Dear Duchess

How is Summer heading up for all you Oklahoman's? Is it wet, dry, hot, mild or cool? We hear that Nescatunga Arts Festival was this Saturday on the downtown square of Alva, Oklahoma. Hope the Arts Festival that went on Saturday, in Alva, Oklahoma did not get rained out! Did you have lots of artists showup? Who won the big art award?

NW Okie's Early Girl tomatoes are doing great and have tomatoes a size larger than a golf ball. NOW ... if we can just keep the raccoons and other wildlife out of them while it ripens.

Next week's OkieLegacy ezine may be a few days late because we will be "on the road" to Arizona on next Sunday. If we do not get it published on Saturday evening, it will be published Monday evening, June 15, 2009.

Before this Duchess Pugster heads out of here we wanted to share a quote we heard this week and made by the President of the United States. It goes like this, "..... In order to move forward, we must say openly to each other the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground ..... The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few." -- President At Cairo University
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Looking Back 65 Years ... To the Future

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift." Make the most of each day so that you can see what mysteries the tomorrow's bring for your todays.

What mysteries will you wakeup and find tomorrow? What history or family legacy did you uncovering yesterday? do you have an inquiry that you would like to share with us here at OkieLegacy eZine?

1944 - Lt. Craig Barker Missing Over France, Vol. 10, Iss 18 ... Sandie Olson says, "Last week in the Woods County News items that you reprinted, there was a note about my cousin, Craig Barker, who was reported missing over France. I sent the item to his widow, Ann. (Craig died several years ago.) Craig was captured and became a POW in Germany. Ann sent the following additional information:

Craig was shot down on the 19th of June of 1944. He had participated in the D-Day raids over Normandy —- and that was the 6th of June. He was on his 11th raid over Germany when he was shot down.

We have a new coffee table sized book that was just published last year about the 8th Air Force—which was the division that did all the bombing in Europe. It has a list of all the planes that were shot down in that division and the names of the crews.

He was a prisoner until May of 1945 —- but because the final camp where they were held -- was down close to Munich — it was a while before they could fly the prisoners out of that lower part of Germany. General Patton came through their camp and liberated it. Craig actually saw him and his pearl handle pistols.

They finally took the released prisoners to a port on the north shore of France — They called this base — Lucky Strike — and they kept them there for a couple of weeks to feed them up — and check to see that they were able to travel.

He was put on a cargo type ship — that was supposed to go right to New York — but it got diverted and sent clear to Trinidad in the Caribbean. It was sometime in the first part of June before he finally got home — I remember - because we were having Vacation Bible School at the time."
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65 Years Ago

This weekend, June 6, 2009, was the celebration of the 65th Anniversary of D-Day at Normandy Beach, on the coast of France. This is the online link that has more information about D-Day, June 6, 1944.

My Uncle Bob McGill did not storm the beaches of Normandy on that day. Uncle Bob was about to graduate from Officers candidate school and five days earlier had just married Helen Louise Soper, 1 June 1944 after obtaining a marriage license on 31 May 1944 and they were married in Alva, Oklahoma 1 June 1944 with Gene McGill (Bob's brother) as a witness. Bob & Helen's marriage was just another of those pre-war romances before the soldier got sent overseas to war. Uncle Bob and Aunt Helen were Divorced 22 June 1948.

Back to the 65th Anniversary of D-Day ... It was June 6, 1944, when as described at The National D-Day Memorial Foundation, "150,000 Allied soldiers clambered aboard heaving landing craft and braved six-foot swells, waves of machine gun fire, and more than 6 million mines to claim a stretch of sand at a place called Normandy. Their mission was to carve out an Allied foothold on the edge of Nazi-occupied Europe for the army of more than one million that would follow them in the summer of 1944. This army would burst forth from the beachhead, rolling across Europe into the heart of Germany, liberating millions, toppling a genocidal regime, and ending a nightmare along the way. But it all began on this beach in France, with an army of teenagers on a day called D-Day."

The youngest D-Day and WWII veterans turned 82 years of age today ... or this year. D-Day was a turning point in the course of WWII and signaled the beginning of the end of the age of fascism and the return of hope to millions in occupied nations globally.

Did any of your ancestors storm the beaches of Normandy, June 6, 1944?
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Insight Into Grandma

Last week's Dear Connie letter of September 20, 1904 was out of order in the stack of 1904 letters from John C. McClure. So ... the letter that should have been posted, September 10, 1904, will be posted this week.

The letter of September 11, 1904 was type-written on a translucent, tannish type of paper that was hard to read at times. It was postmarked Quincy, Illinois, Sep. 10, 1904 11 a.m. and delivered to Alva, Oklahoma Sep. 11, 1904 at 3:30 p.m. to Miss Constance Warwick.

It begins ... Quincy, Ill, Sept. 10, 1904, Miss Constance Warwick, Alva, Okla., Dear Connie:

"I received your ever welcome letter after waiting for a long time. Don't you wait so long next time.

"So you had a swell time at the fair. I suppose my cousins, Mr. and Mrs. Bolte will be in that crowd this week, but the fair is the least of my troubles now. I don't care to see it at all now.

"What are you trying to give me about Nellie keeping me posted? I suppose you mean Nellie Corben. Now do you really think I would write to her? Perhaps that is not what you mean, but I just imagined it was, as I could think of nothing else. You will please explain. Tell me what you heard. You are the only one girl I am writing to.

"Say, How do you like my stationery? I found a whole note book of this mind of paper in my desk and it can't be written on with pen or pencil, so I am trying it on the typewriter. I don't know whether you will be able to read it or not.

"I am in the speed class now, and I don't believe I will stay any longer than next Friday night. I think, I will go to Chicago.

"The Fall term of school has opened with a big enrollment. Out of 150 pupils in one department, there are only 6 or 7 girls, this is in the Book-keeping D. The girls in the Shorthand D. are the homeliest looking set I ever laid my eyes on, and you certainly know that I know that I know a good looking girl when I see her. If I put a few more (That I knows) in this letter, you will think that I am self righteous. I believe the School Moms are the best looking set yet.

"I wish I could get a position in Oklahoma for I would like to go there.

"It has been nice and cool here all summer, and it has been fine to go to school all the time.

"You did not say whether you got a first grade certificate or not. Did you? When is Miss Gateka going to get married? She surely must be or she would be teaching.

"The next time you write, tell me all the home news, for you know I cannot rely upon Nellie very much, Ha.

"Well, I will close for this time, please answer by return mail, as I am awful anxious to know about what you mentioned in the latter part of your letter. Be sure and write before I leave Quincy. Sincerely yours, J. C. Mc., G.C.B.C., Quincy, Ill."
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John Carnahan McClure - 1884-1959

Here is some more information that I gleaned from the internet at Ancestry.com, concerning the 1900, 1920 census, concerning John C. McClure, born February 21, 1884, in Illinois and died 28 July 1959. That death date is ... IF ... John C. McClure is the same as John Carnahan McClure that married 26 November 1919 to Lena Painter, born 21 November 1894, Missouri, died 7 January 1992, Los Angeles, California. This is the Petersen-Sebenicher Family Tree information that I found on Ancestry.com concerning John Carnahan & Lena (Painter) McClure.

1920 census places John C. McClure, b. 21 feb 1884, Illinois; marr. 26 Nov 1919, Irena (or Lena) , as as roomers in the household of Benjamin Blue's family in the Driftwood Township, in the town of Ingersoll, Alfalfa county, Oklahoma, 5 & 6 January, 1920, Fourteenth Census of the United States: 1920 - Population; Roll: T625_I452; page: IB; Enumeration District: 8; Image: 155.

The place of address was listed as "x 16 17" with the Benjamin & Sarah Blue family. John C. McClure was listed as a "roomer" along with "Irena (which was hard to read and it could have been Lena)." John was 36 years, born in Illinois, about 1884, his father was born in Scotland and his mother was born in Illinois. John was listed as married, white, male, able to read and write, and bank cashier. Irena's (or Lena's) 1920 census info shows she was born in Missouri. I could not read what her occupation was listed as, though.

The 1900 US census detail shows: 12th census of the United states, schedule No. 1, State of Illinois, Knox county, Lynn Township, 12 June 1900. John C. McClure was listed as one of son children of Thomas McClure (head of household; born July 1857; 42 years; born in Scotland, England; at age of 34 years, in 1866, he had his naturalization papers; and listed as a farmer). Thomas' wife was Louisa (Collinson), born in Missouri, Feb. 1856, and listed as 44 years in 1900.

John C. McClure's siblings were listed as: Henry F. (Oct. 1880), Alice I (Dec 1881), John C. (Feb 21, 1884), Andrew T. (May 1886), Arthur E. (Feb 1891), Clara M. (Aug 1893), Earnest S. (Apr 1895), Mary J. (Mar 1898). Henry, Alice, John, Andrew, Arthur and Clara were listed as "at school."

Louisa (Collinson) McClure's mother, Louisa Collinson (born June 1811, age 89 years, born in Illinois and citizen since 1827) was also listed as living with the Thomas McClure family.

Ancestry.com's California Death Index of 1940-1997 showed John Carnahan McClure, ssn: 566426722;, male, birthdate: 21 Feb. 1884, Illinois, death date: 28 July 1959, Los Angeles; mother's maiden name: Collinson; father's surname: McClure.

From that information I found two different Ancestry.com family tree information for John Carnahan & Lena (Painter) McClure.

Lena Painter was born 21 November 1894, in Missouri, and the daughter of George M. Painter (born 30 June 1848) and Lucy Adeline Burford (born 26 November 1858). Lena married John Carnahan McClure on the 26th November 1919. John and Lena had two children: a daughter (birth and first name not listed because was still living); and a son, John C. McClure, born 22 September 1921, died 25 December 1924.

To view the Ancestry.com family tree information, follow these links: Lena Painter, daughter of George M. Painter, b. 30 Jun 1848, and Lucy Adeline Burford -- John Carnahan McClure, born 21 Feb 1884, Illinois; died 28 Jul 1959, Los Angeles, California.
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Emma Willis Story Continues - 1936

Last week we mentioned the murder trial of Emma Willis, 19-year-old farm girl, acquitted of the murder of her father at their home near Anadarko in 1935. We continue this week with the story of a group of Jeffersonian Club of women who were raising funds and helping Emma Willis find a private school or business school to finish high school and take business courses.

According The Oklahoman, dated September 3, 1936, page 5, the committee chosen by Mrs. Reid to be in charge of teh ticket sales included Mrs. R. A. Titus, Mrs. R. P. Moore, Mrs. J. L. Landrum, Mrs. John Butler, Mrs. F. P. Chappell, Mrs. R. P. Hill, Mrs. Winnie R. Farmer and Miss Gertrude Dissing.

Back to an article in The Oklahoman, dated August 27, 1936, page 2, with headlines that read: "Emma Willis Will Finish High school Work, Incognito" and "Anadarko Girl Will Leave State for Education."

It was reported in that article that Emma Willis had chosen a high school education, incognito and out of state, in preference to a business training in Oklahoma City, after a conference with benefactors.

Emma was scheduled to go to a catholic denomination private school with an Oklahoma City man paying $40 a month for her tuition, board and room. The benefactor had withheld his name. The Jeffersonian Club members had been interested in the girl's case for some time, and had provided her with clothing, books, athletic fees and spending money.

Emma also had the choice of living with an Oklahoma City family while attending business college. There was also the possibility she might elect to remain on the farm with her mother and several younger brothers and sisters.

Emma's attorney, W. H. Cooper, explained that the Jeffersonian club committee thought it best not to disclose the name of the school where their protege will be sent, and her past will not be known to her fellow-students.

On September 22, 1936, Emma Willis was denied chance by private schools as they refused to accept the 19-year old farm girl for enrollment. Emma was residing with her mother at their home in Caddo county.

On October 5, 1936, the news article in The Oklahoman, dated Oct. 6, 1936, page 7, stated: "Business College Entrance Denied To Emma Willis." Emma was denied an opportunity to attend business college in Anadarko, Oklahoma. Members of the Women's Jeffersonian club of Oklahoma City announced that they had obtained entrance for Emma Willis into the Anadarko Business College.

Amos Ward, head of the college, said that complaints from parents of students had forced him to reject the application.

By October 10, 1936, a possible school was found at last for Emma Willis, and it was kept secret. It was reported that the problem of Emma Willis, the girl nobody wanted, had at last been solved, but the public was not to know for the present at least.

mrs. Donnelly Reid, president of the Women's Jeffersonian club had at last found a lovely place where Emma would have her chance in life. They were not giving out any information as to where, what kind of an institution it was or when Emma would enter. They had met too many rebuffs to risk failure again by too much publicity.

The business school in Anadarko had just declined to accept the farm girl as a student because "the other parents wouldn't like it."

In last week's OkieLegacy eZine, Vol. 11, Iss. 22, we found out that March 11, 1937, a news article reported, "Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt doesn't know it, but she is going to contribute indirectly to the rehabilitation of Emma Willis. Part of the proceeds of Mrs. Roosevelt's two speeches here Saturday (Alva, Oklahoma) under auspices of the Jeffersonian Club will go to complete the business course being given the 19-year-old farm girl who was adopted by the club after she was acquitted of a charge of slaying her father last winter."

Did Emma Willis attend Northwestern State Teachers College in 1937? I checked out the 1937 Ranger album I have scanned at Old Ranger Albums and found no mention of Emma Willis. Did she change her name?
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Nadarko, OK

Roy says, "It has been my understanding that the town was to be called 'Nadarko,' but that a railroad station master put an 'A' in front of the name in order to get a better listing in the town names in early day Oklahoma. An 'A' at the beginning of the name would place the town's name at or near the first names listed on the map when listed alphabetically."
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Oklahoma FreeWheel 2009

Dale Talkington sent us the following news article that reported that from Duncan, Oklahoma to Kiowa, Kansas, organizers are expecting more participants than ever to be part of the 31st annual bike touring event, June 7-13. Typically between 900 and 1,000 bikers make half or the entire trip, which this year is 416 miles through rattlesnake country and the not-so-flat terrain of western Oklahoma.

It was also reported that because of tornado devastation in Anadarko, the first stop for cyclists this eyar will be in Apache, on this Sunday. Apache is nestled at the foot of the Wichita Mountains about 19 miles north of Lawton. On the third night, Cheyenne, Oklahoma, after 65 miles of cycling, two of the riders are getting married and have invited everyone to attend.

Other stops from June 7 to June 13 include stops in the following towns. Watch out for cyclists on the following dates below in a town near you.

From Start To Finish:
Day 1 - June 7 - Duncan to Apache 50+ miles
Day 2 - June 8 - Apache to Cordell - 60+ miles
Day 3 - June 9 - Cordell to Cheyenne - 65 miles
Day 4 - June 10 - Cheyenne to Thomas - 67 miles
Day 5 - June 11 - Thomas to Fairview - 54 miles
Day 6 - June 12 - Fairview to Alva - 55 miles
Day 7 - June 13 - Alva, OK to Kiowa, Kansas - 42 miles


View Oklahoma FreeWheel in a larger map
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Apache, OK

Apache, OK is located in southern Caddo county, adjoining Keystone. A post office from January 18, 1905 to January 1, 1906. Once the subject of widespread real estate promotion, the town haas entirely disappeared. The name was coined for association with the Appalachian Mountains.
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Cordell, OK

Cordell, OK is the county seat of Washita county. Its post office was established October 12, 1892. At present the town is several miles west of the original site and the name of the present townsite is New Cordell, named for Wayne W. Cordell, long-time employee of the Post Office Department.
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Cheyenne, OK

Cheyenne, OK is the county seat of Roger Mills county. Its post office was established April 11, 1892. It took its name from the Cheyenne Indians, on whose reservation it was located. The word means "people of alien speech."
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Thomas, OK

Thomas, OK is located in western Johnston county, 6 miles northwest of Ravia. There was a post office from November 18, 1890 to October 6, 1891. It is no longer in existence, and was named for John Thomas, prominent early-day resident.
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Fairview, OK

When I looked in my "Oklahoma Place Names" book for Fairview, I found three towns with the name of "Fairview."

1st Fairview ... located in Beaver county, 5 miles southwest of Gate. A post office from February 21, 1888 to March 5, 1890 and it no longer is in existence.

2nd Fairview ... located in southwestern Logan county, 4 miles west of Seward. There was a post office from September 1, 1890 to April 11, 1893 and it no longer is in existence.

3rd Fairview, OK ... is one that I remember as located in Major county and is the county seat. Its post office was established April 18, 1894. It took its name from its scenic location in a pleasantly wooded valley east of the uplands forming the Glass Mountains.
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Fairvalley, OK

Oklahoma Place Names, page 86, has this to say about my Fairvalley: "Fairvalley - In western Woods county, 5 miles southeast of Freedom. A post office from October 4, 1895 to January 31, 1948."

Fairvalley, OK on Google Maps. This next link is a view of the land that McGill Sisters Land & Cattle Corporation own in the Fairvalley area of sagebrush, sandy soil and Oil & Gas wells.

For more information on my Fairvalley, click this link: Present Fairvalley, OK.
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Northwestern State Teachers College Dorms of 1954

Jim Bradley says, "When I started classes at NW State Teachers College in the Fall of 1954 the boys dormitory was Vincent Hall and was located on the west side of the campus. I believe there have been several uses of that building in recent years. In 1954 the girls dormitory was Shockley Hall and it was on the east side of the Campus.

During my attendance there several things changed. The school became NW Oklahoma State College. Also, the dormitories were switched -- what had been Vincent Hall became Shockley Hall and what had been Shockley Hall became Vincent Hall with the Cafeteria in the basement (which is where it had been prior to the name changes).

Later, Wyatt Gym was remodeled and part of it was used for the Cafeteria. The area under the south wing of the relocated Vincent Hall was converted into dorm rooms and that was where most of the athletic students were housed.

I was a Proctor on the Third Floor of this dorm my last years at NWOSU. Mr. & Mrs. Carol Holland lived in the dorm where she was Dorm Mother.

Every afternoon at about 4 p.m. the Dorm Lounge would fill with residents to watch the "Li'l Rascals" on a Wichita TV station (I believe it was KAKE-TV 10).

The area where the bookstore is now located became the soda fountain/snack bar. Noel Taylor was the person in charge of these facilities. The area where the Northwestern Foundation and Alumni Offices are now located was where the dining room area for the cafeteria were located. Prior to that it was where some of the intramural activities were held such as badminton and ballroom dance. The upstairs banquet area was an open area when it was Wyatt Gym."
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