Okie's NW Corner

It may have seemed like dejavu last weekend, late Friday night around the midnight hours when the Alva sirens began to wail -- firefighters, volunteer firefighters were called to battle a blaze in the 500 block of Barnes Avenue in Downtown Alva, Oklahoma. Alva has seen a few business buildings burn to the ground in it's past histories. There was the Monfort Drugstore fire in the '50s and the Riggs Building in the '60s/70s era. The Monfort Drugstore fire brought out crowds to watch the destruction -- they lined the 600 block of Barnes Avenue that year. Not sure what the crowd was like last saturday morning as the business building owned by the City of Alva burnt to the grown in the 500 block of Barnes.

Last weekend the building housing the Alva Sewing Center and Dean's Repair Service was destroyed by the fire that was fueled by the gusty Oklahoma winds that blew last weekend. Some of you old-timers might remember that location as the spot where you watched many an afternoon of matinees at the Ritz Theatre on one side and visited Hester Drugs on the other side. If you don't date back that far, you might remember Holder-Southern Drugstore residing at that location before it moved a few doors east to the old JC Penney building. This writer remembers when Holder-Southern Drugs was on the main level and the Rebekkah lodge, Theta Rho girls organizations used the upstairs for their meetings. You can read the Alva Review Courier, dated 23 May 2004 for more information about the fire last weekend. You can also check out our NW OkieLegacy Webshots Slideshow of the photos that we took the afternoon of Saturday, 22 May 2004. Although, another midnight fire burns, destroys another NW Oklahoma landmark... we still have our Okie Legacies, memories of how it was in the past. We would love to share your memories of Hester Drugstore and the Ritz Theatre in our weekly OkieLegacy from time to time. Send them to Linda at paristimes@earthlink.net.

Hot Temps, Gusty Winds and Fire

Besides the hot temps, gusty winds and fire of last weekend, Alva hit a May heat record with temperatures reaching to 104 degrees in this neck of the woods, in NW Oklahoma. We don't usually get that warm until July/August during the "Dog Days" of Summer. Our normal temperatures usually range around the 80s. The beginning of the week brought thunderstorms, tornadoes and warnings to other parts of the north central, south central parts of Oklahoma. The only thing we felt in the NW corner was the coolness of the 80s, humidity and Oklahoma winds. The winds, sunshine and warm temperatures have sure turned the waving green fields of wheat into amber waves of grain the last couple of weeks in the NW Corner of Oklahoma. BUT... the traffic of the combine crews really didn't start showing up until the latter part of this week.

If you were traveling East of Alva on highway 64 and south on the Dacoma Blacktop road towards Dacoma, you might have seen a few combines, harvesters and crews starting to gather in a few fields -- testing, cutting strips of wheat for testing -- then waiting just for the right moment to harvest the rest of the crop. Some farmers have been baling their wheat crops for hay this year. With the price of fuel, fertilizer, harvesting and the price of wheat, it doesn't make much of a profit -- except maybe for the bankers, backers of the farmers, harvesters. We have added some more NW Okie Harvest scenes to our NW OkieLegacy Webshots - Harvest Slideshow. Most the pictures were taken around Dacoma (at the Old Small Place) and along the Dacoma blacktop road. While you are traveling those rural country roads, watch those intersections for farm trucks, wheat trucks, and harvest crews as they take their wheat to the Dacoma Co-op Grain elevators and other co-op elevators in the NW corner of Oklahoma. It's just beginning to get into the swing of wheat harvest around here the latter part of the week. It's going to be a busy week next week as the 2004 harvest continues.

Besides harvest beginning and business buildings destroyed by fire, the gas prices in NW Oklahoma on Friday before Memorial weekend showed prices at the pump in Alva at $1.99 -- $1.85 at the pump near Enid, Oklahoma. How's the gas prices in your area?

Updates...

Before Duchess and I head out of here and get ready for Memorial weekend activities... we would love to leave you with this challenge that we are working at identifying in an old photo of Washington Elementary School pupils and their teacher. We have identified a few of the 1951/1952, December photo of Washington Elementary School students and teacher. If someone else out there remembers more and can fill in the remaining blanks, we would love to hear from you. Dust off those old memories of yours and help us identify some of the Washington Elementary School students & teacher pictured here.

Here is what we know so far: Washington Elem. School, 1951 or 1952, December, 4th or 5th grade class, teacher is Ms. Faye McAlpin. The frontrow, left to right: Connie Jean McGill; Sammy Mac Riggs; ?; Shirley Jean Bradbury; ?; Karen Rudy; Allen Trekel (boy in overalls); ?; ?; Jackie Joe Brown (boy in striped T-shirt/jeans). Middlerow, left to right: ?; Gary Dobbs; Janice Rudy; ?; ?; ?; ?; ?; ?; ?; ?; ?. Back row, left to right -- Teacher, Faye McAlpin; Judith Traverse; Marilyn Marcum; Nancy Roepke; Kay Lee; Marna Rose; Tom Howell; Sarah Long.

Another Challenge... Maybe some of you NW Oklahomans that date back to the late teens and '20s might be able to help with this next challenge. As the story has it... there was a house fire in the Alva area in the late teens or early 1920s in which several children died -- their last name was Osburn -- they are buried, so the story goes, in Whitehorse Cemetery. Has anyone out there run onto any old news clippings concerning this fire?

Memorial weekend is upon us as we gather our decorations for that annual pilgrimage to the cemeteries to pay tribute to our ancestors -- to those who lost their lives fighting for our freedoms, American way of life. Some of you will be traveling long distances to family reunions and get togethers. Please drive safely and keep alert with the things happen around Y'all. Take some photos, dust and dig through those memory cells for more Okie Legacies -- jot them down -- send them this way.

The Nescatunga Arts Festival is just around the corner in our neck of the woods. Next weekend - June 5th, 2004, on the downtown square, in Alva, Oklahoma, lots of artists, art lovers will be displaying, viewing the talents of local and surrounding artists. Come out and check us out and crowd the Alva downtown square.

Steps Across From Orion Cemetery...

"Hello, I am fairly new to the computer, and just recently found your newsletter, the one from May 22 you ask about the steps across the road from the Orion cemetery. When I was growing up around Orion and Phroso, they would have a program every memorial day. There was a platform in the grove of trees on the north side of the road. I don't ever remember there being any buildings there. I left Chester in 1949. Was back for my 50th class reunion in 2000, and we went to the Orion cemetery on Memorial day weekend -- they still decorate the graves,but no gathering or program. Enjoy your newsletter. Keep up the good work." -- Willis  [ Bill] Bowers
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Washington School Picture Information...

"Got behind due to vacation, had a great time renewing long ago friendships.  Have been trying to catch up and in your May 8, 2004, issue. The picture of the class at Washington School must have been a 4th grade class, as the teacher was Mrs McAlpin, ONE of the best teachers I ever had.  She was my 4th grade teacher in the '47-'48 school year. That was the first year the new building was open." -- Marvin
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Washington Elementary School (Alva, OK) - Old December Photo...

"The Teacher is Faye McAlpin, December, 1951, 4th grade class. Next to Connie is me (aka Sammy Mac Riggs). Allen Trekel is the boy in the overalls on the front row; Jackie Joe Brown is the boy in the striped T-shirt and jeans. Back row is Judith Traverse, Marilyn Marcum, Nancy Roepke, I believe next is Kay Lee, and Sarah Long is the girl on the right in the back row. The Boy in the back row is maybe Tom Howell. If I think of more, I'll let you know." -- Sam View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Washington Elementary School (Alva, OK) - Old December Photo...

" What fun!  I'm going to have to work for a while on the identifications, but I'm pretty sure that is December, 1952.  I think it is Ms. McAlpin's fifth grade class.  I was not in that class. I was across the hall in Mrs. Newby's fifth grade class.  The back row of students starts on the left with Judith Traverse, then Marilyn Marcum, Nancy Roepke and then a girl I can't remember. The next girl is Marna Rose, then Tom Howell.  I think the girl on the right end of the back row is Sarah Long Balenti, and the girl, fourth from the left on the front row is Shirley Jean Bradbury.  I don't recognize the next boy but the next girl is Karen Rudy.  Her cousin Janice Rudy is just behind Shirley Bradbury and in front of Judy Traverse.  I just had an inspiration...  The girl on the back row next to Nancy Roepke may be Kay Lee.  Next to Connie Jean McGill on the left, front row is Sam Riggs. I think I spot Gary Dobbs in the middle.  Thanks for sending this.  It brings back floods of memories -- but what a motley group we were!" Judy
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Washington Elementary School (Alva, OK) - Old December Photo......

"The students that I recognize are the same as you have listed, plus Gary Dobbs (3rd from left, 2nd row) and the girl on the front row with 'cat' glasses, whose Mother was the school nurse.  Can't come up with the name without the annual in front of me. I'll continue with the search, if you are still in need of the information. I just checked your website and looked up my parents wedding.  The correct date is August 11, 1934 Simon-Huff -- NOT  1935.    What a great trip to Woods County you have created with this website.  I'll put it on my favorites." --   Mary Lou Huff Bianchi
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Former Alvan Remembers...

My name is Gail, born and raised in Alva. Recently (11 years ago) retired  from Boeing and moved back to Alva. As a 'youngun', I worked down at the furniture store For Gene. Not much real muscle power, mostly dusting the furniture. Enjoying your news letters,keep it up. " --  Gail View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

May 21st Ezine Photos...

"Great Photography!  The pictures you sent are very educational and informative.  I would rate this weeks effort a 10 on a scale of 10. Thanks for sharing your stories and history of NW Oklahoma.  Sincerely." -- Ernest View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Your Okie Material...

I certainly am enjoying your OKIE material. I am a former OKIE, now retired and living in McKinney, Texas. My Texas auto tag last year was: I B OKIE. Since I graduated from OSU, this year's tag says: O A99IE (Texas Aggies own regular AGGIE tags, so I used 99 to look like GG.). There are a couple of updates under your Alva Pioneers, 1904 I would suggest. You may reference my 754-page book, THE LONG BLUE LINE, Civil War Union Soldiers and Sailors Buried in Oklahoma, 1999. There are references to more than 8,600 such veterans in the book. A copy may be at the Alva Public Library. First one: Jeff Bower is really Thomas Jefferson H. Bower, 1st Sgt, Co C, 13th Ind. Inf., born Aug 10, 1843, died Apr 7, 1913, buried in the Municipal Cemetery, Alva, OK. married Caroline, born Jul 22, 1846. Second one: J.W. Jones is really John W. Jones, Co G, 9th Kans. Cav, born Oct 27, 1843, died Jan 28, 1916, buried Union Center Cemetery, Woods Co. Married Sarah M, born Aug 21, 1851. He donated the land for this cemetery. Keep up the good work." -- Dale View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Stevenson/Warwick Descendant...

"A descendant of John Stevenson/Martha Warwick (10th generation). Searching for John's father." -- Matt Caddy - Email: matt2@dnaco.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

McGehee Family Story - James Franklin McGehee...

"Since we last communicated, I have been working on a story line that was of huge significance in the McGehee family history -- a story that would work well in the National Enquirer. My Grandfather James Franklin McGehee was born in Tussy, Oklahoma in 1901. His father, Thomas Marion McGehee, was born in Jack County, Texas in 1873. His father was James McGehee born in 1847, in Missouri. Carintha Elder was James' wife, details about her birth are unknown. James MsGehee was murdered in Jack, County Texas 12/18/1880.

Per transcrips of the trial, he was killed by a Theo Pitts after James had killed his brother, Doc Pitts.

The short story is: Per family folklore, Carintha Elder was killed in an Indian raid in 1877. James apparently was a person of dubious character also. A point to be made a bit later. Apparently, James had been in Jacksboro, Texas for a couple of days 'partying' -- odd because he lived a bit away in Crafton,Texas with his new wife, A. Parkes.

This A. Parkes was also the sister of Theo Pitts. I'm sending along a copy of the Jack County census of 1880, look at the surnames of McGehee and Pitts, it fits the story line.

The short story is: A. Parkes was apparently at home with James McGehee's five children; one of which she had disciplined and sent to the 'wood shed'. James apparently took exception to her actions and gave her a 'whippin' -- an event prior to his murder later in Jacksboro. Apparently, James was in town at his before mentioned 'party' and got into an argument with Doc Pitts, whom he killed. Apparently, Theo found James a bit later and struck him four times with a singletree and then 'cut his throat'. Theo was indicted for murder and acquited in 7/1881.

Reading the court records he was absolved because of what sounds like 'justifiable homicide'. With his death 5 children were orphaned and 'scattered to the winds' -- that too is also a rather long and involved story for another time. I have been working this story line for a time now and I found the actual events to be shocking. This was also not a topic of discussion in the family.

If you are interested, I will document this saga for your newsletter. I do need some help in another area though. I live in Spokane WA, (recently moved) an have just found that last cache of information that should pull this story all together. University of Texas has a lot of information about James McGehee and the murder, cross referenced to Jack County, Texas. Unfortunately, all the information is in Austin, Texas and not remotely available to me. This will take you to the online information about James McGehee. You may find it interesting reading. The Thomas Marion is my Gr-Grandfather. awt.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=eleanor&id=I16079. Do you have contacts in Austin that are available to look this information up? Your thoughts please!" -- Mike Hubbard - Email: mehubbar@netscape.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Alva Fire in late Teens/Early 1920s Kills Several Children...

"This is  from an e-mail friend of mine: 'A story has it  that there was a house fire in the Alva area in the  late teens or early 1920s in which several children died.    Their last name was Osburn.  They are buried, so the story goes,  in Whitehorse, Cemetery.  I visited Whitehorse, took pics of the  stones, but  the dates don't match what I've been told. The death dates on the stones  are 1918, 1920, 1924.  Was this story in a local  newspaper?  Wanna help?' " -- Lois View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Horses Near Lake Humphrey...

"Linda, we drove out to Lake Humphrey, north east of Duncan yesterday afternoon, and I noticed these new babies - Horse 1 & Horse 2. Made me think of yours. They are so pretty." -- Glenda
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Extend My Hello...

"Just wanted you to extend my hello to Bud Clark.  While working for Gerald and Lawrence Longhurst back in the 60's, Floyd Thompson and I  used to help Bud with various work projects.  I cannot recall his hired hand's name at the time, but we always enjoyed those times. " -- Terry Smith View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Breast Cancer...

Breat Cancer... "You reach so many people. Pass along this link. How's the heat on you and Duchess.  She's so cute.  We had our first litter of pugs and I DID not know how wonderfully they bond with humans, cried like a little baby when I sold the last one. Take care and enjoy the summer." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1956 Alva High Graduate...

"I grew up at Alva and went to school there. Since then I've lived in many places, Laverne, Amistad NM, Reno NV, Wash D.C., O'Fallon IL, Ardmore OK, and now in OKC. It would be interesting to hear from some other people. By the way, I graduated from Alva High in '56. Is there anyone out there who also did? Our farm was N.W. of Alva. You go out by the Alva swimming pool, over the railroad track - 1.5 mi north - 1 mi west - 1 mi north and almost 2 mi west.  The land is Jason Kletke's now. I'll be in Alva for Nascatunga Arts and Crafts (June 5, 2004) and will be bringing some quilts to show." -- Karan Harzman - Email: karan6820@sbcglobal.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Thanks From Former Elk City, OKC Citizen...

"Please sign me up for your newsletter. My parents grew up in Elk City.  They are in their late 70's now.  I grew up in OKC.  I currently live in Kansas City, Missouri because of husband's job.  But I love Oklahoma and wish to move back some day.  Thanks for your website.  I love it." -- Carla View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Hot Time In Alva...

"Hi Linda, Maybe you know how hot is was... While watching CNN Headline News yesterday (Tuesday, May 25) I think I saw a note at the bottom of the screen that said that Alva, Oklahoma was the hottest place in the nation at 100 degrees. Did I really see this, or did I misread something? Any enlightening information would be welcome." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Weather folklore...

"Here's some very interesting and unique ideas!  Had never seen these before! When spiders build new webs, the weather will be clear. Listen for the sound of the first cicadas. The first frost of the year will occur about three months later. An open anthill indicates good weather; a closed one, an approaching storm. When the down of a dandelion contracts, it is a sign of rain. The sunflower raising its head indicates rain." -- Karel
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