Okie's NW Corner

Well! It's been a week of settlin' in to our Stone Mountain Retreat here in SW Colorado Rockies. Duchess loves it! These NW Okies don't melt so much in the cool Rocky Mountain atmosphere where the daytime temps might reach the 80s and the morning and evening temps have you snuggling under the covers. Yes! I am getting some mountain photos for those of you who are interested. I will be putting them on our Vallecito Webshots Slideshow. When we had a chance, we ventured up to the top of Middle mountain to our favorite spot where the aspens and dandelions form a natural mountain park-like setting.

Our mountain retreat sets a few miles east of Ignacio, Colorado. We arrived up here a week late to experience the Ute's annual Bear Dance. We did do some research to find out "Why" the Southern Ute's celebrate with the Bear Dance. What I found out was, "Origin of the Bear Dance can be traced back to the fifteenth century when the Spanish first came upon the Utes in the spring time.  When the first thunder in the spring was heard, it was time for the Bear Dance.....

The origin of the Ute Bear Dance relates the time when two brothers were out hunting in the mountains and as they became tired, they laid down to rest. One of the brothers noticed a bear standing upright facing a tree and seemed to be dancing and making a noise while clawing the tree. Ute legends or stories remember the time when the elders asked the hunters to go out and gather meat. As they were out hunting, they encountered some small people who ran into the rocks in the hills. They told the elders about them and the elders told them that they were called cliff dwellers which according to archaeologists were called Anasazi, the ancient ones.The one brother went on hunting while the other brother continued to observe the bear. The bear taught the young man to do the same dance and also taught the young man the song that went with the dance....." Check out the Southern Ute Bear Dance and visit the Southern Ute website for more information.

Remember back to June 9, 2002...

In the SW Colorado Mountains a couple of years ago, when someone's carelessness with fire destroyed thousands of acres of mountain forests in the San Juan mountains. This year was the 2nd anniversary of the Missionary Ridge Fire, SW Colorado. The undergrowth has come back to give the mountainside some green hues, but the burnt trees still standing remind us how fragile our forests can be with human carelessness. Remember back when you were a small child in school and Smoky the Bear would say, "Only YOU can prevent forest fires!" ... Or something to that effect.

Last Sunday, 6 June 2004, was the 60th anniversary of D-Day... I hope the remembrance of this Normandy Invasion did not get lost in the memorial, death of past president Ronald Reagan. The National D-Day Memorial Foundation has a great website that commemorates the 60th anniversary of D-Day on June 6, 2004. They state, "GENERATION TO GENERATION - Only through preserving our past can we guarantee a future where the lessons and legacy of D-Day will be remembered." Check out the home page to learn more about the Invasion of Normandy... Normandy: 1944 - Invasion. I found the following article in a Colorado newspaper, Pine River Times - View from the Boondocks - Honor Veterans by Protecting Our Freedom, written by Carole McWilliams.

Southern Oklahoma Earthquakes...

California isn't the only state in the Union that has earthquakes... Southern Oklahomans in Carter and Love County felt an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.7, 7 June 2004, 7:15p.m. It was 14 September 1995 when NW Oklahoma (around Alva and Capron) felt their earthquake that measured 4.0. The Oklahoma Geological Survey Observatory ... has a lot of great information for those who are wondering why earthquakes sound like explosions? You can find out some of the answers at this Oklahoma Geological link.

Before Duchess and Oakie head out of here for the weekend, we would like to thank all of you who wrote and responded to the 100th Birthday Celebration of Thelma DeGeer Lippincott last weekend. Thanks to the Alva Review Courier and the Enid News & Eagle for printing something about Thelma Lippincott's 100th Birthday. In our Mailbag Corner you can see some photos of 5-Generations of Lippincott's. In case your Summer vacations find you traveling in the NW Corner of Oklahoma, Duchess found this great site with loads of information about Freedom, Oklahoma - Queen City of the Cimarron . It's a great site! Stop by and check them out.

See Y'all next weekend as we report from the SW Rockies of Colorado!

More Remembrances...

"The reminiscences in your latest Okie Legacy - Vol VI, Iss. about the fire destroying the old Ritz Theatre and Hester (Holder/Southern Drug) buildings were very dejavu. We happened to be visiting in Alva the weekend of the fire -- while standing in the square checking it out on Saturday, one flashback was of having been standing in approximately same place witnessing the cleanup of the Monfort fire many years ago. I stated to my wife that the Ritz was where I had seen The Thing and A Streetcar Named Desire. My memories of The Thing were equally as impressionable as what has been written so far. The only other movie to ever have scared me so strongly was the Alfred Hitchcock version of Psycho.  Don't know if anyone else remembers just how controversial A Streetcar Named Desire was when it was released, I think also, in 1951. There really wasn't a rating system for movies back then, but youngsters my age, preteen (12 ½), weren't supposed to be admitted. By today's standards it hardly would qualify for a PG rating.

Have just run across a postcard which you may find of interest. It was in things from my mother, which had belonged to her mother. Have not been real diligent in sorting thru the things.  It was sent to my Grandmother, who was attending college in Odessa , Missouri, by her mother.  The postmark on the back is CAPRON, OKLA, May 16, 4 PM , 1910. There is a message on the back, which is really not completely legible, having faded with age. While I have some rather fond memories of escapades at the bridge, I never had thought of it as being a Kodak Moment.  It states it was Published by ALVA POST CARD CO., ALVA , OKLA. Again, thanks for your newletter, it is always the highlight of my Saturday mornings." -- Marvin Henry - Email: figment1@zianet.com - nmfigment@yahoo.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Duncan, Oklahoma WWII POW Camps...

"I used to live in Duncan, Oklahoma and passed the leftover buildings in Chickasha of the POW camp for many years. My parents would say the buildings were for prisoners during WWII. I looked for specific information about the Chickasha camp, but could find nothing until now. Would appreciate more about Chickasha." -- Glenda Lowry - Email: lowry@marshall.edu View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

5 Generations Celebrate Grandmother's 100th...

"Over 100 friends and family gathered on Sunday, June 6th, at the home of John of Terry Kent to celebrate their Grandma Thelma Evelyn DeGeer Lippincott's 100th Birthday in the beautiful Napa Valley in California. Five generations were present.
     A scrap/photo book and video with photos that covered 100 years of Thelma's life was shared by all that attended. Gold colored pencils engraved with "Thelma Lippincott June 6, 2004" were given as party favors.  Thelma was decked out in pearls, pink and lavendar.  Her Great Grandaughter, Kelly Kent, a hairdresser, styled her beautiful white full head of hair for the occasion. No, she does not wear dentures or hearing aids.  It's amazing! 
     Guest traveled down from Oregon and up from Banning and Santa Barbara, California for this centarian's special day.  Her Great Grandaughters, both of Napa recited the song, "Happy Birthday."  Lindsay Kent with her flute and Emily Fahey the piano. The party flowed from the front of the house to the air-conditioned inside and some out to the pool as the weather was 84 degrees with a nice breeze.
     Thelma Lippincott always wrote a poem to share with others on previous birthdays.  However, this year, the poem was written and recited at the party by Terry L. Rond Kent, the Grand-daughter-in-law to Thelma Lippincott.
     The 5-Generation photo taken in Napa, California, 6/6/04... Left to Right, Top row: Mark, Kelsey Evelyn and Tammy Horvath and John Kent; Middle row: Lindsay Kent Bottom row: David Kent with dog Rexy, Thelma Evelyn DeGeer Lippincott, Linda Lippincott Kent, Kate-lynn Kent and Terry L. Rond Kent.
     The Family... Mark Horvath 25 (Great Grandson-in-law); Kelsey Evelyn Horvath almost 2 (Great Great Grandaughter); Tammy Kent Horvath 24 (Great Grandaughter); John Kent 48 (Grandson); Lindsay Kent 9 (Great Grandaughter);  David John Kent 22 (Great Grandson) with dog Rexy; Thelma Evelyn DeGeer Lippincott 100 (Born June 4th, 1904); Linda Lippincott Kent 69 (daughter); Kate-lynn Kent 6 (Great Grandaughter); Terry L. Rond Kent 44 (Grandaughter in-law)." -- Terry View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Warwick, Oklahoma...

Warwick, Oklahoma - 1943... "I lived in Warwick around 1943. I went to school there. In the list of teachers I didn't see Ruby Williams. I believe she was my teacher." -- WWolfe Potts - Email: wrpotts@worldnet.att.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Share Bros. Mural - Professional bldg...

People are talking about your photos! On June 6 viewed your album entitled "Share Bros. Mural - Professional bldg." and wrote: "These are great shots of muraling. I do some murals along the way, and am studying airbrushing at the moment, to help in the quest for delivering the big artworks which are a deep passion of mine. Thanks for sharing this album. Kind regards. Any info on the artist would be greatly appreciated. He is a fabulous artist, and I sure love the finished work!! I love this era of the olden days, as there is soo much character. Great stuff!" -- Em from Aussie View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Dear Duchess-Rose...

My name is Bennie.  My owner, Pat Bybee, has a rather large selections of snapshots of me, but so far she hasn't learned to send pictures with her scanner.  She has a decent amount of equipment to enjoy the Internet.  She knows I have an eye for the ladies, but I am quite selective, dear lady.  My mother was Schit zu (I certainly hope I haven't embarrassed you with my spelling of my heritage.)  My father was a Pomeranian. 
     My owner once worked in what she calls the Intergroup Office.  My previous owner used to bring me by, along with his little girl who loved me very much.  But one day it was decided I would need a new home so I jumped around until I was allowed to lead the little girl who loved me so much to the Intergroup so I could visit the kind lady who worked there.  She had learned my next stop would be "the pound" and I think it must not be a very happy place, because she swept me into her arms and took me to a doctor/groomer. 
    Just as I was close to abandoning hope that I would see her again, she came back for me.  I was so happy!!  But the challenge of a new home for me had not yet been secured. When we got to her home she placed me into her large purse and took me into the house.  There was a gentleman dozing in a big chair.  She bent down to give him a kiss, and when he awoke and saw me, he shot straight up from that chair!  It was so funny!! 
    Well, I rolled my big brown eyes at him and his face softened.  I KNEW I had a new home!  It has become a wonderful arrangement.  They both spoil me a bit but with the proper show of gratitude I convince them they have done a good thing. Well, my Duchess-Rose, I hope I have not bored you.  You have such a lovely face!  I do hope we shall chance to meet face to face, if not in my yard, possibly at one of those meetings she goes to.  I remain . . . Your devoted friend." --Bennie Bybee View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Golden Sunset (6/5/2004)...

"This thunderstorm passed by way out west of Alva (whacked the Woodward area instead of us) just before sundown. Just thought you people who have a view all cluttered by buildings and trees would like to see how a REAL sunset looks. Took this shot across the road west from our house. Take care and have a great day tomorrow. Good night, Jim View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Lippincott Birthday Message...

"Thank you again so much.  I thought you'd enjoy the e-mail below that I received today! Here is the e-mail..." -- Terry Kent
      "Dear Mrs. Kent... It was with great pleasure that I read about Thelma Lippencott.  I am a distant relative of hers and know a great deal fo history about Freedom and Farry.   Josie James (Aunt Josie) was my grandmother's sister.  Thelma will remember her as Aunt Stella (and Uncle Howard) Walker. The picture you referred to is at Uncle Ren's farm on Anderson Creek.  The picture was taken by my great grandfather, John Oliver Walker.   I have the camera and the original picture in my possession. As for the Farry postoffice, it was founded by Nancy Rebecca James who was Josie's mother. She applied for the name Fairy but that name was mistakenly changed to Farry.  The James family had moved to the area in 1898 where for of the adult children filed homestead claim (they being adults).   They moved there from Jewell county, Kansas from a small town called Iona.  They farmed, had the post office, and also a small store on the original James place.  I was there 3 weeks ago and the foundation partially remains. I am retired and have been doing considerable researching on the James and Walker familys. Tell your grandmother that her cousin Verden Walker is alive and lives by himself in Longbeach.  Also Bernice, Sybil, and Eldon are all alive back here.   These were all Stella's children.   My father's name was Harold. He was the oldest born in 1910. I knew Roy DeGeer and was supposed to pick up some of Uncle Ren's diarys but didn't get up there before he passed on.  Everytime I called him he was getting ready to go dancing. Ha.  We just never did connect. Have done a lot studying on Willis James, her Grandpa.  He was a civil war vet from Illinois' which is where all our ancestor came from.  Bethant, Illinois is all of us home base. My name is Gilvin L.Walker and I live in Harper, Kansas which is about an hour from Freedom and Farry. Incidently, Farry no longer exists. Just the cemetery.
      Grandma made the front page of the Vallejo Times Herald today. I thought you'd enjoy reading the article. Centenarian's tip: Lighten up a little NAPA - Who knew the secret to living for 100 years was so simple? "The only thing I know is, I don't take things too seriously," said Thelma Lippincott, the matriarch of Vallejo's Lippincott Supply Co. "Getting old is not such a tragic affair..... MORE.
      What is the Odessa American?  Is this a newspaper in Oklahoma? I think it's www.OAonline.com . Everyone at the party enjoyed reading the cards and letters sent by people from Oklahoma as well as one clipping from the Alva Courier. Thanks again for helping me get the word out." -- Your "e-friend" - Terry Kent View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Lippincott Birthday - Alva Review Courier...

"Hi Linda, Thank you.  The nicest card, letter, and Alva Review newspaper clipping arrived in the mail yesterday from Larry & Margaret Snow of Alva, Oklahoma.  I just love 'Okie's.'  They're the sweetest people on earth.  The letter read... 'Dear Mrs. Lippincott, You don't know us but am going to write you anyway.  My parents were George & Olga Snow and we lived across from the Farry Schoolhouse and they rented a few acres from your dad years ago and he just charged them $5 a year rent, then later $10.00. My dad later paid $20.00 per year on his own.  Your dad was a good man. I'm 68 but I remember as a kid your dad being a tall man wearing khakis and a straw hat driving a big long car. My wife's dad was Frank Schmitt. He also rented farm land from your dad.  I knew your brother Roy very well. I worked in Wichita and saw him quite often.  Freedom comes alive in August when the Big Rodeo is on.  Alva doesn't grow much, about 5,000 to 6,000 people -- no jobs for our young people.  We hope you have a great birthday.  Your friends, Larry and Margaret Snow, Alva, OK  73717'
      After receiving the Alva article I decided to check out the other Oklahoma newspapers you had emailed.  I learned that the Enid News & Eagle printed her birthday in the birthday section of the June 4th paper.  I can't seem to access the Freedom Call website, so I don't know.  I'm hoping that all of the newspapers send me a copy for Grandma to read and to put in her '100 Scrapbook.' Thanks again for all your help.  Some day I'll have to research my mothers side of the family.  She was born in Seminole, Oklahoma.  Her name is Eleanor Kay Self Rond Everett.  She was born May 22, 1939. -- Terry Kent View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

The Thing...

"I must have been 10 years old when I saw The Thing. My parents were going to a Grange meeting in Enid, and I thought it would be fun for my neighbor girl and I to go to a movie while they went to the meeting. We lived near Waynoka, and did not know what movie was showing. From the title, I thought it must be a comedy. I was scared out of my wits, probably went to the lobby at least once to escape. I didn't know where my parents' meeting was. It was a terrifying experience." -- Sandie View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY - 4 June 2004 - Thelma Evelyn DeGeer Lippincott...

" Such a beautiful lady, may she be blessed with many more happy years. Ritz Theater, The Thing (1951) & Flood of Memories... Linda, this was so funny, started my day off with a smile. Hope you and little Miss Duchess Rose are having a wonderful time. I look forward to photos of beautiful Colorado." -- Glenda
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