A MYSTIC TEMPLE REVEP'~5D WINTER GARDENS --h-D\- -A

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA

Vnl. 41. No. 1

FEATURES

AN EAGLE EYE 8 Oklahoma is a kind of winter resort for bald eagles, who fly down for the fishing and mild weather. Here's where to look for them. By Susan Witf

INTO THE MYSTIC: THE SCOTTISH RITE TEMPLE 14 After years of secrecy, the epic architecture and symbolic decor of the Masonic Lodge in Guthrie are unlocked. By David Kulick, photographs by Jostph Mik

GARDEN GETAWAYS 30 Visits to four warm spots where flowers bloom all winter long. By CadCampbe1

STAGE-STRUCK 35 Oklahoma has the third largest number of community theaters in the nation. If our winters were longer, we might be number one. By Barbara Palmer, photographs by Stme Sisney

TURNING THE LIGHTS BACK ON 40 In towns lucky enough- to have them, the movie palaces of 1 the 1920s are being recycled as community arts centers for the 1990s. By Barbara Palmer, flhotographs by Steee Sisney

THE MAGNIFICENT COLEMAN 42 In 1929, mining magnate George Coleman took some of his lead and zinc money and built a landmark theater. The mining boom has come and gone, but the Coleman is a stunner yet. By Barbara Palmer Page 21

DEPARTMENTS

1UUA Y 1lY UKLAHUMA 't IN SHORT 5 LETTERS 6 OMNIBUS The Boise City Bombing, by Jeanne M. Ddn 7 PORTFOLIO 24 FOOD Indian Beef Jerky, by Sumtfe Bmer 43 WEEKENDER Trout Fishing Basics, by M. Scott Carter 45 ARTS Shoebox Songwriters, by Jim Stafford 47 ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR A guide to what's happening 49

COVER: The 63-year-old Poncan Theater at 106 E. Grand in Ponca City is being restored. Photograph by Steve Sisney. Insidefrontcover: The unnamed bronze sculpture that sits at the entrance to the capitol in Oklahoma City was presented to the state in 1930 by creator Constance Whitney Warren. Photograph by Casey Carlton. Back cover:Tulsa's skyline at sunrise. Photograph by David Vinyard.

January-February 1991 3 Today 11 OOlahoma hirty-fiveyearsagoOkIahoma volunteers usually work thousands of Today began telling readers hours scrubbing and cleaning, raising David Walters, Governor about the state's scenic money for roofs and air conditioning. In beauty, its unique history and Ponca City and Miami, the theater Tinteresting places to visit. Truth to tell, owners donated the old buildings to the scenery wasn't so beautiful then, the city. there were not that many places to visit Community theater sometimes gives Hished by the OkIahoma as now, and highway travel was limited. a boost to hidden talent. Last fall, Clin- and Recreation Depamnent After all, Oklahoma was only 49 years ton pharmacist Patricia Rodgers went old in 1956, and it takes time to plant to auditions for "The Last of tl;re Red net. Editor-in-Chief hl Devl~n.Maneging Editor trees and to build parks and lakes as Hot Lovers" to offer her services as a Design, Inc., Art Direction % Production well as highways. Oklahoma Today has member of the crew. Shyness turned grown and evolved along with the state. Rodgers back at the door two times. Palmer, Assistant Editor ie Mayberm, Subscription Services Changes in the She did go in, fi- reckenridge, Events Calendar printing industry nally, and director and photography Mike Perkins if ourism and Reereation Directors have been phe- asked she would enn Sull~van,Exmfme D~mior nomenal. We'll like to stay and ael L. Mocaa, Deputy Dtrector write more about watch auditions. ns Marek, Plunning bDeetslopmtnt these changes "Then he asked leen Marks, ~WanbetingSe&ru and what the me if I would like magazine has ac- to read. I said, ism and Recreation Commission complished in the 'NO!' 77 March-April 35th Two months Gui... .I .. --v...u. i Rite ML -. ~ight. later ROdgers All the maga- made her debut as zine's past covers have been framed one of the leads. and are on exhibit at thecapitol through Although 69 years old, one of the May. Unfortunately, no copy of the state's largest and most elegant build- nc L.Wtll~ams t. Gov. Jack hitldren, Ex @ffkio very first issue, dated January 1956, ings until recently has been closed to exists in our office files. We'd sure like the public. The mammoth Masonic Okiuhomu Todny (ISSN0030-1892) is publ~shed to show off that first copy in an en- Temple in Guthrie covers 252,000 May. July,Septem- ahoma'l'ourism and closed display case at the Capitol if you square feet on five levels and sits on Will Rogers Bldg., have one to loan. If you do, please give 10.5 acres. We go on tour in this issue. icy, OK 73152. (405) us a call and we'll workout an appropri- Kym Wilson began submitting his . Subscription pnces: ate reward. beautiful photographs of southeastern by Okbhoma T& We also would like to honor those Oklahoma in 1983. A dedicated pho- loyal, longtime readers who began tographer, he was best known for his ctlon in whole or in part without IS proh~brted.The magazine is not subscribing in 1956. Drop us a note if photographs of eagles. Everyone in for unsolic~tedrnarer~al for editorial you began subscribing in the 1950s. McCurtain County, says his mother As civic leaders in small towns have Mary Wilson, knew that the Kiamichi Pr~ntedat PennWell Pr~nt~ng,Tulsa. become interested in renovationof their Mountains were covered with "Kym downtowns, some have discovered their Wilson's blinds" from which he

best designed building is an abandoned watched eagles feeding and in flight. "." movie theater. And now, the old thea- Kym died last winter, shortly after ters are once again the town's cultural completing his assignment on eagles center with plays performed by the for this issue. Kym and his photography local community theater group. will be missed. Before the grand opening, however, -Sue Carter

Oklahoma TODAY Main Street Program and a fervent brick was saved. Another point of pride preservation advocate, was impressed that for Frantz: Antique sandstone moldings A Building the bank is the site of Okmulgee's first came from area salvage yards, a commercial stone building, a trading post McAlester company made the wood Makeover: built by the enterprising white settler windows, and another Okie firm tinted ~rederickB. severs ,,,, ,,,,,,,,,, , and cast the , decorative concrete From Plain to I in 1868. But he also / remembers thinking molding. Plain Beautiful I that not enough 1 The finished money existed to product also laid any hree years ago, the Mabreys of recreate the brick questions about the T Okmulgee decided to spend bank as it appeared Mabreys' sanity to $350,000 to strip their modern, stucco- in the old photo- rest. encased bank down to its quaint 1901 graph the Mabreys- so The Severs' After. 1904fmiSited. Building has brick self. proudly showed him. The decision caused a local stir. "I originally thought triggered 28 Downtown Okmulgee in 1987 was a even if we had a million dollars we restorations in the downtown (an street of nondescript buildings with aging couldn't do it,'' Frantz recalls. investment of $2 million) and half of the metal facades that looked as down-and- He agreed, however, to withhold his $1.7 million needed to restore the Creek out as Oklahoma's COURTE~YOKUHOMAMAIN STREET PROOW final diagnosis until Nation Capitol Building across the street. economy was. he had performed In 1990, the building won Oklahoma (Weeks earlier, the exploratory surgery to Main Street's first "Best Historic Reha- town's other bank see if the building's bilitation" award, as well as one from the had escaped down- stucco was plastered Oklahoma Chapter of the American town for a new on - a frame (good) or Institute of Architects. It also graced the building near a strip on the original brick pages of Historic Preseteration magazine, mall.) Needless to (bad). "We chipped and so captured the fancy of staffers in say, "The people of off 4- to 6-feet of the regional office of the National Trust 1954 Okmulgee were Before, &a facade. stucco and realized for Historic Preservation in Denver that concerned about we could go all the they now send people down just to take a our sanity," says Bruce Mabrey, executive way with it," says Frantz. gander at it. vice president of Citizens National Bank And SO they did. For the Mabrey family, however, the & Trust Co. In the end, tons of stucco came off the real payoff is measured in the long-term Preservation experts were, too. row of buildings that is known as Severs' health of their downtown. "It just looks Ron Frantz, architect for the Oklahoma Block, and ninety percent of the original alive again," says John Mabrey.

Slumber and Learn at the Omniplex

nce upon a time, spending the night "Gee that wasn't so bad." globe. They've partaken of chemistry ex- 0 in the Omniplex was the stuff of Since then thousands of kids have periments, observatory outings and plane- fairy tales, as unlikely (and thus as desir- plopped pillows down in the crystal mole- tarium shows. In the process, the able) as being locked in the Swiss Family riilp the charlnw hn~and 11nder the hi? Omniplex has become a more special Robinson tree house or Toys 'R Us. "For m place for Oklahoma children. years, I don't think it ever occurred to "There's no pressure," explains anyone that you could stay all night in a Bussey. "If they want to spend two hours museum," admits Beth Bussey, Omni- riding the moon swing, they can spend plex's education director. two hours riding the moon swing." Then, in the same month in 1986, it In an unexpected bonus, the camp-ins occurred to both her boss (who had heard have helped teachers and scout leaders of a Seattle science museum trying it) and stretch miserly field-trip budgets. Groups an Oklahoma Camp Fire leader, a woman explore the Omniplex by night and then with 112 girls specifically in mind. the nearby Cowboy Hall of Fame or zoo Those girls came, camped, explored Redlandscouts Melanie Wesseh, Danielle by day. "I think it's something we're and disappeared with the morning sun. Rippetoe, Nicole Cunningham and Lynsey going to see more of," predicts Bussey. The verdict? Leach stake a choice spot at the Omnipla. For information, call (405) 424-5545.

January-February 1991 5 You said you might be interested in pendable coal mines and the farmingof our Dick Tracy mural-if we got it. We another man's land as accurately as if LETTERS got it. And everybody in Pawnee is he had lived through it. I appreciated proud as punch. Dave Crenshaw's photographs also. Ijust received your September-Octo- One woman took her five grandkids Edna Douglass Frederick ber 1990 issue. Your article on "Saving to the t-shirt store-had Chester Gould Mesa, Arizona Our Trees" was beautiful. printed on the front-then took them I used to live in Oklahoma, but now to the new mural to have their pictures Although I live in Texas at the pres- I live in New York. When I tell folks taken. Makes it all worthwhile. ent time, I have always claimed Okla- that I lived in Oklahoma, all they pic- Got to go-got a call on my wrist homa as my home state and have been ture is a dustbowl. They never believe telephone. taking Oklahoma Today for many years. me when I try to describe the state as Darrell Gambill The Rainy Mountain story (May- having trees, rivers and other scenic Pawnee June 1990) was very interesting for we views. Now all I have to do is show (Birthplace of Chester Gould) lived only two miles southeast of the them your magazine. Now they'll know mountain on an eighty-acre farm, my what I have known for years-that Mr. Cambill's enthusiasm was so father purchased in 1903.We were well Oklahoma is a beautiful and versatile infectiou staff photographer Fred W. acquainted with the Momaday family, state. Marveldashed off to Pawnee to capture the especially Aho. I get back to Oklahoma every few new muralonfilm so we couldshareit with The old Indian school building is years but your magazine keeps me from you. now in ruins, but your article brought missing it altogether. back many memories of the Kiowas Keep up the good work. and their way of life. Lisa Gambuti Merlin L. Cook Goshen, New York San Antonio, Texas Your September-October 1990 issue In our November-December issue on is wonderful and revives many memo- American Indian art, we mistakenly ries in a long-lost but loyal Okie born in identified painter Shamon Ahtone Harjo the Territory. (About 1923 my sister as a Shawnee. She is afull-Mood Kiowa. Marie Buel Alison took me to a cere- We also left the impression that Done-Pi mony dedicatinga marker at the Coun- was Alice Littleman 's grandfather; he was cil Oak tree.) , ?g$gL'' 1 her pat-grandfather. In our September- Great story about my cousin Carl Al- Pawnee Oklahoma,, October issue, the famous potter Maria bert. Martinez was idmttjiedas a Navajo, she is Col. Arnold V. Wyss USA Ret The Hale buildinggets a mural. San Ildefonso Pdo.We reptthe errors Luray, Virginia and hope this sets the record straight. You destroyed my boast that I went SI'A'I'BMENI'OF OWNERSHIP, MANA(iEMENI'&(:IRCIII.K~ION to school with Carl Albert. In 1912, at (I) lhrr c~fAlin~ Scpc. 27. IW (2)'l'itlc of Puhliertit,n: Oklrhoma'l'uduy Mi~prine the age of 7, I attended the Bug Tussle NEXT ISSUE: The arrival of March (3) Fwqurnry #sf ikruc: Bi-Mcmthly 14) Ofivc ef Puhli~wricm:Oklahoma Tcday Maga~ine.Tcnurism & School. Now, I learn that Carl was only means it's time to get down to seri- Rrcreariun Ikpc.. P.O. Box 533114. OKC. OK 73105 (5) Mailing Address: Lmc four years old in 1912 so he couldn't ous vacation planning. As you and (6)Name and addrrs, of publisher. edirnr and mmsgingedimr: yours haul out the road maps, travel Sue (:mrr. Okluhoml'linlay Map~aains.P.O. Box 533114. OKC. OK have been there that day. My younger 73lll%Mmrging Bdiwr: Jcrnnr Dcvlin. Okluhomu 'Iinlay Maprinc. brochures and compasses, we'll con- P.O. &>x 53.W. OK<:. OK 73105 siblings attended McAlester schools (7) Owner. State of Okluhamr 'I'ounsm & Recreation Dcpr.. tribute a special travel issue of Okfa- P.0. &,x SJJW OK<;. OK 7.31115 with him, but by that time I was a rural (U) Rcmdhdder*: Nonc homa Today to the discussion. This (9)Non-profit status: Hu norchangcd during pwcsdinp 12 mrmthr. teacher. (10) Extcnr md narurc ef puhlicarion: expanded issue will guide you to area I2 Monrh Acruai Nearest By the time he ran for office, I was in Avrragc Filing Dare powwows, idyllic bed-and-breakfast A.'I'owl numkr ~dr~,picr: 43.583 43.51Wl Arizona so can't even claim the honor R. Paid rnd/ur rcgucrmd eircalati#m: inns and places where you can rent (I) lk;llcrs.e;lrricn. vcndvn md of voting for him, though our families the family a teepee, pick a bouquet cmsntcr wlcs: 2.775 5,746 (2) Mail suhheripri#,nr: 24.435 .W.WI were friends from the time the Alberts, of wildflowers or careen down sand (:.'liswl paid mdkr wquerrcd circulrtic~n37,210 40.687 I). Free dirrrihutiun hy mail, EITT~FT. Scotts, Douglasses, and Humphreys dunes. All this and a glorious photo or 'nrhcr muns: 2.537 2.013 E.Tor~ldistrihurion (Sum sf(:and I)): JY.747 U..UKl migrated to the territory. essay of five photographers' idea of I;. (bpicr nm dimihuwd; (I)Ofim esc, left uvcr. an;l~xosnred: 715 ZIXI Your talented Danney Goble de- the most beautiful spot in our state (2) Kcturn frum New. Agcnr*: 3.121 0 in the March-April issue of Okfahoma (i.'lYYI'AI. (Bsm#sfE. FI and 2-shvuld scribed the discouragement of shut- cqurl ncr prers run shown in A): 43.58.3 4JJlKI Today. Ieenify that the rvrremcnn made hy mc ahwe are ctmecr and tling back and forth between the unde- c<.omplerc.-Sue (bner.Edin~r-in-(:hid

Oklahoma TODAY The Bombing of Boise City A once in a iiJettime bioopez (H~p~idi'y.)

ometimes a town has to dig called Dalhart screaming, "We're being deep to find what makes it bombed." Instead of offering help, the unique. Other times, the an- officer requested a status report. Only S swer drops from the sky. after the fifth explosion did he take pity Literally. on the caller and say, "'Turn the damn For Boise City, fame fell into its lap lights off in the city."' on July 5,1943, the night it became the Aboard the Thundermug, bombar- only town in the United States to be dier William Bickler assumed he'd hit bombed-by our side. "It's a standout the controls on the target's lights. He point in our town's history," brags aimlessly dropped a sixth bomb before Stanley Manske, a lawyer who has aborting the mission and heading home persuaded locals to erect a memorial to with four bombs left over. the incident on the courthouse square. The Thundermug crew returned to The memorial is geared to the bomb- Dalhart to find a major inspecting each ing's 50th anniversary in 1993, but this of the 35 bomb bays as the planes spring it will be put on view, along with landed. All were empty, except one. photos, "Boise City Bombed" head- The next day, the Thundermug crew lines, and a gussied-up bomb that has Nom6ene (~uttwbaud)Young, ridt,and awoke to banners that read: "Remem- been floating around the community Ellis Ma& (Adee) Ward. ber the Alamo. Remember the Maine. for years. "We took it to the body shop Remember Pearl Harbor, and For and took the dents out of it and then to drop every bomb. God's Sake. Remember Boise City!" had it painted," confides Manske. The community of Boise City (pop. Assimotos checked out of the hospi- His efforts to understand what went 1,761) sits 40 miles north of the Okla- tal only to learn he and his crew had the awry that night have led to the bombar- homa-Texas line. The bombing range choice of being court-martialed or sent dier who lit the fuses, townsfolk who was 40 miles north of Dalhart. Assimo- into combat. "Having so nicely quali- were awakened by the explosions, and tos figures the navigator took his first fied with their accurate bombing of a reporter who called it "the greatest reading from the border, instead of the Boise City," he quips, "they chose to comedy of errors of World War 11." base, putting Thundermug 80 miles, go (overseas)." And to think it all started with a bad instead of 40 miles, north of home. Back in Oklahoma, folks calculated cold. That night, Lt. Col. Samuel As- In the end, however, Boise City the damage (one roof, one church wall, simotos, navigator for the Thunder- sealed its own fate. one sidewalk, three lawns) and filled mug, a sturdy AT-1 1 lovingly named Town lights do not normally re- the bomb holes as if they were any and appropriately painted with a pic- semble the cross lights of a target- pesky pothole. Forty years later, the ture of a chamber pot spitting out even at 20,000 feet. But that night, only incident still inspires floats in the bombs, was grounded with a head cold. four street lights in Boise City were on, town's annual Santa Fe Trail Daze pa- Another man, now dead, took his post. and with the courthouse they formed rade. The Thundermug crew left Dalhart a cross on the square. "Later we saw As for the Thundermug crew, it went Air Force Base in Texas with 35 other pictures of the night bombing range on to man the lead navigation plane for aircraft headed for a bombing range and the blacked out courthouse," re- 800 bombers the day the Allies flew near Conlen, Texas. Each bomber car- calls Assimotos. "Nobody could tell the into Berlin on March 4,1944. The crew ried ten men, ten 100-pound bombs- difference. I guess the bombardier is known in officers' clubs the world made of 95 pounds of sand and four couldn't either because he went ahead over, however, for six bombs that found pounds of gun powder (enough to and dropped six bombs on the town." their &a1 resting place in Oklahoma. ensure a modest explosion) and orders After three explosions, someone Jeanne M. Devlin

January-February1991 winter day in Oklahoma. 'l'he wind is sharp, but the sun inviting. It's Saturday, and 27 explorers have journeyed to this mystical jumble of rugged boulders rising incongruously from the flat farm- AGuide land near Lone Wolf. They've assembled at the magical place that once was a winter camp and Asacred ground to the Kiowa and Comanche Indians. The visitors gather at the lodge to form a search party and then march to the mountain to stalk those of ancient Ameri- can heritage who still find a winter haven at the mountain's Twin Peaks and the blue waters of Lake Altus-Lugert. Who makes winter camp at QuartzMountain in this day and age? The American Bald Eagle. About eight to ten Bald Eagles roost at Quartz Mountain State Park each year from late November to March. The majestic birds come here to m Oklahoma escape the harsh winters of their northern nesting grounds and to find easy fishing in the free-flowing warm waters. But the scouting party, led by Quartz Mountain naturalist Vickie Mason, is getting restless. They've been searching the By Susan Witt skies for quite some time now, and the only eagles they've seen were on the film she showed before they left the lodge. "Unfortunately, I can't train them,'' Mason tells her impa- tientcrew. "They're not like my dog. I can't whistle and make them do tricks. "It just takes patience. It seems like sometimes they're playing games with us, waiting for us to leave before they come out," she said. "If we don't see one here, you might- want to drive around the lake when we get back. That's when I see most of them," she said. "I usually drive around with my head out the truck $ ~ ~ , ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ a ~ ~ p " ~ $ ~ ~ ~ f " ~ e window, looking at the sky. You have to be careful, though. foodsupply isgood Eagles that hew You don't want to get so interested in the eagles you drive off /erne t/lesfafefort/reGwat Lakes or Canada the road." by March.

8 Oklahoma TODAY

To get this shot last January, photographer David Vinyard dug an undepundblind, camoufhged the top and waited insidefor ten hours with I I his camera trained on the tree. The immature eagle was good at catchingfuh (he caughtfwe), but not as pmfin'ent at eating them (he dmpped three).

Her anxious followers place a hand offer plentiful food-fish, deer, and over their brows to shield the morning In contrast to their waterfowl. sun as they strain to search the skies territorial behavior Although the American Bald Eagle is some more. Still no luck. One by one, still listed as an endangered species in the would-be eagle watchers begin a during breeding season 43 states, the future of the eagle is less dejected walk back to the lodge. up north, eagles are very bleak than it was two decades ago, They've almost reached the parking when widespread use of the pesticide lot when someone yells, "There!" social during their DDT had stymied the species' repro- The huge raptor soars over the tops winters in Oklahoma. duction, development had destroyed of Twin Peaks, his seven-foot wing- They roost in trees near nesting areas and the powerful birds span leaving no doubt that he is an often were hunted and killed. Thekey eagle, even though he is an immature the rivers and lakes to saving the eagle was the banning of one. Too young to have the distinctive where they feed. Up to DDTin 1972and the restrictions placed white head and tail that mark eagles at on the use of other pesticides. In addi- about five years of age, he is a mottled 200 eagles have been tion, stiff state and federal penalties brown. known to use a single have been imposed for killing the The eagle watchers are thrilled, but night roost in Oklahoma. eagles, and public and private wildlife silent, captivated by the grace and refuges have provided habitat for nest- power of this enormous bird. They trail ing and roosting areas. the eagle as it soars down from the An estimated 800 Bald Eagles are Today, Bald Eagles can be seen at mountain and over the blue water in a lured to the state each year by Okla- any of Oklahoma's large lakes or major show so picture-perfect it belongs in a homa's mild winters and the miles and rivers from November to March. Peak Sierra Club calendar. miles of shoreline and pastureland that season is January through February.

10 Oklahoma TODAY When the weather warms for an ex- 9 ., tended period, the eagles return to the @ North-around the Great Lakes- where they breed with a mate for life. Most all leave Oklahoma by April. But for four or five winter months, Oklahomans are blessed with their presence. Viewing the eagle doesn't require a trip to an area as remote as Quartz Mountain State Park, although the rugged beauty of the mystical mountain adds to the thrill of tailing this magnificent bird. Perhaps the most- watched Oklahoma eagles are at Key- stone Lake, where the Tulsa Audubon Society conducts free tours each week- end in January for thousands of enthu- siasts. In 1990, more than 3,000 people hiked the area in their attempt to sight an eagle. In a parking lot at Keystone Dam, Audubon Society members give edu- cational talks the birds, and Winter counts of eagles show that the Arkansas River from Clmeland to the eastenr state line is Alexander, a staff member at the George one of the best places to spot eagles. These birdwatchen are up early with members of the Tulsa M. Sutton Avian Research Center in Audubon Sobe@ on the riverbank south of the Keystone Dam, a prime eagle-eatchiugsitp. Bartlesville, shows Sequoyah, a Bald Eagle kept in captivity for educational ily, we've always managed to spot at the chilly eagle watchers pulled off the purposes. (Health problems prevent least one on every tour," the Audubon road near the towers. These adventur- Sequoyah's release to the wild.) host tells his audience on the bus. ers, feet still wet with river sand, stood Tethered to his handler, Sequoyah Yet on this chilly January Saturday in a dry parking lot, leaned against their allows the curious who come to Key- morning, the bestviewthey couldoffer cars and enjoyed the best seat in the stone to get a close-up view of an visitors was through a scope sighted on house for the eagles' display. immature Bald Eagle. After becoming a mature Bald Eagle sitting in a tree so The fact is eagle watching is a sport acquainted with Sequoyah, watchers far away it was impossible to see with even a couch potato can enjoy. There's are shuttled by chartered buses from the naked eye, or even binoculars. Still, no need to tromp through the woods for the dam to a viewing area a mile down even a glimpse of the stern-looking thiscommunewith nature.?'hese birds the Arkansas River. bird that Americans recognize as a of prey love Oklahoma's many reser- There on the riverbank, Audubon symbol of our nation's strength is im- voirs, where fish often are injured or members are waiting for the eagle pressive. Thetour participants seemed disoriented after passing through the watchers. They have done the hard happy just to view him on his perch, turbines that generate power at the work for them. Theclub members have even if he didn't fly. dams. The eagles aren't too proud to spotted eagles that may be sitting on a One by one, as the wet sand along the steal a meal just below the dam before sandbar or perching in trees far down- riverbankchilled their feet to the bone, the fish regain their bearings. Easy streamand have focused their powerful the eagle watchers reluctantly gave up pickings at feeding time-just after scopes on the birds. Watchers, young their posts and boarded a bus to return sunup-leave the eagles the rest of the and old, can find a scope suitable for to the dam. There, they scrambled into day for play. And the birds are as im- their height and zoom in for a look. The their cars and fired up the heaters to pressive at playtime as they are master- ever-patient Audubon members con- warm their toes on the trip home. But ful at mealtime. "Eagles are incredibly tinually readjust the scopes as anxious their journey home was cut short. As exciting to watch," says Jim Lish, an viewers bump them off target. They the eagle watchers crossed the dam, adjunct professor of zoology at Okla- help those having trouble spotting a thosestilllookingskywardspottedwhat homa State University who may be bird to be sure that everyone gets a they'd come to see. Six eagles soared Oklahoma's most experienced eagle glimpse of an eagle. over the power towers near the dam, watcher. Of course, the Audubon members seemingly oblivious to the crowds that Lish, whose first eagle watching was have the same problem that the natu- were straining their eyes to find them a done as a boy while growing up near ralist at Quartz Mountain did: Some mile downstream. Warmed and rejuve- eastern Oklahoma's Grand Lakc o' the days theeaglesdon't cooperate. "Luck- nated by the sight of the soaring birds, Cherokees, has studied and written

- -- - January-February 1990 11 The wing 4pTi of the Atr4rrcriwrrBa/d Eagk is six- to smen-feet bclvJJ, lllakingit one of die lagat birds ofprey in the worM. InPi@t, the tops of the w8r48 extensively about Bald Eagles and right off the surface of the water. They lands on a perch occupied by another Golden Eagles in Oklahoma. He spent interact, chase each other, and displace eagle, forcing the roosting bird to fly to nearly two years on a master's thesis each other on communal roosts," Lish another perch. Often, one displacement project, observing the birds at lakes says. triggers achain reaction in which all the across the state, most extensively at the In contrast to territorial behavior birds change perches for several min- Great Salt Plains Reservoir and Na- during breeding season up North, he utes. Studies show that mature eagles tional Wildlife Refuge near Cherokee said, eagles are very social during their force the perch displacement more inNorthwest Oklahoma. He also draws winters in Oklahoma. They roost in often than younger birds, and it is be- and paints eagles; some of his art ap- trees near the rivers and lakes where lieved that a social hierarchy exists pears on the Bald Eagle brochure they feed, and up to 200 eagles have among the eagles. printed by the Oklahoma Department been known to use a single night roost It is rare for Bald Eagles to nest in of Wildlife Conservation. in Oklahoma. Oklahoma-though a few attempts What has made Lish a life-long ad- Though a few birds can be seen in have been documented. Occasionally, dict of eagle watching? "Eagles are big the roosts at any time of day, they however, eagle watchers in Oklahoma and impressive. They have a seven- generally return to the roosts in large may be lucky enough toview the eagles' foot wingspan, stand three- to three- numbers at nightfall, he says. A com- courtship behavior when a warm win- and-a-half-feet-tall, and weigh eight to mon behavior at the roosting site is ter day sparks a touch of spring fever in fifteen pounds. They can pick a fish perch displacement-when one eagle the birds.

Oklahoma TODAY $1 times confused with Golden Eagles I 1 because both are nearly solid brown. One distinction is the leg. The Bald Eagle's is naked and yellow, while Golden Eagles have feathers all the way down to the toes. In flight, Bald Getting Fountainheac Eagles soar with flat wings, golden There Eagles-and vultures-soar with their wings raised in a slight "V." How can a novice eagle watcherget best It is believed that many years ago started? Some of the places anlakes at state parks where nafura/isbguide Bald Eagles lived and nested on the Oklahoma prairies and fed on animal Eagle watches are scheduled Jan. 5 carcasses there, particularly buffalo. and 19 and Feb. 2 and 16 at Quartz In "A History of Bald Eagle Nesting Mountain State Park, (405)563-2238; Activity in Oklahoma" Lish and Steve Feb. 2 and 9, Fountainhead State K. Sherrod of the Sutton Avian Re- Park, (918) 689- 7450; and Feb. 9 at search Center observed that though Sequoyah State Park, (918) 772-2046. historical references mention Bald Of 3oseparks, eagles are easiest to see Eagles nesting here, there are no de- at Quartz ~ountainState Park, says tailed records. Whit Edwards, state parks progfams The authors note that French traders director. An eagle release program at Fountainhead State Park ako increases traveled the territory by its rivers, and the eagle-watching odd. For more traded with Indians who highly prized infonnation, call the park ofies or call eagle feathers. Back then, eagles nest- Edwards at (405) 521-3411. ing along the rivers, their huge nests- Eagles anon the agenda, too, during as wide as 10 feet, deep as 20 feet and ~ate$olml Toun at Sequoyah State weighing two tons-would have been Park, conducted through January. In highly conspicuous to the traders. addition to eagles, naturalists keep an Next, they noted, the Five Civilized eye outfor blue herons, pelicans and Tribes, whose members were familiar egmts. Theis a $She for the boat tour. with the ways of Europeans, including For resemations, call(918) 772-2108. For infonnation about the Tulsa the use of firearms, moved here. And, World/Tu/sa Auduhn Society they noted, if any nesting eagles sur- programs on the Arkansas River below vived that period, they surely would the dam on Keystone Loke, call Libby have had a hard time surviving the Stalter at the Tulsa World, (918) 581- "biological disasters" at the turn of the 8385. e in a straight line. century-the land run, widespread Lakes near powerplants are deforestation, and poisoning, trapping hospitabfeto wintering eagles, since the and extermination of predators by the water is wanner there. Two such lakes "Theircourtship is spectacular," Lish settlers. with public access are Konawa Me, says. The Sutton center is attempting to near Konawa, and Sooner Me,north Eagles fly 20 to 60 miles per hour in reestablish nesting Bald Eagles in of Stillwatec The Oklahoma Department of normal flight and can reach speeds of Oklahoma by hatching eaglets from Wild$ Consemationpublishes kwo over 100 miles per hour while diving. eggs collected in Florida, and releasing Theterm "eagle-eye" is no joke-their brochuresfor eagle watchers. One, "The them in Oklahoma. The reason for Bald Eagle in Oklahoma, "contains eyesight is five to six times sharper hatching the eagles here is the hope facts, a history of eagles in Oklahoma than a human's and an eagle can spot a that they will return to their place of and drmings to he& distinguish the fish swimming a mile away. birth by the time they are ready to bald eaglefrom other birds. A new A small number of Golden Eagles- breed. brochure mesin on the specifics of distant cousins to the Bald Eagle- If the center is successful, Oklaho- watching eagles in winter, listing the top nest in the western part of Oklahoma. mans may some day be able to watch 15places to spot eagles andphone The Golden Eagle is a more western the eagles year-round and view their numbersfor eagle watch programs. For bird, rangingover mountains and grass- mammoth nests in the tops of trees. a copy of one or both brochures, senda land and feeding primarily on rabbits, SASE to the Department of WiMlife rodents and other small mammals, Consemation, 1801 N. Lincoln, rather than the fish the Bald Eagle Susan Witt is a TuLsa-basedfreeLance Oklahoma City, OK 73105. loves. Immature Bald Eagles are some- writer.

January-February 1990 13 g# I.. -. k:' :

"What does it mean?" visitors ask. "Who put it here?" travelers wonder. "Why is it in Guthrie?" they muse. For years, answers to these questions were not easily forthcoming. Townspeople could identify the building as The Masonic Lore the Guthrie Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, one of three in the state of Oklahoma owned by members of the Masonic uringEurope's Age of Enlightenment, fraternity. They could even explain that members of the freemasonry was one of the laeest so- Scottish Rite, a branch of freemasonry, spend their lives cieties of men in the world. Its mem- studying the great moral, religious and philosophical les- D bers, trmstees of morals, ethics andphilosophies sons of the 18th century Enlightenment. What towns- people could not do was satisfy a traveler's curiosity about fortheirtime. "They studied, "saysRobert Davis the temple itself, anymore than they could show them its of Guthrie's Scottish Rite Temple, "the tenets of eclectic interior. the worlds great religions, the teachings of the In fact, the temple was as much a mystery to locals as it worl'dsgreatphilosophers,the experiments of the was to outsiders, as mysterious as the secret rites, or "Mys- teries," practiced by the Masons within the temple's mas- worl'd's gnat civilizations. " sive walls. In the 20th century, little has changed. Masons According to Robert Davis, who has been the temple's still trace their ancestry to craft associations or business manager since 1986, this impression of the temple "lodges" of medieval stone masons. They still as a mysterious place was fueled for years by the very per- sonality of the fraternity. "In the early 20th century, we spenda lifetimeseeking virtue and wisdom. They were considered to be the quiet fraternity," admits Davis. still rguse to recruit members, priemzmzngthat "But as more younger men entered the fraternity, they felt men (for all Masons are men) on their own seek like we needed to be more open." out the fraternity. This hunger for openness on the part of young Masons coincided with a renewed interest in Guthrie as a commu- All Masons mz~stjoin a local Blue Lodge. nity in its architectural heritage. By 1984, Guthrie was fast There are 289 Blue Lodges and 48,000 Blue on the road to being named the largest historic preservation Lodge Masons in Oklahoma, alone. At this level, district in the country. Masons, meanwhile, were becoming a Mason earns the first three of a possible 33 increasingly aware that not only did "we probably own the most beautiful building in Oklahoma," says Davis, but also degrees, or lessons. He needgo no far the^ But if a good piece of Oklahoma history. he aspires to be a Shrine< the philanthropic The Guthrie Scottish Rite Masonic Temple, all 252,000 members of the Masonic fraternity, he must con- square feet of it, sits on the site of the first state capitol. After tinue on to one of two higher orders: The York Oklahoma City stole the capital in 1911, the city of Guthrie no longer had need of its Convention Hall and the property Rite, the religious branch, orthe Scottish Rite, the that had been named Capitol Park. In 1919,the city sold the Continued on page 21 10 acres and hall to the Scottish Rite Masonic Building Company for one dollar, provided improvements be made. The Masons voted to erect a new temple on the site, and their improvements amounted to more than $3 million- $60 million in 1991 dollars if one could even build such a building today. "Before long," Davis recalls, "we realized that we had such a dominant, imposing piece of property in the middle of the community that we were an integral part of that historical renovation effort. We became a part of the drive to show Guthrie off as the territorial capital." In 1984,with little fanfare, the Masons opened the temple to the public.

In the Am'um, a stonefrom dre same guany as h madkfor King Solomon's Tmpkp is laid into dre wall over he main ad.Since PaleJtne was unak British control when the Tetnpk was built, obtaining thestone npindanAct of Padianatwt. Rid6 tihi Art Derofloor hmp in th Assyrian Room is a departurefrom the ~mbolichktory in the inmors. Such lamps are in the tetnpk, says ahticdirector Jim Tmner, because ')eopk liked th."

January-February 1991 The Temple's Creators ntering the Masonic Temple is to physically step into a history book, with the white stone walls serv- r E ing as pages separating the centuries. Immediately inside is Imperial Rome. A few steps more, ancient Egypt. The itinerary continues through Renaissance Italy, Geor- gian England and Gothic France. One cannot enter the great hall of this temple, nor tour its evocative interiors, without asking oneself what would compel men to build such a magnificent travelogue in stone. To such questions, Robert Davis has a simple answer: "A Masonic temple is built by Masons for Masons." The grandeur of the temple, however, makes more sense when one considers that the Scottish Rite is the university course of freemasonry. The Scottish Rite Temple, its cam- pus. Masons come to the temple, as students would a campus to learn about the great religions and philosophies of the world. Thedifference is that all classrooms, along with a dormitory, two auditoriums, a kitchen, administration offices, a museum and eating and recreation halls, are housed under one roof, rather than sprawled across a cam- pus. In 1919, designing this multi-faceted, five-level building fell to the Oklahoma City architectural firm of Hawk and Parr, with Marion Davidson leading the design team. The Masons' building committee stipulated the general spatial needs and historic period each room should emulate. Mar- ion then incorporated these ideas into a cohesive floor plan and gave shape to the unadorned spaces. In 1921, the cornerstone was laid, and construction commenced. The responsibility for the interiors was given to a young woman named Kathryn (maiden name unknown), a tal- ented rug designer who had worked for Marshall Field and rl Co. in Chicago. Astonishingly, this was her first work of any size or consequence. During the early stages of construction, Kathryn im- mersed herself in the great sweep of history, researching archaeological information pertaining to each room's his- toric period. Then, only after the bare structure of the building was in place, did she emerge from the library to begin her work. Armed with watercolors, brushes, and a vast Surrounding the Egyptian Room, below the balcony, is a series of array of architectural precedent, she set up an easel in a symbolic scenes, which combined with hiemg/yphics, depict the descent corner of each room and executed detailed into the underworld of a scribe named Ani. renderings. Wall finishes, lighting, furniture, hardware, and, of course, floor coverings were all depicted with intricate detail. Local artisans, working alongside European craftsmen, would take measurements directly from her renderings, casting each fixture and carving each molding Kathryn painted. Most of the designs for the enormous rugs were sent to Ireland, where the wools were hand-dyed to match the color tones in Kathryn's paintings. This process contin- ued room by room, with Marion providing construction details where necessary. This collaboration between archi- tect and interior designer must have been an amicable one, for before construction of the temple was complete, Marion

18 Oklahoma TODAY -. ,r !I

I ill I:!

In daylight, the windoavs of the Masonic Temple c/ose like eye/ids. At night, thq b/aw uith the fire of finP stainedgIass.

and Kathryn were married. Later the couple would receive 3,000-year-old inheritance, to add one's link to the great the prestigious commission of designing the interiors of chain. The architects of the American Renaissance forged New York City's Rockefeller Center. And they would many such links. America's finest buildings-libraries, divorce. museums, courthouses, state capitols-were built during this period, all utilizing imitation and assimilation for their The Desig~ vitality and meaning. The act of imitation did not carry the espite their attention to historical accuracy, the stigma it has today; the crucial distinction between imitation Davidsons' spaces were far from mere copies. To and copying was not as blurred. The Renaissance scholar the contrary, they were sophisticated and inventive Francesco Petrarca described this important distinction, responses to Scottish Rite needs and themes. Careful ex- thus: "He who writes must have a care that what he writes amination of the architectural forms and ornament chosen be similar, not identical, and that the similarity should not be will show that Marionand Kathryn employed subtle and in- of the kind that obtains between a portrait and a sitter, where sightful juxtapositions in order to evoke new meaning and the artist earns the more praise the greater the likeness, but provoke new dialogue. rather of the kind that obtains between a son and his This creative approach, although requiring a mastery of father...For the one kind of similarity is hidden, the other architectural prototypes, was not uncommon in the day of protrudes; the one creates poets, the other apes." the temple's creation. Built in the waning years of what art historians have labeled the American Renaissance-be- Interiors Highlights tween the Great Centennial of 1876 and the Great Crash of hat the Davidsons attained this ideal is immediately 1929-the Temple was the product of an architectural evident upon stepping into the Atrium, the first training which, like the law, relied heavily on scholarship, T major space within the temple. The Davidsons' treat- precedent and continuity. And, like the law, this classical ment of this space was inspired-by Rome at the time of training viewed the great works of the past as vital links in Christ. Its tall Corinthian Order supports a great barrel ceil- a great chain which was not to be broken. ing vault and sets an Imperial tone. Exquisite Corinthian The challenge was to expand, transform, and extend this capitals, or caps, with their crisply detailed Acanthus leaves

January-February 1991

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' ,f . top columns of a magnitude usually found on a building's exterior, where their capitals have usually suffered the ravishes of the elements. The vault, itself, contains a delicate stained-glass sky- , light, where, in ancient times, an opening to the sky would intellectual branch. Contrary to popular belief, have been. Below, rich Tennessee and Italian marbles, crystal chandeliers, and Tiffany windows add to the splen- one need not be Christian to be a Blue Lodge, dor of the space. Typically, the shape of Roman atriums Scottish Rite or Shrine Mason. "We never at- approached a square, but the temple's atrium is oblong in tempt to inteqret any man 'Sfaitjr, "said Davis. shape and its length stretches a mighty 190 feet. There is no theology. No plan of salvation. No This grand scale is continued in the "heart" of the temple, the Main Auditorium. Thestructure of this cavern- creed. We simply try to get a man in touch with ous space displayed tremendous structural daring at the his spirituality. " time of its creation. Thegreat sweeping arch of the balcony, The only exception to this is the York Rite, in supporting over 700 seats, was for many years the largest which Masons study Christian morals and eth- unsupported concrete arch in the world. The pipe organ also held a record for being the largest in the Southwest at ics. York Rite Masons must be Christians. the time of its installation, containing more than 5,280 The Scottsh Rite, on the other hand, is what pipes. Davis calls the university course of freemasonry. Theauditorium is the most eclectic room in the building, It is here that the next 29 Masonic degms are drawing on ornamental devices and motifs selected from several periods-Italian Baroque mixed with French ro- obtained, usually in one long weekend at one of mantic, English restraint countered with Roman extrava- the three Scottish Rite temples in the state. gance. It is here in the auditorium, that 29 one-act plays, These 29 lessons, as with the initial andfinal one for each of the 29 degrees a Scottish Rite Mason must lessons, are taught through one-actplays,one for earn, are staged. Put on in the classic community theater tra- dition, says Davis, the plays require hundreds of costumes, each degree. The plays date to the early I 700s dozens of volunteers and 99 scenic backdrops. and each one teaches a moral or ethical lesson. The Main Auditorium's companion space is a smaller For example, the fifth degree emphasizes the auditorium and lecture hall called the Egyptian Room, a virttles of industry and honesty, so the fifth play tour deforce of 4th Dynasty form, color and imagery. The Tempera paint in this room uses the same mixture of illustrates that honesty is more than not telling powdered clay and egg whites used in 3,700 B.C. Paintings lies--it involvesfuljilling commitments. produced with this technique have, in protected areas, In Europe, it can take a Mason a lifetime to maintained their brilliance for thousands of years. earn 33 degrees. In the United States, the time- With its fully equipped stage and ability to seat 650, the auditorium is patterned after Ancient Egypt's Court of the table has been shortened considerably, a conces- Dead, ruled over by Osiris and Isis. The ceiling depicts the sion to the impatience of AmehnMasons. "We celestial sky complete with stars and rising moon, repre- basically give all the lessons of the fraternity," sentingthe sky goddessNut.ThevulturegoddessNekhebut says Davis, "in a short period-about six rests in the coved frieze, while the cow-headed Hathor, goddess of home and the special patroness of women, is months- andthen we expect the Mason to spend portrayed on the balcony walls. the rest of his life studying these teachings." TheTemple's Pompeiian Room, also on the first floor, is representative of the rooms covered during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Almost all of the exquisite painting in this room was done by hand, making it one of the most expensive rooms in the temple to complete. If the Main Auditorium is the heart of the temple, then the library on the second floor is surely the head, or intellec-

Gargoyles, stainedglass and other Gothic elements are to befound in the library. The cathedral-likesethag al/udes to the fact that some of the world's great libraries were begun in monasteris. Right, the , Indian (or billiard) Room is painted in four colon symbolizingfour directions: red for tie east, black for the west, ye//ow for the south and white for the nod.

January-February 1991 himself was something of an amateur archaeologist and his study of ancient models infused his work in much the same way it did Kathryn Davidson's. His use of the oval, for example, was directly inspired by his explorations of an- cient Roman basillicas-a form already encountered in the temple's atrium. Kathryn employs the oval in several places throughout the rooms, the most conspicuous being the large ceiling medallions which support the chandeliers of Czech crystal. The beautiful stained glass, delicate painted fur- nishings, and exceptional rugs all contribute to the Ad- amesque elegance. Of special note is the rug in the Crystal Room. Weighing over two tons it is 30-by-45-feet in sizeand has 23 separate color tones. It was hand woven in Ireland in one piece and required two railway flat cars to transport it to Guthrie. The last room as one leaves the second floor of the temple is the Writing Room, designed in the period of Charles 11, about 1660. This period's interiors were known for the senseof calm and repose they induced, no doubt in response to the end of decades of widespread civilwar throughout the British Isles. The rows of writing desks and ink wells here, like the temple's Social Promenade, Domino and Billiard rooms and Ballroom, are gentle reminders that this building l7ze stuinedgluss windows in the Blue is from another time and place. Room am three of on(y 12 windows /(eft in One leaves the Writing Room, descends the marble stairs the world made by an Italian craftsman and arrives back at the crossroads of the building, the great whose secret method of creating skin tones Atrium. As with all great journeys, a tour of the temple can died with him. overload the senses under the sheer weight of such concen- trated beauty, symbolism and history. In the end, however, tual center of the building. Modeled after the French one need not be a Mason to realize that the temple explores Gothic Cathedral, its forms date from the 13thcentury, and through architecture and design the great questions that like its French predecessor, the stained glass of this room have intrigued mankind through the ages. diffuses the afternoon light in a soft luminous glow. The Ultimately, it would seem that the temple's greatest similarities end there, however. Where the light of the virtue is not the answers it provides, but the questions it cathedral tends toward an icy blue cast, here it is warm and poses, its ability to tantalize, fascinate, puzzle. Perhaps, comforting. Where the awe-inspiring height of the cathe- after all, this is the real role of the Scottish Rite Temple- dral promotes a sense of insignificance, the library's propor- to cause us to ponder. tions speak to and embrace the individual. The medieval agenda demanded an adherance to faith and was intolerant David Ktllick is a StiIlwater architect. Joseph Mills is a of questioning. Here, in the library, the opposite is true. photographer who lives in Guthrie and works in Oklahoma City. Quotations by great thinkers of the past-Milton, Shakespeare, Cicero-line the walls. The glass-enclosed bookcases replace the pews that in a cathedral would have Guthrie Tulsa extended out from the walls. The bookcases form individ- ual study carrels, an arrangement borrowed from Sir Chris- GettingThere Oklahoma topher Wren's library at Cambridge (evidence, coinciden- tally, suggests Wren was secretly a Mason). A fireplace fills 7m the spot where the Gothic altar should be. Also on the second floor are the Rose Room and Blue The Scottish Rite Temple, 1900 E. Oklahoma Avenue in Room, both, like the Crystal Room on the first floor, based Guthie, is openfor toursfrom 8 a.m. to 4p.m. on weekdays. Admission is $2for adults, $1 for seniorcitizens, andfree for on the work of Robert Adam, the most influential architect children underthe age of 19. Admission includes a tourbook to of 18th century England. His designs were known for their the temple's theme rooms. The temple closesfor Masonic elegance and delicacy as well as classical detailing. The functions, so call (405)282-1281 before visiting. temple's spacious rooms in this style display all of these The GuthrieArts and Humanities Councilschedules concerts qualities and are, perhaps, the closest to true reproductions atzdspecial events in the TempleAuditorium. For information of any within the building. Yet even in their adherence to about upcomingevents,call (405)282-7242. the prototype they still evoke distant sources, for Adam

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hotographer Richard Day has spent most of his life following his photo- graphic heroes. Ansel Adams' majestic black-and-white photos of Califor- Pnia's Sierra Nevada range led him to Yosemite. The visual power of Eliot Porter's color nature photos took him more than once into the Rockies. Then one day, Richard Day did a doubletake. The Oklahoma native, who spends his days as an OG&E vice president, suddenly realized he was spending his vacation each year on a madcap trip taking photographs in Colorado or California, only to return home to sit out the other 51 weeks of the year in his living room. "I asked myself, 'Why are you doing this?' " Day recalls. "And I decided to try something in Oklahoma." He did just that in the spring of 1988 and was bowled over by the beauty he found in his home state. An added bonus: shooting close to home lets him return to a site, time after time, until he gets what he is after. Photographing Oklahoma in the dead of winter, however, may sound more like a harsh form of penance than a photographer's dream assignment. But Richard Day likes Oklahoma in silhouette. He has become adept at predicting when a low-pressure front will move through the state, bringinga wind shift behind it, so he gets calmness for the long exposures his style of photography requires. He doesn't even mind getting up at 3 or 4 a.m. so he can get where he's going and catch his chosen subject on film at daybreak. "Almost every Saturday I go somewhere," says Day. "Oh, I know, I'm just nuts." The appeal ofwinter for Day is deep. Winter can give a photographer the perks of bright sun, the drama of deep shade or the fury of a heavy overcast sky-all in one location, sometimes all in one day. And unlike Oklahoma's short and chancy falls, when foliage is vulnerable to any sudden rain or gust of wind, winter is patient. A photographer can count on a scene remaining much the same from early November to mid-February. "That gives you two or three shots at it," says Day, with glee. Day says he likes the longer, deeper shadows a photographer can expect when a winter sun is 30 to 40 degrees off the horizontal. "You get all kinds of texture on things you normally would not. Just the trees themselves are knock outs. I have one where the light is cutting across bare branches, when the background is almost completely in shade. "It's like the limbs were set against black velvet," Day says. "You couldn't do that in summer." -Jeanne M. Devlin

Oklahoma TODAY Carhe Cmek The Nams IVichira ,l4ountains

66 Cache Creek is really a small river in my estimation. It runs past the Wichita Refuge headwaters, forms French Lake, then goes through an area called Dog Run Hollow before heading more or less south. When I took this photo, the weather was really unstable. They had predicted a light snow, but it turned out to be somewhere between a light rain and a mist. The picture was taken with a 150mm lens (mild telephoto). The lens had to be set at f/22 to do as well as it did-shutter speed was one to two seconds. There was no wind. I was actually under a good-size cedar tree to keep the moisture off the equipment."

January-February 1991 25 6,.~uawa~owaan pue PU!M ~I!Malqnoa aaeq 01 %u!uu!%aq sem I pue lu! %u!wo3 sem IUOJJ pro3 v .azaaJj 01 un4aq pey weans aql jo sa%paMoIIeys hraa ay~asnwaq 's!q~ yo03 I 1ey1 %u!u~oway~ pi03 aqnb sem I! ley] JaqwawaJ I .MaJp sno!aqo ue s! ureaas ay~jo uo!l~aga~ hraal!s ~sou~le '3u!y31e3-a6a ayL ']sea aylo~uoliue~ ay~~aylel~nquoliue~~s!poq~apy u! uayw IOU sem sy,~-ralu!M pue 11ejay1 u! lil1aln3!1~ed--uayo aqnb a~aq~0%I 'uodue3 ~s!poy~apysw~oj y3!q~eaJe aq~s! umouy ~saqayl li~qeqord'uobue3 7308 pa8 sw~ojq~!qm auo aql lal~wed ley1 syaa~3panas aJe aJay L97 Foutrhe Maline Cnek Robk Cave State Park

6 6 This location is about 300 yards north of where Ash Creek Road crosses Fourche Maline Creek. There is no marked trail to this spot, and anyone who has trouble walking has no business trying to go back there. I took the picture on a cloudy overcast afternoon, using a 350mm lens, which considerably compressed the perspective. Lens setting was fl16, with a one-second exposure. The steel-grey, weathered look of the roots and rock are the show-stopper. The tree is, of course, dead. I also shot this in black and white, which works equally well as it is nearly a monochromatic anyway."

January-February 1991 Carhe Creek The ,Varroa,s CVrrhita 'Wountains

''I stumbled into this area of the Wichitas a year ago. It's on down the stream (from photo on page 25) and around the bend, and I'm now facing north. The weather for this photo was vastly better but maybe not as good for effect. The sun had not yet gotten high enough to reach the floor of the canyon I was in; although, you can see the beginning of direct sunlight on the center wall of the rock can) on. It was a cool, still morning. I remember using a warming filter as a clear blue sky can be cold as a light source in the shade. The shot was made with a lOOmm lens, f/22 at four to six seconds."

..- Oklahoma TODAY Fourrhe ,V!alit~eCreek Robhen Care State Park

66 Thisshot was taken maybe 20 or 30 yards upstream (from the photograph on page 27) on the same day. The light was really neat that afternoon. There was no distraction, like foliage or bright sunlight, to contend with. In situations like this I very often see things I had not noticed before. This creek has always been a favorite of mine. It's an excellent subject anytime I have ever been there. This was photographed with a 350mm lens, fl16. No one should try this without a tripod as it will only lead to frustration, because of the long exposure time required-sometimes as much as two seconds."

January-February 1991 v Four Garden Spots Where ItsAlways Summer

By Carol Campbell

ebster's dictionary defines conservatory as, bougainvillea to the shy orchid, featured here could help simply, a greenhouse. But the definition tide you over until spring. doesn't do reality justice. When winter has At the very least, the trip should be educational. Many bleachedw thecoloroutofthelandscape, aconservatorywith I of Oklahoma's urban conservatories double as arbore- its ever green decor and exotic blooms is often more about tums, places where trees, herbaceous plants and shrubs rejuvenation than gardening. Then, a conservatory is an- are grown for exhibit or scholarship. Those that aren't other word for oasis, with everything the word implies. arboretums often have one on the grounds. In Oklahoma, conservatories recall the heady days of the If a trip to a conservatory should leave the gardener in 1920s, when oilmen had the money to bring spring indoors you inspired, there are plenty of places to channel that in the winter through multi-faceted glass houses that ri- energy. More than500gardenclubs are scattered through- valed in beauty a finely beveled mirror. But conservatories out the state; many have exhibitions and plant sales in the are not anachronisms. Oklahoma City proved that in the dead of winter. Don't discount retail nurseries, either. early '80s, when it built the Myriad Gardens' Crystal Bridge Their horticulturists have more time now to chat and Tropical Conservatory-a modern takeoff of an architec- 1 advise than during any other season, which is why many tural classic. 1 folks make winter treks to their favorite nursery to tour Year round conservatories have import. In winter, how- the greenhouse, ask questions and get help in planning ever, they can take on medicinal qualities for those weary for spring. of long nights and short days. No one can banish the Which is, we promise, just around the corner. bleakness of winter, but a visit to one of the four indoor gardens, where flowering plants can range from flashy Carol Campbell is a free-lance writer living in Midwest City. smtue of Narcissus stares into a reflecting pool Sunken Gaden. Winter does not take the blush off this surrounded by aquatic plants--tropical water- rose. "This 'is a beautiful formal garden setting," Stude- lilies, watercannas, horsetail. The pool is in the baker said, and "the character of the garden changes with Palm Room, the center of Tulsa's Woodward Park con- each season." servatory, known locally as The Glass House. The Tulsa Arboretum consists of three acres, set aside Designed by inter- in 1964 to grow uees and shrubs which thrive in the north- Burnham and con- pastern pan of Okla- suucced in 1924-26, loma. There are 270- the conservatory is - . dd woody plants in classic example of .his area of the

Victorian Englib1 ' mnds, and a map at greenhouse. Itshaa-- he beginning of the the estate grount ath shows the loca- with productic ons of most of them. greenhouses and tl Restoration of the Tulsa Garden Cen- -onservatory by the ter and Arboretum. r'uha Parks Depart- rial builderwas ~~~i~ who built greenhouses /ike tht Woodward Park Consematory. TheglaJspenkouse sand blasting, painting still exudes an air of e/egantprivi/ege,winter or spring. R. Travis, but sev- and new glass; the final era1 families passed result was like strip- through it over the years. History about early occupants ping a layer of ftlm off a window. Light streams into the is sketchy, but the last to occupy the Italian-style villa conservatory, and approaching visitors get their first hint was theGeorge Snedden family. Mrs. Snedden is known of the color to come before they ever set foot inside. to have used the conservatory strictly for raising orchids. Though Stndebaker says his favorite time of year for Now the dais owned by the city of Tulsa. Russell the conservatory is spring when it looks like an English Sxudebaksr, senior horticulturist for the city's park garden, December and January actually find the conser- department, saysorchids remain an important part-but varory in its most blazing display of color. There's noth- by no means all--of the display at The Glass House. ing quite like lookingar the lighted glass house after dark "This timeofyear, the coleus, dnerarias, and red, white when it's full ~f Christmas poinsettias. (The poinsettias . and pink cydame1.1 are either blooming or about to remain up though Epiphany on January 6.) "It's truly a bloom," he said. jewel," said Studebaker, "especially with the poinsettias "It changes aff the time," Studebaker promised. highlighted after a snowfall." The permanent collections of orchids in the conserva- tory's north wing and thecacti and succulents in its south Tu/sa's WoodwardP~rk Co~x~ervatoty, sirrulred Mind he wing are mainmind by the Tulsa Orchid Society and Tuba Gardm at 2435 8.PeoIia, opeff da% from 7 a.m. to 3p.m. l7zeTc is no admission darn. For information, call1918) the Cacti and Succulent Societies, respectively. 596- 7255. The Tulsa Garden Center aftm hosts plbnt dibits and Outside, directly in front of the conservatory, is the sales. Thegarden mtercan benachdatf9J8)749-6401. OREST RETREAT

izards dart over and under plants with such names plantings inside the tube, but Bush says "children are as lollipops and lobster claws. Thewaterfalls' songs absolutely fascinated." Lare soothing, and the mist is practically ethereal. It A brochure entitled "A Self-Guided Tour of the Crys- could be an Amazonian rain forest, but the streets outside tal Bridge," available free at the entrance, gives botani- have names like Robinson and Harvey Parkway. A sign cal (and sometimes common) names of many of the politely points out this is the Myriad Gardens' Crystal plants and describes the groupings of like varieties. By Bridge Tropical Con- . . crossing the three- B servatory, a man-made g story-high suspended oasis sinack in the fi3 walkway from the E middle of downtown south side of the Oklahoma City. Crystal Bridge to the I "I'his is a good time north, visitors can of year to come here, travel from a steamy You'll be surprised by rain forest-like envi- I the smell. It's a re- ronment, with water- minder that spring falls and orchids, to a WILL come again desert-like one with said Mike Bush, the cacti and palm trees. conservatory's former The conservatory manaeer.- houses an excellent In the south end of the botanwaf Yhe, watetjalk spray and a jog machine collection of palms Before the Myriad pen'odicafly pumfis humidity info the ai~If iffeels Like it's getting hotter as you . Gardens' newest at- t~aveltothe no& wkd&ertpIam& am raised, that's because it reah'y is. . "ern from around the traction had an official world. A primitive name, heck, before it was even built*Okies dubbed chis I fern with fronds 10 to 12feet long is native to Australia. architectural wonder the botanical rube. When the cylin- I And Bush says the conservatory is particularly proud of drical tube with its botanical cargo was finished in 1983, I its pair of 15-feet-tall "Old Man Palms" from Cuba that it was the only structure of its kind in the world. I anchor the dry area. As far as Bush knows, it still is. I "They were quite a find," brags Bush. Architects Conklin &Rossant of New York City won a I Different flora star every month, but there are always ProgressivcArchite~ureaward for their unique structure I orchids in bloom. The veritable wonderland of plants sod photographs af it have appeared in National Go- I and blooms is exciting anytime, but those who have pH&,Nm& ind Sordiem Lfen'tzg. Bush says the I only seen the Crystal Bridge in the daytime should conservatory is a beacon of national and international watch for a time when the conservatory is open at night,

publicity for the state and the city. after dark. -7.. P. Each month, visitors from 45 to 49 states and 18 to 30 I "It is a very different place then." says Bush. foreign countries sign its guest book. More than 125 The Crystal Bridge Tmpical Consetwatory is located in couples have exchanged wedding vows in the gardens Oklahoma City on Reno between Robinson and Hudson and is without having to worry about rain and a man and woman open from 9 a.m. to 6p.m. every day except Chn'stmas. Admission is $2 for adult, $1.50 for senior citiaans, 75 cen& for diIdm from Dallas drop in to visit their nuptial site every time ages 4 to 1.2. Those 3-years-oldand under are admittedfree. For they are in town. People of all ages enjoy the lush infomaion, call (405) 297-3995.

32 Oklahoma TODAY i'-. XI ' @$lyding thac snys bOkP hardy pansies and orname~talcabbages. heCity's &irkpatrick Centex G~eedtouseis The greenhouse, part of the Kirkpatrick Center Mu- the tropical area. The rest of the ,cahs~matory seum Complex, opened in the fall of 1984, and Roche, changes often-virtually constantly thk theaf year. who has an associate's degree in horticulture, has been "We gtow althe display plants fw aW1 tke center's there since th;e beginning. Over theyears, she has noticed gadiens. And we dways have container ~egeuxblo-sof that the people whovisit the conservatory have kcreas- wine kind growing," s ingly ~osefaninterest in the environment, and, F 2 .. , c .. . d'i,&L~ri,, .. hence, in growing

&a &~asWqa@? , things in general. phy disphyl cmaged 1' "People ask more by greenhomse F- questions now. They plqeeM&W m@eg pst seem to pay more ban~wnwd,~~- mention and notice d~sm~mvgwh more. They want to oSa&@~em-. The know what does best sch0~1ohildken that in-Oklahoma. And ~QWthe center wirh what they can grow their reachers asd ' with the most suc- , cess," observed Ro- pamimlatly inrerested inthe topiary animals. - interested, the fh,,&dm SUJ~*& bfeCR. greenhouse are con- a&$mab sometimes Fora smi.om, +yea me acoaf-hngerwim he*mid o@agnurn fined to school field moss. Cunr'sgsam irnhidiedinto .die moss &MU$ ~okpokedwMs&sors. Mer broken hbs. - trips, where kids are - Whle deer~4whe4 a given lectures and B~oksn&g because a toddler ui~dto &fie a ride.) demon.s~~si~dependingontheir ages. There are a few d the more intriguh disp* ,feL a plant half-2taysei&a%, Pu&t by a~eahorticulturists, offered -:[email protected] kocw as children as the 'l?~&~Me-Not,or to tho public~,MP said in the fume, the center wants ant. The leaves of chis plmr, which belongs to exp&d educatbid opportunities and offer the public : m tZe Mimosa family, close up the im&mt they are more seminar@tadclasses. acwched. This phenomenon, says &&e, is a constant For nm, t-on remains a one-an-one affair, with mme dfascination for addm -as: wd'mchildren. visitors wefootam ta question any sraff member on any me plant fare at the Kirkpattick conservatory is more horticultural subject that comes to mind. If that person Wdknd-butter than some of the state's other glass hasn't a ready answer, promises Roche, he'll try to find gbeenhauses. But if you understand how the French can someone whdws. live happily on a loaf of head and a battle of wine, ThKirkpamid Gdollseis in hKirkparrid Center, /omtcd Aanc~are you'll appreciate the hwe beau^ to be at N.E. 50th a#dNam'n LathKing Boulevardin Oklahoma fownd he*. Different varieties of annuals bloom indoors Gig. Admission is $5for adults, $3 for senior n'n'~ensand diMm ages 5to 12, andhefor c/Ii/drenunder age 5. Houn am 9:30 at any~ventime the Kirkpanick And in a.m.to 5$.m, weidby; 9 a.m. to 6p.m. Saturday, andnoon ro 6 its outdoor arm, winter color is provided by bright and p.m. Sudq. For infomation, ca//(405)427-5461. .*

WILL ROGERS CONSERVATORY: A CACTUS MECCA

and Eastern. In 1936, the city purchased part of a dairy People come from all over to see the cacti. farmfora new park. That park was alsohome to aCivilian "We had one man who came to Oklahoma City from

camp. That's where the con- servatoryfound a final resting In the tropical garden, place-atop a rock foundation huge banana treesand palms built by the WPA-in Will Ro- grow. Thereare severalfruit trees, oneofwhich produces At that time, Grand Boule- lemons about the size of vard circled the city with four grapefruits, as well as flow- cityparksatthe corners:Wood- ering orchids, amarylis, bro- son,Trosper, Lincoln and Will meliads and hibiscus. "It Rogers. According to research seems different in here ev- done by the city park staff,the ery time you come in," park boulevard was created as a staffer Cathy Connel said. place for "people to take a The city's production greenhouses, where the staff Loyd McKinzy has been grows bedding plants for all with the city parks' horticul- city parks and grounds, are ture section since 1959. He attached to the conservatory. estimates the conservatory to And varieties there also be almost 100 years old. He change rapidly. Outside, a also gives credit for its exis- seven-acre arboretum show- tence to Henry Walters, the cases flowers, shrubs and man who designed most of the some very unusual trees. and who was in charge when hti coolleion of cadi, which wa@ren to the Wi/lRogers back treesfromhis broad trav- Consmatory afterhis death.Such was PolarRi's reputation the glass building arrived at tn,t a spehes habeen named 'Rlmkia." els and planted them to see Will Rogers Park. "He was a how they would do in Okla- man who simply got things done," says McKinzy. homa," says McKinzy. "There are trees out there most All the plants for the beautification of Oklahoma City people probably have never seen, at least not in our were grown from the beginning at Will Rogers Park, and state." Walters was instrumental in obtaining the Charles Po- The comematory at WillRogers Park, 3400 036in laski cacti and succulent collection for the Will Rogers ~ ~cily, sjtsjurtsouthj ~ ofth~~~d~h ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~ d i s ~ ~ ~ f d Conservatory in 1987. The Polaskis, who traveled the andopen to the~ub/icfmm7a.m.to 4P.m. seven days a tz~ee.6. Thereis no admission chatge. For infomation call, (405) 943- gathering of this large plant often 3998. ThOK Cac& ondSucm~ren~So&gy the third visited with Walters at the conservatory. After Charles Tuesday of each month at the conservatory at 7:30p.m. I$ Barbara Palm fir Pholo~ra~hsh). It tvt Iiisq

uring frosty weekends in the heart of winter, there where theater groups from around the state compete against is a place to come in out of the cold. Winter is prime one another before a panel of out-of-state judges. time for Oklahoma's community theaters and Okla- This year, a dozen groups will perform in two preliminary homa is a prime state for community theaters. weekends of performances held in Oklahoma City in Janu- There are at least 60 community theater groups ary. 'The top six will compete in the finals, to be held hlarch in the state, one for every 5,000 people, performing 1-3at St. Gregory's College in Shawnee. in theaters spaced an average of 33 miles. A conser- The weekends are a chance for the theater groups around '1vative estimate of the number of Oklahomans who are the state to compare notes, and not incidentally, an oppor- involved in community theater is 4,000. tunity for theatergoers to sample the best that Oklahon~a In the ten years that the American Theatre Association has to offer. has been holding national contests, Oklahoma theater When Bill LaRue is recruiting actors and crew for the groups have won more first and second place awards than Southwest Playhouse in Clinton, "I just appeal to the ad- any other state. When you consider that Oklahoma is such venture in their spirit. Nine times out of ten, if you can get a young state, says Rick Purdy, a director from Miami, them up there once, they'll be back." "artistically and culturally, we're not too shabby." The same could be said about audiences. Part of the reason for that excellence is the large num- "It's not like going to the movies," says LaRue. "It's for bers of actors and directors who, like Purdy, have univer- real up there." sity degrees in theater and work in community theater. "The majority of theater graduates won't work on Broad- A nmlstate-wide, to//$ree tzumher hus bee^^ ustub/ished/p OC7A way or even professionally," says Anthony Klatt, director /isti?zg dates and timesfor rom?nuni(ytheaterpe1$117?1~1fzres. a// (800)299-7529.For itlformation about OCTAEASY: .srheh/ed - of OCTA, the Oklahoma Community Theatre Association. They are likely to be found performing on stages in Miami Jan. 18-20,or OCTAIVES7; scheduled Jatr. 2.5 to 27 or the fi- or Hobart, in Lawton or Idabel. nal ronresr March 1-3,caN the OCrA office at (41J.5)-7.35- 9.5178. From its shoebox offices in Oklahoma City, OCTA i maintains a 1,500-volume script library, schedules work- Barhara Palmer is assisfarzr editor of Okla homa 'I'oday . shops, dispenses grants and advice and coordinates yearly Photographer Steve Sistzq lives irz ,Vontzun atzd works at the gatherings. A statewide contest is held every other year Daily Oklahoman. ' " ""Yrn., , .,?R- .'?

.- -- - 6 harged with taking publi@ty FW pany's production of "Gtacelmd,' r outside the gates of the former hame~fl director Patt Ward Curtin could location that would do. So she la community theater cast and crew up inhw sedan and drove to Memphis. Amid o rinsedC and denim-clad sea of Elvis fans, Curan graphed the costumed cast right in front of khe Gr , gates. Such unbridled creativity seems to be the norm fir Watonga Community theater. "We extend and create bq - cause it's fun," says Curtin, &'And it makes the shq better." On the trip to Graceland, for instance, the cast took tag@ recorders and interviewed Elvis fans. The experience was a revelation to Curtin and the cast; before the trip, they had considered extreme Elvis devotion to be a joke. uThew - people weren't kidding," says Curtin. After wateh- InWat 0n.a- ing Elvis fans keep an all-night vigil at Graceland, lighting candles and reciting poetry, "I can't really r'---i .j;-lg&wdbughThat abouttheextra mstit bitnow." andof crewinsight win may second have place been in what the ''rM@? isixae &eater contest. 1. : %%aamninunity theater operates on a basic core :'-~&pP@ht&npeople, "not because we try to run SF^@@@^ ~iiqe?says George Ann Bordelon, "but 4kk&bmthere aren't that many people here who are

I ' 'h~eswd."'For that faithful group, "theater is the [' m$ar prioriry in our lives," says Bordelon, who -hes dwaand English at Watonga High School. 1:;.-E$mh Bordelon and Curtin have degrees in theater \-4iad attend the fall Adult Institute of the Arts at Cy Qu81rtz Mountain. Thc Company usually stages three productions a yea. Wur regular season is pretty traditional," says stag, QeomAhnder, Duane Williams, GmqeAnn Bordelon, Curb "hein a while we can take a risk and we're MicRq Buchanan. delighc~dto get to do it. Our local audiences are pretty teaeptivs.You're constantly wanting to build your audience and ysur talent pool." In'W#wnga, population 4,000, "we've got a truck stop, a Amid a platinum-Sqed BowIhg alley and high school football. "During production, cast members and crew are in re- and denim-claq,s& hearsal four nights a week, five to six weeks, for two and a halfhours a night. You become very close to those people," . of Elvis ,fab;.Curtin. Cunin says. photogyiphed the cos- O(YOUcan live on that." The Company#eg5ormsatt%eLiberty Theatre,a anmated '30s- tumed ca#t right in front of em mmie theater. T~c&~Maa$5for ad&, $3for senior ciZizm.s and students. For infomation, call Cunrin at (405) 623-4533. the Graceland gates. ThCompany will compete in OCTA WESTat OAkr/roms Cilly Communjry CoUege in January.

36 Oklahoma TODAY Miami @a Bri~htLicits,little Citv w V eally, without even bragging," boasts Sally "(Maria's) amazing," says Rick Purdy, president of the Hobbins, "I would say the musicals that we theater board. "She can almost just look at you, take the have done here in Miami are as good as any- fabric and cut it out and it fits you." thing you would see in a city." The Nicholses met in Chile, where Don was working for And with good reason. the Peace Corps and Maria was acting with a University of The Miami Little Theatre counts among its Chile troupe. For more than 20 years, they've worked in the members professionals with big city creden- drama department of Northeastern A & M Junior Col- tials: Gerald Graham, a set designer who works for the lege-Don teaching and Maria costuming. Miami, says R- - Tulsa Ballet Theatre; costume designer Maria Nichols, Maria, is "a nice place to live and a nice place to raise a who at one time, flew to France at the start of each season family. And quite liberal in the kinds of plays we can do." to bring back the latest Paris designs, and vocalists like For instance, during a recent season, the group performed Hobbins, herself, who has performed 18operas and taught "The Topography of a Nude," a play translated by Don music students in four states. Nichols and addressing the issues of homelessness and the The group's production of "The King and I" last Sep- role of the state in South America. That same season, it also tember brought the group's talents together. Six full set presented "My Fair Lady." changes were designed by Gerald Graham. Don Nichols, a That balance is intentional, Purdy says. Each season the drama professor at Northeastern A & M Junior College, group performs a musical, a musical comedy, a drama, a played the King of Siam and Hobbins played one of his mystery and a children's play. And recently, the board has wives. Maria Nichols directed the show and also costumed been tending to choose classic plays, like "Bus Stop," the 75 cast members. "Antigone," and "Inherit the Wind." "Our emphasis is on doing the best quality theaterwe can, not just the latest, hottest thing. You could probably I see 'Steel Magnolias' six or seven times chis year around the state. There's nothing wrong with that, but we want to do something that other people I aren't doing."

Miami Litrle Theatre wi//pet$om "TheMurderRoom " Feb. 21-24in the Miami Civic Center. Tickets are$4atthe door. For information, la// Judy McCinnis at Osbourne I Drug, (918) 542-4443. During a reeent&jon,

the group performed., -. "The of a Nude" Topogra$if.!. +

12e Coleman 'laeaterwas the lavish settingfor a production of "The King and - and;*^^ Fair Lady." I" this season. From it$, Maria and Don Nichols. At right, Lee Dell Mustain is .. shown kneeling with Mary Susan Whaley. Michael Wha/g is in back.

January-February 1991 tinrv Friendly Southwrest Wah0 use

"Quilters"&ed two years &:but the cast a&$rew still get,$gether for potluck suppers every other month.

Denver, paidto have their names on dinctor's chairs. From Zdt, BBZ LaRue, Dan Dale; in front, Patricia Rodgers, Mike andMyrna Perkins; in back Donita Fey, Sandy BaZzer, OZeta LaRue.

roductions at Southwest Playhouse in Clinton are all over me." well attended, drawing patrons from a half dozen LaRue has since gone on to act in many productions (He counties in western Oklahoma. Musicals sell out of won a "Sophi" award for best supporting actor in a 1981 tickets for at least one performance, and even the production of "My Fair Lady"), but the friendliness of the dramas play to full houses. The group is well- theater group remains one of its strongest attractions for managed and on solid financial footing, strict about him. "They don't care if you have any money, don't care budgets and stingy with free tickets. Its efforts what your social status is. I'm friends with people I nevei takingP a WPA-era county show barn with red dirt floors and had the occasion to associate with otherwise." turning it into a showplace theater earned the group a "Suc- Sandy Balzer played one of six daughters in the cast of cess Against the Odds" plaque from the governor that "Quilters," a musical based on the relationships developed hangs in the theater lobby. by women over a quilting frame. The play closed two years The thing, though, that stands out about the Southwest ago, but the cast and crew still get together for potluck Playhouse has nothing to do with awards or bottom lines or suppers every other month. plaques. Everyone is just so darned nice. "We just talk about whatever is going on in our lives," says Fifteen years ago, Bill LaRue got his start in the theater Balzer. "I guess we consider ourselves to be sisters." group as a set-builder. Though he was born in Clinton, LaRue had been away for 30 years. When he returned, he The Southwest Playhouse willpment th musical "Quiltm" at found "I just didn't fit anywhere." His only previous expe- OCTA WESTand the Cole Porter musical "AnythingGORF, "Feb. rience in acting had been as a bear in a school play, but 21-24 and Feb. 28-Mad 2. Tickets are$6, call(405) 323-4448. LaRue did know how to build things. When he offered his services to the theater group as acarpenter, "People just fell

Oklahoma TODAY irginia Panula has been a backstage volunteer for Theatre Tulsa since 1969, but when she goes to work on a new production, Panula often isn't acquainted with the rest of the stage crew. That fact pretty well sums up one of the chief characteristics of urban community theater. It's big. Theatre Tulsa chugs along with 500 volunteers, Tulsa;s V100 of those who work solely in the "front of the house," Theatre selling and collecting tickets. "Theatre Tulsa is just perva- sive here," says Susan Thill, who moved to Tulsa two years ago to act as business manager. "It's an institution. I run into people every day who are connected with the theater in some way." Its track record is as impressive as its size. It was Grand Tradition the first community theater west of the Mississippi, and according to a press release, was the first com- munity theater to produce Thornton Wilder's "Our Town." It has won more awards than any other community theater in the nation, including the na- tional theater contest in 1981. That year the cast and crew traveled to Monaco to perform "Stations" I in an international theater festival. (Princess Grace was in the audience.) Thill is partofa paid staffof three, which includes a set designer and technical director, and a part- time employee in charge of the group's huge cos- tume department. At one time, the theater had an artistic director on staff, but, currently, directors are hired for each production. For instance, Matthew Bridwell, the principal dancer for Tulsa Ballet Theatre, was hired last summer as artistic director and choreographer for the production of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." Theatre Tuka's cast of "The Night of the Iguana": Front row,from /eft, Bradd ~h~ need for paid staff underlines the way Gi//e.ipk,Billie Sue Thompson, John Brammerand Vivica Wa/Renbach. Back, Ivy Repasky, Sandra Beach/er, Mari/yn Moss, John Hansen, Lisa Finely, ety has changed since 1931, when Theatre Tulsa James WardandMonicaDeSimone. was formed. There are fewer volunteers available during the day, says Thill, and more competition for those volunteers. That makes volunteers like Panula, who works for the theater practically full time, rare. It's hard work, she says, but fun hard work. "I guess it kind of satisfies a creative Let desire," she muses. "You start out with a script book and the crew doesn't even know each other. "Theatre Tulsa &an "Then, everything begins to come together. The shift crew learns how to do its shift. Suddenly, you have a show institutio~~~ar into '- f that people like to watch. "You say to yourself, 'Hey, I had something to do with people evpfday who are that.' " co&cted with the J Audience members voted to decide Thtre Tulsa's '90-'91 sea- son. Nei/Simon 's "ChapterTwo" is schedu/edforJan.I1 -20 at the theater in some way." Wi//iams Theatre in the Tuha Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $12.50. "A Ciry WithoutLove" ncns Feb. 22-March3 at Studio I. Tickets are $8. Call (918) 587-8402.

January-February 1991 39 I 1t once took more than the promise of make way for more profitable uses of an over-priced box of popcorn and a prime real estate, such as parking lots. new movie to sell movie tickets. In smaller towns, the theaters stayed 1 When the Mediterranean-flavored open-fraying around the edges-but Ramona 'l'heatre in Frederick opened open. In Frederick, the owner of the in 1929, a galaxy of stars glittered in a Ramona put plywood around the bal- blue-plastered ceiling, blue-tiled false cony and turned the theater into a twin. balconies hung on the walls and a When the organ at the Coleman began luminescent moon made an hourly cir- to take on water from a leaky roof, the cuit overhead. The gold-drenched in- roof wasn't fixed-the organ was sold terior of the Coleman Theater in Mi- to an evangelist. Finally, in the 1980s, ami, also built in 1929, looked as if King video stores and the cost of maintaining Midas had run amuck there. The Pon- old buildings put most of the old single- can in upscale Ponca City mimicked a screen theaters permanently out of Gi/dedp/asterat the Coleman Theater castle courtyard. business. irz do.wntoze>nMicltni. ------As the movie industry took up resi- Just as the theaters were closing, dence in the nation's psyche in the though, a movement to restore old 1920s, theater owners competed to theaters as community performing arts construct the most opulent atmospheres centers was gaining momentum. The imaginable. 'l'erra-cotta rosettes ringed theaters that are now being renovated prosceniums, Egyptian motifs snaked are the ones that have hung on just long around windows, every manner ofswag, enough to become fashionable again. drape and fringe was called into serv- Today, less than 2,000 of the 1920s- ice. era "atmospheric" theaters are left in Oklahoma's " Designers mixed styles from a half- the United States, says Killis Almond, dozen different cultures into single president of the American League of theaters with results that made archi- Historic Theatres. tectural critics wince-and brought Oklahoma has a handful of theaters customers out in droves. For 25 years, that have survived from the 1920s; The going out to the movies was as estab- Poncan, the Coleman and the Ramona lished a part of American life as hot Theatre are true atmospheric theaters, dogs and baseball games. built at the height of the Jazz Age. The Theatres Beginning in the 1950s, though, the Constantine, in Pawhuska, is an 1880's theaters began to lose their hold on the hotel rebuilt as an opera house in 1916. By Barbara Palmer public. l'elevision and drive-ins began In Frederick and Pawhuska, the resto- to take audiences away from the thea- rations are complete, or nearly so. Ponca Pbtopph $ Sh Sis~ey ters. Urban theaters were torn down to City and Miami are in the first stages of

- - - . -- 40 Oklahoma TODAY materials for the theater. A local vo- tech made stripping and painting the theater a class project. The $100,000 bill for the restoration of the Ramona Theatre in Frederick, residents like to point out, has been paid solely by Till- manCountyresidents.They "ran them- selves silly" with fund raisers like bake sales and variety shows. Volunteers worked for an estimated 24,000 hours on the theater itself. Once the hard work of removing acres of plywood paneling and carting out dust and trash by the truckload begins, volunteers discover what treasures they have. At the Poncan, someone pulled on a rope on the stage and unfurled a dusty curtain painted with a Babylo- nian courtyard scene. In Pawhuska, "99.9 percent of the theater was cov- ered in dark turquoise paint," says Pawhuska resident and former mayor Janet Holcombe. Underneath, they found stenciled walls and terra-cotta rosettes. They removed a doorway in the lobby and found a Greek star inlaid In Ponca Ciry,crepes of volunteers spend Saturdays weeping, hammering and hauling at the venerab/e Poncan Theater. Thrmotto is: "An O/dFn'ettd is WoflhSaving." in ceramic mosaic on the floor. In the first stages of renovating the RamonaTheatre, a volunteer swept up their comeback, as volunteers assess theaters and the extravagance of their a worn star that had fallen from the the mountain of work that lies before original pretensions, the costs of restor- ceiling. In 1983, it was agood metaphor them and try to figure out where the ing them can run into the thousands, for the state of the building. The paint money will come from. even millions. Restoring the Coleman, was peeling, the elegant facade was in Almost universally, the roofs of the for instance, will cost $1.5 million. Still, disrepair and finally the stars were fall- 60-year-old plus theaters need atten- that's a fraction ofwhat it would take to ing out of the plaster sky. tion first. Last fall, Coleman manager build the theater from scratch. Almond, Today, the stars shine in the ceiling Gerald Graham spent two days setting who has assessed three of Oklahoma's as the Maid of Cotton is crowned on the out funnels and pails during a rainy atmospheric theaters as a consultant stage at the Cotton Festival in Septem- spell and watching helplessly as plaster for the League and was hired to do a ber. A community theater group stages fell off the wall. (The roofers came the study for the Poncan, estimates it would musicals and arts groups travel from next week.) ThePoncan was closed for cost $20 million to build the Coleman Oklahoma City to Tillman County to five years while rain leaked through Theater today. Even a plain-vanilla perform. The Ramona Theatre is once the ceiling, damaging the plaster and performing arts center, he points out, again at the heart of the cultural life of mildewing the carpet. A new roof was would cost more than the restoration. Frederick residents. scheduled to be put on in December And projects such as the Constantine One puzzle remains. Residents have 1990 and the theater committee is and the Coleman have one big advan- yet to figure out the mechanics of the philosophical about the carpet. The tage: they uncover almost bottomless moon that crossed overhead once ev- ruined red carpet, added in the Forties reservoirs of loyalty and enthusiasm. ery hour. or Fifties, had a Deco flavor. They In Pawhuska, a financially strapped But they're working on it. a hope to recarpet the theater with a ranching town of less than 5,000 people, pattern closer to the original carpet, a a downtown redevelopment commit- Barbara Paher is assistant editor of plum and cream floral. tee raised $20,000 in two and one-half Oklahoma Today. Steere Sisney is a staff Depending on the condition of the months in order to buy construction photographforthe Daily Oklahoman.

January-February 1991 41 town to a bustling center of commerce. Coleman had a reputation for being one of Miami's most aggressive busi- nessmen, but he had another side, too. "He loved vaudeville, he loved it," says Jane Osbourne, a Miami resident. When Coleman decided in the late 1920sto build a movie palace equipped with a stage suitable for vaudeville, no expense was spared. For its design, Coleman turned to the imaginative Boller Brothers of Kansas City, archi- tects of palatial theaters throughout the Southwest. The team designed an Albuquerque theater styled after a pueblo, lighted with longhorn skulls with electric light bulb eyes. In Miami, they were re)atively more restrained- they heaped on han&%r&d &ria-dotta 1 friezes and outfitted the theater with no less than three bell towers. Coleman poured $600,000 into the Spanish Mission Revival theater. By comparision, ThePoncan over in Ponca City, also a Boller Brothers design, was built for $280,000. Coleman reinforced the theater with concrete and steel and installed the latest projection machines and a "refrigerating" system tocool the theater. (In the summer, the Orpheum Circuit vaudeville company would book only air-conditioned theaters.) Coleman ordered materials for the Louis XIV interior from Europe and hired designers from Kansas City to paint stage curtains. He commissioned a Wurlitzer organ, engaged a 10-piece resident orchestra and had a two-ton Ihe onzate extenor oj the c,oceman Ineater at r trst and Marn m ~iamihus been aptly described brass and crystal chandelier built to as Spunish Missiolz Baroque. Spanish Mission ReuivaI is technicalij comct. hang from the center dome. Its colored lights were operated by two hundred or 60 years, the Coleman Theater made her debut on the stage at the age switches. has presided over Main Street in of three; she walked onstage, sat down Gold brocade covered the theater Miami like a very large, elaborate and took off her shoes. walls, which were decorated with gold wedding cake dropped down on an TheColeman Theater is a reminder, plaster floral swags, seashells and cher- erwise ordinary town. too, of larger-than-life pioneer busi- ubs. In the lobby, Coleman grouped Since its opening, the huge theater nessmen, individuals whose fortunes mahagony sofas and chairs with velvet has been in on most ofthe big moments and tastes forever transformed the faces upholstery. Five different carpets cov- in the town's history: Tom Mix sang of Oklahoma towns. George Coleman ered the floor. cowboy songs and Will Rogers twirled came to Miami in Indian Territory in One custom-made carpet reminded his rope onstage. IJp on the second 1895.Ten years later, he and his brother theatergoers of the earthy origins of the floor, Charles Banks Wilson painted discovered lead and zinc ore while fantastic theater. The carpet was em- the murals that now hang in the state digging a water well. That discovery bellished with the family crest-a capitol rotunda. Dancer Moscelyne made Coleman a multimillionaire and miner's pick and shovel. Larkin, a'l'ulsa Ballet'r'heatre founder, began Miami's ascent from a farming -Barbara Palmer

Oklahoma TODAY Indian BeefJerky The World?First Convenience Food.

mine 1can chew it with my false teeth in." growing up i Indian beef jerky has virtually no vv Pawhuska in th written tradition. Recipes have sur- vived through the ages by being passed along orally in families. No a screened-in baik porch one seems to know exactly when the wasn't any more unusual 1 first jerky was made, though it was than seeing June Cleaver eaten by almost all of the tribes of bake cookies in her kitchen in I the Americas at one time or an- the 1950s. "I just took it for other. granted," he says. "It was al- Anthropologists suggest it ways around the house. If I was originated in the Western hungry I'd help myself to some. Hemisphere, around 8,000 If I was going riding that day I'd B.C. During the Ice Age. stick three or four pieces in my meats were easier to preserve pocket and go on." because of the colder tem- His mother made 10 pounds of peratures. After the thaw, the spicy, dried meat at a time and 1 ' it became necessary to a batch could easily last the Gilli- / develop ways to pre- land family three months. As with serve large kills such as other Osage families, beef jerky was mammoths and bison. a staple part of their diet. Jerky, or dried meat, was also As Gilliland grew older, he learned, 1 light and compact, which suited thc nomadic way of life Indians adopted almost by osmosis, how to cut a piece curn>dj~rA:yitt rawhide bags, of lean, round steak into 15-foot-long like this Chqlentre owe, cu//ed "pulfeshe. " after horses were introduced on this strips; how to hang those same strips, They worked like rt~iniuture.qzrmerlt hugs. continent by the Spaniards in the 16th without them touching, out to dry on a century. "It had to be (portable)," says warm breezy day with low humidity; Any doubts Gilliland had about sell- Gilliland. "Indians didn't have and how to season the beef as his ing his jerky were quickly squelched, saddles. Whatever they carried was mother did to achieve a spicy taste. when he and his wife took a batch of either (draped) around the horse's Eight years ago when a roping acci- their jerky to an Oklahoma City horse neck or around the Indian's neck." dent left him with a broken back and a show and promptly sold $4,500 worth Jerky survived the years, in part, need for a tamer occupation than work- in the course of a week. because it is convenient to eat and ing his ranch, Gilliland remembered His secret? "Mine is very pliable and store. It became a staple food for Indi- that a friend had once said his beef comes out way thicker than that other ans, however, because in its own way jerky was good enough to sell. For a stuff," says Gilliland, who has nothing it's nutritious. hlade from beef, elk, or man who had never worked for anyone but disdain for the stringy jerky sold in buffalo from which most of the fat has else, becoming a beef jerky entrepre- plastic canisters at places like Uncle been removed, jerky has little fat and neur seemed just the thing. Gilliland Snappy's Bait n' Beer. even less cholesterol. On the hot open dusted off his mother's recipe and, "When I get done with my jerky," plains, the salt used to preserve the with his wife, Freda, began producing says Gilliland, proudly, "well, I have beef helped Indians retain water. In jerky under the Movin7West label. false teeth, and when I get done with fact, an Indian could survive for a

January-February 1991 43 month on a pound of jerky, supple- menting his diet along the way with plants and roots, such as wild potatoes. All members of the nomadic tribes- warriors, women-had to learn to make jerky to survive long winters, extended hunting trips and flights from enemies. Along the way, jerky took on reli- gious significance for Indians, and it Say "happy birthday" to your wife or that son away at continues to be used-along with college. .. pledge your love to your favorite valentine. ..send boiled eggs, squaw bread and steam-fry best wishes to your Oklahoma serviceman far from home. An (a grape-flavored beef)-in the funeral Oklohoma Today subscription is a great gift idea, and it arrives feast that Osage women prepare at the six times a year! behest of the deceased's family for With each issue they will enjoy the best of Oklahoma, with relatives and friends. Jerky symbolizes breathtaking color photography and fascinating articles on such the long journey the deceased will topics as : make to the afterlife. Travel and Entertainment Ark and Crafts Jerky eventually became a victim of History and Traditions StatewideEvents the Industrial Revolution, produced by People and Nature And much more! machines and loaded with preserva- What other gift offers so much for only $13.50? And any tives. At the age of 53, Gilliland stub- additional gift subscriptions you order are only $1 1 each. bornly adheres to the steps laid down Your friends and family will love our special vacation issue this by his ancestors. His only concession: spring, just part of our 35th Anniversary Celebration. Order now he buys his round steak cut thin, in- so they won't miss out. Just complete the order card in the front stead of hunting an animal and then of his issue or call us toll-free at 1-800-652-6552with your slicing its meat by hand. charge card information. We'll even announce your thought- On the average, it takes him six fulness by ssnding a gift card in your name. It's that simple. pounds of meat and two-and-a-half 9rder your subscriptionsto days to make a pound ofjerky. Like his oklahomo TO+. And forefathers, he hangs the beef outdoors remember. ..one size to dry, seasons it with his mother's fits all. secret mix of spices, and then roasts it OKLAHOMA over a fire of blackjack or hickory. He TODM P.O. BOX 53384 uses no preservatives. "In the ingredi- 1 I OKLAHOMA CITY, OK ents," he says, "I list TLC." 73152-9971 The care Gilliland takes has evi- dently paid off, because Movin' West I jerky is sold entirely through word of mouth and mail order. (Gilliland won't have a telephone.) Customers include the likes of Tennessee Ernie Ford, Tanya Tucker, Louise Mandrell, Acad- emy Award winner and Pawhuska na- tive Ben Johnson and, Gilliland points out, 'L~~~ntle~~cowboys." -Suzette Brewer

Withitsfine pinand /ean meat, elk makes 1 i' the bestjerky in the world. If someone provided the e/k, Gi//i/andsays"I'd(make) it in a heartbeat." To order Gil/i/and'sbeef jerky, which costs$1.90 an ounce or $30 a pound, write: Movin ' West,Box 578, Pawhuska, Ok/ahoma 74056. h e hGqmsandh-Gadg& at Home By M.Scott Carter

Anglers can now pursue rainbow and the huskier bmwn tmut (the world record is 40 pounds) along the Lower Mountain Fork. - ou have to be dedicated to be very successful. President of the Prai- a trout fisherman in Oklahoma. rie FlyFishers, Patton is said to be There's none of this wimpy, do- "We think there's among the best trout fishermen in the Yit-one-weekend-a-month stuff. potential for trophy state. Since winter is trout season here, And forget those high-dollar-I-saw-it- winter, as far as he is concerned, is the on-TV-folding-rod-and-reel or the fishing in Oklahoma." best time of the year. neon-colored-artificially-bug-scented- Right now, Patton's in his heyday, multi-speed lures. happily carrying his fly rod and a dozen Nope. Oklahoma trout fishermen ermen fish for the hell of it, for the of his best homemade flies to the believe in the fishing basics: standing sport, for the opportunity to tromp Lower Illinois River, or the Blue River, waist-deep in running40-degree water, around the woods on a cold, winter day. or any place in the state with a few using a plain rod and reel (or, better yet, Or, just because. hungry trout, some bugs and an eyeful a cane pole and line), and rubbing el- Oklahoma City flyfisher Mark Pat- of scenery. "Trout fishing is a great bows with Mother Nature. Trout fish- ton has these qualities, plus one: he's sport," Patton says, "but getting out

January-February 1991 45 and getting away is what makes it truly critical supply of cold, aerated water great fun." and food sources necessary fora trout to Part of the appeal of this sport may linger long enough to reach trophy size Black Mesa hinge on the fact that in winter trout are or to breed. the only lively fish in town. Most fish Except, maybe, the Lower Mountain play possum as the mercury drops. Fork. Trout, on the other hand, grow almost Broken Bow Dam, which feeds the frolicsome. Mountain Fork, releases asteadystream Prior to 1965, of course, this was ir- of aerated water pulled off the dark, Troutaren 'tnativeto our state, but relevant. Trout aren't native to Okla- chilly lake bottom. The acquatic in- many do have an Oklahomaaddress. homa and itwas assumed they couldn't sects (mayflies, dragonflies)a trout eats Here are six areas tofind them-iwo where the^ run year round. survivehere. But then someguys in the when it's small are plentiful. Even Troutseason lasts all year on de Department of Wildlife Conserva- better, sunfish, minnows and thread- Mountain Fork, below Bmken Bow tion's fishery division read that some fin shad needed by a trout if it is to Dam downstream to U.S. 70. Beavers less-than-mountainous states had suc- reach 16 inches are also to be found. Bend State Park also has camping and cessfully stocked trout in their cooler It is this coincidence of nature that cabins. Call (405)494-6300. rivers. When they also heard federal makes Bolton think Oklahoma may Trout runyear round on the cold hatcheries were offering freetrout, they soon have a river in which trout fatten stretch of the Illinois River, below couldn't resist. "The magic tempera- and breed. "We're seeing some pretty Tenkiller Dam, west of Moonshine ture for trout is around 70 degrees (no good growth. But remember, it's got to Road and U.S. 64, near Gore. MarVal higher)," recallsBarryBolton,ODWC's be perfect forthem toreproduce. We've Trout Camp also offersfree fuhing assistant chief of fisheries. "We had got our fingers crossed." access. Call Tenki//erState Park (918) 489-5643. that. So we decided to give it a try." Meanwhile, fishermen, like Mark The nort..fork of the Red River That year, the fishery division Patton, concentrate on catching the from the Altus-Lugert.Dam downstream stocked the Blue and Illinois rivers small, fiesty trout now populating to the low-waterdam at S.H. 44A is with rainbow trout, halfexpecting trout ~klahomawaters. For them, the mys- open to anglers November 1 to March purists to snub rivers that weren't in tique of the beautiful rainbow trout is 31. It adjoins Quartz Mountain State the mountains and that had to be enough to pull them off the sofa most Park, so both banks are open to anglers. stocked (areasget too warm for trout to weekends and into water so cold it Campsites,bothprimitive and breed). No one was prepared for what could chill a glass of tea. They will tell improved,are available. Call (405) happened next. "It turned out to be you that their ultimate success as an 563-2238. one of our most popular fishing pro- angler on any given weekend usually At Roman Nose State Park, grams," says Bolton. hinges on whether they have antici- WatongaLake is openfor troutfishing November 1 to Mad 31. Call (405) Last year, 24,324 anglers bought the pated the type of insect hatching out 623-4215. extra license needed to fish for trout in thatweekon the stretch of river they've The Blue River trout season op s Oklahoma. Four new trout areas have chosen to fish. "You've got to under- on the last Saturday in Octoberand"I since been opened. This year, ODWC stand the relationship between the ends March 31. Thearea's destpated will put 14,300 trout in the northern aquatic insects and the fish," says Pat- troutstreom isfour miles east of forkofthe Red River,22,000 in Watonga ton, "and you have to try and imitate Tishomingo on Highway 78and six Lake, 40,500 in Lake Etling, 96,000 in that relationship." miles nod of Johnson County. Call the Illinois and more than 100,000each Yet there are those times when you Bogy Depot StatePark (495)889- in the Blue and Lower Mountain Fork couldn't pay a trout to bite. "Yeah, 5625. rivers. In fact, for the first time the there's a real fine line between fishing In the Panhandle, anglen can Lower Mountain Fork will carry brown and standing on the bank looking like camp and battle trout November 1 t~ Apd 20 at Lake Etbng in Black Mfsa trout (a larger, trophy trout). "We think an idiot,'' Patton says, wryly. State Park. Call (405)426-2222. there's potential there for trophy fish- Thankfully for him those times are Thesix public sites reguire ing," says Bolton. rare. "I enjoy fishing for trout because fishermen to have a $7.75 trout licqzse, Trout in Oklahoma usually peak at of the sport," he says. "I enjoy the in addition to a statefishing licens? ten inches and one-third-of-a-pound. chase. I like to try and anticipate what Creel limit is six troutperpersoq per To grow bigger, they would need to type of bugs they want for lunch. With day. To order a brochure on destqte's survive more than one season. Okla- trout fishing you're trying to take the trout areas, write: Department of homa rivers stay cool enough to give fish on his own terms, on his own turf." WildlifeConsemation, 1801Nort.. small trout a temporary home until "And that," Patton says, with a sigh, Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 731$6. anglers catch them, but none have the "ain't easy."

Oklahoma TODAY Shoebox Songwriters Near Mbses and UmangHma By Jim Stafford

arvey 2 writers of Oklahoma, Derrick 4 Derrick says there are disap- hundreds of other pearst Oklahomans with H their own shoeboxes beneath his desk and reappears momentar- full of self-composed ily with a shoebox songs waiting to be stacked high with discovered. In fact, in cassette tapes. He 1983, Songwriters of rifles through the Oklahoma was organ- box in a search that ized to provide a will not yield the place for all those . cassette that is songs to come out of needed at this mo- the closet. The idea ment. Must be in was that songwriters another box at home, could try out their he says to a visitor to tunes on other song- his second floor of- writers, and that the fice in the Oklahoma Teresa Black is known in Oklahomaforksongs about history andtradition. Hamq subsequent criticism N~tional ~~~~d ar- Demkk has pub/is/led 29 songs and recordedmo country albums. or praise would make mory near the state everyone's songs bet- Capitol. Derrick is a staffsergeantwith and look at them and see if any ideas ter than if they'd remained their com- the National Guard, but it isn't a mili- pop into my head." poser's secret. tary matter that is ofconcern to him and If success in songwriting is measured The organization was founded his visitor this afternoon. in Top 40 hits or record sales, Derrick, shortly after Rose State College began Derrick returns the box of cassette a 43-year-old Edmond native, is a tal- offering a degree in country music, tapes to its resting place and turns back ent still waiting to be discovered. Thus which included courses on songwriting. to the subject that spurred the search: far, he has had 19 songs published and Rose State instructor Craig White re- his life as a songwriter. has recorded ~0 albumsof his country- calls being approached with the idea of Despite the military fatigues he is flavored songs, one for a British label, organizing a group by Art Skidmore, wearing, Derrick is more songwriter Silirer Dollar Records, that achieved who owned a recording studio in Choc- than soldier at heart. He has written modest success in England. "Some taw. "Hewas always being bombarded hundreds of songs in a songwriting people in my position might think I'm by songwriters not knowing anything career that began with a love ballad not successful because I haven't had a except they had some songs and composed in junior high. "I've got major artist record my songs or I haven't wanted to become famous," White , boxes full," Derrick says. "I don't even made a lot of money writing songs," says- know where they're at. I work on them Derrick says. "But to me, my success Rose State offered its fine arts build- awhile and if I don't think they're good will be measured some day when some- ing as a headquarters and the Songwrit- enough that I can play for somebody or body who can recognize what I've done ers of Oklahoma came into being with - make a demo of them, then I put them finds it in a box somewhere, and I be- White serving as its first president. back in a box somewhere. I go through come a part of history." Derrick, a charter member, became them every once in awhile, find a box As five-time president of the Song- president in 1986 and has led the group

January-February 1991 since. The group has approximately 70 winning entry, written in 1985, was first it in the competition allowed her to members and a mailing list that once played at a Christmas show on his alma highlight it, too. counted nearly 1,000 Oklahoma song- mater's campus. It was well received, A member of Oklahoma City's jun- , writers. A similar group, the Tulsa so Bruce decided to enter it in Song- ior symphony in the 1960s, Black be- Songwriters Association, also sprang to Fest, motivated in part by the contest's gan putting state history to music in the life in the early 1980s. $250 first prize and by the opportunity 1970s and has written approximately 50 While Derrick's group helps song- for a new audience to hear his music. songs, most of them with a historical writers make music industry contacts "I like sharing songs with people, slant. She sang her song "Alfalfa Bill" and provide tips on marketing, he says and people seem to like the songs," he at the governor's mansion during the the focus of its meetings is songwriting says. "You never know when there David Boren administration. "I like technique. "Basically, we have critique might be a contact out there that might traditional music," Black says. "Some workshops," he says. "They bring their be helpful in getting something pub- people call it folk music, but it's the songs, and we tell them the good, the lished or something along those lines." music of the old West." bad and the ugly." Does that mean that Bruce, a musi- A member of the Oklahoma City The sounds of music are heard at the cian who played in several local bands Traditional Music Association, Black Tulsa Songwriters meetings, too. But throughout the '70s, still harbors the has had songs used in videos, television that group puts an emphasis on making dream of being "discovered?" productions and in various Oklahoma music industry contacts, says executive "Very minimally," he says. "I gave historical celebrations. She sang her vice president Dianna Burrup. Four up that effort in 1983 when I started "Oklahoma Homecoming" at North- times a year the Tulsa Songwriters host having kids. But, if the right offer came eastern Oklahoma State University's a seminar with professionals from along, I would consider it. Although I Oklahoma Homecoming celebration music publishing. A one-day program have a very good business, I'm still a last year in Tahlequah. is planned for spring that will bring in musician primarily." (He is assembling Busy now doing a tape of her histori- more than a dozen people with music a book' of gospel songs he hopes will be cal songs, Black mentions that she has industry connections. It will include used as a supplemental songbook by also written some commercial songs. "I classes, song evaluations and "pitch-a- churches.) have some that I'm going to market thons." Teresa Black, the song-writing assis- that are more contemporary songs, but It's a chance to make contact. tant U.S. attorney, is an Oklahoma City I'd say that my first love is Oklahoma "I'm finding that's the biggest native who won the 1989 SongFest history and music about Oklahoma's thing," says Burrup. "That's why we've with a historical song called "Oklahoma background. I'm trying to complete been in a major push the last year to Waltz." Black's ancestors settled in this tape of Oklahoma songs before I go bring people in, attend the expos and Guthrie in the 1880s, and she says her on to something more commercial. mingle with these people in the busi- childhood was steeped in the first-per- "Even though I'm not making ness and try to build up a reputation." son stories her elders told of Okla- money with it, I think it's great to be In Oklahoma City, an outgrowth of homa's early days. "I grew up with a lot able to contribute something to Okla- the Songwriters of Oklahoma has been of Oklahoma stories," says Black, "and homa." la its annual SongFest, a songwriting the 'Oklahoma Waltz' sort of reflects contest held each August since 1987. that. Jim Staford is a copy editorfor he Daily The contest, conducted at Edmond's "It talks about Guthrie and parties. Oklahoman. Historical Society, has attracted 15 to Some of my old relatives used to talk 25 songwriters each year, with contest- about when they were young, and the ants performing up to two songs each. young people would organize dances in It has produced winners with diverse Mineral Wells park and play the old- backgrounds and writing interests, time music. They'd get a band and the Getting including an Edmond piano tuner who old people would stand back and There writes gospel music and an assistant chaperone." United States attorney who puts Okla- Black says she enters song-writing Songwriters of OR/ahoma meets at homa history to music. competitions because they allow her to Rose State Colk-ge in Okhhoma Ciry at 7 Gary Bruce, the piano tuner, won the try her songs out on an audience and p.m. on the first and third Friday of each 1990 contest with a Christmas song measure the reaction. "I had performed month. entitled "No Gift Compares." He holds the 'Oklahoma Waltz' and gotten a ThTuha Songwriters Assocation a music degree from Oklahoma Chris- terrific reaction," she says. "People meets on the fit and third Tuesday of who I trust told me that it was the most each month at the Ha/% Inn Centra/ in tian University of Science and Arts and Tu/sa. estimates he has written 150 songs. His beautiful song I had written." Entering

48 Oklahoma TODAY JPYUARY + FEBRUARV -'QI) CALENDAR

+ Jan. 29-Feb. 17 Kiowa stories passed down from gen- eration to generation will be told once again at the OK Children's Theatre production of "Kiowa Folktales, Legends and Lore." Evalou Russell of knadarko provided the stories. + Feb. 7-8 Legendary Oklahoma jazzmen Jay McShann and Claude Williams headline at the SWOSU Jazz Festival in Weatherford, a gathering of high school and college jazz ensembles-and jazz lovers. Contests, clinics and concerts are scheduled. + Feb. 18 Leaping Cossacks! The Tziganka Russian Gypsy Dance Company performs gypsy music and folk dancing at the Performing Arts Center in Tulsa, as part of a city-wide celebration of Soviet arts. + Feb. 22-24 Hooking saugeye, a cross between walleye and sauger, is the whole point of the saugeye Fishing Derby at Great Plains State Park. A chili cook-off accompanies the derby. (~eefchili, not saugeye, is expected, but you never know). n 13-March 10 "Ruckus Rodeo," Philbrook Museum ofArt, Tulsa, (918) 749-7941 19 "Cowpoke Promenade," Nat'l Cowboy Hall of Fame, MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES OKC, (405) 478-2250 19-April 28 "Whether, Weather Everywhere," Kirkpatrick JANUARY Planetarium, OKC, (405) 424-5545 1-7 "Done by Law," Kosher Cooking Objects, Fenster 25-March 3 "Lines of Vision: Drawings by Contemporary Women," OLI Museum of Norman, (405) 325- Museum of Jewish Art, Tulsa, (918) 582-3732 An, 1-13 "Alumni Collects," OU Museum of Art, Norman, 3272 (405) 325-3272 26-Feb. 24 "Dean Bloodgood: Ceramic Pictures," Firehouse Art Center. Norman, (405) 3294523 1-30 "Geometric Works on Canvas," Charles B. God- dard Center, Ardmore, (405) 226-0909 26-April 21 "Memory: the Art and Science of Remembering." 1-31 "From Land Run to Statehood," Museum of the Omniplex Science Museum, OKC, (405) 424-5545 Great Plains, Lawton, (405) 581-3460 1-31 Traveling Exhibit: "The Buckaroo Show," Plains FEBRUARY Indians and Pioneers Museum, Woodward, (405) 1-23 Bernadette Martinez, Recent Works, 1AO Gallery, 256-6136 OKC, (405) 843-3441 I-Feb. 15 "Things Left Behind," Artifacts from the Holo- 1-28 "Pieceful Memories," Quilt Show, Seminole Na- caust, Fenster Museum of Jewish Art, Tulsa, (918) tion Museum, Wewoka, (405) 257-5580 582-3732 1-28 "Archeology inTexas," MuseumoftheGreat Plains, 4-26 Lisa Van Tuyl, Recent Works, IAO Gallery, OKC, Lawton, (405) 581-3460 (405) 843-3441 1-28 Art Gallery Show. Gwen Suthers, Plains Indians 12 Painting by Kirk Pedersen, Gardiner Art Gallery, and Pioneers Museum, Woodward. (405) 256-6136 Stillwater, (405) 744-9088 3-27 Watercolors by Scott Anderson, Gardiner Art Gal-

January-February 1991 49 lery, Stillwater, (405) 744-9088 18-23 "Fiddler on the Roof," Ardmore Little Theatre, 3-March 31 "Alice and Look Who Else ... Through the Looking Ardmore, (405) 223-7418 Glass," Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa, (918) 749- 20-22 "Three Billy Goats Gruff," OK Children's Theatre, 794 1 McAlester, (918) 423-0265 4-March 3 B.J. White, Charles B. Goddard Center, Ardmore, 21-24 "Chicago," CSU, Mitchell Hall Theatre, Edmond, (405) 226-0909 (405) 341-2980 7 "Cody! AnEveningWithBuffaloBill,"Nat'lCowboy 21-24, 28-March 2 "Anything Goes," SW Playhouse, Clinton, (405) Hall of Fame, OKC, (405) 478-2250 323-4448 15-April 7 "N.C. Wyeth's Wild West,"Gilcrease Museum, 22-March 3 "The City Without Love," Theatre Tulsa, Tulsa, Tulsa, (918) 582-3122 (918) 596-7111 16-March 17 Sonja K. Ayres, Cherokee Nat'l Museum, Tahle- 22-March 23 "A Walk in the Woods," The Pollard Theatre, quah, (918) 456-6007 Guthrie, (405) 282-2800 28-March 2 "Steel Magnolias," On StageWoodward, Woodward, (405) 256-7120 DRAMA JANUARY 11-12 "An Evening of One-Act Plays," Muskogee Little FAIRS AND FESTIVALS Theatre, Muskogee, (918) 687-1714 JANUARY 11-20 "Chapter Two," Theatre Tulsa, Tulsa, (918) 596- 17-19 Bluegrass Festival, Western Hills Guest Ranch, 7111 Wagoner, (405) 273-8578 11-26 "Terra Nova," Carpenter Square Theatre, OKC, 25-26 Wintertales Storytelling Festival, OKC, (405) 236- (405) 232-6500 1426 18-20 OCTA East Regional Festival of Plays, Oklahoma City Community College, OKC,(405) 235-9508 FEBRUARY 19 "Beauty and the Beast," Tulsa Performing Arts 8-10 "An Affair of the Heart," OKC Fairgrounds, OKC, Center, Tulsa, (918) 596-71 11 (405) 6914006 19-20 "A Life," Lawton Community Theatre, Lawton, 9 The Chocolate Festival, Firehouse Art Center, (405) 355-1600 Norman, (405) 3294523 20 "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," Carl Albert State 20 OK Engineering Fair, Omniplex Science Museum. College, Poteau, (918) 647-8660 OKC, (405) 424-5545 25-27 OCTA West Festival of Plays, Oklahoma City Community College, OKC, (405) 235-9508 25-27 Feb. 1-2 "Wait Until Dark," Ponca Playhouse, Ponca City, c (405) 765-5360 29-Feb. 17 "Kiowa Folktales, Legends and Lore," OK Chil- MUSIC and DANCE dren's Theatre, OKC, (405) 948-6408 JANUARY 31-Feb. 2 "Bye Bye Birdie," Bartlesville Theatre Guild, 11 The Irving Berlin Century Concert, Scottish Rite Bartlesville, (918) 333-1225 Temple, Guthrie, (405) 282-7242 12 Sharon Robinson, Cellist, OKC Philharmonic Or- FEBRUARY chestra, Civic Center, OKC, (405) 843-0900 1-10 "Daddy's Dyin' (Who's Got the Will?)," Lawton 12-13 Los Angeles Piano Quartet, Performing Arts Cen- Community Theatre, Lawton, (405) 355-1600 ter, Tulsa, (918) 742-4087 4 "The Sound of Music," NSU Sequoyah Institute, 17 Tulsa Philharmonic Classics Concert, Ursula Op Tahlequah, (918) 456-551 1 pens, Performing Arts Center, Tulsa, (918) 747- 7-10, 14-17 "The Threepenny Opera," Town and Gown Thea- 7445 ter, Stillwater, (405) 372-9122 17 The Manhattan Rhythm Kings, NSU Sequoyah 7-24 "Orphans," Jewel Box Theatre, OKC, (405) 521- Institute, Tahlequah, (918) 456-551 1 1786 18-19 Manhattan Rhythm Kings, Civic Center, OKC, 8-9 "Gay Nineties Follies," Enid High School, Enid, (405) 843-0900 (405) 234-0624 19 Ponca City Symphony Orchestra, Hutchins Audito- 8-9, 14-17 "El Salvador," Studio Theatre, OU, Norman rium, Ponca City, (405) (405) 325-1701 19 Symphony with Kathy Stewart, Mezzo-soprano, 8-16 "Driving Miss Daisy," American Theatre Co., Community Center, Bartlesville, (918) 337-2787 Performing Arts Center, Tulsa, (918) 747-9494 20 Tulsa Philharmonic Sundae Series, Performing Arts 8-23 "Oil City Symphony," Carpenter Square Theatre, Center, Tulsa (918) 747-7445 OKC, (505) 232-6500 24 Piano Recital, Jonathan Bass, Performing ArtsCenter, 8-March 9 "Driving Miss Daisy," ThePollard Theatre, Guthrie, Tulsa, (918) 596-71 11 (405) 282-2800 24 OKC Philharmonic Orchestra, Charles B. Goddard 16-18 "Steel Magnolias," Shortgrass Theatre, Hobart, Center, Ardmore, (405) 226-0909 (405) 726-3415 25 Tulsa Philharmonic, with pianist Anton Nel, Per- 18-19 "Murder Mystery Theater," Muskogee Little forming Arts Center, Tulsa, (918) 747-7445 Theatre, (918) 687-1714 26 Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra, with guest con-

50 Oklahoma TODAY 1 ENTERTAINMENT CALEN

ductor Janos Petro, Lawton, (405) 248-2001 OKC, (405) 948-6704 27 Tulsa Philharmonic, Music on Exhibit, Gilcrease 17-20 Int'l Finals Rodeo, OKC, (405) 236-5000 Museum, Tulsa, (918) 747-7445 25-27 Triangle Horse Sale, Heart of OK Expo Center, Shawnee, (405) 275-7020 FEBRUARY 31-Feb. 1-2 CASC Collegiate Rodeo, Carl Albert State College. 2 St. OlafConcert, Bishop Angie Smith Chapel, OCU, Poteau, (918) 647-8660 OKC, (405) 521-5315 31-Feb. 3 Longhorn World Championship Rodeo, Tulsa 2 Tulsa Philharmonic Pops Concert with Doc Sever- Convention Center, Tulsa, (800) 678-7177 insen, Performing Arts Center, Tulsa, (918) 747- 7445 FEBRUARY 3 Chopin Society Concert Series, Mitchell Hall, CSU, 1-2 Bullmania, Lazy E Arena, Guthrie, (800) 234-3393 Edmond, (405) 341-2808 22-24 Smith Bros. Team Roping, Lazy E Arena, Guthrie. 3 Perin Bulgarian Folk Ensemble, Scottish Rite (800) 234-3393 Temple, Guthrie, (405) 282-7242 %March 2 Timed Event Championship of the World, Lazy E, 3 "Trio Sonata," Mitchell Hall Theatre, CSU, Ed- Arena, Guthrie, (800) 234-3393 mond, (405) 341-2980 3 Bob McGrath in Concert, OKC Philharmonic Or- chestra, Civic Center Music Hall, OKC, (405) 843- 0900 5 Verdehr Trio, Seretean Center, OSU, Stillwater, SPECIAL EVENTS (405) 744-7509 JANUARY 7-8 SWOSU Jazz Festival, Weatherford, (405) 774-3175 1-31 Waterfowl Tours, Sequoyah State Park, Wagoner, 7-8 Tulsa Philharmonic Classics Concert with violinist (918) 772-2108 Joseph Silverstein, Performing Arts Center, (918) 5,19 Eagle Watch, Quartz Mountain State Park, Lone 747-7445 Wolf, (405) 563-2238 9 Ransom Wilson in Concert, Civic Center, OKC, 6 Twelfth Night Christmas Tree Burning, Johnson (405) 843-0900 Park, Tulsa, (918) 5%-7877 9 KODO Japanese Drummers, Tulsa Performing Arts 6,13,20 Muzzle Loading Workshop, J.M. Davis Gun Mu- Center, (918) 596-71 11 seum, Claremore, (918) 341-5707 10 Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra, Lawton, (405) 248- 25-27 Boat Show, OK State Fairgrounds, OKC, (405) 948- 200 1 6704 15 Sinfonia Pops, "Rock and Roll is Here to Stay," Brady Theatre, Tulsa, (918) 582-7507 FEBRUARY 15-16 "Romeo and Juliet," Ballet Oklahoma, Civic Cen- 1 Chili Cook-off, Cheyenne, (405) 497-3344 ter Music Hall, OKC, (405) 848-8637 1-3 Lake Country Sport Show, Hardy Murphy Coli- 15-17 "Billy the Kid, Swan Lake and Con Amore," Tulsa seum, Ardmore, (405) 223-2541 Ballet Theatre, Performing Arts Center, (918) 585- 8 Box Supper, Edmond Historic Trust, Community 2573 Center, Edmond, (405) 341-2808 18 Tziganka Russian Gypsy Dance Company, Per- 2.9 Eagle Watch, Fountainhead State Park, Eufaula, forming Arts Center, Tulsa, (918) 596-71 11 (918) 689-7450 22 Muir String Quartet, Seretean Center, OSU, Still- 2.16 Eagle Watch, Quartz Mountain State Park, Lone water, (405) 744-7509 Wolf, (405) 563-2238 22-23 "A Night at the Movies," 8KC Philharmonic Or- 7-1 1 Custom Car Show, Tulsa, (918) 5%-7177 chestra, Civic Center, OKC, (405) 843-0900 9 Eagle Watch, Sequoyah State Park, Wagoner, (918) 23 Annual Children's Show, Prairie Dance Theatre, 772-2046 OKC, (405) 478-4132 10 Harlem Globetrotters, Myriad Convention Center, 23 Cello Fest, OU School of Music, Norman, (404) OKC, (405) 297-3000 325-2081 14-17 OK Tackle Fishing Show, OKC, (405) 685-3600 24 Cellist Peter Rejto, Holmberg Hall, Norman, (405) 15 Oyster Fry, Prather Brown Center, Frederick, (405) 325-2081 335-25 13 24 Ridge String Quartet, Chamber Music in OK, Christ 15-17 Trout Derby, Roman Nose State Park, Watonga. the King Catholic Church, OKC, (405) 525-9839 (405) 623-5452 28 "The Philharmonic," USA0 Main Auditorium, 22-24 Saugeye Fishing Derby and Chili Cook-off, Great Chickasha, (405) 224-3140 Plains State Park, Jet, (405) 626-4731 28 "Rare Air," Celtic Music Series, Tulsa Performing 22-24 Coin Club Exhibit, Duncan, (405) 255-0510 Arts Center, (918) 596-71 11 22-24 Made In Oklahoma Consumer Show, Tulsa Con- 28-3 "Don Giovanni, OU College of Fine Arts, Rupel J. vention Center, Tulsa, (918) 747-5464 Jones Theatre, Norman, (405) 325-4101 23 Supplying the Winter Camps Living History, U.S. Cavalry Reenactors, Roman Nose State Park, Watonga, (405) 623-7281

, RODEO AND HORSE EVENTS JANUARY Af.houg4 the infomation in the cafenLrb cumnt, data and times con change 4-9 Sunbelt Cutting Horse Futurity, OKC Fairgrounds, without notice. Please check in ahonce before aftending any event. -

January-February 1991 5 1