeological Center, History Center, Oklahoma City History Education Day participants. Spiro The event is open to public, private, and 19 Mysteries of the Mansion tour, 24 “Chilly McIntosh and the Muscogee Henry Overholser Mansion, home school groups. The cost is $4 per (Creek) Nation: 1800–1875” Oklahoma City student, with free admission for teach- presentation by T. S. Akers, Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor 20 Ponca City Portraits, People, and ers, adult chaperones, and bus drivers. Center, Checotah Places exhibit opens, Pioneer To register a class or group, please email Woman Museum, Ponca City 24 Eighth annual Cowboy Round-Up, [email protected] or call 918- Oklahoma History Center, 20–21 Living History Days, Chisholm Trail 456-2751. The Murrell Home is located Oklahoma City Museum, Kingfisher three miles south of Tahlequah at 19479 31 Spring Bake Day, Fort Gibson 21 “GEDmatch.com for DNA Analysis” East Murrell Home Road in Park Hill. Historic Site, Fort Gibson class, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City 31 Dutch Oven Cooking class, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage 21 Dutch Oven Cooking class, Center, Enid Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City 31 Annual Easter Egg Hunt, T. B. Ferguson Home, Watonga 21 Third Saturday Living History program, George M. Murrell Home, 31 Optimist Club Easter Egg Hunt, Park Hill Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore 25–27 Oklahoma History Conference, Oklahoma History Center, 31 89th Annual Easter Egg Hunt— Oklahoma City cosponsored by the Pawnee Lion’s Club and Pawnee Chamber of 28 Frontier Festival, Cherokee Strip Commerce, Pawnee Bill Ranch, Regional Heritage Center, Enid Pawnee 30 “Music of the Big Band Era” Please visit www.okhistory.org/calendar Kilgen Organ performance by Ken for additional information about OHS Double, Oklahoma History Center, events, programs, and exhibits. Oklahoma City

4 Living History Days at the Chisholm Trail Museum Spiro Mounds receives

The Chisholm Trail Museum in Kingfisher will host Living History Days on Friday, donation from the April 20, and Saturday, April 21. This lively annual event features some of the best Choctaw Nation Western reenactors the country has to offer. Chuck wagons will provide cowboy dinner favorites such as chili and biscuits. While waiting for a fresh-cooked meal, visitors can On January 24, Spiro Mounds Devel- take in the sights and sounds of a pioneer village by watching the flint knapper, ma- opment Association (SMDA) received a gician, gunfighters, and farm animals. The Chisholm Trail Museum is located at 605 donation from Choctaw Nation Tourism Zellers Avenue in Kingfisher. Please call 405-375-5176 for more information. to help with interpretive and promotional development at Spiro Mounds Archaeo- logical Center. This donation is part of a multiyear development process by Choc- Oklahoma National Register listings taw Nation Tourism to promote tourism added in January 2018 destinations and develop a better travel experience throughout the southeastern The State Historic Preservation Office part of Oklahoma. (SHPO) is pleased to announce two new Choctaw Nation representatives Erin National Register of Historic Places list- McDaniel and Jo McDaniel, both of ings in Oklahoma. The National Register Durant, presented the check to SMDA is our nation’s official list of properties President David Hedges. “This donation significant in our past. is the result of an evaluation of the Spiro “Spirit of the American Doughboy,” a Mounds Archaeological Center and the statue located at the Jack C. Montgom- recognition of its importance in the his- ery Veterans Affairs Medical Center in tory and cultural tourism of our area. The Muskogee, was listed in the National Choctaw Nation, through Choctaw Nation Register for its association with Native Tourism, is happy to help Spiro Mounds Americans. Though the Viquesney statue update the site for a better experience of United States Post Office in Purcell design is common, this statue achieves visitors to the Choctaw region,” said Erin significance as a representation of the Frederick E. Conway received the com- McDaniel, tourism director for the Choc- pride held by members of the Five Tribes mission for the Purcell post office mu- taw Nation. in their wartime service. Given its dedi- ral. The mural designed and painted by Dennis Peterson, manager and archae- cation to Native American veterans, the Conway constitutes an integral part of ologist at Spiro Mounds Archaeological statue’s placement on the grounds of a the building and is a great example of the Center, said, “The areas that Choctaw veterans’ hospital is particularly appro- work available through the Section. This Nation Tourism had identified as areas in priate and enhances the monument’s sig- post office also is an excellent example of need of improvement also were identified nificance. the importance of New Deal-era policies by the OHS as needs. Although work on in Oklahoma. the trail signage and other projects have Listing in the National Register is an been started, the continuing state budget honorific designation that provides rec- and personnel cuts placed those projects ognition, limited protection, and, in some on hold. Now we can finish the planning cases, financial incentives for these im- and implement them. We are very glad portant properties. The SHPO identifies, that we have a partner in Choctaw Na- evaluates, and nominates properties for tion Tourism and a great support group this special designation. If you believe a like the Spiro Mounds Development As- property in your area is eligible, fill out sociation.” the Historic Preservation Resource Iden- Spiro Mounds Development Associa- tification Form located at www.okhistory. tion, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization that org/shpo/nrprelim.htm. helps promote and develop Spiro Mounds The SHPO also announces its annual Archaeological Center. Memberships and matching grants to state, local, and tribal information are available by contacting governments and nonprofit organizations Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center at for the preparation of National Register [email protected] or writing SMDA at nominations. The SHPO has reserved PO Box 624, Spiro, OK 74959. $10,000 of its FY 2018 Historic Preserva- tion Fund allocation from the US Depart- ment of the Interior for the program. The funds will be equally divided for awards in “Spirit of the American Doughboy” statue two grant rounds, with any funds remain- ing from round one carried over for round The United States Post Office in Purcell two. Applications and detailed instruc- is significant for its association with the tions are now available from the SHPO. Works Progress Administration. When The deadline for round one applications built in 1938–39, the post office became is 5 p.m. on April 6, and the deadline for another product of the New Deal public round two applications is 5 p.m. on June works program and it was targeted to 1. Each grant is limited to $1,000, and receive artwork through the Section of the applicant must provide a nonfederal, Fine Arts, a Depression-era program that cash match of at least $700. Please con- Erin McDaniel and Jo McDaniel from the Choctaw Nation presented a check commissioned artists to create artworks tact the SHPO at 405-521-6249 with any to David Hedges, president of the Spiro questions. for the decoration of public buildings. Mounds Development Association.

5 Candidates for election From the OHS Archives: T. B. Ferguson Home to the OHS Board of The Patience Latting to host annual Chicken Directors announced Collection Noodle Dinner

OHS members will receive election bal- By Jan H. Richardson On Friday, March 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. lots, candidate biographies, and related the T. B. Ferguson Home will host its an- materials by mail. We hope that members Patience Sewell Latting nual Chicken Noodle Dinner in celebra- will take time to consider the candidates (1918–2012) has the dis- tion of T. B. Ferguson’s birthday. This and participate in the 2018 election. To tinction of being the first fundraising event will be held in the Fol- facilitate that process, the candidate and only female mayor of ey Building at the Blaine County Fair- names are printed below. Members will the City of Oklahoma City. grounds in Watonga. be asked to vote for one candidate from She was born in Texhoma, Built in 1901, this Victorian-style house District Two, one candidate from District and graduated from the was home to Oklahoma’s sixth territorial Four, and two of the State At-Large can- University of Oklahoma governor and is listed in the National didates. Please return your ballots to the with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, Register of Historic Places. It is located address listed on the form by April 20. and later from Columbia University with at 519 North Weigle Avenue in Watonga. a master’s degree in economics and sta- This property is managed by the Friends tistics. District Two of T. B. Ferguson Home and offers free William Corbett, Vinita In 1961, while working for the League admission. For more information please Jonita Mullins, Muskogee of Women Voters, she began to see that call 580-623-5069. Jimmie White, Warner the legislative districts in Oklahoma were skewed toward rural voters and the cities were being underrepresented. In 1964, District Four Robert L. Brooks, Norman the outcome of the 1964 election was CSRHC Endowment Neal Leader, Norman challenged in federal court, and Latting Campaign hits milestone was a key witness during the proceed- ings. Her political career began with her State At-Large The $5 million Endowment Campaign P. Mitchell Adwon, Tulsa election to the Oklahoma City Council in of the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage R. Eugene Earsom, Oklahoma City 1967, and as mayor in 1971. At the time Center (CSRHC) has reached a major Dallas Mayer, Hooker of her 1971 inauguration she was the milestone. More than $2.3 million has Barbara Thompson, Oklahoma City first female leader for a city of more than been donated and pledged, and more 200,000 people. She was lauded in the than $2 million of that has been received. New York Times with, “Although she looks The amount received to date consists of a bit like Claudette Colbert, she handles gifts of various sizes, including the $1 Huey helicopter flight politics like Franklin D. Roosevelt.” The million matching gift challenge from the Patience Latting Collection (M2013.017, Lew Ward Family. simulator added to six legal boxes and two oversize folders) January 2018 ushered in the criti- exhibit at History Center is a collection tightly focused on Latting’s cal second phase of the campaign effort. years in public service, from her election Continuing success of the CSRHC En- In the fall of 2017, the Oklahoma Histo- to the Oklahoma City Council in 1967 dowment Campaign will secure the en- ry Center opened its newest exhibit, Wel- to her three mayoral terms from 1971 to during excellence of the center including come Home: Oklahomans and the War in 1983. Items in the collection range from the Smithsonian-quality museum exhib- Vietnam. A new attraction has been add- campaign items, political cartoons fea- its, the outstanding Humphrey Heritage ed that heightens the interactive aspect of turing Latting, business correspondence Village, and the exceptional public pro- the exhibit. Digital Design of Green Bay, as mayor, memos of Council Actions, gramming. The endowment will ensure Wisconsin, a company specializing in in- resolutions for city projects, and annual that the CSRHC continues to thrive while teractive multimedia applications and reports. collecting, preserving, and sharing the exhibits, has produced a helicopter flight The Patience Latting Collection is avail- extraordinary heritage of northwestern simulator that puts visitors in the pilot’s able for viewing in the OHS Research Oklahoma, and entertaining and inspir- seat of a Huey helicopter. Center Tuesday through Saturday from ing this and future generations. With a widescreen monitor displaying 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. It is located inside Since the 2011 opening of the CSRHC, the flight path, the operator has the task the Oklahoma History Center. For more more than eighty thousand visitors from of leaving a landing pad and flying over information please call 405-522-5225 or across the United States and from other a tropical jungle to a site to rescue their email [email protected]. countries have made their way through fellow soldiers and return them to safety. Jan H. Richardson is the processing the doors. They have experienced nu- Welcome Home looks at more than the archivist in the OHS Research Division’s merous exhibits, public programs, and historic events that occurred during the Manuscripts Department. community events that are made possible war. It explores the impact of the war on because of the local support of Enid and Oklahoma families, as told through the the surrounding regional communities stories of the young men and women who and leaders. served their country in the armed ser- Those interested in making a contribu- vices and the immigrant families who fled tion to the legacy of the CSRHC either Vietnam and came to Oklahoma seeking through the endowment, as a volunteer, freedom and opportunity. The exhibit is or as a museum member are encouraged open Monday through Saturday from 10 to contact Robbin Davis, director of the a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be on display for CSRHC, at [email protected] or 580- two years in the Gaylord Special Exhib- 237-1907. The CSRHC is located at 507 its Gallery. Please call 405-522-0765 for South Fourth Street in Enid. more information.

6 OHS announces the Spring Bake Day at Fort Celebrate the 100th release of Just in Time Gibson anniversary of Will

(continued from page 2) Fort Gibson Historic Site and the Friends Rogers’s Movie Career The National World War II Memorial of Fort Gibson will host Spring Bake Day Will Rogers gave was dedicated on May 29, 2004. After it on Saturday, March 31, beginning at 10 up a lucrative New was dedicated, the dilemma facing World a.m. The aroma of fresh-baked bread York stage career War II veterans was that most were phys- will fill the air on Garrison Hill as OHS and uprooted his ically unable to make the trip or afford staff and volunteers bring Fort Gibson’s family to move to the expense. The first effort to get a group bake house to life. Enjoy bread making California. And for of WWII veterans to the memorial was ac- demonstrations in the original wood- what? complished by Earl Morse, a physician’s fired oven from 1863. Visitors can even One hundred years ago Will signed a assistant and retired Air Force captain sample the finished product! Bake Day is contract with Samuel Goldwyn to become from Springfield, Ohio. In May 2005, he a fundraiser and educational event that one of the most successful and highest arranged six small planes to carry twelve depicts one aspect of army life during and paid movie stars in early film history. Af- WWII veterans to the visit the memorial after the Civil War. Guests are welcome to ter moving from Long Island to what he in Washington, DC. With that, other state bring their own bread to bake in the oven called the “Celluloid Coast,” he starred and local leaders began to collect dona- at Fort Gibson. Experience Bake Day and in seventy-one movies—fifty silents and tions and gifts that would ensure other see what the eighty-seven acres of Fort twenty-one “talkies”—before his untimely veterans willing and able to travel the Gibson Historic Site have to offer. For death in 1935. opportunity to see their memorial. The more information please call 918-478- The Will Rogers Memorial Museums will Oklahoma Honor Flights (OHF) Program 4088. Fort Gibson is a National Historic highlight Will’s movie career during the was established in 2009, and its first Landmark and is located at 907 North 100th anniversary of the beginning of his flight took place in 2010. Garrison in Fort Gibson. celebrated motion picture career. “The Just in Time reflects the sentiment of theme of the 2018 Will Rogers Birthday thousands of individuals who were di- Bash in November, the 139th anniversary rectly and indirectly affected by the Okla- of his birth on an Indian Territory Ranch, homa Honor Flights program. These sto- will be ‘Will Rogers the Movie Star,’” said ries are told through logistical details, Tad Jones, executive director of the Will personal testimonies, remembrances of SHPO to host workshops Rogers Memorial Museums. friends and relatives and heartwarm- In the small theater at the Memorial ing and heartbreaking recollections from The State Historic Preservation Office Museum, sixteen of Will’s movies play OHF staff and associates. The goal of (SHPO) will host five workshops at the continuously, a different one each day. OHF was to honor as many World War II Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma Occasionally one of Will’s movies plays veterans as possible, even if it was “just City May 9–11. Each workshop is devoted on PBS, AMC, or TNT television channels. in time.” to one of the SHPO’s federal preservation Some of his movies are available for pur- Author Gary Banz was the cofounder programs and is designed for preserva- chase in the Museum Store. and executive director of Oklahoma Hon- tion professionals, government agency Will Rogers began his stage career in or Flights. He served in the US Army from representatives, and concerned citizens. 1902 when he performed with Texas 1968 to 1970 and was awarded the Army All workshops are free and open to the Jack’s Wild West Show in South Africa Commendation Medal in 1970. He served public; however the SHPO requests that and continued when he returned to the in the US Army Reserve from 1982 to participants register no later than 5 p.m. United States. He had a home in Long Is- 1988 and was awarded the Army Achieve- on Wednesday, May 2. Space is limited land and a long career with the Ziegfeld ment Medal in 1985. In 2004 Banz was for all sessions and will be reserved on a Follies in New York. It was after making elected to the Oklahoma House of Rep- first-come basis. his first movie,Laughing Bill Hyde, filmed resentatives from House District 101. He • Wednesday, May 9, 10:30 a.m. to in New Jersey in 1918, that he took the was given the Oklahoma Medal of Free- noon: Certified Local Governments Pro- plunge into a new career and headed west dom from the National Guard Association gram—From Inquiry to Application: How with the promise of a big salary. of Oklahoma in 2014 and the Douglas O. to Apply for Designation Laughing Bill Hyde opened to rave re- Dollar Distinguished Community Service • Wednesday, May 9, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.: views at the Rivoli Theatre in New York Award from the Oklahoma Military Hall Introduction to Section 106 and Determi- City. He signed with Goldwyn to star in of Fame in 2016. nation of Eligibility for the National Reg- six-reel comedies during 1920–21, with OHS members may purchase Just in ister the first made while he was still working Time at a 15 percent discount, $25.46 • Thursday, May 10, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 on the summer follies. plus shipping. Please contact the Okla- p.m.: Working with the National Register The rest is history. He made his first homa History Center Museum Store at of Historic Places sound film, They Had to See Paris, in [email protected] or 405-522- • Friday, May 11, 10:30 a.m. to noon: 1929 and filmed Steamboat Round the 5214. Tax Incentives for Rehabilitating Historic Bend in 1935, released after his death Buildings on August 15, 1935. He was the top male • Friday, May 11, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.: The motion picture box office star in 1933, Secretary’s Standards and Guidelines for 1934, and 1935 as selected by Motion Pic- Rehabilitating Historic Buildings ture Herald. All workshops will be held in the Musser Learn more about Will Rogers at www. Learning Lab at the History Center. For willrogers.com. Be sure to visit the Will more information or to register, please Rogers Memorial Museum, located at contact Jesse Matthews at jmatthews@ 1720 West Will Rogers Boulevard in Cla- okhistory.org or 405-521-6249. You also remore, and the Will Rogers Birthplace may register online at www.okhistory. Ranch, located at 9501 East 380 Road in org/shpo/workshops. Oologah.

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Vol. 49, No. 2 March/April 2018 2018 Oklahoma History Conference celebrates the 125th anniversary of the OHS

You are cordially invited to make a reservation to attend the 2018 Oklahoma History Confer- ence, Wednesday through Friday, April 25–27, at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. This annual conference is presented by the Oklahoma Historical Society. This year’s theme is “OHS125: Collecting, Pre- serving, and Sharing for the Next Generation” in honor of the 125th anniversary of the OHS. The conference will include eighteen sessions on a range of topics devoted to Oklahoma history. The opening plenary session will feature Ted Chapin, president of The Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization, discussing the legacy of the Broadway musical Oklahoma! Presentation sessions will continue Thursday morning, April 26, and Friday morning, April 27. Attendees also are invited to attend optional conference activities, including a reception, tours, two luncheons, and a musical program. Enjoy a Wednesday evening reception at the Oklahoma Judicial Center, for- Kite Flight Day and Vernal Equinox Walks merly the home of the OHS, hosted by Justice Yvonne Kauger. Eat, drink, mingle, and enjoy tours of this historic building. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center will cele- On Thursday the Annual Conference Luncheon will feature keynote speaker brate the beginning of spring with the 31st annual David Grann, author of Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Family Kite Flite Day on Saturday, March 17, and a Birth of the FBI. series of guided Vernal Equinox Walks on Tuesday, Choose from three tours on Thursday afternoon: Tour One is a bus tour with March 20. Chuck Wiggin featuring ’89er Landmarks of Oklahoma City. Tour Two is a Capitol Family Kite Flite Day will be held from 9 a.m. to Restoration walking tour with Capitol Project Manager Trait Thompson. Tour 5 p.m. on March 17. This will be a free admission Three is a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oklahoma History Center’s collections day, although donations are appreciated. It will be and archives. a great day for families and folks of all ages. Each A Thursday evening program and performance will celebrate the 75th anni- year since 1987, Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center has hosted a day of spring versary of the musical Oklahoma!, featuring students from the Oklahoma City fun and learning. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics, University Wanda L. Bass School of Music. and kites to this free event. Kite flying demonstrations, arts and crafts vendors, On Friday afternoon the Annual Awards Luncheon will honor four new Okla- a children’s area, bubble making, a sandbox where visitors can dig for treasures, homa Historians Hall of Fame inductees and other award recipients. and kite giveaways are just a few of the activities that will take place. The OHS, The conference hotel is the Embassy Suites Downtown/Medical Center, located Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center, and Spiro Mounds Development Associa- at 741 North Phillips Avenue in Oklahoma City. To reserve a room call 405-239- tion sponsor this event. 3900 or visit www.okhistory.org/hotel. The attendee code is “Oklahoma Histori- On March 20 there will be three guided Vernal Equinox Walks at 11 a.m., cal Society” and the room rate is $129. Make your reservation by April 5 to qualify 2 p.m., and 7 p.m., led by archaeologist and manager Dennis Peterson. Each for this special rate. Rates are good for the nights of April 25–27. A free shuttle walk will take approximately two hours and require one mile of easy walking. from the hotel to the History Center will be available for conference attendees. Visitors will learn about the importance of spring to American Indians. There is a Registration forms and a detailed schedule will be mailed to OHS members. small fee for this series of tours. Learn more at www.okhistory.org/spiro. The full conference schedule also can be found at www.okhistory.org/conference. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is the only prehistoric American Indian site The cost is $15 for OHS members and $25 for nonmembers. Optional activities open to the public in Oklahoma. It is located three miles east of Spiro on Highway are available for an additional fee. The registration deadline is April 20. To register 9/271 and four miles north on Lock and Dam Road. For more information please by phone please call 405-522-0317. Thank you to Advocate Level conference contact Director Dennis Peterson at [email protected] or 918-962-2062. sponsors Sherry and Lee Beasley and Jim Waldo.