Duchess & Oakie's NW Corner

Alva, Oklahoma -

They say you can't go home again! Maybe you can! Maybe you can't! Whatever the case may be, things do change. AND... So do you! Nothing ever stays the same. You grow wiser and things seem smaller, older in your hometown. Have you noticed that everyone, including yourself begins to resemble their own parents. AND... there are more vacant business spaces around the square.

Fall Scenes from SW Colorado, "Twilight Peak, SW Colorado Mountains, Fall September 2004" -- We drove through some beautiful Fall Foliage in the high country of SW Colorado mountains before Duchess and I headed back towards NW Oklahoma.

This photograph on the left (Twilight Peak) was taken near Silverton, Colorado and just before you reach the two Passes near Silverton. We have put some more Colorado Fall Foliage shots on Vallecito Webshots - 2004 Colorado Mountains.

This photograph to the right is another shot of some Fall foliage seen just north and west of LaVeta, Colorado and west of Walsenberg.

As we arrived in Northwest Oklahoma early this week we noticed that the farmers were busy sowing their wheat AND the Oklahoma wind was blowing as usual with temps in the 80s. Not much Fall colors here yet, but things are changing slowly.

Thursday night a bit of a cool front blew through with a few sprinkles of that wet stuff. BUT Saturday and the weekend looks dry for the Rangers and Alumni on the warpath this weekend with their annual march en masse in downtown Alva Saturday morning with a football game in the afternoon.

We have heard from a few more of our readers who have checked in as to where the OkieLegacy reaches them. You can read those responses below.

NOW! Here are some Freedomites Picnic Bunch, When it was taken, we are not sure. We need some of you Freedom & NW Oklahoma citizens to check out this photographed to the right showing a bunch of Freedom citizens on a picnic.

We do know that Orange Scott Cummins (Pilgrim Bard) is in the front row, second from the left. In the second row, the third lady from the right looks like Waona (Cummins) Thomas. We are told that she was Scott Cummins granddaughter.  Can you recognize any of your ancestors in any of these photographs?

Before we head out of here for the weekend... we want you to check out below. especially, concerning the message from someone whose grandfather was the last baby born in Runnymede, Kansas. They are searching for more information concerning Runnymede, Kansas. Can you help him out?

See Y'all next weekend with more Okie Legacies! ~~ Linda "oaKie" & Duchess ~~ View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Fall Foliage in NY

Colorado - "Actually, the foliage in my area hasn't really started to change much yet except a few small clusters of leaves on a few trees. I am afraid we might have a repeat of last year's fall by the looks of it. Last fall only part of the leaves, on the upper part of most of the trees, in our area turned color and then bingo they all came down, most were still green. This summer was awful, rain, rain, rain and cold most of the time, only had a few hot days the whole season. Haven't worn shorts in a couple of weeks because it's been too chilly for me. If it gets below 70 degrees, I feel chilly, and if it drops to 62, I shiver unless I am wearing sweats. It looks like winter is going to get here very early again this year,  Data Dogg has been changing his coat for nearly three weeks now, doesn't usually start till late Sept. or early Oct., but last year he started his fall molt early, and we had snow a couple of times before Halloween that lasted for a few days and then by the end of Nov. we had snow most of the time until April. (Did I mention that I HATE snow?)  Well, I like pictures of new fallen  snow, but I don't want to go out in it, and hate when I have to do that." -- Betty View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Waynoka IOOF Odd Fellows Lodge #32...

Waynoka, Oklahoma -

Are there any Waynoka IOOF Odd Fellows out there... or families of Waynoka IOOF Odd Fellows? We have a group we are also trying to identify. If you look closely in the upper left corner of the photograph you will see a unique buggy. Perhaps it should help us date and maybe identify some of these Odd Fellows. Thanks for any help in advance.

Mexican Construction Gang, Woods County, 1930...

Another reader was looking for information concerning the building of the Woods County Railroad around 1930s and using a Mexican construction gang. Somewhere among my packed boxes we have a picture book & history of the railroad in Alva, but ... which box is it located? We shall keep looking, though.

Cinderella Coronation & Ranger Homecoming Festivities...

Besides the Cinderella Coronation & Ranger Homecoming festivities this week... we are anxiously waiting for Saturdays parade of bands, Rangers and Alumni in downtown Alva.

To keep us busy, we have been transcribing yet another Northwestern treasure. This time it is a 1937-38 Student Directory of Northwestern State Teachers' College. We haven't got all the names transcribed yet ... BUT... if you browse over to NW OkieLegacy Webshots - Student Directory 1937-38 NSTC, you can view the scanned pages of the directories and see where they were living and what their phone number was back in 1937 & 1938.

Before we head out of here for the weekend... we want you to check out the Mailbag Corner below. especially, concerning the message from someone whose grandfather was the last baby born in Runnymede, Kansas. They are searching for more information concerning Runnymede, Kansas. Can you help him out?

Oakley's of Slapout, Oklahoma...

"There is not enough to be said for preserving history. Regretfully, I have not had enough chances to learn of my grandparent's history. I spent most of my summers in Laverne. My grandparent's are Wayne Q. and Leona Oakley. I do know my grandfather grew up near Slapout. Your insight into the beginnings of the town are wonderful. I have heard many stories about cards and dominoes. Thank you again for the site. If you happen to see my grandparent's, or any of the Oakley's, or Bedell families, tell them all is well in Dallas. Best Regards." -- Shane Nall - shanenall@yahoo.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Frisco, Oklahoma ...

Frisco, Oklahoma - "My husband's family have 3 generations at Frisco, OK. We still live on the site of old Frisco. The old tracks run through the family property. We would love to have any additional information or pictures of the old area and old Stonewall if anyone has any. Cager Hisaw, Sr. was my husband's grandfather. His father actually met Pretty Boy Floyd and pulled him out of a ditch. I have searched the Chronicles of Okahoma. and many other sites including Gov. William Byrd. But I haven't found a lot, especially pictures. Thank you very much." -- J. Hisaw View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

OkieLegacy Reach-Out...

"My Dad's family is from Alva but I have lived in OKC all of my life. However, I spent my early childhood years visiting Alva and have wonderful memories. I am the Hellman family historian, so keeping up with OkieLegacy helps me with that project sometimes. --
Posted by Anonymous to OkieLegacy Soapbox
OkieLegacy Reaches - SW Iowa, Montgomery County... "It reaches me in Southwest Iowa, Montgomery County ."
Texas Reader... "I was born and raised in Alva, America. I live on the Texas Gulf Coast in Angleton, Texas. I still teach part time at the local college here in Brazoria County."
Jerseyville, ILL... "We receive the newsletter at Jerseyville, Illinois, home of the Jersey County Victorian Festival that is held on Labor Day Weekend.  Jerseyville is about 40 miles North of St. Louis, Mo. Keep up the good work!"
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Jim Herron Memories...

"I am a 76 year old woman and I knew Jim Herron. When I was in my teens in the late 40's I dated his grandson. I went to visit his (Jim's) daughter on their ranch many times and use to go out to Jim's room and sit with him and his daughter, Mellie as he would relate some of the stories for her to write the manuscript for him of the book, Fifty Years on the Own Hoot Trail. After his grandson and I went different directions we still kept our friendship and I still visited the family even after my children were born. This particular grandson passed away last month and I was at his memorial." -- Neva - Email: nevasc@comcast.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Magill's - Lisbon, Saint Lawrence county, NY...

"I am looking for any who may have information on the Magills from Lisbon, Saint Lawrence County, New York. According to records I have been able to uncover, the family was composed of Hugh and Jane Magill, and sons of Edward, Hugh, John, and Joseph, and daughters Betty and Mary. Hugh Magill died on May 7, 1848, he was 83 years of age. His sons: Edward died on April 7, 1899 at 72 years of age John (1833-1896) Joseph died Feb 11,1889 at 76 years of age. Betty, dates unknown." View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Lamont High School Class of '32

Lamont, Oklahoma - "In case you can't read the names, they are, top to bottom, right side, middle, right side: Right: Margaret Keller, George Soucek; Middle: W.A. Obuck (Superintendent), Marion Leroy Cook, (my father), Ruth Walton; Right: Alma Smith, Frank Darling, W.F. Mitchell.

I know the Soucek family was aviation pioneers in Grant County. Zellweger Photos was located in Enid. They developed many of the old photos handed down to me from Woods County.

Waynoka Odd Fellows -- There's gotta be a pun here some where, but I'll resist.  Date unknown, but look at that buggy." -- Charles M. Cook - Email: cookmmc@bellsouth.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Chick Studio, WWI and 1918...

"I think I previously sent you a copy of a photo of a group of Woods County men, taken in front of the old courthouse in September 1918, as they were getting ready to leave to join the military service. On closer inspection of that photo, I have learned that my maternal grandfather, Bertsell Riggs, is wearing a suit identical to the suit he is wearing in a portrait with my grandmother, Fern (Sherrell) Riggs. I have wondered if that portrait was their wedding portrait (June 1919), but my mother's sister thought it had been taken earlier than that, perhaps in 1918. So now I am curious.
      The WWI photo of the boys was taken by the Chick Studio in Alva - the portrait picture has no studio mark. I think there are three possibilities so far as the circumstances under which this portrait was taken:
      (1) my grandparents, not yet married, had an appointment to have their portrait made at an undetermined date and Bertsell wore his only formal suit (he was a construction worker and a farmer, and I assume that he only had one suit, though I am not certain);
     (2) the portrait was taken on the same day that the men departed, either as a personal decision by my grandparents OR through an arrangement with Chick Studios to take such portraits of the men before they left for the service;
     (3) this may be my grandparents' wedding portrait, taken in June 1919. My questions for area historians are these:
      (1) Do the records of Chick Studio still exist and, if so, could the date of the portait be determined?
      (2) Did Chick Studios offer some sort of a 'deal' for departing soldiers to have portraits made with loved ones before they left?
     I have TWO photos of WWI men - I'd be happy to send them along; it would be great if more of the men could be identified." -- Rod Murrow View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Freedom Picnic Bunch - Freedomites...

"This is another group picture - this time the back says:  This is the Freedom Picnic Bunch - Freedomites. Orange Scott Cummins (Pilgrim Bard) is in the front row, second from the left.  In the second row, The third lady from the right looks like Waona (Cummins) Thomas.  She was Scott Cummins granddaughter.  We do not know who the other people are.  I had to wait until yesterday evening to read your latest Oakie Newsletter, since we were out of town.  As usual, I couldn't get anything else done until I had read it!  I love receiving the newsletter!" -- Jan View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Last Baby Born in Runnymede, Kansas...

"My grandfather was supposedly the last person born in Runnymede, Kansas. I'd like more information on the Runnymede, etc." -- Ken Dobrinski - Email: dobrinskik@hutchcc.edu View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Burma Shave Signs & Sites...

"Here are some good ones.  Remembering Burma Shave Signs... Burma Shave -- For those who never saw the Burma Shave signs, here is a quick lesson in our history of the 1930s and '40s. Before the Interstates, when everyone drove the old 2-lane roads, Burma Shave signs would be posted all over the countryside in farmers' fields. They were small red signs with white letters.  Five signs, about 100 feet apart, each containing 1 line of a 4 line couplet and the obligatory 5th sign advertising Burma Shave, a popular shaving cream." -- Steve
.fiftiesweb.com/burma.htm http://www.mc.cc.md.us/Departments/hpolscrv/mthomas.htm kcnet.com/~marc/burmashave.html
eisnermuseum.org/_burma_shave/signs_of_the_times.html eisnermuseum.org/_burma_shave/videos/burma3.html#video
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Fields, Scollin, Tannahill, Cook & Grandma's Spudnut Recipe...

"What a delightful site, I was in search for a spudnut recipe like Grandma made... when a link to your site popped up... Imagine my surprise when it was related to Oklahoma. The very place of my lineage too. 1890's--1901 settled in Rusk, Chester, Moscow Flats, Curtis, Mooreland --- all towns in Oklahoma. Most all of them are laid to rest in these places. Surmanes are: FIELDS--SCOLLIN--TANNAHILL--COOK. Just want to say Thank You for sharing... This reciepe seems to be the VERY ONE my Grandmother made!" -- JerriLynn FIELDS - Email: ibthe1@earthlink.net

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Brooks Bicknell, 1926 Yearbook... &

quot;I was delighted to learn from the 1926 yearbook that Brooks Bicknell was yell leader of his class. Who was Alba Rose McGill, Junior Class of 1926?  Could she have been Tom and Ida (Edwards) McGill's daughter?  What happened to her? Another great issue.  I enjoyed reading the emails from your 'reach'." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

WWI Photos...

"The first is dated Sept. 1917 and I have done a quick, rough attempt to put some "make-up" along the big rip in the photo - but did NOT try to do anything to the faces. The second is dated Sept. 1918 and is the one with my two grandfathers, whom I have identified. It would be SO COOL if many of these gentlemen could be identified. The man to the left of my grandfather Riggs (as viewed from the camera) is one of his cousins, either Dale or Don Riggs. I can find out which of the brothers is pictured, but it will take me a few days to do so. I know there are a few Dacoma men in the photo as well, but I can't specifically identify them." -- Rod View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Murder - May 30, 1896...

"My g-grandfather was shot May 30, 1896 by a John Ellis and newspaper of Feb. 11, 1898 said he was out on bail. The bail after being arraigned before the U. S. Court at Paris. I am looking for informaiton on this. Do you know where I could get the results of  the outcome.
     According to The Daily Oklahoman  and Oklahoma City newpaper of Feb. 11, 1898  and titled A Woman Gets A Life Sentence. This is about the sister that in Chickasha, I.T., Feb. 10 --- 'In the United States District Court here yesterday the jurers broought in a verdict of guilty as charged against Mrs. Lizzie Isaacs, charged with murder. The penalty is death but the jury recommended a life sentence. The woman's husband, George Isaacs is now serving a life sentence as an accessory to murder in the Texas penitentiary. John Ellis, brother of Mrs. Isaacs, shot and killed a man named Elder near here two years ago and Mrs. was an accessory. Ellis was arraigned before the United States court in Paris and is out on bail. The killing came out of a neighbor's broil over some cattle in which Ellis and his sister were armed as was Elder and his wife. The women got into a fighting ala toughs, the husband and brother standing by until Ellis killed Elder. George Isaacs was one of a gang who attemptd to rob the express company by shipping $500 in small bills from Kansas City to Canadian, Tex. The package being marked to contain $25,000. In a melee at Canadian the sheriff of that county was killed.'
     The verdict of the jury in the Lizzie Isaacs --- This is the article in the paper I have a copy. Lizzie's name is Mary Elizabeth (Ellis) Byrnes Isaacs. From messages I have read, I believe Lizzie trial verdict was later overturned -- not sure. Do not know what happen to Ellis, John. I believe -- in Nov. 1916 a Tom or Thomas Sparks shot and killed Lizzie and the two of her sons killed him. Not sure if she married him or why he killed her. but I have not been able to find John in census or not sure if the correct one. I have Lizzie and her three sons and also her parents. I have information on where Elder is buried -- have not been able to prove if he was a U. S. Deputy Marshall . He is buried in Grady on the Chickasaw and Chowata Land (sorry for the misspelling). I do have the guardianship paper that Elder wife did after she remarried, waiting for her marriage license and that has been awhile. Mollie was married to a Thomas Miranda (misspelled - I believe as Mirenda). I have where she was in the census with him. And also trying to find family information on their last child named Myrtle E. married to a Strange and she died in 1952 -- will send for her death certificate next. hope to get Mollie and Tom marriage license soon and solve the mystery of the family . I appreciate your help. I am going to connect with the Oklahoman and see if they can tell me about Elder, Sterling. Thanks again for your help. Thank you for your time." -- Judy in AZ - Email: azrolly@aol.com View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (1 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe