Duchess Snowy Domain

Bayfield, Colorado - Thank goodness NW Okie left us Pugs at home while she ventured out in the 19F temperatures friday afternoon, in Durango, Colorado to view Durango's Snowdown Light Parade 2011. You can view NW Okie's Flickr Sideshow - Durango's Snowdown Parade by clicking this Link.

We have heard from some Okie's in Central and Southern Oklahoma concerning their snowy weather conditions this last week.

Butch in southern Oklahoma says about the ice and snow coming their way, "After midnight tonight we get some of that stuff you've had out there. Maybe up to 8 inches of snow in this area, hopefully only around 4 inches of snow and ICE. Boy, I hope we don't lose electricty, but from past history, probably will. My generator is ready, just started it."

Roy in Perry, OK says, " When we suddenly had three days (in-a-row) of falling gasoline prices, I refilled my gas tank at $2.95 per gallon regular unleaded. And then the BLIZZARD hit." On that day, gas prices reverted to the higher (former) prices and the most popular stations here in Perry (Conoco and Phillips) raised their prices once again to $3.05 per gallon (where they have stayed). I only measured 7 inches of snow in my yard, but there was a picture in the Perry Daily Journal of two (molded in snow) bare feet and was captioned "two feet of snow in Perry!"

While the Humans were watching the Superball Bowl 45, sunday, us Pugs were tuned to the Puppy Bowl VII. We all know that the Packers beat the Steelers in the Super Bowl 45, but catch these highlights from the Puppy Bowl VII. This was my favorite.

What about your favorite commercial of the Super Bowl? NW Okie liked the little boy dressed up as Darth Vater! What was your favorite?

Good Night, and Good Luck! View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

This Day In History (February 7)

America - On this day, February 7th, 1984, space shuttle astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart went on the first untethered spacewalk.

On Feb. 7, 1984, space shuttle astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart went on the first untethered spacewalk. - Go to article

On Feb. 7, 1817, Frederick Douglass, the American abolitionist leader, was born. Following his death on Feb. 20, 1895, his obituary appeared in The Times. Go to obituary

Also on this date:

1812 - Author Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth, England.
1944 - Germany launched a counteroffensive at Anzio, Italy, during World War II.
1948 - Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower resigned as Army chief of staff and was succeeded by Gen. Omar Bradley.
1974 - The island nation of Grenada won independence from Britain.
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NW Okie's R & R - The Good Old Days of 1944

Bayfield, CO - This week we take you back to WWII with this photo on the left of the RTU (PR), 9 Sep. 1944, G116-26 grnd liaison officer. The officer in uniform on the far right, wearing sunglasses is my uncle, Robert Lee McGill.

I found this great website called Vpike.com. It lets you put in an address or town, state and get a virtual tour of the area from a birdseed view and on the ground view as if you were on the ground walking down the blue road strips.

I did a search for Alva, OK - Street View as seen on vpike.com, your virtual turnpike. I am not sure when these photos were taken, but it seems to be in the Autumn time and NOT Winter 2011. I selected a "stick person" to place in the middle of the street, Barnes Avenue, looking East towards 6th (College Avenue). Face your "stickman" South and click on 6th St. going towards Northwestern Oklahoma State University at US 64. Once you get up there turn right and travel West up to the infamous Alva Water on the West edge of town.

When you click on the above link, you can position your "stickman" anywhere on the map area on the right. Let us put the "stickman" at the intersection of Barnes Avenue and 6th street. The images should appear in the images on the left.

Using this vpike.com you can navigate around in a 360 degree circle with the mouse or with the navigational tool in the upper left corner. Put in any address, city, state and take a look around. Not all roads have been submitted to the database.

Marty Myers (Email: ) says this about Coy Cemetery, "Dean Schultz has a question about Coy Oklahoma. Cemetery. If he will google Coy Oklahoma Cemetery it will come up on Find a Grave and the directions and a listing also of the people buried there."

See you next Monday, Valentines Day, February 14th, 2011! View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Stella Friends Academy Class Roster

Alfalfa County, Oklahoma - The photo on the left is a photo of Stella Friends Academy pupils and teachers of 1904. The photo on the right is a copy of the old Stella Friends Academy (1893-1976) photo of what it looked liked in the old days. I wish I had a better photo, but I do not.

Back in Vol. 3, Iss. 20, 2001-05-19, we talked about Oklahoma Territory school Updates. Especially, Stella Friends Academy. My grandparents had a "SFA 1904" photo that I found in their treasure chest of old memories. The Stella Friends academy was located 1.9 miles east of the US 64 & US 11 JCT., north of Cherokee, Oklahoma, in Alfalfa county, which was a part of M county during the pre-statehood days of Oklahoma Territory.

The Stella Academy set on the southside of hwy 11, where a mobile home and farm now reside. The historical marker reads, "Buildings near here from 1897 under auspices of Friends Church, the academy was noted for high moral, spiritual and scholastic standards. Closed 1922. Named for teacher of 1st school (1893) in this vicinity, a sod house near Stella Church in Cherokee Strip."

Mindy comments in Vol. 10, Iss. 9 - 2008-03=02 of The OkieLegacy Ezine, "My cousin's newbook, PHYLLIS MARIE, talks about The settlement near Alva, OK and the Friends school there. I'm still reading about the relative that was a Quaker preacher there. My cousin, the author, has done a lot of research and has lots of info. His name is Terry Row (rhymes with now), and his publishing company is Clifton Edwin Publishing (named after his grandfathers). The phone number is (805) 344-1431. Tell Terry his cousin, Mindy, saw your post."

Mindy also commented on the OkieLegacy feature, Pioneer Aunt Crosha - Oklahoma. Mindy says, Vol. 10, Iss. 9 - 2008/03/02 -- "Crosha is talked about in my cousin's new book, too (as are Stella and Hunter, OK). He's the author of brand new book, PHYLLIS MARIE (Crosha is in it). He's researched a lot about family history for it. His name is Terry Row, Clifton Edwin Publishing, phone (805) 344-1431."

Just to review about Aunt Crosha, she was born in REd River county Texas in 1863. Her father served in the confederate army during the Civil War. Crosha and Henry after their marriage lived in Arkansas and probably other places until 1896. They both made the Run for land. henry was on horseback and Aunt crosha was with a team and wagon going for town sites. They settled near Hunter, Oklahoma and had some town lots in Pond creek.

In late 1896 her brother was shot and killed in Rising Star Texas. He was a newspaper proprietor and editor and may have been shot because of some political disagreement. His wife died approximately 6 months later, 3 months after the birth of her 9th child. View/Write Comments (count 2)   |   Receive updates (2 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Reply To: "Hi From Las Vegas NV"

BCrum (Email: dbcrum@msn.com) says in a comment in The OkieLegacy, Vol. 6, Iss. 38 - 2004-09-18, "Barbara: I would love to connect. I am doing family history research which has led me to the Fisher's in Alva, Oklahoma. Your great grandfather was Charles Alvadore Fisher, great great grandfather David Fisher, 3rd great grandmother Anna Elizabeth (Deal) Fisher, 4th great Anna Maria 'Polly' (Drum) Deal and 5th great grandfather Anthony Crum. I grew up in Oklahoma also, Hobart to be exact. Still love going back there, but things have really changed." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

MAGILL Connection

Alison Duffy (Email: Alison.Duffy@tn.gov) left this comment on the GC-Gateway Rootsweb, McGill Rootsweb site. Alison says, "Mine (Magill/McGill family) came to America about 1745 from Antrim (Tillucairn?) area. So we may go back to late 1700's. My line descends from Robert Magill born Scotland 1600's.

"His son William was also born in Scotland and Robert with children moved to the plantations in N. Ireland. About 1745, William and his son's emigrated to America where the stayed in Pennsylvania for a while. In mid 1700's William and his brothers split up going all over America.

"His son William II went to VA and later to western NC which became earNC (Late 17Philacousins st Tennessee.) This is my direct line of descent. William II had James, who had Robert who had James Jr who had William. This latest William was my g grandfather. Many Magill's stayed in PA. Others stayed in the northeast US. Still others went west and south to populate the rest of the US territories, states after the Revolutionary War." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

McGill Family

Brina Bolanz (Email: brina@restoredstories.com) says, "I found your website while searching online for my McGill line. I'm a descendant of America Jane McGill. I don't suppose your family has any photographs of her line (obviously after 1840!) or any other information? Thank you!" Brina Bolanz has Restored Stories, LLC, Preserving family photos, one memory at a time. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Aircraft Carrier: King of the Pacific

Ellis sent us this YouTube.com Video of WWII: Rare Color Film Aircraft Carrier in Pacific. It is a 16mm color (not colorized" footage that you many not have seen of carrier action in the Pacific. Not many color shots in the 1940's. Extremely expensive then, with a complicated and exacting processing process. WWII: Rare Color Film Aircraft Carrier in Pacific

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Oklahoma Facts

Did you know these interesting tidbits or Oklahoma Facts? Here are some facts about Oklahoma that we think you might not know.

1. The bread twist tie was invented in Maysville.

2. The shopping cart was invented in Ardmore in 1936.

3. The nation's first parking meter was installed in Oklahoma City in 1935.

4. The first Girl Scout Cookie was sold in Muskogee in 1917.

5. Cimarron County, located in the Oklahoma Panhandle, is the only county in the U.S. bordered by 4 separate states - Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Kansas. Well, FIVE states -- if you count the neighboring county of Oklahoma!

6. The Oklahoma State Capital is the only capital in the U.S. with working oil wells on its grounds.

7. Boise City, Okla., was the only city in the United States to be bombed during World War II. On Monday, July 5, 1943, at 12:30am., a B-17 Bomber based at Dalhart Army Air Base, Texas, dropped six practice bombs on the sleeping town, mistaking the city lights as target lights.

8. WKY Radio in Oklahoma City was the first radio station transmitting west of the Mississippi River.

9. The nation's first "tornado warning" was issued March 25, 1948 in Oklahoma City minutes before a devastating tornado. Because of the warning, no lives were lost.

10. Oklahoma has the largest Native American population of any state in the U.S.

11. The name 'Oklahoma' comes from two Choctaw words - okla meaning "people" and humma meaning "red." So the name means, "Red People." The name was approved in 1890.

12. Oklahoma has produced more astronauts than any other state.

13. Oklahoma has more man-made lakes than any other state (including Caddo County's Fort Cobb Lake).

14. During the "Land Rush," Oklahoma City and Guthrie went from vast, open prairie to cities of over 10,000 in a single day.

15. The nation's first "Yield" traffic sign was erected in Tulsa on a trial basis.

16. The Pensacola Dam on Grand Lake is the longest multi-arched dam in the world at 6,565 feet.

17. The Port of Catoosa (just north of Tulsa) is the largest inland port in America.

18. The aerosol can was invented in Bartlesville.

19. Per square mile, Oklahoma has more tornadoes than any other place in the world.

20. The highest wind speed ever recorded on earth was in Moore Okla., on May 3, 1999 during the Oklahoma City F-5 tornado. Wind speed was clocked at 318 mph.

21. The Will Rogers World Airport and the Wiley Post Airport are both named after two famous Oklahomans, both killed in the same airplane crash.

And Oklahoma Towns Offer It All
Love the Summer? Poolville, Oklahoma; Sunray, Oklahoma

Want Something To Eat? Cookietown, Oklahoma; Corn, Oklahoma; Grainola, Oklahoma; Hominy, Oklahoma; Olive, Oklahoma; South Coffeeville, Oklahoma; Sweetwater, Oklahoma

Why Travel To Other Cities? Oklahoma Has Them All! Cleveland, Oklahoma; Orlando, Oklahoma; Miami, Oklahoma (pronounced "Miam-uh."); Pittsburgh, Oklahoma; Santa Fe, Oklahoma; St. Louis, Oklahoma; Chattanooga, Oklahoma; Peoria, Oklahoma; Burbank, Oklahoma; Fargo, Oklahoma

Don't Forget The Wildlife! Bison, Oklahoma; Buffalo, Oklahoma; Deer Creek, Oklahoma; Eagle, Oklahoma; Elk City, Oklahoma; Fox, Oklahoma; Wolfe, Oklahoma

There's A Town Named After A Number: Fourty-One, Oklahoma

And A Town Whose Letters Don't Spell Anything: IXL, Oklahoma -- you could pronounce it "I excel."

For The Sportsman Who Wants To Get Away From It All: Fisherman's Paradise, Oklahoma

We Even Have A City Named After Earth's Only Satellite! Moon, Oklahoma

And A City Named After Our State! Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Feeling A Bit Chilly? Cold Springs, Oklahoma; Snow, Oklahoma; Slick, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Is Full Of Love! Bigheart, Oklahoma; Lovedale, Oklahoma; Loveland, Oklahoma; Lovell, Oklahoma; Loyal, Oklahoma

Like To Read About The Presidents? Adams, Oklahoma; Carter, Oklahoma; Clinton, Oklahoma; Fillmore, Oklahoma; Grant, Oklahoma; Jefferson, Oklahoma; Johnson, Oklahoma; Lincoln, Oklahoma; Reagan, Oklahoma; Roosevelt, Oklahoma; Taft, Oklahoma; Taylor, Oklahoma; Washington, Oklahoma; Wilson, Oklahoma

Other City Names In Oklahoma To Make You Smile: Bowlegs, Oklahoma; Bugtussle, Oklahoma; Bushyhead, Oklahoma; Frogville, Oklahoma; Hooker, Oklahoma; Loco, Oklahoma; Slapout, Oklahoma; Slaughterville, Oklahoma

And Regardless What Side Of The Fence You're On: Gay, Oklahoma; Straight, Oklahoma View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Home Comfort Range (1934) - Pies & Pastries

America - This week we bring you some information from our 1934 Home Comfort Cookbook and about Pies and Pastries back in that time period.

Among the classifications of our foods, Pastry was one of the easiest to make properly, and also, the easiest to make badly. Starch and fats are the source of muscular nourishment and energy, and when the flour and shortening in pastry are properly combined and baked, it is highly nutritious and readily digestible by even the more delicate systems.

Pastry is composed of flour, fat (shortening), liquid, and salt. There are three kinds of pastry -- forming basic recipes, from which a wide variety of fancy pastries may be made by slight variations in the method of handling -- these are plain, flake, and puff pastries.

For plain pastry, the flour and shortening are mixed evenly throughout by cutting-in with two knives. For flake pastry, part of the shortening is folded into the mixture of flour and liquid. Puff or French pastries are sometimes considered variations of flake pastry, but are of a different texture, produced by both the variation of ingredients and the method of combing.

Pastry flour, which is made from best Winter wheat, should be used, as it is lighter and absorbs but a small amount of liquid as compared with bread flour.

Too much flour makes pastry tough; too much shortening, and not enough liquid, makes it dry and crumble; too much liquid makes it heavy and soggy.

The amount of shortening, for best results, should not be less than one-half the weight of the flour used for plain and flake pastries; equal weights of flour and shortening for most puff-pastries.

The liquid (water and milk) renders pastry mixtures smooth and pliable. Just enough liquid should be added to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bowl, for at this pint, the flour has absorbed the necessary amount.

pastry dough should be stiff and elastic, but not porous or spongy. It should be mixed to a consistency that allows it to roll into a compact ball that will not stick to the bowl, nor will crumble and fall apart -- in this form, the paste will be found to clean the bowl.

If too much liquid has been added to prevent cleaning the bowl, then cut into three or four tablespoons of flour, a tablespoon of shortening, and add this -- a little at a time -- until stickiness is overcome.

pastry is made light bny the presence and expansion of air in the dough when it is placed into the hot oven. All ingredients should be mixed when cold -- warm shortening or liquid prevents the proper incorporation of air in the mixture, and makes the pastry heavy and flat. Handling with the warm hands has much the same effect; therefore, it is best to use the cutting-in or folding-in method of mixing.

The texture of pastry is improved by placing the dough in a closely covered crock, or bowl, and allowed to stand in a cool place for a few hours before forming.

The molding-board on which pastry is rolled or formed should be sprinkled lightly with fine flour -- sticking prevents the proper handling which should be delicately done. Some expert pastry makers cover their molding-board with a light canvas cloth -- and cover the rolling pin with cotton "stockinette" -- since the pastry can, in this way, be handled with less flour. Always roll pastry with a light, even motion, for best results, rolling in but one direction; too heavy or too much rolling pressed out the air needed to make the pastry light.

pastry in thin layers is inclined to shrink after rolling-out; lift lightly into place -- do not stretch tightly -- allowing for slight shrinkage. When two layers of pastry are to be combined at the edges -- as in double-crust pies -- the edge of the lower crust should be lightly dampened with cold water to make them more readily combine. Crimp together all around with the prongs of a fork.

Shell pastry which is to contain a cooked filling -- as for single-crust pies and cup pastries -- is baked before the filling is placed into it. If for raw or uncooked filling such as custard, the shell and filling are cooked at the same time.

The pastry is lightly placed in the pan in the usual manner, but is trimmed about an inch away from the rim of the pan, and this margin is folded back over the edge, and scalloped, or fluted, with the fingers, to form a rigid rim around the inside of the crust.

It is necessary, in making shell and flat pastries, to provide for the escape of excess air while baking, thus preventing bubbles; after the paste is placed in the tin, puncture at regular spacing with at the prongs of a fork. Top crusts of pies should always contain a few perforations with the point of a knife to allow escape of any steam of vapor.

Pies should never be allowed to set after being assembled, but should be placed in the hot oven at once. For this reason, always have the oven prepared before putting the pie together. For the same reason, the upper-crust paste should be rolled out and ready to put in place before the filling is placed in the lower crust.

Avoid underbaking of all pastry, as it will be heavy and rendered less digestible. Proper baking of pastries depends upon the careful attention given it. Always place pastry to bake on the lower oven shelf with strong heat from below. See that the direct damper is closed and that the flue around and under the oven is kept practically free from soot, and your range will faithfully perform its duty, and add its share to your reputation as baker of fine pastries.

Next week we shall bring you recipes for Plain Pastry and Flake Pastry. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe