Vol. 48, No. 1 Published bimonthly by the Oklahoma Historical Society, serving since 1893 January/February 2017

“Good Ol’ Binder Twine: The Rest of The Kilgen theater organ at the the Story” presentation at the Oklahoma History Center

Sod House Museum This year the Oklahoma His- tory Center will reintroduce On Saturday, January 21, at 10 a.m. Dr. Sterling Evans will the sound of the eighty-five- give a free presentation at the Sod House Museum. “Good Ol’ year-old Kilgen theater organ Binder Twine: The Rest of the Story” will teach attendees about to Oklahoma City. This voice the history of binder twine—a story with more twists and turns that has not been heard since than anyone could imagine! Dr. Evans, professor of history at September 11, 1977, will ring the University of Oklahoma, will share about the importance of out again for a series of four this seemingly common farmyard commodity. Wheat farmers concerts in 2017. in the Great Plains came to depend on this product from about Early silent movie theaters 1880 through 1950. Its discovery and development contributed used the organs to gener- to binder twine’s unique role in history. ate background music and The Sod House Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, sound effects. The expression 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located southeast of Aline on State “all the bells and whistles” is Highway 8. For more information please contact Director Renee said to have come from a the- Trindle at 580-463-2441 or [email protected]. ater organ salesman claiming his product had all the sound effects needed for any movie. Despite the introduction of Paul Haggard inspecting the Did You See That? exhibit opening at motion pictures with sound, Kilgen organ at the Civic Museum of the Western Prairie or “talkies,” in the late 1920s, Center Music Hall in 1976 theater organs enjoyed great (2012.201.B0985.0416, OPUBCO Photography On Thursday, February 2, at 7 p.m. the popularity in the 1930s. The Collection, OHS). Museum of the Western Prairie in Altus will performance history of this host a special program for the opening of its Kilgen organ dates back to April 13, 1936, when it premiered newest exhibit entitled Did You See That? to the radio audience of WKY, broadcasting from the Skirvin Did You See That? is a photography ex- Tower in downtown Oklahoma City. Beginning just a week hibit showcasing the work of Jim Jordan, later, WKY presented Ken Wright on the Kilgen for one hour a lifelong resident of the Texas Panhandle every night at 10:45. On Wright’s second night he played and an avocational photographer for the favorites of the time such as “Open My Blue Eyes,” “Across the past forty-five years. Jordan specializes in Breakfast Table,” “Valse Bluette,” and “Dinner at Eight.” the landscape and architecture of Texas, When WKY moved to its new location on East Britton Road, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Jordan’s work the Kilgen did not make the move to the new studio. Instead, is held in many private collections and the permanent collec- the Kilgen was sold to the City of Oklahoma City and moved to tions of the Amarillo Museum of Art and the Panhandle-Plains the Municipal Auditorium (now the Civic Center Music Hall). Historical Museum. For the next twenty-six years the organ remained in the Civic “Many alert road trip fans looking from the edge of the high- Center and was used for a variety of programs and concerts. way see brightly-colored, quirky examples of signage, sculp- Renovations to the Civic Center in the summer of 1998 did not ture, and architecture, and reflexively classify these objects include a place for the Kilgen organ, leaving the City of Okla- as kitsch. A closer look will often reveal heartfelt expressions homa City to consider its fate. Dr. Bob Blackburn, then deputy of patriotism, loss and memory, spirituality, or just sheer ex- executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, made a pressions of individuality,” explained Jordan. “For creators of plea to keep the organ in Oklahoma. His intention was to make road art, no museum can possibly provide a venue like a busy the Kilgen theater organ a featured part of the new Oklaho- highway where these efforts can be seen by countless motor- ma History Center to open in November 2005. The city council ists and passengers. Though no road warrior, I make frequent agreed to donate the organ to the Oklahoma Historical Society. trips to Oklahoma, New Mexico, and through the Texas Pan- After months of repair and restoration by the American handle with a camera and color film and continue to mine a Organ Institute at the University of Oklahoma, one of Okla- rich source of images.” homa’s most interesting and complex musical instruments is The premiere program on February 2 is free, open to the pub- now preserved for years to come. Four public performances will lic, and will feature an interview with Jordan and explore the be held at the Oklahoma History Center during 2017. Tickets subjects, locations, and creators of the images Jordan has cap- will be $10 for OHS members and $20 for nonmembers. Please tured on film. Did You See That? will remain on exhibition in call 405-522-0765 for information about purchasing tickets. the First Gallery of the museum through the end of March. The The Oklahoma History Center, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Museum of the Western Prairie is located at 1100 Memorial Drive in Oklahoma City, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Insti- Drive in Altus. For more information please contact Director tution, National Archives, and is an accredited member of the Jennie Buchanan at 580-482-1044. American Alliance of Museums. Authority near ONEOK Field, home of the OHS offers new digital Tulsa Drillers baseball team. Both sites would have worked well, and both sites publication entitled represented the spirit of cooperation and Crossroads generosity we have found in Tulsa. Both Director’s had drawbacks. The OHS is pleased to offer a new digital We have always wanted a site with good publication entitled Crossroads. Utilizing column visibility, enough room for parking, and photos, videos, audio recordings, oral his- good neighbors. We needed a donation so tories, artifacts, and manuscripts, Cross- our resources could go into collections, roads educates the public by sharing exhibits, and more space. Most of all, we archival collections and never-before-seen needed a site that captures the magic of content. Published on the first of every Oklahoma’s creative spirit. We found it. month, each issue explores a new topic As you can read on the cover of this By Dr. Bob L. Blackburn in Oklahoma’s unique history. This inno- issue of Mistletoe Leaves, we now have Executive Director vative educational tool is offered for free the perfect location across the street from online and remains continuously avail- Leon Russell, who now resides “in a the iconic Cain’s Ballroom, holy ground able to audiences worldwide. The online place where there’s no space and time,” in the world of music. This ideal location platform also provides teachers an op- was proud of Oklahoma. has been made possible by the generos- portunity to share this publication with He wrote and sang about “home sweet ity of David Sharp, a Tulsa businessman students. Crossroads encourages further Oklahoma” and “goin’ on back to Tulsa who recognizes what this museum will do learning by connecting users to more just one more time.” He never forgot the for his city and state. resources at the end of each issue. Expe- place where he grew up or the people he David, I want to thank you for this rience this new kind of storytelling from considered part of his extended family. timely act of generosity. the OHS by visiting www.okhistory.org/ Now it is our turn to be proud of Leon and Now that we have a site, initial funding, crossroads. honor his life and accomplishments in and a planning crew led by Jeff Moore An interdepartmental effort, Crossroads the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Cul- and Larry O’Dell, we can put all of our is researched, written, and developed by ture, better known as the OKPOP. energy into collections, building design, OHS staff. High-quality video production Fortunately for all of us, the critical and expanding the circle of friends who and web design are a result of skilled building blocks for this monumental will make OKPOP not only spectacular, and dedicated employees who continue project are coming together. but also sustainable at a high level. to do more with less. As the OHS adapts For the past year we have had legisla- Momentum is important in any endeav- to changing times and limited resources, tive authorization for a $25 million bond or, and we have momentum. Now it is this digital offering reaches large audi- issue to build the structure. We have $2.6 time to honor all of you who have believed ences and is both engaging and educa- million in City of Tulsa funds for a park- in this project, and it is time to honor the tional. The first issue of Crossroads was ing garage. And we have planning money creatives in music, film, television, litera- published on September 1, 2016. Cross- from the private sector, world class archi- ture, illustration, and other professions roads is released monthly, with the fol- tects ready to start work, and a grow- in which Oklahomans have made a living lowing issues available to explore now: ing collection of objects and archives through their art. • No. 1—“Seeds of History: Heritage that span the spectrum from Bob Wills Yes, Leon was proud of Oklahoma. Now Farming at the Murrell Home” and Will Rogers to Patti Page and Garth it is our turn to show our pride in Leon • No. 2—“16 Tons: The Story of Coal in Brooks. The last piece of the puzzle has and the other Oklahomans who have Oklahoma” been the land. changed the world of popular culture. • No. 3—“Home on the Range: Pawnee When we started this long-range effort Bill and Preservation of Bison” in 2008, we had a generous offer of land • No. 4—“True West: Cowboy Culture from Bank of Oklahoma. Then we looked and ‘Pistol Pete’ Frank Eaton” at land owned by the Tulsa Development

Oklahoma Historical Society Membership Office: Alma Moore 405-522-5242 Development News [email protected] Mistletoe Leaves (USPS 018-315) is published bimonthly by the Okla- By Larry O’Dell homa Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK (ISSN 1932- It’s a new year, and OHS members should plan 0108) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mistletoe Leaves, 800 Nazih to attend the 2017 Oklahoma History Conference Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917.

scheduled for April 26–28. This year the Cherokee Nation has invited the OHS to the Hard By authorization of the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Board of Rock Hotel in Catoosa. The meeting’s theme is “Tall Tales and Blue Whales: The Cultural Directors, 6,000 copies are prepared at a cost of $1,276.80 bimonthly. The publication is financed in part with federal funds from the National Influence of Northeastern Oklahoma.” The OHS will be celebrating the significance of Park Service, United States Department of the Interior. Contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies the people and places of northeastern Oklahoma, such as Will Rogers, Bob Wills, Woody of the Oklahoma Historical Society or the United States Department of the Interior. Mention of trade names does not constitute endorsement or Guthrie, Cain’s Ballroom, Route 66, the Will Rogers Memorial, the Tulsa Driller, and many recommendation by either organization. Mistletoe Leaves is published for the members and friends of the others. It will be a full and interesting schedule. Oklahoma Historical Society in partial fulfillment of the Society’s purpose to “preserve and perpetuate the history of Oklahoma and its The Oklahoma Historical Society has several projects that make this conference timely. people, to stimulate popular interest in historical study and research, The development of the OKPOP Museum in the Brady District is progressing. There are and to promote and disseminate historical knowledge.” The public and OHS members are encouraged to submit heritage- a number of great happenings with the recent integration of the Will Rogers Memorial related items for publication. Students and teachers are invited to share studies and programs and to duplicate contents as desired. Editors are Museums into the OHS family. The Murrell Home in Tahlequah is expanding with its welcome to reprint materials with credit. All Oklahoma Historical Society facilities are for the education growing historical agriculture endeavors. Make time to join us in Catoosa to learn more and enjoyment of all. State and federal regulations prohibit unlawful discrimination in state and federally assisted programs on the basis of and celebrate our state’s unique history and culture. More details about the conference race, color, national origin, and/or handicap. Anyone denied benefits should contact the grievance manager of sessions, speakers, tours, and events will be available at www.okhistory.org, on social the Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma media, and in future issues of OHS EXTRA! and Mistletoe Leaves. If you have any questions City, OK 73105-7917, telephone 405-522-5299, and/or the director, Office of Equal Opportunity, United States Department of the Interior, please contact me at 405-522-6676 or [email protected]. Washington, DC 20240.

2 also available for private events, so please Events Meetings call for additional details. The W. T. Fore- man Prairie House is located at 814 West Visit the Plains Indians and Pioneers Mu- Join the Oklahoma Genealogical Society Oak Avenue in Duncan. For more infor- seum in Woodward for its annual com- (OGS) for its monthly meeting on Monday, mation please call 580-251-0027. munity Gingerbread Contest. Prizes will January 9, at the Oklahoma History Cen- be awarded during the closing reception ter in Oklahoma City. Kelly Baker will be A researcher from Canada is currently on Saturday, January 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. the speaker and the presentation is enti- seeking information from individuals The Plains Indians and Pioneers Museum tled “OK2Explore—Birth/Death Records throughout Oklahoma. Timothy Epp, is located at 2009 Williams Avenue in of Oklahoma.” The meeting and program associate professor of sociology at Re- Woodward. Museum hours are Tuesday will take place from 6 to 7:45 p.m., and deemer University College, is currently through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. experienced researchers will be available studying the social history of interaction and admission is free. Please contact Di- prior to the meeting at 5 p.m. to answer between Mennonites and African Ameri- rector Robert Roberson at 580-256-6136 research questions. OGS meetings are cans in Oklahoma. At this point, he is or [email protected] for more information. free to attend and held the first Monday aware of the following: African Ameri- of each month at the Oklahoma History cans were at times served by Mennonite Head to the thirty-eighth annual Mar- Center, located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive and Mennonite Brethren mission schools tin Luther King Jr. Parade in Tulsa on in the State Capitol Complex. Please call (Darlington, Post Oak, and Cantonment). Monday, January 16, at 11 a.m. Join the 405-637-1907 for more information. Mennonites in the Cordell and Bessie ar- Tulsa community as it honors a legend eas during the early twentieth century at and celebrates freedom. This event grows times hired African Americans (includ- each year and now includes hundreds of ing children) to work on their farms. This participants with impressive music and Announcements work often included picking cotton. Epp parade floats. The parade is organized by The Woody Guthrie Center and Archives would be most grateful if readers would the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemo- in Tulsa is pleased to announce its contact him with any information they ration Society of Tulsa, which has been continued partnership with the BMI may have on this topic. Please contact organizing events to honor Dr. King since Foundation to encourage and support him at [email protected] or 905-648- it formed in 1979. The parade will begin academic research in its archives. 2139 x4247. Epp’s mailing address is at North Detroit Avenue and John Hope Applications are now being accepted for Timothy Epp, associate professor of soci- Franklin Boulevard, proceed east on the twelfth annual BMI Woody Guthrie ology, Redeemer University College, 777 John Hope Franklin to Greenwood, south Fellowship. The filing period for proposals Garner Road East, Ancaster, Ontario, through the Greenwood Business District is open until Wednesday, February 1. Canada, L9K 1J4. to Archer Street, then west on Archer to The BMI Foundation, in cooperation with Elgin Avenue. Please call 918-492-9495 the Woody Guthrie Center, will award The Love County Historical Society’s for more information. up to $5,000 for scholarly research at 2017 calendars are available for sale the extensive Woody Guthrie Archives, a from its offices in Marietta. Featured in Experience a historic battle as it comes paper-based research repository located the calendars are historic photographs to life on Friday, February 17, through in Tulsa. Scholars pursuing research from across Love County. The calendars Sunday, February 19, in Yale. The Battle related to Guthrie’s life, historical context, cost $5 each and may be purchased by of Round Mountain reenactment will re- creative works, and musical legacy, as visiting the Pioneer Museum in Marietta. create a Civil War era winter encampment. well as his philosophical, political, or Several Love County businesses will sell This event takes place over three days, humanistic ideals, are encouraged to the calendars, with a list available by with living history soldiers setting up apply for this prestigious fellowship. Again calling the Love County Historical Soci- opposing camps on Friday and hosting this year, applications for the Woody ety at 580-276-9020. Orders also may be a day of educational demonstrations for Guthrie Fellowship may be completed placed by mailing a check to the society schoolchildren. Sutlers’ row will be set entirely online, no later than February at PO Box 134, Marietta, OK 73448, or by up for business, with vendors in period 1 at 11:59 p.m. Competition rules and calling Laquitta Ladner at 580-276-3477. attire selling their wares. The battle itself applications are available at www. Please note that $1.75 postage and han- begins Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. and woodyguthriecenter.org/archives/bmi- dling will be added to all orders that are visitors are invited to witness as Union fellowship. For more information please mailed. and Confederate soldiers slowly advance email [email protected]. toward one another on the battlefield. Do you want your organization’s meet- See smoke fill the air as the soldiers fire ing, event, exhibit, or announcement Travel back in time with a visit to the cannons and guns. This living history included in the “Around Oklahoma” sec- W. T. Foreman Prairie House in Duncan. event also features a Civil War era ball on tion of Mistletoe Leaves? The “Around Listed in the National Register of Historic Saturday. Costumed attendees will swirl Oklahoma” section features Oklahoma Places, the home was built in 1918. It is around the dance floor as traditional history and heritage-related activities the former residence of W. T. Foreman, fiddle music is performed on stage. On or programs sponsored by entities other a banker and pharmacist who was one Sunday a period church service will be than the Oklahoma Historical Society. To of Duncan’s earliest and most promi- held at 10 a.m. All events will take place submit news items, please contact Evelyn nent citizens. The home is architectur- at a site west of Yale, just north of the Moxley, assistant editor, by email at ally significant as an early example of junction of Highway 51 and Highway 18. [email protected] or by mail at 800 the Prairie School architectural style. All For more information please call 918- Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK are welcome for tours of the home with 519-7071 or visit the “Battle of Round 73105. If you wish a news item to appear knowledgeable docents on Tuesdays and Mountain Reenactment” Facebook page. in the March/April 2017 issue, you must Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. The home is submit it by Monday, February 6.

3 Oklahoma National Register listings added in September 2016

The State Historic Preservation Office The Downtown Claremore Historic Dis- is pleased to announce eight National trict, Rogers County, nomination was Register of Historic Places (NRHP) listings prepared in conjunction with the Clare- in Oklahoma, added in September 2016. more Main Street program and the Okla- The National Register of Historic Places homa State Historic Preservation Office. is our nation’s official list of properties The historic district is significant for its significant in our past. role in commerce in Claremore from 1890 The Central Fire Station is located in to 1955. This area has been the center Lawton, Comanche County. Constructed of commercial development in Claremore in 1930 with a 1957 expansion, the fire from shortly after its founding in the station is significant for its association 1880s to the present. The vast majority with community planning and devel- Lincoln Park Bathhouse of the buildings were completed by the opment. It provided a vital community The Mutual Savings and Loan Asso- 1930s, with most commercial construc- service that reflects community devel- ciation Building, constructed in 1948 on tion activity after this time being reno- opment. It is also significant for its dis- Northwest Twenty-Third Street in Okla- vations. The buildings in the Downtown tinctive Commercial style of architecture. homa City, Oklahoma County, is sig- Claremore Historic District reflect the The nomination was partially funded nificant in the area of architecture. The commercial growth of this community, through a grant from the Oklahoma State Mutual Savings and Loan Association growth spurred by transportation routes, Historic Preservation Office. Building is notable and unique in the transportation related activities, and the area as a free-standing, stylized Modern bathhouse industry. Movement financial institution. It retains integrity and evokes its era of construc- tion. The building clearly communicates its historic function as a financial institu- tion with the Modern Movement aesthetic popular at the time of its 1959 renova- tion.

Central Fire Station Downtown Claremore Historic District Klingensmith Park Amphitheater in Bristow, Creek County, is significant for Finally, Tulsa County added two new its role in entertainment/recreation and National Register locations to their ever- economics in the community of Bristow. increasing inventory. The Blue Cross Blue The amphitheater was funded in part Shield of Oklahoma Building, located at through the New Deal’s Works Progress Mutual Savings and Loan 1215 South Boulder Avenue, is signifi- Administration and was on the state- Association Building cant in the areas of community planning wide tour of Oklahoma New Deal projects As is described in the National Register and development and architecture. Built reviewed by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. nomination produced by a student from in 1954 with a 1969 addition, the build- The amphitheater continues as an enter- the Oklahoma State University Geog- ing represents the culmination of Blue tainment and recreation venue in Bris- raphy Department, the Pruett House in Cross Blue Shields’s move into Oklaho- tow. The nomination was funded through Stillwater, Payne County, is significant ma with a new and innovative healthcare a grant from Preservation Oklahoma, Inc. for its Moderne style of architecture. De- system for the state. It is also significant signed by Professor Haskell “Doc” Pru- for its Moderne style of architecture. ett in 1939, the house retains excellent integrity and is designed in a style that is underrepresented in the state of Okla- homa.

Klingensmith Park Amphitheater

Located at the Oklahoma City Zoo, the Lincoln Park Bathhouse is significant for its association with social history, specif- ically Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work in Oklahoma City. Built in 1935 as a recreational facility associated with Pruett House Northeast Lake, the bathhouse best rep- resents the work completed as part of the CCC’s work at Lincoln Park. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma Building

4 National Register listings January events February events (cont’d.) 7 Volunteer Recruiting Drive, Oklahoma 2 Did You See That? exhibit opening History Center, Oklahoma City and program, Museum of the Western The Downtown Tulsa YMCA, located at Prairie, Altus 7 First Saturday Hands-On History 515 South Denver Avenue, is significant program, Oklahoma History Center, 2 An Evening with Benedict Arnold, in the area of social history and architec- Oklahoma City Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City ture. Completed in 1953, the YMCA is as- 14 Quilting workshop with Martha Ray, sociated with the YMCA movement that Sod House Museum, Aline 4 First Saturday Hands-On History program, Oklahoma History Center, spread throughout the United States dur- 18 “Germans from Russia” Brown Bag Oklahoma City ing the late nineteenth and early twenti- Lunch and Learn by Dr. Eric J. eth centuries with the mission to improve Schmaltz, Cherokee Strip Regional 8 “African Americans in the West” Brown Heritage Center, Enid Bag Lunch and Learn by Dr. Roger D. the spiritual, mental, social, and physical Hardaway, Cherokee Strip Regional condition of the whole man. The Down- 19 Historic Preservation Review Committee Heritage Center, Enid meeting, Oklahoma History Center, town Tulsa YMCA, designed in 1953 by Oklahoma City 11 Make and Take Valentines, Oklahoma Leon Bishop Senter, is also significant as Territorial Museum, Guthrie 21 “Good Ol’ Binder Twine: The Rest of an excellent example of the International the Story” presentation by Dr. Sterling 11 Quilting workshop with Martha Ray, style of architecture. Evans, Sod House Museum, Aline Sod House Museum, Aline 21 Third Saturday Living History program, 16 Mysteries of the Mansion tour, Henry George M. Murrell Home, Park Hill Overholser Mansion, Oklahoma City 21 Tatting workshop, Chisholm Trail 18 Third Saturday Living History program, Museum, Kingfisher George M. Murrell Home, Park Hill 28 Textile Preservation class, Oklahoma 18 Tatting workshop, Chisholm Trail History Center, Oklahoma City Museum, Kingfisher 25 Cultural Lecture Series for African American History Month, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma City 25 Trappings of the Cherokee Strip exhibit opening, Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid

Downtown Tulsa YMCA Please visit www.okhistory.org/calendar for a complete list of OHS events, programs, and exhibits. Listing in the National Register is an honorific designation that provides rec- ognition, limited protection, and, in some cases, financial incentives for these Sequoyah’s Cabin OHC Education important properties. The State Historic Preservation Office identifies, evaluates, transferred to the Department receives and nominates properties for this special Cherokee Nation awards designation. These nominations are made on a quarterly basis. If you believe a prop- On November 9, 2016, Cherokee Nation The Oklahoma History Center (OHC) erty in your area is eligible, please fill out Principal Chief Bill John Baker and OHS Education Department was recently pre- the Historic Preservation Resource Iden- Executive Director Dr. Bob Blackburn sented two separate awards recognizing tification Form located at www.okhistory. signed a historic document transferring its contributions to academic excellence org/shpo/nrprelim.htm. Please contact title and operations of Sequoyah’s Cabin in Oklahoma. Lynda Ozan at 405-522-4478 or lozan@ Historic Site from the OHS to the Cher- The OHC Education Department earned okhistory.org for more information about okee Nation. Sequoyah, inventor of the the EDCOM Award for Excellence in Pro- the National Register of Historic Places. Cherokee syllabary, settled near present- gramming from the Mountain-Plains day Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and the cabin Museums Association at its annual con- was built in 1829. ference in Oklahoma City. It was given A large crowd gathered at the site to in response to the department’s popular Chisholm Trail Museum celebrate the new partnership, including Traveling Trunks program. This program several Cherokee Nation Tribal Council was developed with the goal of bringing announces new Instagram members and OHS Board of Directors the museum to the classroom. account members Bill Corbett, Jack Baker, and The Education Department was further Jim Waldo. The transfer of ownership honored as Newspapers in Education’s The Chisholm Trail Mu- was authorized by legislation approved (NIE) Partner of the Year for working side seum in Kingfisher is proud this past session and action taken by the by side with NIE in providing hands-on to announce the launch of OHS Board of Directors in July 2016. learning through the Traveling Trunks its new Instagram account. program. NIE is a division of The Okla- This free offering is available homan that provides reading materials, to the public at www.instagram.com/ supplemental curriculum, and hands-on ok_chisholm_trail_museum or on the learning experiences at no charge to pro- Instagram app by searching: gram benefactors. @ok_chisholm_trail_museum Please contact Director of Education For more information please call 405- Sarah Dumas at [email protected] 375-5176 or visit www.ctokmuseum.org. or 405-522-0785 with questions about The Chisholm Trail Museum and A. J. the department’s other programs. For Seay Mansion are located at 605 Zellers information about the Traveling Trunks Avenue in Kingfisher. program, please visit www.okhistory.org/ historycenter/trunks.

5 Curators’ Corner exhibit Museum and mansion Brown Bag Lunch and at OHC in Kingfisher seeking Learn programs at CSRHC

Curators’ Corner is a new exhibit area volunteers The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage at the Oklahoma History Center (OHC), Center (CSRHC) in Enid will host free The Chisholm Trail Museum and A. J. which highlights recent museum dona- Brown Bag Lunch and Learn programs Seay Mansion in Kingfisher recently an- tions and artifacts specially chosen by at noon in the Village Church. On Janu- nounced renewal efforts for its volunteer the curators for the interesting stories ary 18 Dr. Eric J. Schmaltz will present program. This is a great way for anyone they tell. Among the recent acquisitions “Germans from Russia.” On February 8 interested in history to get involved with on display are quilts, military accesso- Dr. Roger D. Hardaway will present “Af- the local community. There are a vari- ries, Caddo women’s dance regalia, and rican Americans in the West.” For more ety of volunteer opportunities, including trade goods from a store near Rainy information please call 580-237-1907. greeters, tour guides, gift shop, graphic Mountain. The recently conserved mural The CSRHC is located at 507 South arts, data entry, janitorial assistance, Trail of Tears, painted by Elizabeth Janes Fourth Street in Enid. photography, educational programs, and in 1939, will be a long-term feature. Also special events. Learn more about how to included is information about the profes- get involved at www.ctokmuseum.org/ sion of art and artifact conservation, and volunteer-application.html. Please call examples of objects from the museum’s 405-375-5176 for more information. The collections that could benefit from the Chisholm Trail Museum and A. J. Seay OHC utilizing advanced work of a conservator. Mansion are located at 605 Zellers Ave- Curators’ Corner also features artifacts beacon technology nue in Kingfisher. from the Merci Train. The Merci Train was The Oklahoma History Center (OHC) a train of goods sent to the United States joins museums around the world, includ- from citizens of France following World ing the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum War II. It was a way of expressing thanks of Art, and a handful of others in using for the assistance provided by Americans Will Rogers Days and Bluetooth technology and smartphones during and after the war. Will’s Country Christmas to create a different kind of visitor experi- The artifacts in Curators’ Corner will ence. rotate approximately every six months. brought large crowds The OHC has become one of the few You can visit this exhibit in the Noble museums in the United States to use Foundation Gallery on the third floor of The Will Rogers Memorial Museums in beacon technology, an adaptation of a the Oklahoma History Center, located at Claremore and Oologah recently hosted mobile marketing tool that, up to this 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. exciting, multi-day events in November point, was only used by retailers. Beacon Please call 405-522-0765 for more infor- and December 2016. technology was launched for public use mation. To commemorate the November 4, 1879, birth of Will Rogers, the Will Rogers in 2013 with the intent of tracking retail Days celebration was held November 3–6, shoppers, their preferences, and their 2016, throughout Rogers County. shopping patterns. Digital Design Servic- New admission prices at World Champion es of Green Bay, Wisconsin, has modified Trick Roper Kowboy this technology to accommodate patrons Spiro Mounds Kal (pictured at left) visiting the Oklahoma History Center. By performed for area placing sensors at or near a particular ex- Beginning January 1, 2017, the admis- schoolchildren dur- hibit, visitors now have the capability to sion prices at Spiro Mounds Archaeo- ing the 2016 Will pull up exhibit information on their cell logical Center will increase. This increase Rogers Days cele- phone, tablet, or other personal mobile has been necessitated by the continuing bration. device. Currently there are sixty sensors budget cuts to the OHS. This price in- Will’s Country Christmas, held Decem- placed both inside and outside the OHC. crease also will go into effect for many of ber 2–3, 2016, was reminiscent of the To connect with the beacons, visitors the OHS’s museums, historic sites, and days of Will’s youth and experiences with can download the Oklahoma History affiliates throughout the state. the Rogers family during holidays. Fami- Center App “Explore History” for free In January, the admission prices at lies enjoyed storytelling, music, food, and from the App Store, enable Bluetooth on Spiro Mounds will increase to $7 for visits with Santa! their devices, and the beacons located in adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for children Santa Claus, por- the galleries will unlock a fun, new way to (ages six through eighteen), and free for trayed by Neil Theilen interact with the exhibits. The staff at the children (under six). Families (up to six (right), greeted children Oklahoma History Center is dedicated people) can purchase a family admission in the log-walled room to providing positive visitor experiences for $18. Groups of ten or more individu- where Will Rogers was and strives to engage all types of learners als (with reservation) cost $5 each. Veter- born. within its exhibits. Using this latest tech- ans and active military (with ID) are free. The Will Rogers Memo- nology, the History Center invites visitors Current members of the OHS and the rial Museum is located young and old to interact with exhibits Spiro Mounds Development Association at 1720 West Will Rog- while using smartphone technology that are free. ers Boulevard in Clare- has become important to so many people. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is more. The Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch The beacons and the app are in the ear- located three miles east of Spiro on High- is located at 9501 East 380 Road in ly stages of development. The Oklahoma way 9/271 and four miles north on Lock Oologah. Plan to attend upcoming events History Center will continue to add new and Dam Road. It is the only prehistoric at these two sites! A spring schedule will content and further develop the app to American Indian site open to the pub- be released in late January. Please email suit visitors’ needs. The OHC is located lic in Oklahoma. For more information [email protected] or call 800-324- at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma please contact Director Dennis Peterson 9455 for more information. City. Please call 405-522-0754 for more at 918-962-2062 or [email protected]. information.

6 OHC to host Volunteer Save the date NRHP Nomination Grant

Recruiting Drive The annual Oklahoma History Confer- applications available ence, sponsored by the OHS, will be held The Oklahoma History Center (OHC) February 1 on April 26, 27, and 28, 2017, at the Hard will host a Volunteer Recruiting Drive on Rock Hotel in Catoosa. A total of fourteen The State Historic Preservation Office Saturday, January 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. presentation sessions will take place on (SHPO) announces its annual matching in the Chesapeake Events Center. Staff Thursday morning, April 27, and Friday grants to state, local, and tribal govern- members of the OHC Education Depart- morning, April 28. The theme for the con- ments and nonprofit organizations for ment, OHC Director of Marketing Steve ference is “Tall Tales and Blue Whales: the preparation of National Register of Hawkins, and current OHC volunteers The Cultural Influence of Northeastern Historic Places (NRHP) nominations. The will be available to answer questions and Oklahoma.” Museums and landmarks in SHPO has reserved $10,000 of its FY describe the opportunities available to northeastern Oklahoma celebrate three 2017 Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) interested participants. Prospective vol- of the state’s icons: Will Rogers at the Will allocation from the US Department of the unteers are encouraged to attend and Rogers Memorial Museums, Bob Wills at Interior for the program. The funds will fill out an application. OHC volunteers Cain’s Ballroom, and Woody Guthrie at be equally divided in two grant rounds serve as tour guides, gallery hosts, liv- the Woody Guthrie Center. The area’s with any funds remaining from round ing historians, special events hosts, and legendary Route 66 destinations include one carried over for round two. behind-the-scenes assistants. New OHC Catoosa’s Blue Whale and Foyil’s Totem Applications and detailed instructions volunteers will receive training, can take Pole Park. Additional information for the will be available from the SHPO on advantage of exciting benefits, and, best 2017 conference will be published in February 1. The deadline for round one of all, will be given a schedule designed to the March/April 2017 issue of Mistletoe applications is 5 p.m. on April 3, and the fit each individual. For details about the Leaves (vol. 48, no. 2). For more informa- deadline for round two applications is OHC Volunteer Program please call 405- tion please contact Larry O’Dell at 405- 5 p.m. on June 5. Each grant is limited to 522-0754 or visit www.okhistory.org/ 522-6676 or [email protected]. $1,000, and the applicant must provide historycenter/volunteers. a nonfederal, cash match of at least $700. Grant recipients will use the grant funds and nonfederal match to retain an Murrell Home receives new artifacts appropriately qualified professional to prepare a complete individual property Staff at the George M. Murrell Home in In 1948, the State of Oklahoma pur- nomination package for the NRHP. Park Hill are pleased to announce the ar- chased the house and began the process Applicants must be aware that $1,700 rival of exciting new artifacts, including of turning it into a museum. Jennie Ross (federal grant plus nonfederal match) the parlor set that once belonged to the Cobb, sister of Lula Henderson, became is only an estimate of the cost for such Murrell family while they lived in Indian the first curator of the Murrell Home mu- projects and that more than the minimum Territory. seum. Cobb was able to bring back much $700 nonfederal match may be necessary The Murrell Home is a house museum of the Murrell furniture during her tenure to cover the consultant fee. Consultants and living history site that was once home and subsequent curators continued the must consider the nature of the property to Minerva Ross Murrell, niece of Chero- work of restoring the home to its former proposed for nomination and many other kee Chief John Ross and wife of wealthy glory. In June of this year, Mr. and Mrs. factors as they develop their fee proposals. merchant George Murrell. George and Patrick Butler contacted the site with the The NRHP is the list of our nation’s Minerva Murrell established a plantation intention of donating some of the furni- significant buildings, structures, sites, in Park Hill, Indian Territory, in the early ture that had passed down through their districts, objects, and landscapes impor- 1840s. It was here that Murrell built his line. Brothers Murrell and Patrick Butler tant in our past. While listing is not a wife a Greek Revival-style mansion and inherited the parlor set that once graced guarantee of preservation or of financial filled it with furnishings of walnut, ma- the Murrell Home. Upon the deaths of the assistance, the NRHP status of a property hogany, and marble. These were well- Murrells, the parlor set went to Tally Ho, is often critical to the strategy for its pres- constructed pieces built to withstand the the Louisiana sugar plantation George ervation. The NRHP provides increased test of time. Murrell inherited. It stayed with the fam- public awareness of these irreplaceable Upon the death of Minerva in 1855, ily of George Ross Murrell, the second resources, provides limited protection George Murrell wed her youngest sister, born child of George and Amanda. The for them, qualifies property owners for Amanda. It was at this time that Murrell furniture eventually passed to the But- federal and state tax credits under cer- also inherited a Louisiana sugar planta- ler brothers from their mother, Gwin tain circumstances, and may qualify the tion near Bayou Goula. He and his new Ross Murrell Butler, daughter of George property owner for grant assistance when bride began spending winters, which is Ross Murrell. Patrick and Murrell Butler such programs are funded. cane season, in Louisiana and summers are the great-grandsons of George and To obtain or submit a NRHP Nomina- in Indian Territory. At the outbreak of the Amanda Murrell and they have sent their tion Grant application form, please visit American Civil War, George moved to Vir- great grandfather’s furniture back to his www.okhistory.org/shpo/nrgrant.htm ginia to support the war from his home home. beginning February 1. You may also con- state. Amanda followed some months lat- If you would like to see the furniture tact the SHPO at 405-521-6249. Informa- er and the two never returned to Indian or are interested in learning more of the tion about the SHPO and its programs, Territory to live. The bulk of their furni- fascinating history of Park Hill, Indian including the NRHP, is available at www. ture remained in their Indian Territory Territory, please plan a visit! The Murrell okhistory.org/shpo. home until their deaths in the 1890s, at Home is a National Historic Landmark which time relatives divided the furniture and is located at 19479 East Murrell among their families in Virginia, Louisi- Home Road in Park Hill, just a few miles ana, and Fort Gibson. Lula Ross Hender- outside of Tahlequah. Regular hours of son received the allotment of the Murrell operation are Tuesday through Saturday, property and she sold it out of the family 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information in 1912. please call 918-456-2751.

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Vol. 48, No. 1 January/February 2017 Tulsa site announced for OKPOP Museum

On December 15, 2016, the OHS an- nounced that the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture (OKPOP) will be located at 422 North Main Street in Tulsa, across the street from the his- toric Cain’s Ballroom, home of Bob Wills. Tulsan David Sharp and Interak Corporation donated the quarter block of land for the OKPOP. OHS Executive Director Dr. Bob Blackburn said, “This is the perfect location for the museum because of the significance of Cain’s to Oklahoma’s popular culture his- Leon Russell, Freddie King, and Don Nix tory.” The OKPOP also has entered into (Steve Todoroff Collection, OHS). a long-term partnership with the Rodgers family, the owners and operators of Cain’s Ballroom. Jeff Moore, director of the OKPOP, also shared that the new museum has acquired the personal collection of Leon Russell. This collection includes many of the audio masters from Shelter Records. Russell and Denny Cordell established SHPO announces HPRC’S 2017 meeting schedule Shelter Records in 1969 and soon relocated the company from Los Angeles to Tulsa. “This collection is of major importance to the museum as it keeps this The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is pleased to announce the Oklahoman’s great work in Tulsa, instead of it being housed in Nashville or Oklahoma Historic Preservation Review Committee’s (HPRC) meeting schedule on the coasts,” said Moore. The Leon Russell Collection will join other donated for calendar year 2017. The governor appoints the members of the HPRC to collections from Oklahomans such as Bob Wills, Ernie Fields, Patti Page, Jamie advise the SHPO about nominations to the National Register of Historic Places Oldaker, Cathy O’Donnell, Haskell Boggs, Tom Mix, and Mason Williams. (NRHP) and other preservation issues. Current HPRC members include William In 1934 Bob Wills began playing at Cain’s Ballroom and broadcasting his P. Corbett (historian, Tahlequah); Ron Frantz (architect, Oklahoma City); John afternoon show live on KVOO radio. The venue continued to host musical art- D. Hartley (prehistoric archaeologist, Norman); Arn Henderson (architectural ists throughout the twentieth century. After World War II the ballroom served historian, Norman); and Charles S. Wallis (historical archaeologist, Norman). as the home to Johnnie Lee The HPRC’s 2017 meetings will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 19, Wills. In the 1970s, under the April 20, July 20, and October 19. The meetings are open to the public and will be guidance of Larry Shaeffer, held in the LeRoy H. Fischer Boardroom at the Oklahoma History Center, located Cain’s Ballroom held perfor- at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive in Oklahoma City. The HPRC and the SHPO encourage mances that featured some of all interested parties to attend. Meeting agendas and NRHP nominations under the biggest national and inter- consideration will be available at www.okhistory.org/shpo/spevents.htm. national musical performers The National Park Service regulations governing the SHPO’s programs require of the time, including one of that a qualified state review board participate in the NRHP and other SHPO pro- the few concerts that the Sex grams. During each meeting, the HPRC hears presentations on NRHP nomi- Pistols played in the United nations from SHPO staff and consultants; receives comments from owners of States. In 2003 the Rodgers properties proposed for nomination; listens to public comments and concerns; family acquired the build- and formulates recommendations to the SHPO about whether or not a property ing and revitalized it to again should be nominated. The HPRC and SHPO staff invite concerned citizens and attract notable names in the preservation professionals to participate in this important component of Okla- entertainment industry. The homa’s preservation program. For information about any of the SHPO’s programs, OKPOP Museum is proud that please call 405-521-6249 or visit www.okhistory.org/shpo. Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys it will be associated with this (Bob Wills Estate Collection, OHS). historic venue.