ohs’s street address has changed to 800 nazih zuhdi drive · memorabilia highlighting key events...

Vol. 41, No. 5 Published monthly by the Oklahoma Historical Society, serving since 1893 May 2010

Three hundred guests attended the April7 ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening re-ception for a new exhibit at the OklahomaHistory Center, Starmaker: Jim Halsey andthe Legends of Country Music. They weretreated to an impromptu performance byseveral Country Music stars in attendance.

Legendary talent agent and promoterJim Halsey helped transform Country Mu-sic from a regional attraction into an inter-national phenomenon. From headquartersin Tulsa, he built a talent agency with a cli-ent list that became a Who’s Who of theCountry Music industry. Halsey repre-sented such luminaries as Hank Thomp-

son, Reba McEntire, the Judds, Mel Tillis,and Don Williams, among others.

Wanda Jackson, Roy Clark, and the OakRidge Boys attended the exhibit opening sothat they could thank Halsey for his serviceto the industry.

After the opening remarks and tunes,the artists and Halsey cut the traditionalred ribbon, and guests were admitted tothe exhibit.

The exhibit is offered in two areas of theHistory Center. On display are items andmemorabilia highlighting key events inHalsey’s momentous career. Gold and plat-inum records represent the more than 27million albums sold by artists he repre-

sented. Artifacts include a rare Roy Clarkpinball machine, performance outfits fromClark, Jackson, the Oak Ridge Boys, andHank Thompson, and part of Halsey’s ex-tensive collection of autographed guitars.One section highlights the television seriesHee Haw. In the Chesapeake Events Cen-ter is a display of posters that chronicle thefestivals at which Halsey’s clients haveperformed.

Below: Jim Halsey offered a few remarkson his career and on the exhibit before theribbon-cutting ceremony. Below, left: TheOak Ridge Boys sang an impromptu num-ber with Roy Clark (Stuart Ostler photos). Morephotos on page 5.

Starmaker: Jim Halsey and the Legends of Country Music opened with star-studded reception

The previously unnamed entry drive to the Oklahoma History Center was recentlynamed Nazih Zuhdi Drive in honor of Dr. Nazih Zuhdi of Oklahoma City. The street numberof the building is now 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive. The zip code is now 73105-7917.

A world-renowned pioneer in cardiology whose work made possible open-heart surgeryon a massive scale for the first time, Zuhdi was a leader in the creation of artificial heartsand heart transplant surgery. Since the 1950s he has brought international attention andacclaim to Oklahoma while working at Mercy Hospital and then Integris Baptist Hospital.At Integris he established the Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute, which consistently hasbeen ranked in the top five transplant centers in the nation.

When Dr. Zuhdi generously decided to donate $600,000 to support the History Center’soperations, the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Historical Society voted to name the en-try drive in his honor. They also named the circular drive at the History Center entrance inhonor of Annette Zuhdi, Dr. Zuhdi’s wife.

Of the Zuhdis’ donation, $400,000 was designated to support the preparation of new ex-hibits and education programs while $200,000 was placed in the OHS Endowment Fund toprovide annual revenue for maintenance and beautification of the Nazih Zuhdi Drive area.Any mail addressed to the OHS or History Center at the previous address, 2401 North LairdAve., will continue to be delivered for at least one year. To reiterate, the NEW address is:Oklahoma Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917.

Annette and Nazih Zuhdi at the HistoryCenter (OHS staff photo).

OHS’s street address has changed to 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive

Oklahoma Historical SocietyMembership Office: Alma Moore

405/522-5242<[email protected]>

Mistletoe Leaves (USPS 018–315) is published monthly by the OklahomaHistorical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73105–7917.Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK. (ISSN 1932-0108)

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mistletoe Leaves, 800 Nazih ZuhdiDr., Oklahoma City, OK 73105–7917.

By authorization of the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Board of Directors,6,000 copies are prepared at a cost of $1,302.72 each month. The publicationis financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, UnitedStates Department of the Interior.

Contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of theOklahoma Historical Society or the United States Department of the Interior.Mention of trade names does not constitute endorsement or recommendationby either organization.

Mistletoe Leaves is published for the members and friends of the Okla-homa Historical Society in partial fulfillment of the Society’s purpose to“preserve and perpetuate the history of Oklahoma and its people, to stimulatepopular interest in historical study and research, and to promote anddisseminate historical knowledge.”

The public and OHS members are encouraged to submit heritage-relateditems for publication. Students and teachers are invited to share studies andprograms and to duplicate contents as desired. Editors are welcome to reprintmaterials with credit.

All Oklahoma Historical Society facilities are for the education and enjoy-ment of all. State and federal regulations prohibit unlawful discrimination instate and federally assisted programs on the basis of race, color, nationalorigin, and/or handicap.

Anyone denied benefits should contact the Executive Director of the Okla-homa Historical Society, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., Oklahoma City, OK73105–7917, telephone 405/521-2491, and/or the Director, Office of EqualOpportunity, United States Department of the Interior, Washington, DC20240.

“There’s music in the air.”You may recall that as a line from a pop-

ular song, or you might be inside theOklahoma History Center. Or you might bein the Pioneer Woman Museum. Or youmight be listening to a public radio seriessponsored by the OHS.

For the past year, the OHS has done allthings musical. We have collected morethan 150 hours of high definition inter-views with Oklahoma’s musical pioneers.We have published a book called AnotherHot Oklahoma Night: A Rock and Roll Story.We have sponsored a 20-part radio seriesfeaturing Steve Ripley and the roots ofRock and Roll. And we have created andopened three museum exhibits on music:one on Rock and Roll, one on women inpopular music, and one on Jim Halsey andthe legends of Country Music.

Each effort has achieved the basic mis-sion of the OHS to collect, preserve, andshare the history of the state and its peo-ple. And with our partners, we have donethat with flair.

The collections are outstanding, espe-cially the film footage. Recently, I was in-volved with a taping session that capturedJim Halsey’s story. In more than fourhours of interview, he told story after storynot only about his own experiences, but

about the evolution of the music businessin general.

We had similar experiences with RoyClark, Wanda Jackson, Leon Russell, Da-vid Gates, and others who have expressedtheir Oklahoma roots through music.

One of those artists became part of thecreative team that preserved a uniquestory for all time. Steve Ripley, who still re-cords with the Tractors, agreed to producea radio series that clearly illustrated the di-versity and brilliance of Oklahoma musi-cians. It is currently running for a secondtime on KOSU, an NPR affiliate, everyweekend.

On April 7 we opened the most recentexhibit, called Starmaker: Jim Halsey andthe Legends of Country Music. What aparty! On the stage was Jim Halsey, “theimpresario,” Wanda Jackson, “the Queenof Rockabilly,” Roy Clark, “one of the mosttalented musicians in the world,” and theOak Ridge Boys, “masters of SouthernGospel and Country.”

Off the stage, we opened the exhibit withartifacts from those stars plus others,such as Hank Thompson, who made a ca-reer on danceable music called “HonkyTonk Western Swing.” The exhibit, whichincludes a 12-minute documentary on JimHalsey, will be on display for the next ninemonths.

Music is an expression of who we areand how the many cultural strands of ourcommunity have blended into somethingunique. As Jim Halsey said at the opening,“Oklahoma has produced more musicalstars than any other state.” After sixtyyears in the business, he knows aboutcreativity.

Yes, music is in the air, and we willmake sure it is preserved for all time.

By Bob L. BlackburnExecutive Director

Director’sColumn

Development NewsBy Paul F. Lambert

Membership donations, Annual GivingCampaign donations, and event- or pro-gram-specific donations to the Friends ofthe Oklahoma History Center, the Friendsof the Archives, or directly to the Oklahoma Historical Society make possible wonderful ed-ucation programs, Smithsonian-quality exhibits, and outstanding events. A recent exam-ple of a special event was our Rushmore Alive program at the History Center on April 1.

Rushmore Alive brought George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, andTheodore Roosevelt, portrayed by the nation’s best reenactors of those characters, to ourstage. Striking in their authenticity of appearance, personality, and speech, these individ-uals made a remarkable impression on 700 students who were able to attend one of theprograms presented by the presidents during the day. One awe-struck youngster informedAbraham Lincoln, “I just wrote a paper about you!” That evening approximately 275 adultsenjoyed hearing from and asking questions of the presidents. Those present will long re-member this exciting evening.

Rushmore Alive was made possible by the generous donations of Doug and PeggyCummings, John and Virginia Groendyke, Harold and Sue Ann Hamm, Gene Rainbolt,George and Nancy Records, Dick and Jeannette Sias, Lew and Myra Ward, and Dr. Nazihand Annette Zuhdi. The generous support of these and many other individuals, founda-tions, and companies makes possible a level of excellence required for the Oklahoma His-tory Center to retain its Smithsonian and National Archives affiliations. Thanks to all of ouradvocates who make possible the quality exhibits, programs, and events at the OklahomaHistory Center and at our sites and museums statewide.

New Members, March

*Indicates renewed membership at a higher level

Benefactor*Mr. and Mrs. Frank Keating, McLean, VA*Mr. and Mrs. Herman Meinders, Oklahoma City

FriendTerry Abel, NormanRobert Avery, Jefferson, TX*Gary Burdine and Rebecca Manevitz, Oklahoma City*Richard Henry Coiner, Jr., Miami*Mr. and Mrs. Frederick F. Drummond, Pawhuska*Sam Forbes, Arvada, CODr. and Mrs. Jim Hawkins, Yukon*Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Morris, Tulsa*Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Page, Oklahoma City*Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Walsh, Oklahoma City

FamilyMr. and Mrs. Kenneth Atkins, MannfordMr. and Mrs. Chad Bartlett, NormanMr. and Mrs. A. Michael Beckett, Oklahoma CityCarrie Bertrand, Blanchard*Break O’Day Farm/Metcalf Museum, Durham*Mr. and Mrs. William Brown, Graham, TX*Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chester, EnidMr. and Mrs. Chris Clifton, Oklahoma City*Mr. and Mrs. Milo Foreman, PragueMr. and Mrs. Ronald Griffin, Oklahoma City*Mr. and Mrs. Dennie Hall, EdmondMr. and Mrs. Robert Hall, Pittsburg, TX*Carolyn Gay Harris, Oklahoma CityMr. and Mrs. Rick Haug, Oklahoma CityDr. and Mrs. Mike Marsalis, Oklahoma City*Mr. and Mrs. Steve Mathis, Woodland Hills, CAKathryn Merkel, Norman*Dr. and Mrs. John Minnett, Chickasha*Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Mixon, Norman*Stanley Moorman, EdmondJohn Powers, Oklahoma City*Betty Quinlan, EdmondHeidi Ramirez, PoteauKathy Sifers, Oklahoma CityMr. and Mrs. Wayne Stricklin, PadenMr. and Mrs. Richard Teeman, StillwaterSharon Timo, BixbyMr. and Mrs. Ralph Veatch, TulsaMr. and Mrs. J. D. Ward, Oklahoma CityMr. and Mrs. Rex White, Edmond

IndividualGwen Boots, EdmondAnnette Clifton, Oklahoma CityEugene Fingerlin, Jr., BixbyJanice Hatton, Oak Harbor, WAAlice Hill, Renton, WAMax Ingle, Pollock, LACarroll Johnson, Oklahoma CityKristin Kelly, AltusMona Lis, Merced, CA Cont’d. on p. 3

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MeetingsThe Oklahoma Genealogical Societywill hold its regular monthly meeting onMonday, May 3, 2010, at 6 p.m. in theChesapeake Events Center inside theOklahoma History Center, 800 NazihZuhdi Dr., in Oklahoma City. Debra Spin-dle, OHS Research Division librarian, willpresent “Vital Records and Using Themand Their Substitutes.” The OHS Re-search Library will be staffed and remainopen that evening until 7:45 p.m. Begin-ning at 5 p.m. experienced researcherswill be available to answer yourgenealogical questions. (Special to ML)

EventsThe Coleman Theatre, 103 North Main,Miami, is the venue for “The AlleyCats—A Doo Wop Show” on Saturday,May 8, at 7:30 p.m. The Alley Cats enter-tain audiences with their renditions oftimeless Doo-Wop classics and their zanyimprovisational comedy. Also, on May 22at 7:30 p.m. and on May 23, at 2:30 p.m.,the Charlie Chaplin movies The Kid andEasy Street will be presented and accom-panied by organist Dennis James on theMighty Wurlitzer. (The Encore, Friends ofthe Coleman Newsletter, Spring 2010)

Plan for three days of activities during theLove County Frontier Days Celebration inMarietta. Slated for June 17–19 theevent will commemorate the 100th birth-day of the Love County courthouse. OnThursday evening, June 17, event goerscan listen to gospel music, eat hamburg-ers served by the local Lions Club, andthe first several hundred guests will get apiece of birthday cake. Friday’s happen-ings include an Old Fiddler’s Contest, theTerry Hyman Memorial Parade, and a freeconcert on the courthouse lawn. The cele-bration ends on Saturday with a break-fast, games for children and adults, liveentertainment, a classic car show, trolleytours of Marietta, and a street dance onMain Street that evening. For more infocontact Nic McMillin at 580/276-6732.(Special to ML)

The Nowata County Fairgrounds is thevenue for the May 15 Junque Arte Festi-val. This event will feature a marketplacefor artisans, an antique appraisal fair, a

quilts show, and a children’s art work-shop. Admission is free to this festival,which will take place between 9 a.m. and4 p.m. Call Billie Roane at 918/273-2301for additional information. (Special to ML)

The Ninth Annual Cherokee AncestryConference is scheduled on Friday, June11, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Satur-day, June 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.This event will be held in the Osiyo Train-ing Room, in the same building as theRestaurant of the Cherokees/CherokeeNation Gift Shop Building [part of theCherokee Nation Tribal Complex] inTahlequah. Topics that will be discussedinclude “Preparations for Cherokee Re-moval: Loss & Big Business,” “BeginningCherokee Family Research,” “AmericanOutlaws,” “Cherokee Patriots,” “UsingFootnote.com & Other Web Sites,” “LandAllotments & Policies in the Cherokee Na-tion,” and the “Dawes Final Roll.” Regis-tration fees are $60 for CNHS membersand $75 for nonmembers. The registra-tion deadline is May 28. After this date,the registration will be $70 and $85, re-spectively. For registration or info, con-tact the Cherokee Family Research Cen-ter at 918/456-6007, ext. 6159 or e-mail<[email protected]>. Res-ervations can be mailed to: GenealogyDepartment, P.O. Box 515, Tahlequah,OK 74465. (Special to ML)

A “Celebration of Freedom” is slated forMay 29–30 at Hobart’s CourthouseSquare. All military personnel will behonored. Activities will include the an-nual arts show, a motorcycle rally, afly-in, a quilt show, a carnival, and fish-ing, skeet, and softball tournaments. CallTrapper Heglin at 580/726-2553 or at580/726-5900. (Special to ML)

May is a popular month for food events.Starting on May 1, the Prague KolacheFestival will take place along Main Streetin Prague. Enjoy a parade at 11 a.m., astreet dance at 7 p.m., and fireworks at10 p.m. There will be food, a beer garden,a wine pavilion, and a carnival. Admis-sion is free. Contact Maxine Kingsbury at405/567-4866 for info. Stilwell’s Straw-berry Festival is slated for May 8, from7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event takes placealong Second and Division St. In additionto free strawberries and ice cream, therewill be a 5K run, games, a parade, enter-tainment, a powwow, and a carnival. Formore info about the Strawberry Festival,call Barry Hayes at 918/696-2484.Downtown Pawhuska will be the venuefor the National Indian Taco Champion-ship on Saturday, May 15, from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Phone JackieMcCann at 918/287-5555 for more info.McAlester’s Italian Festival gets under

way on May 22 and runs through May 23.Enjoy Italian food, a poker run, a carshow, several contests, live entertain-ment, and children’s events. Hours are 9a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to4 p.m. on Sunday. For additional infocontact Bob Lenardo at 918/302-8866.(Special to ML)

The Tulsa International Mayfest isscheduled for May 13–16 at Third andMain St. in downtown Tulsa. The fam-ily-orient event is an outdoor tribute tothe arts and music. The festival will fea-ture a KidZone, a children’s hands-on artactivity area. Hours for Mayfest are 11a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, andSaturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. onSunday. Telephone Heather Pingry at918/582-6435 for more details.(Special to ML)

Check your local newspaper for a Cincode May celebration near you. One suchevent will take place in Purcell as the His-panic community plans to share theirculture with festivities centering aroundfood, music, dancing, and crafts for chil-dren at the Purcell Public Library onMay 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. Contact AdrianaChavez-Losoya at 405/701-2664.(Special to ML)

A Lilac Festival is planned for May 1 inHistoric Downtown Claremore. Bring thefamily and plant your own lilac bush inhonor of Oklahoma native and playwrightLynn Riggs, noted for his play GreenGrow the Lilacs. Activities will include theCruizin’ Claremore Car Show, the ThreeRivers Art Show, a talent show, an out-door movie, a children’s area, and con-cessions. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.Cindy Bissett at 918/341-5881 is thecontact person. (Special to ML)

Watonga’s Main Street will come alivefrom 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May22, during the town’s Pioneer Day cele-bration. The event will include a paradehonoring pioneer families and busi-nesses, American Indian dancers, andclowns. There will be a cow chip throwingcontest, live entertainment, and games ofhorseshoes. For more info call Bob Shoe-maker at 580/623-2200. (Special to ML)

Lawton is hosting an Armed Forces DayCelebration parade on Saturday, May 15,from 10 a.m. to noon. There will be morethan 120 parade entries and three thou-sand military participants, including theGeneral Tommy Franks Road Show. AnArmed Forces Day Luncheon happensMay 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., atthe Fort Sill Patriot Club. Contact KimStaser at 580/355-3541 for informationor call toll free at 800/872-4540.(Special to ML)

New Members, cont’d.

IndividualPhil Maltby, TulsaHeatherene Merriel, EnidRobert Nance, Broken ArrowHelen Pipkin, YukonLorine Powers, Oklahoma CityPatricia Presley, Oklahoma City

InstitutionalMarshall Cty of OK Gen. & Hist. Society, Madill 3

New Oklahoma NationalRegister listings

The National Register of Historic Placesis a catalogue of the buildings, sites, struc-tures, districts, and objects that provide aglimpse into our past. These sites also maybe selected for architectural and archaeo-logical interests. The Oklahoma State His-toric Preservation Office is pleased to an-nounce that the following three propertieswere added to the National Register inMarch 2010.

The Citizens Bank Tower is an architec-turally significant building in OklahomaCity. The tower has a hexagonal plan, slen-der profile, unusual sunscreens, and rigor-ously sculpted crown. It was among thefirst tall office buildings to be erected out-side downtown Oklahoma City and set astandard for other distinctive, large, free-standing suburban skyscrapers. The Citi-zens Bank Tower was designed by RobertRoloff, of Bozalis, Dickinson and Roloff,who considered it a tribute to Frank LloydWright and his Price Tower, which is situ-ated in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The towerwas constructed from 1965 to 1966; sincethat time its interior has been adapted toapartment units for contemporary use.

The Old Santa Fe Railroad Bridge, lo-cated near the town of Wanette betweenMcClain and Pottawatomie Counties overthe Canadian River, is significant as thelongest and oldest bridge of its type in bothcounties. The three spans’ total lengthequals 785 feet. The Old Santa Fe RailroadBridge embodies the distinctive character-istics of bridge engineering, specifically,the camelback through-truss design.

The Rose Hill Plantation site, located inthe vicinity of Hugo in Choctaw County, issignificant for its association with RobertM. Jones and for its ability to yield historicinformation. The Rose Hill Plantation sitewas one of six plantations operated byJones. Jones is known to have controlledthousands of acres on the six plantations,

owned more than two hundred slaves,owned two steamboats, and operated asmany as twenty-eight stores or tradingposts. At one time Jones was the wealthiestmember of the Choctaw Nation.

The State Historic Preservation Officecontinues to strive to gain recognition forthose places significant in Oklahoma’s his-tory. For more information on these orother National Register properties, contactLynda Schwan at 405/522-4478 (e-mail:<[email protected]>).

Above: Old Santa Fe Railroad Bridge near Wanette (L. Schwan/SHPO photo). Below, left:Citizens Bank Tower (S. Werneke/SHPO photo).

Artifacts from the site of historic RoseHill Plantation (L. Schwan/SHPO photo).

Research Divisiondonors, January

through March 2010Arnwine, William C., Riverside, CAAshton, Sharron, NormanBallard, Currie, CoyleBendell, Ellen V., Lancaster, CABender, Jack and Carole, TulsaBerry, III, Howard K., Oklahoma CityBishop, Leora Jacks, EdmondBlackman, Susan, Redondo Beach, CACarlile, Thomas R., Oklahoma CityClonts, George Gary, Oklahoma CityCobbs, Wanda L., Oklahoma CityCochnauer, Tiajuana, New Ellenton, SCCodding, Liz, EdmondCompton, Jackson, EdmondCook, Betty C., EdmondCrain, Harold, Oklahoma CityCunningham, Freda, Oklahoma CityCurry, Bob, Pauls ValleyDean, Michael, EdmondDoak, William K., Oklahoma CityDoss, David, Allen Park, MIDust Bowl Films, AdaFeisal, Marcia Moon, Bethany

Fenske, Al, Nevada, MOFlowers, Don, Jr., Lake Oswego, ORFolk, Earl, Oklahoma CityFowler, Jonathan, NormanGeer, Samuel Taylor, Atlanta, GAGoddard, Rodney L., Oklahoma CityGraham, D. A., Oklahoma CityHarlan, Margaret B., BethanyHarrison, Cynthia A., NormanHedglen, Tom, YukonHefton, Richard Ramsey, Oklahoma CityJones, III, Eugene D., Oklahoma CityJones, LeRoy, Mountain ViewKadidlo, Judith, Hudson, WILawson, Ellen N., Crestone, COLiddell, Donna, Midwest CityMartin, Charles, EdmondMartin, Karen, EdmondMiller, Gayle B., Oklahoma CityNational Society of New England Women,

Oklahoma Colony 131, EdmondNichols, Max, New York City, NYO’Connell, Jean Gould, Geneva, ILOklahoma City Chapter, National Society

Daughters of the American RevolutionOklahoma Genealogical Society,

Oklahoma CityOklahoma Prairies Chapter, Daughters of

the American Revolution, Bethany

Oklahoma State Society, ColonialDames XVII Century

Patterson, Kathy, HydroPeckham, Charles W., Lebanon, OHPotts, John, Oklahoma CityReeh, David, Gladewater, TXRogers, John R., TulsaRose State College Foundation,

Midwest CitySapulpa Historical Society, SapulpaShelton, Wanda J., DurantSnipes, Al M., Oklahoma CityTidwell, Terry, ClaremoreTroxel, Vee, Taylor, TXTurner, Alvin O., NormanWalton, Sandy, Wichita, KSWelge, William D., Oklahoma CityWentroth, Susan, Oklahoma CityWhepley, Colleen Ross,

Indianapolis, INWilliams, Franklin D., Oklahoma CityWomen’s Resource Center, NormanWood, Larry, Joplin, MOWoods, Donald, TulsaYocham, Doris, Sapulpa

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Murrell Home sets date forevening Lawn Social in June

The George M. Murrell Home in Park Hillwill hold its annual Lawn Social onSaturday, June 5, from 5:30 p.m. untildark. The museum has planned a depar-ture this year from the usual living historyformat. The 2010 Lawn Social will includea modern barbecue dinner and ice cream,served to guests on the front lawn. Theywill also enjoy live entertainment and toursof the house.

The historic home is located at 19479East Murrell Home Road in Park Hill. Formore information get in touch with theMurrell Home staff at 918/456-2751 ore-mail <[email protected]>.

Wanda Jackson, Bob Blackburn, KenLevit (Executive Director, Kaiser Foun-dation), Susan Savage (Secretary ofState), and Jim Halsey, during the cere-monies (Stuart Ostler photo).

Wanda Jackson and Barry Switzer duringthe festivities (Stuart Ostler photo).

Okietales summer seriesplanned at History Center

Mark your calendars and load up the lit-tle ones for a special program to exploreOklahoma’s past at the Oklahoma HistoryCenter.

Each Wednesday from June 2 throughJuly 28, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., the OklahomaHistory Center hosts Okietales. Okietalesis a one-of-a-kind reading and storytellingtime during which kids can hear and seehistory!

Every Wednesday museum staff andvolunteers will investigate history throughbooks and stories. The series is designedfor four-year-olds through nine-year-olds.Each week the kids will explore a differenttopic, from the Wild West and Cowboys toLand Runs and Pioneer Life.

Best of all, parents can enjoy some quiettime in the café or check out the exhibitsfor an hour while the kids participate inthe program. Admission is $2 for eachchild and includes museum admission fol-lowing the program.

Because the space is limited, pre-regis-tration is required. Telephone Jason Har-ris at 405/522-0785 or send him an e-mailat <[email protected]> to reserve.

OHS Places . . .Jim Thorpe House

706 East BostonYale, OK 74085-4004Phone: 918/387-2815Hours: Wed.-Sat., 9 a.m.–5 p.m.Admission: Free; donations are accepted.

Considered one of the United States’ greatestathletes during the twentieth century, JamesFrancis “Jim” Thorpe was born near Prague,Indian Territory, on May 28, 1887 or 1888. Hisparents were Hiram and Charlotte VieuxThorpe. Of American Indian, Irish, and Frenchancestry, Jim Thorpe attended Indian board-ing schools operated by the federal govern-ment. Before enrolling at Carlisle IndianSchool in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1903, hehad been educated at the Sac and Fox IndianAgency School near Tecumseh, Oklahoma,and Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas.While attending Carlisle, Thorpe joined thetrack team and played halfback for the footballteam. In 1909 he went to North Carolina to play semiprofessional baseball. He returned toCarlisle and starred in football victories in 1911 and 1912.

In 1912 Jim Thorpe represented the United States in the Olympics held in Stockholm,Sweden, winning gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon. Shortly thereafter, he wasstripped of the medals when a newspaper reporter revealed Thorpe’s semiprofessional base-ball career. During the next two decades he distinguished himself as a baseball and footballplayer. In the 1930s he worked as a film extra in Hollywood. On March 28, 1953, he died inLometa, California.

As an Oklahoma Historical Society affiliate managed by the Jim Thorpe Foundation, theJim Thorpe House preserves his former home and displays artifacts from Thorpe and hisfamily. Located in Yale, Oklahoma (approximately sixteen miles east of Stillwater on StateHighway 51), the house was listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NR 71000673)in 1971. To learn more about the legendary athlete, read “The Jim Thorpe Family: FromWisconsin to Indian Territory, Part I,” and “The Jim Thorpe Family, Part II,” by Grace F.Thorpe, published in The Chronicles of Oklahoma 59 (Spring and Summer 1981). See also“Jim Thorpe’s 100th Birthday: A Pictorial Tribute, by Carl K. Sadler, in The Chronicles ofOklahoma 65 (Spring 1987). (Photo by Jim Argo)

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Load up the family car and bring all the kids, neighbors, and relatives out to theOklahoma History Center on Saturday, May 15, 2010, for a hands-on excursion into thepast. Join living history soldiers for this year’s expanded program, which will run continu-ously throughout the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. so that families can arrive at any time andstill take part.

On that Saturday soldiers and civilians from the American Revolution through WWII willcome to life for the Third Annual Call to Arms, a unique hands-on program for the entirefamily. Admission to the event is just $10 per vehicle and includes admission to the mu-seum exhibits.

Numerous learning stations will allow both children and adults to experience the sightsand sounds of America’s conflicts. This year’s stations will allow visitors to explore theAmerican Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Indian Wars,and World War II. Participants will observe infantry, artillery, camp life, weapons, medicine,airborne troops, music, life on the home front, and more. As a special addition, this year theWWII Airborne Demonstration Team, based in Frederick, Oklahoma, will be on hand to of-fer information and answer questions.

Members of reenacting groups that would like to participate in this event or other eventsin the future are invited to contact Jason Harris.

For more information on Call to Arms! contact Harris at <[email protected]> or bycalling 405/522-0785.

Call to Arms! May 15 living history program to feature allof America’s wars

OUT FRONTIN PRESERVATIONOklahoma’s 22d Annual Statewide

Preservation Conference

June 9–11, 2010

Historic Downtown OkmulgeeCreek Council House Museum

106 West 6th StreetOkmulgee, Oklahoma

CONFERENCE COSPONSORSState Historic Preservation Office,

Oklahoma Historical SocietyOklahoma Main Street Center, Oklahoma

Department of CommercePreservation Oklahoma, Inc.Okmulgee Main Street, Inc.

City of Okmulgee–Historic PreservationCommission

Creek Council House Museum

PLENARY SESSION SPEAKERS

Robert St. John, Chef, Author, and Chairman ofthe Board, Mississippi Restaurant Association willpresent Robert St. John - My South: The History,Traditions, Eccentricities, and Absurdities of Foodand Life in the South. He will explore how food con-tributes to our sense of place and cultural iden-tity. Following the presentation, participants canvisit with the speaker during a book signing andenjoy morning refreshments based on recipesfrom Mr. St. John’s book.

St. John, a native of Hattiesburg, MS, is a 28-yearveteran of the restaurant industry. For the last 22years he has served as executive chef, president,and CEO of the Purple Parrot Café, the CrescentCity Grill, and the Mahogany Bar in Hattiesburgand Meridian, and he is a restaurateur, chef, foodwriter, author, and a true original. The LexingtonHerald-Leader called him a “Jeff Foxworthy-stylechef with an opinion on all things culinary.” A re-cent Booklist review stated, “If he had accom-plished nothing more, St. John deserves kudos formaking Hattiesburg, Mississippi a restaurant des-tination. His Purple Parrot Café updated Southerncooking for a new generation.”

St. John has appeared on The Food Network, TheTravel Channel, and the Turner South network. Hewrites a regular column for Y’all magazine and is acontributing writer to Taste of the South magazine.Additionally, he is the author of seven books, in-cluding A Southern Palate, a collaboration with re-nowned watercolorist Wyatt Waters and DeepSouth Staples or How to Survive in a SouthernKitchen Without A Can of Cream of MushroomSoup.

St. John is past president and chairman of theboard of the Mississippi Hospitality and Restau-rant Association, and a past board member of theMississippi Tourism Authority. He currentlyserves as chairman of the board of the MississippiArts Commission and is active in many other civicorganizations.

Thomas D. Guzman is Director of the Iowa Down-town Resource Center, Iowa Department of Eco-nomic Development. His plenary session topic isOut of the Box Thinking—Using CDBG for Rehabili-tation, Downtown Revitalization and CommunitySustainability. He will share examples of Iowa’smany successful and creative rehabilitation andrevitalization efforts funded through thisimportant federal program.

Guzman has been with the Iowa Department ofEconomic Development since 1988. As Director ofthe Iowa Downtown Resource Center, he overseesall downtown development programs of the de-partment, including its premier program, MainStreet Iowa. He has been a real estate broker, re-tail sales manager, non-profit association man-ager, Main Street program director, and state co-ordinator prior to assuming his current responsi-bilities. These include managing a million dollarannual budget, overseeing the planning and deliv-

ery of technical assistance services, training, andassessments for Iowa’s 46 Main Street communi-ties and for developing technical assistance andtraining opportunities for all Iowa communities.

Guzman represents all of the USA’s State and City-wide Main Street coordinating programs on theNational Trust for Historic Preservation’s Commu-nity Development Financial Institution Board ofDirectors and Loan Committee, as well as theTrust’s Diversity Committee. He has a Bachelor ofArts degree from California State University Hay-ward. He has presented at many national and in-ternational downtown conferences.

QUESTIONS ABOUT PROGRAM ANDREGISTRATION?

The conference program and registration brochurewill be mailed statewide on or about May 1. It isalso posted on the SHPO’s web pages at<www.okhistory.org> (click on SHPO and then onEvents). The deadline for registration at the $40rate is June 2, 2010.

For a brochure or other information, contactMelvena Heisch, Deputy SHPO, at 405/522-4484or e-mail <[email protected]>, or call NolanCrowley (Okmulgee Main Street) at 918/756-6172,or visit the conference’s blog on the Internet at<http://okpreservationconference.wordpress.com>.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9

REGISTRATION

Creek Council House Museum, 106 West 6thSt., Okmulgee

Opens at 12 noon, Wednesday, June 9, andruns throughout the conference.

1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

TRACK A: Leading the Way

Silver Strike on Main Street: Twenty-Five Years ofDowntown Revitalization through Historic Preser-vation, Linda Barnett, Susie Clinard, Tracey Cox,Ran Frantz, Jim Watters

TRACK B: Fundamentals for the Frontlines

Effective Design Review: A Workshop for Local De-sign Review Commissions, Monica Callahan

TRACK C: First Things First

Finding and Protecting Oklahoma’sArchaeological Resources

Emigrants, Pottery, and Cultural Identity: TheWichita Peoples during the Protohistoric Period,Timothy G. Baugh

The Archaeology of Camp Gruber, Jennifer R.Boudreaux-Kolise

3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. BREAK

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.


Silver Strike on Main Street: Mining the NextTwenty- Five Years, Carol Ervin, Erin Karl, KarlaOchoa, Kristen Vails, Jeff Wagner, Terri Wheeler


Effective Design Review Workshop (cont’d.)


Oklahoma’s Archaeological Resources, cont’d.

Fort Gibson Investigations, Leland C. Bement

Rose Hill Plantation, Lynda Schwan

6:00 p.m.

Opening Reception and Keynote Session(see About Special Events and Tours)

Exchange information with colleagues

Music by Larry Sparkman, on the keyboard

THURSDAY, JUNE 108:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

PLENARY SESSION #1

My South: The History, Traditions,Eccentricities, and Absurdities of Food

and Life in the South,Robert St. John

(includes presentation, book signing, andrefreshments)

10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.


Creating Effective Leadership: A Journey of Self-Discovery, Phil Bandy, Jayne Detten


Strengthening Local PreservationThrough Design Review

Oklahoma City: Successes and Challenges,Catherine Montgomery

Tulsa: Successes and Challenges, Amanda Decort


Documenting Oklahoma’sUrban Architectural Legacy

Oklahoma City’s Mid-Twentieth-Century Archi-tectural Legacy, Allison Marshaus, CynthiaSavage

Inside the Inter-Dispersal Loop: DowntownTulsa’s Architectural Legacy, Cathy Ambler

12 noon – 1:45 p.m.(See About Special Events and Tours)

Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.’s Annual Meetingand Luncheon

The Road to Preservation is Paved with Paper:Community Grass Roots Planning forPreservation Projects Large and Small

Jay Hannah,Executive Vice President, BancFirst

OR12 noon – 1:45 p.m.

Ghosts of Okmulgee Walking Tour& Box Lunch

2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

PLENARY SESSION #2

Out-of-the-Box Thinking:Using CDBG for Rehabilitation, Downtown

Revitalization, and Community SustainabilityThomas D. Guzman

3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. BREAK

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.


Preservation Oklahoma’s Partnership and Leader-ship Development Programs, Kay Decker, KatieFriddle


Historic Districts: Determining Contributing/Noncontributing Resources, Lynda Schwan


Research Collections forHistoric Preservationists

Oklahoma State University Library Map Collec-tion, John Phillips, Vicki Phillips

Tulsa Foundation for Architecture’s Collectionand Its Preservation, Lee Anne Ziegler

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.(See About Special Events and Tours)

Pre-Banquet Reception andSHPO Awards Banquet

6

FRIDAY, JUNE 118:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.


Teamwork and Historic Preservation

Making Place Matter: Colleges and Universitiesand Their Community, Kay Decker

Join the Oklahoma Preservation Team: Using theStatewide Preservation Plan, Melvena Heisch


Painting with Light: History and Preservation ofNeon Signs, Carol Dyson


Preservation and the Sense of Community

The National Trust for Historic Preservation: Help-ing Sustain the Sense of Community, JonathanPoston

The Oklahoma Neighborhood Schools Preserva-tion and Planning Project, Nicolle Franklin

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. BREAK

10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.


Preservation in Okmulgee: Been There, Done That,Do We Want To do That Again: A Panel Discussion,David Anderson, Nolan Crowley, Jim Martin, DanaSigmon, Rae Ann Wilson


Federal and State Tax Credits for Rehabilitation:Certified Rehabilitation: Storefronts and OtherCommon Issues, Harry Simms


Preservation and the Sense of Community(cont’d.)

Abraham Lincoln in Stained Glass Windows: Pub-lic Art, Churches, and Oklahoma Communities,Kenneth D. Kelsey

Washita County Courthouse: The Heart of Cordell,Michael Hall

12 noon – 1:30 p.m.(See About Special Events and Tours)

Ghosts of Okmulgee Walking Tour& Box Lunch

1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.


Muscogee Creek Nation’s Heritage Programs,Joyce Bear, Emain Spain


Federal and State Tax Credits for Rehabilitation:Tulsa Landmark Buildings and Their Rehab-ilitation, Michael Hall, Mike Sikes, Joel Slaughter


Preservation and the Sense of Community(cont’d)

Norman’s Historic Neighborhoods and Preservinga Sense of Community, Susan Owen Atkinson

Henry Overholser Mansion and the C. G. JonesFarmstead, Sarah E. Dorman

3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. BREAK

3:30p.m. – 5:00 p.m.


Cherokee Nation’s Heritage Preservation and Cul-tural Tourism Programs, Travis Owens, SteveRush, Heather Williams


Rehabilitating Historic Tribal Buildings

Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Building, MikeSikes

From Persecution to Preservation—The PawneeIndian Agency Boarding School Rehabilitation,Barrett Williamson


Preservation and the Sense of Community(cont’d)

The Character of Oklahoma Small Towns, Anna M.Eddings

Maintaining a Sense of Community, Leah Brown

ABOUT SPECIAL EVENTS & TOURS

Opening Reception

Join other conference participants, cosponsors,and volunteers on the Creek Council House Mu-seum’s lawn for a special evening of conversation,great food, and special music provided by LarrySparkman on keyboard. The opening reception isthe perfect time to connect with friends and col-leagues and to exchange information about what’sOut Front in Preservation in your community. Thereception is sponsored by Citizens Security Bank.(June 9)

Plenary Sessions

This year’s conference features two plenary ses-sions. Each one provides an opportunity for allparticipants to come together and to hear from na-tionally recognized speakers, Robert St. John andThomas D. Guzman. Details about each speakerand his presentation are provided in Plenary Ses-sions Speakers above. (June 10)

Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.’sAnnual Meeting and Luncheon

Oklahoma’s statewide nonprofit organization in-vites you to join them for their annual meeting andluncheon. To register and reserve a ticket, contactPOK at 405/525-5325 or send an e-mail to<[email protected]>. The pro-gram includes an update on POK’s activities, pre-sentation of awards, and a luncheon address byJay Hannah, Executive Vice President, BancFirst,who will present “The Road to Preservation isPaved with Paper: Community Grass Roots Plan-ning for Preservation Projects Large and Small.”He will talk about his diverse experiences withpreservation, including his work with BancFirstand POK to develop the PlanFirst grant program,his personal experiences with preservation effortsacross the state and as the Chairman of the Boardof Cherokee Nation Enterprises and their preser-vation work. POK members and non-members arewelcome. (June 10, reservations required)

Pre-banquet Reception/Awards Banquet

The State Historic Preservation Office invites youto mingle with award recipients and your fellowpreservationists as we celebrate preservation ac-complishments across the state. The SHPO willpresent the 2010 Citations of Merit, certificates forrecent Oklahoma listings in the National Registerof Historic Places, and recognize Muskogee,Oklahoma’s latest Preserve America Community.The pre-banquet reception is sponsored by FirstNational Bank and Trust-Okmulgee/Henryettaand Okmulgee Golf Club. (June 10, reservationsrequired)

Tours

Ghosts of Okmulgee Tour and Box Lunch: En-joy a special walking tour of Okmulgee’s down-town historic district to learn about its history, ar-chitecture, and preservation efforts. Meet charac-ters from Okmulgee’s past who will make the his-tory of the community come alive with their ac-counts from the Indian Territory period throughthe oil-boom days. Tour participants are guaran-teed a special educational experience and greatentertainment. The tour sponsor is East CentralOklahoma Electric Cooperative. (June 10 and 11,reservations required, space limited)

Effective Design Review: A Workshop forLocal Design Commissions

The half-day workshop will focus on the designa-tion of local landmarks and districts, best prac-tices for commission operations, design review,and commissioner and staff roles and responsibili-ties. Monica Callahan, representing the NationalAlliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC), willpresent the workshop.

Ms. Callahan is Planning & Community Develop-ment Director for the City of Madison, Georgia.She staffs seven citizen commissions appointed tooversee a range of community planning functions,including historic preservation, downtown devel-opment, greenspace conservation, corridor man-agement, cemetery stewardship, and comprehen-sive planning. She is also a principal in PiedmontPreservation, a firm devoted to cultural resourcemanagement providing a range of preservationservices throughout the United States.

She has extensive experience in preservation com-mission operations, design guidelines develop-ment, community outreach, and conflict resolu-tion; is immediate past president of the Georgia Al-liance of Preservation Commissions; and is a fre-quent presenter and trainer at the National Pres-ervation Conference, and the NAPC’s NationalCommission Forum and other programs. (June 9,included with conference registration)

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERSLeah Brown, Program Officer, Southwest Office,National Trust for Historic Preservation, FortWorth, TX, will discuss maintaining a sense ofcommunity and why it is important.

Monica Callahan (representing the National Alli-ance of Preservation Commissions), Madison His-toric Preservation Commission, Madison, GA, willpresent a half-day design review workshop for lo-cal preservation commission members and citystaff. (See About Special Events and Tours)

Susie Clinard, Savannah, GA, first State Coordi-nator of the Oklahoma Main Street Program willtalk about establishment of the program during aspecial review of its first twenty-five years and alook into its future.

Carol J. Dyson, Architect, Illinois Historic Preser-vation Agency, Springfield, IL, will discuss the his-tory and preservation of neon signs.

Thomas D. Guzman, Director, Iowa DowntownResource Center, Iowa Department of EconomicDevelopment, Des Moines, IA, will provide the Ple-nary Session #2 presentation (see Plenary Ses-sion Speakers).

Jonathan Poston, Director, Southwest Office, Na-tional Trust for Historic Preservation, Fort Worth,TX, will discuss the NTHP’s programs and howthey contribute to sustaining our sense ofcommunity.

Robert St. John, Chef, Author, and Chairman ofthe Board, Mississippi Restaurant Association,Hattiesburg, MS, will provide the Plenary Session#1 presentation (see Plenary Session Speakers).

7

PERIODICALS

Oklahoma Historical Society800 Nazih Zuhdi DriveOklahoma City, OK 73105-7917

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Vol. 41, No. 5 May 2010

Twenty-year members renew in MarchThe following had been members for twenty years or more when they renewed their

memberships in March. Their continued support is greatly appreciated!

P. G. Wilson, Edmond, March 1, 1967Donovan Reichenberger, Alva, March 1, 1968Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL,

December 1, 1972Bill Settle, Muskogee, February 1, 1973Paul Fisher, Lawton, March 1, 1974Michelin Hobbs, Oklahoma City, March 1, 1975Richard Wood, Bethany, March 1, 1977Eugene Baade, Renton, WA, January 1, 1978John and Betty Minnett, Chickasha,

December 1, 1979Michael and Dorothy Tramontana, Tulsa,

February 1, 1981Dennie and Ann Hall, Edmond, March 1, 1981Caroline Kilgo, Edmond, December 1, 1981Suzanne Crawford, Lawton, November 1, 1982Gary Mills, Ashland, KS, December 1, 1982Charles and Cheryl Saxon, Oklahoma City,

March 1, 1983W. D. and Mary Jane Warde, Stillwater,

January 2, 1984James and Marian Bradley, Westmoreland, KS,

March 1, 1985Kenneth Corder, Edmond, February 1, 1986William and Hulda Hamilton, Edmond,

March 1, 1986Bette Hanes, Keyes, March 10, 1986Martha Gene Merideth, Yukon, March 14, 1986Gilcrease Museum Library, Tulsa, March 20, 1986

Durant Historical Society, Durant, March 24, 1986Joe and June Stone, Oklahoma City,

April 11, 1986Eastern Oklahoma State College, Wilburton,

October 6, 1986University of Guelph Library, Ontario, Canada,

December 21, 1986Michael Tower, Elmore City, December 29, 1986Suzanne Beree, Tulsa, March 16, 1987Tom and Marilyn Walker, Ardmore,

March 27, 1987Bishop Kelly High School Library, Tulsa,

May 6, 1987Carol King, Waynoka, December 2, 1987Mitchell Adwon, Tulsa, December 14, 1987Michael Lekson, Arlington, VA, March 7, 1988Ruthe Jones, Tulsa, March 7, 1988David Keith Smith, Edmond, March 14, 1988Lois Batey, Oklahoma City, December 15, 1988Cimarron Heritage Center, Boise City,

May 2, 1989Jennifer Cain Sparks, Fort Gibson, May 14, 1989Floriene Fitzgerald, Sebastopol, CA,

December 19, 1989Labeth Daigre, Edmond, January 2, 1990Marvin Franklin, Oklahoma City, March 5, 1990

Concert to benefit Fort Towson on Saturday, May 22Bring your lawn chairs and come out to Fort Towson on Saturday, May 22, for a

spectacular outdoor concert. Bill Grant and bluegrass notables will take to the stage atnoon. The presentation will help support the yearly activities conducted at FortTowson Historic Site. Admission is $8 for adults. Children 12 and under are admittedfree of charge. Concession stands will offer food and drink.

Musical groups set to perform are Muddy Boggy, Tribe, Amy Patrick, and the WelchMountain Boys. They’ll play all afternoon and on into the evening, too.

The seating will be sheltered, but in case of extreme weather an alternate locationhas been set up at the high school gymnasium in Fort Towson.

For more information call John Davis at 580/873-2634 or Bill and Barbara Grant at580/326-5598.

Order your copy today by calling the OHS Gift Shop at405/522-5214, e-mailing them at <[email protected]>,or ordering online at <www.okhistory.org>.

ohs’s street address has changed to 800 nazih zuhdi drive · memorabilia highlighting key events...

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