Vol. 46, No. 11 Published monthly by the Oklahoma Historical Society, serving since 1893 November 2015

Battle of Honey Springs Reenactment Archaeological dig held at Fort Washita

The Battle of Honey Springs Reenactment is an outstanding Fort Washita hosted an archaeological dig on September re-creation of the appearance of the battle fought on July 17, 17–20. The Fall Dig was sponsored by the OHS, Oklahoma 1863. Join reenactors from across the United States on Satur- Anthropological Society, and the University of Oklahoma. day, November 7, and Sunday, November 8. The reenactment This dig concentrated on a large, unidentified structure in begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5 for the area of the original corral. More than sixty professional adults, and children ages twelve and under are free. There will and amateur archaeologists contributed their time and effort be an Education Day on Friday, November 6, specifically for into uncovering another chapter of our state’s history. The dig youth and school groups. was a great success with numerous artifacts identified and a Activities throughout the weekend include two battle working idea of the building’s original purpose discovered. reenactments with infantry, cavalry, artillery, and medical Visitors to Fort Washita during this time were given a unique personnel. Visitors can take self-guided tours through the opportunity to witness a true archaeological dig, from map- Union, Confederate, and civilian camps. There also will be mili- ping a grid to the thrill of discovery. On Saturday night the tary drills, cooking demonstrations, and other living history Oklahoma Anthropological Society sponsored a grilled burger programs. Living historians and volunteers will portray Civil dinner for participants, followed by a concert by the Red River War-era civilians including members of soldiers’ aid societies, Dulcimer Club. A wonderful time was had by all. business proprietors, and musicians. Many sutlers and ven- Left and below: dors will be on site in the “Sutler’s Row” area of the encamp- Excavation ment. Traveling with an army or to remote military outposts, underway. sutlers sold wares from the back of a wagon or a temporary Far left: Dragoon tent. Visitors will be able to visit and purchase items from these button found shops just as soldiers did during the Civil War. Vendors will during the dig peddle souvenirs, books, reproductions of nineteenth-century (photos courtesy military equipment and clothing, and other goods. Attendees Andy Slaucitajs, also can visit modern-day vendors offering various food and Oklahoma Anthropological drinks. Groups are welcome to enjoy lunch at the at the picnic Society). tables. The Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield will have a gift shop offering keepsakes specific to the battle. The engagement at Honey Springs (called the Affair at Elk Creek by the Confederates) was the largest of more than 107 documented hostile encounters in Indian Territory. Federal re- ports place 2,800 Union troops and 6,000 Confederate troops at Honey Springs. Later research estimated the Confederate force between 3,400 and 5,100, not all of whom were physi- cally capable and equipped to fight. Confederate units involved included the Twentieth and Twenty-Ninth Texas Cavalry, the Fifth Texas Partisan Rangers, Lee’s Light Battery of Texas Artil- lery, the First and Second Cherokee Mounted Rifles, the First and Second Creek Mounted Rifles, and the First Choctaw and Chickasaw Regiments of Mounted Rifles. Union forces at the battle included the Sixth Kansas Cavalry, the First, Second, Fall Bake Day at Fort Gibson and Third Regiments of Indian Home Guard, a battalion of the Second Colorado Infantry, a battalion of the Third Wisconsin On Saturday, November 14, at 10 a.m. Fort Gibson will host Cavalry, and the First Kansas Colored Infantry. Fall Bake Day. Partnering with the Friends of Fort Gibson, Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and be pre- Bake Day is a fundraiser and educational event that depicts pared for obstacles including uneven terrain and gravel. one aspect of army life after the Civil War. The aroma of fresh Parking will be available in the field across the road from the baked bread will fill the air on Garrison Hill as Fort Gibson staff reenactment. Honey Springs Battlefield is located east of US and volunteers bring a bake house to life. This living history Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville. The physical presentation details the bread making process, with Rory address is 101601 South 4232 Road in Checotah. For more Montgomery explaining how to bake bread in an old wood-fired information please call 918-473-5572 or visit www.okhistory. stone oven. Guests can enjoy bread baking demonstrations org/sites/honeyspringsbattle. and sample the finished product. Visitors also may bring their own bread to bake in the oven at Fort Gibson, then spend the day viewing a reconstruction of the early log fort as well as original buildings from the 1840s through 1870s. Exhibits detailing the history of the fort are located in the Commissary Visitor Center on Garrison Hill. For more information please contact Omar Reed at 918-478-4088 or [email protected]. Fort Gibson is a National Historic Landmark and is located at 907 North Garrison in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. In the big picture of OHS history, the New Members, September 2015 is a new at- titude, a new way to approach our re- *Indicates renewed memberships at a sponsibility to take care of what has been higher level collected and to improve on the way we use those collections to share the story Director’s Circle Director’s of our community. After the History Cen- Jeaneen Naifeh, column ter opened, acceptable mediocrity was no Friend longer good enough. We knew we could Robert Baron and Janice Dansby, Oklahoma City do better. Roger Box, Bartlesville The change did not occur overnight. *Bernard and Iris Duffe, Tulsa Timothy Larason, Oklahoma City It was gradual, built on the success of *Patricia Lowry, Oklahoma City each new exhibit, each new collection, David and Cathlene Mattix, Jenks Mark and Megan Moore, Norman each new partnership formed. And as we Matt and Cherish Ralls, Oklahoma City By Dr. Bob L. Blackburn raised our expectations, it became easier Executive Director to recruit high performing staff members, Family attract partners, and raise money. Michael and Sherri Adkins, Newalla In the life of any person, there are turn- Brandon and Paula Albers, Midwest City With each success came improvement *Marilyn Alsip, Midwest City ing points that define what had been and in the OHS brand. The community, from Aaron Baker, Oklahoma City what would be. For most of us, we think legislators and business leaders to tribal Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Bates, Blanchard Donald and Adelphia Bellisario, Choctaw of turning points such as graduations, officials and museum professionals, rec- Mary Boone, Oklahoma City marriage, or the birth of a baby. ognized that the OHS was moving forward Kevin and Robin Braddock, Harrah For the Oklahoma Historical Society, and worthy of their support. Wade and Rachelle Burleson, Enid Suzi Byrne, Midwest City the turning points are easy to trace: the Today, the quality of the Oklahoma His- Maria Corpuz and Alecia Nicholson, Oklahoma City Oklahoma Territory Press Association tory Center is the new standard for the Sara and Alex Cowan, Oklahoma City creating the OHS in 1893; becoming a William Cunningham and Katherine Dickey, OHS. You see that reflected in the State Oklahoma City state agency in 1907; moving into the Museum, the Research Division, the His- Cara Ditto-Marsh, Norman State Capitol in 1918; completing the toric Preservation Office, the Cherokee Kathy Dunn, Midwest City David and Patricia Duskin, Oklahoma City Historical Building in 1930; adding the Strip Regional Heritage Center, the Route David and Jane Edmonds, Oklahoma City first staffed satellite museum in 1964. 66 Museum, and the many museums Rosie Elder, Oklahoma City On November 16, 2005, we added a new and historic sites where we have complet- Heather Englehart and Anne Williams, Choctaw Darin and Laura Ferguson, Hominy chapter to that list of turning points in ed new exhibits and acquired new collec- Pam Flynn, Moore the life of the OHS. It was the opening tions. Chester and Youngae Fonner, Moore of the Oklahoma History Center. Now it Ruth Ford and Scott Ford, Oklahoma City Yes, there are many turning points that *Skeeter Hall and Mike Novotny, Oklahoma City is time to celebrate the tenth anniver- define what had been and what would Marcia Harcourt, Edmond sary and reflect on what it has meant to be. The opening of the Oklahoma History *Patti Harrold, Edmond Jacqueline Headlee, Oklahoma City our ability to collect, preserve, and share Center will rank among the most impor- Karen Jones, Newalla Oklahoma history. tant in the long history of the Oklahoma Rita Jones, Yukon The Oklahoma History Center is more Historical Society. It is time to celebrate. Keith and Leslie Kelly, Tulsa Mitzie Klarich, Moore than steel, concrete, glass, and wood. It is Linda Kromer and Lori McEntire, Midwest City more than storage space, museum galler- Rosa Lambeth, Oklahoma City ies, and offices. It is even more than the Steve and Cheryl Langstraat, Stillwater Karl and Deena Lorett, Ponca City beautiful design and efficient use of space Craig and Christina Lovett, Duncan that we sometimes take for granted. John MacDonald, Edmond Philip Marshala and Cathy Compton, Oklahoma City

cont’d. on p. 7 Development News By Larry O’Dell Oklahoma Historical Society Membership Office: Alma Moore 405-522-5242 [email protected] As the Oklahoma Historical Society prepares Mistletoe Leaves (USPS 018-315) is published monthly by the Oklahoma to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Okla- Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105- homa History Center, the development office is kicking off a drive for naming opportunities 7917. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK. (ISSN 1932-0108) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mistletoe Leaves, 800 Nazih on the Oklahoma Family Tree. Commemorate your family name on a leaf or leaves of the Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917. Oklahoma Family Tree and record your family history in the digital Oklahoma Family His- By authorization of the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Board of tory Book. The Family Tree is a beautiful, original wall sculpture made up of gold and silver Directors, 6,000 copies are prepared at a cost of $1,276 each month. The publication is financed in part with federal funds from the National Park leaves that are affixed to the wall around the branches of the tree. Each leaf contains three Service, United States Department of the Interior. Contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies lines of lettering on a three inch by three inch recognition plate. The first line lists the fam- of the Oklahoma Historical Society or the United States Department of the Interior. Mention of trade names does not constitute endorsement or ily name, the second line includes the first name(s), and the last line is the family’s town or recommendation by either organization. Mistletoe Leaves is published for the members and friends of the county. The corresponding family histories will be viewable in a digital format at the base Oklahoma Historical Society in partial fulfillment of the Society’s of the tree. purpose to “perserve and perpetuate the history of Oklahoma and its people, to stimulate popular interest in historical study and research, The Oklahoma Family Tree wall is located just outside the Research Center Reading and to promote and disseminate historical knowledge.” The public and OHS members are encouraged to submit heritage- Room in the West Family Wing at the Oklahoma History Center. Each leaf is $1,000 with related items for publication. Students and teachers are invited to share studies and programs and to duplicate contents as desired. Editors are the option of paying throughout a two-year pledge period. You may purchase a leaf on your welcome to reprint materials with credit. All Oklahoma Historical Society facilities are for the education own or you may get your family members together to purchase them. We want to make and enjoyment of all. State and federal regulations prohibit unlawful discrimination in state and federally assisted programs on the basis of sure you are aware of this special opportunity to preserve your family history. All proceeds race, color, national origin, and/or handicap. will go into the Oklahoma History Center Endowment Fund to benefit future generations of Anyone denied benefits should contact the grievance manager of the Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma Oklahomans. This is a great way for your family to make history and benefit the future at City, OK 73105-7917, telephone 405-522-8989, and/or the director, Office of Equal Opportunity, United States Department of the Interior, the same time. Contact Shelly Crynes at 405-522-0317 or [email protected]. You also Washington, D.C. 20240. may visit www.okhistory.org/support/familytree to purchase leaves today.

2 Fairview Municipal Airport and features The Founders’ Place Historical District Events displays of antique, experimental, and in Muskogee has received a pledge of classic aircrafts, a parachute jump, and $50,000 from the University of Tulsa, Visit Sam Noble Museum at the Univ- aerobatics. Free breakfast will be served with funds to be used for restoration ersity of Oklahoma in Norman for a for all who fly in from 7 to 10 a.m. A of the historic Alice Robertson Home. special program on Tuesday, November veteran’s ceremony will be held at 10:45 Founders’ Place’s goal is to restore the 3. The guest speaker will be LaDonna a.m. and the high-flying air show will home to the time that Robertson owned Brown, tribal anthropologist for the begin at 12:30 p.m. This event is free and it in the late 1920s. Plans are to turn the Chickasaw Nation. Her presentation is open to the public. The Fairview Municipal structure into a house museum that will entitled “Southeastern Indian Finger Airport is located at North Main Street tell the story of this remarkable woman. Weaving Designs.” This fall speaker and East Oklahoma in Fairview. For more Born to missionary parents in 1854, series is free, open to the public, and information please call 580-227-3788. Alice Robertson was a teacher, founder held in conjunction with the Sam Noble of three schools including the University Museum’s current exhibit, Collision & Experience a German tradition at Volk- of Tulsa, a businesswoman, farmer, and Creation: Indigenous Arts of the Americas, strauertag on Sunday, November 15, at 2 foster mother caring for several American 1890–2015. A reception will be held at p.m. in El Reno. The memorial event will Indian orphans. The $50,000 Challenge 6:30 p.m. and the presentation begins at be held at Fort Reno to honor the Ger- Grant is meant to serve as seed funds 7 p.m. This program is cosponsored by man prisoners of war who are buried at for the project that is estimated to cost the Sam Noble Museum and the Cleve- the cemetery’s annex. There will be mu- more than $200,000 to complete. Found- land County Chapter of the Oklahoma sical entertainment and a wreath laying ers’ Place Historical District, a 501(c)3 Anthropological Society. It will be held ceremony. Fort Reno is located at 7107 organization, must raise a match of in the Kerr Auditorium of the Sam Noble West Cheyenne Street in El Reno. Please $50,000 in order to receive the Challenge Museum, located at 2401 Chautauqua call Barbara Conrad at 918-492-3273 for Grant from the University of Tulsa. A Avenue in Norman. Please call 405-325- more information. GoFundMe account has been created for 4712 for more information. this purpose and can be found at www. gofundme.com/zm7ft4g. Donations also The Spencer Historical Society will host will be accepted on the website www. its tenth annual Salute to Veterans in Announcements savinghistorichouses.com and by mail Spencer on Wednesday, November 11, at Founders’ Place, P.O. Box 3827, at 10:30 a.m. The event will be held at The Museum of the Great Plains in Muskogee, Oklahoma 74402. Other fund- the Alta Mae Black Pavilion in Ben Black Lawton reopens to the public following raising efforts are being planned and will Park just south of the Spencer Museum. a $5 million renovation of the main be announced when finalized. For more All veterans and active duty military are gallery. The 22,000-square-foot exhibit information please call Jonita Mullins at invited to attend. Colors will be presented area features fully immersive, highly 918-682-0312. by the JROTC from Star Spencer High interactive environments with tailored School. The brief ceremony will be fol- activities that appeal to all ages. Begin- Visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in ning Wednesday, November 18, the public lowed by refreshments and the Spencer Claremore to view nineteen oil paintings Museum will be open. The Spencer Mu- is invited to visit the museum and enjoy by Mike Wimmer. Wimmer’s illustrations seum and adjacent Ben Black Park are the renovated exhibits, with admission. were featured in Governor Frank Keat- located at the corner of Northeast Fifti- Explore the Great Plains from the remote ing’s children’s book entitled Will Rogers: eth Street and Palmer Avenue in Spencer. past to the present day. Museum hours An American Legend. The paintings are Please call Linda Verges at 405-771-3561 are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to now on display in the entry gallery for with questions. 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. For more guests to enjoy. The Will Rogers Memo- information please call 580-581-3460 or rial Museum is located at 1720 West Will Attend the monthly meeting of the visit www.discovermgp.org. Rogers Boulevard in Claremore. Please Muskogee County Historical Society call 918-343-8129 for more information. in Muskogee on Thursday, November The Oklahoma Regional Conference of Phi 12, at 11:30 a.m. The meeting will be Alpha Theta and the sixty-eighth annual held in the second floor conference meeting of the Oklahoma Association of Do you want your organization’s meeting, room at the Cherokee Nation Health Professional Historians will be hosted by event, or exhibit included in the “Around Center. It includes a potluck luncheon Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee Oklahoma” section of the Mistletoe and a celebration of Statehood Day in on February 26–27, 2016. The primary Leaves? The “Around Oklahoma” section Oklahoma. A program entitled “Indian purpose of the conference is for history features Oklahoma history and heritage- Territory Missionaries” will be presented professionals, faculty, and students to related activities or programs sponsored by Bill Welge, director of the American share their research and other aspects of by entities other than the Oklahoma Indian Culture and Preservation Office their work. All undergraduate, graduate, Historical Society. To submit news items, at the OHS. The Cherokee Nation Health and professional historians are invited please contact Evelyn Brown, assistant Center is located at 1001 South Forty- to submit papers and panel proposals. editor, by email at eebrown@okhistory. First Street East in Muskogee. For more The deadline for abstracts is Monday, org or by mail at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, information please call Ellen Johnson at February 1, 2016. To submit abstracts Oklahoma City, OK 73105, during the 918-453-9842. please email Dr. Glenn Sanders at glenn. first week of the month before you wish a [email protected]. Abstracts may be news item to appear. For example, if you Spend the day at the World’s Oldest mailed to 500 West University Street, wish an item to appear in the December Free Fly-In and Air Show in Fairview Shawnee, Oklahoma 74804. Please call 2015 issue, you must submit news by on Saturday, November 14. The sixty- 405-585-4157 for more information. Wednesday, November 4, 2015. fourth annual air show is held at the

3 Ten Years of Excellence at the

As the Oklahoma History Center cel- • Clara Luper Collection • Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce ebrates ten years since its opening, we This collection consists of 50,000 Collection reflect on some highlights of collections, documents, 1,800 photographs, and This collection consists of 90,000 docu- programs, special projects, and exhibits 479 audio recordings. Clara Luper was ments, 1,360 bound volumes, 7,000 pho- from 2005 through 2015. a leading Oklahoma civil rights activist. tographs, and 42 films and videos. The Her long-running radio show reflects Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce Oklahoma and national political, cultur- was originally formed as the Oklahoma Collections al, and economic history and gives first- City Board of Trade on May 25, 1889, hand accounts and experiences through only one month after the establishment • WKY-TV / Channel 4 Collection the voices of the community. These sig- of Oklahoma City following the April Spanning nearly thirty years the WKY, nificant sound recordings represent a 22, 1889 Land Run. The purpose of the KTVY, KFOR film collection contains the number of national subjects, movements, Board of Trade and, subsequently, the photojournalistic historical record of the and individuals of note. Chamber of Commerce, was to support state of Oklahoma from 1953 to 1979. In business development and promote edu- three decades the face of the nation and • Don Wallace Collection cational, religious, cultural, and social Oklahoma changed dramatically and the development in the community. In scope footage contained in the approximately • William T. Hagan Collection the collection covers the dates from 1919 10,000 film reels and video tapes tells to 1986. Of the divisions that are repre- the story. Through news footage, docu- • Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Collection sented, the largest number of volumes mentaries, and specials these belong to the Administrative Division and archives capture a rare audio/visual view • Ned Hockman Collection the Public Relations Division, primarily into Oklahoma’s past. This collection also because these had purview over and in- contains 1,500 photographs and 7,700 • Anita Bryant Collection teracted with every other division. documents. • Bill Thrash Collection • Governor George Nigh Collection Programs • Oklahoma Publishing Company • Governor David Walters Collection Photography Collection • Civil Rights Program featuring the Ambassadors’ Concert Choir • Marian Peter Opala Collection • Kirkpatrick Family Collection • The Dust Bowl program with Ken Burns • Griffin Communications Collection— • Oklahoma State University Collection Channel 9 OKC and Channel 6 Tulsa • Rushmore Four living history • University of Oklahoma Collection • Jim Argo Collection • Rich Martin Collection • Bob Birchall Collection This collection consists of 1,085 artifacts related to the steamboat Hero- • Martha Blaine Collection ine, a riverboat that carried people and supplies to frontier US Army posts and • Oklahoma Journal Photo Collection civilian settlements. The Heroine sank on the Red River in 1838, and the well- • Bob Wills Collection preserved wreck was excavated by the Nautical Archaeology Institute at Texas • LeRoy H. Fischer Collection A&M University in conjunction with Living historians portray the the OHS. Artifacts include portions of US presidents of Mount Rushmore. • Department of Wildlife Collection the steamboat’s machinery, barrels of supplies, tools, and personal effects such • State Historic Preservation Office • Barry Switzer Collection as shoes. workshops

• Kerr-McGee Collection • Ancestry Day in Oklahoma This collection consists of 823 films Ancestry.com, the OHS, and the Okla- and videos, approximately 182,000 doc- homa Genealogical Society presented uments, approximately 190,000 photo- Ancestry Day in Oklahoma, two days of graphs, 62 audio tapes, 16 phonograph genealogy and Native culture in Novem- records, approximately 5,150 library ma- ber 2014. Both novice and experienced terials, and 396 objects. Robert S. Kerr genealogists attended various work- and James Anderson began as Anderson shops, a reception, bus tours, and a and Kerr Drilling Company in 1929. The lunch program. company changed its name to Kerr-Mc- Gee in 1946. Upon the death of Senator • Brown Bag Lunch and Learn series Kerr in 1963, Dean A. McGee became chairman of the board, a position he held • Oklahoma National History Day This annual event is a highly regard- OHS Executive Director Dr. Bob until 1983. Kerr-McGee’s most notable ed academic program providing sixth Blackburn and Director of Research technological innovations were in the Chad Williams accept a collection from area of offshore drilling platforms. through twelfth grade students an op- Barry Switzer. portunity to conduct original research on historical topics. 4 Oklahoma History Center Special Projects Exhibits

• Oklahoma Century Chest • We Are Who We Were: American Indian On April 22, 1913, a “Century Chest” Tribes of Oklahoma was buried in the basement of the First English Lutheran Church (now the First • Let the People Rule: Oklahoma Politics Lutheran Church of Oklahoma City) at 1300 North Robinson. The ceremony was • The Scissortail Returns witnessed by a capacity crowd including Governor Lee Cruce and other notable • Oklahoma: An Urban Frontier Oklahoma residents. Through a century of dutiful vigilance the congregation of • Steamboat Heroine Former governors of Oklahoma attend the the First Lutheran Church guarded the opening reception for Inspired to Lead: Century Chest in order that on April 22, • Tierra De Mi Familia Oklahoma The First Families of Oklahoma. 2013, the chest would be unearthed and the past would come alive. The church • Another Hot Oklahoma Night: A Rock • Inspired to Lead: The First Families of partnered with the OHS to ensure the and Roll Exhibit Oklahoma treasures of 1913 are preserved and ex- hibited at the Oklahoma History Center. • Hidden Voices, Coded Words • The Return of Elegance: An Evening Wear Collection • History with an Attitude: Motorcycles • Born to Freedom: Allan Houser Centennial • For the Child in All of Us: Toys of the 19th and 20th Centuries • The Uncanny Adventures of Okie Cartoonists • Unconquered: Allan Houser and the Legacy of One Apache Family • Oklahoma & The Day That Will Live In Infamy • Power to Grow: The History of Oil and Gas in Oklahoma • Oklahoma Driven: Cars, Collectors, and the Birth of the Oklahoma Highway Virginia Weinmann and Pastor Jerry • Oklahoma @ the Movies Commission Peterson open the Oklahoma Century Chest on April 22, 2013. • 100 Years of the Federal Reserve • Starmaker: Jim Halsey and the Legends System of • The Daughter of Dawn film An eighty-minute, six-reel silent film • Enriched: Animal Art from the OKC Zoo • Simply Red: A Fashion Statement shot in 1920 in the Wichita Mountains of southwest Oklahoma, The Daughter of • John Zink Racing Vehicles • Pickin’ and Grinnin’: and Dawn was named to the National Film Country Humor Registry in 2013. • Crumbo: Spirit Talk • Oklahoma Quilts • Oklahomans and Space exhibit, book, • Building a Community: Oklahoma and documentary film Junior League • Crossroads of Commerce: A History of Free Enterprise in Oklahoma • The Gateway to Oklahoma History • Realizing the Dream: The African American Experience in Oklahoma Traveling exhibits produced by the • OHS Film and Video Collection’s Oklahoma History Center and sent to YouTube Channel • Oklahoma Writers: A Literary Tableau various sites:

• WKY, KTVY, KFOR Archives digitization • Caddo Leadership and Community • Black Hope, Black Dreams

• Chronicling America newspaper • Field, Forest & Stream: The History of • Cherokee Nation: A Portrait of a People digitization Oklahomans and the Outdoors • Another Hot Oklahoma Night • The Hillerman Collection digitization This collection includes many images • All Black Towns of Oklahoma from the Meyers Photo Shop in Oklaho- ma City, which employed Hillerman and • Field, Forest & Stream other photographers. The images begin in the late 1920s and extend into the ear- • We Are Who We Were ly 1980s. Although many images are of metropolitan Oklahoma City, the collec- • 50 Years of Photojournalism tion includes images from other areas of Oklahoma. • Deep Deuce and Beyond Field, Forest & Stream exhibit.

5 Fall lecture series at Murrell Home to host Chisholm Trail Museum Pioneer Woman Museum Christmas-themed accepts award

The Pioneer Woman Museum in Ponca workshop The Chisholm Trail City continues its fall lecture series with Museum accepted The Murrell Home in Park Hill will three additional presentations in Novem- the Award of Merit host a workshop full of Christmas ber and December. from the American merriment on Saturday, November 14. On Saturday, November 7, at 10 a.m., Association for State Participants will learn how to make Dr. Sara J. Richter from Panhandle State and Local History various Christmas decorations includ- University will give a presentation en- (AASLH) on Septem- ing Moravian star ornaments and gilded titled “The Hominy Indians.” Her lecture ber 18, 2015. It was walnut ornaments. Attendees also will will focus on the Hominy baseball team. presented during the make Victorian Christmas cards and On Saturday, November 14, at 1 p.m., annual AASLH awards banquet in Louis- Christmas crackers. All items made Dr. Michael J. Hightower will present ville, Kentucky. The Chisholm Trail Mu- during the class may be taken home by “Banking in Oklahoma and the Craft of seum in Kingfisher is the first Oklahoma participants. The class will be held from Historical Writing.” Learn more about museum to win this award in five years. 9 a.m. to noon on November 14. Cost for writing with this lecture. The award was accepted by Adam Lynn, the class is $35 per person, and space is On Saturday, December 12, at 10 a.m., director of the Chisholm Trail Museum, limited to twenty participants. To reserve Dr. Sara J. Richter returns for a lecture and Dennis Mueggenborg, current own- your spot please call 918-456-2751 or entitled “Christmases on the Plains.” The er of a historic storefront in Kingfisher. email [email protected]. Visa, presentation and discussion will high- Mueggenborg’s store originally housed Mastercard, and Discover are accepted. light traditions of the holiday season for Raymond Young’s first five and dime The George M. Murrell Home, a National those living on the plains. store, which would become a TG&Y store. Historic Landmark, is located at 19479 The lectures are free to attend, with For more information about the award- East Murrell Home Road in Park Hill. advanced reservations encouraged. For winning exhibit TG&Y: An Original Okla- more information please call 580-765- homa Icon, please call 405-375-5176 or 6108, email [email protected], or email [email protected]. visit the museum’s Facebook page. The Pioneer Woman Museum is located at 701 Monument Road in Ponca City. Frank Phillips Home to celebrate the holidays Caring for Your Family with decorations

Heirlooms workshop The Christmas season is a special time to visit the Frank Phillips Home in Join OHS staff for a workshop on pre- Bartlesville, which will open in full holi- serving your own family collections on day splendor on Frank Phillips’s birth- Wednesday, November 4, from 10 a.m. day, Saturday, November 28. to 4:15 p.m. Knowledgeable staff will Beautiful poinsettia arrangements share tips and best practices for preserv- Sod House Museum to will grace the front foyer, and the grand ing photos, maps, textiles, paper items, host History of Cemetery stairway will be trimmed with garland. and scrapbooks. Participants also will Throughout the house there will be festive learn how to conduct and preserve oral Symbols presentation floral arrangements, beautifully decorat- histories. The workshop will cover the ed Christmas trees, and wreaths. Visitors tools and supplies available for preserv- Join the Sod House Museum in Aline for will see the traditional centerpiece used ing your treasures for future generations. a History of Cemetery Symbols presen- by Jane Phillips when entertaining guests Do not miss this chance to learn how to tation on Saturday, November 21, at 10 and family during the holiday season. The care for your precious family mementos. a.m. Luann Sewell Waters will present an centerpiece, approximately four feet long, Door prizes will be awarded throughout overview of gravestone images and sym- is a snow scene with Santa Claus and his the day. Registration is $45 per person bols so attendees can better understand sleigh. Along the sides of the sleigh are and lunch is included. Preregistration their significance and history. Cemetery small, wrapped gifts attached to ribbons is required. Call the Research Center at symbols express characters, devices, fig- that run across the table to each guest’s 405-522-5225 to register by phone, and ures, motifs, and patterns. While many place setting. According to Director Jim please have your credit card ready. The of these can reflect religious affiliation, Goss, when Aunt Jane gave permission, OHS Research Center’s Caring for Your they may provide insight regarding how a each guest would pull the string in front Family Heirlooms workshop will be held person lived prior to death. This includes of them and the gift attached to it would in the classrooms of the Oklahoma His- determining their affiliation within soci- be theirs. Also of particular interest are tory Center, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi ety, status, personality, religious iden- handmade, jeweled, cone-shaped trees in Drive in Oklahoma City. tification, and association membership. Attendees will learn about the language Mrs. Phillips’s bedroom. Be sure to visit of cemetery symbols and how to interpret the home and view all of the beautiful them. Participants will receive a printout decorations. of symbols and are encouraged to ask The Frank Phillips Home is located at questions following the presentation. Pre- 1107 Southeast Cherokee in Bartlesville. registration is required. Please call 580- Regular hours are Wednesday through 463-2441 for more information. The Sod Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more House Museum is located at 4628 State information please call 918-336-2491 or Highway 8 in Aline. email [email protected].

6 New Members, cont’d. Cody Thompson, Lawton George Thompson, Henryetta SHPO accepting awards Yuliana Trevino, Madill Family Margaret Verble, Lexington, KY nominations Mark McGugan, Oklahoma City Linda Miller, Oklahoma City The State Historic Preservation Office Dean and Bunnie Morgensen, Oklahoma City Organizational Grandfield Public Library, Grandfield Jim and Carolyn Munger, Ponca City (SHPO) is now accepting nominations Katherine Neale, Ponca City for its 2016 awards program. Individu- David Nickell, Oklahoma City als, businesses, government agencies, Richard and Krista Norton, Oklahoma City Nancy Owens, Oklahoma City and other organizations contribute to John and Pat Parker, Edmond Call for papers and the preservation of Oklahoma’s heritage Ruthie Phillips, Oklahoma City through rehabilitation/restoration proj- Shamon Pickens, Oklahoma City presentations for 2016 Joyce Porter and Danielle Basset, Oklahoma City ects, archaeological site protection, field John and Cindy Posey, Moore Oklahoma History and archival research, publications, and Gustavo and Corinne Ravello, Edmond Kurt and Cristi Reiger, Oklahoma City Conference public programming. Previous award Bill and Carol Rice, Oklahoma City recipients are featured on the SHPO’s Glenna Royce, Midwest City website at www.okhistory.org/shpo/ Santos and Iris Rubio, Lawton The OHS is seeking papers and presen- Beverly Russell, Oklahoma City tations for the 2016 Oklahoma History shpoawards.htm. Submit a nomination Brent and Stephanie Schoenecke, Moore and help the SHPO focus attention on *Frank and Kathy Sissons, Duncan Conference, sponsored by the Oklahoma Greg and Eleen Savanas, Edmond Historical Society. The conference will accomplishments like these in your com- Matthew and Fara Taylor, Edmond be held on April 27, 28, and 29, 2016, munity. Dennis Trout and Jack Thompson, Shawnee The SHPO’s awards program includes Leona Urschel and Patti Hall, Oklahoma City at the Woodward Conference Center in Pamela Vestal, Oklahoma City Woodward, Oklahoma. A total of eighteen the Shirk Memorial Award for Historic David and Sue Woodson, Edmond presentation sessions will take place on Preservation and the SHPO’s Citation Johnita Young, Spencer of Merit. The deadline for nominations David and Cynthia Zornes, Edmond Thursday, April 28, and Friday, April 29. The theme for the 2016 conference is is Friday, December 4, 2015, at 5 p.m. Individual “Landmarks and Turning Points in Okla- Nomination sponsors and award recipi- Betty Bays, Stillwater homa History.” Presentation proposals ents will receive notice of the results of Sherri Beson, Oklahoma City the selection process in February 2016. Clark Brant, Tulsa are now being accepted by mail or email. Donna Brinkley, Elk City Postal mail should be sent to Annual The awards will be presented at the ban- Lita Briscoe, Norman quet during Oklahoma’s Twenty-eighth Billy Carson, Muskogee Conference Committee, Attn: Paul Lam- Devin Chiang, Lawton bert, Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Annual Statewide Preservation Confer- Danny Cushman, Enid Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK ence in Enid on June 1–3, 2016. Joseph D’Agostino, Lawton The Shirk Memorial Award for Historic Austin Davis, Kingfisher 73105. Proposals also may be emailed to Janie Davis, Wewoka [email protected]. The deadline Preservation recognizes historic preser- Aaron Elam, Laverne for submitting proposals is Thursday, vation programs or activities that have Bucky Ensey, Boswell had statewide impact. The SHPO’s Cita- Bruce Glasrud, San Antonio, TX December 31, 2015. Please contact Paul Heather Goodson, Tulsa Lambert at 405-522-5217 or the email tion of Merit highlights noteworthy ac- Sandra Harlow, Tahlequah complishments in historic preservation Ashton Harris, Madill address above with inquiries. Charles Helm, Oklahoma City at the state or local level. Teresa Herburger, Stillwater Nominations will be accepted in either Susan Hill, Ponca City electronic or hard copy format. To request Patsy Hunt, Mangum William Hunter, Healdton nomination forms and instructions, Christopher Jones, Kingfisher American Indian Heritage please call 405-521-6249. With questions Mitchell Kennedy, Pauls Valley about the awards criteria please contact Kive Kerr, Pauls Valley Month events Lisa Landmark, Lawton Melvena Heisch at 405-522-4484 or Harvey Legrone, Pioneertown, CA The American Indian Culture and Pre- [email protected]. Chrystal Littrell, Apache Lauren Locust, Glenpool servation Office is hosting two events in Eric Long, Moore November to commemorate American Bernice Loreto, El Reno Indian Heritage Month. The first event, Twenty-year members renew Randy Marquez, Hennessey Jasson Meadows, Fort Gibson entitled “Native American Spirituality,” in September Linda Mills, Midwest City will be held Thursday, November 5, from Barbara Nathman, Vian Listed below, with the date they Rigoberto Navarro, Enid 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the classrooms at the Greg Nelson, Broken Arrow Oklahoma History Center. Two speakers, joined the OHS, are people and or- Jeremy Pace, Kingfisher J. C. High Eagle (Cherokee/Osage) and ganizations that, when they renewed Sarah Parker, Shawnee their memberships in September, Roger Patton, Paoli Reverend Wade Burleson, will speak on Don Peacock, Stillwater the subject. have been members twenty or more Benjamin Pigg, Pauls Valley The second event will be held on Sat- years. Their long-term loyalty is most Vicki Pipkin, Shawnee Dorinda Plummer, Enid urday, November 21, from 1 to 3 p.m. in sincerely appreciated! Ryan Porter, Stillwater the classrooms at the Oklahoma History Joseph Rains, Stillwater Larson Keso, Oklahoma City, May 1, 1981 Aric Rigdon, Kingfisher Center. Dr. Lindsey Claire Smith, Okla- J. Carl Richeson, Eldorado, September 1, 1981 Dillon Rind, Stillwater homa State University professor and edi- Robert Klemme, Enid, August 30, 1988 Crystal Risher-Prevatte, Broken Bow tor of the American Indian Quarterly, will Greg Olds, Austin, TX, January 5, 1989 Alejandra Rodriguez, Stillwater Gary and Lindey McDaniel, Bixby, August 8, 1989 Curtis Rohr, Claremore present a lecture entitled “Native Writers Mary Ryan, Saint Ann, MO, September 3, 1991 Floyd Ross, Milburn of Oklahoma and Urban Homeland.” Paul Barker, Springfield, MO, September 14, 1992 Doug Sanderson, Guthrie Both events are free to the public, al- Mr. and Mrs. Don Symcox, Norman, March 9, 1993 Jarod Savage, Marlow Marina Metevelis, Tulsa, February 10, 1994 Andrew Schweitzer, Edmond though seating is on a first-come basis W. Macy and Ann Lewis, Wichita, KS, July 7, 1994 Malinda Searcy, Pauls Valley and is limited. For more information on Dale and Carolyn Tompkins, Del City, September Marek Soucek, Stillwater 21, 1994 Melissa Stuckey, Rembert, SC these lectures, please call Bill Welge at Ronald Owens, Oklahoma City, September 21, Danny Sullivan, Holdenville 405-522-5206 or Tara Damron at 405- 1994 Jacob Thoma, Altus 522-2298. Pat and Melanie Hall, Norman, August 5, 1995

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Vol. 46, No. 11 November 2015 Oklahoma History Center celebrates tenth anniversary

The completion and opening of the Oklahoma History Center in November 2005 paved the way for the Oklahoma Historical Society to provide services, develop relationships, and create new programs and exhibits on a larger scale than had been possible in the past. During the planning process, the OHS promised to keep the History Center relevant by constantly updating and changing exhibits, introducing new programming, and maintaining a commitment to excellence. Over the past ten years OHS staff and volunteers have kept and exceeded these promises. In the ten years since the opening of the History Center, 2,069,368 people have visited the building to conduct research, view innovative exhibits, and enjoy events. The resources available at the History Center have been instrumental in the expansion of education programs for learners of all ages. In the past ten years, 746,406 students and adults have been impacted by education programs originating at the History Center. Volunteers at the History Center have donated more than 140,000 hours of service since the opening of the building. The Oklahoma History Center is the only facility in the world that is a National Archives affiliate, a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, and accredited bythe November events at a glance American Alliance of Museums. These prestigious affiliations allow the History 4 Caring for Your Family Heirlooms workshop, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City Center to exhibit unique artifacts from the collections of the Smithsonian and National Archives, including the Gemini VI spacecraft and numerous American 5 “Native American Spirituality” program, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City Indian objects. 6 Battle of Honey Springs Education Day, Honey Springs Battlefield, Checotah A reception for OHS members commemorating the tenth anniversary of the Oklahoma History Center’s opening will be held Wednesday, November 18, from 7 “The Hominy Indians” public lecture by Dr. Sara J. Richter, Pioneer Woman Museum, Ponca City 6–8 p.m. The event will include live music and hors d’oeuvres, and business 7 Gourd-Stitch Beadwork class, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City attire is requested. This reception also will be an opportunity for members to preview the History Center’s newest exhibit, Crossroads of Commerce: A History 7-8 Battle of Honey Springs Reenactment, Honey Springs Battlefield, Checotah of Free Enterprise in Oklahoma. Join the staff and volunteers of the Oklahoma 11 Candle Making workshop, Pioneer Woman Museum, Ponca City History Center in celebrating the past and looking toward the future. The Oklahoma History Center has come a long way in just ten years. We look 14 Christmas-themed workshop, George M. Murrell Home, Park Hill forward to continuing our commitment to collect, preserve, and share the history 14 “Banking in Oklahoma and the Craft of Historical Writing” public lecture by Dr. Michael J. and culture of Oklahoma through new programs, exhibits, and opportunities yet Hightower, Pioneer Woman Museum, Ponca City to come! 14 Fall Bake Day, Fort Gibson Historic Site, Fort Gibson

14 Decorative Gourd workshop, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

14 “Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma!” book discussion group, Pioneer Woman Museum, Ponca City

18 History Center Tenth Anniversary Celebration, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

19-20 Rushmore Four living history presentation, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

21 History of Cemetery Symbols presentation, Sod House Museum, Aline

21 “Native Writers of Oklahoma and Urban Homeland” lecture with Dr. Lindsey Claire Smith, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City

21 American Indian Heritage Month celebration, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City Groundbreaking ceremony for the Oklahoma History Center. Please visit www.okhistory.org/calendar for a complete list of OHS events, programs, and exhibits.