Ike's Arrival In Galveston & Houston, TX

Lots of stuff in the news week, but Hurricane Ike tops it all! Ike's path took a course towards Galveston and Houston, Texas. They were reporting that it as a "3" with a path as wide as the State of Texas.

We used to live down in that area in the later half of the 1970's. Towards the middle of the 1970's, David received a job offer with Exxon Research & Enigneering in Baytown, Texas, around 1974 ('75). So... we packed up our two young toddlers and made the move to the Baytown, then later settling in the Clear Lake City community, a few miles northwest of Galveston, Texas.

Some of the other towns I remember in that area were LaPorte, Kemah, League City, Texas City, Nassau Bay -- all those communities set on a man made bay called Clear Lake.

Clear Lake City, in the 1970's, was a small, unincorporated community, on the westside of Nasa's Johnson Space Center, which was bordered on the east by Clear Lake Bay. Clear Lake City may have started out as an unincorporated community, but in the late 1970's Houston extended it's boundary to include the Clear Lake City subdivision.

More than occasionally, we would venture down towards the little towns and seaports strung along the bay and gulf between Houston and Galveston -- gorging ourselves of all the fresh shrimp and seafood we could eat. We also played on the beaches and in the salty waters of the Gulf.

It was around 1979 that we moved back to Alva, in Northwest Oklahoma. Y'all!. . . . For about 4 or 5 years these NW Okie's were Texas Okie's with a slight Texas accent. The Houston and Galveston areas were too humid -- the Winter's were too mild for this NW Okie, So... we headed back towards northwest Oklahoma. I would rather experience the dusty winds and tornadoes of Oklahoma than the Hurricane winds of the Gulf.

I have always thought this Winter, NW Okie baby of the '48 era has been drawn mostly to the cold, snowy mountains of the Rockies, though.

You may check out the iReport.com for the Latest News and Photos as Ike made his journey towards Galveston and Houston, Texas.
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Satellite vs. DSL Broadband

As we make it through another cool week here in SW Colorado mountains, watching the Emerald Hummingbirds taking over the Rufus hummingbird feeders, the young bucks have also been captured grazing on the slope in our backyard. Also... we have been moving along at faster broadband speeds since mid-week (September 11, 2008).

Yes! Finally! We have made the move from Hughesnet's slow Satellite broadband to Qwest's faster DSL broadband with a savings of over $70 per month.

Yep! That is correct! A savings and faster! Hughesnet was charging us around $89 per month for speeds lower than what we are getting on our NEW DSL connection. Our Qwest monthly broadband bill is $14.95. AND... our browser loads considerably faster than the satellite broadband ever did.

Hughesnet needs to lower their broadband prices, considerably. AND... for those not able to get dsl or cable, satellite is the only answer in the rural areas and it is getting crowded on their satellites.
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NEW & Restructured OkieLegacy Survey

Here is an interactive little survey that we have made up for those that want to voice their opinions ... AND ... take surveys!

"Our Little OkieLegacy Survey" is Anonymous. NO information will be traced back to the survey taker.

We have searched online for a NEW, BETTER form of survey that is FREE and could be set up in a MULTIPLE CHOICE survey ... to make it easier to collect data and analyze. We found such a Poll & Survey at PollDaddy.com. View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

NWOSU's Green Space Dedication (9/9/2008)

Our oldest son, Michael E. Wagner, took some recent video of Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) dedication, September 9, 2008, in Alva, Oklahoma, of the NEW Green Space on the northwest corner of NWOSU's campus, where the old women's dorm, Oklahoma Hall, once stood.

We have put some of those videos up on our OkieLegacy YouTube site for your viewing pleasure. There is a video of Mayor Arden Chaffee speaking before an assembled crowd of northwest Oklahomans, alumni and students; a poem reading written by a NWOSU English Professor and read by Kathy Earnst; and President of NWOSU, Dr. Janet Cunningham, speaking to the crowd.

We are in the process of uploading Dr. Cunningham's speech in 3 videos (part I - Welcome, part II - History, part III - Closing). We have part III uploaded and will be getting part I & part II up later.

Thanks goes out to Michael E. Wagner for taking the NWOSU Green Space Dedication video. Michael has moved back to Alva from Shreveport, Louisiana to continue his education (Master) at NWOSU. If you see Michael on campus, stop and get acquainted with this intelligent, friendly young man. AND... say, "Hello and Thanks for some great video coverage of NWOSU's dedication."

Here are a few of the links to NWOSU's Green Space Dedication:
* Mayor Chaffee Speaks
* Green Space Poem
* Part I - Dr. Janet Cunningham - Welcome
* Part II - Dr. Janet Cunningham - History
* Part III - Dr. Janet Cunningham - Closing
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In Remembrance of Those Who Have Died In Iraq

The list below is the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen, sailors and Coast Guardsmen whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The list also includes seven employees of the U.S. Defense Department. At least 30,634 U.S. troops have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon. View casualties in the war in Afghanistan and examine U.S. war casualties dating back to the Revolutionary War." -- Iraq Casualties
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Maggie Talley

Maggie Talley..."My maternal Grandmother Minnie May Talley (deceased) was one of the siblings to Maggie Talley, located at grave site #4 (Alva, OK cemetery). I'm not sure if Maggie died of influenza, but have been told both parents died of TB. Any information (trivial or otherwise) on Maggie or this time period would be appreciated." -- Leah (Ruggles) Sandber lrsandberg@sbcglobal.net
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Growing Up In Oklahoma

We are in the process of taking down Kenneth Updike's stories and ramblings of "Growing Up In Oklahoma" because Kenneth asked us, "To remove all of my previous writings to you about my Ramblins. Personal stories that I told you and your readers. My Son has had all of my writings, and notes copyrighted so that we can put them in a book or booklet. His idea. I really have no objections to this, but he insists we can be viewed by more people. I leave it up to him. Thanks for your help in the past, and I still read your Okie Legacy nearly every week."

If you find some of Kenneth's Ramblings that I have missed, Please email me the link with Vol. and Iss. numbers so that this NW Okie can remove them. Thanks for your help!
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Celebration Day In Perry OK

Sept. 13, 2008 -- "It's already begun! Today (Saturday, September 13th) is the day that Perry celebrates the 115th anniversary of the 'biggest land run ever' which opened the Cherokee 'Strip" for settlement.

We've experienced 'drippy' weather most of the week until yesterday when the sun peeked out of the clouds and some drying began. My rain gauges showed about 2" total but many parts of the city and our county received more. The ground had become saturated once more. I was able to mow part of the grass at the east end of the land at my shop. It's somewhat overcast again today.

Our gasoline prices sort of stabilized for the week with the Conoco station still posting $3.349 per gallon. The BIG news in Perry though was that 29-year-old Travis Brorsen and his dog Presley had won the "Greatest American Dog" title (and $250,000 + the trophy) on the CBS Wednesday evening show. Perry is very proud that another local guy has become nationally popular.

I spoke to soon about our gas prices! It was probably "Hurricane Ike" that changed our gas prices but they jumped up to $3.839 per gallon today (during our "Cherokee Strip Celebration). It's possible that they might go up some more tomorrow (Sunday). Now I wonder if my brother's family is safe? They moved to the Texas coast a couple of years ago.

It began raining as I left the house this morning but quit just before the parade was starting and then didn't begin again until just as the parade was ending. I got the whole thing on video and then later this afternoon (after I'd stood in line for more than 30 minutes and then paid $3.50 for a cheese burger from one of the stands that was set up in the street around the courthouse square) I videoed the champion clog-dancers, and all the acts that followed; at the bandstand in the park. It lasted until almost 4 PM. What a day. Now I'm transferring my recorded video to DVD. Many folks have asked for copies." -- Roy K.
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Mutual Interest In Early St. Louis Browns

"I notice you have an interest in the early St Louis Browns baseball team. So do I.

I am wondering what else you have found about that team's era. My Grandfather played one game for the St Louis Browns in the National League - August 12, 1894. (George Washington Paynter (Paner). As you likely know this was the same National League franchise that had an ownership and name change a few years later.

I have a team photo for the 2 years later, 1896 team, but little else beyond roster, won/loss record, etc. I have never seen a logo if they had one in those days. I have read the book "Before they were Cardinals" but that focuses on some years earlier, etc.

Do you have any info to share or can you provide directions as to how to learn. Some years ago I met with the Cardinals Historian in St Louis but I knew more about it than she. Thanks for your help." -- Jerry Paner - Email: jpaner@comcast.net

[Editor's Note: Checkout our grandfather's, Bill McGill Legacy and his 1907 St. Louis Browns Legacy. Did the St. Louis Browns have a logo?]
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Balmer Fund, Harper, KS On YouTube

Balmer Fund, Harper, KS On YouTube.com -- "Share these videos with friends. The world needs to know what is happening in small town Kansas>

Harper, KS: Save It? Demolish It?
BULLYING ON THE PRAIRIES
SMALL TOWN MOBING AND BULLYING
ANTHONY KANSAS - BOYCOTT CORRUPT SMALL TOWNS

*R O S A L E A & * *R A L P H L O R E N* *P R O D U C T I O N S* - THE AMAZING CREW! Rosalea Hostetler (71), Ralph Bauman (69), Loren Gerber (85)
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Old Stove

"I have a wood cook stove. It is a Home Comfort Model DA, Factory M73303. I can not find anything about it. Do you know anything?" -- gloria - Email: gjwilson@farmerstel.com
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Rumination

"Don't really know exactly why this has been running in my mind, but there is an Alva event which keeps coming to mind. Haven't been able to resolve it, and possibly you or someone might be able to assist me in putting it to rest.

Way back when, on the southside of Barnes, between 6th and 7th streets about mid-block, was McGill Furniture. I think next was Pitusnick (not sure of the spelling) shoe repair shop, Bill Brands store, and Magnusons Grocery. My most vivid memory of Magnusons was a machine which turned out cake donuts. I still enjoy cake donuts, but they just don't seem to taste quite as good as those did.

Just as there were on the second floor of many of the stores on the square, the upstairs of Magnusons had some apartments. The event which keeps coming to my mind concerns a fire which started upstairs over Magnusons. As I recall the grocery store had a great deal of damage, and Magnusons went on west on the block and built the building which now is the Senior Citizen Center.

Just how the fire started, I have no recollection. I cannot recall the name, but seems there was a youngster who had crawled under the bed to escape the fire and unfortunately did not escape. More details of the cause of the fire escape me, if I ever knew, but the youngster was about my age at the time, and it was a tremendous learning experience for me. Don't know that this is all of any consequence except it would be nice for the lost one to be remembered.

On a bit of a lighter note, Humming birds. While we have quite a number of birds migrating thru our area, and although I don't always know just what they are, and am too lazy to get out my 'bird book' (anyone remember the character on Fibber McGee and Molly who had a 'bird book'?) to look them up, the hummers are the most entertaining. My wife has 6, 30-oz feeders hanging around the house. Haven't a clue as to just how many hummers there are, but all 6 feeders get emptied daily. When they first return in the spring, they are very territorial with the feeders, but as the numbers build, I guess there are so many that they become more 'sharing' of the feeders.

The thing that keeps me the most entertained is the feeder just outside the window where I sit at the computer. When the feeder gets empty and they come to check it out, they will often come to the window and hover as if to say, 'It needs to be filled!' Don't know just how much sugar we have gone thru so far this season, but the current 50# bag is running low.

Have rattled long enough, and while I don't expect an immediate answer to my query, I hope someone will be able to supply some information. At some time I recall reading an ancient Egyptian quote that a person never dies as long as someone speaks their name." -- Marvin Henry - Emails: figment1(at)comcast.net and nmfigment(at)yahoo.com
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Katie DeWitt James Murder of 1905

"I recently came across your website and the article on the murder of Katie DeWitt James. Katie's mother was my great-great-aunt. I have trying to research this mystery myself and wondered how you came up with the information that her husband was a hack driver?

As for her daughter... Once the dust settled, Mr. James took custody of their daughter and placed her with a relative of his, and refused to let Katie's father have any contact with her. She died when she was only 8 - years old.
,br> There is another article from the Arapohoe Bee that says Katie and Fannie were friends and had tried to kill Luther James in the past, but this appears to be based on information obtained from the two husbands after both women were dead. I find it kind of curious myself.

As for Lulu Blanche, once the dust settled down she was returned to her father who boarded her with one of his relatives. He refused to let Henry DeWitt see her or give her any information about her. Lucie died when she was 8 - years old." -- Bill Slack - Email: hobbie_consultant@comcast.net

[Editor's Note: 1905 News - Remains of Murdered Mrs. James Found Near Weatherford (OK)... The Oklahoman News article dated September 1, 1905, pg. 6, had the following articles concerning a "Body Discovered" & "Remains of the Murdered Mrs. James Found Near Weatherford" (Oklahoma). Mrs. Norton, who was with the Murdered woman when last seen, committed suicide at Shawnee, Oklahoma after being arrested. Checkout our OkieLegacy article HERE.]
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Politcal Cartoons

Politcal Cartoons -- "Need something to chuckle at during this political season? Check out the The Ink Tank: a daily roundup of editorial cartoons, Photo Gallery on Boston.com." -- SBW
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Jim Edgar - Oklahoma Entertainer

"Roy, glad to hear that Jim Edgar is still entertaining in Northwest Oklahoma. I managed a country club in Enid in the mid-1970s and thought he was a great entertainer. At the time his side men included Dave Hempfling (?) on drums, and an incredible lead guitarist who managed an auto sales operation. Back then his group was called the Road Runners. I tried to book him as Jim Edgar and the Rock and Roll Revival, but he'd have none of it." -- Al Weigand - OkieLegacy Comment
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Searching Info on Jesse Dunn Building at NWOSU

"We are looking for information about the entrance to the Jesse Dunn building on Northwestern's campus in Alva. Do any readers have photos or recollections of the light fixture that hung over the steps inside the front entrance on the north of the building? Did it look like the fixtures in the "library" where the natural history museum is now housed? Thanks for any help." -- Kathy Earnest Email: kearnest77@sbcglobal.net
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National September 11 Memorial & Museum

National September 11 Memorial & Museum -- Watch one-on-one interviews with victims' family members, survivors of 9/11 attacks and first responders; learn about the bam signing and other events to remember 9/11; sponsor a cobblestone on the Memorial Plaza/ Help pave the way to remembrance and hope; Explore stories, artifacts and resources and listen to latest podcast;learn more about the design of the Memorial and view new images of the project. Get involved! -- NW Okie
New Info Details On 9/11 Attacks As reported in the "Market Watch Weekend Edition of The Wall Street Journal, dated Sept. 8, 2008, ... "WASHINGTON, Sept 08, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Palo Alto Publishing will hold a press conference on September 11, 2008, at 9 AM at the National Press Club at 529 14th St. NW, Washington D.C., to detail new information revealed since the release of the 9/11 Commission Report. Entirely sourced from government reports, court documents, and the account of FBI Agent Ali Soufan, this analysis, never before fully detailed, shows that CIA officers, working through liaisons at FBI Headquarters, had repeatedly and criminally obstructed investigations that could have prevented the attacks on 9/11....." -- The Wall Street Journal Digital Network - market Watch Weekend Edition
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Poem Remembering 9/11 (The Prayer of the Sunflowers)

The Prayer of the Sunflowers

Hurricane Evacuees: A New Perspective

From this blog: Hurricane Evacuees: A New Perspective

"I am a nurse who has just completed working approximately 120 hours as the clinic director in a Hurricane Gustav evacuation shelter in Shreveport, Louisiana over the last 7 days. I would love to see someone look at the evacuee situation from a new perspective. Local and national news channels have covered the evacuation and "horrible" conditions the evacuees had to endure during Hurricane Gustav.

True - some things were not optimal for the evacuation and the shelters need some modification. At any point, does anyone address the responsibility (or irresponsibility) of the evacuees? Does it seem wrong that one would remember their cell phone, charger, cigarettes and lighter but forget their child's insulin?

Is something amiss when an evacuee gets off the bus, walks immediately to the medical area, and requests immediate free refills on all medicines for which they cannot provide a prescription or current bottle (most of which are narcotics)?

Isn't the system flawed when an evacuee says they cannot afford a $3 co pay for a refill that will be delivered to them in the shelter yet they can take a city-provided bus to Wal-mart, buy 5 bottles of Vodka, and return to consume them secretly in the shelter?

Is it fair to stop performing luggage checks on incoming evacuees so as not to delay the registration process but endanger the volunteer staff and other persons with the very realistic truth of drugs, alcohol and weapons being brought into the shelter?

Am I less than compassionate when it frustrates me to scrub emesis (clinical word for vomit - DR) from the floor near a nauseated child while his mother lies nearby, watching me work 26 hours straight, not even raising her head from the pillow to comfort her own son?

Why does it insense me to hear a man say "I ain't goin' home 'til I get my FEMA check" when I would love to just go home and see my daughters who I have only seen 3 times this week?

Is the system flawed when the privately insured patient must find a way to get to the pharmacy, fill his prescription and pay his copay while the FEMA declaration allows the uninsured person to acquire free medications under the disaster rules?

Does it seem odd that the nurse volunteering at the shelter is paying for childcare while the evacuee sits on a cot during the day as the shelter provides a "day care"?

Have government entitlements created this mentality and am I facilitating it with my work? Will I be a bad person, merciless nurse or poor Christian if I hesitate to work at the next shelter because I have worked for 7 days being called every curse word imaginable, felt threatened and feared for my personal safety in the shelter?

Exhausted and battered but hopefully pithy, Sherri Hagerhjelm, RN." -- Rod Murrow
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