On the Country Road Again...

That is where we are this week -- up here in northwest Oklahoma. We moved our quarterhorses to another pasture earlier this week before Mother Nature brought the rains that dumped inches of that wet stuff in the rivers and creeks -- flooding, rising the banks of the raging Cimarron River in Oklahoma. We have not seen Kingfisher or Crescent, except for some photos on the local TV News this friday. Those are just some of the northwest, central communities that suffered the March, drenching rains in Oklahoma and they just happen to be along the routes we usually take between Alva and Oklahoma City. They say we got close to 4 or 5 inches around these parts of Northwest Oklahoma. My farmer friends just barely got their oats sowed before the rains came.

The Ranch Boss...

Back to those horses above. These humans of mine put some of the dangest restrictions on this Li'l Pug. They would not let this writer Pug outside of the pickup, so I had to do all my supervising hanging out the pickup window... as shown in the photograph to the left. Sometimes... I have to reach out and adjust the rearview just right to see what is coming up behind us or get a better look at myself. Of course, Oakie takes another great shot of this serious, posing country Pug. I have to give her credit sometimes or she won't let me get a word or two in The Okie Legacy Ezine once in awhile. I want you to meet my buddy and playful sidekick. His name is Baron Ruff, a miniature Schnauzer, that looks like a wolf. Sometimes you can catch us sleeping in the afternoons on the same cozy little doggy bed -- after we wear each other out running through the house and wrestling. It's not easy being a short four-legged creature and built like Mae West. It's a "dog's life" most of the time around these parts. Hey! I have learned how to put my paws on the car horn and give a honkin' hoot at everyone now! That ain't Oakie honkin' going down the road. That's me!

1939 Largest Lake - Cimarron County, OK...

One of our readers last weekend wrote in to see if we could possibly show a picture of the O. W. Tucker's 1939 largest lake - Cimarron County - Oklahoma Panhandle. He was wondering if we were holding out on y'all - if it still existed today and how large it is/was. We let our fingers/paws do the walking over to our favorite topographical map server - TerraServer.com - Did a search for "Cimarron County Oklahoma" and found the Cimarron County Map that was taken around 1995. It shows a possible old lake bed that sets just west of Keyes, Oklahoma a few miles, on the south side of highway 56 as you travel between Elkhart, Kansas and Boise City, Oklahoma. Highways 171 and 64 Junctions are just a few miles from there.

BUT... Alas! We do not know for sure if this is a link to the whereabouts of O. W. Tucker's largest lake of the Dust Bowl mentioned in the 1939 northwest oklahoma newspaper. Here's another link to the Terra Server Map showing another view of a lake bed in Cimarron County, in the farthest west county of the Oklahoma Panhandle. Is this the same lake as the one reported back in 1939 on O. W. Tucker's land (the largest lake during the depression that they used to irrigate alfalfa fields)? Does anyone out there have any other clues that could help us determine if this 1939 largest lake in Oklahoma still exists? Where it is/was? We would love to hear from Y'all! We may have to take a drive out there some day soon! I'll be the one honkin' at you on the road.... NOT Oakie!

April Blizzard of the 1930's...

Another reader would like some information concerning a blizzard snow storm that hit Northwest Woods County (Oklahoma) sometime in April, in the 1930's. Has your ancestors ever spoken, written in a journal about a big snow storm in Woods county in the 1930's around March or April? We went back to look at some notes Grandpa Bill McGill kept in his journal during the 1930's and his notes mentions something around, "27 & 29 March 1931 -- That night there was snow in and around Alva, Oklahoma. Altogether there was 12 inches of snow that year."

Could this be the 1930's, April snow that the reader speaks about? If you go to Grandpa's 1930's Notes, you can read more of his journal he kept in the '30s. If any of this jogs some memories, drop us a note and share it with us. Do you remember the "Black Blizzard" of the Dust Bowl Days around 1930's? Do you have some ancestral journals of Okie Legacies that you would like to share with us? Send us a copy by snail-mail (Linda Wagner, P.O. Box 18998, OKC, OK 73154) or email (paristimes@earthlink.net). Thanks!

Suggestion for Alva's Next Mural...

Another NW Oklahoman has a vintage postcard of the Castle on the Hill that shows a 1898 flag flying overhead. He was trying to get hold of someone from the Alva Mural Society to suggest that they might think about painting a 1898 vintage flag flying from the top of the Castle on the Hill mural, but their "Contact Us" page was "Under Construction." This vintage flag thing sounds like a great idea to this Pug Writer. What do you think about having a vintage 1898 flag painted atop of the Castle on the Hill mural?

Before we overload you, your mailbox this week... we are getting out of here for the supposedly sunny weekend. The weathermen say the sun is coming back for a few days. AND... everyone knows that they can find us somewhere in the country with our horses -- even though we have to squish through some muddy spots now and then. Y'all have a great March weekend. We'll see you next weekend with more memories and Okie Legacies to share with you.

Alva Municipal Cemetery Records...

Alva Muncipal Cemetery Site -- The Alva Muncipal Cemetery is computerized and the Cemetery records and maps are in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) Format and requires Acrobat reader to view and print the records and maps.  Cemetery Maps - Alva Public Library - GenRoots - Oklahoma Woods County View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Castle on the Hill Mural...

"I enjoy reading your weekly e-zine. I am hoping that the new mural scheduled for the old Toot and Tell building, which will feature the popular postcard picture of the Old Castle on the Hill, can be altered slightly to add a US flag atop the mast of the flag pole (which sits atop one of the many towers on the castle). I have in my collection an old postcard that shows a large flag flying - and it is MUCH more impressive to see the castle with the flag flowing in the breeze than to see the naked flag pole. Surely an artist could include a 1898-vintage flag in the painting. I would certainly be willing to loan my old postcard if it is needed to assist in making such a change become reality. I tried to log onto the Contact Us link on the Alva Mural page that you included in your newsletter - but got the standard Under Construction message on the page. Thanks again, Linda, for a super job on the Okie Legacy." -- Rod Murrow - Email: rod@murrow.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Alva City Hall...

"The Alva City Hall keeps the records on the Municipal Cemetery. They are located on the east side of the square - downtown - next to the police station. They are very helpful and friendly. Note the Alva Public library has all the records online along with some good maps of the cemetery layout, etc. This site is at alvaok.net/alvalib/cemetery_records.htm. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Foraker, Oklahoma Cemetery Inquiry...

"I am looking for information on the cemetery at Foraker, Oklahoma. I have lots of kinfolk buried there, Also one of my dads sisters is the singing rage-- Miss Patti Page." -- Ben Fowler - Email: Benfowler1236@wmconnect.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (1 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Wrought Iron Range Company...

"I have a little gift shop (Vintage and New) in North Carolina.  This morning I was  doing a bit of yard sale shopping when I ran across a nice old copper tea kettle with Wrought Iron Range Company, St. Louis on it.  It really looks like an old Revere ware kettle, and I am wondering if it was possibly a give-away with old wrought iron stoves.  It doesn't seem that a company working in wrought iron would also produce copper kettles.  I thought since you have an interest in the Wrought Iron Range Company, you just may have run across some of these kettles, and could give me an idea about its manufacturer, as well as its age.  It would be really nice if you would ask around for me.  I feel pretty sure the teapot was not manufactured by the Wrought Iron Range Company, but was a giveaway maybe with a free stove.  I look forward to hearing if you come up with anything." -- Libby - Email: yacht@mail.clis.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

FOR SALE: 1864 Home Comfort Wood Cook Stove...

"I am from Pekin, Illinoia and an owner of a 1864 Home Comfort Wood Cook Stove, (Model # DA, Factory #M37244) made by The Wrought Iron Range Co., St. Louis Mo. I am looking for a good home for this wonderful piece of history. I found this one in Topeka, Indiana. Due to the remodeling of the parsonage we live in, I no longer have room for it. (If you would like any more information, or know of anyone who is looking for one, please contact me here at meemee3@juno.com. I found your site looking for a Website for The Wrought Iron Range Co. trying to find a way to sell my stove to someone who would appreciate it and take good care of it! I really enjoyed reading The Okie Legacy! Glad I found it! Will frequent when I can. Thank You! Sincerely." -- Mrs. K. Rowell - Email: meemee3@juno.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1939's Largest Lake - Cimarron County - Oklahoma...

"So when you are you going to show everyone a picture of the largest privately owned lake? Is it still there?  How many land miles today? And quit holding out, show us a Yahoo map of where it is located!" View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

ParisTimes Cookbook Recipe Submission...

ParisTimes Cookbook Recipe Submission -- Category - Sweets Recipe - TxSoft Sugar Cookies     Ingredients: 3 cups flour 1 1/4 cups sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup shortening 3 eggs; slightly beaten 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    Instructions: Sift together dry ingredients. Cut in shortening with a fork. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Roll out a portion on floured surface. Cut with floured cookie cutters. Work in remaining mixture into next portion and repeat. Try not to over mix the dough or the cookies will be dense. Drop by spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
     Description: These cookies are very soft and if you want to use a cutter, the dough should be refrigerated a couple hours. Sprinkle tops with colored sugar or whatever decorative confection you like. These are good plain also. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Paris Family - Bourbon County, Kentucky...

"I would like to know if any of your Paris family members came from Bourbon County, Kentucky or had anything to do with the formation of the town of Paris. I am research one of my Paris branch lines in the about county and in several counties in Ohio. Thanks." -- Ken - Email: krats@rosenet.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Indian Guide Monument...

"The gentleman who put the query and information ion concerning the Indian guide which is pictured is incorrect in his statement that it was at Pyramid Corners and torn down in the 1800's and moved to Centralia. It is in the same place it has been in for over a century several miles southeast of Pyramid Corners. I live about a mile from it." -- Constance Schofield - Email: kavolscof@junct.com

[Editor's Note: Indian Guide Monument...] " Looking for any one with info about the Indian Guide Monument which originated in Pyramid Corners, Oklahoma. In the late 1800s it was torn down and moved to Centralia, Oklahoma . On the Oklahoma map look in the far N.E. corner for a town named Bluejacket, named after Chief Bluejacket, Shawnee Tribe that migrated into Oklahoma out of Ohio at the same time all the other tribes came to Oklahoma from Ohio. This particular area was populated by the Cherokee and the Shawnee. It seems strange that this monument is not documented anywhere." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Blizzards in the 1930s...

"Does anyone know what year a blizzard snow storm hit Northwest Woods county (Oklahoma). I am sure it was in April sometime in the 1930's." -- Marthesia Knabe Myers - Email: lookout@itlnet.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Oklahoma Millage Coins...

"I was re-reading your last ezine and noticed that  someone was wondering about the Oklahoma millage coins.  My husband does not know when they first appeared, but remembers that it took 10 mills for 1 cent, or two 5's for one cent. They were zinc and brass before World War II and the paper ones were used during WWII.   Sometime shortly after that they were phased out.  I hope this will help.  He said that Kansas also used mill coins for a time." -- Jan View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1930's Dust Bowl Stories...

1930's Dust Bowl Stories... "Excerpts from "The Dust Bowl, Men,  Dirt and Depression" by Paul Bonnifield. The 1930's Dust Bowl -- 'Dust Bowl' was a term born in the hard times from the people who lived in the drought-stricken region during the great depression. The term was first used in a dispatch from Robert Geiger, an AP correspondent in Guymon, and within a few short hours the term was used all over the nation. The "Dust Bowl Days", also known as the "Dirty Thirties", took its toll on Cimarron County. The decade was full of extremes: blizzards, tornadoes, floods, droughts, and dirt storms. Early Thirties Economy -- In 1930 and 1931, the decade opened with unparalleled prosperity and growth. NATION'S BUSINESS magazine labeled the panhandles of Oklahoma and Texas as the most prosperous region. The Panhandle was a marked contrast to the long soup lines of the Eastern United States....." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe