We left last Sunday before the temperatures started to climb into the three digits in NW Oklahoma. Only hoping that our departure would cool things down for NW Oklahoma. What we left behind were these Board of Directors grazing in this 8-acre pasture of WW-Spar. Ain't that just like a bunch of BOD's (horses asses)... grazing all the time! The lead mare happens to be our mare, Cindy (second from the left), the light-colored horses ass with her 2005 filly colt on her leftside. Notice the little 2005 bay colt with roan in the flanks and standing to the left of his bay mother (on the right). That is the 2005 horse colt that Cindy has been nursing along with her own 2005 filly colt. AND... the Bay mare is very protective of this little colt and doesn't like to be separated. Dunnie is the Stud situated in the center. The photo on the right is not the lead horse, but happens to be just one of Clark's Studs, Dunnie, that you can see out at Clark's Horse Farm, in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma.

What we left behind besides these Board of Directors was low gas prices of $2.499 per gallon for Unleaded most of the way through NW Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Panhandle. The prices started rising in Southeast Colorado. By the time we reached SW Colorado, Bayfield, gas prices were still below $3.00, but not by much... $2.939 for unleaded at Bayfield, Colorado. AND... It is still $2.939 this weekend in Bayfield, Colorado. We did find this $2.389 Unleaded gas price in the southend of Enid, Oklahoma last weekend.

Let us not forget this "Santa Fe Trail" sign marker that we spotted just a few miles North of Boise City, Oklahoma. It Reads: "Santa Fe Trail - Surveyed by J. C. Brown 1826-27 Heaviest traffic during California Gold Rush 1849 - Abandoned on Completion of A.T. & S.F. Railroad in 1880."

While we have been back in SW Colorado, six fat turkeys strutted across, through our frontyard while Duchess was sleeping under the shade of the pickup. BUT... she wokeup just in time to give a brief, quick chase to the southern borders of our property. The turkeys took to the treetops as Duchess reluctantly headed back towards the sound of this NW Okie's voice. Good thing Pugs can't fly! We would be fetching Duchess from the treetops! View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Back To 1920 - NW Oklahoma...

Reading and transcribing The Only Democratic Paper in Oklahoma, of the 1920 newspaper Renfrew's Record, located in Alva, Woods County, Oklahoma, we learn that in January, 1920 that the Normal Schools were changed to "Normal Colleges" and Alva becomes a "College Town." You can read those articles over at our OkieLegacy blog - 1920 - Normal Schools Are Changed To Colleges.

Remember back to 1920, the Wall Street Crash? Ross Frazier, a former Alva boy was visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Frazier on Barnes Avenue, in Alva, November, 1920 for Thanksgiving. Ross had for several years been a valued employee of the New York Trust Co. The Company's offices were located in the same block with those of J. P. Morgan & Co. Frazier was a witness to the terrible effects of the explosion on Broadway the Summer of 1920. He was just stepping out to lunch when the explosion occurred. Not being around then, here is what we found on Google about the "Big Bang on Wall Street, Thursday, Sept. 16, 1920explosion, in NYC during the Summer of '20. You can read Renfrew's Record of 1920 and leave a comment - Click Here!

Some of you might remember these notable Northwest Oklahomans from the early years of Alva's developement: Senator S. L. Johnson, T. M. Hess, Dave Harrington and Dr. G. N. Bilby.

Remember the Farmers Co-operative on the corner of Fourth & Barnes, in downtown Alva, Oklahoma? In January, 1920 this article mentioned, "The old Nicholson & Noel barn, at the southeast corner of the square, is being torn down and a new filling station will immediately be built on the site by the Farmers' Independent Oil Company, now on the corner of Fourth and Barnes, opposite. The Nicholson & Noel corner has quite a history." You can read more of that January, 1920 article - Click Here!

Enjoy our "OkieLegacy Blog!" The way we have "The OkieLegacy Blog" setup is that you don't have to be registered to leave a "Comment," BUT... you can register if you like. You will then be emailed a password where you can login at other times. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Do You Need a FREE Web Email?....

This NW Okie has been trying out Gmail & Google's web-based Email system. If you haven't already heard about Gmail, it's a new search-based webmail service that offers: Over 2,500 megabytes (two gigabytes) of free storage - Built-in Google search that instantly finds any message you want - Automatic arrangement of messages and related replies into "conversations." Gmail is still in an early stage of development. But if you set up an account, you'll be able to keep it even after they make Gmail more widely available. To learn more about Gmail before registering, visit: mail.google.com/mail/help/benefits.html. If you are interested, Email this NW Okie at - mcwagner.lk@gmail.com - and we will send you an invitation to open a web-based email account with Gmail. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Harrover and Treece Hardware...

"I'd been on your site before, but never thought to mention the hardware store. You asked for the name of the hardware store. It was Harrover and Treece Hardware. I'm sorry I don't have a picture of the store. And, I have read Vada's Diary. The Ben mentioned in that is my brother, Ben -- or 'Benny' Harrover, named after my father, Benjamin Franklin Harrover, who was named after his Great Uncle Benjamin Franklin Harrover, an old soldier who died in an 'old soldier's home' in Washington State, I believe. Benny was quite musical -- played the saxophone and clarinet -- and became a band director for some years (Hardtner, Kansas, Terlton, OK.) and was an announcer on the Enid, OK station until he felt he was called to become a minister, and he and his family moved near Dallas, TX where he went to seminary. Benny died in 1974. I remember quite a few of your family. The hardware store on the North Side of the Square was near Warrick's Shoe Store, and Beegle's Drug Store and the Rialto Theater. My father's partner, Pat Treece, was Mayor of Alva for a quite a lot of years. I believe some were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Alva where we belonged. I was fascinated reading your Mother's Diary about the schedule she kept and all she accomplished -- no wonder she had terrific headaches. Oh yes, the hardware store closed out in early 1951. My Father had lost most of his eyesight, and Pat Treece was ready to retire by then too. Thanks for writing. I'll keep checking your site." -- Betty View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Joseph and Wealthy Ann Brown Barnett's Log Cabin...

"As a great-great-grandson of Joseph and Wealthy Ann Brown Barnett, you can imagine how pleased I am to see those logs getting off the ground. One of the interesting things is that there just weren't any log cabins in that part of the country. There were almost only cottonwood and elm trees to begin with and not many of those. However, Joseph's land was on the banks of the Cimarron River and he pulled those cedar logs out of the river with horses. A century later they still exist, and thanks to the efforts of the Waynoka Historical Society, in particular those of Sandie Olsen, the house will be preserved for future descendants of the area pioneers to see. The down side of all this is that they need more money to finish the project. Donations of any size would be welcome." -- Charles M. Cook - EMAIL: cookmmc@yahoo.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Spirella Corsets...

"Spirella started making their corsets in 1904. Over the years the factory built up quite a collection, as demonstrated above in September 1931. The collection was taken to America and shown to Marilyn Monroe prior to the making of the motion picture 'The Price and the Showgirl'. Although most of the cast wore Spirella made corsets recreated for the period, Miss Monroe did not, although the incorrect legend persists. On the other hand, celebrities as diverse as Mae West and Violet Carson (Ena Sharples of Coronation Street) did....." -- www.corsetiere.net/Spirella/Corsets/Corsets.htm View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Spirella Corsets...

corsetiere.net/Spirela Corsets -- This may not open for you. Just go to google and type in Spirella Corsets and you will learn more than you ever wanted to know about them. With pictures no less. Gives me a bellyache just thinking about it. The picture of Sadie and Duchess is absolutely precious." -- Ann View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

U.S. Census Report - Joseph & Wealthy Ann Barnett...

"This couple and their log cabin restoration at Waynoka, OK fascinated me so I ran their names through the U.S. Census reports. In the 1920 census Joseph, age 69 and Wealthy, age 67, were living in Jones Township, Major County, OK, with their 41-year old son Clyde and 32-year old daughter Daisy. Joseph was listed as having been born in Iowa, Wealthy in Illinois, Clyde and Daisy both in Kansas. Joseph and Clyde were reported to be farmers. The 1910 census reported the same four living in Jones Township of Major County, OK. The 1880 census shows Joseph being 30 years old and Annie 28. Ida was listed as a 7-year old, James 5 and Clyde 5. The 1930 census reflected only James, age 55 and brother Clyde, age 52 living in Jones Township of Major County, OK. Apparently Joseph and Wealthy were deceased by this time. Maybe they are both buried in Major County, OK. The 1870 census shows several women named "Wealthy" as being born in Illinois around 1850 to 1853. Joseph does not appear in any 1870 census. Maybe his name was spelled differently at that time. It would be interesting to compare this information with the living relatives of the Barnett family." -- N. Dale Talkington, McKinney, TX View/Write Comments (count 3)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Unable to Comment...

"The previous 2 issues I tried to post a comment on a couple of articles but was unable. The form would come up but it would not let me post. I was hoping I would be able to post a message this time but same problem still there. 2 links are displayed in the middle of the comments area and it won't let me post. I just absolutely LOVE the pics of your pugs! This week especially. Looks like Sadie just pretty much has her way with Duchess! And Duchess just seem very content to let Sadie do what she pleases. How cute! I'll bet they give you joy in your heart and mind all day and night, don't they? Have a wonderful week!" -- A Mac computer user View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Friendship, Oklahoma...

"Friendship, in Jackson County, is a rural Southwestern Oklahoma Community with a unique, colorful history. At various times Southwestern Oklahoma was claimed by England, France, Spain, Mexico and the Republic of Texas. Before Oklahoma became the 46th state, Friendship was located in Indian Territory, Oklahoma Territory and Greer County, Texas. Southwestern Oklahoma was once part of a vast sea of grass stretching as far as the eye could see, populated by millions of buffalo and claimed by Texas, but ruled by the Comanches and Kiowas. After the last free bands of Comanches and Kiowas were confined to the reservation at Fort Sill in 1875, the area became safe for cattle drives. From 1876 to 1892, millions of longhorns were driven from Texas to Dodge City and Ogallala, Nebraska, over the Western Cattle Trail which passed through the middle of what is now the Town of Friendship." -- Friendship Oklahoma Website View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Purple Hearts Book...

"If you want to get a sense of the true costs of the war on Iraq, spend a little time going through these photographs and the stories of those injured. Purpleheartsbook.com" -- SBW View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

OKIE Genealogy...

"I was looking for the history of my ancestors, my last name is OKIE and I live in Mйxico. I know my grandfather lived in Wyoming and Washington, John B. Okie and he had a brother. I did not know that the history of Oklahoma had that name." -- Caroline G.T. Okie - Email: gatofl@prodigy.net.mx View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1920 - Board Elected Delegates...

[taken from Renfrew's Record, Friday, Aug. 27, 1920, Alva, Okla., Woods County.] -- "At a meeting of the Salvation Army Board in the office of Judge Cahse on Friday night some matters were discussed and ten the following gentlemen were elected as delegates to the State Board meeting to be held in Oklahoma City, September 3rd (1920): Judge R. M. Chase, Messrs. F. S. Gunn and Fred J. Fash." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1920 - Editor's Son Here...

[taken from Renfrew's Record, Friday, Aug. 27, 1920, Alva, Okla., Woods County.] -- "Phillip Harris and Willie Bilderback of Wakita, drove over to Alva and spent the day among the fair sex, otherwise referred to as the gems of creation. Phillip is a son of Editor Grant Harris of the Wakita Herald, and favored this office with a pleasant call. Phillip says that before the recent world war his father, a brother and sister did the work in the office. The brother went to war, the sister married and the paper moved along just the same, but it took hard work and a heap of it by the father and son." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1920 - Governor To Be At Dacoma Fair...

[taken from Renfrew's Record, Friday, October 8, 1920, Alva, Okla., Woods County.] - Tremendous Crowds Are Expected All Three Days, 12h, 13th, and 14th (1920) -- The people of the Dacoma community have been working in and out of season for the last month to the end that the Woods County Fair to be held there next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 12th, 13th, and 14th, be the biggest and best that they have ever put over.

Governor Robertson will be there the second day and will discuss the political issues of the day at 1:30. He is an able speaker and what he has to say will be interesting to the multitude that will assemble there. Many people of Woods County have never had an opportunity to see and hear the Chief Executive of the state and doubtless they will gladly hail this opportunity.

A letter just received from Secretary H. E. Smith says that Hon. John A. Simpson, President of the Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union of America, Oklaoma Division, will deliver an address at the Dacoma Fair on the 13th, next Wednesday, and a special invitation is extended to all the Farmers Unions to attend.

Candidates' Day at the Dacoma Fair comes on Thursday, the 14th, and OH! Boy! That's the day they will be glad to shake hands with you. It matters not about your political faith, because every vote counts one. If the whole world could be as friendly with each other as the dear boys are with the voters the last few weeks preceding the November election, then there would no need for the Good Lord to hold a judgment day, because we would then have heaven here on earth. But it's all right; friendliness is next to godliness.

The candidates may or may not each make a public speech there. They will be ready willing and waiting to shake, we'll say unto you. A fine bunch is out on the turf and the race is now getting where each one probably knows 'where he's at.' There are some fine speakers in the bunch, so give the boys a chance.

The Woods County Fair Association promises three big days of fun at Dacoma -- remember the dates: 12th, 13th, and 14th (October 1920). View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1920 - Open Letter To The Woods County Assessor...

[taken from Renfrew's Record, Friday, Oct. 15, 1920, Alva, Okla., Woods County.] -- Honorable Robert M. Strong, Assessor of Woods County, Alva, Oklahoma.

My Dear Mr. Strong:
As we are both aspiring to the office of Assessor of Woods County it is but right that we let the voters know in advance what our policies will be in determining valuations.

As present assessor you no doubt realize that the most vital part of a county's existence is the revenue collected in the form of tax. There is a law compelling the people to pay their taxes on their property as assessed, but no law compelling the assessor to place a just valuation, the law-makers leave that to the good judgment and honesty of the assessor.

I have just had published a list of the personal property tax payers of the City of Alva. The amount of taxes each should pay was determined by the valuation placed on these different properties. Are you willing for the voters to judge your future actions by what this list shows your past actions as assessor to have been? If not I will gladly meet you in as many precincts as possible before election, and you can tell me, in the presence of the voters what you propose to do and I, in turn will tell you and the audiences what they may expect of me as their assessor. you can get me by phone or address me at Alva. Respectfully, S. A. Stech." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1920 - Debating Club of Ability...

[taken from Renfrew's Record, Friday, November 26, 1920, Alva, Woods County, Oklahoma. The Only Democratic Paper in Oklahoma.] -- "There is a young men's debating club in the Northwestern State Teachers College that does not have to sidestep any question of magnitude, there being plenty of ability and pep in that organization to handle any problem that involves the use of brains. Officers were elected recently, namely:

President, Ervin Oshel; Vice President, Elmer Hardy; Recording Secretary, Guilford Louthan; Corresponding Secretary, Sherman Enterline; Treasurer, Chester Davies; parliamentarian, Prof. Lisk; Assistant Parliamentarian, Ervin Oshel; Critic, Willard Cobb; Marshal, Herman Hammerstead; Reporter, Wm. Mote.

The club membership is now at its limit, and every man is going in for the purpose of making this the most successful year in debate work that the school has ever known. The following are the new members of the club: Bill Mellor, Homer Anderson, Floyd Ames, Everet Cosart, Stanley Belden, Ernest Miller, Hugh Mitchell, Lee Foster, Monroe Cobb. Clarence Hubbard, Ansel Conder, Ray Mendall, Alva Gilbert, Howard Wheat, John Fell and Wesley Grieve. All these were taken in this year." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1920 - Friday, November 26, Local News...

[taken from Renfrew's Record, Friday, November 26, 1920, Alva, Woods, Oklahoma.] -- Mr. John Winzel and son Joe left Monday for Geuda Springs. They went to consult Dr. Holt regarding Joe's health.

At Bicknell's Store... All Winter Underwear was 15 per cent discount. Winter Coats were also 20 per cent off. Outings, plain and fancy, were 29 cents per yard. All draperies reduced 20 per cent.

Mrs. Hawkins returned to her home at McPherson, Kansas, Friday after a weeks' visit with her daughter, Mrs. O. E. Lundstrom.

Robert Maxwell of Mineola, and Miss Rosa Tedford, of Carmen were united in marriage here on Thursday evening by Rev. C. W. Harrison at his residence on Fourth street.

Ward and Olin Surface, two popular farmers of the Mirabile neighborhood, were business callers in Alva Monday. Ward called on the Record while in town.

Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Wyatt and Mr. and Mrs. R. O. Renfrew of Woodward, stopped in the city between trains, Friday, to visit the Renfrews while returning from Masonic Conservetory at Guthrie and Oklahoma City.

Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Arrowsmith returned last week from MOntana and Idaho, where they spent the past six months.

Lewis Simmons has returned from the Mayo Brothers Sanitarium at Minneapolis very much benefitted by his stay.

Deputy Sheriff Deaton and County Attorney Bob Lasley spent Monday in Waynoka, but didn't say what the trouble was. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Big Bang on Wall Street - 11:55 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 16, 1920...

"Big Bang on Wall Street -- Around 11:55 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16, 1920, an old single-top wagon, drawn by an elderly dark bay horse, plodded westward on Wall St. It stopped about 75 feet from Broad St., near 23 Wall St., the offices of J.P. Morgan & Co. The day was lovely: clear, blue and no humidity, with a temperature of 69 degrees. The stock market was up. Lardner and Reppetto's NYPD states that Wall Street police strength was low that day. According to Sidney Sutherland's "The Mystery of the Wall Street Explosion," in Liberty magazine for April 26, 1930, many officers were on duty at a Brooklyn transit strike; others, including the officer assigned to the Broad and Wall intersection, had been ordered "a few blocks north to help herd the paraders in a procession of colored folk." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe