NW Okie's Corner

Another COOL week in SW Colorado finds us traveling back from the '49 era of NW Oklahoma last week -- finding ourselves catching up with the present for a few minutes -- looking back to the early 1900's (1908-1912) in Woods County, Oklahoma with a brief glance into the 1950's and early 1980's.

BUT... Before we get "Back to the Future Past," we want to give you a hint of what you might find in our Mailbag & Link Corner below:

• Alva High Reunion Class of '90, July 9, 2005
• Blakemore's Grocery Did Exist next to B&B Cafe
• POW buildings from Chickasha, OK & Lindsay Lodge #2351
• Houma, Louisiana Murals
• Dixie Sherman Hotel in Panama City, Florida
• Memories of Alvin Paris, Kiwanis, Key Club and Washington DC of '49
• 1910 Old Opera House Murder & Sandor James Vigg, County Attorney, Alva, OK
• NW OkieLegacy Webshot Photos of "Share Bros. Mural" - Compliment from another mural artist in Oregon.

A Horse Story...

This is not a false alarm!... Memorial weekend, Sunday, May 29, 2005, Our Mare named Cindy had her 2005 Filly colt. We haven't seen it yet, but are told that it is a light, cream color all over with a dorsel stripe running down his back.

You haven't heard anything yet, though! That same day another mare also had her 2005 foal. This mare was a bit younger and NOT sure what to do with her first colt or if she even wanted to claim it. It is the strangest thing. Something this NW Okie has never seen, BUT... we are told that Cindy... besides letting her own colt nurse, the young mare's colt was allowed to nurse Cindy after Cindy's colt got her fill. YEP! Without any human trickery, Cindy voluntarily let the other colt nurse for awhile. Then she would gentle nudge the other colt over to it's mother. I am told that it was as if Cindy was taking this young mare under her wing (if horses had wings) -- teaching the other mare what to do. We understand that in a week times the young mare is now claiming the colt -- BUT... doesn't have much milk, though. Cindy still lets the colt nurse after her own colt gets his fill of mother's milk. I can't wait to see these NEW little colt's!!

The strangest thing is... Cindy and the young mare are NOT even blood related. Have you ever heard of this kind of horse story before? This NW Okie has NOT! We would love to hear your horse story! View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Lippincott/DeGeer Descendants Tour Oklahoma...

We received a message last Sunday evening, June 5, 2005, from the descendants of Lippincott-DeGeer family. they had flown from California and arrived in Oklahoma City, OK on Sunday.

The Kent's daughter (Lindsay) finished her State report on "Oklahoma" and scored at the top of her 5th grade class. Lindsay also did an extra report on Woodie Guthrie and played "This Land Is Our Land" while the class sang along.

Lindsay Reward: The family decided to take a trip to Oklahoma to visit all the sites Lindsay studied to learn more about her roots in Freedom, Enid, Alva, Gage, etc. (DEGEER's & LIPPINCOTT's). This trip is also in memory of our Grandma Thelma DEGEER LIPPINCOTT's birthday (June 4, 1904). As I said earlier, "They arrived in Oklahoma City, June 5th and plan on touring Oklahoma until the 15th of June."

From what I hear they have been touring Oklahoma and particularly, the original sites of the Freedom Press or the Old Farry Post Office site or Lippincott's General Store where Roger LIPPINCOTT held Mason meetings and was Mayor of Gage. This Friday they checked in and said they are staying at the Sage and Saddle B&B in Freedom, Oklahoma.

Terry Kent's husband's Great-Grandfather, Renfrew DEGEER started the first Freedom newspaper. It was The Freedom Express. It was located in what is now referred to as Old Freedom. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Sandor & Old Opera House Murder (1910)...

We heard from the grandson of Sandor James Vigg - County Attorney 1908-1916 this week with more information & bio concerning this County Attorney of Woods County, Oklahoma during the period of 1908 thru 1916. (Did he win his third term for County Attorney in November 1916?) Maybe someone out there can help us find out if this young, nice looking gentleman that was born in Austria-Hungary, in July, 1879, succeeded in accomplishing his bid for third term as County Attorney in November 1916

Sandor married Jeannette A. Paul and had four children: Harriet, Paul, Karl (Steven Vigg's father) and John. We are told that all the children were born in Alva and the family later moved to Los Angeles, California where Sandor J. Vigg had a law practice for many years before his death. Sandor was still alive in 1950, because he wrote a letter to his son Karl's family back around that time. There is suppose to be a more complete biography of Sandor J. Vigg in a book - A Standard History of Oklahoma by Joseph B. Thoburn, 1916.

We also know that he settled in Barber County, Kansas with his parents, April, 1891 before coming to Woods County, Oklahoma, where he had resided in Fritzlen township for 12 years -- later in Alva for 4 years.

Sandor graduated from Northwestern State Normal at Alva and the Law Department of University of Kansas. He was admitted to the practice of law before the Surpeme and all other Courts of Oklahoma in June, 1908.

You can read more about Sandor James Vigg in the Mailbag Corner and at the link over at the "Cast of Characters" - "Old Opera House Murder - 1910." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Duchess Speaks...

Well, finally! Oakie gives me a chance to speak here! I want to introduce you to my longhorn friend (if longhorns have friends) that resides in Alfalfa County, OK, on Clarks Quarterhorse Farm.

I'm not really sure we are friends, BUT... we do have a respect for each other's space. I wouldn't want to tangle with those horns coming after my backside, either!!!

Oakie took me in for my annual physical, shots the other day (June 1, 2005) to the small animal Vet here in SW Colorado. I weighed in at 23 pounds. I had been weighing about 26 pounds before Oakie put me on this reduced fat food and NO TREATS. Besides that, my friend Ruff (miniature schnauzer) came up to the mountains for a visit. We have a great time playing, chasing around getting our exercise. Ruff is just a few days older than I am. Besides Daisy, he is one of my best friends!

Let's hop back to the early 1980's for just a second. We got an email from a young lady that brought back a grade school memory from the early part of 1980. It seems like there were lots of "Time-capsules" being put together and buried back then -- to be opened in 30 to 50 years. Oakie's youngest son was in Washington Elementary School (maybe 2nd or 3rd grade) when the students put items into a "Time-capsule" and buried it in a ceremony that was held at the Old Armory in Alva. Were they buried around there, also? Anyone from NW Oklahoma remember anything about those Time-capsules?

Mark Your Calendars... July 1-2, 2005, AHS `64, `65 & `66 Class Reunion & July 9, 2005 - AHS '90 Class Reunion, in Alva, Oklahoma. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Blakemore's Very Well Did Exist Next to B&B Cafe...

"I gratuated from Farry High School in May 1954, and went to work for Blakemore's Sept, 16, 1954. I worked there for about 2-1/2 years, I was then able to get employment with Safeway on April 7, 1957 (Blakemore's did exist).

Mae Sullivan was the head checker and then Reverend Schick. Joe Rodkey was Produce Manager. Blakemore's had a heavy turnover in Management, as one year we had 6 or 7 managers, but that was over 50 years ago. Blakemore's main office was in Liberal, Kansas.

I worked with Delbert Rhodes who later came to Safeway also. I also worked with David Walgomott and countless others. B&B Cafe put out very good food. At one time they were on the North side of the square, my grandmother, Maggie Reed, worked for them, but I do not know the Cafe's name, They opened the B&B Cafe -- it was owned by sisters, Lorraine Wright and Ruth Turner (She had bright Red hair and not from a bottle). Iva Lou Harth was one of their best waitresses. Hope this helps." -- Francis R. Melkus - EMAIL: fmmel1@juno.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

POW Buildings From Chickasha, OK...

"Very interesting and historic website. It is my understanding (and maybe you can verify this) that the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lindsay Lodge #2351's Building (Lodge) is either one or two former POW Buildings from Chickasha, Oklahoma. Lindsay Lodge #2351 was chartered in 1966 (August). Do you have any information regarding the above?" -- Patti Koch - EMAIL: pkoch7@cox.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

MORE Murals - Houma, Louisiana...

"The Alva Murals posted on this site have inspired me to share a couple of the ones we have in the older part of our town.

In spite of my Oklahoma roots, I have lived in Houma, Louisiana most of my life. At the tail end of the depression, my parents who grew up near Lamont, Grant Co., OK. I graduated from high school and could find no way to make a living. Mom's Uncle Elmer Martin, son of Sheriff Hugh Martin of Woods County, gave him a job down here on a drilling rig. Part of the rest of the story is the fact that the Okie farm boy did well. When he passed away in 1982 he was a partner in his own oil drilling company, whose rigs set a number of Louisiana drilling records.

At any rate the little sleepy town of Houma that we moved to is now bursting at the seams and Terrebonne Parish (Louisiana calls its counties parishes) now is approaching a population of 110,000 people. It is in the heart of Southeast Louisiana's Cajun Country, and is located about fifty miles from New Orleans, and is on the Gulf of Mexico. South Louisiana is loosing coastal wet lands so fast one can almost hear it go. Louisiana, which is getting no real help from the federal government to stop this process, is estimated to be loosing a piece of land the size of a football field every hour.

The first mural is a dual one... It features a view of Houma's Main Street at the turn of the twentieth century. With the balconies, there is a touch of old New Orleans. It also features the old brick court house which was replaced in the 1930's. Tear up Paradise and put in a parking lot.

The second mural... is a view of the USS Terrebonne Parish, a LST of the U.S. Navy. It saw action during the Vietnam War." -- Charlie View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Dixie Sherman Hotel...

"I saw a request on Oakie's Heart to Heart - Vol. 4, Iss. 41 for some updated information about the Dixie Sherman Hotel in Panama City, Florida. Sadly, the hotel was demolished in 1970 (SEE History of Bay County, Florida)." -- Katrina C. Elsea View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Priceless Memories - 1949...

"Your fine work brought memories back for awhile. I remember Alvin Paris as a member of the Kiwanis Club. It was his generosity and others who provided the funds to send the Key club (1949) to Washington DC for a week to attend their National Convention. Priceless memories on that trip." -- Bill View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

GWINN Genealogy Link...

"I am currently compiling my family's history of which, Robert Gwin is a part. During my research I found your website - paristimes.com/guinn and wonder if I can reference your site in my book. It would also be helpful if I could get a copy of the Gwin Coat of Arms to include with the Gwinn section of my family history. My hardcopy does not do justice to the image. If you need more information, please let me know.

My relationship to Robert Gwinn is: Evelyn Smith7, Lucinda Gwinn6, Alexis Gwinn5, Cornelius Gwinn4, John Squire Gwinn3, Samuel Gwinn2, Robert Gwinn1. If you need information on this line, please let me know. Thanks so much." -- Lynn View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

William ADKINS/Effie MCDANIEL - Woods County...

Ancestry.com - Message Board Post: "I'm trying to trace this family who was living in Crowell, Woods County, OK in the 1900 Census.

ADKINS: William, Jan 1869 IL; Anna Jan 1863 IL (previously MCDANIEL); Gracie B Nov 1889 KS; Alica J Sept 1891 KS

MCDANIEL: Effie Nov 1879 KS (Anna's Daughter)

I believe that Anna was previous married to Isaac McDaniel and was living in Ionia, Jewell County, Kansas in 1880." -- Woods County, Oklahoma OKGenWeb View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Camp Greeley, Colorado 1944-45...

"I was in Camp Greeley, Colorado 1944-45. Would love to hear from anybody who was there too." -- Erich - EMAIL: eleipholz@yahoo.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1910 - Old Opera House Murder & County Attorney Vigg...

"I find your web site interesting especially Old Opera House Murder my grandfather is Sandor J. Vigg. I do have some information I can share and I will scan a picture for you to use on your website." -- Steven Vigg, Oregon View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Sandor James Vigg, County Attorney - Woods County, OK...

"These are three scanned images pertaining to my grandfather, Sandor James Vigg. (See image to the left) - Although no date is on the photo, it does have the KU (Kansas University) emblem and was produced in Lawrence, Kansas. This leads me to believe it was his graduation picture from University of Kansas Law School in 1908.

SandorVigg002.jpg - This is the front of a political flyer for re-election as the Woods Co. County Attorney in November 1912. It reads: Sandor J. Vigg - Our present County Attorney of Woods County, Oklahoma, Republican candidate for re-election to the same office for the second term at the November, 1912, election. He is an able lawyer, an experienced, competent and fearless county attorney. Work and vote for him because one good term in a public office deserves another. He solicits your vote, support and influence in behalf of his candidacy.

SandorJVigg003.jpg - This is the back side of the same political flyer and gives some bibliographic information. (see below).
     To the People of Woods County: Sandor J. Vigg, candidate for re-election as county attorney, was born in Austria-Hungary July, 1879. He came to Barber County, Kansas, with his parents, April, 1891. From there he came to Woods County about 16 years ago, where he has since resided, the first 12 years in Fritzlen township and the last 4 years in Alva. he is a graduate of the Northwestern State Normal at Alva and of the Law Department of University of Kansas. He was admitted to practice law before the Supreme and the all other Courts of Oklahoma in June, 1908, and since that time he has been a member of the Woods County Bar, engaged in the active practice of law. As a lawyer, has had actual experience in conducting, and prosecuting about 400 civil and criminal cases in our Courts. From murder cases down to violations of the prohibitory laws, and from the famous assessor controversy down to the Pioneer printing 'grab.' He is a prosecutor of ability, strength and vigor, and his success and record as county attorney entitle him to the united support of the voters and citizens of this county. Show your appreciation of a public officer that does his full duty well and without fear or favor by voting for and re-electing Sandor J. Vigg, county attorney. (over).

I also have a similar political advertisement when my grandfather ran for third term of County Attorney in November 1916 - but I don't know the outcome of that election.

I believe that there is a more complete biography of my grandfather in A Standard History of Oklahoma by Joseph B. Thoburn, 1916.

Sandor was married to Jeannette A. Vigg (maiden name Paul) and had four children: Harriet, Paul, Karl (my father) and John. I believe al of the children were born in Alva and the family later moved to Los Angeles, CA where Sandor J. Vigg had a law practice for many years. I am not certain of the date of his death, but I do know he was alive in 1950 when I was born. (I have a letter he wrote to my parents at that time.)" -- Steven Vigg - Steven Vigg & Company, Corbett, Oregon - EMAIL: Vigg@earthlink.net - www.Vigg-Consulting.com (Company) - www.Eco-Law.net (Conservation Enforcement) - www.Owyhee.US (Owyhee Subbasin Plan) View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

AHS Goldbug - Class of '90 Reunion Recall...

"I'm a graduate of the class of 1990 (Alva High, Alva, OK) and we are planning on having a Class Reunion, July 9th 2005 and would like for any of our classmates that see this to CONTACT: Shannon Williams or Leisa Engelken to get more information." -- Shannon Williams - EMAIL: shannon.williams@wiltel.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Columns by Sally Allen - Outside the Box...

"This is the web address of Sally Allen's VERY FUNNY columns in The Daily Oklahoman: Outside the Box - by Sally Allen. Most of her columns are extremely humorous, EXCEPT the one about the Oklahoma City Bombing which appeared on April 19th. You really need to read this one. It will touch your heart. It would be a good idea to BOOKMARK this website for future readings when you have spare time." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

NW Okielegacy Webshots Comments - Muraling...

NWOkielegacy Webshots & Share Bros. Mural - Professional Buidling (Guestbook Entry): "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!! 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 Em from Aussie. Any info on the artist would be greatly appreciated." -- emphotos103 - Queensland, Australia

[Editor's Note: The Artist that painted the "Share Bros. Mural" in Alva, OK was Roger Cooke, from Oregon. You can visit his website rogercooke.com - Murals for more details and a view of his other works.] View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

HURT/VISTINE Genealogy Inquiry ...

"Hello my name is John Vistine, and my grandmother's name was Mary (Hurt) Vistine. She was the sister of Leo Hurt of Seiling, Oklahoma. I would like to know more about John and Mary Hurt, I think they were my great-grandparents but I know little to nothing about them." -- John - EMAIL: john3571@cox.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Remember - Grade School Time-Capsule - Alva's Washington Elementary (approx. 1980s)...

"I don't know if my memory serves me correctly, but it seems like when we were in grade school, we gathered up stuff, or wrote stuff that was to be put in a time capsule. Do you recall us doing anything like that when we attended Washington Elementary? It seems like it was to be buried around or even inside CNB. And, was going to opened in like 30 or 50 years from then? Of course back then, that seemed like ions away J. Anyway, if you remember anything like this, please let me know. Thank You." -- Toby Johnson - EMAIL: toby-johnson@ouhsc.edu View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe