Duchess Corner

Well! It has been a week since our two four-legged horses have joined us here in southwest Colorado.

Last Sunday (June 25, 2006), the day after they arrived, we caught the "Board of Directors" meeting out in the pasture with this "Lady in Black (Sadie)" waiting the outcome in the foreground. They have been settling in nicely for the last week to their new home.

This "Lady in Black" follows NW Okie out every morning to lead the horses from the corral to the pasture. The order of our little caravan goes something like this: NW Okie, "Lady in Black", Trigger and 'Quoti. I'm always watching my back, though. Usually, NW Okie calls me back to her and is standing between me and the horses. She has them eating out of her hands.

A new little, yearling dun filly named "Maggie" has made the duo into a trio of horses that grace this southwest Colorado pasture this weekend. Maggie arrived about 8:00 p.m., Saturday and is a bit skiddish. Maggie has only had a halter on about three times. When she arrived here in southwest Colorado, we attached a lead rope to the halter and let her touch her feet from the trailer to the ground of her new home. We decided to let Maggie drag the lead rope around the corral this evening for awhile to get used to it. Bud says that's good for them.

Tomorrow we shall introduce her to the big pasture and other horses. Trigger and 'Quoti did come up to the fence for awhile to meet and nose each other while they said their "hellos" and check out the new tenant.
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Among Other Things...

Have you ever seen a tornado from a distance ... In person? On June 21, 2006, David experienced a string-like tornado west of Turpin, Oklahoma last Wednesday evening when he was headed back to Oklahoma. He got almost to Turpin, Oklahoma (a mile or so west) in the panhandle. The winds were blowing -- storm clouds were brewing -- stirring up things in "No Man Lands" last Wednesday, June 21, 2006. David said he pulled to a stop about a mile west of Turpin to catch this and other shots of the Tornado in the distance. Afterwards, he turned around and headed back towards Guymon, Oklahoma for the night.

Besides tornadoes and Horses, we believe we have some interesting items this week for you in the Mailbag Section. For those of you interested in the Waynoka Station (Waynoka, Oklahoma), we hear that the log cabin and a scale house have been finished and an open house is scheduled in the near future. So watch your local newspapers and the OkieLegacy for that event in the coming soon.

Do not forget to look for the July/August edition of the "Prairie Connection" when it hits the newstands around July 12, 2006. The continuing story of the "Old Opera House Mystery (The Rest of the Story) Part I" will be gracing it's written pages.

Every once in awhile we hear from and make another connection to our past. Yep! This media has given us many opportunities. We heard from another descendant of a 1906 South Texas League baseball player (Harry Short) this week. Harry was a left-fielder on the same team (Austin Senators) with our Grandpa Bill McGill. We love hearing, connecting with those whose family members have crossed past with our ancestors. We hope to be sharing information and adding more pictures, stories to our Grandpa's Baseball Legacy in the near future.

Meanwhile, We want to wish you all a safe "Independence Day" this coming July 4. Happy 3rd of July to the community of Dacoma, Oklahoma. They always seem to have great fireworks, games, bar-b-cue and fun in their town park for everyone who attends. Happy Fourth of July to everyone!
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Archiving Issues...

"Another great issue! Even though 'you Okies' live in another state, I still make a hard copy of every issue to archive in The Balmer Collections, Pittsburg (KS) State University Special Collections. I think there is so much 'connectedness' in the history of our Oklahoma/Kansas border towns that it is very important to document and save all of the stories possible on both sides of the state line for future generations.

A lot of people don't realize that hard copy, words printed on archival paper, is the ONLY true way to save our history -- then donate it to a safe place that will accept it, such as Pittsburg State U., Pittsburg, KS. (Always check ahead of time, as some places have limited space available and will not accept your materials.)

Today's technology is wonderful, but be forewarned. Technology changes so often, it is so easy to lose everything you write because recording equipment and the recorded material becomes obsolete, or fades completely. (Remember your home movies of the 50?) Unless you are using archival inks, even today's computer color photos will become nothing but a blank piece of paper in a decade or two.

Putting your history into safe hands is critical. Someone in our family, an in-law who didn't have the emotional attachment, threw out 'that worthless record -- a piece of junk,' while cleaning house. On it was the ONLY recorded voice of Grandfather Ferdi Balmer, and some of his insights, wit and humor. I cried plenty of real tears over that one, for it was irreplaceable.

Because you are smart enough to preserve your family history doesn't mean that others down the line will have that intelligence or motivation to pass it on. And they, too, can do naive things to destroy your family history in one quick thoughtless moment.

It is easy to buy archival, acid free paper at almost any on-line office supply company. It is not expensive. By saving every word you write on this paper, it will help future generations come to know their heritage.

So keep those stories coming for Linda. At least now you know there is a 'back up' being made, so having your history in safe-keeping in two places ought to assure future generations of your interesting lives!

Oh yes, if you want to keep those records at home for awhile, be sure to store them in acid-free plastic boxes, such as Sterlite brand. Ordinary cardboard boxes contain acid and in a few short years, can leech and discolor the paper. Make sure it is Sterlite brand (most discount stores sell them), as it is the only plastic I know for certain that is acid free." -- Rosalea Hostetler - The Balmer Fund/Prairie Connection, Harper, KS
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1938 Ranger yearbook, NW State Teacher's College, Alva...

"My name is Stephanie Bixler Fritsch and I was reading your website and noticed that my great uncle, Ray Stanley Bixler of Waynoka, Okla, was a freshman in your yearbook. My husband, David Fritsch, has an aunt, Germaine Flury, of Avard, Okla. that was also a freshman that year also. I would love any pictures that you could give me of these two. Thanks." -- Stephanie Fritsch, Mesquite, Texas - EMAIL: steph@stc-inc.com
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Tomatoes In Chicago Suburbs...

"If you start them early inside, they will be this big when moved outside. We cannot put them out until mid march, but they really do well in full sun. of course, miracle grow potting soil helps too." -- Steve



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Elizabeth Warrick...

"I am trying to find information on my ggg-grandmother, Elizabeth WARRICK she married Reuben CORNETT, 21 Dec 1809. She was born about 1784 and died after 1805. Elizabeth & Reuben had 7 known children, all born in Grayson Co, VA. They were: John Cornett CORNETT, b. 18 Mar 1814, d. 12 Mar 1865; Allfred Alexander; David J., b. 17 Mar 1812, d. 15 Dec 1891; James, b. 16 Nov 1810, d. 7 Dec 1871; Margaret, b. 22 May 1819, d. 5 Nov 1898; Mary 'Polly', b. 1814, d. 1870; Sarah, b. 1823, d. 1857. If you have any connection to this line, I would love to share info with you." -- Janis Catron De Lay, Pacific Grove, CA - EMAIL: katlarue@mbay.net - Wesite: Katlarue website
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Moving To Oklahoma...

We are in the process of taking down Kenneth Updike's stories and ramblings of "Growing Up In Oklahoma" because Kenneth asked us, "To remove all of my previous writings to you about my Ramblins. Personal stories that I told you and your readers. My Son has had all of my writings, and notes copyrighted so that we can put them in a book or booklet. His idea. I really have no objections to this, but he insists we can be viewed by more people. I leave it up to him. Thanks for your help in the past, and I still read your Okie Legacy nearly every week."

If you find some of Kenneth's Ramblings that I have missed, Please email me the link with Vol. and Iss. numbers so that this NW Okie can remove them. Thanks for your help!
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Kemper Military Memories...

"Kemper Military - My uncle James M. Haver, went to KMS after Bob. From 45-50. I attended from 68-72. I found his journal inspiring." -- M.A. Haver (KMS 68-72) - EMAIL: mahaver5@cox.net
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Harry Short & South Texas League...

"Hello, McGill Family. I am the great gandson of Harry Short. My grandfather was Dennis Short the youngest son of Harry. I believe the Harry Short you have listed on you site may be my greatgrand father. I am currently checking into additional pictures of Harry and his days in the Texas League. I was always told that he held a base stealing record for many years. My father Randy is checking to see if we can come up with pictures and any other documents regarding his baseball career. I remember grandpa (Dennis) showing me a picture of Great grandpa Harry's team in uniforms. Please let me know how I can contact you so maybe we can exchange information.

I will continue to do some additional research on my end and anything you have would be greatly appreciated. When I showed my 11-year-old son the picture and stats on your web site of his great great-grandpa Harry Short, he said, 'So that is where you get your baseball gene.' He knows I have a passion for the game. He also noticed right away that Harry looks alot like my younger brother who lives in Monument, Colorado. I don't know where this is in relation to Bayfield. Again thank you and I will do my best to stay in touch and let you know if I come across anything for your GREAT collection and website. I hope to get in touch with Andrew Short (a distant cousin) who also contacted you via the website and find out what information he may have. Thank you for creating this great web site." -- Chris Short - EMAIL: cshorty1@yahoo.com
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Ghostowns of South Central Oklahoma...

"Thanks for this article--I really enjoyed it. My family lived (some still do) near Wilson Creek, which they referred to as "Old Wilson"--I never heard about a "New Wilson"! Thanks also for the information on Durwood--my mother had said that a cousin was born in Durwood, Marshall County, but now everything refers to Durwood, Carter County; your explanation cleared up a minor mystery for me. Keep up the good work!" -- Valita - EMAIL: valita.randolph@sbcglobal.net
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Frisco Cemetery...

My Great Grandparents, James Edward and Sarah Elizabeth Boyd are buried here, in the NW corner." -- Bryant Reed - EMAIL: ebreed40@earthlink.net
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Perry's U S Deputy Marshals in October, 1893...

"I have been searching for info on this ancestor for about 30 years with very little success (he died and is buried somewhere in Texas so far as I've been able to find out). His last years were spent as a cowboy somewhere I think. My great-grandfather William Harvey Burdick rode with Charlie Colcord and sold him his claim in downtown OKC (for about a year's wages, $100) and when Colcord became a land developer, he built the Colcord Building (which still stands) on that land. Colcord lived about 3 blocks from my great-grandparents for awhile (I found them in an early Oklahoma Territorial census). W. H. Burdick was also a drinking buddy of Bill Tilghman (according to family stories I heard as a youngster) at the Blue Belle Saloon in Guthrie, Oklahoma. I have no knowledge of him ever being in the Perry area and have never yet found his name in any listing of deputy marshals. At one time my uncle, Carl Kendrick, who was a deputy sheriff in Needles, California; and then later was on the police force of Riverside, California (about the time of the Watts riots) had W. H. Burdick's badge. I have no idea what happened to his guns.

The man in the white hat leaning on his winchester is indeed the infamous Mr. Tilghman, on his left is his boss Charles Colcord. Another deputy U.S. Marshal is standing on the far right leaning on his winchester, Heck Thomas. Picture was taken in front of the U.S. Land Office sitting in Hells Half Acre, about a half block south of Mr. Kendrick's antique store. Most of the gentlemen sitting in chairs were Land Office employees." -- Roy K. - EMAIL: roykendrick@oklahomahistory.net
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Oklahoma Gas Prices...

"The gas prices have increased almost daily in Perry, Ok. this week and by Friday were at $2.79.9! We may catch up with Colorado yet! Our gas prices went up AGAIN today (Saturday, July 1, 2006). Now the bottom price is$2.839 at the majors and the 2 locally owned and operated independent stations. It must be for the holiday travelers." -- Roy
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Celebration & An American Tribute...

Gettysburg Address - by Abraham Lincoln, November 19, 1863 -- "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal...." --

Happy Birthday, America -- "When a bunch of fellows from Boston held a big party with tea, That's where your cradle was started and they called it Liberty. At Bunker Hill could be heard among the hues and the cries, 'Steady men don't fire, until you see the whites of their eyes.' So when those fellows got together again to draw up and sign a form, They called it a Declaration and that's how you were born....."

Song of Liberty, Patriotic Poems & Inspirations... "Across the vast wide prairie where tall grain meets the sun, wagon trains carried settlers on journeys first begun The wind was called Mariah as it sang its old sweet song, buffalo grazed, prairie dogs played, sod houses there belonged....." -- Song of the Plains

Oklahoma's Centennial... "Centennial Year Kickoff, Nov 9, 2006 - Nov 19, 2006, Tulsa - Premier Events - Tulsa has been designated the official host city for the kickoff of the year-long Oklahoma Centennial celebration, and many exciting events are currently being planned ....." -- Celebrate Oklahoma's Centennial

Native American & Oklahoma History... "Following the War of 1812 (1812-1815) the U.S. government decided to move Native Americans west of the Mississippi River to open up new land for white settlers from the East. One of the nation's most populous Native American regions covered western North and South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi and was inhabited by the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, Seminole, and Cherokee. Whites referred to these peoples collectively as the Five Civilized Tribes....." -- Travel Photos by Galen R. Frysinger

History of Oklahoma Territory... A brief history of the formation of Oklahoma territory as printed in "The Indian Advocate", volume 14, issue number 1, January 1902. From the Report of Ex. Gov. Jenkins -- "Historically considered, Oklahoma as a territory is of recent origin, but as a small portion of the great tract of south-western country, known at various times and under various circumstances as Louisiana, Mandan Territory, the great American Desert, uninhabitable lands and the Indian Territory, it has a place in the history of the nation dating back to the days of the Spanish explorers, who sought in the great Southwest unknown empires and their reputed fabulous wealth. Following the course of travel described in many early Spanish manuscripts and books, one is readily convinced that the original Oklahoma boomers were the little army of adventurous spirits who traversed the Southwest under the leadership of De Soto, and that they were followed by Jesuits and others who sought wealth in the mineral veins of the mountains and hills of the Territory, there are unmistakable signs in lately discovered ruins of mines and places of early abode....." -- History of Oklahoma Territory

Life In Oklahoma Territory... "Hello to all who visit, browse, learn, and love history! This site is devoted to my discoveries in learning about the past - specifically, the history of where the South meets the West: Texas and Oklahoma." -- Red River Historian

Happy & Safe Independence Day To All!
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Waynoka Station Update: Log Cabin...

"The restoration of the pioneer log cabin has been completed at Waynoka Station. The cabin was dismantled and moved to town from near the Cimarron River in present-day Major County, Oklahoma. The three-room log house was built more than 100 years ago by Joseph Barnett. Furnishings are being added to the cabin. The wood-burning Home Comfort range that has been placed in the cabin's kitchen was originally owned by Mrs. John Corbin (May Lappin) of the Galena community, southeast of Waynoka. May Lappin staked a claim in the Cherokee Strip in 1893, having participated with her father in the 'Run', which was said to have been the greatest land run in the history of the world. An Open House for the log house (cabin) will be announced soon." -- Sandie Olson, Waynoka Historical Society
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Waynoka Station Update: Scale House...

"A railroad scale house has been beautifully restored on a farm northeast of Waynoka. It is to be moved to Waynoka Station, the historic railroad complex in Waynoka. The scale house was restored by Dr. Milt and Becky Lehr, Alva." -- Sandie Olson, Waynoka Historical Society
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1938 NSTC Ranger Yearbook...

I have scanned the 1938 yearbook and put on our NW OkieLegacy website - 1938 NSTC Ranger Yearbook - for those who are just now joining us and for those who would like to have a copy. It is in a "pdf" file, which is large file -- it may take some time to download or load. If you have trouble viewing them, email me and I can see about compressing/zipping the files and attaching them to emails.
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