Okie's NW Corner

Good Morning from NW Oklahoma! Brrrrr... but it was downright chilly the first part of the week when we got dugout of the mountains and headed east towards Oklahoma.

I guess while we were enjoying the snow in the mountains, some of you back in Oklahoma were experiencing Fall-like temperatures in the 60's and 70's. The cold front that followed us home dropped the temperatures into the 20's the first part of the week. We hope you all did not mind, BUT... we had to bring this cold weather back with us from the Rockies to keep the snow in the back of the pickup frozen. You see... the snow was a christmas present for my friends in NW Oklahoma. Towards the latter half of the week the temperatures did rise a bit into the 40's and 50's. Duchess told me she missed prancing around in the powdery snow in the mountains, though.

On our travels along I40 (following Old Route 66) these are just some of the towns that hug the Old Route 66. Some of those turnouts were Moriarty, Clines Corners, Santa Rosa, Tucumcari (New Mexico), Shamrock (Texas) and while driving in Oklahoma we took the Old Route 66 exit that led us to Fort Reno (west edge of El Reno). We arrived at Fort Reno with about 45 minutes before closing of the gates, so we did not take the tour, but mainly picked up some history and information. We will be back to Fort Reno Visitor Center, though. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Fort Reno (Oklahoma)...

Fort Reno (Oklahoma) has a website with a lot of history and information. If you visit the Fort Reno Visitor Center, you can also pick up some free pamphlets and purchase a small booklet for $5 - The Buildings At Historic Fort Reno. the literature says that Fort Reno was a military camp in 1874 and was established as a military post in 1875 with construction of permanent buildings began in 1876. The Fort and Darlington Agency served the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians across the Candian River. Together they preserved the peace and directed the orderly transition of that part of Indian Territory from reservation to individual farms and ranches. Troops from Fort Reno supervised the first Great Land Run of 1889 that opened the Unassigned lands for settlement.

Did you know that the Buffalo Soldiers of Fort Reno (Companies of the 9th & 10th U.S. Cavalry) were made up of Six black regiments, two of cavalry and four of infantry, and were authorized by congress in 1866 and stationed at Fort Reno. The name was given by the Indians to the black regiments for the color and texture of hair between the horns of the buffalo. The Buffalo Soldiers had the reputation for effective, consistent fighting against the lawless whites, Mexicans and Indians. There is a Fort Reno Post Cemetery where some of the Buffalo Soldiers are buried. Along with the white troops stationed at Fort Reno, the Buffalo Soldiers played an important role in ejecting Boomers from Indian Territory and preventing Sooners from entering the territory prior to the land rush. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Fort Reno & Fort Sill - WWII...

Fort Sill's telephone line installed in 1879 soon linked Fort Reno and the Darlington Agency and eventually Fort Supply; Amelia Earhart landed her autogiro at the Fort Reno airstrip in the 1920's; During WWII the famous Lipizan horses were held at the Fort Reno riding hall for a period of time; Black Jack, the riderless horse in President John F. Kennedy's funeral procession was born and raised at Fort Reno.

The German WWII internment camp was erected in 1943 on the eastern edge of the Fort property. Prisoners began arriving July 4, 1943. By August 30 of that same year, 1000 prisoners arrived at Fort Reno POW Camp. It included 65 temporary structures including an administration building, barracks, hospital, canteen, guardhouse, shops and mess halls. Originally the POW Camp was intended for Japanese soldiers, but the increasing numbers of German and Italian prisoners captured by the Allied Forces in North Africa changed the nationality of the occupants. The 435th Military Police Escort served as guards for the camp and included 130 men and two officers. The only remaining landmark of the Fort Reno POW Camp is the concrete water tower. There were over 1000 Germans who were captured in North Africa that were imprisoned at Fort Reno. It was during this time that the German POW's were hired as laborers by local farmers and worked as farm hands for the Remount Station, and built the Fort Reno Chapel located on the north side of the Parade Grounds. The west side of the Fort Reno Post Cemetery is the location of the POW Cemetery where 70 former prisoners are interred. 61 of the 62 Germans came from POW camps located in Oklahoma. The 8 Italians came from the POW camp locaed in Herford, Texas. The most famous German buried at the Fort Reno POW Cemetery was Johannes Kunze of the Tonkawa Camp. Kunze was beaten to death by fellow POW's who accused him of being a traitor. Those charged with Kunze murder were found guilty, executed and buried. The death of Kunze is the subject of a novel by Vince Greene entitled Extreme Justice.

The WWII POW's worked at a variety of locations and were paid 80 cents per day. Many worked as farm laborers at Fort Reno. Local farmers paid the government $1.50 per prisoner per day. The government paid the prisoners 10 cents per hour in script money which could be used to purchase items from the Canteen. The farmer provided transportation to and from the camp for the prisoners and a guard. Other prisoners worked at Tinker Field and Douglas Modification Plant in Oklahoma City. 250 to 260 German prisoners each day performed jobs at Fort Reno that included carpentry, bakery, shoe repair, auto mechanics, tailoring, butcher, and hay hauling. The prisoners constructed two buildings at Fort Reno... Lucas Hall, the Chapel and enlarged the Officers' Club. The German POW's planted trees on both side sof the entrance road to the Fort Reno post. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Dog Walks Dog...

Before I head out of here for the weekend to help work horses, I have to tell you about Ruff (in the photo on the right) trying to take Duchess for a walk. Duchess is a spunky little thing. She won't let anyone take over her leash, except me. Have a great weekend of this New Year. See You all next weekend. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Cain Ballroom Events...

"This Saturday, Jan. 10th, Tulsa's own, PO' Dank, takes the stage at Bob's (Cain's 2nd stage)... Doors open at 8pm and tickets are just $5... Don't miss this jamming band...

On Friday, Jan. 16th, Jason Boland and the Stragglers return to Cain's Ballroom and tickets are just $10 in advance and $13 at the door... Doors open at 7pm and No Justice will be opening... These guys know how to put on a show, so throw on your party clothes and come on down to the Cain's for a night of great music and fun...

On January 17th, 2004, Sammy Kershaw takes the stage at the Cain's Ballroom... Advance tickets are just $24.50, so get them while they last....

On January 22th, Hairy Apes BMX will be playing Bob's, (Cain's 2nd stage) and tickets are just $5... These guys know how to jam, so plan ahead and don't miss out... Doors open at 8pm...

On Saturday, January 24th, the Cain's welcomes back Asleep at the Wheel... Advance tickets are just $19 abd doors open at 7pm... If you want to swing or hear some great Bob Wills' music, come on out... For more info., check out: www.cainsballroom.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Wrought Iron Comfort Range...

"Can you help with information concerning the Home Comfort Range by Wrought Iron Range Co., St. Louis, Mo.? It is not a '30's model. It's legs are straighter than that. Parts and needed, photos would be of help. I have the serial # for the range but no date of manufacturing date." -- Clyde & Hellen Poole, 1813 Lee Pearson Rd., Granite Falls, NC 28630 -- 828 728-9420 H/O View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Fort Reno Visitor Center...

Historic Fort Reno, Inc., 7107 W. Cheyenne St., El Reno, OK 73036, Phone: 405-262-3987, Fax: 405-422-4911, Email: info@fortreno.org. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Newsletter & Email Change...

"Please sign me up for your newsletter once again. Our e-mail has changed and I really miss it along with the ones I missed out on while we were in the process of getting another hard drive. Our other one burned out as did my e-mail addresses and am just now contacting you again. Please change the old address to this new one. Thanks so much." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Pink & White M&M's...

Pink & White M&M's - "The makers of M&M candies have teamed up with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to raise funds through the sale of their new pink & white M&M candies. For each 8-ounce bag of the special candies sold, the makers of M&M (Masterfoods) will donate 50 cents to the foundation. The next time you want a treat, please pick up a bag (now sold in stores nationwide) - you will be donating to a great cause and satisfying your sweet tooth. Thank you. May God give you enough." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Former Freedom Residents - 1993 to 2000...

"From 1993 to 2000 we lived in Freedom, Oklahoma. So many dear friends and such great people we had to leave behind and move back to Oregon for health reason. What a great way to start the new year out by reading the Okie Legacy. We have enjoyed them all so please keep them coming." -- John & Marlene Jackman - Email: hjack5027@comcastnet View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Dear Duchess...

"Hey, Duchess, you are doing a wonderful job at not only writing your articles but also (and don't tell Linda I said this) wrapping Linda around your little paw (tee hee). Oh yes, and that sweater is a very good
color and style for you too! Have a great time in the snow... and then back to the Okie state with the 65-75 degree weather! Hope you and Daisy have a fantastic New Year in 2004. (Okay, you can tell Linda and her better-half I said for them to have a great year too - it would only be right.)." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

How Well Do You Remember...

"Kookie; Kookie; lend me your comb. -- The 'battle cry' of the hippies in the sixties was 'Turn on; tune in; drop out.' Many people who proclaimed that 30 years ago today are Wall
Street bond traders and corporate lawyers. -- The Lone Ranger left behind a silver bullet. -- When the rooster crows at the break of dawn, look out your window and I'll be gone. You're the reason I'm traveling on; Don't think twice,it's all right." -- The group of protesters arrested at the Democratic convention in Chicago
in 1968 was known as the Chicago seven. -- When the Beatles first came to the U.S. in early 1964, we all watched
them on the Ed Sullivan Show. -- Some who protested the Vietnam war did so by burning their draft cards. -- Dick and Jane's dog was Spot. 'See Spot run.' Whatever happened to them? Rumor has it they have been replaced in some school systems by 'Heather Has Two Mommies.' -- A Broadway musical and movie gave us the gang names the Sharks and The Jets in West Side Story. -- In the late fifties early sixties, the drop-out, non-conformists were
known as beatniks. Maynard G. Krebs was the classic beatnik, except that he had No rhythm, man; a beard, but no beat. -- At the end of 'The Life of Riley,' Chester would turn to the camera and exclaim, 'What a revolting development this is.' -- 'Get your kicks, on Route 66.' -- 'The story you are about to see is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.' -- The real James Bond, Sean Connery, mixed his martinis a special way:
shaken, not stirred. -- In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight. -- That adult book by Henry Miller was called Tropic of Cancer. Today, it would get a PG-13 rating. -- Back in the sixties, members of the math club used a slide rule. -- The day the music died was a reference and tribute to Buddy Holly. -- After the twist, the mashed potatoes, and the watusi, we danced under a stick in a dance called the Limbo. -- N-E-S-T-L-E-S; Nestles makes the very best....chooo-c'late. In the television commercial, chocolate was sung by a puppet - a dog. (Remember his mouth flopping open and shut?) -- In the late sixties, the full figure style gave way to the trim look, as first exemplified by British model Twiggy. -- Our parents shared this great jazz trumpet player with us. His name was Louis Armstrong. -- The Russians put the first satellite into orbit; it was called Sputnik. -- What takes a licking and keeps on ticking? A Timex watch. -- The large plastic ring that we twirled around our waist was called the
hula-hoop. -- The Age of Aquarius was brought into the mainstream in the Broadway musical Hair. -- Red Skelton's hobo character was Freddie the Freeloader. (Clem Kaddiddlehopper was the hay seed.) Red ended his television show by saying, 'Good night, and may God bless.' " View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Great website...

"You have done an exceptional job in creating and designing this website. My Congratulations to you!!! Great Design and useful information. I will be back soon!" -- Michel View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Hazelnut Toffee Crunch...

Hazelnut Toffee Crunch - Some more sweets for the sweet out there. Straight from the ParisTiimes Cookbook. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Cheatam Family Inquiry...

"I would appreciate any info on the Cheatham's in Cumberland, Kentucky that you may have. Thanks." -- Richard Cheatham - Email: rec032555@alltel.net View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (1 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Chocolate Gravy Recipes...

"Here's a Recipe for Chocolate Gravy -- 1 cup white sugar; 2-1/3 tablespoons cocoa; 3 tablespoons flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3-1/2 cups whole milk; 1/2 stick margarine. Mix all dry ingredients well and gradually add milk, stirring until smooth. Melt margarine in iron skillet. Add mixture and cook until the consistency of regular gravy. Serve over homemade biscuits -- sent in by Virginia Maye Courtney.

This is just a few of the recipes that I found online for Chocolate Gravy. I haven't tried any yet, but they are making my mouth water for some. Here's some other website Link's for Chocolate Gravy...
www.justchocolaterecipes.com/misc/misc0009.shtml
www.mcgees.com/kitchen/recipes/kidstuff/k039806.htm
www.bbonline.com/tn/walkinghorse/recipe1.html
www.globalgourmet.com/food/ilc/2001/0201/biscuits.html
www.car olina-country-cooking.com/recipes/chocolate-gravy.html
www.geocities.com/webcipes2/sauce/s1.html
www.thefunplace.com/recipes/00128.html
www.cdkitchen.com/rfr/data/968694423.shtml
www.goodhunting.com/barry/biscgravy.htm View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Glad I Found Your Site...

"Accidently found your site and was really glad I did. My husband and I are raising our two grand-children -- they are 8 & 9 years- old, one is a boy and the other is a girl and they give us such joy but at times can be a hand full but we truly love them. We live in a small community at the edge of Ardmore called Dickson, Oklahoma and been here almost 30 years and with the good Lords help will be here long enough to see the babies grown. Well -- enough about us take care and God Bless." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Kinships of Roberts Inquiry...

"Searching for any kinship of Roberts living in Woodford, Oklahoma in 1925, 4 school children in school there at that time were Mamie, Henry, Charlie, Buster (my father). Any information is appreciated. Thanks." -- glorya - Email: macybus@yahoo.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Oklahoma Nostalic...

"Now that I am have been gone from Oklahoma for nearly sixty years I feel nostalgic about the landscape and the people of the area, and grateful that people like you are providing an opportunity to revisit some of the scenes of my childhood. My grandfather, William Horace Greer, came to Woodford, I. T. and ran a general store at the crossroads you show on the website. My mother was also born in Indian Territory. I graduated from Ardmore High School and lived in the area until 1948. I was last there in 1988. If you have a listserv I would appreciate being added. Carolyn - Email: cfrei@lewiston.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

POETS AND POETRY LOVERS...

"Come to the POETS’ PLACE, PIEDMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY, 1129 7th, NW, Piedmont, Oklahoma, phone: (405) 373-9018 -- THIRD TUESDAY - EVERY MONTH -- First Meeting: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 - 7:00 – 8:00 P.M. Casual / No Charge. Bring Poems to Read or Come to Listen. Light Refreshments - Meeting Room Only. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: VIVIAN STEWART - 373-0713 or BARBARA RICHARD - 373-2818 View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

A Texan Again...

"I found my title for my truck finally. It was on top of my new day bed in the office. It was there since I moved in; yet, I didn't see it until I threw out all the trash and files I accumulated in DC. It must be something in the water down here. It would explain why it tastes so bad. It must affect the brain. I hope it doesn't affect my voting habits. I probably should have thrown all the trash away before I hauled all that crap to Texas, huh? Oh, well, at least I now have more closet space for all my clothes, shoes, and jackets. :) Anyway, I finally went down and registered my truck in Texas. You know, they write the word truck on the license plate down here. I guess it is helps the other Texas drivers tell what you're driving. After getting my tags, I went to the department of public safety to exchange my DC license for a Texas license. It will be arriving in the mail in 2-3 weeks, but they took my picture and electronically fingerprinted me. I haven't been a Texan since I was six years old in first grade at GH Whitcomb Elementry in Clear Lake City (Houston). I definitely am different than I was the last time I was here. I didn't say much - if anything at all - last time I was here. I plan to make this state better than I found it. I think I'll start by sending some good elected officials back home to DC, okay? Yeeeha! Ya'll all come down and see me some time!" -- Lone Star MWags - Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds... I ain't kidding! View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe