Vol. 51, No. 5 Published bimonthly by the Historical Society, serving since 1893 September/October 2020 This Land is Herland programs examine Oklahoma women’s activism Female Seminary,” by Dr. Farina King, Northeastern State University; and “An ‘Intrepid Pioneer Leader’: The A-Suffrage Gendered Activism of ,” by Dr. Sunu Kodumthara, Southwestern Oklahoma State University. The second program, “The Gendered Politics of Civil Rights,” will take place online on Tuesday, September 22, at 7 “We are hopeful that we will be able to p.m. This program looks at how Okla- hold this final program of the series in homa women impacted the struggle for person at the Oklahoma History Center civil rights on several fronts. Topics and To celebrate the centennial of women’s in Oklahoma City, but we will make that speakers for the evening are: “‘To Speak suffrage, the Oklahoma Historical Soci- decision based on conditions in the state so Forthrightly as to Offend’: The Civil ety’s Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage as we near the date,” said Krumwiede. Rights Activism and Confinement of Ro- Center (CSRHC) is offering a virtual pro- Each of the programs will be recorded salyn ‘Rosie’ Coleman Gilchrist,” by Dr. gramming series entitled This Land is and made available on the OHS YouTube Sarah Eppler Janda, Cameron Univer- Herland. This series of three programs channel at the conclusion of the project. sity; “Making History: Being an NAACP on women’s activism in Oklahoma began Curriculum materials are being devel- Plaintiff—,” by in August. The remaining two programs, oped as a companion to the programs for Cheryl Wattley, University of North Tex- sponsored by Oklahoma Humanities, will classroom or homeschool use. as Dallas College of Law; and “Barbara take place on September 22 and Novem- The scholars represented in the public ‘Wahru’ Cleveland and Herland Sister Re- ber 5, both at 7 p.m. The September pro- programs are joined by four others in a sources,” by Dr. Lindsey Churchill, Uni- gram will be conducted virtually, with the forthcoming book, This Land is Herland: versity of Central Oklahoma. option to move the November program Gendered Activism in Oklahoma, 1870s- online as well. 2010s, coedited by Dr. Sarah Eppler Jan- “This Land is Herland brings together da and Dr. Patricia Loughlin. It is part of nine notable women scholars to explore the new Women and the American West the activism of Oklahoma women in a se- series from the ries of three public programs,” said Ja- Press. The anticipated publication date cob Krumwiede, director of the CSRHC, for the volume is October 2021. an OHS museum. “These programs are This project is part of OKWomen100: A offered free of charge, but you must reg- Century of Women’s Suffrage, the Okla- ister to receive the program link. You can homa Historical Society’s initiative to register at www.okhistory.org/herland. celebrate the 100th anniversaries of the Following the presentations, the scholars passage of the women’s suffrage amend- Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher will be available to answer questions from ment to the Oklahoma Constitution in the online audience.” 1918 and the the Nineteenth Amendment The final program, “Contested Notions “The focus is different for each program, to the US Constitution in 1920. You can of Equality,” will be held Thursday, No- but each takes a close look at Oklahoma find out more about events, exhibits, and vember 5, at 7 p.m. This program will women who have tried to affect change resources related to Oklahoma women’s bring the discussion of gendered activ- in the circumstances and environment in political activism at www.okhistory.org/ ism to the present era, with presenta- which they found themselves,” said Dr. suffrage. tions covering American Indian women’s Sarah Eppler Janda, one of the project This series of programs is made possible by a activism, the Equal Rights Amendment, scholars and coeditor with Dr. Patricia grant from Oklahoma Humanities and the Nation- and the resurgence of conservative poli- al Endowment for the Humanities. The mission of Loughlin of the forthcoming book This Oklahoma Humanities (OH) is to strengthen commu- Land is Herland: Gendered Activism in tics. The topics and speakers for the eve- ning will be: “LaDonna Harris: Coman- nities by helping Oklahomans learn about the hu- Oklahoma, 1870s–2010s. man experience, understand new perspectives, and che Leader, Activist, Matriarch,” by Dr. The first program, “The Fluidity of Pow- participate knowledgeably in civic life. OH is a pri- Amanda Cobb-Greetham, University of er,” took place on August 13. The program vate, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As the state Oklahoma; “‘Until We Organized’: Wan- affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humani- explored how women in early Oklahoma da Jo Peltier Stapleton and the Equal ties, we strive to stimulate discussion, encourage found ways to wield power. Topics and new perspectives, and to actively engage people in Rights Amendment Debate in Oklahoma, speakers for the evening were: “‘My Heart the humanities disciplines, such as history, litera- 1972–1982,” by Chelsea Ball, University Had Been Burdened for the Orphaned ture, philosophy, and ethics. of Oklahoma; and “‘My Children Are More and Homeless Children’: Religious Im- Important to Me Than Any Office I Might perative and Maternalism in the Work Hold’: ’s Use of Motherhood as of Mattie Mallory,” by Dr. Heather Clem- a Conservative Political Strategy,” by Dr. mer, Southern Nazarene University; “A Patricia Loughlin, University of Central ‘Loyal Countrywoman’: Rachel Caroline Oklahoma. Eaton, Alumna of the Cherokee National Second, with declining state appropria- of directors protected during the most re- tions, it is more important than ever to cent budget cuts. invest time and resources into staff and Yes, planning is critical to the transi- volunteer development. As we have prov- tion in leadership. Planning is critical to en over the past 10 years and a 50 per- the future of the OHS. Director’s cent cut in state support, we are doing column more with fewer people because of the senior leaders, a motivated staff, and a growing corps of volunteers. Third, we need to invest even more in the digital revolution that allows us SHPO accepting to place collections online in a search- able format, where they are accessible to Citation of Merit award By Dr. Bob L. Blackburn anyone interested in Oklahoma history. Executive Director nominations The digitization of our 33 million pages For the last 41 years, I have increas- of newspapers will be the single most Do you know of a recently rehabili- ingly relied on planning to deal with chal- important advance in historiography in tated building in your community? Are lenges, seize opportunities, and increase OHS history. you acquainted with someone who pro- efficiency in the way the OHS collects, Fourth, we must continue and even in- tected an important archaeological site preserves, and shares Oklahoma history. crease our commitment to diversity. Since on their property? Is there a dedicated An added wrinkle has been planning for the 1970s, after largely ignoring minority group of volunteers in your community my retirement. groups for decades, the OHS has tried to that worked to save an endangered his- Three years ago, as I approached the make amends with an emphasis on col- toric landmark? The Oklahoma Historical age of 66, we started planning for a tran- lections, programs, and accessibility that Society, State Historic Preservation Office sition in leadership. Working with the embraces diversity. While we have made (SHPO) wants to recognize these special board of directors, donors, and the entire strides toward inclusivity, we must recog- people and groups for preserving an im- staff, we have since prepared a succes- nize that we still have not done enough. portant part of Oklahoma’s history. sion plan with an analysis of my typical Fifth, we must make the entrepre- Citation of Merit awards will be given duties, a job description reflecting those neurial spirit an essential part of every quarterly in recognition of projects that duties, position papers to focus on key program. The days of passively waiting impact communities of all sizes in Okla- issues, and a schedule for the selection for public funding to grow programs is homa. Nominations for projects that rec- process. So far, the plan is working well. gone forever. By putting our mission in ognize the preservation of Oklahoma’s As the search for my replacement was the context of free enterprise, linking heritage through rehabilitation/resto- gaining momentum, we turned our plan- supply and demand, adding value, and ration, publications, archaeological site ning attention to a short list of issues that taking risks, we can generate revenue protection, field and archival research, will help keep the forward momentum go- when possible and attract community and public programming are now accept- ing during the transition. Here are a few support when necessary. ed throughout the year. of the most important talking points: And sixth, we have to continue build- The SHPO accepts nominations in ei- First, among the priorities is preserva- ing bridges to partners. That means un- ther electronic or hard copy format. To tion of self-governance and independence derstanding the worldview of our elected obtain a copy of the form and instruc- as a hybrid private-public partnership. officials, recognizing the opportunities tions please visit the SHPO’s website at Similar to institutions of higher educa- we have to assist other groups with his- www.okhistory.org/shpo/shpoawards. If tion, the OHS should have a buffer zone torical projects, finding common causes you have any questions about the Cita- from the changing winds of politics. Ro- with donors, and looking ahead to pos- tion of Merit or the Shirk Memorial Award bust community support and the mem- sible partnerships. A key link in building for Historic Preservation, please contact bership’s election of a majority of board bridges is our Oklahoma Heritage Preser- Lynda Ozan at 405-522-4484 or lozan@ members protects intellectual integrity vation Grant Program, which the board okhistory.org. and stimulates long-term planning.

Oklahoma Historical Society Development News Membership Office 405-522-5242 By Larry O’Dell [email protected]

Mistletoe Leaves (USPS 018-315) is published bimonthly by the Okla- Be a part of our future by contributing to the OHS homa Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK (ISSN 1932- Annual Giving Campaign. Exhibits, collection care, 0108) events, and educational programming all depend on funds raised through the generos- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mistletoe Leaves, 800 Nazih ity of individuals with an affinity for Oklahoma history. Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917. As the state and nation continue to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, OHS muse- By authorization of the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) Board of Directors, 5,400 copies are prepared at a cost of $1,170.57 bimonthly. ums, sites, and affiliates have lost visitation and revenue. Despite these challenges, The publication is financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior. our museums and historic sites continue to fulfill their missions. The Cherokee Strip Contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Oklahoma Historical Society or the United States Department of Regional Heritage Center in Enid is hosting This Land is Herland, a series of programs the Interior. Mention of trade names does not constitute endorsement or on women’s activism sponsored by Oklahoma Humanities. The Oklahoma History Cen- recommendation by either organization. Mistletoe Leaves is published for the members and friends of the OHS ter is creating Launch to Landing, a major exhibit on Oklahomans and space, while its in partial fulfillment of its mission to collect, preserve, and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. educators are updating the online exhibit and curriculum in preparation for the cen- The public and OHS members are encouraged to submit heritage- related items for publication. Students and teachers are invited to share tennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre. This is just a small sample of the hard work OHS studies and programs and to duplicate contents as desired. Editors are welcome to reprint materials with credit. employees are doing across the state. All Oklahoma Historical Society facilities are for the education and enjoyment of all. State and federal regulations prohibit unlawful The OHS sits at a critical juncture in its history. Dr. Blackburn, our longtime execu- discrimination in state and federally assisted programs on the basis of tive director, will retire at the end of the year, and we continue to face the disruption of race, color, national origin, and/or handicap. Anyone denied benefits should contact the grievance manager of normalcy caused by COVID-19. As we prepare for the future, the OHS needs your sup- the Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917, telephone 405-522-5299, and/or the director, port more than ever. Visit www.okhistory.org/give now to donate online. You can also Office of Equal Opportunity, United States Department of the Interior, contact me at [email protected] or 405-522-6676 with any suggestions or questions. Washington, DC 20240.

2 History of a One-Room OHC announces winners of 2020 National History Day School Exhibit at Sod competition

House Museum Ten students representing five Oklaho- dents who earned honors at the 2020 ma school systems received recognition National History Day competition are as In the early part of September, the Sod for their projects during the 2020 Nation- follows: House Museum will open a new exhibit, al History Day (NHD) contest. The nation- : History of a One-Room School, exploring First Place in Senior Group Website al contest is the final stage in a series of Evan McCrackin, Justin Yang, and Shoaib the one-room schoolhouses in rural Okla- contests at local and state/affiliate levels. Jamil for their website entitled “For the homa. Schoolhouse desks, books, and a This event is held annually to highlight Rainbow Children of God: Desmond Tutu’s washstand, among many other artifacts, the work of middle and high school stu- Perilous Conquest against South African will evoke memories of a bygone era when dents who have prepared projects with a Apartheid.” Their teacher at Norman Public these one-room, one-teacher schools dot- particular theme in mind. The theme for Schools is Margaret Wadleigh. ted the landscape. These simply built 2020 was “Breaking Barriers in History,” structures, supported by local farmers Special Award for Discovery or Explo- and students presented their work in the Amelia Peoples, Cate and merchants, served as a place to edu- ration in History: form of papers, documentaries, perfor- Mossman, and Kate Schein for their Se- cate children, hold community meetings, mances, exhibits or websites. The Okla- nior Group Documentary entitled “The and host social gatherings. homa History Center serves as the state Journey to Mars: How On Saturday, September 19, at 10 a.m. sponsor for Oklahoma National History Broke Barriers for Women in Space Engi- Brenda Dixon, a retired teacher, will give Day (OkNHD) and coordinates the state neering.” Their teacher at Classen School a presentation about one-room schools competition, while various local sponsors of Advanced Studies in Oklahoma City is in conjunction with this new exhibit. Her to manage regional events. Billy Tillman. program will examine the history of the Students begin their journey by pre- one-room schoolhouses of the area. Dix- Special Award for Outstanding Se- senting their projects in classrooms, Jordan Mason for her on’s great-grandfather donated land and nior State Entry: schools, and regional contests across the Senior Individual Performance entitled was influential in an effort to encourage country. Top entries are invited to the “Bright Not Broken: The Barrier Between his peers to donate timber for the original state/affiliate level contests. The top two Autism and Agriculture.” Her teacher at log structure of the Oakdale one-room entries in each category at the state/affil- Burns Flat-Dill City Public Schools is schoolhouse, known as the “Stockade iate level are then invited to the national Patsy Lyles. School” because of the vertical placement contest. In past years, state winners have of the logs. Following Dixon’s talk there Special Award for Equality in Histo- had the opportunity to travel to College Alexa Delgado and McKayla Howerton will be a question and answer session, as ry: Park, Maryland, for judging in the Na- for their Junior Group Exhibit entitled well as a time for audience members to tional History Day contest. However, the “Woman vs. Woman.” Their teacher at share their memories of one-room school- COVID-19 pandemic meant an alteration Canton Public Schools is Penny Heath. houses. in how this event was traditionally held. The Sod House Museum is located Special Award for Outstanding Junior This year, all presentations and entries Zayda Sherwood for Junior southeast of Aline on State Highway State Entry: were uploaded to the NHD registry, then Paper entitled “Love Conquers All: How 8. For more information contact Direc- downloaded and reviewed by the judges. Loving v. Virginia Helped Break Racial tor Renee Trindle at 580-463-2441 or Virtual judging was completed between Barriers.” Her teacher at Canton Public [email protected]. May 23 and June 6. The Oklahoma stu- Schools is Penny Heath.

OHC to offer “Latinos in Applications open for OHPG Program Oklahoma” educational traveling trunk The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) and a total of just over $410,000 in grant will open applications for the 2020/2021 funds were awarded for the 2019/2020 The Oklahoma History Center Education grant cycle of the Oklahoma Heritage grant cycle. Projects ranged from collec- Department is launching a new traveling Preservation Grant Program on Friday, tions care and exhibit development to trunk, “Latinos in Oklahoma.” The trunk September 11, 2020. This grants-in-aid strategic planning and educational pro- includes an extensive history of Latino program sets aside $500,000 to award gramming. Of the 87 organizations that people in Oklahoma, including the forces grants ranging from $500 to $20,000 to applied for funding in the inaugural year of migration that shaped settlement and municipal, county, or tribal governments of the program, 43 ultimately received the contributions of Latino communities and not-for-profit historical organiza- grant funds. throughout the state. A reader for older tions, as well as the support groups for “We were very pleased with how well elementary students will introduce them these entities. All not-for-profit appli- the first cycle of the Oklahoma Heritage to figures within the Latino community. cants must be registered with the Okla- Preservation Grant Program went,” said The trunk contains personal donations homa secretary of state. The grants will Nicole Harvey, OHS grants administra- from the teachers of Zarrow International be specific to four categories: collections, tor. “With the economic struggles facing School, one of two Spanish bilingual el- exhibits, programs, and capacity build- so many cultural organizations at the ementary schools in Tulsa, who hope to ing. The online application process will moment, the OHS is aware of how this share their cultures with the students of open Friday, September 11, 2020, and funding will make a difference to local Oklahoma. Extensive media selections close Friday, October 30, 2020, at 5 p.m. historical organizations.” from documentaries, music, and Améri- For applicants wishing to receive op- A virtual, online workshop about this cas Award-winning books round out the tional draft application feedback, draft program is scheduled for September 15 trunk. applications will be due October 2, 2020. at 1 p.m. To see the official rules for the For more information about the Trav- Award announcements will be made in program, as well as to sign up for the on- eling Trunks program or to reserve this late January 2021. line workshop, visit www.okhistory.org/ trunk, please visit www.okhistory.org/ The Oklahoma Heritage Preservation grants or contact Nicole Harvey at 405- historycenter/trunks. Grant Program was launched last year, 522-5202 or [email protected].

3 Oklahoma History Center offers online series Although the doors to the Oklahoma History Center (OHC) in Oklahoma City are open to the public, many people are looking for different ways to spend their leisure hours without risk of exposure to COVID-19. In response, the OHC has de- veloped “From the Collection,” a new, on- line series that will take the community behind the scenes to see some of the fas- cinating artifacts in its collection storage. The Oklahoma Historical Society has New sign at Spiro Mounds more than 130,000 artifacts in its collec- Gilbert Wesley Dukes tion, ranging from sewing needles to cars On Wednesday, July 22, Spiro Mounds and tipis. These items are kept in a tem- Gilbert Dukes Collection Archaeological Center, with the help of perature- and humidity-controlled envi- By Jan H. Richardson OHS staff from Fort Towson Historic Site, ronment, and many are used in exhibits replaced the aging sign at Highway 9/271 at Oklahoma Historical Society sites and Gilbert Wesley Dukes was born in the and Lock and Dam Road that directed museums. Some items are so fragile or Choctaw Nation in 1849, one of 12 chil- traffic to the site. The new sign was de- unique that they may never be placed on dren of Joseph and Nancy Collins Dukes. signed by OHS graphic designers and display, and can be viewed by appoint- He was educated at Spencer Academy, printed by Choctaw Printing. ment only. It is on this premise that the and at the age of 14 joined the Confeder- “The sign project took a while to produce OHC will offer “From the Collection.” Not ate army serving under Colonel Jackson due to personnel cuts and the COVID-19 only will this series allow viewers to see McCurtain. After the war, Dukes studied shutdown, but this sign will definitely and hear the details of a particular, rarely law and was a fierce proponent of the in- help visitors find us again,” said Dennis seen artifact, but they can also do it safe- dividual rights of Choctaw citizens. Peterson, manager and archaeologist at ly from their own computer or personal In 1897 he was the principal author of Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center. device. the Atoka Agreement, which allowed the This project was made possible in part On each monthly episode of “From the allotment of communal tribal land to en- by a donation from Choctaw Nation Tour- Collection,” a new artifact will be pre- rolled citizens of the Choctaw and Chick- ism and additional funds from the Spiro sented by a member of the curatorial asaw Nations. It also allowed the leasing Mounds Development Association, the staff. These installments will be available of mineral rights to support education. support group for the site. through the Oklahoma Historical Society After contentious discussions, the agree- website at okhistory.pastperfectonline. ment was approved by both tribes in Au- com, or may be accessed from the Okla- gust 1898. In 1900, backed by the Mc- homa History Center Facebook page, Curtain bloc of the Choctaw Nation, he www.facebook.com/okhistorycenter. The stood for election for principal chief on the first episode is now available, and stay platform that he would continue to sup- tuned for each monthly update. For more port the Atoka Agreement and the leasing information, please call the OHC at 405- of mineral rights. Dukes was elected as 522-0765. chief and worked the next two years to write a supplemental agreement for the equitable allotment of Choctaw lands. Life comes full circle for Will Rogers Roper The Gilbert Dukes Collection, 1897– 1902, contains documents from his time A lot of grass has grown on the hills of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum since 1975 crafting the Atoka Agreement to the early when Woody Foreman was hired on as a summer hand after his graduation from Clare- period of his time as principal chief. Many more High School. As a young man, he worked with Bill Kaase, Delmer Collins, and Dr. documents pertain to the workings of Reba Collins, who was the executive director at the time. the Choctaw National Council, including Foreman eventually left his museum job and enjoyed a 40-year career with Earl M. school matters, taxes, legislative actions, Jorgensen Steel. After his retirement he was looking for an opportunity to volunteer, and enrollment eligibility. Much of the and his interests led him back to the museum. It was a part of his youth that has al- correspondence is written in the Musk- ways held a special place in his heart. There have been a few chang- ogean Choctaw language. The Gilbert es in the past five decades, including the Will Rogers Ropers docent Dukes Collection is available for view- program that he has now joined. Docent volunteers go through rig- ing at the OHS Research Center Tuesday orous training to be ready to meet and greet visitors who come to through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. learn about Will Rogers from all over the world, and Foreman has Please note that all visitors are required successfully graduated. to wear masks. Due to restrictions related Back in the 1970s, Foreman spent many long hours mowing, to COVID-19, an appointment is required. tending flowers, and keeping the grounds of the museum in pris- The Research Center is located inside the tine shape. The baseball cleats he wore playing ball at Rogers State Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma came in handy for extra traction guiding the mower over the grassy City. For more information call 405-522- knolls. When he would pause to wipe his brow, he was occasionally 5225 or email [email protected]. to approached by visitors with a question or two. Even then, he was view the collection. preparing for his future life as a docent. Jan H. Richardson is the processing Like Will Rogers, Foreman is also three-eighths Cherokee. There archivist in the OHS Research Division’s is a comfort in his return to the museum, which is a place he re- Manuscript Archives. members like the back of his hand.

4 Chisholm Trail Museum awarded CARES Act grant to respond to COVID-19 as we remain open to the public,” Harris health concerns, and the need to breach said. “This grant will provide supplies we the digital divide and improve digital in- need to help reduce risk of exposure for clusion to better serve the public. our employees and customers as we all “The pandemic has thrown a spotlight continue to learn more about COVID-19 on the digital divide in our state and na- and its health risks.” tion,” Kellogg said. “At a time when, for “Our mission is to serve our community safety reasons, we are depending more and its visitors, and we want to continue than ever on electronic communication, that mission in the safest way we can,” far too many of our fellow citizens don’t continued Harris. have the tools or access needed to take The museum, located at 605 Zellers advantage of important services.” Avenue in Kingfisher, is currently open A complete list of Oklahoma’s 64 PPE to the public Monday through Saturday grant recipients is available at news.oklib- Jason Harris, director of the Chisholm from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To help prevent share.org/federal-funding/odl-awards- Trail Museum in Kingfisher, was the spread of COVID-19, occupancy is cares-act-ppe-grants-to-64-institutions. the model for a new entryway sign limited. The museum asks that visitors Recipients of the digital inclusion grants, encouraging guests to wear masks. practice social distancing by staying six totaling $291,320, will be announced feet away from staff and visitors who are later in July. The Oklahoma Department of Librar- not in your party. The Oklahoma Histori- For more information about the ies (ODL) has awarded a $1,000 grant to cal Society currently requires face masks Chisholm Trail Museum, please call 405- the Chisholm Trail Museum in Kingfisher in all public areas of its museums, sites, 375-5176 or visit www.ctokmuseum.org. to help the museum purchase personal and affiliates, including the Chisholm protective equipment (PPE) and supplies Trail Museum. to keep staff and visitors safer during the In developing the grant, ODL Director Noble County farmer COVID-19 pandemic. Melody Kellogg said institutions were directs donation to CSM The Chisholm Trail Museum is one of surveyed about any hurdles they might 64 institutions to receive a grant from face in returning to service during the Local farmers Melanie and Dennis Wil- ODL courtesy of the federal CARES Act pandemic. The top concerns of libraries, liams recently directed a $2,500 Ameri- and the Institute of Museum and Library museums, and other cultural institutions ca’s Farmers Grow Communities dona- Services (IMLS). A total of $60,000 was were a shortage of cleaning supplies and tion, sponsored by the Bayer Fund, to the distributed by ODL to address COVID-19 PPE equipment, fear on the part of staff Cherokee Strip Museum (CSM) in Perry. concerns of public libraries, tribal librar- and the public, and the challenge of en- The CSM will use the funds to install so- ies, tribal cultural centers, museums, forcing social distancing and other best- lar lighting to illuminate its sign at night and historic sites in the state. health practices in their facilities. and replace trash receptacles on the Rose Museum Director Jason Harris said “We developed the grant proposal to Hill School grounds. the funding will be used to provide addi- help address these concerns,” Kellogg “The staff at the Cherokee Strip Museum tional cleaning materials to meet Centers said. “We were very fortunate in that we would like to thank America’s Farmers for Disease Control (CDC) and Oklahoma were able to provide some funding to all Grow Communities and the Bayer Fund State Department of Health guidelines, 64 of the eligible institutions that ap- for this wonderful donation. Donations purchase personal protective equipment plied.” like this help the museum to purchase for the staff, help the museum convert to The PPE grant is the first of two grants items that otherwise may not be funded,” touchless restroom equipment, provide a that will be available from ODL, with said Diana Simon, site manager at the sanitation station, and more. funding from IMLS and the CARES Act. CSM. “It looks like we may be dealing with The grants were designed to help the The Cherokee Strip Museum is located this virus for some time, so it’s very im- state’s important cultural institutions at 2617 West Fir Street in Perry. portant that we follow CDC guidelines address two impacts of COVID-19: public CSRHC book club New trail signs installed at Honey Springs Battlefield The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center (CSRHC) in Enid has added a new Honey Springs Battlefield includes more than 1,000 perk to its membership program. Mem- acres and six walking trails. New interpretive signs bers are invited to join the weekly eve- and graphics dot the trails with portraits, maps, and ning meetings of the Cherokee Strip Heri- historic context of sites significant to the engagment, tage Readers Book Club, a virtual group including the Union bivouac area; Union line of bat- that will feature a new book each month. tle; the Texas regiment line of battle, which includes Those interested in joining the club need one-eighth of a mile of the original Texas Road; the to first become at least a Pioneer, Gold battle at the bridge over Elk Creek; the final action; Level member of the CSRHC. Once a and Honey Springs and the Confederate supply de- member, the next step is to contact the pot. Visitors can enjoy hiking and seeing area wildlife museum and all the details, Zoom links, while exploring the history of the Civil War in Indian and book titles will be provided. Volun- Territory. After learning about the battle outdoors, teers and staff are taking turns facilitat- step inside the Visitor Center to enjoy exhibits about ing the book club, which is safe way to this unique chapter in the history of Indian Territory. stay social in the time of COVID-19. To For more information about visiting Honey Springs become a member of the CSRHC and join Battlefield, please email [email protected] the book club, visit www.csrhc.org or call or [email protected], or call 918-473-5572. 580-237-1907.

5 Hunter’s Home outdoor Eugene Meacham “Discovering the Unit exhibits open to public Collection Orchestra!” Kilgen Organ By Taylor Stober and Kimberly Ross The Hunter’s Home interior is currently performance closed to the public due to COVID-19, Photography has been extremely popu- The Oklahoma History Center (OHC) but staff members are working to pre- lar since its humble beginning in 1826 will hold its fall Kilgen Organ perfor- pare it for the time when they will be able when Frenchman Nicephore Niepce used mance on Monday, October 26, from 7 to to safely reopen that part of the historic the sun and his attic window to create a 8:30 p.m. in the Devon Great Hall of the site. Staff members are painting new floor heliograph of his courtyard. Photography OHC. Organist Brett Valliant will pres- cloths for various rooms, deep cleaning, is a continually evolving medium, and ent “Discovering the Unit Orchestra!,” a and rearranging exhibits. over the years it has become a universal performance featuring his solo musical While visitors cannot enter the house, language, transcending communication interpretations. the grounds and outbuildings are open barriers of all kinds. Theater organs—like the Kilgen Organ— to the public. Interpretive panels from Originally an extraordinarily expensive were sometimes called “a unit orches- the interior are now located on the porch endeavor, getting a photograph made was tra” because of their ability to house the of the home with information about the something you did for special occasions, sounds of multiple musical instruments, Murrells and the enslaved people who re- as it often required sitting very still for such as trumpets and saxophones, along sided there, as well as descriptions of the many minutes so that the camera had with special effects like bells and whis- rooms inside the house. time to capture your image. Photography tles. Visitors are welcome to explore the is now so ingrained in our daily lives that Brett Valliant is a native of Wichita, smokehouse, gardens, springhouse, 1933 many of us carry smartphones with tiny studying organ at Wichita State Univer- Daniel cabin, corn crib, apiary, poultry cameras in our pockets that can take hun- sity. He has been a featured performer on yard, and field crops. Daily farm work dreds of photos per minute. Still, there National Public Radio’s “Pipe Dreams,” as continues, and staff members are avail- is a demand for professional photogra- well as on the National Bible Broadcast- able to answer questions. phers to record the especially important ing Network, where his imaginative hymn Fencing is currently being built at the moments in our lives, such as weddings, arrangements are heard daily through- site. Once perimeter fencing is complete, graduations, and baby announcements. out the United States. He plays annu- animal pens and shelters will be built in For many years, the local photographer ally for several film festivals, including preparation for acquiring sheep and draft in Kingfisher County was Eugene the International Film Festival hosted animals. Merino sheep will be part of an Meacham, who recorded nearly 50 years by the American Film Institute, and has expanded fiber arts program that will in- of the lives of the residents of Kingfisher been a featured performer at national clude demonstrations of spinning, weav- County and the surrounding areas. School conventions of the American Guild of Or- ing, and knitting. pictures, weddings, passport photos, ganists and the American Theatre Organ If you are not able to visit in person, you family portraits, insurance claims, crime Society. can still receive updates of activity, his- scenes—you name it, he photographed Doors will open at 6 p.m., and seating toric information, photos of the site, and it. After his death, his family donated his is first come, first served. Tickets are $10 information about the former inhabitants extensive collection to the Chisholm Trail for Oklahoma Historical Society members of Hunter’s Home on its social media Museum. and $20 for nonmembers, and may be re- pages, including Facebook (@huntersho- Thanks to the Oklahoma Historical Re- served by calling 405-522-0765. Due to meok), Twitter (@Hunters_HomeOHS), cords Advisory Board Improving Access the unpredictability of future COVID-19 Instagram (@hunters_home_ok), and Grant Program, which is funded in part public restrictions, the October 26 Kilgen YouTube (Hunter’s Home Historic Site). by the National Historical Publications performance date may be subject to re- Due to COVID-19, Hunter’s Home has and Records Commission, Chisholm scheduling. canceled its annual Open House, nor- Trail Museum staff and interns have be- mally held Sunday during the Cherokee gun digitizing the Meacham Collection National Holiday. to better preserve and share the history Will Rogers: ballpark figure recorded in these images. Digitization is In addition to being one of aviation’s Drummond Home sign currently underway, and the Meacham first ambassadors, Will Rogers had a Volunteers installed a new sign at the Finding Aid, which lists many of the im- love of baseball, often donating his time Fred Drummond Home over the summer. ages in the collection, can now be found sharing Western humor and trick roping The new sign, directing visitors to the on the museum’s website, ctokmuseum. stunts to promote the game. He visited historic Victorian home, was generously org/photo-collections. For more infor- and entertained ballpark crowds in cities donated by Tom Smith and the First Na- mation regarding the Eugene Meacham across America where he performed with tional Bank of Hominy. The Fred Drum- Collection, please call 405-375-5176 or his vaudeville troupe. mond Home is located at 305 North Price email [email protected]. in Hominy.

Will Rogers astride Teddy the horse, Left to right: Cliff Hayes, Corbin Reed, twirling a rope over the Boston Red Sox and Donnie Reed built and installed the baseball team, c. 1909. new sign for the Drummond Home.

6 OHS Calendar of events, programs, and exhibits September October 1 History of a One-Room School 3 Chuck Wagon Gathering and exhibit opening, Sod House Dinner, Chisholm Trail Museum, Museum, Aline Kingfisher 1 American Farmer exhibit opens, 3 History Alive! Living History Archaeology Month at Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Experience, Cherokee Strip Center, Enid Regional Heritage Center, Enid Spiro Mounds 5 History Alive! Living History 10 Quilting workshop with Martha October is Archaeology Month in Okla- Experience, Cherokee Strip Ray, Sod House Museum, Aline Regional Heritage Center, Enid homa and internationally, and Spiro 14 Brown Bag Lecture Series Mounds Archaeological Center will cel- 9 Brown Bag Lecture Series (VIRTUAL), www.facebook.com/ (VIRTUAL), www.facebook.com/ CSRHC ebrate International Archaeology Day on CSRHC Saturday, October 17, 2020, with a lec- 15 Historic Preservation Review 12 Quilting workshop with Martha Committee Meeting (VIRTUAL), ture, a guided walk, and many other ac- Ray, Sod House Museum, Aline www.okhistory.org/shpo/hprc tivities. Oklahoma Archaeology Month is 15 Oklahoma Heritage Preservation 17 International Archaeology Day sponsored and promoted by the Oklaho- Grant Program workshop celebration, Spiro Mounds ma Anthropological Society and the Okla- (VIRTUAL), www.okhistory.org/ Archaeology Center, Spiro grants homa Public Archaeology Network, and 17 History Alive! Living History includes many more events throughout 19 Smithsonian Channel WWII film Experience, Cherokee Strip Oklahoma during the month of October. screening, Oklahoma History Regional Heritage Center, Enid Center, Oklahoma City Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center 17 Family Day at the Birthplace is the only prehistoric American Indian 19 History Alive! Living History Ranch, Will Rogers Birthplace Experience, Cherokee Strip Ranch, Oologah archaeological site in Oklahoma open to Regional Heritage Center, Enid the public and is the perfect place to cel- 20 American Farmer exhibit closes, 19 Family Day at the Birthplace Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage ebrate Archaeology Month. Ranch, Will Rogers Birthplace Center, Enid Lectures about the prehistory and his- Ranch, Oologah 24 Family Farm Day, Cherokee Strip tory of this region will start at 11 a.m. 19 “One-Room School” presentation Regional Heritage Center, Enid There also will be a guided tour of the with Brenda Dixon, Sod House Museum, Aline 26 “Discovering the Unit Orchestra!” site at 2 p.m. led by manager Dennis Pe- Kilgen Organ performance with terson. Regular exhibits will be available 22 Autumnal Equinox Walks, Spiro Brett Valliant, Oklahoma History Mounds Archaeological Center, Center, Oklahoma City throughout the day as well. Several ex- Spiro pert flint knappers, or stone tool makers, 26 Blacksmithing Demonstrations, 22 “The Gendered Politics of Civil Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose will be on hand to show off their skills Rights,” This Land is Herland Hill School, Perry from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An archaeologist program (VIRTUAL), www.okhistory. will be available to identify artifact collec- org/herland 30 Wanted: Dead or Alive exhibit closes, Chisholm Trail Museum, tions for visitors during that same time. 24 OkNHD Library Day, Oklahoma Kingfisher Educational games and activities will be History Center, Oklahoma City 30 Movie Night featuring The Headless available throughout the day. 25 Movie Night featuring Charlie Horseman, Will Rogers Memorial If you would like to know more about Chaplin film, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore Museum, Claremore Archaeology Month events, please visit 31 “Cemetery Symbols: Carved in www.ou.edu/okpan. For more informa- 28 Blacksmithing Demonstrations, Stone” program, Oklahoma History Cherokee Strip Museum and Rose Center, Oklahoma City tion on Spiro Mounds Archaeological Hill School, Perry Center, please contact Dennis Peterson 31 Halloween Night at the Museum, Will Rogers Memorial Museum, at 918-962-2062 or [email protected]. Claremore Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center is 31 Museum After Dark: All Hallow’s open Wednesday through Saturday from Eve, Cherokee Strip Regional 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon Heritage Center, Enid until 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children ages Edward Curtis photogravures donated to OHS 6–18, cash or check only. The Oklahoma Historical Society re- lives of Native peoples. Ultimately, Curtis cently acquired a collection of 156 pho- spent 30 years capturing the images of togravures by artist Edward Curtis from North America’s Native populations, vis- the Oklahoma State University Museum iting nearly 100 tribes in the West. In a of Art. A photogravure is an image pro- letter to Curtis in 1905, President Theo- duced when a photographic negative is dore Roosevelt wrote, “I regard the work transferred to a metal plate and then you do as one of the most valuable works etched into the plate. which any American could now do.” Edward Curtis was a sought-after pho- This collection spans the years 1891 to tographer in Seattle who left his suc- 1928, and includes a few photographs cessful business in the city to pursue his along with the photogravures. Among the passion for photographing the lives of images are portraits of American Indi- the American Indian people of the North ans from various tribes, scenes of tribal American West. In the era of assimila- dances, still lifes of pottery, and repre- tion, Curtis found financial backing from sentations of traditional homes. Some of J. P. Morgan to begin work on the 20-vol- the tribes represented are the Osage, Co- ume The North American Indian, com- manche, Ponca, Cheyenne, Wichita, and The Potter by Edward Curtis (1906) prised of photographs of the traditional Otoe.

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Vol. 51, No. 5 September/October 2020 Oklahoma Route 66 Museum celebrates 25th anniversary When the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton officially opened on September 23, 1995, it was the first facility in the na- tion dedicated to the history and culture of Route 66, the most famous historic high- way in the world. It is the largest museum from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, dedicated to the history and culture of Route 66. With over 930,000 visitors in 25 years, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum has captivated people from around the world. Since the grand opening celebration held on September 23, 1995, the museum has proven to be a must-see for travelers—both Route 66ers and everyday vaca- tioners. In 2007, the accomplishments of the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum played a large role in Clinton hosting the International Route 66 Festival, which brought more than 20,000 people to Clinton. The success of the 2007 festival also led to the transformation of the community’s annual Hot Dog Daze into Clinton’s Route Roller coaster car donated to OHS 66 Festival. In 2012, after 17 years, the museum completed a full renovation of all exhibit A roller coaster car from Springlake Amusement Park’s Big Dipper has found galleries, bringing the facility into the 21st century. This achievement was cel- a new home at the Oklahoma History Center. In the spring, Metro Technology ebrated with a special grand opening ceremony on May 26, 2012. Centers donated this piece of history to the OHS. The Springlake Campus of The museum has hosted a plethora of special events that attract Route 66ers MetroTech was built on the site of the amusement park, and for many years rem- from around the globe. Beginning in 1996, the museum has held Route 66 an- nants of rides and attractions have reminded visitors of the land’s previous use. niversary celebrations every five years. These celebrations have featured premiere For nearly 60 years, Oklahoma City’s young and young-at-heart found fun, Route 66 historian Michael Wallis, as well as special exhibits by Route 66 artists thrills, and music at Springlake Amusement Park. Originally built as a swim- and authors such as the late Bob Waldmire, Shellee Graham, Jim Ross, Jerry ming pool and picnic area in the 1920s, owner Roy Staton eventually bought McClanahan, Kathy Anderson, and many more. rides, built a ballroom, and added a roller coaster—the Big Dipper—in 1929. An Also, the Oklahoma Route 66 Association inducts special Oklahomans into the amphitheater was added in the 1950s, and musical acts like the Beach Boys, the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame. Inductions are held every two years for indi- Righteous Brothers, and Johnny Cash performed to throngs of fans at the park. viduals who have made outstanding contributions to the promotion and/or pres- By the end of the 1960s, however, racial tensions were emerging, as Spring- ervation of Route 66. The selection includes a lake’s owner refused to fully integrate the park. In 1971 that friction exploded nomination and committee process conduct- into what the Daily Oklahoman called a “3- ed by the association. The winners’ plaques Hour Riot” at the park. Springlake never are displayed in the Hall of Fame, which is fully recovered from the damage to its repu- located in the museum’s Wow! Room. tation, and closed its gates following a fire in Although the COVID-19 pandemic has 1981. Shortly thereafter, the Oklahoma City caused the cancelation of this year’s festivi- Vo-Tech Board purchased the property and ties, please help the Oklahoma Route 66 Mu- made plans to build a new campus. seum celebrate this milestone anniversary by In the future, the Big Dipper roller coaster visiting sometime during the year. For more car will be on display in the exhibit Cross- information about visiting the Oklahoma The Valentine Diner on display at roads of Commerce: A History of Free Enter- Route 66 Museum, please contact Pat Smith the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum prise in Oklahoma, located in the Inasmuch at 580-323-7866 or [email protected], or was originally open for business Foundation Gallery on the first floor. visit www.okhistory.org/route66. in 1956 in Texas.