Duchess' Domain

Can you remember what you were doing 40 years ago, during the Summer of '69, August 15-18, 1969 to be exact? Were you one of those 450,000 rock-n-roll music lovers, hippies making their way to the "Peace & Love" Woodstock Festival at White Lake, New York? Lots was happening the Summer of '69!

This Duchess NW Okie was from that era of America Rock N Roll, but was stuck in Alva, Oklahoma, and had been a newly wed for a couple weeks and David was still either at National Guard summer camp at Ft. Sill or coming home.

The NW Okie did not make it to Northwest Oklahoma and Freedom's PCRA Rodeo and Old Cowhand reunion.

If someone out there in northwest Oklahoma has a copy of the Freedom Rodeo Program, NW Okie would love to have a copy for her archives. Send us a copy c/o Linda Wagner, PO Box 619, Bayfield, CO 81122.

We would love to see how our full-page AD for "The OkieLegacy" and "McGill Sisters L & C Corporation" turned out in the Freedom Rodeo program with a 1908 photo of Constance Warwick, McGill Sister's 1908 Old Cowhand.
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Looking Back 40 years -- Woodstock Summer of '69

What were you doing 40 years ago, August 15-18, 1969? This NW Okie had been married a couple of weeks the Summer of '69, living in Alva, Oklahoma and attending Northwestern State College.



Woodstock Music and Art Fair took place on a great meadow of Max Yasgur's farm in Bethel, N.Y. in August 15-18, 1969. Woodstock Music and Arts Festival held on a 600-acre pasture in the Catskill Mountains near White Lake in Bethel, Sullivan County, 43 miles southwest of the town of Woodstock, New York, in adjoining Ulster County, in August, 1969.

The festival was billed as "Thee Days of Peace and Music," started on a Friday, August 15th with more than 450,000 persons journeyed to this 600-acre field on a dairy farm in upstate New York in the psychedelic Summer of ’69, seeking fulfillments as varied as the colors in a tie-dyed T-shirt. Woodstock was billed as "An Aquarian Exposition in White Lake, NY - 3 Days of Peace & Music." It drew people from all over the country, young and longhaired and eager for a show of solidarity against the Vietnam War.

Others were ripe for a long weekend of anti-establishment music. Many were hungry for both. There were also those that simply came to party, reveling in an atmosphere of uninhibited free love and unlimited smoke, drink and mind-altering drugs. BUT ... many did not know what they were rally getting into.

Friday afternoon, of August 15-17, 1969, the miles-long traffic jam lead many into the festival on Highway 17B. Roads were jammed with parked cars and the massive festival crowd made coming and going impossible, unless one had a helicopter.

Woodstock became less about politics and more about the camaraderie of the whole event.

Woodstock is widely considered the crowning moment in the late-’60s counterculture movement against the war in Vietnam and social strife in general — and a rock ’n’ roll milestone.

Young people abandon their trucks, cars and buses as some 200,000 persons try to reach the Woodstock Music and Art Festival on a leased cow pasture at White Lake in Bethel, New York Friday, Aug. 15, 1969. Cars were backed up for 10 miles. The festival closed the New York State Thruway, creating the nation?s worst traffic jam.

Such artists as Richie Havens opens the show and (much later) Jimi Hendrix closes it. Other Artists were:

Friday, August 15
* Richie Havens
* Swami Satchidananda - gave the invocation for the festival
* Sweetwater
* The Incredible String Band
* Bert Sommer
* Tim Hardin
* Ravi Shankar
* Melanie
* Arlo Guthrie
* Joan Baez

Saturday, August 16
* Quill, forty minute set of four songs
* Keef Hartley Band
* Country Joe McDonald
* John Sebastian
* Santana
* Canned Heat
* Mountain
* Grateful Dead
* Creedence Clearwater Revival
* Janis Joplin with The Kozmic Blues Band [23]
* Sly & the Family Stone
* The Who began at 4 AM, kicking off a 25-song set including Tommy
* Jefferson Airplane

Sunday, August 17 to Monday, August 18
* The Grease Band
* Joe Cocker
* Country Joe and the Fish
* Ten Years After
* The Band
* Blood, Sweat & Tears
* Johnny Winter featuring his brother, Edgar Winter
* Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
* Paul Butterfield Blues Band
* Sha-Na-Na
* Jimi Hendrix
Creedence Clearwater Revival were the first act to sign a contract for the event, agreeing to play for ten thousand dollars.

Grass and leaf huts are used as makeshift living quarters for some of the attendees at the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival at White Lake in Bethel, N.Y., in Aug. 1969. The festival, billed as "Three Days of Peace and Music," -- Woodstock Festival - Summer of '69
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Insight Into Grandma & John C. McClure

The Summer of 1905, July 5 thru 24th, finds Constance Warwick near Vanderpool, Virginia, staying with Uncle Paul Warwick and cousins at Mountain Grove, Virginia.

John C. McClure is working in Alva, Oklahoma Territory, at the First National Bank, and writing everyday to his Sweetheart (S.H.), Miss Constance Warwick. Did Constance feel the same way about John? Does absence make the heart grow fonder?

We know that Constance's father (John R. Warwick) and mother (Signora Belle Guinn Warwick) were in Alva, O.T., living 6 miles South of Alva, in Oklahoma Territory, in the Liberty school district area.

July 5, 1905 -- The envelope is addressed to Miss Constance Warwick, Vanderpool, Va. It begins, "Alva, Okla. Wed. Eve., Miss Constance Warwick, Dear Girlie, The great 4th of July is over. Although I hoped they would have a good time here I must say that I considered it very bum.

"The speaking did not amount to a hill of beans. Dr. Fischer was to have given an address but was sick. Claud McCrory was chairman and read the D. of Independence. There was a ball game in the afternoon which was real bum. There was also a horse race out about two miles but nobody went to see. They just walked back and forth. Every boy from the country had a girl. There was no fire works in the evening. A dance capped the day. It was a model day. All the stores were open all day.

"I saw Miss Forbis just to speak to her. Say Mrs. Heron has changed all of her pictures out of her windows and among them are yours and Miss Johnsons. Connie, why don't you send me one. If you don't I will never look at you again. Now, SH., I think it is just fine.

I have not had a letter from you lately. Have you thought how fast those kisses are adding up? We have had a terrible big day and I have to work tonight. So bye, S.H."

July 11, 1905 -- This letter begins, "Alva, O.T. Mon. Eve., Miss Constance Warwick, Dear Sweet Heart, I received a letter from you today. You have been keeping your promise real good lately. I have not written for a day or two. I was sick all day, and then Lowe is gone on his vacation so it keeps us working.

"You asked me what picture I wanted. Gee I want them all. Yours especially or I take you. How would that suit you. You asked what I wanted to Essie for. I just wanted to talk over old tines. Say I believe you have a fellow in Virginia. You stay in Virginia this winter if you dare. You may go to school, if you go to the right kind. Do you remember that I wanted you to study music.

"We have had quite a bit of rain here lately, and it is real cool today. Say you do know what I asked you about your claim. You had better tell me. They are having Sun Evening services in the square now. I should like to have been in Virginia at your party. Is that cousin Lucy of yours good looking.

"They have started to thrash wheat here now, and some is coming in to market. Say, I believe my kissing proposition scared you, didn't it. I have to go back and work tonight so bye bye. Yours affectionately, J. C. McClure."

July 13, 1905 -- Wednesday morning, Alva, O.T., Miss Constance Warwick, Vanderpool, Va., Dear Girl, I will answer your letter rec'd yesterday. It is &:00 o'clock. I have had my breakfast, been to the P.O. did not receive a letter from my S.H.

"I guess the reason your letter did not suit me was that I was a little out of sorts. I won't roast you any more for not writing every day.

"I am expecting every dat to receive a picture from Va. You have my promist that you shall have mine as soon as I can get them. Now it is up to you. I was thinking last night, perhaps I was the only one that had to fork over a picture for a picture, but I'll do it if has to be done.

"I do not believe your mama would care how much you flirted with your cousins beaux. You didn't ask me if I cared or not. Have all the fun you can.

"The banker's are going to play the Normal boys tonight. Troy Curl, and Otho Hiat (sic) are going to go to Portland Friday morning.

"Lowe is not back yet. He did not say a word about our going to any of the clerks, or when he was going to be back. Summer school will be out this week and the school moms will go. I will close. Yours Affectionately, John."

July 19, 1905 -- "Tuesday, Eve, Alva, O.T., Miss Constance Warwick, My Darling Girl, I rec'd your letter telling of your misfortune on account of high water. I did not receive a letter Sun. or Mon. The Bank examiner has been here so, I have had to work hard. I arose 3:30 Sun. morning and went to Capron to visit; came back Sun. Eve on the 11 o'clock.

"Connie, every time I go past Mrs. Herons window, I do wish I had one of your pictures. Connie, if you know what I do you owe me a picture just as much as I do you. But I should think if you think any thing of me you would not take the owing part in consideration and if you don't, I think we have went together long enough. You certainly shall have one of mine as soon as I get them.

"The summer school is out, and institute has commenced. The Enid girls have gone home. Three homely girls took their places. I don't like them at all. There are also two boys there. I am sick of boarding anyway.

"Lowe spent a week visiting down at Lawton. Don't ask what it was that I referred to in the beginning of the letter for I could not tell. Another friend is in the deal. I must know you are not to blame. I will close for this time and will try to write a letter each day. Lovingly Yours, John."

July 22, 1905 -- This was a two-page letter with a small, yellow-aged news clipping inside which read:

"Mrs. Mattie Hooper, wife of Z. Hooper, living near Kiowa, Kansas, died shortly after 6 o'clock Sunday evening of cancerous trouble, at 235 Dodge Avenue, Wichita. She leaves a husband and three daughters, all of which are grown. The remains were shipped to Kiowa yesterday. The interment will be in the Kiowa cemetery. Mrs. Hooper had been under treatment at the hospital for several months past, and there was little hope for her recovery. She was the mother of Miss Annie Hooper who is well known in Alva, and her many friends here join those at Kiowa and vicinity in extending sincere sympathy tot he bereaved family. Mrs. Hooper was a splendid woman, much loved and respected by all who knew her."

John's letter begins, "Wed. Eve, Little Dearie, I told you I was going to write you a letter today and I am going to do it. I did not get a letter from you today. One more kiss. you will sure have some sore lips when you get home.

"It has been fearfully hot today. It was over a hundred in the shade yesterday. I saw Miss Merchant back today. Lowe said he was over there last night. Guess I will go over some night. Do you care?

"I don't see what those people can worry about you for. Just as though I could not attend to one little girl. If I don't get a picture tomorrow, I'm going to steal that one from Mrs. Heron. No I ain't either. You have got to give me one.

"When are you coming home? You have stayed away long enough. If you come at night I will meet you. If you don't. Drop me a kaird (sic) so I will know where to find the birdie. Don't tell anyone but me when you are coming. "One of the kids that boards down at the shcack is a Mr. Boman. His sister is also there. I will close for this time. Write every day. Yours affectionately, John."

July 23, 1905 -- "Alva, O.T. Mon. Eve, Dearest Little Girl, I did not get a letter from you today. I guess you are disgusted with me, or have received some of those wicked little letters.

"It is cool here this evening. Rained some this forenoon. I was out in the county yesterday afternoon. Did not see very many people. Saw that Snyder fellow with one of the Knox girls. You know he is the fellow that wrote you so many letters (latest). That is the reason I received so few when I was in Illinois. I wonder what you will say when I tell you that I got a letter from one of those Enid girls. The two Corbin girls both have fellows from Avard. Nellie is at home now and Peters is working with a thrashing machine.

"Say, yo ought to be ashamed to dun a little school boy for $90. I went to church in the Park by my lonesome. I was down to see the photographer last Sat. Eve. I guess it will be two or three weeks before I get my pictures. You have got yours, and I suspect all your friends in O.T. have one except your bestess friend.

"Mr. and Mrs. Stine start on their trip west in the morning. I wish you would start on yours. I will close with a kiss. Yours Affectionately, John McClure." -- MORE John McClure Letters To Grandma
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That's The Way It Was - Healthcare in 1969

The Peoples Chronology, edited by James Trager, mentions on page 1134, right column, during the Nixon presidency of 1969 the cost of medical care in the United States escalated and a crisis in health care delivery loomed in large part because patients could in many cases receive insurance benefits ONLY if hospitalized, because they often were hospitalized unnecessarily by sympathetic physicians, because Blue Cross paid hospitals on a cost-plus basis without scrutinizing costs too carefully, because physicians ordered countless tests to protect themselves from malpractice suits, because hospital administrators installed costly equipment and facilities that were under-utilized, and because hospital workers received higher wages.
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Cheatham Family Info

Gary Reeve (Email: garyreeve@sbcglobal.net) says, "Richard, My Great-Great Grandfather was Richard Cheatham, born in Nicholas County, Kentucky in 1830. He married Nancy Talbot, born 1835. In 1872 they moved to Gilroy, California, then in 1879 to Los Banos, California. He died in 1903 and Nancy died in 1914. They are buried in the Los Banos Cemetery. Not sure if we are related. Let me know what you think. -- Gary Reeve, Tracy, Ca."
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Marland & Bliss, OK

Roy says, "You have (accidentally) created some errors here! It was Marland that was first known as Bliss. Perry began as a Santa Fe water and firewood (or coal) stop known as Mendota (the name was later changed to Wharton) and was located about a mile south of present day Perry, Oklahoma.

"The city was established on September 16, 1893 when the biggest land run of all, The "Cherokee Strip Land Run" took place. The town was known as 'the queen city' of the strip (also the 'pride of the prairie') because of its unique 'instant' growth. One week after the run, the land just east of the government land office was called 'Hell's Half Acre' because of the 110 saloons, numerous tent hotels, gambing establishments, bawdy houses, etc. that located there.

"Anything to get a dollar or so from the folks waiting to register their claims and it took many weeks of waiting to get into the land office for some. My shop is directly across the street from the original Hell's Half Acre."
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Coy Cemetery

Dean Schultz (retsupt@twinvalley.net) says, "Am going to attempt to find the Coy cemetery in a few weeks. Could use all the help I can get. Great grandparents are buried there." -- OkieLegacy Vol. 8, Iss. 42 - Lookout & Coy, OK
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Gray-Mitchell Family Reunion

John Mitchell (mitchhum@hotmail.com) says, "I saw the Gray- Mitchell piece and the name Addie mitchell Jackson was there. I am a Mitchell related to her I believe. She was from Alva Okla. If anyone is related to her would please write me as I would really like to find my family." -- OkieLegacy Vol. 7, Iss. 33 - Gray-Mitchell Family Reunion
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Perry OK Weather & Gas Prices

Roy says, "Our temperatures have cooled back down since we received the recent storms that came in from Colorado way ........... Thanks for 'forwarding' them, Linda.

"Here in Perry the rain totals were about 2-inches for those two days. Also, this weekend has seen the gasoline prices drop back down twice! The present price of Conoco regular unleaded is at $2.49.9 and I just looked outside. It appears that we may get some more rain this evening. Dark clouds are on their way in and the wind has 'picked up' again."
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A Prairie Home Companion

Remember the radio show, "Prairie Home Companion" with an invitation to Lake Wobegon and Garrison Keillor hosting? There was also a movie made about the "Prairie Home Companion."





Here is a link to A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, November 1985 old shows for November 16, & 23, 1985.
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