1st of March 2009

Well! We started this 1st day of March 2009 on a calm Sunday in the San Juan Mountain regions of Southwest Colorado. The snow is melting in temperatures of the mid-50s at the edge of the valley.

The ground is soggy with the meltdown of previous snowfalls. Each step you take sinks in a couple of inches ... or so.

Beautiful weather! BUT ... Does that mean that March will go out like a Lion since it came in as a Lamb?

We were notified by a reader that the Alva Review-Courier had an article towards the end of this week (02/27/2009) about the "McClure Mansion" (a.k.a Nickel mansion, Buena Vista, Elks Lodge).

Seems as though Kay Decker, President of the Board of Directors of Preservation Oklahoma, Inc., has gotten the McClure mansion put on the list of the most endangered places list. Is there someone out there with extra cash, grants to work miracles to preserve this 1904 Nickel mansion to its historical grandeur?

We understand George E. Nickel had the mansion built in 1904 on a hill on the West edge of Alva, Oklahoma Territory so he could enjoy the view.

AND ... Nickel also wanted to outdo the Crowell mansion that was built down on the southwest corner of 8th Street and Flynn Avenue (which is a The Vintage Inn today).

If you could stand outside on the balcony of "Buena Vista" and look towards the North, you would have been able to see all the way to Kansas ... Some say! Hence its name "Buena Vista."

I shall you leave off here with a quote by Mark Twain (1835-1910), "When you cannot get a compliment any other way pay yourself one."
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Insight Into Grandma

This weeks insight into grandma Constance Warwick McGill takes us back 106 years to 1903, with another "Dear Connie letter" from John C. McClure, in Quincy, Illinois, where John was going to school with 900 other students.

It is September 21, 1903, in Quincy, Illinois, at 5:30 p.m. when this letter was postmarked to Constance Warwick in Alva, Oklahoma. It arrived in Alva, Okla. September 23, 1903 in the A.M., two days after it was sent.

We also learn the name of the college in Illinois where John is going to school (GCBC) in Qunicy, Illinois where John was enrolled.

Quincy, Ill., Monday. -- "Miss Constance Warwick - Dear Friend: I answered your letter before I came to Q'cy but have received no reply, but I suppose you are mad. Please write and tell me if you are. I came back to school two weeks ago today. Am taking Short-Hand. You had better come to Q'cy and go to school. The school has the largest enrollment in its history. About 900 students I believe.

"I went to Canton, Mo. on an excursion Sat. night. Canton is about 20 miles north of Quincy.

"Last Fri. Eve The Christian gave a reception to the College students. Had a fine time. The Methodist held there (sic) Conference here last week. Quite a comparison isn't it. Well, Connie, I suppose you are teaching school by this time. I am writting (sic) this in school on Short Hand paper. Please answer soon. Ever Your Friend, John McClure, 524 North 9th St., Quincy. Bye Bye Connie. S. H."

Next letter, dated October 4, 1903, 10 P.M., G.C.B.C., Quincy, Ill., postmark to Miss Constance Warwick, Alva, Okla., received in Alva, Okla., October 6, 5 A.M., 1903.

It starts out: "Quincy, Ill., Sunday, afternoon, Miss Connie Warwick: I received your letter a few days ago. Was surprised that you did not get my first letter. I can't imagine what could have ever went with it. Mebby (sic) it will come to light some sweet day.

"I was surprised to hear that Edith Thompson was married. You must not write me such sad news. it nearly broke my heart. But I have recovered from the shock, and you must tell me who she married, and all about it next time. I want you to congratulate May and Ikie for me.

"You had better come to the G.C.B.C. It is a fine school. It takes about a year to finish the two courses that you spoke of. Although you might finish in ten. I believe you could finish in less than ten. But I would advise you to just take the Short Hand course. Did you ever receive a catalogue. I expect to finish up in five months more. So you are going to the fair. Well! So am I. I want to go there and get a job, and stay till it is over. You spoke about spelling. Well you have to be a good speller. The examination is held every moth, and you have to spell 95 words out of a hundred in Short Hand course and 85 out of a 100 for the Bus. Course.

"The Short Hand exam is fierce. I have taken spelling all the time and the last Ex I succeeded in getting 94. If you are comming (sic), I would advise you to send for the text book of both Short Hand and spelling, and you could finish in probably a month sooner. Letter writting (sic) is also in the courses.

"I hope you will come to the GCBC. It is a good thing for Mrs. Snyder to have somebody to tell her troubles to. I want you to ask her what she thinks of me; and then tell me next time.

"It rained awful hard here last night and is cloudy now. it is rather lonesome here now. Where are you going to teach. Oh yes I guess you told me, and how you was going to make the kids stand around.

"Hows is the attendance as the N.T.N. Did you go to Institute last Summer. Well I guess I will close my information bureau. Hows is Mr. S.? Good by, Connie. Your T. F., J. C. McClure, 524 North 9th, Q'cy."

Our third letter was received Nov. 25, 5 a.m., 1903, at Alva, Okla., from Altona, Knox Co., Ill, addressed to Miss Constance Warwick, Alva, Okla.

The next letter starts, "Christmas Night, Miss Constance Warwick, Alva, O.T., Dear Constance.

"I have been waiting quite awhile for an answer to my last letter, but have not received it. I suppose you are having to good a time during your vacation for such matters

"I attended a christmas tree in town last Eve. It was real good. I was home today, and put in the day pretty well eating.

"It is to late to wish you a merry Xmas, but I wish you a Happy New Year, and hope you had a merry Xmas.

"Grandmother will give a dinner to her three sons, their families on New Years Day.

"I am going to a Xmas tree tomorrow eve at Galva. Old Santa brought me several nice presents. I suppose he has reached Okla by this time, as I sent him there direct.

"Our school mom had a little tree for the children.

"It rained here night before last, but is frozen up now and threatens snow. We have not had snow enough for sleighing yet. What kind of weather are you having down there? Have you had any snow?

"I am thinking of going to Peoria after New years. I will close. Write soon. Yours Sincerely, John McClure."

"Alton, Ill, Dec. 30 - 1903 -- Miss Constance Warwick:

"Hello, Connie - I am going to start this letter before New Years anyway. you said you thought my last letter had lost it self. I began to think the same thing. I am just getting over a terrible cold.

"I wish I were in Okla. this winter instead of here. The roads are so rough, that a person has to stay at home all of the time. I would sure like to attend the Literary Society at R. S. ___ all debates.

"Oh say - I did not quite understand about Al Thompson's and his soap wrappers. How did he advertise? Explain more fully. I am interested, but you just as well throw away your soap wrappers.

"You spoke about Ikie being in the soup. I think I would have been in the soup about the evening of Mrs. Snyder's surprise. That is if I had been there. if I were there now Sense and Snyder would have no show. Do you think so? I don't see what Bert Snyder want to go away of up there after a girl for. Really I don't. Miss Herod has sure got my sympathy. Now you don't need to lay any blame on my Nellie's.

"I'm sorry I had to disappoint you at Xmas time. But I am going to burst the glass some day soon, because I am growing uglier every day.

"Do you ever see Walter Ross. I guess I owe him a letter. he thought that Ross girl was the whole cheese.

"I will go back to Q'cy about the middle of Jan. or 1st of Feb. You had better come to the Gem City to get your Commercial Education. What did Santa bring you for Xmas? We had a Xmas tree at our school house. It was nice. There is going to be a big dance at Galva tomorrow eve.

"I'm not going you know. I never dance because it is wicked. I never danced but once and that was at Ikie's house. That was the night I made Bert Snyder drunk, you know. I will close wishing you a happy New Year. Write soon. Don't wait as long as I did. Bye Bye. S. H. Altona, Ill., J. C. McClure."
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Flickr Pics of Alva Nickel House

We did a search for photos of the Nickel Mansion, in Alva, Oklahoma and found his site, Bretac's Photostream - Flickr that shows some outside photos of the Nickel mansion.

Here are some more Flickr links: G. E. Nickel Residence - Postcard, photo by Bretac on Flickr -- Oklahma Historic Architecture.
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1912 - Alva Rose Creamery, Alva OK

Rod Murrow says, "Have you heard of the Rose Creamery in Alva? I found a postcard and did a bit of restoration work on it, but I have not heard of this business before today. The building doesn't fit into my memory at all, but I'm assuming that some of your readers will know something about it. The postcard is dated May 29, 1912." Checkout Rod's Flickr Photos.

This NW Okie thinks she has seen part of this rock building some place in Alva, but not sure of the location. Could it be the creamery South of the College campus? OR ... Just South of the hatchery on Choctaw & 6th? Can someone help us out with more information on the "Alva Rose Creamery?"
View/Write Comments (count 3)   |   Receive updates (4 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Chimney Rock, NW Oklahoma

Some have said that Chimney Rock was located in Woods County, North of the Cimarron, between Waynoka and Freedom. Before statehood Chimney Rock may have been in Woods (M) county, but now it resides in Woodward county, South of the Cimarron River. It is between Waynoka and Freedom near Belva, Oklahoma. Another reader says, "When you travel south of Freedom to go to Woodward, there is a sign a few mile south of Alabaster Caverns, that says Chimney Rock Road to the east of the highway. Chimney Rock itself fell over several years ago." -- OkieLegacy Comments
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Jacob Warwick Property IN WV

Michele says, "My husband and I actually went to Warwickton. It's hard to tell where your Warwick's property was because Clover Lick, WV used to be referred to as Bath County, Virginia. I would have to look at an aerial view to be able to picture where your Warwick property is. Presently, Clover Lick is eight miles from the bottom of Snowshoe Ski Resort. You should search Pocahontas County history for additional information.

"There seems to be several Jacob Warwicks, but this property is linked to the son of William. When you see the Pocahontas site it mentions a Dr. Ligon inherited the land by marrying into the Warwick family. 1884 is when this house was built on the foundation of the two other homes that were said to be burned by Indians This is where most of our family documented history starts. My husband's grandmother/ancestor was one of Dr. Ligon's eight daughters. She married a Hankins. (Mabel) Also, two of his daughters married two Coyner brothers."
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Warwick Family Tree & Google Maps

My grandmother Constance Estella Warwick was born around Monterey, Virginia to Signora Belle (Guinn/Gwin) and John Robert Warwick at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, 1882. Here is a link to my - McGill/Warwick/Gwin family tree at My Heritage.com.

I did a search on Google Maps to find Clover Lick and other Virginia towns that my Warwick's were associated with. Click this Google Map Link where I have marked some towns that are connected with my Warwick/Gwin family tree.
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

MAGILLs In Texas

If you are in search of MAGILLs in Texas, then you need to follow this link for Doris Ross johnston's genealogy site, Our Texas Family. click on surnames for MAGILL. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Buena Vista Mansion - Alva OK

Rod sends this story concerning the McClure Mansion placed on Oklahoma's Most Endangered Places list, that appeared in the Alva Review-Courier, 02/27/09, written by Helen Barrett.

Helen writes, "Dr. Kay Decker, president of the board of directors of Preservation Oklahoma, Inc., announced this week that the statewide non-profit, preservation organization placed one of Alva's historic structures on its Most Endangered Places List for the entire state."

Nickel's mansion is most commoly refrred to as the "McClure Mansion" today. It was the Nickel home located at the corner of 14th and Locust in Alva, Oklahoma and built in 1904 by the George E. Nickel family. It was also known as the "Buena Vista" because of the beautiful views you could see from its location on the hill at the west edge of Alva. It is reported that from an upstairs balcony, Kansas could be seen to the north.

Preservation Oklahoma lists those structures which have a historically significant past in hopes that they will be saved and returned to their former grandeur.

Barrett also states, "George E. Nickel, a prominent Alva banker, and his wife built the magnificent structure at the turn of the century for an astonishing $65,000. Together the Nickels planned and arranged many details of the home.

Many have said that the Nickels built their mansion to outdo the local lumber merchant, George Crowell. Nickel built his mansion bigger and more elaborate than the Crowell Mansion.

As to the Nickel mansion, Barrett states, "Imported woods were used throughout the house for the exposed parts of cabinets and baseboards. Most of the woodwork in the Nickel home is mahogany. Cedar was used for the chests in the bedroom closets. Other woods providing color throughout the house were clear red birch, sawed red oak, yellow poplar, oak and walnut. The formal dining room is trimmed in oak with solid oak doors at each entrance of the room. Mrs. Nickel took extreme pride in all of the beautiful woodwork. Her servants pumice-stoned it 13 times and used a wax finish."

Barrett also goes on to say that the Nickel mansion was built by J. E. Peoples, contractor. Peoples delicately carved woodwork throughout the home and produced massive four-poster beds with carved posts; chests of inlaid wood and clocks that stood 8-feet tall.

We understand that the Nickel's remained in the home until the 1930s during the Great Depression and the bank holiday that "hastened their retirement" and they moved to California.

That is when the Elk's lodge claimed the house and gambling occurred in the basement and master bedroom with dancing in the ballroom. The Elks sold the mansion in 1941 to Dr. D. Boy Ensor, Alva physician. That is when the home took on a southern styled interior and most of the wood in the home was painted white. The grand staircase and dining room canvas were left untouched, though.

After Dr. Ensor's death, the William L. McClure family purchased the mansion and raised their family there for 40 some years.

The mansion is 13,000 square feet with stamped buff brick made in Coffeyville, Kansas. It maintains the original entry hall light fixtures of brass multiple bulb fixtures with hand painted glass globes.

Barrett goes on to state, "The second floor of the massive home has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a sunroom and large hall. There are also two balconies and two carved fireplaces with tile hearths. The third floor served as a music room and ballroom with three small anterooms, an area for hanging coats, and one big room with French doors opening onto a balcony. The basement has 10 rooms including a kitchen and laundry room, two fireplaces and the original bar where gambling parties were held. An area under the front porch had been designed to be a bowling alley, but was never completed."

The article also mentioned that the McClures were accustomed to unusual sounds coming from the ballroom at odd hours and things showing up where they didn't belong. Is it haunted by the Nickels family and/or the members of the Elks Lodge?
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

78 Year Ago Today - Alva OK

On March 1, 1931 (78 years ago today) this is what was happening in Alva, Oklahoma, as reported in The Oklahoman, page 56., with headlines reading: "Full Program Made Up For Road Meeting - U. S. 64 Association Members Expect Large Crowd At Alva Gathering."

"An outstanding feature of the fourth annual convention of the U. S. 64 highway association which convenes this year at Alva, Monday, March 23 (1931), will be a parade of Arkansas delegates headed by S. Birnie Harper of Fort Smith, the Arkansas vice-president of the association.

"Under his direction, plans are now being perfected for all delegates between Fort Smith and Memphis to gather in Fort Smith Saturday evening, March 21 (1931), leaving there at 6 o'clock on the morning of March 22 for a 194-mile drive to Pawnee, where they will stop for the noon lunch. From there they will be joined by Major Gordon W. Lillie "Pawnee Bill" with his band of 20 Pawnee Indians, arriving in Alva after an additional 141-mile drive, late that evening.

Parks Will Speak
"The principal speaker on the afternoon program at the convention will be J. S. Parks, member of the Arkansas State Highway commission and editor of the Fort Smith Southwest Record. He will also be a member of the Arkansas delegation in the parade across Oklahoma.

"Major Lillie, president of the association and E. Bee Guthrey, executive secretary, have just closed negotiations with Ray O. Weems and Charles J. Brill, editors of Wilds and Waters to make the current issue of that magazine an official publication of the U. S. 64 Highway association. This special edition will consist of approximately 60 pages dealing extensively in historical and current data with reference to the highway and the association promoting it. It will be off the press not later than March 15 (1931), giving time for wide circulation before the annual session.

New Mexican Indians Coming
"Word has also been received at association headquarters, 15 West Seventh Street, Tulsa, from Mayor Ben Harbert of Taos, N. M., announcing that a delegation of Taos Indians will meet Major Lillie and his band of Pawnee Indians at Alva, March 23 to take part in the parade and preliminary exercises prior to the opening of the general convention program.

"The Alva Daily Review-Courier is also preparing a special convention edition which will be ready for distribution on the morning of the convention date.

"The officials of U. S. 64 are looking forward to this year's annual convention as one of the most largely attended and successful gatherings ever held by the association."
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1931 - Lightning Strikes Farmer Near Alva

In the publication: The Oklahoman, dated July 3, 1931, page 19, this headline would have read: "Lightning Strikes Farmer Near Alva."

Alva, July 2, 1031 -- AP -- "C. M. Cline, farmer living near Cora, 15 miles west of here, was in a serious condition Thursday after being struck by a bolt of lightning that partly ripped away his shirt and trousers, and left seared lines from his neck to his heels as though hot irons had been drawn over his body.

"Cline was paralyzed Thursday from the hips down, and both legs were blackened by the powerful shock.

"The lightning, which struck Cline as he was standing under a tree during a thundershower, evidently hit him at the base of the neck. The current passed down his spine and at the hip divided, the lines marking its passage down both legs to his heels."
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Dec. 1931 - Funeral For Two Alva Pioneers

This little tidbit could have been found in The Oklahoman, dated December 4, 1931, page 19, this headline would have read: "Funerals Held For Two Alva Pioneers."The Oklahoman, dated July 3, 1931, page 19, this headline would have read: "The Oklahoman, dated July 3, 1931, page 19, this headline would have read: " Alva, Dec. 3, 1931 -- Special --"Funeral services will be held here Thursday for two pioneer residents, J. M. Rowell, 85 years old, and Mrs. Ottilie Kletke, 74 years old, who died Sunday. Both were outside the state.

"Rowell's death came following a several weeks illness in a Kansas City hospital, while Mrs. Kletke died after she had been called to Omaha by the critical illness of her husband, G. Kletke, in a hospital there. She is also survived by two sons....."
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Oct. 1932 - New Post Offices Approved For Alva, Pawhuska and Hugo

In the publication, The Oklahoman, dated Oct. 6, 1932, page 1, the headlines read: "State Cities Get Buildings - New Post Offices Approved For Alva, Pawhuska and Hugo."

Washington, Oct. 5, 1932 -- AP -- "Two hundred and twenty-seven cities and towns throughout the country Wednesday were allocated new post offices under the building provisions of the Garner-Wagner relief law.

"The new list, made up almost exclusively of buildings to cost less than $100,000, brought the total so far allotted to be spent for post offices under that bill to $84,872,600, divided among 410 communities.

"Wednesday's announcement said a small number of cities still are under consideration for new buildings, and that as soon as sufficient data is available 'a supplementary statement will be issued authorizing as many of these projects as can be justified.'

"The relief measure provided that where leases expire prior to July 1, 1934, the government must consturct buildings. This class of project predominated in Wednesday's list. Each such is marked by an (*).

"Oklahoma -- *Alva, Pawhuska, Hugo.

"Texas -- *Athens, *Colorado, *Eastland, *Graham, Kerrville, *Lamesa, *Nocona, Vernon, Pecos."

Also this little tidbit of news appeared below the above article: "Supreme Court Offers To Review John Curtis Case" -- Trenton, NJ, Oct. 5, 1932 -- AP -- "The supreme court announced Wednesday it would consider the appeal of John Hughes Curtis, convicted of impending the search for the kidnapped Lindbergh baby, at this term of court if briefs are submitted in 40 days. Otherwise, the court said it would grant a postponement for the term. Curtis's bail of $10,000 is continued automatically."
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1932 - Alva High School Rebuilt

In the Fall of 1932 Alva, Oklahoma was being notified that the Alva High School would be rebuilt. This is the following article that appeared in the publication: The Oklahoman, dated Nov. 16, 1932, page 15, with headlines that read: "Alva High school Will Be Rebuilt."

Alva, Nov. 15, 1932 -- Special -- "The Alva high school building which was so nearly destroyed by fire October 26 (1932) that insurance companies agreed upon the payment of the policies in full, will be rebuilt upon the old foundation, according to Lewis Schumacher, president of the school board.

"It is thought that walls of the first floor may be re-enforced and left standing and that the fireproof floor may be left in position."
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1934 - Hatfield Community Center & Playground, Alva OK

We found these couple of articles, in the publication, The Oklahoman, dated July 15 & September 23, 1934, pages 43 and 44 respectfully, with the following headlines.

Community Center Planned For Alva ... Alva, July 14, 1934 -- "Natural rock from the hills of Woods county will be used to construct a community hall 40 to 60 feet in Hatfield park, city playground. Although the FERA will furnish the labor, material be furnished by the city. Popular subscription will be taken to raise about $1,200."

Alva Playground Being Completed ... Alva, Sept. 22, 1934 -- "Alva's playground, Hatfield park, will be completed this fall. Drives around canyons, which skirt the park proper, have been graded and sanded. A beach along Hatfield lake has been sanded also. park equipment has been repainted repaired and replaced where needed. A well will be drilled at the lake to keep up with evaporation."
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1934 - Production of Cream Gaining In Kiamichi Area

In the publication, The Oklahoman, dated Sep. 23, 1934, page 44, this headline read: "Production of Cream Is Gaining in Kiamichi Area."

Talihina, Sept. 22, 1934 -- "The Kiamichi valley farmer has been benefited by the placing of a cream station in Talihina by Wilson & Co., under the management of Charles Parkhurst. Until March of this year cream shipments were made individually by the farmers. Now they get market prices for this product in Talihina and the production is increasing."
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe