Okie's NW Corner

Here it is again another friday evening and we are burning the midnight oil... so to speak! Last weekend was a wet one for us in Northwest Oklahoma. I believe they measured 2-3 inches of that wet stuff around the Woods County area. AND... Yes! Close beside my feet lays sweet little Duchess in her bed... snoring soundly and dreaming of bones and red hats.

I told you all last week that I would get you a photo of Duchess and her Red Cowboy hat.

This is what Duchess has to say about that, "If you like me in my red/grey wrap, you should see what Oakie (Linda) did to me this week. She tried to fit this oversized, red cowboy hat on me for a cute picture taking moment... but the dang thing kept swallowing up my head and was very annoying at times, BUT... everyone knows that I have the patience of a Pug and we finally got the photo. I hope Oakie remembered to put it in this week's issue of The Okie Legacy. I'm heading quietly, patiently back to bed now -- laying at Oakie's feet -- making my cute little Pug sounds. I try to keep an eye on Oakie, but I can't keep up with her sometimes. She is working feverishly, as usual, on this week's issue of The Okie Legacy newsletter. This 60-something weather has been great for us dogs to get out in and play with our dog friends. Last week we got 3 inches of that wet stuff they call rain. We surely did need it around these parts, though. Everything is muddier than all get out. BUT... you do not hear me complaining, do you? If you have a high speed connection and can handle this little movie clip, here is a little movie of me (Duchess) for you to play in your Windows Multimedia Player - www.okielegacy.net/movies/22jan04Duchess.wmv."

How Much Is That Doggie....... I Do NOT think she's For Sale!!! View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Speaking of Red Hats...

I noticed in last week's newsletter that I left out one very special Red Hat Okie Dokie. That would be the lady in the left-photo with the red boa on her shoulders, Jean Rose. I also found out that one of their Okie Dokies is 93-years-young. The photo on the right shows (left to right)... Betty Cushenberry, Viola Marquette (93 yrs young) and Verla Vogts. Viola Marquette is the mother of Betty Cushenberry.

We did get a few emails this week with information about this Red Hat Society of middle-aged ladies. AND... I thought it was just something unique to Alva & NW Oklahoma. This Red Hat stuff started with the Red Hat Society - www.redhatsociety.com/ - their website gives more information about them. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Somos el barco, somos el mar...

I see it is again time to get out of here and say, "See Y'all next weekend."

BUT... before we head out, there is a part of an old Peter, Paul & Mary song that I have been listening, singing to all this week and can't seem to get out of my head. It is called -- Somos El Barco - written by Lorre Wyatt & sung by Peter, Paul & Mary. It goes something like this:

"Somos el barco, somos el mar,
Yo navego en ti, tu navegas en mi
We are the boat, we are the sea,
I sail in you, you sail in me
So with our hopes we set the sails
And face the winds once more
And with our hearts we chart the waters never sailed before."
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Owaaneo -- Pale Flower & Laughing Fawn...

Did you enjoy that Pilgrim Bard's Poem in the last issue? I have some more for you to read. There is one called "Owaaneo -- Pale Flower" that is quite long and sad. You may click this link for other Scott Cummins Poems. A descendant of Cummins wrote and said about the poem Laughing Fawn..."I had read the Pilgrim Bard's poem you included and had to find it in the book to read it all. I didn't realize that Laughing Fawn so closely resembled the mystery that Scott had about himself. According to some Cummins family members, Scott would like to put a bit of mystery in his life story (Stories About A Good Little Boy) by telling a story about being born Indian and being given to a white woman when the woman's own baby died at birth. I believe it is at the beginning of Twilight Reveries, the same book that Laughing Fawn is in." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Alfalfa County Family History Books...

"A reprint of Our Alfalfa County Heritage a family history book will be available Nov. 1, 2004. If you didn't get your family history in the book The Alfalfa County Historical Society is sponsoring a 2nd-Edition of Our Alfalfa County Heritage family history book which will also be available Nov. 1, 2004. Family history can brought up to date with new generations. For details on how to submit your story and order books -- the brochures are located at The Alva Chamber of Commerce. Also brochures can be picked up at the Alfalfa County Museum (117 W. Main -- Cherokee, Oklahoma) and at the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, Alfalfa County Bank, Farmers Exchange Bank and the Cherokee Publishing Co. For more information phone the Alfalfa County Museum - (580) 596-2960. Open Tuesday & Thursday from 10-4. Otherwise leave message. After February 9th you may write or phone Marty Myers at 580-596-2739." -- Marty Myers - 218 W. 9th Cherokee, OK. 73728 View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Canadian (Texas) Red Hats...

"These Red Hats are from Canadian, Tx, our home for 25 years. Coming down the staircase: Sherry Wagner, ?, ?, Mary Lynn Shaffer, Charlotte Schaef, Nettie Pickens, Rilla Rhea, Yvonne Moore, Delynn Dunn and Shirlene Vines. Photo #2 -- Photo #3 -- Photo #4" -- Sherry View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Red Hat Society Official Website...

Red Hat Society Official Website -- "Here is a link to the Red Hat Society. They just recently started one of these in Ashland, KS. The first time I saw a group of these ladies was in Sept. 2002 when we went to Mount Rushmore in SD." -- Kathy View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Red Hat Concept...

"I love that Red Hat concept!!! Maybe some ladies will start a Blue Hat Club in our neck of the woods." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Okie Dokies...

" I got a real smile from the picture and item about the red-hatted Okie Dokies. Why?
A number of years ago my daughter had many Mennonite friends (and still does). During this time we learned that yes, these wonderful people have a great sense of humor. For example. The black caps the ladies wear are called dokies. Not sure that is the spelling, but it is the pronunciation. Question: What do you call the black caps that Oklahoma Mennonite ladies wear? Answer: Okie Dokies!" -- Evelyn View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Red Hat Society Poems...

"The Red Hat Society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor and elan. They believe silliness is the comedy relief of life, and since they are all in it together, they might as well join red-gloved hands and go for the gusto together. Underneath the frivolity, they share a bond of affection, forged by common life experiences and a genuine enthusiasm for wherever life takes them next. This is the poem and the lady who started it and gave others the inspiration to join and keep it going.
"Warning" - by Jenny Joseph
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens . . .
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Brand New Poem - Red Hat Society...

Ode to the Red Hat Society by Sue Ellen Cooper - A poem about sisterhood and friendship that perfectly describes what the Red Hat Society has become.
Ode to the Red Hat Society by Sue Ellen Cooper
A poet put it very well. She said when she was older,
She wouldn't be so meek and mild. She threatened to get bolder.
She'd put a red hat on her head, and purple on her shoulder.
She'd make her life a warmer place, her golden years much golder.
We read that poem, all of us, and grasped what she is saying.
We do not need to sit and knit, although we all are graying.
We think about what we can do. Our plans we have been laying.
Instead of working all the time, we'll be out somewhere playing.
We take her colors to our hearts, and then we all go shopping
For purples clothes and hats of red, with giant brims a-flopping.
We're tired of working all the time, and staying home and mopping.
We order pies and chocolate fudge, and rich desserts with topping.
We crown ourselves as duchesses and countesses and queens.
We prove that playing dress-up isn't just for Halloween.
We drape ourselves in jewels, feathers, boas, and sateen.
We see ourselves on television and in magazines.
We laugh, we cry, we hug a lot. We keep each other strong.
When one of us goes out for fun, the rest all go along.
We gad about, we lunch and munch, in one big happy throng.
We've found the place where we fit in, the place we all belong. View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Experienced, NOT Elderly...

"It's obvious to me, from the pictures displayed, that none of the red-hatted Okie Dokies consider themselves 'elderly' ... Experienced! Maybe, but NOT near elderly." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Chocolate Gravy Memories...

"Sure do enjoy the Okie Legacy. When I saw the mention of chocolate gravy, it brought back memories of my own mom's gravy when I was growing up back in Kentucky. She made salmon patties and we covered them with chocolate gravy at dinner or supper. One of our favorite meals! It was great for breakfast with butter and hot biscuits. One of my brothers loved it over his eggs - now I could never bring myself to try that!" -- Rae View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

How It All Started - Red Hat Society...

How It All Started - Red Hat Society -- "The pictures and story about Alva's Red Hat Club reminded me of my cousin writing about the same club in Wisconsin. She was invited to one of their get togethers and asked me if I had heard of them. Of course, I had not, so I found them on the internet. The link below tells a little about them. I thought it was such a coincidence that you had written about them and I had found them so interesting, previously from my Wisconsin cousin. As far as I know, they don't have any group here in Wichita. When reading about how it all started, I told my husband that it sounded so much like a small group of ladies I have been friends with for many years that I thought they were talking about us minus the red hats! Maybe we should think about each getting a red hat! Also, one of the ladies in the pictures you posted graduated with my husband at Freedom High School! Thank you so much for the interesting topics you always find to write about." -- Jan View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Scott Cummins Poems - Laughing Fawn...

Scott Cummins Poems - Laughing Fawn -- "I had read the Pilgrim Bard's poem you included and had to find it in the book to read it all. I didn't realize that Laughing Fawn so closely resembled the mystery that Scott had about himself. According to some Cummins family members, Scott would like to put a bit of mystery in his life story (Stories About A Good Little Boy) by telling a story about being born Indian and being given to a white woman when the woman's own baby died at birth. I believe it is at the beginning of Twilight Reveries, the same book that Laughing Fawn is in. (So far, I have not been able to find anything to connect the story)." -- Jan View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Inquiry - Bison, Oklahoma...

"I am looking for that town of Bison, Oklahoma. Was that town in time of Indian Territory or Oklahoma Territory? When was that town started to setup? I am collector on Indain Territory covers as some ghost towns. I would ask you more infromation of other town later..Is that ok with you? Thanks! " -- Chris

[Editor's Note: Bison, Oklahoma -- south of Enid on Highway 81, was named for nearby Buffalo Springs, a camp site used by cattle herders, Indians, stage coach drivers and others. Bison is in Sec. 24, Twp. 20N, R7W. A post office was started Aug. 31, 1901.] View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Avard, Oklahoma...

"Avard received it's name from my great-great grandmother, Isabella Avard Todd. She was also the first post-mistress in Avard." -- Tracye (Brewer) Tripp View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Alva Fountain Photo - Soon...

"I hope to have a photo of the court house fountain soon. The owner came to Waynoka for her brother's funeral, and we talked about your web site. I forwarded the info about the fountain. I'm anxious to see the fountain as it is today." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Oklahoma Counties...

Oklahoma Counties -- "You incorrectly list Cheyenne as county seat of Ellis County. It is the county seat of Roger Mills County which is not listed at all. Thanks for a neat site."

[Editor's Note: Ellis County - county seat is Arnett; Roger Mills County - county seat is Cheyenne. That correction has been made. Thanks for being another set of eyes. I appreciate it!] View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Nice Research of Oklahoma...

"I am a nephew of Tom Lemmons from Slapout (Oklahoma). Nice Research about Oklahoma." -- Howard - Email: ramblnman56@yahoo.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Abandoned - 1939 or '40?...

"I was wondering if you've every heard any stories about a small boy being abandoned in Waynoka, Oklahoma? I now live in Topeka, Kansas and just started doing some Genealogy work. My step-father Jack Beaman is from Waynoka. He was adopted about 1939 or 1940. He was abandoned by his father with lastname Ray when Jack was about 3-years-old. We know they came from California, and stay at an apartment in Waynoka, for about 2-months. One morning little Jack Ray woke-up and his dad was gone. Never heard or saw his father again. The people who owned the apartment had the lastname of Beaman which they gave to Jack at age 13 or 16 when they adopted him thus he became Jack Ray Beaman. Maybe there might be old registers around somewhere? I know at some point Jack went into the airforce, his social security number comes from Kansas. Even his own children don't remember anything. To them that was in the past. I don't know if I told you he was a twin. He also remembered that they (he and his dad) came from California and his mother was a concert piano player. Now... how hard would it be to find a concert piano player who gave birth to twin boys." -- Nancy Eddy (neddy1115@hotmail.com) View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Beaman Apartments...

"I can remember there were some Beaman apartments, my oldest sister lived there when she was first married so I remember the name if she were alive to ask. I am sure she would know. I know some names of people who lived over in that part of town. Corky and Milred Sampson lived next door to these apartments for a long time and also Charlie and Velma Sampson lived over in that same area." -- Louise View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Shawnee, Oklahoma Memories...

"I was born in Shawnee and spent most of my younger years there. All of my family still lives around that area. I visit there when I can, but not as often as I did as when my Grandmother was living. Her name was Nettie Lee Ramsay. I live in Greenville, SC now. The weather here is nice most of the time, Not as cold, hot or windy as Oklahoma, and almost no tornados." -- Marie View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Music Loosening Knot in Head Tracking Family Ties...

"Okay, I feel that I accomplished something tonight. I am teaching myself the major scale (CDEFABC) on the guitar. While doing this I remembered and found the right combo of notes for Do Re ME from the Sound of Music. I remembered this from the time I was taught this on the piano while visiting Lou and Kay on the West coast. I used to play this all the time on our piano because it was the only thing I could play. I also have been practicing Happy Birthday, Red River Valley, and Auld Lang Syne which have similar notes on the major scale. Red River Valley has two chords in it to help me mix regular notes with chords in a song. All the songs are recognizable, but are being played at a slow tempo right now. I had tried hammering a note (2 eighth notes where you pick the lower chord and tap the higher one). The second note is too soft. I must be doing something wrong. Other songs I have tried include: When the saints go marching in, This Land is Your land, and Wake Up Little Susie. If I keep practicing the major scale and get Do Re Me down where I know where the notes (CDEFABC) are located, I will be able to read any sheet music and play the notes on the guitar. I am having a problem keeping time (with foot) and fingering at the same time. It is sort of like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time. If I know the song, I can pick the note correctly without keeping time. Any ideas on how to help teach me how to keep time while I play?" -- Mike

[Editor's Note: This Land Is Your Land -- by Woodie Guthrie... "This land is your land, this land is my land, From California, to the New York Island, From the Redwood Forest, to the Gulf Stream Waters, This land was made for you and me. As the sun was shining, and I was strolling, And the wheat fields waving, and the dust clouds rolling, As the fog was lifting, a voice was saying This land was made for you and me!"] View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Will "Bill" McGill & 1906 Austin Senators...

"My name is Andrew Short. I believe my great-grandfather, Harry Short, was a teammate of Will McGill's on the 1906 Austin Senators. I wanted to send you a note to thank you for the wonderful website you have put up (oakielegacy.org) honoring among other things your grandfather, his life, and his baseball career. In trying to do some research on my family history. I found your website and with it a great deal of history about my great-grandfather as well. I was wondering if it would be okay for me to download a copy of the 1906 team photo (backside of photo with names of players) so that I might be able to add it to the documents I am collecting about our family history? There is a story in my family that, like Will, my great-grandfather at one time was called up to play with St. Louis in the Major Leagues (although for which St. Louis team I'm not sure). When he told his wife, she refused to move to St. Louis, thus ending Harry's Major league baseball career. He became a player/manager in the Texas leagues instead... in addition to other careers. I have at home some newspaper clippings and stories from various Texas newspapers in the early 1900s about Harry's baseball career. I will go back and review them to see if any of them mention Will McGill as well. If they do, I would be happy to copy them and send them along to you. In addition to playing baseball in Texas, I know that my great-grandfather and other relatives also lived for awhile in Oklahoma. Again, I simply wanted to thank you for all the hard work and effort you've put into your website. In doing so, you have allowed me to reclaim a piece of my family history. Best regards." -- Andrew H. Short View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Andrew Warwick (Warrick)...

"I noticed your mention of an Andrew Warwick. I wonder if he is the same as the Andrew Warrick who died in Caswell County, North Carolina in 1804? His daughter, Margaret married Robert Thomas in Caswell County and is my ancestor. In his Will of 5 April 1802 he mentions his children John, Jennette Roan, Mary Warrick, Elizabeth Stevens, and the children of Margaret Thomas. Does any of this connect with your research?. Any help is much appreciated." -- Charlie Thomas, Great Falls, Virginia - Email: charliethomas@prodigy.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Duchess Rose, Good Morning...

"I just sat down here to the computer and there was your cute little picture. That red and grey wrap is very becoming on you. You make me miss my little Cassie, she was a little white poodle and always looked pretty in red sweaters. You watch after Linda today, and enjoy this Janurary sunshine. Oh... yes, those little ladies in red hats are sure cute too. I know they have lots of fun, and thats wonderful they can enjoy life and stay young at heart." -- A Fan View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Ballad of Catfish Bill...

Ballad of Catfish Bill -- "During Alva's Reunion 2000 my brother, Bill Barker, attended from Summerville, GA. While he was here we spent a few days fishing. He had with him an old steel fishing rod that had belonged to our father. On one of these fishing trips, mostly for old time's sake, he baited up a line and used this rod to fish for catfish. As luck would have it, he landed a monster. That summer I wrote a poem to commemorate the occasion, and I thought your readers and anyone who knows Bill or me might get a charge out of it." -- Jim Barker View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe