Alice Dixon - Edith, Oklahoma

Edith, Oklahoma - "My grandmother was Alice Dixon, who married Charles Batson. My mom, Icey Huddleston (Batson), is her daughter. It was great seeing pictures of my grandmother and her sister Bertha and Annie. I wish they didn't go by so quickly.

My grandmother was pictured in numerous photos in the Edith, Oklahoma story. I am making a collage for my mom and I do not have many pictures of my grandmother or her family. I am interested in getting copies via e-mail or hard copies of the photos or any other  pictures you might have of Bertha, Alice Annie or Albert. It would be such a nice surprise for her. I did one of my fathers family and I would like to do one for my mother. I don't have any pictures of them when they were young. I would really appreciate it.

I talked to my mom. Her grandmother, Abigail Dixon, was the post mistress for Edith. My grandmother Alice broke her back when she was a young girl. She was sitting on a chain stretched between two posts watching something and a boy came along and pushed the chain. She wasn't paralized but her back was deformed from it. They did not have the things we do now to fix it. She was lucky, though. She married and had four kids. My mom and her siblings never knew she played basketball. I am so glad you have sites like this. Thank you." -- Adell Thomson - Email: adell@shaw.ca View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Edith, Oklahoma

Edith, Oklahoma - Edith, Oklahoma - Batson Girls (Icey & Iona)... "I enjoyed looking at the Edith pictures of the Dixon family and other friends. The one picture (Edith Picnic) with the Batson girls is actually Icey and Iona Batson. The young girl on the right was my sister Iona and the smaller one is me. That photo must have been taken around 1930. [A picnic in Vincent Grove at Edith, Oklahoma. -- Back row, L to R: Opal Weidman Bradt, Annie Dixon, Grace McAlister, Dorothy Hacker Weidman, Bertha Dixon, Inez Weidman Draper, Lula Allen, Selma Weidman, Bell Davidson; Front row, L to R: Butch Thornberry, Lester Thornberry, Mae Thornberry, Douglas Thornberry, Allen girl, Icey Batson, Iona Batson.] The photo of Alice Dixon, where it said she played basketball, was the first I had ever heard that she played basketball. Thanks for the website!" -- Icey Batson Huddleston - Email: icey@tntj.com View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (1 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

WWII - Bisby Oklahoma POW Camps Remembered

Bisby, Oklahoma - "Wonderful accumulation of data. My husband was raised south of Bixby and remembers POWs coming to their farm. He said one took him to the pond and washed dirt off his feet. He would like to locate him." -- Janice Flud - Email: janandrus@sbcglobal.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Alva Lad - Roy Dunn - World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion

Alva, Oklahoma - "Watching the Olympics this evening brought back memories of Roy Dunn of Alva. Roy was father to Bruce and Blake, both attended Washington elementary before the family moved to Colorado sometime in the mid-50's.    My father and Roy were friends and we attended several matches in Wichita, this was during the time professional wrestling was legitimate. Anyway, back to Roy.  Roy Dunn participated in the 1936 Olympics in freestyle wrestling but did not medal.  He wrestled professionally and was crowned World Champ by the National Wrestling Alliance.  Roy retired in 48, but came out of retirement in 49, wrestling until 53.

During that period of time was when the epic movie David and Goliath was popular and the "actor" that played Goliath was also a popular professional wrestler as well.  If I recall correctly Goliath was 7 feet tall and weighed over 300 pounds.  The movie made Goliath very popular within the wrestling circuit and eventually he rose to a level that paired him with Roy for a match.  My dad, Paul Wiebener, took me to Wichita to see this match.

Roy was well respected and always wrestled by the rules, on the other hand Goliath was known to be a showboater and violated rules regularly.  Goliath used every trick in the book, including rubbing something abrasive in Roy's eyes in an effort to win.  Eventually, the referee stopped the match and gave Roy the win due to Goliath's cheating. This enraged Goliath and he followed Roy to his dressing room and sucker punched him.  Roy was injured and spent the night in a local hospital.  He retired soon after that undefeated, I believe.

My mother, Veva, was the Cub Scout leader of Pack (???) which included, in addition to myself, Bruce Dunn, Bob Whisman, Gene Smith, Bill Joachims, Ed Stewart and others. From time to time Roy would come to the meetings and talk with the scouts, show his championship belt and wrestle all of us, of course he'd let us pin him. Bruce is a dentist living near Denver now, I don't know what Blake is doing." -- Marvin View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Roy Dunn's Legend - Lifting Engines

Alva, Oklahoma - "I did some further research and here are the results.  Roy was originally from Harper County, near Buffalo.  Besides Jane Jayroe, from Laverne in Harper County, there was also another famous individual by the name of Mel Harpe who was credited with introducing Knute Rockney to Notre Dame.

Here is a legend about Roy I wish your readers would help me verify as I have repeated the story as gospel. Roy Dunn had taken his Pontiac in for repairs. The repair work required that the 6 cyl engine be removed from the car. Roy and a friend (I believe the friend's last name was Lyon(s) made a bet that Roy could not lift the engine out of the compartment without assistance. Lyons being a strong man himself said he'd take the bet.  My source said that Roy did lift the engine out???? Can anyone debunk or verify this tale?

Speaking of good atheletes from Alva, do you or your readers remember  Mr. (Doug) Barham, I think he may have had a furniture store in Alva. His daughter Gail is my age and I believe living in OKC. When I was a 6th grader (mid-50's) at Washington and preparing to participate in the high jump at the annual track meet between Washington and Longfellow I went to Gail's house (on 4th st, I believe) to practice. Gail was entering the high jump contest as well. Gail's father was doing the coaching and during that training session I learned that he had been a remarkable high jumper himself. Does anyone know how remarkable and where he was remarkable at?" -- Marvin Wiebener - Email: mwiebener@cox.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Bernardi In Major County

Major County, Oklahoma - quot;From the Oklahoma Place Names book - Bernardi is in Major County,  7 miles SE of Cleo Springs. A post office from April 20, 1896 to September 30, 1901.   On January 30, 1903,  The town of nearby post office of Alameda was changed to Bernardi, an office which was,  in turn, discontinued August 15,1910." -- Lois View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Krivohlavek's of Enid, Oklahoma

Enid, Oklahoma - "I was born on a farm 11 miles NW of Enid on May 21,1928. My Grandfathers', Krivohlavek and Roberts both claimed farms in the Run. I am working on a account of their lives and my own. My Grandfather Krivohlavek opened the Krivohlavek Hardware in Garber in 1889, and ran it for the rest of his life. George M. Krivohlavek - Email: mkriv@earthlink.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Druces of Slapout, Oklahoma

Slapout, Oklahoma - "I am 25 and was adopted at 2-years-old, but have just found out that my biological father's side of the family were the Druces of Slapout, Oklahoma. My father was David Druce who passed away in 1979. Just curious to know more about my family history of the Druces. Anyone knowing any type of information please email me.This is a great site." -- Stormy Dawn Druce - Email: dpoole25@comcast.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Avard History by Duck

Avard, Oklahoma - "I purchased an Avard history on ebay, and have permission from the seller to reproduce it and sell it at the Waynoka Museum Gift Shop. It written by a man whose last name is Duck. Thanks. Have I sent you a story about the book we sell about "Crossing the Cimarron at '21' Crossing"? It's really popular. We've sold dozens of them." -- Sandie - Email: sandieo@pldi.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Cummins Family Questions

Alva, Oklahoma - "Hello Duchess! Perhaps your human friend could help us out with some questions we have about Orange Scott Cummins, The Pilgrim Bard, who lived in the Alva, Oklahoma area? My boyfriend is Eric Boyd Cummins and I wonder if there may be a relation between his family and the Orange Scott Cummins family.

I understand that O. Scott Cummins was born in 1846 in Zenia, Ohio and died in 1928 in OK and is buried in the Alva Municipal Cemetery. He was the son of Rev. George Irwin Cummins (Maryland) and Mary Ann Clyde Cummins (Kent Co., Delaware.)

Eric's father is Melvin Boyd Cummins born in Speermore, OK on January 21, 1921. Boyd had 2 brothers, Ray LaVan and Charles Wyatt ("Todd") and 1 sister, Mary Alene who died as a teenager. Boyd graduated from the high school in Alva, OK in 1939. His parents were Fuller Ray Cummins (b. June 22, 1899 in Galena, KS, d. Sept. 6, 1980 in Woodward, OK and buried in Laverne Cemetery, OK) and Hazel Bartow Cummins (b. April 28, 1901 in Eureka, KS, d. March 31, 1991 in Woodward, OK and buried in the Laverne Cemetery, OK).

Fuller's father was Christopher Columbus ("John") Cummins and Lutitia Maydell ("Hazel" ) Spencer Cummins. John was born in 1875 in Missouri and died in 1951 in Buffalo, OK; and Hazel was born in 1880 (MO?) and died in 1975 in Woodward, OK. They are both buried in the Laverne Cemetery, OK.

We don't know anything about Christopher Columbus ("John") Cummins' father and lineage. If you have information or a lead that might help us solve the mystery, we would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!" -- Janet Anthony & Eric Cummins - Email: ericjanet@msn.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Cummins Family Questions - Reply

Alva, Oklahoma - "I really don't believe there is any connection with Eric's family and Frank's.  I do remember seeing the name Christopher Columbus Cummins while looking for anything on O. Scott Cummins.  Maybe I can find it tomorrow and forward it to Janet and Eric.  I am at a brick wall with most of my genealogy and it would do my mind good to find SOMETHING new on a Cummins, even it it wasn't Frank's line.

One thing I did notice in your letter is you had Mary Ann Clyde Cummins' place of birth as Kent Co., Delaware. The information on her obituary says that she was born in PA. There are 3 generations of "Mary" in a row and George's mother, Mary, was born in 1788 in Kent Co., DE. She was the wife of James Cummins, born in 1781 in Kent Co., DE. I have always wondered if her maiden name might be Peterson; but have not found anything to connect it yet.

You missed a good weekend at Freedom.  The rodeo Friday night was great and the Bank Robbery Sat. afternoon was excellent. We had a ball." -- Jan Cummins - Email: jsc99@cox.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Keffer's of Dacoma / Freedom (Oklahoma)

Dacoma, Oklahoma - "I had been receiving the Okie Legacy and then my computer crashed.  Would love to receive it again. I am currently looking for any Keffer's from the Dacoma/Freedom area." -- Christy - Email: ccoulton@cox.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

WWII German POW Artist at Alva Camp

Germany - " My father, Friedrich Wilhelm Rohrlack, born 1918, was a prisoner at Camp Alva 1943-1945. He was also an artist, mostly landscapes and scenery and he was from Berlin. was a prisoner of war at ALVA from early 1943 until the war ended. He was a great artist until he died in 1995. He usually signed his artwork somewhere in old english script his initials, in lower case letters (fwr). He lived in Berlin until 1954. One other note, although I have tried this before without success, and that is to find the person in a picture of a young blond girl my father painted while at Alva. I believe it was a picture one of the prisoners had of their daughter. She was wearing a large blue dress. I have the painting and would like to pass it onto the person in the picture. If anyone can remember anything, please send me an e-mail, on the murals or the girl's picture. Thanks to you all." -- Werner Rohrlack - Email: w.r.accounting@shaw.ca View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Another OkieLegacy Listing

Norman, Oklahoma - "I'm a publisher located in Norman, Oklahoma, horsecreekpublications.com .  Is it possible to have a link from your web site and a listing for my book, Who's Rocking the Cradle? Women Pioneers of Oklahoma Politics, From Socialism to the KKK. The book discusses the activities of many Oklahoma women from across the state who forged Oklahoma women's' political culture. I look forward to hearing from you." -- Sue Schrems - Horse Creek Publications www.horsecreekpublications.com/Forum View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Researching Old Formulas

"Folks, I am a soapmaker and was searching the Internet for old formulas and came across your site (Soap Recipe) and posting. I eventually got to the photograph of the soap formula that you have posted here and was able to better make out what is written by your grandmother.

Firstly, it is indeed a soap formula as the ingredients do indeed add up to 100%! It is mostly likely either a liquid or a creamy liquid type of formula judging by the proportions. I was able to make out that it is Oleic Acid that she is referring to and she wrote an N by mistake when she was writing 'dis. N2O' 57.! That would be read as 'distilled H2O 57.' As she then refers to the H2O in the formula later. It is a great find for me and I really appreciate you sharing it with us! Many Thanks!" -- David B. Powers, Pres. Stone Cottage Soapworks Inc. - Email: vze43t5m@verizon.net
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Jersey County Victorian Festival - Jerseyville, Illinois

Jerseyville, Illinois - Jersey County Victorian Festival - Jerseyville, Illinois -- "Look forward to your OkieLegacy every Saturday morning. So much history being discussed which is wonderful to us as readers. I am enclosing this years Jersey county Victorian Festival brochure along with four tickets to use as you see fit. The Festival ahs once again reached new heights in recognition and that is very rewarding to all who are involved. Hope to see you Labor Day Weekend!" -- Fred Nolan, Director - Historical Steam and Living History, Inc.

Schedule of Events... Grounds open at 7a.m. -- Agricultural displays and activites throughout the day including steam, tractor and draft horse plowing, threshing, sawmilling, gas engines, shingle mill & tractor games.

Demonstrations & working crafts - blacksmithing, coopering, dulcimer, quilting, wood carving & rope-making.

Antiques, arts, crafts, sutlers & flea market: 9a.m.-5p.m.

Artillery Demonstration: 10:30a.m.

Victorian Civil War Style Show: 11:00a.m.

Stagecoach hold-up by James Gang: 12:00 Noon followed by a gun safety demonstration.

Gettysburg Address by President Lincoln: 12:30p.m.

Kentucky Blue - Bluegrass Band: 1:30p.m.-5p.m.

Civil War reenactment: 2:30p.m.

Fulkerson Mansion Tours: 10a.m.05p.m.

Saved by Grace, (Gospel): 9:30a.m. Sunday

Great Variety of Food! Tour the Cheney Mansion and Museum, Jerseyfille (Sat. & Sun. only); visit the great shops in Jerseyville.

For more information: Call (618) 498-5590, Historical Steam & Living History (not-for-profit corp.), 25007 U.S. Highway 67, Jerseyville, IL. 62052 -- e-mail: hazel_dell@jvil.com - www.greatriverroad.com.

Accommodations: (all 618 area code)... Frontier Lodge - 498-6886; Homeridge Bed & Breakfast - 498-3442; Super 8 Motel - 498-7888; Pere MarquetteLodge - 786-2331; Ruebel Hotel, Cattages and Lodge - 786-2315; Tara Point Inn - 786-3555.
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