Oakie's NW Corner

OKC, Oklahoma -

Do you believe in Ghosts? There are a few ghosts that haunt a certain location in Avard, Oklahoma. Some say the Old Avard Gym is a portal for those ghosts that haunt that area.

I am not sure what all buildings have occupied that place where the Old Avard Gym is now. Vina Rae's Grill & Graze Cafe occupies a part of the Old Gym at the present. If you are ever in the Avard area, stop by and chat with Nan while you graze during your lunch hour. There resides some interesting stories and ghosts with unfinished, unsettling business.

One of those ghosts is the charred, smell of the young lady that was charred to death in a fiery car incident on a lonely country road (Old Avard road) one mile south of Hopeton and 2.7 miles west of highway 281, about 1.25 miles from Mildred Ann Reynold's home near Avard. One of her legs was completely burnt off at the knee.

Mildred Ann (Newlin) Reynolds, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Newlin, Lambert, Oklahoma, was born December 25, 1933 and died 13 March 1956, 1:40 p.m. at the age of 22. Mildred Ann was a petite (5' 2", 100 lb.) nice looking, young lady and a senior attending Northwestern State College. College faculty described her as "rather shy" and a good student.

Mildred Ann Newlin married R. D. "Dee" Reynolds nine months before her violent , fiery death. Dee Reynolds was a basketball coach and teacher at the Avard High School and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Homer Reynolds of Freedom, Oklahoma. Mildred had a brother, Eddie Newlin. Mildred's body was burned beyond recognition inside a 1949 Chevrolet Tudor Sedan. Her body was lying across the frontseat with her head away from the steering wheel. The question is Why and Was it Murder or an accident?

I would like to thank all of you who have come to my assistance and helped supply me with death dates, and other information. I have started a Cast of Characters, News Clippings on the Unsolved Mystery of Ann Reynolds' Death. As you read through it, if you know of something, someone who might have some factual clues and would like to help the ghost of Mildred Ann Reynolds find the answers to this unsolved crime, I would love to hear from you. I want to assure you that if you would prefer to remain anonymous, I will protect your confidentiality. Just let me know.

I am going to leave you here to view the Readers Mailbag and contemplate some of the evidence as reported in the local Newspapers of 1956 and Steve Gilbert's Study of the case. Was this an accident or murder? There have been lots of rumors, gossip about this case, but nothing that can be published -- An intriguing, suspicous, fiery death of a young lady, married for nine months and a Northwestern College senior on her way back home to Avard about 13 miles SW of Alva. Some reported that she left Alva around 12:30 p.m. after having lunch with her 18 year-old nephew, Jim Hucklebee.

Thanks for helping us with our 1956 Unsolved Mystery. Here is hoping you have a Good Friday and Happy Easter! This is also the 8th Anniversary Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building Bombing (19 April 1995) in Oklahoma City and a Memorial to those who died.

Have a great Easter weekend. See you all next weekend. Thanks for your help this week.

~~ Linda "oaKie" ~~

NW OK Unsolved Mystery - 13 March 1956

Avard, Oklahoma -

At about 1:45 PM, March 13, 1956, the body of 22 year old Mildred Anne Reynolds was found burning in her 1949 Chevrolet Tudor Sedan, bearing Oklahoma license plate 49-2685. The incident occurred one mile South and two miles and seven tenths West of Hopeton, Oklahoma.

One of my readers said, "The car was very close to that hill on the right of the photo. I recall some men on the hill looking at the scene. The traffic going by that scene was busy considering the population and anyone could walk up to the car and stare. They didn't have any training in those days in proper law enforcement techniques, particularly in the rural areas and didn't have the benefit of television to learn even that way."

I wrote and asked Prof. Gilbert about some of his findings and about the 9mm shell casings found at the scene of the crime. He replied back, "Investigating agents discovered three 9MM shell casings at the rise about 50’ in front of Reynolds’ first attempt to turn. The owner of these shells, who was present at the isolated scene, admitted to firing his weapon. This was verified by firearms testing. No further mention was found in the investigation."

From reading the old newspaper archives of 1956, they did not mention any 9mm shells. This perked my curiosity even more and lots of questions. such as... Who was this person that was present at the scene and expended the 9mm shells? Why was this semi-automatic pistol fired? When was it fired? Who was this man with the 9mm semi-automatic pistol at the top of the rise? Why was there no further information divulged as to the owner of the shell casings? Was she shot prior to vehicle burning?

Steve Gilbert's Study of Reynolds' Case

Avard, Oklahoma - Steve Gilbert's Study of Reynolds' Case -- Gilbert wrote me that he reviewed the actual investigative documents, to include the coroner's report. There were also some photographs and a film. He noted that the three 9mm shells were at the top of the rise in the road. He did not find any satisfactory answer as to why these shells were fired. According to the Oklahoma report, the shooter was a local man who had test fired his weapon a day or so before the incident.

It was noted that the local man had to walk about 3 miles to get to this location as well. Which seemed odd. The shells were forensically matched to his weapon. This is where that part of the story ends. Apparently, the investigator was satisfied with his explanation.

There is no mention in the newspapers to any evidence that Mildred was shot. Some say she was alive during the fire. Some say she was already dead. There were speculation that the vehicle fire was attributed to a dislodged plug under the car that allowed gas to leak and this was caused by her erratic driving into the ditch where the car was ultimately found.

What caused her erratic driving? Was someone waiting for Mrs. Reynolds on top of the rise? Did Mrs. Reynolds backup and try to turn to get away from her attacker? Was Mildred Ann Reynolds attempting to turn the large 1949 Chevrolet Tudor Sedan while in a panic? Did she crash it into a tree on the opposite side of the road - attempt to run from the car, losing her shoe, and then get back in the car and backed it up to where it burned?

I am told by others -- that if she had done this while attempting an unhurried turn, none of this would have happened. No one reported finding any bullet holes in the car. There was a recreation -- an experiment held in an attempt to recreate the car burning. The 16mm film in which they burned a similar sedan by throwing gas cans under it and in it was no where near the fire that killed Mildred.

German POW's Castles

Alva, Oklahoma -

Castles were built by German POW's in 1943 and donated by VFW Post 1098, McAlester, Oklahoma.

Crescent, Okla. Mural

Crescent, Oklahoma -

Photo taken 15 April, 2003 on the main street of Crescent, Oklahoma

Mildred Ann (Newlin) Reynold's Death

Cherokee, Oklahoma - "Yes I remember all about that as we was living at Alva at the time. Of course it was on everyone's mind. When they brought the car in they parked it across from my parents house in a salvage yard.

We lived a block south and a half west so there was all kinds of traffic as everyone wanted to see the car. Then they burned another car trying to duplicate the situation at that location also. I find a Mildred Ann Reynolds buried in the Cherokee Cemetery - born Dec. 25, 1933 and died March 13, 1956.

I think this is the Ann you are looking for. You will find a full account of the incident in the Alva papers. Pictures and all. The college at Alva has the papers on microfilm or I think the Okla. Historical Society in OKC has them to.

R. D. 'Dee' Reynolds was a basketball coach and the rumors were flying like crazy. It really looked bad for him for a while. I can't say he did or didn't do it, but I know they put him through a lot. With all the technology we have now-a-days they would probably have known right away if it was intentional. I never thought he did it, but a lot of people did.

As you read about it you will understand all the confusion about it.

I was glad to help. Anytime you need help, let me know. I am sure that the Cherokee papers, Cherokee Messenger and Republican were full of that story too, as her parents were rural Cherokee people. Her brother Edd, is dead and Edd's wife lives with their daughter." -- Marty
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Haines Store

Alva, Oklahoma - "Several months ago I sent a photo of a town scene, asking if anyone could name the town. Fairly recently you published an account of a man named Haines who was an early merchent in Alva. Since there was a Haines store in the photo, I'll bet the town was Alva." -- Charles M. Cook
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Wrought Iron Home Comfort Cook Stove

"Your letter July 2001 you asked about wrought iron home comfort cook stove. We have one and it has been in my husbands family since his grandparent's bought it brand new. I've been doing a lot of research on this stove and I believe it to be your CB model stove as your cookbook came from. I am trying to locate part for this stove as it's missing one hinge on the oven and the handle for lifting the burners. Other than that it is in GREAT shape and soon to be moved into our country kitchen for use. Any info I'd greatly appreciate. Thank you for your time." -- Roxane Hillock - Email: Hillockfarms2@aol.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Reynolds' Case

Tulsa, Oklahoma - "You included my 'babies' in the same issue as your little beauty! Thanks (but no autographs please...... they are too busy playing..) Heck, if I had known they were going to make the newsletter, I probably would have chosen some better pics (well, that's a lie.... I meant a cleaner background - tee hee). Anyway, just loved looking at your little one. They are so fun and funny to watch as a puppy. I can't wait until you really get into the new mystery. That really sounds intriguing but also so very very tragic! Must have been some really heavy duty reason why someone would go to that kind of extreme to hide any clues and torture a person. Will be waiting with 'baited breath' reading your new quest! Great going, Linda!" -- Your Forever Reader
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Remembering the Reynolds Case

Avard, Oklahoma - "I remember this quite well. It was not too long before my senior year in high school, so early 1956 would be the latest that it could have occurred. I'll try to find some old newspaper accounts on it, since I've wondered about it many times myself over the years. I do remember that Mr. Reynolds was a teacher and basketball coach in Avard at the time, and I remember being convinced that he was totally innocent. Mrs. Reynolds was returning home after attending classes at Northwestern State. One of the major questions and the reason they burned another car to find out, was: How could her car have burned so fast that she couldn't get out unless she was either already dead or some flammable substance was used? As I recall the Reynolds incident took place on the Avard road. I talked to Ed Doctor (Sheriff) and Elvin White (Undersheriff) many years later and they were both still convinced that it was a case of murder." -- Jim View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Reynolds' Burning

Avard, Oklahoma - " I remember listening about this poor lady's death on the radio. Don't remember the year, we lived northwest of Hardtner. It does seem they had a trial or inquest or something; maybe there are newspaper articles, or perhaps the radio station has some old transcripts around (doubtful, but possible I suppose). I don't recall that the mystery was ever solved -- although many held an opinion about the solution." -- Evelyn View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Reynolds' Case Memories

Avard, Oklahoma - "I found some information on the web concerning the death of Mildred Anne Reynolds (car fire) on March 13, 1956, and find it quite intriguing. I was not aware of this case prior to your article in the Okie Legacy. The link to the website is included below.

If this report is "factual", I cannot understand why the case was never solved. Many clues within definitely deserve further investigation? Still enjoy the Okie Legacy each week and am always looking forward to receiving it on Friday evenings.

Who was present at the scene and expended the 9mm shells? Why was a weapon fired at the scene? Who fired it?

What is plausible reason for this?

Why was there no further information divulged as to the owner of the shell casings as per information presented in the internet article?

Was she shot prior to vehicle burning?

Why was gas tank plug loose enough to dislodge from tank? Or was it removed at the scene? Or intentionally loosened earlier? Was the plug recovered at the scene?

Was she enroute to rendezvous with another party?

Was this route, her normally traveled route?

Had she received phone call to meet with someone? Did she have a boyfriend.... or did someone think she did?

Was it proven she was alone and that she was the actual driver of the vehicle at time of incident?

Was she pregnant or did somebody believe her to be? Did her husband have a girlfriend? If so, who was she and was she pregnant? What was her husband's occupation?

Were personal friends of husband interviewed extensively?

Did Anne have a part time job? Was she a full-time or part-time student?

Were her classmates interviewed and what was her schedule for that day?

Did she in fact attend 'all' scheduled classes that day?

Where was she 'enroute to and from' at the time of incident? Did her family privately pursue answers to the incident? And many, many more questions that need to be resolved." -- Larry -Steve Gilbert's Study
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13 March 1956 - Reynolds Case

Avard, Oklahoma - "Steven Gilbert's letter has a lot of useful information. She most certainly was unconscious or dead when the vehicle burned or she would have escaped. Since the body was so completely destroyed no autopsy would show many causes of death for instance strangulation . It is quite rare for a body to be so completely destroyed in a car fire without accelerants being actually pored into the vehicle. The 9mm shell casings found were fired from a semi-automatic handgun and that person was at the scene. Why would he/she fire the weapon and why were they there. There must be photos of the crime scene as well as the autopsy. This is a great "cold case" to look into, wish I were there. Wonder if Unsolved Mysteries or one of those programs would be interested. That was not a common car fire and it engulfed a large area around the vehicle." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Nazilager 1942-1945

McAlester, Oklahoma - "My name is steve DeFrange and I live in McAlester Oklahoma. I discovered the site pertaining to the WWII POW camp at Alva.

I am interested in researching the camp at McAlester. Could you direct me to any resources on this subject that might help? Is anything available from U,S. military or government records? I am not aware of a photo of the camp here and would like to find one. A small yard castle (built by German POW's in 1943 and donated by VFW Post 1098 -- See Plaque) has survived and is displayed at the McAlester Building Foundation Museum (the old High School from which I graduated in 1966). The administration building which was later the VFW hall is now a gym at which I worked out this morning. I went up to the museum and got a few pics of the castle today.

There were several smaller castles around the barracks originally in addition to this one that was in front of the building that became the VFW hall after the war. This one is about 4-1/2' X 3' X 2-1/2' high. This is the largest one and it has been vandalized once since relocating to the museum and has been repaired. I have seen it many times, both in it's original location and in the present location. It is still a moving experience for me to visit it.

My dad served with 36th Field Artillery in No. Africa, Sicilia, Italy, France, and Germany throughout the war. Thank you very much." -- Steve - Email: sdefrange@cox.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Rose of Cimarron

Oklahoma - "I enjoyed your website very much. I am in the process of building my own, devoted to female outlaws of the Old West. Still under construction, but you can view it at www.desperadas.com. I am trying to find info on Rose of Cimarron, Jennie Metcalfe. I have also heard 'ROC' referred to as Cattle Annie, but surely these are two different women? Info is frustratingly scarce. Would very much appreciate any insights!

Also, who is Jennie Freeman? I understood that she was a lover of Zip Wyatt, but other readings seem to indicate this wasn't so. Thanks in advance for your kind assistance." -- Trish Saunders - Email: trishlsaunders@yahoo.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Unsolved Reynolds Mystery

Avard, Oklahoma - " Funny that this should come up. Just recently my Mother and I were talking about this as I remember seeing a picture of the car in an article in the Wichita Eagle Beacon. I was very young but for some reason remember that photo. As I am a police officer, I have a special interest in things like this and would really like to see if somehow this 'cold case' could be brought to life. After this span of time it would be interesting to see what all who remembers." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

1956 Unsolved Mystery in NW Oklahoma

Avard, Oklahoma - "Keep a suspect file... If you don't have any, then anyone could be. Double check everything your told to find the facts. Everyone will have different version of the story. It is a small community someone may be hiding a piece. Glad you like puzzles because you have a few pieces with a general idea of the whole picture. Keep good notes... This could turn out to be your first mystery novel."
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Interest in Oklahoma Ghosttowns

Okemah, Oklahoma - "Hi! I have very deep rooted experiences in some of the ghost towns in Oklahoma. I was born in Okemah, and lived in Earlsboro and Cromwell, not to mention Seminole and Guthrie. I am currently living in Skiatook. I am a Civil War buff, and I am into Old West Re-enactments. I used to go to the Old Frontier City west of Okemah on highway 48. I stumbled on to your sight by accident, and would love to receive your news letter. Thanks." -- Gerald View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe