Pugs Reporting From A Swing

Since NW Okie has gotten back and into the swing of things, these relaxing Pugs (Duchess & Sadie) have taken a vacation of their own as they report this weekend from a cool, relaxing swing.

Earlier this week NW Okie was asked if she was related to the McGill's who used to own a place North of Waynoka on hwy 14 and if she was one of the girls that was watermelon hunting on George Whipple's watermelon patch.

If you are speaking of the McGill place about 10 miles North of Waynoka right next to Eagle Chief Creek... Yes! BUT... if NW Okie was one of the girls watermelon hunting, that was a few years before her time. That must have been one of the older McGill Sisters.

That land North of Waynoka came down to the McGill's from their great-grandfather, John Robert Warwick, to NW Okie's Grandmother, Constance Estelle (Warwick) McGill, -- to Gene McGill, grandson of John Warwick. NW Okie is the third daughter out of four of Gene M. & Vada E. (Paris) McGill.

As a young girl, NW Okie remembers lots of fun riding her stick horses, making mud-chocolate coated cow terds, fishing with her dad and picnics with the Kelsey's of Waynoka, Oklahoma before Roscoe & Celinda Kelsey and their daughter, Diane, were transferred to Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Being six and five years younger than her older sisters, NW Okie has no recollection of the antics that the two older sisters experienced living on the old farm place. BUT... she is always interested in hearing those stories from others out there. Especially, the George Whipple watermelon story where all hell broke loose when he shot off his shotgun.
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

August, Cowboys & Rodeos In Oklahoma

What does August bring to NW Oklahoma? With the end of July just around the corner, we find ourselves preparing for the celebration of rodeos & old cowhand reunions in northwest Oklahoma around Mid-August.

To this NW Okie, that means rodeo season is upon us. We just sent in our full page ad for Freedom's Rodeo program & a donation for the 70th Old Cowhand Reunion & Open Rodeo held annual for 70 years, in the unique Old West town of Freedom, in northwest Oklahoma. Freedom's rodeo & old cowhand reunion usually follows a week behind Waynoka's Stampede Rodeo.

The Freedom Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Freedom Rodeo and Old Cowhand Reunion. It has been recognized as one of Oklahoma's 'Outstanding Events of the Year' by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and Oklahoma Travel Industry Association.

We understand that this years "Honored Old Cowhand" is DeWayne Hodgson. His wife, Lillian, will be honored 1947 Honored Rodeo Queen. Hodgson is a life-long resident of Freedom and only son of the late Alfred and Mildred Hodgson. DeWayne grew up in the Lookout community and married to Lillian Seivert. Their family consist of four children: rocky, terry, Stara and DeWana and lots of grandchildren. congratulations to DeWayne and Lillian Hodgson & family for this prestigious honor.

Entry books for the 70th Annual Freedom Rodeo and Old Cowhand Reunion will be open Monday, August 6th from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Telephone numbers for entries are (580) 621-3583 or 621-3584. The rodeo will be held August 16, 17 and 18 at 8:00 p.m. each evening.

Queen candidtates for the 70th annual Freedom Rodeo are Terra Ishcomer, Greensburg, Kansas; Stephanie Kinkel, Freedom; Jeryka Pipins, Woodward and Tiffany Boen, Norwich, Kansas.

Little princess candidates this year are Aren Watson, Woodward; Mariah Bateman, Woodward; Kori Leech, Kiowa, Kansas; Kendra Price, Fargo; Callie Kay, Coldwater, Kansas; and Mckenna Nixon, Freedom, Oklahoma.
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

An OkieLegacy Centennial Moment

We found this bit of Oklahoma History and Information online at Oklahoma State History & Information.

Oklahoma's recorded history began in 1541 when Spanish explorer Coronado ventured through the area on his quest for the "Lost City of Gold." The land that would eventually be known as Oklahoma was part of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase.

Beginning in the 1820s, the Five Civilized Tribes from the southeastern United States were relocated to Indian Territory over numerous routes, the most famous being the Cherokee "Trail of Tears." Forced off their ancestral lands by state and federal governments, the tribes suffered great hardships during the rigorous trips west. The survivors eventually recovered from the dislocation through hard work and communal support. Gradually, new institutions and cultural adaptations emerged and began a period of rapid development often called the "Golden Age" of Indian Territory.

Following the destruction of the Civil War, Oklahoma became a part of the booming cattle industry, ushering in the era of the cowboy. Western expansion reached the territory in the late 1800s, sparking a controversy over the fate of the land. Treaties enacted after the Civil War by the U.S. government forced the tribes to give up their communal lands and accept individual property allotments to make way for expansion. There was talk of using Indian Territory for settlement by African Americans emancipated from slavery. However, the government relented to pressure, much of it coming from a group known as "Boomers," who wanted the rich lands opened to non-Indian settlement. The government decided to open the western parts of the territory to settlers by holding a total of six land runs between 1889 and 1895. Settlers came from across the nation and even other countries like Poland, Germany, Ireland and Slavic nations to stake their claims. And African Americans, some who were former slaves of Indians, took part in the runs or accepted their allotments as tribal members. In the years that followed, black pioneers founded and settled entire communities in or near Arcadia, Boley, Langston, and Taft....."

RODEOS... The rodeo was born on the range where cowboys pitted their herding skills against each other and ranches competed for bragging rights. The wild west shows picked up these competitions and included them as entertainment. Although the shows later dissolved, the competitions evolved into rodeos, the only national spectator sport originating entirely in the United States.

A typical rodeo includes a variety of events to test a cowboy's skill. From calf roping and steer wrestling to saddle-bronc and bull riding, the degree of danger varies but the competition is always exciting.

More than a hundred rodeos take place throughout the year in Oklahoma, ranging from junior rodeos to high school, intercollegiate and professional events. Oklahoma's rodeos also feature women's competitions where cowgirls compete in rodeo events, barrel racing contests and rodeo queen competitions. Indian rodeos are another major Oklahoma attraction." -- Oklahoma State History & Information
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Our Great-Grandpa, John R. Warwick

I just love this old photo (dated January 1903) of Great-Grandpa John Warwick on the left. Great-Grandpa John Warwick is seated on the right with his brother, Pete, on the left. We are not quite sure who the gentleman standing in the background. It may have been another brother ... or friend.

Lots of things have happened since those 100+ years that our Warwick & McGill pioneers settled here in the northwest corner of the Cherokee Strip, near Alva, Freedom and Waynoka. It all began with our Great-Grandpa, John Robert Warwick, a pioneer citizen of Woods County (M), Oklahoma Territory.

John R. Warwick was born April 9, 1857 at Frost, Pocahontas County, West Virginia. John married Signora Belle Gwin at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, in January 16, 1882. Three children (Constance Estelle, Robert Lee & Wilbur) were born to this union.

As his obituary states, 'John Warwick, as known to the entire county, came from a long line of fighting stock, and was never known to be afraid. Panics, hard times, sickness, death itself could come, but he remained calm. He lived on the theory that the sun set - but that it later arose!

John Warwick's sense of humor never failed, nor his hospitality, as no one, either Friend or outcast, ever went away hungry. Much of his determined character may have come down to him through a family trait, as revealed in an old history of West Virginia. It tells of his ancestor, Major Peter Hull who, coming from England in 1772, settled in this same valley where John Warwick later was born. Of this Major Hull, the historian wrote, 'He was of great influence, but very domineering.'

This spirit which had run through the family for generations led him to independence of action later when he came to Kansas -- taught school at Coldwater, waiting for the opening of Oklahoma...s Cherokee Strip for settlement. John made the Run, September 16, 1893.

As he was accustomed to the water & wood in abundance on the wooded hills & plains of West Virginia, he looked first for wood & water when looking for a homestead. He staked a claim 7 miles south of Alva, on Eagle Chief, but learning by experience that more abundance lay in the level wheat lands - he sold his wood & water farm -- bought level wheat land 5 miles south of Alva. This is where John and his wife (known to many in the Freedom area as 'Sigga') lived until 1929 when they moved to Alva. John's wife preceded him in death three years, almost to the exact time of his death, dying in November, 1934.

John Warwick's land passed down to his daughter, Constance Estelle (Warwick) McGill - to his great-granddaughters - eventually, forming the McGill Sisters family farm Corporation which has continued in operation in the Fairvalley & Freedom area since 1982, in Northwest Oklahoma.
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

3 Estate Auctions - Woods County, Alva, OK

Would these upcoming auctions be of interest to you? There is going to be a "three estate auction", 2 day sale, Saturday august 4th, starting 10:00 a.m., & Sunday, August 5th, 2007, Starting 1;00 P.M. They will be selling glassware and house hold on Saturday -- Furniture on Sunday, at the Woods County Fairgrounds, Alva, OK. The three estates include: Irene Tanner Ewing Living Estate; Mary Bales Living Estate; and Claudia & alton Trotter Estate. Murrow Real Estate & Auction is conducting the Estate auctions.
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Woods County Auction Bill

"When I first looked at the sale bill I realized that there were several interesting things for sale. Then I scanned the bill in and sent the copy to you. Later, I looked at the thing I'd scanned in -- then I looked again!!! What I'd sent to you was a much larger copy than the original and that upper left print that I'd thought was a 'crouching female" was instead a child (perhaps boy, perhaps girl) wearing a cap and with an arm around a bunny. Then I was reminded that I HAVE THAT PRINT! Mine is in a different frame. My frame looks much older and the glass is cracked. Because of the cracked glass I'd priced it at $49, and then eventually I stopped displaying it for sale and brought it home and stuck it in a closet. Now I need to remove it from the frame and replace the glass. I'll let you see what it looks like when I get it out from behind the cracked glass.

My print (out of the frame) is 16" tall by 12" wide and has a copyright mark in the lower right corner plus the numbers 4972. It appears to be much darker than the one in Alva. I could not find a signature but am pretty sure that I've also seen it in a book somewhere so it must be famous (possibly by a famous artist?)." -- Roy K. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Woodward County Penny Postcards

Penny Postcards... "I tried to see Penny Postcards from Woodward CountyY and it would not come up. I have 3 Penny Postcards from Woodward County. One is of the Fire Department in 1915." -- Johnnie Olson
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Penny Postcards Link

"This sight was grea! I couldn't get away from it as I was awed by the old time pictures and great memories of buildings I used to see when I was younger. Thanks for the memories." -- Jenni Latza
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Obit - A. B. Husky 21 July 2007

"A.B. Husky, D.O. passed away at his home on Saturday, July 21st, 2007. He was born on his family's farm west of Washington, OK on February 17, 1924. Doc Husky is survived by his wife, Betty, of the home; his son, Dr. Brady Husky and his wife Karen of Cincinnati, Ohio; and three grandchildren, Samuel Husky of Norman and Stephanie and Chris Husky of Cincinnati. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Andrew Brady and Hattie L Husky; three brothers, Leonard, Ira, and S.T. Husky; and his son, Alan B. Husky, D.O.

After graduating from Washington High School in 1941, he attended Northwestern State College at Alva, OK for one year and then spent three years at Central State College at Edmond, OK. Dr. Husky served in the United States Army from August 4, 1943 to April 7, 1946 as a Medical Supply Officer and Post Medical Inspector at the prisoner of war camp at Alva, OK.

When he left the service, he immediately enrolled at Central State College and at the end of his senior year, married Betty L. Downey on August 23, 1947. He then enrolled in the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Surgery where he graduated on September 1, 1950. He practiced three months with Dr. Cockerell in Wilson, OK and moved to Ringling, OK January 1, 1951. He moved to Norman, OK and opened Husky Clinic in October 1962 and continued to spend one day a week in Ringling, OK to see patients until 1992.

He had practiced for a total of fifty-six years and three months. During this time, he also took over the family farm and raised cattle as a hobby. Everyone in town knew Doc Husky, and everyone agreed he was one of a kind. He loved being a doctor, and he truly cared for his patients. All he ever wanted to do was help people  and that's what he did. Even though failing health caused him to retire on January 1, 2007, his heart was still at his clinic. Funeral services are under the direction of Havenbrook Funeral Home, Norman, Oklahoma. Send condolences online at Husky, A. b. Obituary,Published in The Oklahoman on 7/23/2007." -- N. Talkington
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Monday Rain In Oklahoma

"It's Monday AND it's raining AGAIN! So far this morning my rain gauge shows 6/10 (0.6) of an inch of rain and perhaps some more on the way. It's traveling mostly north to south (and slightly to the west) right down I-35 and has just gotten as far south as Oklahoma City.

July 27... I noted yesterday that gasoline prices in Perry, OK. were at $2.81.9 for unleaded regular and was told that recently our prices are about 10 cents per gallon less than Stillwater (25 miles away)." -- Roy View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

More 2007 Summer Vacation Scenery Shots

We have put up some of our better digital photos of our "Summer Vacation Out West" at our nwokielegacy webshots - Summer Vacation Out West. We have added some more photos to our NW Okie - flickr site, also.
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

McGill's North of Waynoka "Are you related to the McGill's North of Waynoka on 1 highway? So were you one of the Girls with Adrain Devilbis watermelon hunting on Glen Whipple's farm -- wearing short-short and get stickers all over you all? Glen was my Uncle's Brother. I never laughed so hard when he was telling the story per him -- he could hear you all coming so he waited a while and shot off a shot gun -- all hell broke loose? I married Joyce Rauch. They lived just west of Ted Eggelston on the next farm. My Uncle was Earl Whipple. We had alot of fun in old days. Did you know the Carberry's?" -- Charles King
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Obituary - Maxine Veley, 91, Alva, OK

Helen Maxine, daughter of Mary Katherine (Murrow) and Arthur Henry Paris was born on July 1, 1916 on a farm south of Dacoma, Oklahoma. She passed away at the Alva Share Medical Center on July 23, 2007. Mrs. Veley was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Patricia Veley, her parents, a sister, Minerva Simmons and four brothers: Verlin, Merlin, Henry and Darl. [SEE Our PARIS Genealogy - Arthur Henry Paris]

Maxine is survived by her two daughters; Carroll Richardson of Oklahoma City; Myrna and her husband Marion Millege of Alva; a son Larry and his wife Shirley of Chickasha, OK. Nine grandchildren: Allen Richardson, Keith Richardson and his wife Lena, Cheryl and her husband Dan George, Michille and her husband Neal Hudson, Mike Millege, Traca and her husband Craig Haslam and Melissa and her husband Scott Corman, Chris Cusato and his wife Jamie and Mike Cusato. Seventeen great-grandchildren, Daris George, Charles Richardson, Derek Richardson, Brandy and her husband Robert Lee and Charla George, Megan Richardson, Ally Richardson, Luke, Clara, and Eve Haslam, Ben and Alex Corman, Allyson and Nicholas Cusato, Maxwell Hudson and Kelsey and Katey Millege. Two great-great-grandchildren; Logan and Reilly Lee; two sisters: Velma Whittet of Alva and Bertha Garberich of Enid, a brother, DeVerl Paris and his wife Luana of Enid, a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Alva Wesleyan Church with Reverend John Smith officiating. Burial followed in the Alva Municipal Cemetery.
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Statehood Mural - Alva, OK

A few weeks ago David caught the latest Alva mural that graces the Runnymede Courtyard located on the northeast corner of the downtown square.

This depicts Oklahoma's statehood celebration, September 16, 1907. If you look close to the faces, perhaps you can recognize some local Alvans.
View/Write Comments (count 1)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

NWOSU's Greenspace

The same time David was getting a digital of Alva's latest mural, he took some snapshots of the "greenspace" at NWOSU (Northwestern Oklahoma State University) where "Oklahoma Hall" used to stand on the northwest corner of the campus, Oklahoma Blvd. & Eighth Street. We have stitched some of those shots together for a panorama view.
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1919-1923 - Oklahoma-Texas Boundary Dispute

After Oklahoma became the 46th State, there was this underlying boundary dispute between Oklahoma and Texas that erupted from 1919-1923.

The south bank of the Red River became the border of the United States in a treaty with Spain signed in 1819. This treaty did not give a precise definition of this boundary. This caused many problems after Texas became a state. The greatest troubles happened after oil was discovered in the riverbed in the Big Bend area in 1918. Indian tribes, prospectors and settlers on both sides of the river were often involved in violent incidents and legal actions. The governors of Oklahoma and Texas tried to resolve the dispute, but were unsuccessful. Oklahoma and Texas filed lawsuits. The boundary dispute was submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court in October 1920. Much evidence was presented based on the history, physical geography, geology, plant ecology and hydrology of the Red River. You can research this case at the State Archives in the following collections. Attorney General Civil Case files, U.S. and Oklahoma Map Exhibits and Governors papers.

NOW days... The rivalry between the two states is when the governors of Texas and Oklahoma bet on the college football rivalry with OU Sooners and Hook'em Horns of Texas.
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Land Run, 1889 & 1893

This was one of the most popular subjects in Oklahoma history is the Land Runs. When a homesteader made his claim he reported to one of the twelve U. S. district land offices established in Oklahoma Territory. The collection of '1889 Homestead Registers' contains specific information such as residences, names, dates, tracts of land, the number of acres, etc. These records are useful for tracing a family's arrival in the Territory. Also, the State Archives have photographs from the 1893 land run in the Cherokee Strip.
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Oklahoma Statehood - 1907

Many events led to Oklahoma statehood. The passage of the Organic Act on May 22, 1890 led the way for the formation of Oklahoma Territory. When the Dawes Commission completed its work, the Indian Territory was ready for statehood. At various times each Territory wanted to become a state, but the U. S. Congress did not approve this. For example, Indian leaders wanted their own Indian state to be named "Sequoyah." The Enabling Act of 1906 united both territories and paved the way for statehood. A constitutional convention was held to draft a state constitution. An election to ratify the constitution and select state and county officers was held on September 17, 1907. President Theodore Roosevelt accepted the constitution and Oklahoma became the 6th state on November 16, 1907. The State Archives has records on the constitutional Convention, Territorial Governors and the Office of governor.
View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe