A Historical Journey - Jan. 20, 2009

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord." -- 44th President of United States of America, January 20, 2009.

Our 44th President Barack H. Obama spoke some very powerful words this last Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at his inauguration. We all need to read and think about ... seriously! Other Oklahoman's have said after they returned from Washington, DC and the inauguration, "It was just awesome! You could just feel the power, energy and enthusiam. We were dressed for tempertures in the 20's & 30's and did not get cold. There was no wind like we have in Oklahoma."

One point the 44th President made toward the end of his inaugural speech was, "What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task."

The President also stated, "We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, President Obama stated, "We understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned! Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."

Our 44th President Barack H. Obama spoke to America and the entire World Tuesday, January 20, 2009 to let our neighbors across the oceans know, "To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist ..... America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more."

If you have extra time on your hands and need something constructive to do, go out and volunteer your time to make America more respected. VOLUNTEER! Be socially constructive ... NOT destructive! You will notice in the column on the right there are links to different Volunteer organizations under the the "Community Activity" link. Surely you can find something amongst those links that fits your talents so that you might give back to your Community, State and Nation! Together we can do it! With Unity we can survive anything. Be Constructive -- NOT Destructive!
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Searching For Info on Uncle John

Is there anyone out there in the Freedom area in northwest Oklahoma that remember Earl and Effie (Maxwell) Smith? I am searching for any information, news clipping that happened around 1928, perhaps in the Freedom, Northwest Oklahoma area when a tragedy might have taken their lives.

John G. Smith (1926-2009), Earl and Effie Smith's son, was two years of age when he was taken to an orphanage in Helena, Alfalfa county, Oklahoma, following a tragedy with his parents. Soon after entering the orphanage, Lawrence and Cora Kragh brought young John Smith to their home in Chester, Major county, Oklahoma where he began his school years at Gardenvale School.

At the age of eleven years, John went to live with Fred and Esther Strecker in Chester. John attended Seiling High School until the age of seventeen when he entered the United States Navy and served in the "Asiatic-Pacific Campaign" and the "Philippine Liberation Campaign" during World War II. john was honorably discharged April 20, 1946 at which time he returned to his home in Chester and was united in marriage to Geneva Paris August 2, 1947 at Alva, Oklahoma. John & Geneva made their home at Chester where they raised their three children: Jeanette Kay, Ronald Scott and Barbara Gayle.

Some of you might remember John Smith and his Mobil Service Station that he owned and operated for nineteen years that sat on the Southeast corner at Chester, Oklahoma. John was also a self employed welder and operated a Welding for several years. Do you recall stopping at the highway Jct in Chester and visiting, playing dominoes, cards and shooting the breeze with Uncle John and his family? We would love to share and hear your memories of those days.
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Western Oklahoma Orphanage

According to the Publication, The Oklahoman, Dated Feb 17, 1929, Page 69, with headlines reading: "An Orphans Chance in Oklahoma," I found this paragraph where it talked about the orphanage at Helena, Alfalfa County, Oklahoma:

"At Helena, Alfalfa county, northwestern part of Oklahoma, the state maintains what is known as the West Oklahoma State Home. Its capacity is about 200, and the shifting of children enables the institution to handle about 125 more, each year, than the institution's capacity. The waiting list averages about 50 children seeking admittance."
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John Glen Smith Obit - 1926-2009

Last weekend our Uncle John Smith died, January 19, 2009. His obituary can be viewed at this link: Redinger Funeral Home - John Smith Obit. I do have a phone number where you can contact the oldest daughter of John & Geneva (Paris) Smith: Jeanette (Smith) Engle phone number: 405-352-4083.

IF ... you missed the memorial service January 24, 2009 in Seiling and burial in Orion, Oklahoma, you can sign the online guestbook. It allows you to send private condolences to the family. Type your name, address and message; click the SUBMIT button at the bottom of the obituary. Your message will be sent to the family via their secured guestbook. Only family members will have access to viewing your message.

Did you know the Paris family of Chester, Oklahoma? Are they related to you? Share your memories of Uncle John and Chester (Cottonwood Corners) with the OkieLegacy eZine!

Memorial Video of John Glen Smith -- Here is John Glen Smith's Obit below:

JOHN GLEN SMITH, son of Earl and Effie (Maxwell) Smith, was born May 10, 1926 at Freedom, Oklahoma. He departed this life on Monday, January 19, 2009 at the Oklahoma Veterans Center in Clinton. He was 82 years of age.

John was two years of age when he was taken to an orphanage in Helena following tragedy with his parents. Soon after entering the orphanage, Lawrence and Cora Kragh brought him to their home in Chester where he began his school years at Gardenvale School.

At the age of eleven years, John went to live with Fred and Esther Strecker in Chester. He attended Seiling High School until the age of seventeen when he entered the United States Navy and served in the "Asiatic-Pacific Campaign" and the "Philippine Liberation Campaign" during World War II. He was honorably discharged April 20, 1946 at which time he returned to his home in Chester.

He was united in marriage to Geneva Paris August 2, 1947 at Alva. They made their home at Chester where they raised their three children: Jeanette Kay, Ronald Scott and Barbara Gayle.

John and Geneva owned and operated John Smith Mobil Service Station nineteen years. John was also a self employed welder and operated Johns Welding for several years.

He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign War, a member of the American Legion and a 32nd degree Masonic Lodge member. He enjoyed hunting, bowling and playing cards. He attended the Elm Grove Community Church.

He is survived by two daughters: Jeanette Engle of Minco and Barbara Walton of Fairview; one son: Ron Smith and wife Karen of Chickasha; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild; one foster sister: Vickie Jones and husband Ron of Yukon, besides many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his biological parents, both sets of foster parents and his foster brother, Karl Kragh.

The funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2009 at the Elm Grove Community Church with Pastor Orville White, officiating. Interment will follow in the Orion Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Navy. Services are under the direction of the Redinger Funeral Home in Seiling.

Linda McGill Wagner
PO Box 619, Bayfield, CO 81122
paristimes@earthlink.net -- or -- mcwagner.lk@gmail.com
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County High Schools In Oklahoma

The Chronicles of Oklahoma, Vol. 37, pg. 196, states, "Providing secondary education for pioneer Oklahoma Territory youth was a very difficult problem and was not solved soon or well.

Most of those ready for high school were not within walking, riding distance of secondary schools of any sort. Only a few attended the preparatory department of public colleges where tuition was free. Very few towns were able to provide high school facilities and the private and church schools were few and small."

Oklahoma had several counties that voted on proposals to establish county high schools under a law enacted in 1901 and repealed in 1909. Four counties organized and operated under this law. In 1919, another county established a high school under a law enacted to meet its needs. It was between 1903 and 1935 that Oklahoma had five county high schools operating from 4 to 26 years each.

Besides county high schools, the Territorial Legislature tried two other methods of bringing secondary education sufficiently near to the homes of the youth. These were called the township high schools and the consolidated district.

1. Township High Schools -- The township high school was authorized by the 1st Territorial Legislature, in 1891, and repealed by the 2nd Assembly, in 1893. It was under this proposal, each congressional Township, six miles square, included four common school districts, each three miles square. A township board coordinated the work of the four district boards and operated a high school, in the center of the township. Some townships did not began a high school during these two years.

2. Consolidated Districts -- In 1905, the Territorial Legislature enacted a law which permitted two of more districts to combine, when approved by a majority of the voters in the areas affected. A centrally located school offered high school subjects as well as upper elementary grades.The consolidated district was often built around a town district, which already had a high school, though some were strictly rural. The Oklahoma reorganization law, enacted by the 22nd Legislature and amended by the 23rd, discontinued the consolidated district as a legalized unit. By 1950, improved roads and transportation shifting of population to town, and other causes contributed to make the consolidated district less and less needed.

3. County High Schools -- It was in 1901, county high school law was enacted by the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature and amended in 1903. Between 1905-1933 there were at least six other laws dealing with county high schools. Two of these were concerned mainly with Cimarron County, in the Panhandle. Others dealt with disposal of funds or property of schools that had been discontinued.

The first law provided that any county with 6,000 population could, by vote of its qualified electors, build, equip and operate a high school for the entire county, supported by county-wide tax levy on all property. One-third of the electors of a county petitioned for a vote on the county high school proposal and the commissioners called an election. A favorable majority voting authorized the school and the county commissioners appointed 6 trustees to serve with the County Superintendent as chairman. Not more than three of the six could be from the same township or of the same political party.

Pupils living too far from the school to reach it daily from their homes usually lived during the week in the school town, returning home over the week end to care for laundry needs, replenish food supply, or sometimes to help with the farm work. A good many boarded in homes or in clubs or did light housekeeping. Some mothera kept house for their children and those of neighbors, returning home most week-ends and at the close of the school year. I know this is what my mother, Vada Paris, did when she attended high school in Seiling, Oklahoma. Vada boarded with a family in Seiling and kept house and looked after their children while she went to Seiling High School.

Only two of the five counties erected high school buildings and only one of these still stands, the one at Helena.

Eight counties rejected proposals to build county high schools. Cleveland county was the first of these, heavily rejecting a proposal to establish a school in Lexington. Other counties defeating the measure included Blaine, Canadian, Garfield, Kay, Lincoln, Pawnee and Pottawatomie. Some defeated the measure two or three times. Cimarron, Creek, Logan, Okfuskee and Woods Counties established schools, the latter becoming Alfalfa county High School in 1907, when helena was no longer in Woods County.

In April, 1933, another act of the Legislature abolished "... all county high schools in counties having a population of less than 25000, according to the US census of 1930," and provided for disposal of the funds or property left by a school thus discontinued. The population of Okfuskee county was 29,016, so the Okfuskee County High School was not affected by the 1933 law.
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Woods County High School - 1905-1907

Northwest Normal School at Alva, the county seat, had been in operation since 1897 providing high school opportunity for the youth of Alva and some others who attended its preparatory department. However, most pupils of that large county could not conveniently reach either Alva or Tonkawa where the Oklahoma Preparatory School had opened in 1902.

On November 8, 1904, Woods County electors voted, 2,509 to 2,104, to establish a county high school. The 1903 amendment permitted county commissioners to locate a school not already located by the terms of the election. This was a time when Woods, Alfalfa and Major counties were still a part of "M" county -- before the split in 1907 at statehood.

A local county commissioner induced the other two members to locate the school at Helena if the people voted its establishment. This was a small town and in an area rather remote from much of the county's population. Because of this, the school was doomed to have much difficulty in drawing sufficient enrollment.

In January, 1905, the newly appointed trustees made plans to erect a building of 32 rooms on 15 acres of campus just outside Helena. The next legislature passed a law authorizing Dick's Township to vote bonds for the erection and equipment of Woods County High School, Helena, Oklahoma .... in the sum of $5,000.

With bonds voted by the county and those voted by the home township, sufficient money was raised for land, building, and equipment of the only county high school that still stands in Oklahoma. When Woods County High School first opened, in the Autumn of 1905, there was an initial enrollment of 185. Enrollment did not reach a figure comparable to the provisions made at any time during the four years of its life, it being really a regional school.

The first faculty of six teachers included excellent talent, according to a pupil who did all her high school work there, finishing with the first graduating class, in 1908. Like most Oklahoma high schools then, it offered a three-year course, pupils taking five subjects each year and entering college on 15 units. The first class included seven members, and six of them attended college, the seventh already married at graduation.

At first, local churches were used by classes while the building was being completed. J. H. Sawtell was the first principal, later an instructor in Government at the University of Oklahoma. On the staff the first year, as teacher and athletic coach, was J. P. Evans, who had been the first county superintendent of Kiowa county. In 1907, the relatively small Alfalfa county inherited the school with its $60,000 bonded indebtedness and annual operating cost of $6,000. J. P. Evans succeeded Sawtell as principal, being succeeded by J. H. Findlay, the last principal of Alfalfa County High School.

The name had been changed to Alfalfa County High School. The tax payers of Alfalfa county found the cost of retiring bonds and operating the school more than they could bear. On December 14, 1909, Alfalfa county voted, 1,433 to 144, to discontinue the high school which had already closed the previous spring, and to give the campus and buildings to the State.

The Connell School of Agriculture, one of the six secondary agricultural schools in the new State, was already using the school plant. When that school's appropriation was cut off in 1917, Connell closed, its property then was given to the Helena District. In 1921, the State bought the property from the Helena District to open a State orphanage, called West Oklahoma State Home.
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Cimarron County High School - 1919-1932

It was ten years after the repeal of the county high school law, when the Legislature enacted new legislation, strictly designed to meet the needs of one county ... Cimarron County in the extreme end of the Oklahoma panhandle.

Cimarron had a small, sparse population, scattered over the entire area. No town had immediate prospects of supporting an accredited high school. The few youth who were getting secondary education attended the preparatory department of Panhandle Agricultural college more than 30 miles distant from the nearest Cimarron County home or went outside the county.

Senate Bill 32 became law march 29, 1919. It provided for county high schools in all counties having scholastic population of less than 2,000 persons. The 1920 census showed for Cimarron county a population was below 2,000.

The county commissioners, without a vote of the electors, appointed a Board of Trustees, with power to organize and operate a county high school with a maximum tax rate of one mill on the dollar of assessed evaluation. Each commissioner selected two trustees at the beginning, these six serving with the county superintendent. Afterwards, the trustees were elected by the three commissioner districts, two from each. They were empowered either to build or rent for the needs of the school.

School began in September, 1919 in two rooms of the new frame building of the Boise City district. principal Eugene Smith, was assisted by another teacher, instructing 24 pupils, including 11 in the eighth grade, six in the ninth, five in the tenth and two in the eleventh. After 2 or 3 years, the eighth grade was transferred to the Boise City schools, and was no longer supported by county-wide tax. Enrollment grew, reaching at least 150 in the last year that the school operated, with graduating classes with as many as 15 members.

Additional room was leased in the Boise City school building as the staff grew to five. The pupils had an academic curriculum, designed mainly for college entrance. The class of 1921 included the two boys who had enrolled as juniors when the school opened.

Of the fifteen graduating in 1928, nine entered college, including those who went to business schools. Sapnish was taught for two units, offered most of the years, as was home economics, for two units. Agriculture and manual training had small offerings in only a few years. Business subjects drew heavily.

October, 1925 saw the building of the first railroad through Cimarron county, the last county to be reached by railroad. In five years, Boise City population tripled and new towns sprang up over the county asking for accreditation of their high school beginnings.

In 1932, many accredited schools were not willing to pay tax to support their local high school and the county school at Boise City, voluntarily closed in 1932, after thirteen years of service to the county.

Three men served as principal of Cimarron County High School: Eugene Smith, for eight years; Joe R. Crew, for 1 year; and Walker E. Hubbard, for the last four years. Hubbard then became Boise City superintendent.
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Ashley, OK Buildings

Kathryn Walters Racette says, "There are no buildings left at Ashley, OK. Just the Co-Op elevator, and maybe the house to the south of it as well as a small grain barn.

Ashley was plotted out for development, but the town itself never got established. I believe there is information on Ashley in the book: Ghost Towns of Oklahoma. My copy is still packed away so I was not able to find out for sure if it is listed."

This is for the person who inquired about Ashley, OK -- I have a copy of the Plat of Ashley (created Sept 23rd. 1901). If it's the Nazerine Church you are inquiring about, it sat on the corner of Main & Broadway, on Lot 12, in Ashley.

The blocks are not numbered on the Plat, so I don't know the block number. If you would like a copy of this document, please email me at: diamondfire1947@yahoo.com."

My dad got the copy from an abstract because of the quarter of land they owned right there. He marked with a red X and labled where this church was and where the Co-Op stuff is. It is 4 legal size pages.
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Westside Public School - Alva, OK

This is a picture postcard of the West Side Public School, in Alva, OK, that my grandmother, Constance Estella Warwick, taught at for awhile.

After it was torned down, Washington Elementary School was built in the same location.

From our Oakiepics Webshots - Old Postcards II, you can view this old postcard view of West Side Public School and more old postcards.
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Ashley OK Sign & MKT Katy RR

Rod Murrow says, "Interestingly enough, there is a sign on highway 64 that announces you are passing by Ashley. I believe it was the MKT "Katy" railroad that went from Alva to Ashley and beyond, but those tracks have been gone for years."
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Oklahoma Weather & Gas

Roy in Perry OK says, "Someone left that north gate open again. We lost that 70-degree weather we were enjoying. I had even spent a couple of days repairing a roof and was not even wearing a heavy jacket. Time to work indoors for a day or so. I only wish that you could "close that gate" now because MORE IS ON THE WAY!!!

I noticed also that Conoco prices for their gasahol had dropped back down to $1.69.9 per gallon. Interesting."
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1950 Menu At Woolworths

Homer says, "If any of you have doubt about what we paid for a coke and a sandwich at Woolworths ( How many don't know what Woolworth's was?) in the 1950's, here's proof of the era we lived in."
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