Duchess Turkey Sightings

As another weekend rolls around here in SW Colorado, we have been experiencing more early morning wild turkey sightings in our front yard -- herds of elk and deer in distance valley pastures during late afternoon hours. We would also like to thank all of you who sent information concerning last week's old photos. We did find some more old photos to share with you this week. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Remembering Girls State - 1960

Here's a great photo from our treasure chest dating back to 1960. It is a group picture of high school Girl Staters from across the State of Oklahoma. This photo takes us back to 1960, in Chickasha, Oklahoma to the Oklahoma College for Women. Now... I believe it goes by another name... University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma.

If you click on the photo to the left for a larger view, on the frontrow, second from left is Marilyn Marcum. We believe Marilyn may have gone to Girls State the year before. On the next to the backrow, rightside, 7th & 8th from the right is Dorthy McGill and Roseanne Bouziden. We also think that Diane Schwab may also be in the picture somewhere. See of you can recognize any of the other young girls in the photo? View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Last Week's Photo

During 1898, in NW Oklahoma Territory, my Grandmother (Constance Estella Warwick) would have been "Sweet 16." Grandmother had a younger brother (Robert) born in 1887 that would have been about 11 years of age (1898) when the photo of the two Spanish-American War soldiers was taken in the Alva, O.T. area. So... I doubt one of these young soldier boys was her 11-year-old brother. Perhaps grandmother had a "beau" back then that had a picture taken to give to her so she would have something to remember him. That is only an assumption on this writers part, though.

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In 1905

when the 8th-grade graduation picture was taken, in Alva, O.T., Grandmother would have been 21 years of age. I am thinking that these 5 young girls were 8th grade students of hers... that is why she had a copy of their graduation photo. We now have the names of the other four young girls in this photo... Standing from left to right: Bessie Wright, Bessie Snyder; middle row: Nora Oviatt, Nan Snyder; Seated: Nellie Oviatt (Fugit). All of these girls were taught at one time by Constance Warwick. Most of them are in the photo on our Grandma Legacy pages -- Click on The Teacher. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Circa 1910 Electric Touring Bus

We found online a similar picture that was taken around 1910 that showed another touring bus. So... We again are assuming that the gentlemen, standing on the far back side of the car is our Grandpa Bill "Will" McGill. We are not quite sure of the exact date. We need to check and see when grandpa might have been in New York City back then. See our Mailbag Corner for other link concerning the other electric touring bus photo of 1910. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Circa 1920 - Tractors On Alva Downtown Streets

One of our readers sent us this old photo view of new tractors lined up around the square, in Alva, Oklahoma. Notice the building in the background. Our reader mentioned, "Maybe these men all took delivery of a new tractor on the same day. The picture was probably taken around 1920. The men in the picture are from left to right: Loyd Fugit, Henry Beedles, Jesse M, ?? and William Behel." Can anyone out there help us with Jesse M. and the gentleman standing next to him? View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Early Virginia Loggers

We found this interesting old photo that we assume are loggers. Why else would they be standing, seated upon the logs? One of the gentlemen is Isaac Echart. We are not quite sure which one that is in the photo. There is a name on the back... "Isaac Echart - 50" We are not quite sure if "Echart" is spelled correctly, BUT... one of our Warwicks married into the "Eckart" family. Maybe this "Echart" (or Eckart) are one and the same NOW.... if we can just figure out what the 50 (number after the name on the backside of photo) stands for. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Nellie's 8th Graduation Photo..

"The graduation picture is in my grandmother Nellie Fugit (Oviatt) family photo albumn. It is labled 1905 - 1st Woods County 8th Grade Graduation Class. Standing from left to right: Bessie Wright, Bessie Snyder; middle row: Nora Oviatt, Nan Snyder; Seated: Nellie Oviatt (Fugit). I beleive all of these girls were taught at one time by Connie (Warwick) McGill. Most are in the photo you have labled The Teacher, NW Oklahoma." -- Earl View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Early Tractors on Alva Square

"I thought this picture might interest you. I do not know what the occasion was. Maybe these men all took delivery of a new tractor on the same day. The picture was probably taken around 1920. The men in the picture are from left to right: Loyd Fugit, Henry Beedles, Jesse M??, ?? and William Behel." -- Earl View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Faulkners Bridge, Caves & Neumans Boys Choir

"I saw your notes on Faulkners Bridge, and remember a hair-raising event that happened there. The Neuman's Boys Choir used to make trips out to that area to explore the cave, and to tie a swing to the bottom of the bridge structure where we would swing across at a considerable height above the canyon floor. Fred and another gentlemen would catch the boys on the backward swing. It was my turn, and as I launched, Fred somehow stepped into my path. He received the full impact of my swing and went tumbling down the canyon side. Although there were no broken bones, he had some nasty cuts and abrasions from the rocks. As a young boy, I thought that I had killed him. I never got on the swing again." -- Terry View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Flowers In Gun Barrells

"Most of the other younger and able men of Bedford County were also away serving the Confederacy as soldiers. But a home force of militia was still able to muster about thirty men who vowed to do their best to slow the giant army coming their way. Down near the base of Sharp Top, the militiamen didn't know that up above some of the Union soldiers had paused at the hotel between the peaks, helping themselves to anything in the hotel smokehouse larder, including a hundred slabs of bacon. One Union officer, a Major Harkins, facetiously signed the guest register. Opposite his name, someone wrote: He didn't pay his bill. Some small hotel outbuildings were set afire. Two miles of fencing were broken up and destroyed. The invaders smashed the roof of the rock house on Sharp Top. Little did the militia know that many of these northern soldiers had picked rhododendron blossoms and whimsically stuck them in the barrels of their guns. The adjutant for Colonel Hayes said that the marching troops looked like a moving bank of flowers." -- www.peterv.com/peak_otter.htm View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Yes! I'm Still Out There

"After my sojourn to the Sonoran Desert last month, I returned home due to the constant rain that we have had here on the West Coast and 4 corner Area. Firstly, I would like to say, Happy Birthday to you.

Secondly, one of my granddaughter's birthday is today, Feb. 26th. She's celebrating her 14th. today. Oh ... to be 14 again. Actually, I don't think that I could take growing up all over again, do you? Especially, since I wouldn't change anything.

Next, I was surprised to read my Cousin Maynard's name in part of the newsletter. (Maynard Arndt) I haven't talked to him for years, but knew that he still lived on or near the original family homestead. I remember the caves near there. That was always a favorite place for us kids to go when we visited Uncle Dave and Aunt Pearl Arndt. Just by happen chance I called the Flower shop in Alva where she worked and ordered some flowers for a relatives funeral. She of course picked up on my name and we chatted for some time. I keep thinking that I need to give Maynard a call and talk about old times with him. But as many do, I keep putting it off. It's a shame how we tend to drift apart in our lives. Especially, when we move around so much in these modern times.

After leaving the Alva/Wichita area, I've lived in New York City, Dallas Texas, El Paso, TX, Newport Beach, CA, San Diego County, CA and of course now in Nevada. It's been difficult for anyone to keep up with me. Old age has slowed me down somewhat, however. This new machine, (the Computer) and email have helped me to get back in touch with family. I also stay in touch almost daily with my daughter, my two granddaughters and two of my brothers. Thank you again for your work and the always interesting newsletters." -- Max (Strickland, Arndt) Vickers View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Spanish-American War Uniforms

I found this picture of Spanish-American war uniforms. The uniforms seem to match the photo pretty well and the time frame lines up. The legend says: In the background, Infantry Privates in the Philippine Islands without their khaki coats. In the foreground, Infantry 1st Lieutenant and Infantry Sergeant." -- Jim R. - www2.powercom.net/~rokats/spanwar2.html

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Electric Touring Bus - 1910

"This rare photo of a New York electric touring bus was taken by an unknown photographer around 1910, or possibly earlier. The electric drive motor can clearly be seen at the rear with the battery compartment in the middle of the undercarriage. Note the solid rubber tires. The bus appears to hold 26 passengers, a driver and a conductor. Because of the relatively long exposure time by todays standards, a few of the faces are blurred from movement." -- heritagephotographs.com/eltourbus19.html View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

You're From Oklahoma If

"(1.) You can properly pronounce Eufaula, Gotebo, Okemah, and Chickasha.

(2.) You think that people who complain about the wind in their states are sissies.

(3.) A tornado warning siren is your signal to go out in the yard and look for a funnel.

(4.) You've ever had to switch from heat to A/C in the same day.

(5.) You know that the true value of a parking space is not determined by the distance to the door, but by the availability of shade.

(6.) Stores do not have bags, they have sacks.

(7.) You measure distance in minutes.

(8.) You refer to the capital of Oklahoma as The City.

(9.) It does not bother you to use an airport named for a man who died in an airplane crash.

(10.) You go to the lake because you think it is like going to the ocean.

(11.) You listen to the weather forecast before picking out an outfit.

(12.) You know cowpies are not made of beef.

(13.) Someone you know has used a football schedule to plan their wedding date.

(14.) You have known someone who has had one belt buckle bigger than your fist.

(15.) A bad traffic jam involves two cars staring each other down at a four-way stop, each determined to be the most polite and let the other go first.

16. You know in which state Miam-uh is and in which state Miam-ee is.

(17.) A Mercedes Benz and a Ford F350 4X4 are both status symbols.

(18.) You actually get these jokes and are fixin to send them to your friends. Finally, you are 100% Oklahoman if you have ever heard this conversation: 'You wanna coke' 'Yeah.' 'What kind?' 'Dr. Pepper.'" View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

GUINN Connection

"Hi there! Just taking a 'stab' to see if in any research on Guinn's (or GWINN, GWIN) you have heard of my Gr-Grandfather by the name of Anias (or Ananias) Arnelius GUINN from West Virginia?

He was married to Ann Sparks (Dorsey) GUINN, in 1866, in (I think) Nicholas County. I was always told there was Native American connections somewhere. He was tall 6 ft. 2 in. and had red hair. Do not know his parents names, but they were from the Virginia, and West Virginia area. Thank you." -- Judy Bloom - Email: bloomjl@psyber.com

Editor's Note: Our GUINN/GWIN/GWINN Connections can be see at ParisTimes Genealogy -- GUINN Surnames. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Carmen's Children Home & Detention Facility

"I'm seeking information about the children's home or juvenille detention facility at Alfalfa in Oklahoma. I found some on your Web page. Thank you. Need more. I will try to contact you." -- Peggy Roberson - Email: peggynews@aol.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Dixie Sherman Hotel

"You ask on one of your pages, 'Did this first skyscraper, Dixie Sherman Hotel, in Panama City, Florida make it into the twenty-first century?...'.

Unfortunately the answer is, NO it did not. It was imploded with explosives in 1969 or 1970 if my memory is correct and was either the first building or one of the first buildings on which this technique was used. I will try to dig up a photo of the building coming down. It was a full front page shot in the Panama City News Herald and a great one at that.

At the present time we are making up for the destruction of the Dixie Sherman by building condo after condo on the beaches and soon in Panama City itself, and destroying the goose that laid the golden egg, Panama City Beach itself." -- Steve View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Whittet's In Dacoma

"My parents own Whittet's in Dacoma. The Store is closing for good this Saturday." -- Doug View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Spanish-American War Chronology

April 1 - U.S. House of Representatives authorizes $22.6 million for naval vessels.
April 6 - Pope asked McKinley to not declare war pending the Pope's negotiations with Spain.

April 7 - Ambassadors of England, Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Russia appeal to McKinley for peace.
April 9 - Spain orders General Blanco to declare armistice in Cuba. Consul-General. Lee and other U.S. citizens leave Cuba.

April 11 - McKinley asks Congress for war.
April 16 - Army begins mobilization. Teller Amendment passes in U.S. Congress, stating that the U.S would not annex Cuba.

April 19 - U.S. Congress declares Cuba independent.

April 22 - Blockade of Cuba commenced by US Navy. First Spanish ship taken.

April 23 - McKinley issues call for 125,000 volunteers. Spain declares war.

April 25 - U.S. declares war, but makes the declaration retroactive to April 22. Matanzas, Cuba bombarded by the US Navy....." -- Spanish-American War Chronology - 1898 View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

William McKinley - 1843-1901

"William McKinley (Republican) was the 25th President of the United States. During his administration, the two important issues of tariff and currency were overshadowed by the Spanish-American War of 1898.

Under his administration, the United States gained its first overseas possessions, presenting the country with new problems of world power and territorial expansion ..... Following the Spanish-American War and his re-election in 1900, McKinley unveiled a new, broader way for an internationally minded America.

Ironically, this was to become his last speech for on the following day, September 6, 1901, he was mortally wounded from an assassin's bullet: 'he period of exclusiveness is past. The expansion of our trade and commerce is the pressing problem. Commercial wars are unprofitable. A policy of good will and friendly trade relations will prevent reprisals. Reciprocity treaties are in harmony with the spirit of the times, measure of retaliation are not. If perchance some of our tariffs are no longer needed, for revenue or to encourage and protect our industries at home, why should they not be employed to extend and promote our markets abroad?" -- www.spanamwar.com - William McKinley - 1843-1901 View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe