Okie's NW Corner

Another glorious weekend in the SW Rockies of Colorado with High temperatures hanging around the mid-80s and Low temps hanging around the mid-50s. No! Oakie and I haven't seen any bears... YET! BUT... we have heard that there is a three-legged bear making the rounds at night scavenging for calories in the Vallecito Reservoir area.

That is one creature that this sweet, friendly Pug will NOT try to befriend. My dog friend, Daisy, informed me all about her experience with a brownish-black bear a couple of years ago in the Summer of 2002. Besides that... Oakie would not let me outside the house if she knew a bear was roaming around there. So... I am safe for now!

This week Oakie went estate sale shopping for some furniture to put in our place up here. WOW! Did she ever find this great piece. It is an old wooden ice-chest/freezer that has it's original wooden wheels, but doesn't have the drainage pan underneath to catch the melting ice. We don't think it has been used as a freezer for sometime, because on the inside of the metal, galvanized container there were some cedar chips. On the backside it reads: Manufactured by Gibson Refrigerator, Greenville, Mich., USA. It also has the number on the back "686."

We did a Google.com search for Gibson Refrigerator, Greenville, Michigan. Did you know that Gibson Refrigerator factory made the first glider that was used on D-Day? From wooden refrigerators to Gliders and Aviation.... WOW! Here is what we found on the web, "The Gibson Refrigerator factory in Greenville made 1,078 of the CG-4A gliders, part of nearly 14,000 turned out during the war. Sixteen factories made the gliders. They were dangerous to fly and land, and more than 700 dropped Allied troops inside France just before the D-Day assault....." -- The DetroitNews - WWII Glider to go on display in Michigan - 4/18/04

Old 2-cent Postcards...

That's not the only thing we walked away with, though... besides a couple of old kitchen chairs with wooven wicker seats, they through in some old 2-cent postcards with scenes from Pittsburg, Kansas. The postcard views show the Mount Carmel Hospital (17411) First Presbyterian Church (17414) High School (15937) Sewer Pipe and Tile Plant (17409). The High School postcard was published by Central Post Card Co., Fort Scott, Kans. The other three postcards were published by E. C. Kropp Co., Milwaukee. We are wondering if any of these buildings are still standing. I am going to have to pack Oakie up and head towards Pittsburg, Kansas one of these days.

Another find at the same estate sale... are a couple of 5x7 prints -- Old Farm Scene (two-horse powered plow or chisel) Old Store Scene (see photo on right). They were published, printed in 1973 Gallery Five 850/KA Knucklebones by Frank Meadow Sutcliffe and printed in England, Courtesy of the Sutcliffe Gallery, Whitby - 50 and by agreement with Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society. What if the farmers of Kansas and Oklahoma were still using the the two-horse drawn plow (chisel) nowadays? We've come along way, baby!

Wheat Harvest & 1930 Oklahoma Mystery...

Speaking of wheat harvest... last week it finally ended in NW Oklahoma. One of our readers wrote in, "Everyone says this is the earliest cut they can remember in a long time.  Think it has something to do with this horrible dry weather.  Been rain all around us, but we're dry as a bone.  And it's HOT and windy.... about usual for Hell's Half Acre, otherwise known as NW Oklahoma." Freedom, Oklahoma's temps reached into the 102 degree range this last week. Whew!.... I'm glad this Pug is in a cooler spot!

Before 1930 Northern Oklahoma Hanging... This next little mystery will have you rummaging through a haystack looking for a needle (so to speak). It happened somewhere in Northern Oklahoma before 1930. One of our readers wrote in about their Great-Uncle Thomas Godwin. He was hung in Northern Oklahoma for stealing a horse before 1930. Does anyone out there have any clues, knowledge or can tell us where we might look?

Remember May 18, 1950...

That was the date of a forest fire that left a small bear cub with burned paws orphaned. That little orphaned cub became known as "Smokey, The Bear." Smokey's mother was killed in the forest fire and this poor tiny cub's paws were badly burned and painful. So painful, in fact, no one could even hold him. During a promotional by the Forestry service for a visit with 'Smokey the Bear,'Smokey and this group were at an airport in the Howard (type of plane).  The bear just signed an autograph by posing on the plane." This was sent in by one of my readers. She found this picture of her father that had been taken back in May, 1950. Her father was Stanley C. Nicola, the pilot and 2nd from left.

Those pictured in the above photo - left to right: Mrs. H. W. Harts, S. C. Nicola (the pilot), L. M. Mauney, H. W. Harts; Plane: Howard DGA15P N22420. On top of plane - Smokey, The Bear, found in forest fire by rangers the day before, May 18, 1950.

As to other reader's inquiries... if you know anything about the European WWII, Pacific Theater, and where we can find a copy or two of the Panhandle (Oklahoma) History book, we would love to hear from you.

Before we head out of here for the weekend and Father's Day... I would like to drop one of my fans a special "Woof! Woof! Hello, Bennie! Thanks for taking the time to write."

Here is a little Self Empowerment poem that we wanted to share with Y'all... "Being Self-empowered, is knowing Who You Are, living life as you choose, connected with 'Afar.' This consciousness of Spirit, partners 'us' with you, you follow Self-desires, with a focused view. The more Self-empowered, the more you can lead, with this Loving guidance, this planet you will seed. Enjoy your Self-connection, as freely as you Know, nothing is impossible, let imagination flow." -- Eric M. Bordsky - Poetry of the Angels II

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY... to all those fathers out there this weekend!
See Y'all Next Weekend!

1930 Hanging - Northern Oklahoma...

"I recently heard that a great-uncle of mine, Thomas Godwin, was hung in Northern Oklahoma for stealing a horse... before 1930. I found your site in trying to find him. I realize the chance of finding a record of this may be impossible, but it brought me to your site." -- Kathryn Hamann - Email: trinityview@msn.com
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Rockies & Smokey the Bear...

"Most of us have heard of 'Smokey the Bear', but did you know that was a REAL bear? Yep! You can see the real "Smokey the Bear' standing on top of the plane above. My father, Stanley C. Nicola (2nd from the left) flew he and Smokey's rescuers to medical treatment for the badly burned and orphaned cub. Smokey's mother was killed in the forest fire and this poor tiny cub's paws were badly burned and painful. So painful, in fact, no one could even hold him - so they placed him on top of the plane for the picture. The handwritten note under the picture was written by father on May 18, 1950. Those pictured in the photo - left to right: Mrs. H. W. Harts, S. C. Nicola, L. M. Mauney, H. W. Harts; Plane: Howard DGA15P N22420. On top of plane - Smokey, The Bear, found in forest fire by rangers the day before, May 18, 1950." -- Karel View/Write Comments (count 2)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Guinn Family Reunion - Oklahoma...

"I just found you website while looking for information on my mother's Guinn family.  Many of the family are involved in genealogy and one school of thought (or maybe a few) has us back to Hugh Gwynn from Gwynn's Island, Virginia .  My side of the Guinn family is having a reunion on Sunday. I will be sure to pass your site along to see if we can find any trails that cross." -- Laura Jackson, Shawnee, OK View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

WW II Websites...

"I so much enjoy your Okie newsletter. Although I am not an Okie, I was raised in NE Kansas and still have relatives in SE Kansas and do appreciate the updates, anecdotes, etc. I really appreciated referring to the website -- Normandy: 1944 - Invasion. I am a WW II vet but was in the SW Pacific Area for 27 months so at the time of the Invasion our news was scant and delayed. Just this past week (Memorial Rememberance) have I gained probably more information, GI letters, etc and now your referenced site with authentic information. What is all of this leading up to? Can you provide me with additional sites for the European WW II and especially for the Pacific Theater? I am 82 and not too proficient with the computer but do enjoy it. Thanks." -- Ralph Thompson - Email: rthompson@nctimes.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

European & Pacific Theater - WWII...

WWII Maps, Stats, Timelines - www.teacheroz.com/WWIImaps.htm... Pacific Theater 1941-1942 - 1942-1943 - 1944-1945 Map - Losses in World War Two Map - Alliances of World War Two Map of World War Two WWII: European Theater
World War II on the Web - web.uccs.edu/~history/index/worldwar2.html ... European Theater Battle of the Bulge (Andennes Offensive ... Netherlands Air Force: Pacific Theater Iwo Jima ... Northern Mariana Islands and WWII With information

World War II Maps - Perry-Casta?eda Map Collection - UT Library - www.lib.utexas.edu/Libs/PCL/Map_collection/historical/history_ww2.html ... Campaign Brochure by Jennifer L. Bailey (194K) Southwest Pacific Area, 1942 From the Papua Campaign Brochure by Charles R. Anderson (194K). European Theater

European Theater - www.worldwar2history.info/Europe/ ... [The primary source for this text is the US Army Center for Military History. For a more general overview of the war see the Brief History of WWII e-text."].

Pacfic War - www.wtj.com/articles/pacific_war/

WWII Pacific Theater 1941-1942 Maps - www.onwar.com/maps/wwii/pacific1/ Click Here. OnWar.com > Maps of World War II > Pacific Theater 1941-1942,

OnWar.com Maps of World War II - Pacific Theater 1941-1942, ... www.onwar.com/maps/wwii/pacific2/index2.htm

Tour of Carvings - Vallecito, Colorado...

Vallecito Webshots... Tour of Carvings Project is a comeback story of the Missionary Ridge Fire of 2002 near Durango in SW Colorado. Between June 9th and July 28th, over 70,000 acres were burned costing $40.8 million and using 4000+ fire related personnel from all over the country. A forest service employee lost his life when a tree fell on him while cutting another tree.
     Vallecito Lake is home to thousands of Ponderosa Pine tree, many over 200 years old and standing up to 175 feet tall. The fire swept through the lake area making their trunks and branches severely scorched leaving thousands of giant burnt toothpicks.
    A former resident Paul McGinnis, called his parents during the evacuation asking what was to become of the damaged Ponderosa Pine trees. When told they would probably me milled into lumber, he suggested carving them into firefighters and animals impacted by the fire.... paying tribute to all concerned. After a Winter of carving by local artist Chad Haspels, the Tour of Carvings is on display.
    Most of the carvings are mounted on concrete piers and can be found all over the lake area. They have a number and name assigned to aid in the identification. Each on stands 18 feet tall and weigh around 2,600 pounds.
     The Carving #5 near the Chamber of Commerce building took the longest to carve and was completed in the Spring of 2003 as a memorial to Alan Wyatt to resemble him personally. He stands looking over the burnt forest that he spent his life trying to preserve.
    For current updates on Tour of Carvings information check with VallecitoLakeChamber.com - Donations are still being accepted to expand this project and to protect the carvings from the elements over the years.
    The Carvings: Carving #1-Black Bear & Cubs -- Carving #2-Fireman with Shovel -- Carving #3-Mountain Lion -- Carving #4-Sheriff with Radio -- Carving #5-Carving of Alan Wyatt in Memorial -- Carving #6-EMT & Eagle -- Carving #7-Buffalo & Two Bears Fighting -- Carving #8-Fire Fighter with Chain Saw -- Carving #9-Fire Fighter & Slurry Bomber -- Carving #10-Fire Fighter with Raccoon -- Carving #11-Doe & Fawn -- Carving #12-Lynx & Eagle -- Carving #13-Fireman with Hose -- Carving #14-Colorado Mounted Ranger.
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Wheat Harvest & Hell's Half Acre...

"Wheat harvest is almost over (6/8/2004).  Everyone says this is the earliest cut they can remember in a long time.  Think it has something to do with this horrible dry weather.  Been rain all around us, but we're dry as a bone.  And it's HOT and windy.... about usual for Hell's Half Acre, otherwise known as NW Oklahoma.  ha ha   But true..." --  Lana View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Rocky Mtn Photos...

"Like your Rocky Mtn photos -- looking forward to more. Yes, remembering June 9 -- I marked the day as well. And June 6 you were here and we noted that event. Nice touch to link to Carole McWilliams' editorial." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Already Subscriber...

"Even tho' I'm a new subscriber, and I have never lived in Oklahoma but have had many relatives that did, I'm enjoying your efforts with Okie Legacy.  It appears that you have a definite talent (if not some training) in how to put a newsletter together. Keep up your good work .... and enjoy Colorado!  It is beautiful country." -- Dixie Lee View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

The Thing...

"It was fun to remember the hype surrounding movies like  The House of Wax, Psycho and The Thing but does anyone remember a song with the same title as the latter?    Phil Harris sang a silly song entitled The Thing describing some mysterious speciman that the listener couldn't quite picture.  ('Get out of here with that DUM-DE-DUM (percussion) and don't come back again!')  Twelve-year old kids  tortured their parents by singing the catchy tune all summer long, anyway one did." -- Bonnie

[Editor's Note: words to The Thing by Phil Harris - Top 30 Hits of 1950 - Oldies top 100 website] View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Horse Show...

"Icelandics, Tennessee Walkers, Morgans, Rocky Mountain horses and other breeds to be shown 12, 13 June 2004, Montezuma County fairgrounds in Cortez.- www.mesaverdeclassic.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Freedom (Oklahoma) Heat...

"Freedom hit a high of 102 degrees today (6/12/2004).  Aren't you glad you're at Essemar?" View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Russel & Emma Weeks...

"Russel and Emma Weeks were Ruby's Aunt and Uncle." -- Forest and Ruby Edwards - Email: torrub@earthlink.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Searching History of Osage County...

"I am currently searching the history of Osage County in my search for family geneology and have found articles in your site very interesting. I saw a lot of flyers in my area advertising Okie genealogy research but your site was by far the best starter. Thanks." -- D. Ward - www.flyerstarter.com - Email: donward@aol.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Avard & Alva Resident...

"I have lived in Alva, Oklahoma for a number of years now, and I have also lived in Avard. Just wanting to visit the site as what it used to be." -- Mildred Martin - Email: mildred_martin1@hotmail.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Looking for Panhandle History Book...

"Sure hope you find some Panhandle history books somewhere. We will try to send you a story or two about rural life with a team and wagon as the only transportation, 10 miles to town - Mom and Dad with 7 children. I was the youngest. Thanks." -- Forest Edwards - Email: torrub@earthlink.net. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

THANK YOU...

"for this wonderful site! I was absolutely stunned to find the society page review of my grandparents' marriage. My mother, aunts, brother and cousins were equally flabbergasted when I passed the word... Descriptions of the flowers, dress, music and decorations were so rich and charming, it was easy to imagine the pomp and excitement of that event so long ago. What an extraordinary feeling to go back in time..." -- Michael Hesser - Email: mhesser@comcast.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Kemper Military Alumni...

"I am an 'Old Boy.' My brother and uncle attended Kemper Military School in 1944-46, and myself in 1968-72. Alot of us, as well as your family, have very deep roots to Kemper. Its very sad all that history is no longer with us, as the school was sold a few years ago. Sincerely." -- Michael A. Haver, Phoenix, Arizona - Email: mahaver5@cox.net
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