OHS's Street Address Has Changed to 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive

Home , Jim Halsey, Mel Tillis, Opening Remarks

Vol. 41, No. 5 Published monthly by the Oklahoma Historical Society, serving since 1893 May 2010

OHS’s street address has changed to 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive

The previously unnamed entry drive to the Oklahoma History Center was recently named Nazih Zuhdi Drive in honor of Dr. Nazih Zuhdi of Oklahoma City. The street number of the building is now 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive. The zip code is now 73105-7917. A world-renowned pioneer in cardiology whoseworkmadepossibleopen-heartsurgery on a massive scale for the first time, Zuhdi was a leader in the creation of artificial hearts and heart transplant surgery. Since the 1950s he has brought international attention and acclaim to Oklahoma while working at Mercy Hospital and then Integris Baptist Hospital. At Integris he established the Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute, which consistently has been ranked in the top five transplant centers in the nation. When Dr. Zuhdi generously decided to donate $600,000 to support the History Center’s operations, the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Historical Society voted to name the entry drive in his honor. They also named the circular drive at the History Center entrance in honor of Annette Zuhdi, Dr. Zuhdi’s wife. Of the Zuhdis’ donation, $400,000 was designated to support the preparation of new exhibits and education programs while $200,000 was placed in the OHS Endowment Fund to Annette and Nazih Zuhdi at the History provide annual revenue for maintenance and beautification of the Nazih Zuhdi Drive area. Center (OHS staff photo). Any mail addressed to the OHS or History Center at the previous address, 2401 North Laird Ave., will continue to be delivered for at least one year. To reiterate, the NEW address is: Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917.

Starmaker: Jim Halsey and the Legends of Country Music opened with star-studded reception

Three hundred guests attended the April son, Reba McEntire, the Judds, Mel Tillis, sented. Artifacts include a rare Roy Clark 7 ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening re- and Don Williams, among others. pinball machine, performance outfits from ception for a new exhibit at the Oklahoma Wanda Jackson, Roy Clark, and the Oak Clark, Jackson, the Oak Ridge Boys, and History Center, Starmaker: Jim Halsey and RidgeBoysattendedtheexhibitopeningso Hank Thompson, and part of Halsey’s ex- the Legends of Country Music. They were that they could thank Halsey for his service tensive collection of autographed guitars. treated to an impromptu performance by to the industry. One section highlights the television series several Country Music stars in attendance. After the opening remarks and tunes, Hee Haw. In the Chesapeake Events Cen- Legendary talent agent and promoter the artists and Halsey cut the traditional ter is a display of posters that chronicle the Jim Halsey helped transform Country Mu- redribbon,andguestswereadmittedto festivals at which Halsey’s clients have sic from a regional attraction into an inter- the exhibit. performed. national phenomenon. From headquarters The exhibit is offered in two areas of the Below: Jim Halsey offered a few remarks in Tulsa, he built a talent agency with a cli- History Center. On display are items and on his career and on the exhibit before the ent list that became a Who’s Who of the memorabilia highlighting key events in ribbon-cutting ceremony. Below, left: The Country Music industry. Halsey repre- Halsey’s momentous career. Gold and plat- Oak Ridge Boys sang an impromptu num- sented such luminaries as Hank Thomp- inum records represent the more than 27 ber with Roy Clark (Stuart Ostler photos). More million albums sold by artists he repre- photos on page 5. about the evolution of the music business in general. New Members, March We had similar experiences with Roy *Indicates renewed membership at a higher level Clark, Wanda Jackson, Leon Russell, Da- Benefactor vid Gates, and others who have expressed *Mr. and Mrs. Frank Keating, McLean, VA Director’s their Oklahoma roots through music. *Mr. and Mrs. Herman Meinders, Oklahoma City One of those artists became part of the Column creative team that preserved a unique Friend story for all time. Steve Ripley, who still re- Terry Abel, Norman cords with the Tractors, agreed to produce Robert Avery, Jefferson, TX a radio series that clearly illustrated the di- *Gary Burdine and Rebecca Manevitz, Oklahoma City *Richard Henry Coiner, Jr., Miami versity and brilliance of Oklahoma musi- *Mr. and Mrs. Frederick F. Drummond, Pawhuska cians. It is currently running for a second *Sam Forbes, Arvada, CO By Bob L. Blackburn time on KOSU, an NPR affiliate, every Dr. and Mrs. Jim Hawkins, Yukon *Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Morris, Tulsa Executive Director weekend. *Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Page, Oklahoma City On April 7 we opened the most recent *Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Walsh, Oklahoma City “There’s music in the air.” exhibit, called Starmaker: Jim Halsey and You may recall that as a line from a pop- the Legends of Country Music.Whata Family ular song, or you might be inside the party! On the stage was Jim Halsey, “the Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Atkins, Mannford Oklahoma History Center. Or you might be impresario,” Wanda Jackson, “the Queen Mr. and Mrs. Chad Bartlett, Norman Mr. and Mrs. A. Michael Beckett, Oklahoma City in the Pioneer Woman Museum. Or you of Rockabilly,” Roy Clark, “one of the most Carrie Bertrand, Blanchard might be listening to a public radio series talented musicians in the world,” and the *Break O’Day Farm/Metcalf Museum, Durham sponsored by the OHS. Oak Ridge Boys, “masters of Southern *Mr. and Mrs. William Brown, Graham, TX Gospel and Country.” *Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chester, Enid For the past year, the OHS has done all Mr. and Mrs. Chris Clifton, Oklahoma City things musical. We have collected more Off the stage, we opened the exhibit with *Mr. and Mrs. Milo Foreman, Prague than 150 hours of high definition inter- artifacts from those stars plus others, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Griffin, Oklahoma City such as Hank Thompson, who made a ca- *Mr. and Mrs. Dennie Hall, Edmond views with Oklahoma’s musical pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hall, Pittsburg, TX We have published a book called Another reer on danceable music called “Honky *Carolyn Gay Harris, Oklahoma City Hot Oklahoma Night: A Rock and Roll Story. Tonk Western Swing.” The exhibit, which Mr. and Mrs. Rick Haug, Oklahoma City We have sponsored a 20-part radio series includes a 12-minute documentary on Jim Dr. and Mrs. Mike Marsalis, Oklahoma City *Mr. and Mrs. Steve Mathis, Woodland Hills, CA featuring Steve Ripley and the roots of Halsey, will be on display for the next nine Kathryn Merkel, Norman Rock and Roll. And we have created and months. *Dr. and Mrs. John Minnett, Chickasha opened three museum exhibits on music: Music is an expression of who we are *Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Mixon, Norman *Stanley Moorman, Edmond one on Rock and Roll, one on women in and how the many cultural strands of our John Powers, Oklahoma City popular music, and one on Jim Halsey and community have blended into something *Betty Quinlan, Edmond the legends of Country Music. unique. As Jim Halsey said at the opening, Heidi Ramirez, Poteau Kathy Sifers, Oklahoma City Each effort has achieved the basic mis- “Oklahoma has produced more musical Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Stricklin, Paden sion of the OHS to collect, preserve, and stars than any other state.” After sixty Mr. and Mrs. Richard Teeman, Stillwater share the history of the state and its peo- years in the business, he knows about Sharon Timo, Bixby creativity. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Veatch, Tulsa ple. And with our partners, we have done Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Ward, Oklahoma City that with flair. Yes,musicisintheair,andwewill Mr. and Mrs. Rex White, Edmond The collections are outstanding, espe- make sure it is preserved for all time. cially the film footage. Recently, I was in- Individual volved with a taping session that captured Gwen Boots, Edmond Jim Halsey’s story. In more than four Annette Clifton, Oklahoma City Eugene Fingerlin, Jr., Bixby hours of interview, he told story after story Janice Hatton, Oak Harbor, WA not only about his own experiences, but Alice Hill, Renton, WA Max Ingle, Pollock, LA Carroll Johnson, Oklahoma City Development News Kristin Kelly, Altus Mona Lis, Merced, CA Cont’d. on p. 3 By Paul F. Lambert Membership donations, Annual Giving Campaign donations, and event- or pro- Oklahoma Historical Society Membership Office: Alma Moore gram-specific donations to the Friends of 405/522-5242 the Oklahoma History Center, the Friends of the Archives, or directly to the Oklahoma Historical Society make possible wonderful ed- Mistletoe Leaves (USPS 018–315) is published monthly by the Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73105–7917. ucation programs, Smithsonian-quality exhibits, and outstanding events. A recent exam- Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK. (ISSN 1932-0108) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mistletoe Leaves, 800 Nazih Zuhdi ple of a special event was our Rushmore Alive program at the History Center on April 1. Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73105–7917. Rushmore Alive brought George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and By authorization of the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Board of Directors, 6,000 copies are prepared at a cost of $1,302.72 each month. The publication Theodore Roosevelt, portrayed by the nation’s best reenactors of those characters, to our is financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, United stage. Striking in their authenticity of appearance, personality, and speech, these individ- States Department of the Interior. Contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the uals made a remarkable impression on 700 students who were able to attend one of the Oklahoma Historical Society or the United States Department of the Interior. Mention of trade names does not constitute endorsement or recommendation programs presented by the presidents during the day. One awe-struck youngster informed by either organization. Mistletoe Leaves is published for the members and friends of the Okla- Abraham Lincoln, “I just wrote a paper about you!” That evening approximately 275 adults homa Historical Society in partial fulfillment of the Society’s purpose to “preserve and perpetuate the history of Oklahoma and its people, to stimulate enjoyed hearing from and asking questions of the presidents. Those present will long re- popular interest in historical study and research, and to promote and disseminate historical knowledge.” member this exciting evening. The public and OHS members are encouraged to submit heritage-related Rushmore Alive wasmadepossiblebythegenerousdonationsofDougandPeggy items for publication. Students and teachers are invited to share studies and programs and to duplicate contents as desired. Editors are welcome to reprint Cummings, John and Virginia Groendyke, Harold and Sue Ann Hamm, Gene Rainbolt, materials with credit. All Oklahoma Historical Society facilities are for the education and enjoy- George and Nancy Records, Dick and Jeannette Sias, Lew and Myra Ward, and Dr. Nazih ment of all. State and federal regulations prohibit unlawful discrimination in state and federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, national and Annette Zuhdi. The generous support of these and many other individuals, founda- origin, and/or handicap. Anyone denied benefits should contact the Executive Director of the Okla- tions, and companies makes possible a level of excellence required for the Oklahoma His- homa Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73105–7917, telephone 405/521-2491, and/or the Director, Office of Equal tory Center to retain its Smithsonian and National Archives affiliations. Thanks to all of our Opportunity, United States Department of the Interior, Washington, DC advocates who make possible the quality exhibits, programs, and events at the Oklahoma 20240. History Center and at our sites and museums statewide. 2 quilts show, and a children’s art work- way on May 22 and runs through May 23. Meetings shop. Admission is free to this festival, Enjoy Italian food, a poker run, a car which will take place between 9 a.m. and show, several contests, live entertain- The Oklahoma Genealogical Society 4 p.m. Call Billie Roane at 918/273-2301 ment, and children’s events. Hours are 9 will hold its regular monthly meeting on for additional information. (Special to ML) a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to Monday, May 3, 2010, at 6 p.m. in the 4 p.m. on Sunday. For additional info Chesapeake Events Center inside the The Ninth Annual Cherokee Ancestry contact Bob Lenardo at 918/302-8866. Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Conference is scheduled on Friday, June (Special to ML) Zuhdi Dr., in Oklahoma City. Debra Spin- 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Satur- dle, OHS Research Division librarian, will day, June 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Tulsa International Mayfest is present “Vital Records and Using Them This event will be held in the Osiyo Train- scheduled for May 13–16 at Third and and Their Substitutes.” The OHS Re- ing Room, in the same building as the Main St. in downtown Tulsa. The fam- search Library will be staffed and remain Restaurant of the Cherokees/Cherokee ily-orient event is an outdoor tribute to open that evening until 7:45 p.m. Begin- Nation Gift Shop Building [part of the the arts and music. The festival will fea- ning at 5 p.m. experienced researchers Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex] in ture a KidZone, a children’s hands-on art will be available to answer your Tahlequah. Topics that will be discussed activity area. Hours for Mayfest are 11 genealogical questions. (Special to ML) include “Preparations for Cherokee Re- a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and moval: Loss & Big Business,” “Beginning Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Cherokee Family Research,” “American Sunday. Telephone Heather Pingry at Events Outlaws,” “Cherokee Patriots,” “Using 918/582-6435 for more details. The Coleman Theatre, 103 North Main, Footnote.com & Other Web Sites,” “Land (Special to ML) Miami,isthevenuefor“TheAlley Allotments & Policies in the Cherokee Na- Cats—A Doo Wop Show” on Saturday, tion,” and the “Dawes Final Roll.” Regis- Check your local newspaper for a Cinco May8,at7:30p.m.TheAlleyCatsenter- tration fees are $60 for CNHS members de May celebration near you. One such tain audiences with their renditions of and $75 for nonmembers. The registra- event will take place in Purcell as the His- timeless Doo-Wop classics and their zany tiondeadlineisMay28.Afterthisdate, panic community plans to share their improvisational comedy. Also, on May 22 the registration will be $70 and $85, re- culture with festivities centering around at 7:30 p.m. and on May 23, at 2:30 p.m., spectively. For registration or info, con- food,music,dancing,andcraftsforchil- the Charlie Chaplin movies The Kid and tact the Cherokee Family Research Cen- dren at the Purcell Public Library on Easy Street will be presented and accom- ter at 918/456-6007, ext. 6159 or e-mail May7,from6to8p.m.ContactAdriana panied by organist Dennis James on the . Res- Chavez-Losoya at 405/701-2664. Mighty Wurlitzer. (The Encore,Friendsof ervations can be mailed to: Genealogy (Special to ML) the Coleman Newsletter, Spring 2010) Department, P.O. Box 515, Tahlequah, A Lilac Festival is planned for May 1 in OK 74465. (Special to ML) Plan for three days of activities during the Historic Downtown Claremore.Bringthe Love County Frontier Days Celebration in A “Celebration of Freedom” is slated for family and plant your own lilac bush in Marietta. Slated for June 17–19 the May 29–30 at Hobart’s Courthouse honor of Oklahoma native and playwright event will commemorate the 100th birth- Square. All military personnel will be Lynn Riggs, noted for his play Green day of the Love County courthouse. On honored. Activities will include the an- Grow the Lilacs. Activities will include the Thursday evening, June 17, event goers nual arts show, a motorcycle rally, a Cruizin’ Claremore Car Show, the Three can listen to gospel music, eat hamburg- fly-in, a quilt show, a carnival, and fish- Rivers Art Show, a talent show, an out- ers served by the local Lions Club, and ing, skeet, and softball tournaments. Call door movie, a children’s area, and con- the first several hundred guests will get a Trapper Heglin at 580/726-2553 or at cessions. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. piece of birthday cake. Friday’s happen- 580/726-5900. (Special to ML) Cindy Bissett at 918/341-5881 is the ings include an Old Fiddler’s Contest, the contact person. (Special to ML) Terry Hyman Memorial Parade, and a free May is a popular month for food events. Watonga’s Main Street will come alive concert on the courthouse lawn. The cele- Starting on May 1, the Prague Kolache from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May brationendsonSaturdaywithabreak- Festival will take place along Main Street 22, during the town’s Pioneer Day cele- fast, games for children and adults, live in Prague. Enjoy a parade at 11 a.m., a bration. The event will include a parade entertainment, a classic car show, trolley street dance at 7 p.m., and fireworks at honoring pioneer families and busi- tours of Marietta, and a street dance on 10 p.m. There will be food, a beer garden, nesses, American Indian dancers, and Main Street that evening. For more info a wine pavilion, and a carnival. Admis- clowns. There will be a cow chip throwing contact Nic McMillin at 580/276-6732. sion is free. Contact Maxine Kingsbury at contest, live entertainment, and games of (Special to ML) 405/567-4866 for info. Stilwell’s Straw- berry Festival is slated for May 8, from horseshoes. For more info call Bob Shoe- The Nowata County Fairgrounds is the 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event takes place maker at 580/623-2200. (Special to ML) venue for the May 15 Junque Arte Festi- along Second and Division St. In addition Lawton is hosting an Armed Forces Day val. This event will feature a marketplace to free strawberries and ice cream, there Celebration parade on Saturday, May 15, for artisans, an antique appraisal fair, a will be a 5K run, games, a parade, enter- from 10 a.m. to noon. There will be more tainment, a powwow, and a carnival. For New Members, cont’d. than 120 parade entries and three thou- more info about the Strawberry Festival, sand military participants, including the Individual call Barry Hayes at 918/696-2484. General Tommy Franks Road Show. An Phil Maltby, Tulsa Downtown Pawhuska will be the venue Armed Forces Day Luncheon happens Heatherene Merriel, Enid for the National Indian Taco Champion- Robert Nance, Broken Arrow May 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Helen Pipkin, Yukon ship on Saturday, May 15, from 10 a.m. the Fort Sill Patriot Club. Contact Kim Lorine Powers, Oklahoma City to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Phone Jackie Staser at 580/355-3541 for information Patricia Presley, Oklahoma City McCann at 918/287-5555 for more info. or call toll free at 800/872-4540. Institutional McAlester’s Italian Festival gets under (Special to ML) Marshall Cty of OK Gen. & Hist. Society, Madill 3 New Oklahoma National Register listings The National Register of Historic Places is a catalogue of the buildings, sites, struc- tures, districts, and objects that provide a glimpse into our past. These sites also may be selected for architectural and archaeological interests. The Oklahoma State His- toric Preservation Office is pleased to an- nounce that the following three properties were added to the National Register in March 2010. The Citizens Bank Tower is an architec- turally significant building in Oklahoma City. The tower has a hexagonal plan, slen- der profile, unusual sunscreens, and rigor- ously sculpted crown. It was among the first tall office buildings to be erected out- Above: Old Santa Fe Railroad Bridge near Wanette (L. Schwan/SHPO photo). Below, left: side downtown Oklahoma City and set a Citizens Bank Tower (S. Werneke/SHPO photo). standard for other distinctive, large, free- standing suburban skyscrapers. The Citi- owned more than two hundred slaves, zens Bank Tower was designed by Robert owned two steamboats, and operated as Roloff, of Bozalis, Dickinson and Roloff, many as twenty-eight stores or trading whoconsidereditatributetoFrankLloyd posts. At one time Jones was the wealthiest Wright and his Price Tower, which is situ- member of the Choctaw Nation. ated in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The tower The State Historic Preservation Office was constructed from 1965 to 1966; since continues to strive to gain recognition for that time its interior has been adapted to those places significant in Oklahoma’s his- apartment units for contemporary use. tory. For more information on these or The Old Santa Fe Railroad Bridge, lo- other National Register properties, contact cated near the town of Wanette between Lynda Schwan at 405/522-4478 (e-mail: McClain and Pottawatomie Counties over ). the Canadian River, is significant as the longest and oldest bridge of its type in both counties. The three spans’ total length equals 785 feet. The Old Santa Fe Railroad Bridge embodies the distinctive character- istics of bridge engineering, specifically, the camelback through-truss design. The Rose Hill Plantation site, located in the vicinity of Hugo in Choctaw County, is significant for its association with Robert M. Jones and for its ability to yield historic information. The Rose Hill Plantation site was one of six plantations operated by Jones. Jones is known to have controlled Artifacts from the site of historic Rose thousands of acres on the six plantations, Hill Plantation (L. Schwan/SHPO photo).

Research Division Fenske, Al, Nevada, MO Oklahoma State Society, Colonial donors, January Flowers, Don, Jr., Lake Oswego, OR Dames XVII Century Murrell Home sets date for Folk, Earl, Oklahoma City Patterson, Kathy, Hydro through March 2010 Fowler, Jonathan, Norman Peckham, Charles W., Lebanon, OH evening Lawn Social in June Geer, Samuel Taylor, Atlanta, GA Potts, John, Oklahoma City Arnwine, William C., Riverside, CA Goddard, Rodney L., Oklahoma City Reeh, David, Gladewater, TX The George M. Murrell Home in Park Hill Ashton, Sharron, Norman Graham, D. A., Oklahoma City Rogers, John R., Tulsa will hold its annual Lawn Social on Ballard, Currie, Coyle Harlan, Margaret B., Bethany Rose State College Foundation, Saturday,June5,from5:30p.m.until Bendell, Ellen V., Lancaster, CA Harrison, Cynthia A., Norman Midwest City Bender, Jack and Carole, Tulsa Hedglen, Tom, Yukon Sapulpa Historical Society, Sapulpa dark. The museum has planned a depar- Berry, III, Howard K., Oklahoma City Hefton, Richard Ramsey, Oklahoma City Shelton, Wanda J., Durant ture this year from the usual living history Bishop, Leora Jacks, Edmond Jones, III, Eugene D., Oklahoma City Snipes, Al M., Oklahoma City format. The 2010 Lawn Social will include Blackman, Susan, Redondo Beach, CA Jones, LeRoy, Mountain View Tidwell, Terry, Claremore a modern barbecue dinner and ice cream, Carlile, Thomas R., Oklahoma City Kadidlo, Judith, Hudson, WI Troxel, Vee, Taylor, TX Clonts, George Gary, Oklahoma City Lawson, Ellen N., Crestone, CO Turner, Alvin O., Norman served to guests on the front lawn. They Cobbs, Wanda L., Oklahoma City Liddell, Donna, Midwest City Walton, Sandy, Wichita, KS will also enjoy live entertainment and tours Cochnauer, Tiajuana, New Ellenton, SC Martin, Charles, Edmond Welge, William D., Oklahoma City of the house. Codding, Liz, Edmond Martin, Karen, Edmond Wentroth, Susan, Oklahoma City Compton, Jackson, Edmond Miller, Gayle B., Oklahoma City Whepley, Colleen Ross, The historic home is located at 19479 Cook, Betty C., Edmond National Society of New England Women, Indianapolis, IN East Murrell Home Road in Park Hill. For Crain, Harold, Oklahoma City Oklahoma Colony 131, Edmond Williams, Franklin D., Oklahoma City more information get in touch with the Cunningham, Freda, Oklahoma City Nichols, Max, New York City, NY Women’s Resource Center, Norman Curry, Bob, Pauls Valley O’Connell, Jean Gould, Geneva, IL Wood, Larry, Joplin, MO Murrell Home staff at 918/456-2751 or Dean, Michael, Edmond Oklahoma City Chapter, National Society Woods, Donald, Tulsa e-mail . Doak, William K., Oklahoma City Daughters of the American Revolution Yocham, Doris, Sapulpa Doss, David, Allen Park, MI Oklahoma Genealogical Society, Dust Bowl Films, Ada Oklahoma City Feisal, Marcia Moon, Bethany Oklahoma Prairies Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, Bethany 4 OHS Places . . . Okietales summer series Jim Thorpe House planned at History Center 706 East Boston Mark your calendars and load up the lit- Yale, OK 74085-4004 tle ones for a special program to explore Phone: 918/387-2815 Oklahoma’s past at the Oklahoma History Hours: Wed.-Sat., 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Center. Admission: Free; donations are accepted. Each Wednesday from June 2 through Considered one of the United States’ greatest July 28, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., the Oklahoma athletes during the twentieth century, James History Center hosts Okietales. Okietales Francis “Jim” Thorpe was born near Prague, is a one-of-a-kind reading and storytelling Indian Territory, on May 28, 1887 or 1888. His time during which kids can hear and see parentswereHiramandCharlotteVieux history! Thorpe. Of American Indian, Irish, and French Every Wednesday museum staff and ancestry, Jim Thorpe attended Indian board- volunteers will investigate history through ing schools operated by the federal govern- books and stories. The series is designed ment. Before enrolling at Carlisle Indian for four-year-olds through nine-year-olds. School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1903, he Each week the kids will explore a different had been educated at the Sac and Fox Indian topic, from the Wild West and Cowboys to Agency School near Tecumseh, Oklahoma, Land Runs and Pioneer Life. and Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas. Best of all, parents can enjoy some quiet While attending Carlisle, Thorpe joined the time in the café or check out the exhibits track team and played halfback for the football for an hour while the kids participate in team. In 1909 he went to North Carolina to play semiprofessional baseball. He returned to the program. Admission is $2 for each Carlisle and starred in football victories in 1911 and 1912. child and includes museum admission fol- In 1912 Jim Thorpe represented the United States in the Olympics held in Stockholm, lowing the program. Sweden, winning gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon. Shortly thereafter, he was Because the space is limited, pre-regis- stripped of the medals when a newspaper reporter revealed Thorpe’s semiprofessional base- tration is required. Telephone Jason Har- ball career. During the next two decades he distinguished himself as a baseball and football ris at 405/522-0785 or send him an e-mail player. In the 1930s he worked as a film extra in Hollywood. On March 28, 1953, he died in at to reserve. Lometa, California. As an Oklahoma Historical Society affiliate managed by the Jim Thorpe Foundation, the Jim Thorpe House preserves his former home and displays artifacts from Thorpe and his family. Located in Yale, Oklahoma (approximately sixteen miles east of Stillwater on State Highway 51), the house was listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NR 71000673) in 1971. To learn more about the legendary athlete, read “The Jim Thorpe Family: From Wisconsin to Indian Territory, Part I,” and “The Jim Thorpe Family, Part II,” by Grace F. Thorpe, published in The Chronicles of Oklahoma 59 (Spring and Summer 1981). See also “Jim Thorpe’s 100th Birthday: A Pictorial Tribute, by Carl K. Sadler, in The Chronicles of Oklahoma 65 (Spring 1987). (Photo by Jim Argo)

Call to Arms! May 15 living history program to feature all of America’s wars Wanda Jackson and Barry Switzer during the festivities (Stuart Ostler photo). Load up the family car and bring all the kids, neighbors, and relatives out to the Oklahoma History Center on Saturday, May 15, 2010, for a hands-on excursion into the past. Join living history soldiers for this year’s expanded program, which will run continu- ously throughout the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. so that families can arrive at any time and still take part. On that Saturday soldiers and civilians from the American Revolution through WWII will come to life for the Third Annual Call to Arms, a unique hands-on program for the entire family. Admission to the event is just $10 per vehicle and includes admission to the museum exhibits. Numerous learning stations will allow both children and adults to experience the sights and sounds of America’s conflicts. This year’s stations will allow visitors to explore the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Indian Wars, and World War II. Participants will observe infantry, artillery, camp life, weapons, medicine, airborne troops, music, life on the home front, and more. As a special addition, this year the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team, based in Frederick, Oklahoma, will be on hand to offer information and answer questions. Members of reenacting groups that would like to participate in this event or other events in the future are invited to contact Jason Harris. For more information on Call to Arms! contact Harris at or by calling 405/522-0785.

Wanda Jackson, Bob Blackburn, Ken Levit (Executive Director, Kaiser Foun- dation), Susan Savage (Secretary of State), and Jim Halsey, during the cere- 5 monies (Stuart Ostler photo). ery of technical assistance services, training, and THURSDAY, JUNE 10 OUT FRONT assessments for Iowa’s 46 Main Street communities and for developing technical assistance and 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. training opportunities for all Iowa communities. IN PRESERVATION PLENARY SESSION #1 Guzman represents all of the USA’s State and City- Oklahoma’s 22d Annual Statewide wide Main Street coordinating programs on the My South: The History, Traditions, Preservation Conference National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Commu- Eccentricities, and Absurdities of Food nity Development Financial Institution Board of and Life in the South, June 9–11, 2010 Directors and Loan Committee, as well as the Robert St. John (includes presentation, book signing, and Historic Downtown Okmulgee Trust’s Diversity Committee. He has a Bachelor of refreshments) Creek Council House Museum Arts degree from California State University Hay- 106 West 6th Street ward. He has presented at many national and international downtown conferences. Okmulgee, Oklahoma 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. CONFERENCE COSPONSORS TRACK A: Leading the Way State Historic Preservation Office, QUESTIONS ABOUT PROGRAM AND Creating Effective Leadership: A Journey of Self- Oklahoma Historical Society REGISTRATION? Discovery, Phil Bandy, Jayne Detten Oklahoma Main Street Center, Oklahoma The conference program and registration brochure TRACK B: Fundamentals for the Frontlines Department of Commerce will be mailed statewide on or about May 1. It is Preservation Oklahoma, Inc. also posted on the SHPO’s web pages at Strengthening Local Preservation Okmulgee Main Street, Inc. (click on SHPO and then on Through Design Review Events). The deadline for registration at the $40 City of Okmulgee–Historic Preservation Oklahoma City: Successes and Challenges, rate is June 2, 2010. Commission Catherine Montgomery For a brochure or other information, contact Creek Council House Museum Tulsa: Successes and Challenges, Amanda Decort Melvena Heisch, Deputy SHPO, at 405/522-4484 PLENARY SESSION SPEAKERS or e-mail , or call Nolan TRACK C: First Things First Robert St. John, Chef, Author, and Chairman of Crowley (Okmulgee Main Street) at 918/756-6172, Documenting Oklahoma’s the Board, Mississippi Restaurant Association will or visit the conference’s blog on the Internet at Urban Architectural Legacy present Robert St. John - My South: The History, . Traditions, Eccentricities, and Absurdities of Food Oklahoma City’s Mid-Twentieth-Century Archi- and Life in the South. He will explore how food con- tectural Legacy, Allison Marshaus, Cynthia tributes to our sense of place and cultural iden- WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9 Savage tity. Following the presentation, participants can Inside the Inter-Dispersal Loop: Downtown visit with the speaker during a book signing and REGISTRATION Tulsa’s Architectural Legacy, Cathy Ambler enjoy morning refreshments based on recipes Creek Council House Museum, 106 West 6th from Mr. St. John’s book. St., Okmulgee St. John, a native of Hattiesburg, MS, is a 28-year 12 noon – 1:45 p.m. veteran of the restaurant industry. For the last 22 Opens at 12 noon, Wednesday, June 9, and (See About Special Events and Tours) runs throughout the conference. years he has served as executive chef, president, Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.’s Annual Meeting and CEO of the Purple Parrot Café, the Crescent 1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. and Luncheon City Grill, and the Mahogany Bar in Hattiesburg The Road to Preservation is Paved with Paper: and Meridian, and he is a restaurateur, chef, food TRACK A: Leading the Way Community Grass Roots Planning for writer, author, and a true original. The Lexington Silver Strike on Main Street: Twenty-Five Years of Preservation Projects Large and Small Herald-Leader called him a “Jeff Foxworthy-style Downtown Revitalization through Historic Preser- Jay Hannah, chef with an opinion on all things culinary.” A re- vation, Linda Barnett, Susie Clinard, Tracey Cox, Executive Vice President, BancFirst cent Booklist review stated, “If he had accom- Ran Frantz, Jim Watters OR plished nothing more, St. John deserves kudos for 12 noon – 1:45 p.m. TRACK B: Fundamentals for the Frontlines making Hattiesburg, Mississippi a restaurant des- Ghosts of Okmulgee Walking Tour tination. His Purple Parrot Café updated Southern Effective Design Review: A Workshop for Local De- & Box Lunch cooking for a new generation.” sign Review Commissions, Monica Callahan St. John has appeared on The Food Network, The TRACK C: First Things First Travel Channel, and the Turner South network. He 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. writes a regular column for Y’all magazine and is a Finding and Protecting Oklahoma’s PLENARY SESSION #2 contributing writer to Taste of the South magazine. Archaeological Resources Out-of-the-Box Thinking: Additionally, he is the author of seven books, in- Emigrants, Pottery, and Cultural Identity: The Using CDBG for Rehabilitation, Downtown cluding A Southern Palate, a collaboration with re- Wichita Peoples during the Protohistoric Period, Revitalization, and Community Sustainability nowned watercolorist Wyatt Waters and Deep Timothy G. Baugh South Staples or How to Survive in a Southern Thomas D. Guzman The Archaeology of Camp Gruber, Jennifer R. Kitchen Without A Can of Cream of Mushroom Boudreaux-Kolise Soup. 3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. BREAK St. John is past president and chairman of the board of the Mississippi Hospitality and Restau- 3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. BREAK rant Association, and a past board member of the 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mississippi Tourism Authority. He currently 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. TRACK A: Leading the Way serves as chairman of the board of the Mississippi Preservation Oklahoma’s Partnership and Leader- Arts Commission and is active in many other civic TRACK A: Leading the Way ship Development Programs, Kay Decker, Katie organizations. Silver Strike on Main Street: Mining the Next Friddle Twenty- Five Years, Carol Ervin, Erin Karl, Karla TRACK B: Fundamentals for the Frontlines Thomas D. Guzman is Director of the Iowa Down- Ochoa, Kristen Vails, Jeff Wagner, Terri Wheeler Historic Districts: Determining Contributing/ town Resource Center, Iowa Department of Eco- TRACK B: Fundamentals for the Frontlines nomic Development. His plenary session topic is Noncontributing Resources, Lynda Schwan Effective Design Review Workshop (cont’d.) Out of the Box Thinking—Using CDBG for Rehabili- TRACK C: First Things First tation, Downtown Revitalization and Community TRACK C: First Things First Sustainability. He will share examples of Iowa’s Research Collections for many successful and creative rehabilitation and Oklahoma’s Archaeological Resources, cont’d. Historic Preservationists revitalization efforts funded through this Fort Gibson Investigations, Leland C. Bement Oklahoma State University Library Map Collec- important federal program. Rose Hill Plantation, Lynda Schwan tion, John Phillips, Vicki Phillips Guzman has been with the Iowa Department of Tulsa Foundation for Architecture’s Collection Economic Development since 1988. As Director of and Its Preservation, Lee Anne Ziegler the Iowa Downtown Resource Center, he oversees 6:00 p.m. all downtown development programs of the de- Opening Reception and Keynote Session 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. partment, including its premier program, Main (see About Special Events and Tours) Street Iowa. He has been a real estate broker, re- (See About Special Events and Tours) tail sales manager, non-profit association man- Exchange information with colleagues Pre-Banquet Reception and ager, Main Street program director, and state co- Music by Larry Sparkman, on the keyboard ordinator prior to assuming his current responsi- SHPO Awards Banquet bilities. These include managing a million dollar annual budget, overseeing the planning and deliv- 6 FRIDAY, JUNE 11 3:30p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tours Ghosts of Okmulgee Tour and Box Lunch: En- 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. TRACK A: Leading the Way joy a special walking tour of Okmulgee’s down- TRACK A: Leading the Way Cherokee Nation’s Heritage Preservation and Cul- town historic district to learn about its history, ar- tural Tourism Programs, Travis Owens, Steve chitecture, and preservation efforts. Meet charac- Teamwork and Historic Preservation Rush, Heather Williams ters from Okmulgee’s past who will make the his- Making Place Matter: Colleges and Universities tory of the community come alive with their ac- and Their Community, Kay Decker TRACK B: Fundamentals for the Frontlines counts from the Indian Territory period through Join the Oklahoma Preservation Team: Using the Rehabilitating Historic Tribal Buildings the oil-boom days. Tour participants are guaran- teed a special educational experience and great Statewide Preservation Plan, Melvena Heisch Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Building, Mike entertainment. The tour sponsor is East Central Sikes TRACK B: Fundamentals for the Frontlines Oklahoma Electric Cooperative. (June 10 and 11, Painting with Light: History and Preservation of From Persecution to Preservation—The Pawnee reservations required, space limited) Neon Signs, Carol Dyson Indian Agency Boarding School Rehabilitation, Barrett Williamson Effective Design Review: A Workshop for TRACK C: First Things First Local Design Commissions TRACK C: First Things First Preservation and the Sense of Community The half-day workshop will focus on the designa- Preservation and the Sense of Community tion of local landmarks and districts, best prac- The National Trust for Historic Preservation: Help- (cont’d) tices for commission operations, design review, ing Sustain the Sense of Community, Jonathan and commissioner and staff roles and responsibili- Poston The Character of Oklahoma Small Towns, Anna M. Eddings ties. Monica Callahan, representing the National The Oklahoma Neighborhood Schools Preserva- Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC), will Maintaining a Sense of Community, Leah Brown tion and Planning Project, Nicolle Franklin present the workshop. Ms. Callahan is Planning & Community Develop- 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. BREAK ment Director for the City of Madison, Georgia. ABOUT SPECIAL EVENTS & TOURS She staffs seven citizen commissions appointed to oversee a range of community planning functions, 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Opening Reception including historic preservation, downtown development, greenspace conservation, corridor man- TRACK A: Leading the Way Join other conference participants, cosponsors, and volunteers on the Creek Council House Mu- agement, cemetery stewardship, and comprehen- Preservation in Okmulgee: Been There, Done That, seum’s lawn for a special evening of conversation, sive planning. She is also a principal in Piedmont Do We Want To do That Again: A Panel Discussion, great food, and special music provided by Larry Preservation, a firm devoted to cultural resource David Anderson, Nolan Crowley, Jim Martin, Dana Sparkman on keyboard. The opening reception is management providing a range of preservation Sigmon, Rae Ann Wilson the perfect time to connect with friends and col- services throughout the United States. TRACK B: Fundamentals for the Frontlines leagues and to exchange information about what’s She has extensive experience in preservation com- Out Front in Preservation in your community. The Federal and State Tax Credits for Rehabilitation: mission operations, design guidelines develop- reception is sponsored by Citizens Security Bank. Certified Rehabilitation: Storefronts and Other ment, community outreach, and conflict resolu- (June 9) Common Issues, Harry Simms tion; is immediate past president of the Georgia Al- liance of Preservation Commissions; and is a fre- Plenary Sessions TRACK C: First Things First quent presenter and trainer at the National Pres- This year’s conference features two plenary ses- ervation Conference, and the NAPC’s National Preservation and the Sense of Community sions. Each one provides an opportunity for all Commission Forum and other programs. (June 9, (cont’d.) participants to come together and to hear from na- included with conference registration) Abraham Lincoln in Stained Glass Windows: Pub- tionally recognized speakers, Robert St. John and lic Art, Churches, and Oklahoma Communities, Thomas D. Guzman. Details about each speaker Kenneth D. Kelsey and his presentation are provided in Plenary Ses- SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS sions Speakers above. (June 10) Washita County Courthouse: The Heart of Cordell, Leah Brown, Program Officer, Southwest Office, Michael Hall National Trust for Historic Preservation, Fort Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.’s Worth, TX, will discuss maintaining a sense of Annual Meeting and Luncheon community and why it is important. 12 noon – 1:30 p.m. (See About Special Events and Tours) Oklahoma’s statewide nonprofit organization in- Monica Callahan (representing the National Alli- vites you to join them for their annual meeting and ance of Preservation Commissions), Madison His- Ghosts of Okmulgee Walking Tour luncheon. To register and reserve a ticket, contact toric Preservation Commission, Madison, GA, will & Box Lunch POK at 405/525-5325 or send an e-mail to present a half-day design review workshop for lo- . The pro- cal preservation commission members and city gram includes an update on POK’s activities, pre- staff. (See About Special Events and Tours) 1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. sentation of awards, and a luncheon address by Susie Clinard, Savannah, GA, first State Coordi- Jay Hannah, Executive Vice President, BancFirst, TRACK A: Leading the Way nator of the Oklahoma Main Street Program will who will present “The Road to Preservation is talk about establishment of the program during a Muscogee Creek Nation’s Heritage Programs, Paved with Paper: Community Grass Roots Plan- special review of its first twenty-five years and a Joyce Bear, Emain Spain ning for Preservation Projects Large and Small.” look into its future. He will talk about his diverse experiences with TRACK B: Fundamentals for the Frontlines preservation, including his work with BancFirst Carol J. Dyson, Architect, Illinois Historic Preser- Federal and State Tax Credits for Rehabilitation: and POK to develop the PlanFirst grant program, vation Agency, Springfield, IL, will discuss the his- Tulsa Landmark Buildings and Their Rehab- his personal experiences with preservation efforts tory and preservation of neon signs. ilitation, Michael Hall, Mike Sikes, Joel Slaughter across the state and as the Chairman of the Board Thomas D. Guzman, Director, Iowa Downtown TRACK C: First Things First of Cherokee Nation Enterprises and their preser- Resource Center, Iowa Department of Economic vation work. POK members and non-members are Development, Des Moines, IA, will provide the Ple- Preservation and the Sense of Community welcome. (June 10, reservations required) nary Session #2 presentation (see Plenary Ses- (cont’d) sion Speakers). Norman’s Historic Neighborhoods and Preserving Pre-banquet Reception/Awards Banquet Jonathan Poston, Director, Southwest Office, Na- a Sense of Community, Susan Owen Atkinson The State Historic Preservation Office invites you tional Trust for Historic Preservation, Fort Worth, Henry Overholser Mansion and the C. G. Jones to mingle with award recipients and your fellow TX, will discuss the NTHP’s programs and how Farmstead, Sarah E. Dorman preservationists as we celebrate preservation ac- they contribute to sustaining our sense of complishments across the state. The SHPO will community. present the 2010 Citations of Merit, certificates for Robert St. John, Chef, Author, and Chairman of 3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. BREAK recent Oklahoma listings in the National Register of Historic Places, and recognize Muskogee, the Board, Mississippi Restaurant Association, Oklahoma’s latest Preserve America Community. Hattiesburg, MS, will provide the Plenary Session The pre-banquet reception is sponsored by First #1 presentation (see Plenary Session Speakers). National Bank and Trust-Okmulgee/Henryetta and Okmulgee Golf Club. (June 10, reservations required)

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Vol. 41, No. 5 May 2010

Concert to benefit Fort Towson on Saturday, May 22 Bring your lawn chairs and come out to Fort Towson on Saturday, May 22, for a spectacular outdoor concert. Bill Grant and bluegrass notables will take to the stage at noon. The presentation will help support the yearly activities conducted at Fort Towson Historic Site. Admission is $8 for adults. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Concession stands will offer food and drink. Musical groups set to perform are Muddy Boggy, Tribe, Amy Patrick, and the Welch Mountain Boys. They’ll play all afternoon and on into the evening, too. The seating will be sheltered, but in case of extreme weather an alternate location has been set up at the high school gymnasium in Fort Towson. For more information call John Davis at 580/873-2634 or Bill and Barbara Grant at 580/326-5598.

Twenty-year members renew in March The following had been members for twenty years or more when they renewed their memberships in March. Their continued support is greatly appreciated!

P.G. Wilson, Edmond, March 1, 1967 Durant Historical Society, Durant, March 24, 1986 Donovan Reichenberger, Alva, March 1, 1968 Joe and June Stone, Oklahoma City, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL, April 11, 1986 December 1, 1972 Eastern Oklahoma State College, Wilburton, Bill Settle, Muskogee, February 1, 1973 October 6, 1986 Paul Fisher, Lawton, March 1, 1974 University of Guelph Library, Ontario, Canada, Michelin Hobbs, Oklahoma City, March 1, 1975 December 21, 1986 Richard Wood, Bethany, March 1, 1977 Michael Tower, Elmore City, December 29, 1986 Eugene Baade, Renton, WA, January 1, 1978 Suzanne Beree, Tulsa, March 16, 1987 John and Betty Minnett, Chickasha, Tom and Marilyn Walker, Ardmore, December 1, 1979 March 27, 1987 Michael and Dorothy Tramontana, Tulsa, Bishop Kelly High School Library, Tulsa, February 1, 1981 May 6, 1987 Dennie and Ann Hall, Edmond, March 1, 1981 Carol King, Waynoka, December 2, 1987 Caroline Kilgo, Edmond, December 1, 1981 Mitchell Adwon, Tulsa, December 14, 1987 Suzanne Crawford, Lawton, November 1, 1982 Michael Lekson, Arlington, VA, March 7, 1988 Gary Mills, Ashland, KS, December 1, 1982 Ruthe Jones, Tulsa, March 7, 1988 Charles and Cheryl Saxon, Oklahoma City, David Keith Smith, Edmond, March 14, 1988 March 1, 1983 Lois Batey, Oklahoma City, December 15, 1988 W. D. and Mary Jane Warde, Stillwater, Cimarron Heritage Center, Boise City, January 2, 1984 May 2, 1989 James and Marian Bradley, Westmoreland, KS, Jennifer Cain Sparks, Fort Gibson, May 14, 1989 March 1, 1985 Floriene Fitzgerald, Sebastopol, CA, Kenneth Corder, Edmond, February 1, 1986 December 19, 1989 William and Hulda Hamilton, Edmond, Labeth Daigre, Edmond, January 2, 1990 March 1, 1986 Marvin Franklin, Oklahoma City, March 5, 1990 Bette Hanes, Keyes, March 10, 1986 Order your copy today by calling the OHS Gift Shop at Martha Gene Merideth, Yukon, March 14, 1986 405/522-5214, e-mailing them at , Gilcrease Museum Library, Tulsa, March 20, 1986 or ordering online at .