Back Home Again

This NW Okie is happy to report that she made it back to southwest Colorado, Friday afternoon with enough time to unload, rest up and pet on her pugs while they gave me their special pug kisses.

AND... Saturday afternoon brought thunder storms and graupel to the valley south of Bayfield, Colorado. Also, I noticed that the SW Colorado gas prices were the same as when I left for Oklahoma (thirty-cents higher than Oklahoma's gas prices).

I had the pleasure to met one of our "OkieLegacy" readers while I was at the Shawnee Horse Expo Center in Shawnee, Oklahoma last Saturday. I guess that is just one of the many things that recharges my energy... getting to met some of you out there. Thanks, Jan, for stopping by and looking me up at the Horse Expo Center. It was great meeting, talking to you and your mother.

While I was in Oklahoma City at the History Center (pictured above, on the left), I found some interesting 1924 information to share with you all in the coming weeks as we venture back to the year 1903, 1907 and 1924 in northwest Oklahoma and across the state.

This NW Okie really got lucky and was able to find the full date of the 1924 family farm house fire that took the life of four members of the Osborne family, January 4, 1924 on their farm about 18 miles northwest of Alva, near the Winchester, Oklahoma area. That information is according to the news articles that I found in the local newspapers ("The Alva Record" and "The Daily Alva Review-Courier") of 1924.

All we had to go on was the year. I thought it would be similar to finding a needle in a haystack, BUT... that was not the case. I pulled the 1924 "The Daily Alva Review-Courier," dated January 4, 1924 on microfilm and there was the big headline, spread across the front page, "2 Die, 1 Fatally Burned In Winchester Fire." It jumped out at me and stared me in the face.

As I read closer, I realized that I had found what I was looking for on the first try. Something that local libraries would not do without a full date. Anyway, we have stuck the Osborne obituaries below in the Mailbag Section, with a summary of the fatal farm house fire of 1924.

New Column for OkieLegacy... This week we will be starting a new column entitled "Okielegacy Centennial Moment" to help mark the 100th anniversary of Oklahoma & Indian Territories merging marriage to become the 46th state, November 16, 1907.

If you have any family centennial stories to share, we would love to include them in our OkieLegacy centennial moments. Please email your stories and photos to NW Okie at paristimes@hughes.net. Thanks for your support!

Happy 58th Birthday to Amber McGill Colon this weekend, Saturday, April 21st!
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OkieLegacy Centennial Moment

It will have been 100 years, November 16, 1907, 9:00 o'clock Central and 10:00 o'clock Eastern Time. On November 16, 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt, with an eagle quill pen, signed the statehood proclamation that merged Indian and Oklahoma Territories as the 46th state of the United States. The signing of the proclamtion put into motion the machinery of the state government at Guthrie, Oklahoma. The pen was then turned over to the historical society of the new state of Oklahoma. It was flashed over the wires that there was a new star in America's constellation.

The announcement in Oklahoma was greeted by the booming of cannons, the ringing of bells and the blowing of whistles. Oklahoma City, the geographical center of the new commonwealth, had given way to Guthrie, the state capital, where the inaugural ceremonies took place.

Thousands attended the celebration as Oklahoma passed from carpetbag rule into the sisterhood of states. It was a simple scratch of a pen on that day which obliterated the dividing line between Oklahoma and Indian Territory and the territorial form of government was annulled. It was a day that those who held office by virtue of federal favoritism were retired and succeeded by officials chosen by the whole people.

The celebration followed at 11:00 a.m., the same day at the Carnegie library, where the oaths of office to all officials, excepting Col. J. J. McAlester, railroad commissioner, and William Cross, secretary of state, was administered by Leslie J. Niblack, editor of the Guthrie Daily Leader. It seems that both McAlester and Cross were too ill to attend the ceremonies that day in November, 1907.

Governor Haskell's inaugural address consumed about 40 minutes, and was followed by the wedding of the two persons representing Oklahoma and Indian Territory as they merged into the state of Oklahoma.

In the absence of congressman McGuire from the state, Oklahoma was represented by C. G. Jones of Oklahoma City, and the bride was a full blooded Choctaw Indian girl.

The inaugural parade to Island Park followed in the following order of formation starting with a platoon of mounted police; Whittaker Orphan Band, 16 pieces; Muskogee Light Horse Cavalry Troop; State University Band; First carriage with Governor C. N. Haskell, Lieutenant Governor George Bellamy, Judge Frank Dale (chairman inaugural executive committee), Major Lesie G. Niblack (member inaugural executive committee).

Second carriage - three Justices of the Supreme Court; Hon. C. M. Barnes, mayor of Guthrie and ex-governor of Oklahoma Territory.

Fourth carriage - Bill Cross, secretary of State; M. E. Trapp, State Auditor; James A. Menefee, State Treasurer; Hon. J. B. Thompson, Chairman, Democrat State committee.

The fourth carriages was followed by the Nowata Band.

The Fifth carriage - C. D. Cameron, Superintendent Public Instruction; Charles A. Taylor, State Examiner and Inspector; Pete Hanraty, Chief Mine Inspector; Hon. E. O. Cassidy, Chairman Democratic State Executive committee.

Sixth carriage - Charles L. Daugherty, Commissioner of Labor; Kate Barhard, Commissioner of Charities and Corrections; T. J. McComb, Commissioner of Insurance; Orville T. Smith, Secretary Inaugural Executive Commiittee.

Seventh carriage - J. E. Love, J. J. McAlester and A. P. Watson, Corporation Commissioners.

Eighth carriage - Hon. R. L. Owen, Hon. T. P. Gore, Rev. W. H. Dodson. The Crescent City band followed the eighth carriage.

The Ninth carriage, carried Hon. C. D. Carter Hon. Scott Ferris, Hon. James H. Davenport.

Tenth carriage - Governor McCurtain of the Choctaw Nation, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation and Principal Chief Moty Tiger of the Creek Nation.

Eleventh carriage - Chief Rogers of the Cherokee Nation, Governor Brown of the Seminole Nation and Miss Indian Territory.

Twelfth carriage - Hon. R. S. McGuire, Hon. D. C. McCurtain, Hon. C. G. Jones.

The Thirteenth carriage carried the Hon. W. N. Redwine, Hon. J. Luther Langston, Hon. Harper S. Cunningham. Next to come along was the Stroud band.

Fourteenth carriage - Hon. J. P. Conner, Hon. William Murray, Hon. John Threadgill.

The Fifteenth carriage carried the Hon. William H. Hornaday, Hon. S. O. Dawes and Hon. William Garrison.

Next in line were the Tonkawa Cadets; Old soldiers, Union and Confederate, side by side; Band; Spanish War Veterans; Military band; Militia; and Civil, fraternal and other organizations, with music assigned positions by the officer in command on the day of the parade. A barbecue feast was served afterwards.

Governor Haskell named Robert Lowen and Thomas P. Gore as United States Senators from Oklahoma and announced a number of state appointees. The inaugural ball that evening closed the day's ceremonies.

Oklahoma was the first state to enter the union with the majority of people expressing sentiment against the legalized sale of liquor. At ten minutes before midnight, every saloon in Oklahoma City had closed its doors forever.

A special train carried more than 500 persons and left Oklahoma City after the news was received that Oklahoma had become the 46th state. Peterson's State Band of 25 pieces accompanied the delegation as banners decorated the cars and every delegate wore a badge showing that he was from Oklahoma City. It was reported that nearly 400 tickets were sold by the Chamber of Commerce and a mass meeting of inaugural delegates were held in front of the Chamber of Commerce building on North Robinson Street at 8 o'clock that evening. The special train returned from Guthrie the next morning after the inaugural ball.

[The above information was taken from "The Oklahoman", dated November 16, 1907, frontpage headlines and page 3.]
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2/8/1924 - News In The Alva Record

The first week of February, 1924 we discover that Woods County, Oklahoma is prosperous. According to president George Bell and Secretary W. G. Lamont of the Alva Chamber of Commerce, with the assistance of local bankers, a summary showed that the financial conditions were "decidedly on the mend."

Woods County Is Prosperous... This article stated, "It is a noteworthy fact that while banks on every side have been forced to close their doors because of the economic condition of the country and depositors have lost heavily, no depositor ever lost a penny placed in a Woods County bank. Every bank in the county is in sound condition and is prospering, despite the money stringency which has followed the over inflation of the war period."

If I am correct, this was about five years after World War I ended. It was reported by bankers, "More persons are living within their incomes and fewer are borrowing money than at any time within the last several years."

I guess it had been rumored back then, "Oft-repeated statements that there is no money in the county is belied by the fact that the total bank deposits were approximately $2,700,000 at the time of the last call which was immediately after the Christmas season when bank deposits."

The combined statements of Woods County Bank Receipts made as per December 31, 1923: Resources showed Loans and Discounts at $2,132,019.98; Overdrafts at $10,485.09; Banking Houses, Furniture and Fixtures at $106,652.58; Bonds and Warrants at $291,250.24; Other Real Estate owned at $30,582.47; Actual Cash Reserve showing $686,047.88 for a Total Resources of $3,257,038.19.

Liabilities showed Capital Stock at $265,000.00; Surplus and Undivided Profits at $103,791.40; Total deposits at $2,670,555.25; Rediscounts and Bills payable at $186,591.54; Circulation at $31,100.00 with a Total Liabilities showing $3,257,038.19. The "Woods County Bank" was located on the North side of the Alva downtown square, the northeast corner of 5th & Flynn Avenue.

See More 2/8/1924 News articles from The Alva Record in the Mailbag Section.
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1/4/1924 Obituary - Osborne Family

While we were at the news archives in the Oklahoma History Center earlier this week we found this obituary in the January 10, 1924, The Daily Alva Review-Courier. That and the news stories of the fire were easy to find even though we only had the year (1924) to go by.

OBITUARY... Harvey Osborne was born at Cofferville, Indiana, November 9, 1878 and departed this life on January 4, 1924, at the age of 45 years, 2 months and 27 days.

Alice Opal Osborne was born near Alva, March 20, 1909 and died January 4, 1924, at the age of 14 years, 9 months and 15 days.

George Galen Osborne was born near Alva, February 26, 1912 and died January 4, 1924.

James Oscar Osborne died at the Alva hospital Sunday January 6, at the age of 13 years and three months. Oscar, it will be remembered, was badly burned with his father, sister, and brother, who died Friday morning. he was very patient in his condition, and while his father, sister, and brother were being laid to rest besides his other brothers and sisters, Saturday afternoon, January, little Oscar lay patiently awaiting the return of his relatives and friends to be at his bedside. He never complained and was pleased with all that was being done for him.

Harvey Osborne joined the Methodist Episcopal church at the age of 18. At the age of 22 he married Miss Minnie Perks, and to this union was born ten children, of whom two daughters survive. One year after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Osborne came to Oklahoma, and settled on a claim 18 miles northwest of Alva, where he resided for nearly 15 years. Then moving to Missouri for one ywar they decided to come back to the old homestead. The family then moved to Hardtner, Kansas, on a wheat farm where they resided for three years. In the fall of 1923 the family moved back to the old homestead, where they remained until the death of Mr. Osborne, and three of the children in a sad accident.

Mr. Osborne and his three children have joined the other five children in the Great Beyond. They leave to mourn, a mother and wife, Mrs. Minnie Osborne, two sisters and daughters, Mrs. Ira Maxwell and Mrs. Ralph Maxwell, and a host of relatives and friends.

The entire community and the people of the surrounding neighborhood sympathize with the bereaved family.

Card of Thanks -- We wish to express our sincere gratitude tot he people of the neighborhood and ocunty for the many kindnesses they have shown us in these terrible hours of sorrow. We also wish to thank the merchants and business men, and the clubs of the different towns, who so kindly came to our aid. Mrs. Harvey Osborne, Mr. and Mrs. Ira Maxwell, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Maxwell.
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1/4/1924 - Fatal Farmhouse Fire

[Taken from The Daily Alva Review-Courier, Alva, Woods Co., OK, dated Friday, January 4, 1924, Vol. XV, No. 157.]

This is the 1924 frontpage story concerning the fatal farm house fire that killed 4 of the Osborne family members in the early morning hours, January 4, 1924.

James Oscar Osborne, son of Minnie (Perks) and Harvey Osborne, was fatally burned in the Winchester fire. His frantic mother fought, but failed to rescue her sleeping children. The kerosene explosion was followed by flames that engulfed the rural Osborne Farm house, near Winchester, Oklahoma, around 7:00 o'clock in the morning.

The Osborne Farm house, near Winchester, Oklahoma, burned early in the morning, January 4, 1924. Two children die while asleep, trapped in the bed room. The Father, Harvey Osborne, was seriously burned when the Kerosene or oil can exploded in his hand while he was lighting the fire in the stove. The father was taken to Alva and died about 3:30 p.m. as he reached the city.

One son, James Oscar Osborne, was badly burned and was in the hospital.

As the rest of the story goes, "Two dead, one burned beyond all hope of recovery, and one other suffering severe burns about the body and face, is the toll of the fire which destroyed the Osborne farm house near Winchester, Oklahoma, early today. The fire was caused, according to Mrs. Osborne, wife of the man fatally injured, by the explosion of a can of kerosene, the contents of which Mr. Osborne was pouring on live coals in a stove."

"The dead are: Galen Osborne, age 11, and Alice Osborne, age 14. The injured are: Harve Osborne, age 45, father of the two dead, and another son, age 12. The mother of the family, a small child and a son-in-law of the family escaped injury."

"The fire started about 7:00 o'clock this morning. According to Mrs. Osborne, she and her husband had just gotten out of bed to build a fire. Mr. Osborne started the fire in the stove by throwing a little kerosene out of a small can onto the coals. The fire not burning very well, however, he walked over to the corner of the room picked up the five gallon kerosene can and returning began to pour the contents onto the flames. Mrs. Osborne states that she shouted to him not to do so but it was too late as at the very moment she found her voice, the explosion occurred. In a moment's time the entire building was a mass of flames."

Children Asleep -- "Mr. Osborne rushed out of the house followed by his wife and the baby. The man's clothing was afire, and he laid down on the ground in an effort to extinguish the flames. He was overcome, however, and apparently became unconscious after a few moments, as he laid in the same place, in the bitter cold until neighbors arrived about a half hour later."

"Mrs. Osborne rushed around to the other side of the house and opened the window of the room where two of the children were sleeping. The room however, was a roaring furnace by this time, and not being able to reach the children, she was forced to give up the attempt."

"The son-in-law of the family, clad only in a pair of trousers -- without coat or shoes, rushed to a neighboring farm house and told the story. He escaped injury."

"Mr. Osborne has burns on almost every part of his body, and attending physicians state that there is no hope for his recovery. His 12 year old son, in the Alva hospital has severe burns on his hands and face, and about the body."

Alva Doctors Attend -- "Immediately following the receipt of the news of the disaster here, Dr. O. E. Templin and Dr. H. B. Ames, local physicians, rushed to the scene of the fire. Upon arriving they found Mrs. Osborne, the son-in-law of the family, and the infant at the home of a neighboring family. The two injured, Mr. Osborne and the younger son had also been brought there. The wounds of these were dressed and the injured brought to the Alva hospital in the Garrison ambulance. Neighbors were waiting for the flames to die down somewhat before entering the blazing farm house in search of the two missing Osborne children. The children had been asleep at the time of the explosion in another room of the dwelling. Mrs. Osborne rushed out of the house immediately following the explosion and to the window of the room where the children slept. She broke the window and attempted to reach the children, but failed to do so. The room at the time was a mass of flames."

Bodies Unrecognizable -- "The two bodies were recovered at about 10:00 o'clock -- horribly burned, their features unrecognizable. Several members of the bodies were missing and the trunks badly charred."

"The fire is, without question, one of the most horrible disasters in the annals of Woods County. The bodies of the two dead will be buried in the cemetery near Winchester."
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Feb., 1924 - Oklahoma Marriages

We thought you might get a kick out of the way some of these February, 1924 marriage announcements were written up in the paper. AND... If you know of someone looking for anyone listed here, send them a copy of the writeup.

McReynolds-Groh -- "Miss Lela McReynolds, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. McReynolds of north of Alva, and Mr. Adolph Groh, were united in marriage Saturday evening at the home of Rev. Meyer, of the Lutheran church. The wedding came as a surprise to the many friends of the contracting parties, both of whom are residents of this city. The bride is a girl possessing a personality of lovable sincerity and charm, and has many friends in both school and business circles. She is a graduate of Alva High School, later attending the college for several terms of work. The groom is a nephew of the Rauh boys living east of Alva, and is a young man of sterling qualities. Mr. and Mrs. Groh will make their home in this city."

Wilburg-Brace -- "Addison F. Brace, 24, and Alice Opal Wilburg, 18, both of Waynoka, were married by County Judge Glaser at his chambers in the courthouse, February 4th (1924)."

Gandy-Hahn -- "Word has been received that Mrs. Kate C. Gandy and Royal H. Hahn were married at Placentia, California, January 26, 1924. Mr. and Mrs. Hahn are both well and favorably known in Alva and Woods county, having resided here for a number of years. The friends of the couple extend congratulations."
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The Rest of the Story

Woods County School Year Books... "Linda, this is not my work. I believe it's a site for the Carmen Schools. The first paragraph is what I responded to. The photos are NOT of the Dacoma school students."

Northwestern Homecoming Theme 2007... "Dear Okie, If you go to Alva. I was told by the Alva Courier newspaper that the Northwestern college keeps all the archcives. If that helps. I spoke to Larry Thorpe at the Library and he told me you need the whole date, month and year for look-ups. I spoke to the Radar family and they have been in Alva for 60 years. If you get a chance contact them, very nice people. My family is Osburn. The Father and son parished in a house fire. I wonder if the fire deptartment would have records or the coroner would have any records. Gas here in California is $3.18 a gallon."

Route 66 & Elk City, OK... "I am so glad that you enjoyed our town. Karen and I have lived in Elk City for a little over 25 years and have watched the last oil boom leave it devastated; watched the people work hard to make a go of it; watched the very able city commissioners and the city manager develop and put in to place programs and ideas that have made Elk City not just a tourist attraction, but an awesome place to live and raise a family. I so hope that some day maybe you will come back through and give Karen and I a call so that we can really show you the town. By graduation, our new Pioneer Center will be ready for it's first graduation ceremony. It is a gym and fine arts center that is probably the most state of the art facility in Oklahoma. I would also love to show you the old bell at the Junior High. Don't know the history of it, but it has to be very old. There is so much to see and do in Elk City that you might want to spend a few days. By the way, please tell our Aunt Lovina and Uncle Bud "Hi" for us when you see them."
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Why Gasoline prices Rise In Summer

".....Fuel companies actually use a different blend in the winter than they do in the summer. In other words, the gas you pump into your car is different depending on the season that you are buying the gas. One cause of the increase in prices is because the different oil refineries actually have to shut down temporarily to switch the whole refinery over to the new blend. And whenever a refinery shuts down there is a dip in the available supply of gasoline to the market......" - Link submitted by Roy - Automotive - Why Gas Prices Go Up in the Summer
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Country Schools Reunion

"Linda I was notified today that the "Country School reunion was to be May 6th. at the Owl Bldg. in Hazelton, Kansas. This reunion is for any one that ever went to a country school anywhere. It is basket dinner usually about 1:00p.m. so those that go to church can come. So bring your food and join in the fun of hearing about the 'good old times'." -- Reta Jackson
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Made In Oklahoma Recipe Contest

"Oklahoma residents are encouraged to participate in the Made in Oklahoma recipe contest, sponsored in part by the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The section on "100 year-old recipes" is a great opportunity to share that long-time family favorite. The other sections could also bring some goodies to you." -- Elizabeth Dyer
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Knowles, Oklahoma

"I am trying to find the story of my family. My father had a box of things put away. Some of the things belonged to "Granny" who was born about 1850, and lived to be about 100 years old. The rest of the things belonged to her two sons. They included several photos of Indian school kids at one time. Now only a few photos remain. My father destroyed most of them, feeling they needed to be put to rest. The few remain to testify that they existed.

The family traveled a lot. Granny Laura F. Wolf may have had a dance hall/saloon or two over the years trailing all the way to California. Robert Wolf liked to gamble. Forest Wolf was a union man named "preacher", surveyor, photographer, and also a gambler.

I am trying to document some of my family history through newspaper articles. Do you know anybody who can help me? The information I would like to find would most likely be from Knowles, Oklahoma between 1910 to 1915. I persue my history more for stories and would like to know if the family can be located in public records - OR - newspapers of the time.

In 1911, Lorena Wolf married H.E. Loman, probably in Lubbock, TX. He may have been Lubbocks first telegraph operator with the Santa Fe; she a telephone operator.

By 1912 - first child is born... most likely in Knowles, OK. I also have an early photo of "pappy" at the depot in Knowles, unloading cargo. Wayne Cletis Loman (or Lowman) is born on or about 5/15/1912.

On or about 7/24/1914, second child is born (my grandmother)... Geraldine Audrey Loman.

In 1918 - H.E. Loman is a relief man for six months at Hartley (TX?) railroad station. At some point, they end up in Hartley, TX.

Lorena dies in 1927 or 1928 and is buried there in Hartley cemetery, though no documentation exists. It is believed they had left Hartley, headed for California for a miracle cure for diabetis... but she died enroute and Pappy brought her to rest back in Hartley.

In 1928 - H.E. Loman is railroad agent at Dalhart, TX.

In 1930s... moved to old Tascosa, TX the same year Boys Ranch organized, and Pappy remarried. Marriage license in at Lelia Lake, OK.

In 1942 - I have a delayed birth record filed for Geraldine A. Loman, stating Knowles, Oklahoma as birthplace, and date 1914. The witness is her grandfather or uncle... Robert Wolf, who may have lived nearby at that time. Possible cause for filing may have been to pass FBI security screening. About this time, she is also a "rosy riveter" in Palm Dale, CA ... or aircraft electrician able to quickly wire a plane for war; also a powder puff racer. In 1958 - Geraldine dies of cancer.

Here is some more info for possible research. I think this info is correct as follows:

NWOSU's New Parking Lot & Green Space

"Here's one of a half-dozen photos I took today of the paving work on the new parking lot at NWOSU in Alva, on the site of the former OKLAHOMA HALL. We're anxious for the lot to be completed and relieve some of the overcrowding in other parking areas on campus. This area is bounded on the west and north perimeters with 'old-fashioned' street lamps along the sidewalks. The 'green space' is being planted with new shrubbery, but it not yet completed. I've not heard an official 'opening date.'" -- Rod M. - Rod Murrow's Flickr site

[Editor's Note: Photo on the left, above was taken by Robert L. Wagner, April 21, 2007, Alva, OK. For a slideshow of NWOSU's Green Park, you can it over at our OkieLegacy Podcasts. Don't forget to click over to Rod Murrow's flickr site for more photos!] View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Oklahoma Gas & Weather

"Earlier this week, Perry's gas prices (regular unleaded) DROPPED to $2.69.9 just after we'd had 65/100" (0.65") rain. We don't need more moisture just yet and folks (including me) have been trying to get the grass and weeds mowed before they get "out-of-control". I'd expected the gasoline prices to go back up (and perhaps they will sometime today) but in the meantime we just take things as they come." -- Roy
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MORE 2/8/1924 News - The Alva Record

These little tidbits of information appeared in The Alva Record, February 8, 1924, on the front page. See if these news articles jog any memories.

Jett Mercantile of Alva, Oklahoma... Maybe some of you might remember Jetts Mercantile of Alva and the manager, Mack Hiatt. The February 8, 1924, The Alva Record, left readers with this frontpage item entitled "Hiatt To Market." It was just a short, sweet article stating, "Mack Hiatt, the courteous and efficient manager of the Jett Mercantile Co., leaves Thursday evening for Chicago, where he will purchase summer stocks of merchandise. Mr. Hiatt says that his company is greatly pleased with the outlook for Alva and is preparing to take care of the largest season's business in the history of the store."

Board of County Commissioners... We also learned that the Board of County Commissioners of Woods County were in session earlier on that Monday and Tuesday of February, 1924, transacting their usual routine of county business. It goes on to state, "The people of Woods county may congratulate themselves upon having the most efficient board of commissioners in this section of the State. The affairs of the county are not allowed to be neglected, and public work does not drag along in a half-hearted way as it does in many counties."

Mrs. Chas. Morton's Obit... On February 2, 1924, Mrs. Charles Morton dies and the news item read, "Mrs. Charles Morton died at her home in the south part of the city Saturday evening of last week after a lingering illness. Besides her husband, Mrs. Morton leaves several children and a countless number of friends in Alva who mourn her loss. Funeral services were held Monday at the Christian church, Rev. Asbell preaching the sermon, after which the remains were laid to rest in the A. O. U. W. cemetery. The bereaved husband and relatives have the sympathy of the entire community in their bereavement."

President Woodrow Wilson Dies... In February, 1924, Woodrow Wilson was being mourned by all. The "The Alva Record," dated February 8, 1924, carried the headlines, "Woodrow Wilson Mourned By All." It goes on to read: Wartime president Dies After Long Illness. Funeral Services In Washington, Wednesday (February 6, 1924). The frontpage article stated, "Woodrow Wilson, war time president of the United States and one of the foremost statesmen of the world, died at his home in the national capital, at 11:15 o'clock, Sunday morning, following a long illness which struck shortly before his retirement from office, and which left him practically an invalid until the time of his death. Although a sick man since he was stricken at Wichita, Kansas, four years ago, his illness did not reach the acute stages until a few days ago when a sudden turn for the worse was announced by his personal physician, Admiral Gary T. Grayson. At the dead leaders request, the funeral services were simple and without the ostentation which befitted his high rank."

P.E.O. Fashion Show... On February 8, 1924 there was a fashion show put on by the ladies of the P. E. O. at the LiberTy Theatre, Wednesday evening, February 6, 1924. It was reported as a success from every point of view with standing room at a premium and hundreds of people were turned away who could not even get inside. Were your ancestors there at the Liberty Theatre?

The article goes on to state, "It would be useless to try to describe all of the different costumes and make-ups, but suffice ti to say they were all there, Mrs. Katzenjammer, Hans and Fritz, Maggie Jiggs, the Old Maid, the Baby, the Bride, and all the rest. It was a laugh from beginning to end and many were the compliments received by the P. E. O. ladies for the manner in which the splendid entertainment was given. Earl Shelly had charge of the affair and deserves much praise for the successful presentation of the entertainment. A neat little sum was cleared from the proceeds."

Christian Church Improvements... Also, we found out by reading the frontpage of "The Alva Record" on February 8, 1924 that the Christian church was making improvements and putting a basement under the church to make more room for the sunday school. It goes on to say, "A contract was let the first of the week to J. E. Peoples for the construction of a basement under the Christian Church of this city. This improvement has been made necessary on account of the congested condition of the Sunday School. The basement will be modern throughout and will add a number of Sunday School rooms to the church. Mr. peoples began throwing dirt Wednesday, and will rush the construction as rapidly as possible."

AND... Last! But not least... In February, 1924, headlines read, "Storm Sweeps Over Oklahoma." -- This news article was also taken from the "The Alva Record," dated Friday, February 8, 1924, Alva, Oklahoma. Sounds like February, 1924 was another bad year for drifting snow storms across northern Oklahoma. The sub-headlines read, "Woods County Escapes Worst of Norther Which Blocked Traffic and Did Much Damage Further East." It goes on to say, "This section of the state was swept by a high wind accompanied by a little rain, sleet and snow, Sunday night and Monday. The temperature dropped to 23 degrees above within a short time and on Tuesday the mercury descended fourteen degrees more. From Cherokee on to the eastern part of the state, the storm was much worse. Heavy snows fell and roads were made impassible by the drifts. Many cities reported great damage done to light and telephone systems, and traffic of all kinds was blocked in many places. The Rock Island train from the east was annulled Monday, because of heavy snow drifts to the southeast. All Santa Fe trains ran on schedule time. Highways are also said to be blocked in many places beginning a few miles east of the Woods county line."
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1924 - District Court In Session

The following news article was found on the frontpage of the Friday, February 8, 1924, Volume 23, No. 6, The Alva Record. This article mentioned my great-uncle James A. McGill as one of the Woods County, northwest Oklahoma jurors during this 1924 District Court session. Is one of your relatives mentioned?

The headlines read, "District Court Now In Session" - One Case on Criminal Docket Is Tried, Civil Docket Will Be Cleaned by Middle of Coming Week.

The article stated, "The District Court of Woods County convened Monday morning with Judge Arthur G. Sutton on the bench. A jury was empanelled Tuesday and the case of the State versus Ed McHenry, charged with driving an automobile when under the influence of intoxicants, was brought to trial. The jury brought in a verdict of guilty and the penalty was fixed at a six months jail sentence and $300 fine."

According to the article five other liquor cases were dismissed because of a 1924 ruling of the Court of Appeals. We might have to check out that 1924 ruling by the Court of Appeals to see what it said about liquor cases, huh?

There was also a case against Harry Hodgson, former Woods county Sheriff, who was charged with embezzlement. His case was continued for the the term.

Then there were Raymond Kimmel, James McDonald and Frank Smith, who were charged with having robbed the Santa Fe station at Avard (Oklahoma), the Summer of 1923. They pleaded guilty to the charge and were to sentenced Thursday afternoon, February 7th or Friday, February 8th. It went on to state, "The law fixes the penalty for this crime at from two to seven years in the state prison."

The Court recessed Thursday morning, February 7th, 1924 until Friday morning, February 8th, 1924, when the civil docket was taken up.

This is a list of the jurors summoned for that term of the Woods County District Court. My Great-Uncle James A. McGill is the seventh listed below.

1903 Damage Trial At Alva, O. T.

This early 1900 damage trial was held in Alva, Oklahoma Territory (O.T.) around February 10, 1903. We found this 1903 news article in the "Daily Oklahoma" archives. Does the Flohr-Richards trial of 1903 ring a bell, jog any memories with anyone? Did one of the attorneys really pull a gun with a threatening attitude? This sounds like something that would happen in the Woods County Courts, in northwest Oklahoma!

The headlines, February 10, 1903 read as follows: "Damage Trial On - Case At Alva Attracting More Than Its full Quota of Attention - Hot Time In Court Room - One of the Attorneys Pulls A Gun and Assumes Threatening Attitude."

Here is the rest of the story as taken from the "Oklahoman"... "Special to The Oklahoman, Cleo, O.T., Feb. 10, 1903 -- One of the most disgusting trials ever held in Oklahoma is now in progress in the probate court at Alva. The case is the Richards-Flohr damage suit, and it has occupied (sic) the attention of the court for the last three weeks.

Flohr is a resident of Cleo, and has been for the past eight or nine years, and is noted in this community for his ardent love for a lawsuit. He has a quarter section of land just north of the townsite and is worth some money.

Richards is a physician now living at Rusk, but when he came to this country some three years ago he located at Cleo, where he practiced medicine for about a year. During his stay at this place it seems that he struck up an intimate acquaintance with Flohr, and that finally Flohr went on his note for several hundred dollars, and Richards raised enough money to start a small drug store at Rusk, a town ten miles south of this place.

All went well for several months, until last spring, when Richards and his wife secured for adoption that little child at Wichita, which when they got it, was in a healthy condition, but in two weeks they took it back to the home of which Mrs. Glen Ellen Shields is matron, and it died the next day after it was returned. Suspicion was aroused and after a long trial in which Flohr figured prominently, at Wichita, Richards and his wife were convicted of cruelty to the child and a heavy fine was imposed on them.

While Richards was away it seems that either known or unknown to him several hundred dollars worth of goods from the drug store at Rusk were brought to Flohr's farm at Cleo and concealed about the place. But during Flohr's absence, Deputy Huntington and Richards, with a search warrant, searched the place thoroughly, and dug up several hundred dollars worth of goods. The strange thing was that Richards had no trouble in locating things in places that would never be thought of, even drawing up a bunch of surgical instruments from a well that was suspended there with a strong cord.

When the Wichita trouble was over Flohr came home and filed suit against Richards in this county for trying to beat him out of his money, or some other charge, of which the present trial is the result. Nearly a hundred witnesses have been examined, many of whom were devoid of any knowledge of the case whatever. Most of these came from Cleo, Rusk and Fairview and had to make the 40 to 54 mile trip to Alva at their own expense and stay in the meantime, perhaps two or three days."
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Feb., 1924 - Alva Chamber of Commerce Officers

The first week of February, 1924, the Alva (Oklahoma) Chamber of Commerce held their weekly Monday luncheon and re-elected George Bell as Chamber president with G. E. Garrison chosen as vice president at their regular annual meeting.

Also selected were sixteen directors. A nominating committee headed by C. S. McGinniss, recommended the following men as directors of the organization for the coming year (1924): W. W. Starr, S. F.Shea, J. P. Battenberg, I. R. Boyce, J. W. Monfort, F. G. Munson, C. D. Willard, J. B. Schaefer, Chester P. Davis, Harry Tanner, Mack Hiatt, Amon Davis, Dr. W. S. Cherry, Chas. O. Wood, Dr. G. N. Bilby and W. W. Brand. J. W. Monfort withdrew his name and that of L. Schuhmacher was substituted, and the entire sixteen members were then elected by "vivo vocs" vote. The sixteen members were instructed to choose a seventeenth from the ministerial alliance of the city.

Secretary Lamont submitted a report of the chambers financial affairs of the past year, showing almost almost $500 in old debts were paid during the year and the organization was still about $1000 in debt.

Besides financial reports one the chamber speakers, Dr. A. W. Clark, spoke briefly concerning the advisability of offering a bonus to the company who would drill the first producing oil well in Woods County. We wonder today who won that bonus.

C. D. Willard also talked about the oil and cotton for Woods county, while A. G. Noel, of Frederick, Oklahoma gave what was called a "pleasant little talk" -- mentioning what cotton had done for Tillman county during the past two years (1922 and 1923).
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