Ruff's Renderings

Happy Birthday, Dynamite DoRight! Let's have a poker party under the gazebo!

This last week, Wednesday, August 26, 2009, we said goodbye to a true leader and liberal lion of the U.S. Senate, Edward M. Kennedy, who found his voice, purpose in the US Senate and challenged us all to live out our noblest values.We give thanks the legacy he left behind, which benefits us all and inspires us still.

One generation of the Kennedy era has come to an end passing the torch to another generation. If we ALL come together, we can make sure "The Dreams Shall Never Die." Let us continue Kennedy's purpose of making America better for ALL!

As to the "Prairie Home Companion," Marvin says, "We have Prairie Home Companion on PBS. The broadcast is on Saturday at 6 pm, then repeat on Sunday at noon. Check out your local PBS station."

Last week Roy said, "Yes it has cooled in Oklahoma (at least here in the Perry area), and last week we had about 6 inches of rain (spread out over three days)."

As to the Freedom Rodeo ... one of regular readers, Marty says, "I really do miss the pictures you use to post from the Freedom rodeo. Maybe someone would like to share what they have. I know Phillip Schultz. Our family lived near his parents, Ben & Edith Schultz. I also went to school at Moundridge."

Do we have any photographers out there that would love to share some of their Freedom Rodeo photos and stories of this years shootout, old cowhand reunion and Rodeo?

There was an article in The Oklahoman that mentioned, "Six Earthquakes Hit Oklahoma Today." It seems like they are getting more frequent and stronger.

Will Oklahoma and Texas college football with the earthquakes split these two states in half? Have you signed up with your regular "Yahoo! Fantasy Football" teams. College Football begins this coming weekend!

The magnitude of the earthquake was 2.7 that hit near Jones, Oklahoma, east of Oklahoma City, around 6:32:35p.m., 08/27/2009. Five of the six earthquakes were in Jones. The magnitudes of the quakes in Jones ranged from 2.5 to 2.7 on the Richter scale.

Butch says, "There was also a quake or two just north of Ada, near Seminole, Oklahoma. Boy, those are getting to close to home."

Here is a link to earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/.
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Stories From An Old Lady

Have you by chance browsed over to D. J. Roe's website, Stories From An Old Lady? Get over there NOW! You shall come away with a fresh, new understanding of this remarkable talented Lady and her philosophy on life!

D. J. Roe was raised in the small, rural area of Alva, in Northwest Oklahoma and has a great Philosophy of Life. Donna wrote recently on her website blog, "Every family has its flaws. Some greater than others, but every family has them. So who are we to judge one person when we know other families have "skeletons" in their closet. When tragedy hits, people are like vultures flying around waiting for the kill. Yet ... happiness is put aside and ignored so the gossip can continue."

Donna goes on to say, "My philosophy on life is simple: Put yourself in the other persons shoes and try to live one day as they are living. Easy to say. Hard to do. BUT ... you will at least realize what that person is going through on a daily basis. A Crisis can hit any family at any given time. The key is to survive the crisis and grow from it."

Donna says, "When my first book, The Impossible Dream, was accepted to be published, I thought, what is the catch? I was told all my life nothing is free, but I found this adventure to be an exception to that rule. I have written for my enjoyment and emotional release my entire life. I write when I’m happy, and I write when I’m sad. My theory, which she taught her children is, “If you put it in print, it is never quite as serious as you think it is. You can go back two days later and realize it was not as bad as you first thought.’

My children have been extremely supportive. Her youngest daughter, Tara, edited the book. The pen name “D.J.” came from a nickname given to me many years ago. Donna is a single female with three grown children – Chad Roe, Courtney Harzman, and Tara Baker. She has two very special granddaughters, Ali & Skye.

My book isn’t a novel, trust me. It’s just a short story.” The book is a bathroom book because that is about how long it takes to read it. It is only about 60 pages long. I never tried to get it published until former NWOSU Ranger Willie Spears’ novel Keisha’s Dilemma was published. Willie is the one who inspired me to give it a try. Publish America is the company who published Spears book without cost to the author. My book is not “Gone with the Wind”, but it is published. I submitted the manuscript online and forgot about it. Much to my surprise, I received a congratulations letter and a contract. Publish America, www.publishamerica.com, markets the book while allowing the author to also market it personally. Currently the book can be ordered from Publish America.com, Amazon.com, and Bames & Noble.

Books by D. J. Roe
SYNOPSIS OF THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM, By D. J. Roe -- The book tells the story of three girls who vowed to stay close after graduating high school. Five years later, they take a weekend trip to California that they planned while in school. The events that happen over the weekend cause one girl’s dreams to become reality. No one could anticipate how one dream would change the lives of so many. The events during that single weekend will affect their lives many years later. “It starts as just a simple dream and turns into a nightmare. Follow along as the girls try to unravel the dream and solve the mystery behind this nightmare.

THE ROAD TO STATE, By D. J. Roe -- My second book is also fiction, but based on actual events surrounding teenage girls and their quest for the “Gold Ball”. The trophy awarded to the best basketball teams in the State. I wrote this book in honor of my mom, Iris Pettit. She passed away unexpectedly during the State Championship games.

SYNOPSIS OF THE ROAD TO STATE -- The Road To State is a story about a small town girls’ basketball team and the trials and tribulations they went through to make it to the State Basketball Tournament. Your High School years are difficult enough without have any trauma thrown into the mix.

The team pulls together after one of the girls faces a tragedy in her life. The story, based on a real life experience, is one my family will relive many times. Talynn, her family and her friends, experienced every emotion known to humanity while they travel through high school. Each girl is different, but underneath, they all have the same feelings, emotions, and goals to succeed in life. This journey built the foundation of who they are today.

I tell people if they read my books and do not like them … LIE! For me just the sense of accomplishment from getting the book published exceeds any expected profits. I just want people to know that if I can do it, they can too. I know there are people out there with stories to tell and Publish America is the place that will help them. I am working on my third, but it may be awhile before I see it in print.

If anyone is interested in purchasing one of my books, they can email me at dlroe@aol.com. Copies of my first book are available at the Alva Museum. You can order both books online, but they are cheaper if you order through me. To read more about my life go to Stories From An Old Lady.
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The Dreams Shall Never Die!

"The work goes on! The cause endures! The hope still lives! AND the dreams shall never die!" This week we pay tribute to a "Liberal Lion" of the US Senate, Senator Edward "Ted" M. Kennedy. The Irish eyes will remain shining on this legacy that Ted, his brothers and family have left us ALL to carry on. We should all take up where Sen. Ted Kennedy left off and make sure that ... "The Dreams Shall Never Die!"


The Kennedy brothers left us many things. They inspired us! They challenged us! AND ... They gave us Hope for a Better America for ALL!

Another quote I shall remember and take to heart is, "Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not."

The Kennedy brothers have stated in their actions that, "Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of Hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."


This is not really the end to an era, but the beginning of a new beginning as the Kennedy's inspired, challenged and showed us that, "Our profound losses are survivable."

Yes We Can ... Transform loss -- look towards the brighter, optimistic side of Life -- And make something positive out of something negative! We can learn a lot from what the Honorable Senator Edward M. Kennedy left behind. Senator Kennedy used his gift and purpose in life to give those a voice who had none and equal justice for all. Let us ALL continue and build upon the legacy he leaves us ALL! May the Irish eyes keep shining and smiling!
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Irish Eyes Are Shining & Smiling

When Irish Eyes Are Shining:
There's a tear in your eye, And I'm wondering why, For it never should be there at all. With such pow'r in your smile, Sure a stone you'd beguile, So there's never a teardrop should fall. When your sweet lilting laughter's Like some fairy song, And your eyes twinkle bright as can be; You should laugh all the while And all other times smile, And now, smile a smile for me.

Chorus: When Irish eyes are smiling, Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring. In the lilt of Irish laughter You can hear the angels sing. When Irish hearts are happy, All the world seems bright and gay. And when Irish eyes are smiling, Sure, they steal your heart away.

For your smile is a part Of the love in your heart, And it makes even sunshine more bright. Like the linnet's sweet song, Crooning all the day long, Comes your laughter and light. For the springtime of life Is the sweetest of all There is ne'er a real care or regret; And while springtime is ours Throughout all of youth's hours, Let us smile each chance we get.
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1932 -- The Peoples Chronology

The Peoples Chronology, by James Trager, page 888, states that Oil wells within the city limits of Oklahoma City were drilled by local attorney Robert Samuel Kerr, 35, and his brother-in-law James L. Anderson who had acquired control of a contract drilling firm and had borrowed money to post $200,000 liability bonds in a gamble that large oil companies had refused to take. Kerr and Anderson would make a profit of some $2 million on the venture.

Page 889, of The Peoples Chronology, states Ford halts production of its Model A introduced in 1927 as it tools up to introduce the first low-priced V-8. Ford loses millions of dollars and lays off workers to reduce payroll costs from $145 million (1929) to $32 million (1933).

The Hudson Terraplane is introduced with streamlined styling.

Some 25 percent of US auto glass is safety glass. Many states enact legislation requiring safety glass in windshields.

General Motors Corporation forms a subsidiary to acquire electric streetcar companies, convert them to GM motorbus operation, and resell them to local entrepreneurs who would agree to buy only GM buses as replacement vehicles.

On page 890, of The Peoples Chronology, mentions that US Route 66 opens to link Chicago and Los Angeles with a 2,200-mile continuous highway that would be called the "Main Street of America." Soon lined with motor courts, Burma-Shave signs, two-pump service stations, and curio shops, Route 66 carried truckers and motorists west via St. Louis, Joplin, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Gallup, Flagstaff, Winona, Kingman, Barstow, and San Bernardino.

The first patent application for a parking meter was made in December 1932, by Oklahoma City News editor Carl C. Magee, who would be granted rights in 1936. Magee would apply in 1935 for a patent on a refined version of his 1932 parking meter. 174 Dual Park-0-Meters made by the Dual Parking Meter Company would be installed in Oklahoma City in July 1935, 300 more would be ordered when their success was demonstrated (police officers would be obliged to explain that no jackpots can be expected by those who deposit coins), and meters of the improved design would appear in the streets of major world cities in the decades to follow.

Washington's Arlington Bridge across the Potomac was completed by McKim, Mead and White of New York.

Juvenile Little House in the Big Woods by Missouri novelist Laura Ingalls Wilder, 65, began a series of eight volumes that would appear in the next 11 years to recount her girlhood in the Midwest of the late 19th century.
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Insight Into Grandma & John C. McClure

September, 1905 finds Constance Warwick heading back to Oklahoma Territory from wisiting her Warwick cousins in the area of Mountain Grove, Monterey and Vanderpool, Virginia. There are three letters from John C. McClure dated September 1st, 10th and 21st, 1905. John's mailing address is still J. C. McClure, Box 133, Alva, Oklahoma. Miss Forbis, Lowe and Mr. Bolte are again mentioned. Do these names ring a bell with anyone out there?

September 1, 1905, addressed to Miss Constance Warwick, Vanderpool, Virginia and has a letterhead for The First National Bank, No. 5587, of Alva, Oklahoma, J. A. Stine, President, Geo. W. Crowell, Vice Pres., G. E. Nickel, cashier, Frank G. Munson, Ass't Cashier.

The letter begins, "Dear Connie, When I went to mail that letter yesterday that kid in the Post office said it was not addressed right and he pulled out two letters that I had mailed without stamps. One was addressed to Warm Springs. I tore the other up. I supposed you would be home by this time. I sent the one letter. It is hot here. I guess I can tell you the news when you get home. I have to work hard. Worked last Eve. Came down with out my breakfast this morning. Let me know when you will get to Alva or if you get here in the day time drop me a kaird (sic). Jno McClure."

September 10, 1905, addressed to Miss Constance Warwick, Alva, O.T. It begins: "Dear Girlie, I got your card last eve. I also heard that you got home. I I hunted for you last night. Telephoned to Josie and she said she had not seen you. I hope I will get a letter from you. If I don't, I think I'll be out anyway. I am dying for that Kiss. Jno."

September 21, 1905, addressed to Miss Constance Warwick, R,F.D. It begins: "Thurs Eve, Alva, O.T., Dear Connie, Last Sun Eve when you asked me to write, I said mebby (sic), but I reckon you can guess what made me say that.

"I got home 10:30 Sun Eve. at least that was what the time was here. I found Monday Morning that I had set my watch 30 minutes fast. Church was just out.

"Lowe Went to Fort Supply to visit a few days. He is going to Colorado about Sunday. I think we are getting along all right.

"I went to a slight of hand performance last eve, but did not stay long. Have not got over the sleep I lost. I saw Miss Forbis in town yesterday. Lowe is going to work in a sugar beet factory. Has a fine position.

"Mr. Bolte is going to Wisconsin one week from tomorrow. I don't know whether I will stay and batch it or not. Don't forget the big show the 30th. I want to take you, if you care to go in the evening. Let me hear from you before the show.

"Do you think I can get up early enough to mail this so it will go in the morning? Yours Sincerely, Jno McClure." -- Grandma's Letters
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The Hummers In Hand

Marvin says, "The hummers are still very active even though there is a feel of fall in the air. Last Friday, I came around the corner of the house, and there was a hummer sitting on the driveway. I picked it up, called to my wife to get the camera, and the two pictures are the outcome.

Of all the hummer pictures we have, I think the one as she flies away from my hand is my favorite. This is my third experience with having one in my hand, and the only way for me to describe it, like holding a cottonball with a heartbeat in your hand."
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WWII - POW Camp Alva

Leonard (EMAIL: Cyborgboogieboy@aol.com - lnbostick@aol.com) says, "I lived in what was left of Camp Alva in 1947-48 and played in and around the two barracks. In 1948 I was 7 years of age and lived in barracks that had been converted into apts. Four families each (College Camp or Cottage Camp?).

I, my brother, and some playmates of ours used to play around two barracks that where in the middle of a wheat field. I remembered seeing the paintings in between the studs of the building and wondered if anybody knew anything about them. I see now that they were found and some were saved.

I found a belt buckle in that field that was cast in the likeness of Hitler and my Father also found an officer's dagger and sheath in attic above his bedroom. Both have long since disappeared."
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Northwestern's Abe Lincoln Statue

A reader wrote in and asked about the two kids climbing on the Abe Lincoln statue at Northwestern. The photo on the left had a hand-written date of 1920 on the backside.

The two boys standing on the Abe statue on the Northwestern State Normal campus are Bob McGill (left, about 4 years of age) and Gene McGill (right, about 6 years of age.

I just love the hats and outfits and shoes they are wearing, don't you.

Rod asks, "The photo with the two kids on the statue of Abe Lincoln clearly indicates that it was taken prior to the construction of Herod Hall, since the “Old Science Hall” (now the Fine Arts Building) can be seen in the background.

"My question is this: was the Lincoln statue moved to make room for Herod Hall? It’s difficult to tell from the photo – but some would argue that this old photo shows “Honest Abe” sitting closer to the Old Science Hall back then compared to his present distance from the Fine Arts Building. (The only thing certain is that the Science Hall was not moved).

"Another question: Do you have the names of the two kids climbing on the statue?"
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