Duchess Corner

The Ides of March are upon us this weekend! AND ... St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner. Are you Irish -- Do you wear "Orange" or "Green?" ... Spring begins next week!

The day before the Ides, the horses were feeling spirited with the warm 50's, sunshine and heavy duty melting we've been having around here in the valley of Southwest Colorado.

They (the horses, lead by Nugget, the palomino gelding) made a break for it around 4:00 p.m., Friday afternoon. You might have seen them on our SW Colorado Weather cam.

Yep! The horses decided to take a little walk outside their pasture when they bumped down the top row of fencing and jumped the lower fence row just west of the water tank this last Friday afternoon around 4:03p.m.

There was no trouble getting them in, 'cause all they wanted was someone to feed them. They are kind of like Duchess the Pug ... When she wants to be fed, she comes and gets in your face, nose to nose.

The horses, of course, don't do the nose to nose, but they come looking for their feeder at feeding time.
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March Winds & Spring

The March winds have been busily blowing & chiming -- making beautiful melodies on my large pipe wind chime I have hanging from a thick rope tied to the limb of a huge, old cottonwood tree, that sets south of our adobe.

This wind chime looks as if it was made from pipes that you might see attached to an organ. Sounds just like organ pipes. Anyway... it makes a pleasing, unobstrusive melody here in the rural valley of Southwest Colorado.

We have been experiencing heavy duty melting of winter snow in SW Colorado. We hear that Oklahoma & Texas have been feeling some warmer, spring-like temperatures, also. One of our readers says that Big D (Dallas, TX) reached 90 degrees this week.

So... it has been HOT South of the Oklahoma Border, huh? To HOT! To Early! At least many Southern Oklahomans had cause to hook up their box fans to cool things down this last Thursday.

This weather has me getting my hummingbird feeders out and giving them a thorough cleaning. I read that that you should put them out five to ten days before the average date in your area for the Spring hummingbirds migration. AND... Spring is just around the corner, also!
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A Philosophy of Life

The following is a great philosophy of life to consider if you are in the search of one! It gives you something to think about and contemplate!

The quote goes like this: "To not be limited by fear or narrow definitions, to not build walls around ourselves and to do our best to find kinship and beauty in unexpected places." -- Author unknown

It seems to be good advice to remember as we venture deeper into this "Political Presidential Year" of 2008 where "silly" and "dirty" politics abounds.

AND... I Do NOT want you to feel that I am imposing my beliefs and philosophy on you. That is not my intent! It is merely to give others something to think about. I believe we can respect each other's beliefs without spreading, forwarding untruth rumors and playing "dirty" & "silly" politics!

I do understand this quote above was the philosophy of a white woman from Kansas, Stanley Ann Dunham Soetoro, the parent and mother who shaped her childrens lives, especially her son's life.

Ms. Soetoro was a lady and mother, who had high expectations for her children, just like many of us do! Ms. Soetoro, who died of ovarian cancer in 1995, was the parent who raised Mr. Barack Obama, the Illinois Senator running for the Democratic presidential nomination." You can read her story in the New York Times, written by JANNY SCOTT, Published: March 14, 2008 - NY Times - A Free-Spirited Wanderer Who Set Obama's Path.
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Ides of March

Wikipedia states... "In the Roman calendar, the term ides was used for the 15th day of the months of March, May, July, and October, and the 13th day of the other 8 months....."

Ides may refer to, Ides, a day in the Roman calendar, that marked the approximate middle of the month.

In modern times, the term Ides of March (Latin Idus Martiae) is best known as the date that Julius Caesar was assassinated, in 44 BC. Because of that story of which was retold in William Shakespeare's play, Julius Caesar, the term has come to be used as a metaphor for impending doom.
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St. Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day is a holiday honoring Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is celebrated on March 17, his feast day. In Newfoundland and Labrador, St. Patrick's Day is a provincial holiday observed on the Monday closest to March 17. Saint Patrick's Day (Irish: L' 'le P'draig or L' Fh'ile P'draig), colloquially St. Paddy's Day or Paddy's Day, is an annual feast day which celebrates Saint Patrick (circa 385-461 AD).

Wikipedia states, "The day is the national holiday of Ireland. It is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland, and a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Montserrat, and the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. In the rest of Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States and New Zealand, it is widely celebrated but is not an official holiday.

"It became a feast day in the Roman Catholic Church due to the influence of the Waterford-born Franciscan scholar Luke Wadding in the early part of the 17th century, and is a holy day of obligation for Roman Catholics in Ireland. The date of the feast is occasionally moved by church authorities when March 17 falls during Holy Week; this happened in 1940 when Saint Patrick's Day was observed on 3 April in order to avoid it coinciding with Palm Sunday, and is happening again in 2008, being observed on 15 March (though the State holiday in Ireland is not affected). March 17 will not fall during Holy Week again until 2160."
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Debbie's Tips - Attracting Hummingbirds

Nectar Recipe... "I have found that this is the best recipe for making your own nectar--I feel the birds prefer it over the various instant mixes.

• 1 Part Sugar
• 4 Parts Water
• Boil 1-2 Minutes
• Cool & Store In Refrigerator

Eye On Durango, CO

If you want to keep an "Eye On Durango, Colorado", checkout Brainstorms webcam: Eye On Durango, CO.
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Growing Up In Arkansas

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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Oregon Weather & Gas Prices

"On our way to HILLSBOR, OR today (March 9, 2008) we saw a gas price for regular at $3.41.9 gal. We went to cosco and it was $3.21.9 a gal. When is it going to stop going up and up? Here in McMINNVILLE, OR. it is $3.25.9 a GAL." -- MarleneE Jackman
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Colorado Weather & Gas Prices

"The Peerless station on north Main in Durango had standard unleaded for $3.12.9 this past Tuesday (March 11, 2008). Its rival across the street wasn't even trying to get right at 3.22.9.

Marilyn says that Don has measured 185" of snow so far this season. The snow finally slid off the north roof of the garage this afternoon. We have several small ponds dotted around the plowed parts of the drive as the heavy duty melting continues despite a sudden gust of blowing snow that came in at 1:45 this afternoon (March 14, 2008) but was gone almost as soon as it arrived." -- SBW
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Oklahoma Weather & Gas Prices

"That snowfall (last week in Oklahoma) only lasted about an hour and then the clouds disappeared and it began to warm up; so the 'weather folks' were right after all! Here in Perry last evening (Friday) there was a heavy overcast followed by cloud-to-cloud lightning and loud thunder, but the only rain we received was just a few large (scattered) drops. Also the price of gasoline dropped back down to $3.15.9 per gallon yesterday. Yes! We've been having warm spring-like weather. Here in Perry last evening (Friday) there was a heavy overcast followed by cloud-to-cloud lightning and loud thunder, but the only rain we received was just a few large (scattered) drops. Also the price of gasoline dropped back down to $3.15.9 per gallon yesterday. Our brands are Conoco/Phillips mostly." -- Roy K.
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Dacoma Started Out as Dakoma - 1977 ARC News Article

I'm sorting through a few things of my mother's and have found an unidentified newspaper clipping. I know it's from the Alva Review-Courier, due to the classified ads and newspaper phone numbers on the back side, but there is no date. A reference in the article indicates it was published in 1977, which is about the time that the Cherokee Strip Volunteer League was publishing their centennial volume. (I've left the punctuation and spelling as published, though the urge to make corrections was quite strong).

The classified ads include references to these businesses that many folks will remember (it's ONLY been 30 years!): Bud's Plumbing, Bud Case; Sperry Real Estate, 612 Barnes; Carl Welch Real Estate & Auctioneer, 516 Olive St; McDermott Real Estate & Auction; Alva Savings & Loan Assoc., 219 Oklahoma Blvd.; Campbell Agency, Realtor-Auctioneer, Triangle Building; Harvey Schuessler, Real Estate Agency, 1002 Oklahoma Blvd. Do you know the exact date of the following news article?" -- Rod Murrow

DACOMA STARTED OUT AS DAKOMA

"To help preserve the heritage of Woods County members of the Cherokee Strip Volunteer league are writing the history of different areas of Woods County. Material on Dacoma and Hopeton was written by Lois Sense and Loleta Leslie; award [Avard] by Glenn Duck; Capron, Phil Rust and Donna Schwerdtfeger; Freedom, Leland Coles; Alva, Joan Hodgden and Hazel Dickson.

Dacoma, Oklahoma
"Dakoma, coined from (Dakota and Oklahoma) was born Oct. 3, 1904, along Lake Creek east of Eagle Chief Creek, on fertile lands of the Cherokee Strip. Zula, 3 - miles north was her first post office with Lon Vance attendant from 1894. Prior to this time, spasmodic mail was picked up by Jake Aubley across from the Chris Stoner's.

"March 1, 1903, the Arkansas Valley and Western Railroad with 182 miles of track joining Tulsa-Enid-Dacoma, terminating at Avard in junction with Santa Fe, was completed. This sold to Frisco shortly. J.J. Hood was depot agent from 1910. First section foreman was John Smith, then Dick Heady. The first pumping station, run by Jeb (Dad) Rogers, was called 'Homer.' This was the first name chosen for the town but another Homer was recorded. Dakoma was selected and still carries the distinction of being the only town of this name in the Postal Directory. The name later changed to Dacoma due to a clerical error.

"Excited promoters quickly formed 'Dakoma Town Co.' with offices in Fayetteville, Ark. Their representative A.F. Wolfe, planned and purchased land for the new town site. The half section it sits on (E - S11 T24 R13) was the original claims of Frank Kimberling and Nathan Dedman, both negroes. In Aug., 1904, lots were outlined by a turned furrow and a small locust tree planted on each block corner. Lots sold for $30 and a free barbecue highlighted the event. The last known original corner locust tree was destroyed this year of 1977.

"The pioneers put first things first and in 1894 a sod combination of church and school, Prairie Lake, was built one mile west on J.W. Wise claim. Framed in 1896, moved to Dacoma in 1904, it became the First United Brethren Church. A little Baptist church was one block north of Main Street. The Church of God began in Red Bird's log school house south of Dacoma, then met in Elmott before renting property in Dacoma in 1918, to build in 1920 on their present site. The first school was held in a building moved from Augusta in 1905 until the first frame school was completed in 1906.

"Dacoma began to grow and these are some early day businesses and merchants: The Post Office was in J.E. Hardy's Gen. Store with "Lon Vance continued postmaster and John Sweeney, rural mail carrier.

Ed Applegate had the first telephone exchange in his home. In the early 1900s Orville Glasgow established the Dacoma Telephone Co. with rural service 12 to 14 on a line. General rings were used for announcements, advertizing emergencies, and also for entertainment. He shared his Edison 'Morning Glory' phonograph music for listeners as also would Edd Kehoe, a local farmer who would play his violin and sing.

"The Dakoma Bank [State Bank of Dakoma] was with George Weaber [pronounced 'Webber'], cashier, and E.P. Reed, notary. A.W. Lewis had the first lumberyard and the first elevator, 'Dacoma Grain Co.' Soon there were other elevators, Emid [Enid?] Mill & El., Randel and Grubb, and Choctaw Grain, run by managers, Walter Hunsaker, E.L. June, Ernest Walderich and Bob Townsend. Men instrumental in establishing the 'Farmers Milling Co.' which produced flour, 'The Pride of Dacoma,' were O.L. Glasgow, C.F. Stoner, Alex Davis, F.N. Smith, A.H. Frye and J.R. Tallman. This was later to become the Farmers El. & Mill Co. with Roy Jansen the first manager, followed by Gus Heady.

"The Livery Stable was run by Harry Whittet who also raised horses and promoted sports. In baseball many recalled the time he pitched a 14 inning game for a Dacoma win as the sun was setting. He was a veterinarian as his father Lou Whittet before him.

"General Merchandise stores were: James Bothwell, Milt Purdy, Hiatt & Hiatt, 'New Corner Store' ' W.R. Lewis; George Whittets, Pearl Sweeney's McMulleys, Cowgills, Fennessey's C.V. Polson, List Polson, Sam Henderson, later co-owners 'Henderson-Polson Hardware'; Cafe and carpenter, Ed Owens [NOTE: I suspect that some punctuation has been left out of this list].

"A shoe shop was operated by Walter cash; Druggist & Jeweler, Tom Crowe; Dray-Transfer, John Zimmerman and Johnny Drake; Harness & Shoe Repair, George Rhines; Barber Shop, J.W. (Bill) Whittet; Pool Hall, Joe Holder, H.E. McKay, Irvin Porter and Earl Applegate; Blacksmiths, Charlie Laughman, Thornt Irons, and Lon Vance; Mechanic & Repair Shop, Joe Wilms, Cunninghams. The Carpenter Hotel burned in 1911 to be rebuilt as the brick 'New Cottage' and later to become Earl Applegate's 'Aps Cafe,' Drug Store, A.C. Schutz; Real Estate and Insurance, W.C. (Bill) Hendricks; Meat Market, Joe Wenzel, Ernest Walderich, Bill Whittet. A.W. Bell had the first bulk oil station followed by Clifford VanSaun, Vores and Willey McGinley.

"Enthusiastic men of Dacoma promoted the Woods Co. Free Fairs from 1912 to 1921. The Cheyenne-Arapaho Indians came yearly from Seiling, Vici, and Lawton. Merchants provided their meat and they, in turn, provided entertainment, dances and parades. Many came to see their teepee villages on Lake Creek or the Race Track.

"The Dacoma Race Track was on [the] east side of town. Matched horse races on the road was found by Jim Sweeney's smoothest and best. A circus came once a year with a camel, an elephant and clown and a famous man and dog high dive act. Chautauquas brought the best of varied programs monthly to [the] opera house or over the hardware store.

Dacoma had a motorcycle club and always a Booster Band playing in center street bandstand or traveling by wagon or touring cars to entertain, advertize or electioneer.

'Three Corners' on Lake Creek was the kids' forbidden swimming hole but also used for area baptizing. IOOF lodge meetings were held over the bank. Three Doctors have been in Dacoma, Dr. S.H. Welch, Dr. Rogers, and Dr. Stephenson, Sr. There has been one theatre 'Open Airdome,' by Ernest Walderich, and one mortician, Thornton Rice.

"The Dacoma Enterprise was the first newspaper edited and owned by D.R. Carpenter. Subscriptions were $1 a year. Ralph Hubbard started the 'Dacoma Herald' in 1923, still hand set and foot operated as there was no electricity yet. Electricity came in 1926 but gas lamps had lighted streets before this. Boardwalks were replaced in 1911-1912 with cement sidewalks contracted by D.R. Carpenter with sand hauled by Ernest and Henry Walderich from Vores at $.40 cents a wagon load. Kids could now skate clear around Silk Stocking Avenue to Main & Broadway.

"The population of Dacoma never exceeded 375. Main highways and black top came too late. Few former buildings remain. The original Ladies Aid Bldg. stand[s] on the east side where weekly quiltings were held and many five gallon freezers of ice cream were made for socials or sale. The Bothwell store still stands with its cement blocks made by Geo. Whittet assisted by Ed Allum. [UPDATE: The Ladies Aid Bldg. was razed a number of years ago].

"Many evidences of former days have vanished but may the integrity, courage, cooperation and devotion to god and fellow man that inspired and established Dacoma remain.

"We wish to thank the many who helped us assemble our information. A special thanks to Glenn Stoner, Harry Whittet, Blanche Joachim, Leona Leeper and Earl Applegate."
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Dacoma, OK School Reunion - March 22, 2008

"The Dacoma School Reunion will be held this year March 22, 2008, at the Dacoma School Gymnasium (Dacoma, Oklahoma). Registration and visitation begins at 4:00 p.m., with a catered dinner beginning at 6:30. Cost is $12 per person.

Honored classes will include 1927-1928 (80 years); 1937-1937 (70 years); 1947-1948 (60 years) and 1957-1958 (50 years).

RSVP to Jewel LeDou (580.327.5520 or email julecan@yahoo.com). RSVP deadline is March 15th, but a phone call or email on the 16th may be sufficient. (I'm copying her this message, so she'll be aware of the situation).

Max McDermott is the president; Newton Baker is vice president; Karen Sharp is treasurer." -- Rod Murrow, Dacoma native, now living in Jet - Dacoma Wildcats, Class of 1967, Next-to-last graduating class
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FALSE - An Eighth Grade Exam

You are correct about the "eighth grade exam" being false! We've been had, so to speak! Snopes does say this is FALSE! Thanks for helping me clear this up. I should have checked this out on "Snopes" earlier, but running behind time with the lost hour last weekend... LOL!" -- NW Okie - Okielegacy Comment
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Can't Open Newsletters

"HELP, I can no longer open up your newsletters." -- FRANCIS

[Editor's Note: Has anyone else had trouble opening the newsletter? Perhaps it was because of the 'midi' and 'wave' files that were embedded in the last two weeks Issues. We have just placed a link to the "midi" and "wave" files, instead of embedding. Perhaps that will help! We hope!]
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Pictorial History of Early Tulsa

"Tulsa Times ( pictorial history of early Tulsa ) very interesting. This is just awesome! I don't know how many of you have seen this about Tulsa. It does bring back memories. Scroll to bottom of each page, then hit next to advance. Retro Tulsa Internet Museum." -- Terry & Linda S.
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Architect of Guthrie - Foucart

"The 'Architect of Guthrie...' I decided to do some research. Here is a website comppiled by Foucart's grandson. There are other sites that tell more of his story. Joseph Pierre Foucart Family - He was not the architect of Old Central. It was a gentleman from Topeka, Kansas, Herman M. Hadley. It is amazing the tales we take as truths." -- Jim F.
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