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DECEMBER 2021

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WHAT’S INSIDE

what’s inside...

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Upfront

Profile: Ron Adams Spreading Joy & Love Throughout the Year

Now You Know: Angels Among Us Heart Menders & Hope Givers of the Red Cross

Looking Back: How Did Conoco Get Here?

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Tribute: Mike Smith Bartlesville Lost a Dear Friend in October

A Good Word: I Didn’t Ask to be a Disciple

Feature: All Aboard! Take a Ride on the Bartlesville-Dewey Interurban

From the Heart: There is Always Enough Love Make the Most of Each Moment in Your Life

Feature Sponsor Story: Bartlesville’s Believer Josef & Helen Derryberry Served the Community

Meeting a Need: Faces with Names God Called Pastor to Help Orphans & Foster Kids

Tribute: Ted Lockin Former Mayor & Public Servant will be Missed

Tell Me Something Good: A Memorable Touchdown

Kids’ Calendar

Chick-fil-A Events Calendar

Holiday Traditions: Christmas in the Ville Chamber Bringing Holiday Ice Rink Back to Town

A Fresh Perspective: A Christmas Letter

On the Osage: Oh, Give Me a Home...

Business Spotlight: Meeting Customers’ Needs Reed to Take Over as Arvest Private Banking Manager

Once Upon a Time: With this December Ring... Give All You Have to Those You Love

Out & About: Photos from Around Town

Knowing Nowata: The Smithsonian & Nowata

Local Business: Shorties Grille Firing Up the Grill & Dishing Out Goodness

Spotlight: We Just Love Jesus! Iron Sharp Foundation Making a Difference

Arts & Entertainment: Gift-Giving Made Easy

Funny You Should Ask: The Devil is in the What?

Business: Guns of Glory

Let Freedom Ring: USS Oklahoma BB-37 DECEMBER 2021

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

UPFRONT

upfront Merry Christmas and welcome to December friends! As we approach the last month of the year, which by the way is my favorite month of the year, I sit back and just shake my head, reflecting on where this year has taken our city and her people and what Christy and I were able to do with the magazine. I cannot tell you how thankful we are that God has put us in this position and for all the people we are able to help, to meet, and more importantly become friends with, from all walks of life. With all the things that we are able to do, including bringing so many businesses and people together to help this community, this magazine has become more of our ministry. We embrace that and give all thanks to God for His goodness. In this issue, Debbie Neece wrote a fascinating story on the Bartlesville-Dewey Interurban Railway. It was interesting to look at the hundreds of pictures and bring her story to life. I love the opening picture of the feature. If you were crossing the street at Keeler Ave. and Frank Phillips Blvd., where the Chamber of Commerce has their Christmas in the ‘Ville, and look towards the old courthouse, this is what you would have seen over 100 years ago. When I read the story, I was taken aback by the never-giveup attitude and vision of the men who brought this city out of the horse-andbuggy era. These men laid miles and miles of track for our little city and put us as an equal with larger cities in the state when it came to mass transportation. The Profile this month is Mr. Ron Adams (Santa Claus). What a joy it has been to work with him over the last four Christmas issues! He is the only Santa who has been on our cover for the last 10 years. We want to thank him for all the smiles he puts on thousands of kids’ faces and for keeping the magic of Christmas alive in their little hearts and imaginations. I want to brag about Bartlesville for a second. Rando and Shiloh with Get Real Ministries called Christy and me over a month ago. They said they had pallets of new coats, jackets, and blankets given to them. They wanted to join up with Iron Sharp Foundation and us for a community coat giveaway. In one day, we had a plan, date, and mission to give away every coat. For days, many people went through all these boxes

and found that these coats were for men. No coats for women or kids — that just didn’t work for us. We also found out that no local organizations were giving out coats this year as they have in the past. I got on the phone and within two days raised over $5,000 from businesses and individuals who have always supported us in whatever we do for the community. They are Patriot Auto Group, Stride Bank, First Wesleyan Church, Regent Bank, Painted Horse Bar and Grill, Overman Insurance, Cherokee Nation, Koster Krew, Perspective Advisors, The Journey Home, and Chick-fil-A. These community-minded companies supported this mission, which allowed us to purchase over 400 kid’s and women’s coats, gloves, and hats. That Saturday we had over 800 people come and get a new coat, prayer, love, and great food. We want to thank all of the volunteers who came out to help us and give back to this amazing community. The best story from this event, besides kids getting coats, is we had seven homeless people help us set up and serve their fellow brothers and sisters. That’s Jesus! I’m writing this Upfront in the early morning of November 22nd ... the week of Thanksgiving, and I can’t tell you how excited we are, because this year we will have our six kids and their spouses here for Thanksgiving. This is the first time in four years we have had all of our kids here together. Our kids and our little granddaughter, Scottie, are our lives, and having them all here makes our hearts so happy. Let’s not forget why we celebrate Christmas. The first six letters of Christmas are the why ... Christ. He is the reason. On that day we celebrate the day our Savior Jesus Christ was born so that one day He would be brutally crucified and give His own life for all of our sins. Christy and I pray for the ones who are alone this season, for the ones who have no tree, no lights to turn on, no presents to open, the ones who have lost all hope, and the ones who will have nothing to celebrate. We pray the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be unto you. The Lord lifts up His countenance and brings light into your darkness. We pray that He brings hope to the hopeless, food for the hungry, love for the lost, and healing for the broken!

bmonthly managing editors Keith & Christy McPhail.

Merry Christmas and God bless! Keith and Christy.

Volume XII Issue XII Bartlesville Monthly Magazine is published by

ENGEL PUBLISHING

Offices located in Downtown Bartlesville in the historic Price Tower 510 Dewey Ave, Suite 400, Bartlesville, OK 74003 P.O. Box 603, Bartlesville, OK 74005

www.bartlesvillemonthly.com facebook.com/bartlesvillemonthly Publisher

Brian Engel brian@bartlesvillemonthly.com Art Direction

Copper Cup Images design@coppercupimages.com Director of Sales & Marketing

Keith McPhail keith@bartlesvillemonthly.com Community Liaison

Christy McPhail christy@bartlesvillemonthly.com Project Manager

Andrea Whitchurch andrea@bartlesvillemonthly.com Administration

Shelley Greene Stewart Delivery and Distribution

Julie Drake Calendar/Social Media

calendar@bartlesvillemonthly.com Contributing Writers Debbie Neece, Kay Little, Jay Webster, Lori Kroh, Charlie Pilkington, Kelly Bland, Rita Thurman Barnes, Jay Hastings, Sarah Leslie Gagan, Maria Gus, Carroll Craun, Brent Taylor, Mike Wilt, Keith McPhail, Delaney J. Williams, Stevie Williams, Becky Whistler Armstrong Contributing Photographers Nowata County Historical Society Museum, OKWU, Bartlesville Area History Museum, Jen May Photography, Tony Lehmer, Jazmine Cooper, Chance Franks Kids Calendar

Jessica Smith

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or otherwise, without prior permission of Bartlesville Monthly, Inc. Publisher & Editor of Bartlesville Monthly Magazine reserves the right to reject any content or advertisement in this publication.

ABOUT THE COVER Santa Claus Ron Adams reading the Christmas story out of the Bible to a group of local youngsters. Creative Concept by Keith and Christy McPhail Design by Copper Cup Images

DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

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PROFILE

Ron Adams Spreading Joy & Love Throughout the Year by Sarah Leslie Gagan December is the season when our thoughts turn to the magic and wonder of Christmas. We begin to plan good deeds for others and thoughtfully buy gifts to show our respect for those we love. It’s a season of kindness that lasts a few weeks at most, but for Ron Adams, it’s a season that has lasted a lifetime. Known as Bartlesville’s very own “Santa Claus,” Ron grew up here, attending Labadie Heights School through the 8th grade. He went on to attend 9th grade at Central Junior High, then spend his high school years at College High School, graduating in 1965. Ron’s parents, Mary and Jack Adams, were well known in the community, as Jack was a local milkman. Music has always been a great love of Ron’s. He began learning and practicing at a young age. During his high school years, he and his brother, Lonnie, played together in a band, with Ron playing steel guitar. They were well known for playing at several venues. Ron also sang and played the tambourine with the group, and earned the nickname of Mr. Tambourine Man. He has many fond memories of attending concerts with friends, seeing legends such as The Grateful Dead and The Doors. After high school, Ron spent the summer with his uncle in Seattle and loved the scenery. He came back to Oklahoma and attended Northeastern Oklahoma A & M College in Miami, later transferring to Oklahoma State University. The transfer to a large university from a relatively small one was a culture shock for Ron, but he adapted and graduated with a degree in business. Ron enjoyed 40-plus years in the lending and banking industry, spending more than 30 years at Arvest Bank in Bartlesville. He married and he and his wife, Debi, have a daughter, Lindsey. Lindsey was born with some health challenges that sparked the desire in Ron to do what he could to make the world a special place for

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children. He saw the need for children to be allowed to simply be children, without the rush to grow up. Ron became a Shriner in 1989 and began performing as a professional clown. This provided him with an outlet to bring joy to children in a way that he craved. As Corky T. Clown, Ron spent many hours bringing smiles and laughter to others through his whimsical kindness. He performed regularly at the Kiddie Park with his close friend Bruce “Boo Boo the Clown”

PROFILE Long. This opened the door for Ron to eventually serve as president on the board of the Kiddie Park, a position he held for more than 15 years until choosing to retire in 2019. Ron has many fond memories of his time serving as the Kiddie Park president. Two of his finest accomplishments are the creation and installation of the ninehole putt-putt golf course at the park. He exercised his creative talents by designing and developing the course, which remains a delight to many. Ron’s other grand accomplishment while at the Kiddie Park is the creation of Spook-A-Rama every October. This annual event has become a much-loved Bartlesville tradition, as children dress in costume and enjoy the fall festivities. During Ron’s time of service at the Kiddie Park, he certainly left it a better place than when he found it. Ron was working at Arvest when they began looking for someone to play Santa Claus one Christmas. He was interested. This opportunity was the beginning of Ron’s magical portrayal of Santa Claus. When his young daughter was ill, Ron had prayed for direction on how to help others going through similar situations, and his destiny was confirmed in a fortune cookie that read, “You have the ability to touch the lives of many people.” Ron still carries that fortune with him today, to remind himself what he is called to do.

Ron Adams with his wife, Debi.

Ron has been touching the lives of many as Santa Claus for more than 20 years, and he loves every minute. He has made many fond memories for Bartlesville citizens and their children throughout the years. Following a stroke in 2019, Ron was tempted to hang up the Santa suit, but he recalls hearing a voice whisper to him, “You still have work to do.” He knew then that he must continue to do what he does best — spread joy and love. Ron reflects, “When you think about it, each one of us touches somebody’s life, and there’s not much bigger reward than that. We would have a lot better world if more people would realize that.” This year, let’s take a beat from Santa Ron’s heart and focus on touching the lives of others with joy and love, not just at Christmas, but all year long. Ron encourages us all to come together, without anger, and walk this earth as Jesus did. Thank you, Ron, for making us all believe in Santa, no matter what our age. We’ll leave out the milk and cookies for you.

DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

TRIBUTE

Michael Hamilton Smith Bartlesville Lost a Dear Friend in October by Becky Armstrong Michael Hamilton Smith. Every resident of Bartlesville mourned the loss of Mike on October 30, 2021. He was uplifting, humorous, honest, and everyone’s friend. Mike was born into the perfect family to love him unconditionally. His siblings, Doug, Ree, and Betsy, were his biggest encouragers and fans. His parents, Patsy and Bill Smith and Gerre and Doug Schwert, never left his side. Mike had struggles and hardships. He had a way of turning a hospital visit into a new adventure by buzzing the nurses station multiple times an hour to see what they were doing. He was born with a medical interest, and from the time he was a young boy he gravitated to the Bartlesville Fire Department, Bartlesville Police Department, and the Bartlesville Ambulance. He spent years at these departments, developing close friendships and making them laugh. They genuinely loved Mike, and that was certainly evident as their presence at his service on November 9, 2021 was quite large. Bartlesville athletics will never be the same without Mike standing on the sidelines or chatting with fans in the stands. Mike attended many BHS graduations, games, tailgates, tournaments, and many other events. He would often ride to the games with the coaches. A favorite phone call that will be missed by so many went something like this. “Hi, what are you doing?” “Not much, feeding the dogs.” “Why did they bark at me and chase me in your yard?” “Mike, that was 10 years ago and I said I was sorry.” “You did?” “Yes, and these are not the same dogs, so why don’t you come over and see them?” “Ok, make tacos and pick me up at the mall tomorrow.” “Ok, call me when you are ready.” “Ok, you are so lovely, see you tomorrow, bye”

The day Mike received his first cell phone, his life changed. He could now call from anywhere. No longer searching for a pay phone, he had direct access to call. Sometimes he would call in the evening to see what the plans were for breakfast. If your plans were interesting, Mike would agree to join you. If he was with you in the car and there were several errands to run, he would weigh the benefits of staying or having you drop him off at Malone Motors.

Mike’s faith was very important to him. He attended more than There is definitely a huge hole in the hearts of all Bartlesville 12 churches over the years. He was baptized in most of these residents. Mike made an enormous impact over the years on churches. His favorite ministry in every church was being an many people. When life was busy or complicated, Mike made us usher or greeter. He could shake your hand and it was quite firm, laugh. I will miss his teasing and, of course, his compliments. welcoming you to the service. Mike grew up at St. Luke’s EpisMike’s absence has given clarity to thankfulness. I am thankful copal Church. His original church family loved him, and they too to live in a community where we were a large presence at his service. have never lost sight of being other“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we Mike moved several times over centered. I am thankful that Mike also eagerly wait for the savior, the Lord Jesus the years. He enjoyed giving tours of reminded us to laugh and not be so Christ.” — Philippians 3:20 his new apartment. Every apartment serious. I am also thankful that that he lived in was organized and spotless. Once, I took him to through Mike’s life, we all witnessed the love of Christ. Mike the store and returned to his apartment to make him ramen nooloved all people, he never judged. His service on November 9, dles. I broke them up and started to add water. He informed me 2021 was a large celebration of his life. I know that Mike, face-tothat noodles should not be broken and to make a new package. face, was welcomed home with the words, well done my good Everything had order in Mike’s life, including ramen noodles. and faithful servant.

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All Aboard!

Take a Ride on the Bartlesville-Dewey Interurban by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

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There were cheers in the streets of Bartlesville when the As with many projects, the visions of grandeur were met with Santa Fe Railroad arrived in 1900. Finally the black gold from low funding and problems. With plans of initially connecting Oklahoma’s first commercial oil Bartlesville, Dewey and Cof“Bartlesville is probably the best known city in Oklahoma well, the Nellie Johnstone, could feyville by rails, the broader today. You go east and tell a man you are from Oklahoma, be shipped to Kansas refineries plan was to reach Ramona to and immediately he asks if you are from Bartlesville.” and points yonder. the south and Independence, — Judge Shea, 1908. Cherryvale and Parsons to the Locals were comfortable north. However, the furthest with horse and buggy as a mode of in-town transportation but, in outreach became downtown Dewey and the Bartlesville smelters. August 1905, talk was stirring at the local barbershop about the possibility of electric rail service between Bartlesville and Dewey. Promoters from Bartlesville, Dewey, Independence and “Preposterous,” some pioneers scolded, but a group of entrepreMuskogee shared the perception that land in this area was fairly neurs pushed the naysayers aside and perused the possibilities. flat, with few streams to cross, so the project would carry an inexpensive price tag. By September, there was a divide and conquer mentality as Joseph Curl traveled back east to visit with his “highfalutin, hoity-toity,” lawyer type friends with cash to flaunt, while others began the organizational base of the company. However, Curl was unsuccessful at fundraising so locals funded the project, although forward movement was slow. The charter was filed December 8, 1905, but then the project stood still. Finally, on July 18, 1906, the cities of Bartlesville and Dewey granted a 49-year franchise to the Bartlesville Interurban Railway Company; however, again, nothing happened. In May 1907, a board was selected: Joseph J. Curl, President; George B. Keeler, Vice President; Frank M. Overlees, Secretary; W.A. Smith, Treasurer; and Frank Phillips, William Speck and Joe Bartles served as voting parties. Finally, on June 10, 1907, the Bartlesville Interurban Railway Company formally accepted the earlier granted franchise and progress began in December 1907. Steel 18

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for bridges over the Caney River and Coon Creek arrived by railroad cars and three grading gangs went to work.

work in bringing the Interurban possibilities to fruition. The whole town joined the celebration, including Owens Jewelry Store who presented golden spike scarf pins to thirty of the spectators. But, not so quick! Ironically, the steel rail had arrived but the only spike in town was the golden spike driven for the ceremony. And, so construction paused.

Progress was finally happening! The terminal, brick powerhouse and car barns were soon under construction at the northeast corner of 4th Street and Comanche in Bartlesville, present site of the Public Serv“Bartlesville is growing so fast that the ordinary means of Indian Territory was ripe ice Company. The powerhouse locomotion no longer answers the purpose.” with oil and natural gas was equipped with massive — Howard Sharp, Commercial Club Secretary, 1908. reserves waiting to be utilized. 1,250 and 1,500 horsepower The employment base in Bartlesville was ramping up with the engines, which produced sufficient electricity for Interurban operestablishment of the Vitrified Brick Company, Great Western ations with excess sold to the cities of Dewey and Bartlesville. Glass Factory, and three zinc smelters: Lanyon-Starr, Bartlesville At 11:00 a.m., on Monday, April 13, 1908 a “golden spike” was Zinc and National Zinc, at driven at 3rd Street (later that time the largest smelting renamed Frank Phillips Blvd.) location in the world. Late and Johnstone Avenue, to 1906, brick street paving commemorate the official began on Keeler, Johnstone start of the Interurban conand Dewey Avenues. First, struction. The Bartlesville the clay condenser and Merchant Band played to an retort waste from the smelter estimated two thousand peooperations were crushed and ple who witnessed each of the used as road bed underlay. company’s officers strike a Secondly, the “buffalo paving blow to drive the spike. After bricks” from the Vitrified the ceremony, the spike was Brick Plant became the presented to Joseph Curl, pavement. And, later, the President of the Bartlesville Interurban steel rails were Interurban Railway Company, neatly tucked in-between as a souvenir for his long hard the bricks. DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

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February 1908, the contract estimated the expenditure of and the “loop.” Open sided cars were later added during the sum$100,000 for the powerhouse, laying 7.5 miles of heavy-duty railmer. The fare within Bartlesville was five-cents with an additional road steel rails, installing trolley five-cent charge for the return Although some Oklahoma towns have yet to cover their wire, erecting car barns and purfrom Dewey. brick paved streets, the distinctive sound of driving over chasing cars. the bricks is a faint Bartlesville memory. And, only centeAfter more than three years narians remember the “clang-clang-clang of the trolley.” On April 22, 1908, as barely a of promises, promotion and hard To this day, as street repairs are done in downtown mile of track had been laid, the work, the Interurban Railway Bartlesville, the buffalo bricks and clay smelter discards first labor strike in the history of started running cars between are often exposed. Bartlesville briefly stalled Bartlesville and Dewey on July 18, progress yet again. A reported ninety men walked off the line 1908. The streetcars ran in both directions from the terminal at 4th Street and Comanche Avenue—east across the Caney River, protesting long work hours and low pay. Some returned the folthrough the community of Tuxedo, north to Dewey with an termilowing day; others were replaced by workers from Kansas City. nus at Don Tyler Avenue—west from the terminal down 4th Street Labor, financial and organizational problems weren’t the only to Cherokee Avenue, north issues plaguing the on Cherokee to 3rd Interurban’s forward develStreet/Frank Phillips Blvd., opment, the bridge west on 3rd Street to crossing the Caney River Mound Street (now Sunoften washed-out, leaving set Blvd.), then south to a tangled spider web of the smelters, ending at useless steel rail, requiring 14th Street. constant repairs. Finally, St. Louis Interurban cars arrived June 22, 1908; two 41’ long, double-truck cars for the runs between Bartlesville and Dewey, and two 32’ long, single truck cars for the Bartlesville smelter run 20

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Along the track, “switches” allowed the steetcars to pass, keeping traffic flowing and on schedule. Traveling towards Dewey, the Phillips Switch was located a short distance

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from the Caney River bridge crossing where George Ford established a housing community and the Gun Club opened a shooting range. Further north, a small doghouse structure near Minnesota Street was aptly named the “Dog House Switch” and marked the midway stop on the Interurban Railway to Dewey. In June 1909, the doghouse building was replaced by a platform with a sign that read “Little Bess,” named for Bess Hiatt, a young lady who lived near. And the final switch of the trip was at downtown Dewey, near the Dewey Hotel, where the Interurban cars reversed the travel back to Bartlesville. In Bartlesville, the 3rd Street Switch was between Keeler and Johnstone Avenues. Theo Barlas’ Candy Store on 3rd Street, across from Parrett’s Dry Goods (now the Painted Horse), was the Interurban waiting room at the 3rd Street Switch. The Candy Store was a pleasant place to purchase candies, confections and cigars until the streetcar arrived. This switch allowed the Interurban cars to pass in route to and from “Smeltertown.”

where horseracing and sporting events were held. And at the Dewey terminus, Joe Bartles’ Dewey Roundup was an annual 4th of July extravaganza. Additionally, the Cherokee Electrical Supply Company began working on an open-air amusement park in the Tuxedo Addition where a moving picture show and band stand drew crowds. The park opened September 2, 1908 but was short lived. In November 1908, in the Little Bess switch area, George Taft of Garver, Oklahoma, purchased an 80-acre tract of land from Lugenia Hamilton to establish “Park Place,” a 16-acre electric

The Interurban opened entertainment opportunities for Washington County and towns in southern Kansas. Service began to the smelters on September 18, 1908 and near the smelter terminus, the Belle Meade Race Track was located at the Lannom estate, DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

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amusement park. The remaining 64-acres became housing lots. There is no evidence this park made it past the planning stages. From August 1909-1913, Daniel Duree operated an electric amusement park at the south end of Choctaw, which was 10th Street at that time, with dancing, merry-go-round, picnic grounds and free entertainment and BBQ. The park was a short walk from the Wyandotte and 9th Street Interurban stop. Approximately 3,000 people attended the July 27, 1915 grand opening of the Interurban Amusement Park established with an open-air movie, rides, swings, merry-go-round, dance pavilion and picnic grounds. This park was christened Prospect Park during a celebratory event August 25, 1915. In an effort to keep the streetcars moving into the evening, the Bartlesville Interurban Railway Company took a page from Broadway with plans to illuminate the shopping districts of Bartlesville and Dewey. They faced competitive issues with the Bartlesville Light and Water Company, but once resolved the “Great White Way” brought daylight to the darkest 22

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nights. In September 1910, Second Street received the electric “juice” beginning with the Almeda Hotel at Second Street and Johnstone Avenue (current location of Tate Brothers Tire). Then, on February 17, 1911, the White Way illuminated Second Street from the train depot to Dewey Avenue, Third Street from Keeler Avenue to Cherokee Avenue, Keeler Avenue from Second Street to Third Street, and Johnstone and Dewey Avenues from Second Street to Fourth Street…eleven downtown blocks had lights from dusk to 1:15 a.m. In anticipation of additional power needs, September 1911, a switch connected the Katy Railroad and the Interurban tracks so a large shipment of powerhouse machinery could be transferred to the Interurban powerhouse on a Katy railcar pulled by a Dewey Portland engine. The streetcar system was never profitable but the fact the company sold electricity from the power station to Bartlesville, Dewey and Tuxedo became a solid revenue source. New York oil tycoon, Henry Doherty, established Cities Service in 1910 and purchased the Bartlesville Interur-

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ban Railway and powerhouse July 1, 1912, making it a part of Cities Service’s holdings. In August 1912, Dewey’s White Way illuminated one block of the business district, but only on the south side of the block, between the Arcade Store and the First National Bank. The following June, Dewey’s White Way stretched from the Katy Railroad depot to the Santa Fe depot, illuminating six business blocks until the last Interurban car passed through Dewey each evening. In 1913, area homes were wired in anticipation of electricity, a “Bartlesville” welcoming sign was hung over the intersection of Third Street and Keeler Avenue, and the White Way was extended from Johnstone to Osage on 4th Street…all set aglow by Interurban electricity. The White Way was such a success that an “Owl Car” was added to the system, which left the Interurban barn at 1:35 a.m. for the smelter area, with hourly intervals, returning to the barn for the final stop at 5:30 a.m. The Interurban’s south “loop” opened December 1915, starting at 4th Street and Wyandotte Avenue,

ran south on Wyandotte to 9th Street with a switch/pass at 7th Street (now Adams Blvd.) and Wyandotte, west on 9th Street to Delaware Avenue, south on Delaware to 13th Street, west on 13th Street to Keeler Avenue, north on Keeler to 8th Street, east on 8th Street to Dewey Avenue and north on Dewey to 3rd Street. Half hour service was maintained on the loop route. That is enough to make a person dizzy. By 1916, eight railcars were in service with a total of 10.1 miles of track. WWI put a strain on the Interurban operation as men were called to patriotic duty, crimping the number of operators and passengers. Even a fare increase in 1918 could not save the railway. September 1919, the then Bartlesville Gas & Electric assumed electricity operation from the Interurban Railroad as the Interurban began to shrink operations in an effort to stay afloat and prevent business suicide. At that time, eleven St. Louis Car Company railcars were in service. As an indication of prosperity and growth within communities, travel began transitioning to automobiles and buses forcing electric railways across America to file DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

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bankruptcy. The Bartlesville-Dewey Interurban had not been profitable since 1913. In 1918, the company operated with a deficit of $26,208 and had mounted a $31,831 deficit by August 1919. Citing decreased revenue due to increased automobile usage and the concrete road between Bartlesville and Dewey, the Corporation Commission granted permission to end service to Dewey beginning October 2, 1919; however, limited service continued to Smeltertown and the Tuxedo suburbs. In January 1920, Dewey petitioned to restore the streetcar service to no avail. Then, July 19, 1920, after twelve years and one day of operation, all Bartlesville Interurban streetcars returned to the car house on east 4th Street, never to run again.

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

In 1928, the Bartlesville Gas & Electric property sold to Southern Gas & Electric Company of Shreveport, Louisiana, who leased the system to Public Service Company, who purchased the system two years later, and the rest is Public Service Company of Oklahoma history. In 1954, the powerhouse was razed after a fire damaged the building. In conclusion: Although ideas have circled that the Bartlesville-Dewey interurban service extended to other cities or to the Dewey Cement plant, proposals were financially prohibitive. During WWII, the national need for scrap metal was acute. As Washington County residents scoured abandoned oil fields and

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

alleys to add to the war effort, thoughts turned to scrapping the The Interurban bridge constructed over the Caney River, just Interurban rails. Volunteers from the Dewey Cement Company east of the Public Service operating building, can still be noted by removed the rails from their city streets. However, Bartlesville’s the piers in the riverbed south of the Frank Phillips Bridge. In rails were at that time under several inches of asphalt or concrete addition, traveling on Frank Phillips Blvd. during the winter paving making removal too months, when the foliage is “We have sought permission from the Corporation Commiscostly. Remnants of the tracks sleeping, the Interurban sion to discontinue rail service. In our application, we have are still visible at many locaembankment is visible on the stated that with the Commission’s approval, we are willing to tions within the city of south side of the road as well continue service from Bartlesville to Smeltertown and during Bartlesville, especially on as massive chunks of concrete certain times of the day to Tuxedo until such time the street Keeler Avenue between Eighth support bases remain in the improvements to Smeltertown make other means of transand Ninth Streets—the street wooded areas east of the portation available.” has cracked where the InterurCaney River and north ban Railway tracks rest under towards Tuxedo Blvd. the pavement.

DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

FEATURE SPONSOR STORY

Bartlesville’s Believer Josef & Helen Derryberry Served Community with Their All by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum John Duffendack graduated the Kansas City Horological Institute with a watchmaking degree and arrived in Bartlesville in 1914. He worked at Arthur Hall Jewelry for ten years before becoming partner in the Duffendack and Hall Jewelry Store which he operated until retirement in 1961. Kansas born and educated, Josef Eugene Derryberry received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Washburn University in 1949 and worked in the diamond business. He and wife, Helen, came to Bartlesville in 1961, purchased the Duffendack and Hall Jewelry Store and established Josef Derryberry Jewelers. They co-owned and operated the jewelry store until their retirement in 2003. But Josef and Helen Derryberry were much more than their jewelry store. They were pillars in our community.

Bartlesville’s city government operated with a City Council, the City Commission governed. Under Mayor W.A. Hensley, Josef served two terms as a City Commissioner and also served as Josef flew fifteen missions as the nose gunner on a Liberator Vice Mayor. He was President and Vice President of the Bomber Crew during the WWII European Theatre which brought Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce, President of the Downtown him the Certificate of Valor, five air medals, four bronze stars and Association three times and was more. After his Honorable DisYou ain’t goin’ to reach your highest peak on someone a member of the Metropolitan charge, he returned to Kansas to else’s ladder. You got to make each step your own, that Area Planning Commission for complete his education and is all that really matters. four years. As a total volunteer marry Miss Helen Lorene Cramp— Josef Derryberry effort, he created and led the first ton on September 13, 1946. The Industrial Development team which helped create 500 new jobs Washington Park Mall Wall of Honor holds a memorial exhibit in in the wake of Cities Service’s exit. And much more….. Josef’s honor. Beyond being members of the Disciples Christian Church, they served the community with their every fiber. Helen had a volunteer heart which she poured upon the Bartlesville Service League and both Memorial Hospital and Jane Phillips Hospital. Josef Derryberry was a Bartlesville believer and his volunteerism dipped into every aspect of community life. Before

Josef and Helen Derryberry now rest in Memorial Park Cemetery where Josef received full military rites. One of Bartlesville’s most treasured memories is Josef’s heartfelt “Poet’s Pulpit” poetry featured in the Examiner-Enterprise and on area radio stations. Among the poems Josef penned for Christmas was: When I think about the holidays, I think of Christmas time, And then I think of New Year’s Eve and the sounds of "Auld Lang Syne." I think of Christmas Dinner time when everyone is there I think of sudden quietness when heads are bowed in prayer I think of little children sounds and hear them laugh and play And then I think of love that’s shared so many different ways There is no other time of year that brings us so much fun Nor time when we all try to see our Father’s will be done. And if you want to give a gift that says the things you should, The only place to do it right is Derryberry good. Merry Christmas from Josef Derryberry, Bartlesville’s Believer.

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

of Exceptional Senior Living I’m dreaming of a Green Country Village Christmas

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DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

DECEMBER

CALENDAR SPONSORED BY 2

BPS Vocal Winter Concert

7PM; Fine Arts Center

BPS Virtual Learning Day Storytime with Santa Facebook Livestream 7PM; Online Santa is coming to Bartlesville! Gather your family together and join the Bartlesville Area History Museum via Facebook Live for a special storytime with Santa Claus! Santa will read a book, talk to kids about his Christmas plans, and then answer questions from viewers. Mrs. Claus will also be making a special appearance. Starting November 15th, stop by the Bartlesville Area History Museum to pick up a special snack for your kids to enjoy while watching from home. For more information contact the Museum at (918) 338-4290 or history@cityofbartlesville.org.

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

All Day; District-wide 5:30PM

Visit with Santa 4PM; Price Tower Santa is coming to Price Tower! Come tell him what you would like for Christmas and get your family's photos with him before he takes off for his big ride in the Bartlesville Downtown Christmas Parade. After you visit Santa, you can warm up with some hot chocolate and look at the Bartlesville Public Schools 5th Graders Gingerbread display.

Opening Night of Tree Lighting 5:30PM; Old Train Depot Join us downtown at the Chamber of Commerce (the old train Depot) at 201 S Keeler for our kick off of the Christmas season! This open air festival will begin with a tree and park lighting at 6:00pm. There will be food trucks (serving at 5:30 p.m.), ice skating, movies in the park, carriage rides, presents with Perspective, downtown merchant crawl, family games, Frozen princesses, tot train rides and so much more! We even heard Santa was making a special trip to see all the good boys and girls! We can't wait to see you on the ice for a magical night of Christmas cheer! Ice skating is $10 a person and will be open from 6-9 p.m. Friday night. (See our Facebook page for our full season hours and dates).

OKWU Basketball vs. Friends University 4PM; KWU Gym (W) 6PM; OKWU Gym (M)

BPS All City Orchestra Concert

7PM; Fine Arts Center

BPS, All City Band Concert 7PM; Fine Arts Center

11 Downtown Kiwanis Christmas Parade 6:30PM; Downtown Bartlesville The Downtown Kiwanis is hosting the 2021 Bartlesville Christmas parade on Saturday Dec. 4th starting at 6:30 pm. The Kiwanis has been hosting the Bartlesville Christmas Parade since 2011, bringing joy to people of our community. Entry is $25 for Corporate and $10 Non-profit Parade starts at Frank Phillips & Keeler traveling east then turns right on Cherokee Ave., then right on 5th Street, left on Keeler, right on Adams, right at staging parking lot.

OKWU Basketball vs McPherson 3PM; OKWU Gym (W) 5PM; OKWU Gym (M)

Free Christmas Breakfast 9AM; First Wesleyan Church Café

Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights

Santa at the Dewey Hotel Museum 4:30PM; Dewey Hotel Museum Don’t forget to tell Santa your Christmas wish list! He will be at the Dewey Hotel Museum before the parade from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm for photos, candy, and the opportunity to tell Santa how good you’ve been!

BPS All City Percussion Concert

Dewey Christmas Parade

7PM; Fine Arts Center

5:30PM; Don Tyler east of Highway 75

5-9PM; Friday-Sunday through December 19. A wonderful holiday tradition returns again this year at Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, with the spectacular Wonderland of Lights. The grounds and buildings of Woolaroc will be covered with over 750,000 lights as the historic ranch transforms itself into a magical winter wonderland! The lights will be turned on Friday, November 26th and will be on every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 5-9 p.m., through December 19th. Entertainment will be in the Heritage Theater almost every Friday and Saturday night, and a schedule of performances will be distributed at the Front Gate when guests arrive.

DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

DECEMBER EVENTS CALENDAR

Know of an upcoming event you would like to see on our calendar? Visit us at www.bartlesvillemonthly.com to submit a free listing!

Wed, Dec 1

Fri, Dec 3

5:30 PM

Christmas in the Ville Opening Night Ice Rink at the Depot 201 S Keeler Ave.

6 PM

Fantasy Land of Lights Johnstone Park 205 N Cherokee Ave. 10 AM

The Woolaroc Retrospective Exhibit & Sale Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd. The show runs through December 31.

Fantasy Land of Lights is an annual, drive-through Christmas light display at Johnstone Park. There is no admission fee however donations are accepted and very much appreciated. Once the expenses are paid, money is set aside to purchase or repair displays and a budgeted amount goes into the Club’s Foundation to cover educational scholarships to students in the Washington County area. The lights are on from 6-10 p.m. every day through December 30.

8 AM

Cookies & Gingerbread Display Price Tower Arts Center 510 S Dewey Ave. Bring your family to the unvailing of Price Tower's Christmas decorations and Bartlesville Public Schools Gingerbread display and cookies! 12 PM

Bartlesville Artisan Market Washington Park Mall 2350 SE Washington Blvd., Ste. 218 The market is open every Friday & Saturday, from 12-4 p.m.

Throughout the month-long festival, residents and visitors can skate on real ice at the historic depot or stop in to watch nostalgic Christmas movies in the park on hay bails while sipping hot cocoa, play family lawn games, or take a carriage ride through downtown Bartlesville while taking in all the beautiful lights and decorations. Other activities include Anna, Elsa & Santa sightings; Santa letter station & mailbox; photo ops; lighted 12-foot walk-through ornament;and a lighted 27foot Christmas tree, which will be lit on opening night. Public hours are Friday, 69 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 1-9 p.m. through December 19. The rin will be open daily from 1-9 p.m. from December 20January 2. Hours are 1-5 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and the rink will be closed on Christmas day. Friday Family Skate is every friday through December 19, from 3:30-6 p.m.

12 PM

Advent Musical Moments First Presbyterian Church 405 S Cherokee Ave. First Presbyterian Church in downtown Bartlesville will be hosting a noon-time concert series on Wednesdays in December. This is a wonderful opportunity to take some time to relax and enjoy the short concerts perform by some of wellknown local musicians. Presbyterian Women will have brown bag lunches available for the purchase price of $5. December 1st – Lauren Green and Kathy Stewart will be playing a beautiful selection of holiday cello/piano arrangements Lauren is the conductor of the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra and a cellist with the Tulsa Symphony. Kathy is the Music Director at First Presbyterian Church. For the additional event details, see the listings for each Wednesday in the month.

Thu, Dec 2 7 PM

Storytime with Santa Bartlesville Area History Museum via Facebook Live Santa is coming to Bartlesville! Gather your family together and join the Bartlesville Area History Museum via Facebook Live for a special storytime with Santa Claus! Santa will read a book, talk to kids about his Christmas plans, and then answer questions from viewers. Mrs. Claus will also be making a special appearance.

5 PM

Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd. The grounds and buildings of Woolaroc will be covered with over 750,000 lights as the historic ranch transforms itself into a magical winter wonderland. Again this year, the main drive to the campus will be reversed, allowing guests the unique view, seen only this time of year, of the buildings across from Clyde Lake, outlined in lights. The lights will be on every Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 5-9 p.m. through December 19.

6 PM

Aaron Ray Vaughan Album Release Party Crossing 2nd 215 E 2nd St. Join us at Crossing 2nd for a live performance by Aaron, then hang out with us for other music & mingling as we celebrate the anticipated release of his first solo album! He will be giving away some gifts to some of those in attendance.

DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

EVENTS CALENDAR 8 PM

Sat, Dec 11

History & Haunts at the Dewey Hotel Museum Dewey Hotel Museum 801 N Delaware St., Dewey Spend an evening at the Dewey Hotel. They will go over some of the hotel’s unique histories and take a lantern guided small group tour. You will go into some of the rooms, usually blocked off access to guests. Tours are held every Saturday.

Sun, Dec 5

4:30 PM

2 PM

Santa at the Dewey Hotel Museum

2 PM

The Messiah

34th Annual Motorcycle Toy Run

Bartlesville Community Center

Don’t forget to tell Santa your Christmas wish list! He will be at the Dewey Hotel Museum before the parade from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm for photos, candy, and the opportunity to tell Santa how good you’ve been!

The old Hastings parking lot 3002 SE Frank Phillips Blvd. 7:30 PM

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas Bartlesville Community Center 300 SE Adams Blvd. Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley come together again to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Sun Records, now donned with a Christmas tree, garland, and mistletoe, rings with the sounds of the season and the chart toppers that made these four famous. Follow along with the gang’s usual antics as we journey through a story of Christmas past, present, and future. It's a jam-packed evening of holidays hits and classic characters you won't want to miss!

Sat, Dec 4 10 AM

Usonian Gingerbread Workshop Price Tower Arts Center 510 S Dewey Ave. From 10 a.m. to noon. $15 per kit. Bring the family to create your very own graham cracker Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired gingerbread house in this family-friendly frosting-filled workshop! Kits can be purchased for a family or for individuals. The workshop will take place in the Price Tower gallery. This is for all ages. Please, have an adult accompany children ages 12 and under.

Parade will leave at 2:00 pm and travel west on Frank Phillips to Bucy. A free hot meal will be served to the riders at the end of the parade. If you don't ride a motorcycle but would like to help the kids please bring new unwrapped toys to put in the Toy Run truck and see the bikes. Santa will be there on his sled, bring your kids and camera. Rain, snow, or shine these kids depend on us! 4 PM

Santa at Price Tower Price Tower Arts Center 510 S Dewey Ave. Santa is coming to Price Tower! Come tell him what you would like for Christmas and get your family's photos with him before he takes off for his big ride in the Bartlesville Downtown Christmas Parade. After you visit Santa, you can warm up with some hot chocolate and look at the Bartlesville Public Schools 5th Graders Gingerbread display. 6:30 PM

5:30 PM

Dewey Christmas Parade 300 SE Adams Blvd In 1741, George F. Handel wrote "The Messiah", all 53 movements of it, in a mere 24 days! It's fitting that its first performance was a benefit for a Dublin hospital. Since then, the comfort, passion and sheer beauty of the work have inspired millions around the world. This amazing performance is presented by the Bartlesville Choral Society.

Grace Community Church 1500 King Dr.

Advent Musical Moments First Presbyterian Church 405 S Cherokee Ave.

Hilton Garden Inn 205 SW Frank Phillips Blvd.

Downtown Bartlesville Keeler & Frank Phillips

Community Care representatives will explain in person how their plans work and a licensed representative will be on hand to assist you in completing your enrollment form if you choose to join Community Care. The presentation will also be held Sunday, December 5, at 5 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn.

The Kiwanis has been hosting the Bartlesville Christmas Parade since 2011, bringing joy to people of our community. Parade starts at Frank Phillips & Keeler traveling east then turns right on Cherokee Ave., then right on 5th St., left on Keeler, right on Adams right at staging parking lot.

Local pianist and chanteuse Ann-Janette Webster will be singing various songs of the season.

Fri, Dec 10 7 PM

Little Women Oklahoma Wesleyan University Lyon Hall 2201 Silver Lake Rd. Performance on Saturday at 3 & 7 p.m.

Eastland Center • 918-335-2940 32

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

6:30 PM

12 PM

Annual Downtown Kiwanis’ Bartlesville Christmas Parade

Categories for judging include Youth, Religious, Commercial, and Non-Commercial. Trophies are awarded to the top two placings in each category.

Celebrate Recovery

Wed, Dec 8

10 AM

Downtown Dewey Don Tyler east of HWY 75

Mon, Dec 6

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12-step program for anyone with any hurt, habit, and hang-up of any kind! Join us every Monday night at 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Annual Enrollment Period Community Care Presentation

Dewey Hotel Museum 801 N. Delaware, Dewey

Nowata Lighted Christmas Parade: North Pole Fantasy Downtown Nowata Cherokee Ave. Have you ever wondered what the North Pole would be like? Kids of all ages like to imagine what goes on the night before Christmas. Entries may depict the reindeer in their barn, Santa in his workshop or elves asleep after their work is finished. Let your childhood imagination take over as you decorate your own North Pole. This year's parade will be a lighted parade. Prizes will be given for Best Business Float, Best Non-Profit Float, and Best Overall Float.

EVENTS CALENDAR Wed, Dec 15

Sat, Dec 18

Fri, Dec 24

12 PM

Advent Musical Moments First Presbyterian Church 405 S Cherokee Ave. An acapella quartet of local vocalists will be singing favorite classical Christmas and Advent carols.

Thu, Dec 16 5 PM

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group 7 PM

Dance Maker Academy’s The Nutcracker The Constantine Theater 110 W Main St., Pawhuska

Elder Care 1223 Swan Dr. The group meets the third Thursday of each month.

The remarkable music of Tchaikovsky and the beauty of live ballet combine to create a living art form that is difficult to forget. From the crashing battle between the Nutcracker and his enemies to the beautiful waltz of the flowers to the parade of toys, young and old will experience the excitement as Dance Maker Academy performs this holiday classic at The Constantine Theater. There will be another performance on Sunday, at 3 p.m.

Tue, Dec 14

5 PM

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Bartlesville Community Center 300 SE Adams Blvd.

Eastern Heights Baptist Church 1331 Swan Dr.

Presented by Bartlesville Civic Ballet, this amazing performance combines the remarkable talent of local dancers and professional guest artists, most of whom have performed for some of the finest ballet companies in the United States and abroad. The performance will also be held Sunday at 2 p.m.

Join us on Christmas Eve for a Candlelight Service on December 24th at 5:00 p.m. at Eastern Heights Baptist Church. Listen as the Christmas Story of Jesus’ birth comes alive through music and scripture in the warm glow of candlelight.

Sat, Dec 25

Sun, Dec 19 6 PM

5 PM

3rd Thursdays Night at the Museum

Woolaroc Wonderland of Lights Final Night

Bartlesville Area History Museum 401 S Johnstone Ave. Join us on the third Thursday each month to have a snack and experience the Museum at night. Guided tours of the gallery will begin at 6:15 PM and 7:15 PM or you can explore the exhibits at your own pace.

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd.

Mon, Dec 20 8 AM

Beyond Baseball Academy Oklahoma Wesleyan University 2201 Silverlake Rd.

Fri, Dec 17

A baseball camp not only designed for your improvement on the field, but also to strengthen your relationship with Jesus! The pitching/catching session is at 8:30 a.m. The defense session is at 10:15 a.m. , and the hitting session is at 12:30 p.m. Cost is $75 for one session, two sessions for $125, and all three sessions for $200. For grades 8-12. The camp will also be held on December 27, at the same times with the same costs.

2 & 6 PM

Painting Mandala-Style Ornaments Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. Mandala designs are usually circular in nature symbolizing the universe. They are frequently used in meditation to enhance the experience or can simply be a visual reminder of the beauty in our lives.You pick your colors, make your own design, and take home a one-of-a-kind ornament! Two classes will be held: one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Participants must call the Local and Family History room at 918-338-4167 to register. When registering, please let us know which class you would prefer to attend. The class is free and supplies are provided.

7:30 PM

Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker

6:30 PM

Wed, Dec 22

Christmas Lights Tour

12 PM

First Wesleyan church 1776 Silver Lake Rd.

Advent Musical Moments

Come to First Wesleyan Church main foyer doors and pick up a map, some treats and hot cocoa and head out on your own with your friends and/or family for a Christmas lights tour around Bartlesville. Open to all.

First Presbyterian Church 405 S Cherokee Ave. Organist William Pattison will be finishing the series in grand style at the 42 rank pipe organ of First Presbyterian Church.

Fri, Dec 31 10 AM

The Woolaroc Retrospective Exhibit & Sale Final Day Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd. 8 PM

Olive Drop Price Tower Arts Center 510 S Dewey Ave. Doors open at 8pm. $10 cover. Join us this year for a fun-filled evening to ring in the new year! With a $10 cover, it gets you access to the dance party with live music by Zodiac. Price Tower Plaza will be open with a limited menu and drinks. At the stroke of midnight, watch the infamous olive drop into its signature martini glass from the historic Price Tower.

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DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

A Gift for the Community from The Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce

Opening Night Friday, Dec. 3 5:30-9PM Public Hours Dec. 4-19 Friday Family Skate 3:30-6pm Dec. 10 & 17 (children 10 & under with adult)

201 SW KEELER BARTLESVILLE

For all Details and Hours BARTLESVILLECHRISTMAS.COM 34

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

Fridays 6-9pm Sat. & Sun. 1-9pm Dec. 20 - Jan. 2 Daily 1-9pm Dec. 24 - 1-5pm Closed Christmas Day

Tree & Park Lighting, Outdoor Ice Rink, Food Trucks, Frozen Princesses, Downtown Merchant Crawl, Movies in the Park, Carriage Rides, Tot Train Rides, Presents with Perspective and Santa! Enjoy Historic Downtown Bartlesville with outdoor ice skating, carriage rides, movies in the park, Santa sightings, holiday photo ops and so much more! Sponsored by:

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Christmas in the Ville Chamber of Commerce Bringing Holiday Ice Rink to Town The Bartlesville Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the return of its fifth annual Christmas in the Ville — a month-long Christmas festival that features a real ice skating rink set up in their parking lot just north of the Chamber Depot, at 201 SW Keeler in the heart of downtown Bartlesville. The festival, which is sponsored by Perspective Advisors, will open to the public December 3 and run through January 2, 2022. “We are excited to bring back this fun entertainment gift to our community. We have a really special Downtown and the Chamber staff, consisting of just five, wanted to come up with something to highlight that, particularly during the holidays. We have created a family-friendly, old- fashioned Christmas atmosphere in the heart of Downtown Bartlesville,” said Sherri Wilt, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. “We wanted to set ourselves apart from other holiday rinks by surrounding our guests with beauty and entertainment, and people have loved our quaint, family-friendly atmosphere, and ease of free parking,” said Wilt. “The festival has grown every year with the addition of new things.” During the festival, the Chamber’s property will be magically lit from the Frank Phillips Park at Keeler and Frank Phillips Blvd. all the way to the north parking lot, where their vintage AT&SF No. 940 locomotive train sits. One can climb up into the locomotive and blow the whistle and explore. The train also features four other cars, including a caboose. All have been lovingly restored and are lit and decorated to make a beautiful backdrop to the west side of the rink. The park is filled with twinkling lights and includes a magnificent 12-foot walk-through ornament and 28foot Christmas tree. There is also a north end backdrop to the rink that portrays a vintage village. The popular “tree farm” at the north end of the depot will be even bigger this year and makes another great stop for holiday photos. Beginning December 3, the festival will be open every Friday from 6-9 p.m. and every Saturday and Sunday from 1-9 p.m. Fridays on December 10 and 17, the rink is reserved from 3-6 p.m. for fami-

lies skating with children under 12. After December 20, when schools are out for Christmas break, the rink will be open every day from 1-9 p.m., from 15 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and closed on Christmas day. This year they will be open until midnight for New Year’s Eve. Horse-drawn carriage rides are also available during all open hours. Santa is available for take-your-own photos in the big red sleigh on Friday evenings and Saturdays (see www.BartlesvilleChristmas.com for specific times and a full calendar of events.) Evenings feature Christmas movies in the park on the north lawn. Hay bales are set up like a little drivein and families can enjoy some classic holiday movies while sipping hot chocolate. Yard games on the south lawn are also a favorite with families. There are other special activities planned throughout the festival, including character weekends featuring Anna & Elsa and Superman & Spiderman. A community-wide celebration for the season and opening of the rink will be held on Friday, December 3. The evening will include the lighting of the Chamber park and 28-foot community Christmas tree with the flip of a switch. The evening will also feature other fun activities, including meeting Frozen characters Anna & Elsa, visiting with Santa, local food trucks, a Downtown merchant crawl featuring great prizes, festive photo-op stops, real tot train rides, Presents with Perspective Shop where kids shop free for family members in the Perspective Advisors tent, carriage rides through Downtown, and much more. Admission to skate is $10 and includes skates and unlimited skating time. Most of the other activities, except carriage rides, are free so families can spend time together and create special holiday memories. “We hope the people will slip on out and enjoy some frosty family fun in Bartlesville,” Wilt said. For more information about the festival, including the schedule of events, visit www.BartlesvilleChristmas.com and follow on Facebook at Bartlesville Christmas in the Ville.

DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Meeting Customers’ Needs Reed to Take Over Arvest Private Banking Manager Role by Stevie Williams You will see a familiar face in a new role at Arvest. Sonya Reed was named mortgage manager at Arvest Bank in June and will be taking over the private banking manager title in the new year. “I am thankful that this opportunity allows me to use my experience in new areas,” Sonya said. “With a broader understanding of the depth of Arvest financial solutions, I am better able to serve our customers.” Sonya began her career at Arvest on the Wealth Management side in 2007 as a client advisor, eventually holding the titles of investment officer and vice president before moving over to the bank side earlier this year. “Sonya’s commitment to the customer reflects our bank’s company culture,” said Kim Adams, Arvest local bank president. “At Arvest, we are able to offer any financial solution a customer would need, yet we are small enough to have relationships with individual customers. Sonya takes this to heart and offers personalized service to her customers, whether they are buying a new home, expanding their business, interested in additional banking options, or have questions about how to plan for retirement.”

sionals with personalized service, focusing on a comprehensive approach to banking and attaining financial goals. Sonya is connected to the community as a member of the Green Country Pilot Club, and she serves on the boards of directors for The Journey Home and the Bartlesville Library Trust Authority. In June 2021, Arvest was named Business of the Year by the Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Forbes magazine recognized Arvest Bank as one of the “World’s Best Banks” and as part of its “Best-In-State Employers 2021” in April of this year. JD Power certified the Arvest Go mobile app for providing “outstanding mobile banking experience” in May and in October, Newsweek magazine named Arvest Bank as one of America’s “Most Loved Workplaces.” Sonya’s commitment to her customers, her investment and banking experience, and Arvest’s company culture are evidence of the recent accolades Arvest has received. Sonya Reed can be reached by email at sreed@arvest.com or by phone at 918-337-4363.

Sonya is a native Bartian. She graduated from Bartlesville High School, earned her degree from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and taught in Bartlesville Public Schools prior to her banking career. Sonya and her husband, Scott, raised their daughter, Sadie, in Bartlesville, who married classmate Thad Reed. Now their two children are the next generation of Bartians. With local ties, Sonya enjoys connecting with customers and being part of the Arvest Bartlesville mortgage team of Jill Carse, Julia May, Jennifer Tomlinson, and Lindsay Horton. That team has a combined 38 years of banking expertise. “Arvest offers our clients a unique mortgage experience by servicing 99 percent of our mortgage loans,” said Sonya. “This means our mortgage loans are all conducted and financed by Arvest Bank, giving our customers local branch service, automatic access to online account information tied with their online banking, and customer service available via online, phone, email, or in-person.” In addition, Arvest offers its own mortgage app called Home4Me, allowing customers to apply for a home loan by using their mobile devices or online through Arvest.com. Customers are even able to begin the process on one device and finish up on another with a seamless transition. With a wide variety of loan programs, Sonya has been able to meet with customers about loans for homes, rural development, construction, and refinancing. “I have also been fortunate to talk to veterans about options for VA loans offered at Arvest,” said Sonya. January will bring another title for Sonya, as she will become the private banking manager upon the retirement of long-time Arvest Bank employee Barbara Winters. Private banking specializes in aiding physicians and business profesDECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

OUT & ABOUT

OKWU COLOR RUN

VETERANS DAY PARADE

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

OUT & ABOUT

BARTLESVILLE’S GOT TALENT

Chamber gala

DANCING WITH THE BARTLESVILLE STARS

DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

CATERING For Your Next Event.

Burgers Burrito Bowls Enchiladas Tater Plates

Salads Sandwiches Street Tacos Quesadillas

(918) 331-6868 shortiescatering@gmail.com 40

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

LOCAL BUSINESS

Shorties Grille Firing Up the Grill and Dishing Out Goodness by Delaney Williams If you’ve been to many outdoor events in Bartlesville, you’ve likely come across Shorties. They’ve been firing up the grill and providing Bartlesville with both classics and updated versions of your favorite foods for the past nine years. Owner Chris Barnhill is experienced in Bartlesville’s restaurant scene and passionate about what he does. Barnhill opened the Madison Ally Cigar Co. and Madison Ally Bistro at Washington Park Mall in the late 90s. Following their closings, he worked with the Frank Phillips Club to serve breakfast and lunch while the organization made its home in the Adams Building. After their move, he continued to cater the organization’s evening dinners, something he still does to this day, going on 20 years. Barnhill worked with Frank and Lola’s for a couple years, but then took a break from restaurants for a time to decide on his next move. He started researching food trucks and found one for sale in Laramie, Colorado. He made the trip all the way there and brought his truck,“Myrtle” back home to Bartlesville. At first, Barnhill parked the truck at local bars and served late night breakfast offerings to patrons, giving him time to craft a menu. In 2012, he pulled the trigger and started opening for lunch, marking the official beginning of Shorties Grille as we know it now. The name Shorties, Barnhill said, comes

from the nickname he has for his stepdaughter, Lana. “I called her Shortie, and she called me Shortie back and it stuck. The rest is history.” That family-oriented name reflects how he runs his business, “We are a family-owned business. My wife, mother, daughters, niece, nephew, brother-inlaw, and cousin have worked for me or are working for me now, especially for our catering. We do have other staff that isn’t related, but we’re just one big, happy family.” I’ve you’ve visited Shorties’ home location, you might notice something a bit unique about the set up. Their dining room is a converted garage that they park their food truck next to as a kitchen. Staff sends orders to Barnhill in the truck and when they’re ready he passes them through a window. It’s a unique set up that is a lot of fun. Shorties adds new menu items from time to time, but there are some favorites that stick out. Barnhill says he recommends Ally’s Twisted Fries, the pulled pork grilled cheese, the boneless wings, and, of course, the Margarita Chicken Salad. They even offer the Impossible Burger, giving vegans and vegetarians alike the opportunity to enjoy a delicious burger. If you’ve noticed any new restaurants on food delivery apps that you haven’t seen around town yet, that might just be Shorties Grille doing some “ghost kitchen” work. Right now they are offering fare from Mr. Beast Burger, Larray’s Loaded Mac, Philly Fresh Cheesesteak, Smashmouth Burgers, B***h Don’t Grill My Cheese, and Wham Bam Burrito. These options are available both on delivery apps and in their restaurant. Big things are on the way for Shorties Grille. Barnhill said he can’t reveal any secrets yet, but stay tuned for some exciting announcements at the beginning of 2022. To keep up with Shorties Grille, follow them on Facebook @shorties.grille or on Instagram at @shorties_grill. To inquire about catering, email them at Shotiescatering@gmail.com Shortie’s Grill is located at 319 ½ Dewey Ave in Downtown Bartlesville. DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

An Oﬃcer and A Gentleman

2021-2022

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Monday, January 3, 2022

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Full Season Subscriptions and Single Tickets now on sale!

Photo by Mar k Daw son

Fiddler on the Roof

Waitress Monday,

Photo by Jeremy Daniel

Friday, March 4, 2022

Madagascar the Musical Saturday, April 9, 2022

918-337-2787 bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com

US N N BO D O ! ADHOW S

Blue Man Group Wednesday, *Dates & shows subject to change.

June 22, 2022

Photo by Evan Zimmerman

May 9, 2022

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Gift-Giving Made Easy The Bartlesville Community Center is thrilled to announce the continuation of the 2021-2022 Broadway in Bartlesville! season. Holiday gift-giving has never been easier. Purchase full season or single tickets for those on your list and mark your calendars for six national touring Broadway shows. The first half of 2022 brings six musicals to the center stage. Start the new year with An Officer and A Gentleman on Monday, January 3rd. Based on the Oscar-winning film starring Richard Gere, An Officer And A Gentleman is a breathtaking production that celebrates triumph over adversity and includes one of the most iconic and romantic endings ever portrayed on screen. The live stage production features the Grammy Award winning, #1 hit single “Up Where We Belong,” and a score based on 1980’s catalogue of music that gave voice to a generation. Get nostalgic with The Simon and Garfunkel Story on Wednesday, January 19th. This concert-style theatre show tells the story of two young boys from Queens, New York who went on to become the world’s most successful music duo of all time. Then sit back and enjoy the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof on Friday, March 4th — a theatrical experience featuring the Broadway classics “To Life,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “Tradition.” A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family. Madagascar the Musical is the next production on the BCC stage, on Saturday, April 9th. Join Alex, Marty, Melman, and Gloria, as they bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in this live musical spectacular. This smash hit musical features your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. This new musical from Dreamworks (Shrek The Musical) will leave audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!”

Leave the kids at home and enjoy a night out at the theatre for Waitress on Monday, May 9th. Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life. The 2021-2022 season closes with Blue Man Group on Wednesday, June 22nd. It is your turn to join more than 35 million people around the world have experienced this smash hit phenomenon! Featuring pulsing, original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interaction, and hilarious absurdity, this will be a fun experience that unites audiences of all ages. Full season and single tickets are on sale and can be secured in person at the BCC Box Office or by calling 918-336-2787, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets may also be ordered 24/7 online at bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com. Your tickets will be placed in will call. Special thanks goes to The National Endowment for the Arts, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and the following local sponsors who have made the Broadway in Bartlesville! 2021-2022 series possible: Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Adams • American Heritage Bank • Arvest Wealth Management • Bartlesville Convention and Visitors Bureau • ConocoPhillips • Copper Cup Images • Mr. and Mrs. Paul Crawford • Diversified Systems Resources • Examiner-Enterprise • Green Country Village • Keleher Outdoor Advertising • KGGFAM KGGF-FM KUSN KQQR • KRIG KYFM KWON KPGM • Nowata Road Liquor • Phillips 66 • Price Tower Arts Center • Robinett/King • Dr. and Mrs. Richard Rutledge • Dr. and Mrs. William D. Smith • Sparklight • Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory • Truity Credit Union • United Linen

DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

INDOOR RANGE

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BUSINESS

Guns of Glory Area Business Training People with Firearm Knowledge by Mike Wilt Arming people with firearms knowledge and training is the target of the professionals at Guns of Glory – an indoor range and pro shop that opened its doors in September. Guns of Glory is owned by Daniel Dawson who at the age of 21 joined the U.S. Army Infantry. Unfortunately, during his second tour in Baghdad, he fell into a hole blowing out the cartilage between his vertebrae and incurred 24 stress fractures in his L3 and L4. “They gave me the option of a desk job or an honorable medical discharge,” he said. “I had a son on the way, so I decided to take the discharge and college money to pursue an education.” Equipped with a degree in business as a human resources specialist, Dawson felt a calling. “My wife and I prayed where God wanted us to be. He answered ‘Oklahoma.’” Given his love for firearms, Dawson pursued a career in them. With the help of his mother, Dawson was able to acquire a business loan and build his own range and pro shop at 427 S. Osage Avenue along Highway 75 in Dewey. Sadly, his mom succumbed to complications from COVID-19 in March 2020. “I continue to honor her by giving the public the best range experience around. But at the end of the day, all of the glory goes to God.” To assist him operate Guns of Glory, Dawson didn’t have to search too far. He turned to David Romine and Kara Gage after they helped him obtain his latest certifications. A native of Sapulpa, Executive Director David Romine has carried a firearm professionally for 30 years. He was an active USAF security police officer from 1991-1994 and retired from the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 2012. He was also a federal police officer in the Department of Veterans Affairs. A native of Tahlequah, Executive Marketing/Creative Director Kara Gage also serves as Lead Instructor. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing as well as an MBA. She is an NRA-certified training counselor, and she is certified by the State of Oklahoma to teach a wide variety of classes and programs.

“We are not your typical gun shop or training facility,” Romine said. “Kara and I gladly provide information, answer questions, and conduct indepth training for people who have never handled a firearm as well as those who have military or law enforcement experience.” The pro shop carries firearms, ammunition, and an assortment of accessories. The indoor range is open to the public and includes seven 25yard shooting lanes for pistols and rifles. An outdoor range is currently under construction off Highway 60 about five miles east of Bartlesville. It will include six 25-yard bays and one 300-yard rifle range. “It’ll be the best in the business,” Romine said. “In addition to our regular training and full competition schedule, we will have a variety of courses specifically for law enforcement once it opens in the spring.” Speaking of classes, Guns of Glory offers private and group training for all ages and skill levels. Memberships are also available with special offers for first responders, active and retired military, seniors, and educators. Both were asked what they would say to someone who has never owned or handled a firearm, but is now considering the idea. “I was that person about 15 years ago,” Gage said point-blank. “But I picked up my first gun after being a victim of domestic violence. I’m a survivor turned loud-mouthed advocate for domestic violence awareness. God used that to lead me to where I am today.” Romine emphasized the focus on customer service. “Yes, we pride ourselves on our knowledge, but we also understand how there’s always hesitation in trying something new, especially when it comes to firearms. We strive to put people at ease and help them settle their curiosity.” There have been over eight million new gun owners during the past year and roughly half of those were women. On Thursday, December 16, Guns of Glory will kick off its ladies-only membership, Steel Grace with Glock! The first round will be 10 a.m. to Noon while the second round will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, call 918-534-8758. DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

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NOW YOU KNOW SPONSOR

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Regent Bank’s New Market President Hamilton had been with the bank since the launch of the Bartlesville branch in 2020, focusing on mortgage and business lending in the Bartlesville market as well as business development. Hamilton is well known in the local community, and he was the former President of Central National Bank in Bartlesville.

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NOW YOU KNOW

Angels Among Us Heart Menders & Hope Givers of the Red Cross by Debbie neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum The name Clarissa Harlowe Barton, aka Clara Barton, is easily Cross, a goal she accomplished in 1881…a volunteer organizarecognizable. Her name is etched on the boulders of history like tion she led for 23 years. many others and, amazingly, Clara Some of the greatest deeds neither require nor receive Organized February 14, 1916, had no idea how impactful her givheadlines…they are silent acts of random kindness. the Bartlesville Chapter of the ing spirit would prove to be. She Daughters of the American Revowas intensely devoted to supporting Civil War soldiers as an lution (DAR) was a force of ladies to be reckoned with and their independent nurse, dressing wounds and saving lives, which volunteer operation supported the National Red Cross and the brought her the title “Angel of the Battlefield.” Belgian Relief fund while organizing first aid and surgical dressIt was during ing training pre-WWI. But, when the U.S. entered that war on April a European visit 6, 1917, the ladies realized their projects were too daunting to be that Clara was self-sustaining. Their American Red Cross charter application introduced to the was backed by some of Bartlesville’s most prominent businesswork of the Intermen and through the efforts of the Bartlesville DAR, on June 4, national Red 1917, the Bartlesville Chapter of the American Red Cross assumed Cross and once part of the DAR duties. she returned Shortly thereafter, the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic raised home, her efforts its ugly head in Washington County and the two organizations turned to estabjoined forces to support the needs of five local emergency hoslishing the pitals. The situation was dire and flu deaths hit smelter workers American Red hardest. A medical team of one physician and two trained nurses 48

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

NOW YOU KNOW were sent from Washington, D.C. when Bartlesville became recognized as second in the nation in “ratio of death to population.” Around the world, while the doctors and nurses tended war injuries and flu illness, qualified Red Cross volunteers worked tirelessly to bring comfort where needed. As early as 1918, tions. Their efforts were also felt by resident of Bartlesville hospithese “Florence Nightintals and nursing facilities. gales” delivered light on There is a special place for volunteers…people with no perthe darkest days and were recognized for their encouraging servsonal agenda but to make the lives of others more livable and ice to wounded and healing servicemen. Their uniforms consisted bring just a little light to otherwise grim situations. Learning some of a long gray dress with a large red cross upon the chest, which residents had not left the Eastern State Hospital property in years, awarded them the affectionor ever, the Washington The term ‘Gray Lady’ refers to American Red Cross volunteers ate nickname of the “Gray County Gray Men became who for many years provided friendly, personal services of a nonLadies” by the patients they “Gray Angels” as they raised medical nature to sick, injured, and disabled patients in American cared for. Although their funds for a thirty-six passenhospitals, other health-care facilities and private homes. attire seemed drab, the ray ger bus allowing of sunshine they poured sight-seeing and group outupon a facility of despair was not. ings. In addition, each Christmas, a party with song, dance and In 1955, the American Red Cross Recreation program was gifts was a resident highlight. established as a patient outreach for the Eastern State Hospital The Gray Men and Gray Ladies of Washington County were in Vinita and two Washington County Red Cross Gray Lady heart menders and hope givers. Although the American Red groups dedicated their Mondays and Tuesdays to patient care. Cross phased out the Gray Ladies in the 1960s, the Washington They were joined in 1958 by a group of five retired businessmen County Gray Ladies and Men continued to volunteer thousands who formed the Washington County Gray Men, a volunteer arm of hours, reaching their 25th anniversary recognition in 1983. of the American Red Cross, with the goal of opening opportunities to the handicapped residents of the Eastern State Hospital. The Red Cross is the “go to” for first aid certification, swim lesThe initial group…consisting of Mose Gash, Murray Ulrich, Walter sons and providing more than 40% of U.S. blood products. Sharp, Joe Fournier and Charley Leathers…quickly grew to However, in crisis events…war, earthquakes, floods, fires, pertwenty-nine members. Once a week, two car loads of fully unisonal and national disasters…the American Red Cross, with more formed Gray Men made the 100-mile round trip to visit the than 600 chapters and 36 Blood Service units across the United “forgotten” patients with the sole purpose of bringing happiness States, is on the front line offering support during and after times and cheer. The day was filled with writing letters, playing bingo, of need, helping rebuild lives and communities. picnic lunches, movie time with popcorn and taking the residents In times of war, the Red Cross shines brightest and our service shopping…with special attention to birthday and holiday celebrapersonnel are not alone. Upon the launch of Operation Desert Storm, up to 158 workers of the Red Cross arrived in the Persian Gulf area to support our ground troops; among the Red Cross workers, seven received Bronze Stars for their “meritorious service.” There are heroes and angels among us…in global service of the Red Cross.

Did You Know? Clara Barton was hailed as the first Gray Lady and served as president of the American Red Cross until her retirement in 1904, at the age of 83. She died on April 12, 1912, at her home in Glen Echo, Maryland, leaving a national legacy of humanitarian service. Now You Know* DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

LOOKING BACK SPONSOR

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LOOKING BACK

How Did Conoco Get Here? A Look Back at the Early Years of Conoco by Kay Little, Little History Adventures E.W. Marland moved to Oklahoma from Pennsylvania in 1908, looking for oil. He used geology, not luck, to find oil by looking at the outcropping rock. He met the Miller Brothers of the 101 Ranch and named his oil company The 101 Ranch Oil Company. He noticed that some land owned by the Ponca tribe probably had oil on it. The land was between the 101 Ranch and the Ponca Cemetery. Marland met with Chief White Eagle and received permisE.W. MARLAND sion to drill adjacent to the cemetery on the Willie-Cries-ForWar allotment in 1911, but he drilled down from the crest of the hill so as to not defile the dead. The location was successful. Even though they gave their permission, several of the Native Americans, especially Chief White Eagle, became concerned as they watched the drilling and observed the way some tribal members acted after becoming wealthy. Marland always said that he did not become rich by impoverishing other people. He felt that the world was richer by his finding and producing its natural resources. He enjoyed giving back to the community that gave so much to him, so he built beautiful buildings and gardens in Ponca City so the people could enjoy the beauty of the world without leaving home. In 1917, Marland reorganized the company to be the Marland Refining Company. Marland worked as hard as his employees in the field. He bought land for his employees so they could build homes and he gave company stock to many of them. Marland felt that if they made good wages and had security, they would have dignity and self-assurance. Marland’s actions helped ensure his workers were good employees that worked hard for him.

Marland built two beautiful homes in Ponca City; the Grand Home and the Mansion. He and first wife, Virginia, lived in the first one with her niece and nephew, whom they had adopted. After Virginia’s death, he had the adoption of the niece, Lydie, annulled and they moved to the Mansion as husband and wife. Unfortunately, Marland was not always wise with his money and trusted the wrong people. In 1929, he partnered with the banker J.P. Morgan, who thought Marland was too nice to his employees and worked to get rid of him. Marland Oil Company merged with the Continental Oil Company and headquartered in Ponca City. Marland was forced out of the new company. He lost his wealth attempting to regain a substantial position in the oil and gas business. The company became known as Conoco. This broke his heart. He could not believe people would treat others this way. During the last years of his life, Marland said he never wanted to be wealthy again! After Marland lost his fortune, he and Lydie moved into the mansion’s guesthouse. In 1932, he became a US congressman. In 1934, he became the goverCHIEF WHITE EAGLE nor of Oklahoma. Marland became a politician in an effort to ensure that bankers like Morgan could not manipulate and take over businesses. He lost his money again, and when they moved back to Ponca City they sold the mansion and lived in the chauffeur’s cottage. Marland died in 1941 and Lydie became a recluse. In 2002, Conoco merged with Phillips Petroleum, creating ConocoPhillips, with many employees in Bartlesville. For additional information, visit the Conoco Museum, the Grand Home, and Marland Mansion, all in Ponca City.

DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

BARBARA HOPPER

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bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

A GOOD WORD

I Didn’t Ask to be a Disciple Use Your Influence Over People Wisely & with Empathy by Charlie Pilkington I recently had a conversation about discipleship with my good friend Quinn Shipper, author of the book The Language of Forgiveness, over at The Outpost. I never viewed myself as someone who had a calling, or some defining epiphany moment. I admired those individuals that have been moved to a higher calling, starting faith-based nonprofits, groups, church ministry, etc. He was quick to remind me that although I may not admit it, God is using me and through Him I am a disciple.

Early-century Scottish Baptist evangelist Oswald Chambers is quoted as saying “Our Lord’s conception of discipleship is not that we work for God, but that God works through us.” I often share with people my own testimony of challenges in my life that could have had either epic failure, or in my case, salvation by the Grace of God. I look back on those times and refer to it as a road that God required of me to get from point A to B. Of course, I would have preferred a straight line of paved road with no tolls. Unfortunately, my road was a hard unpaved dirt road with lots of potholes. I jokingly share that in prayer I thank God for the experience but would prefer not to take bumpy roads again. But that’s not how life works. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4. It’s those experiences that molded me with great empathy and a desire to share, encourage, and offer hope to those in need of it. When you’re in the middle of a bad storm, it’s hard to think of blue skies. Know that bad times are not forever and they, too, will pass. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10. When I was going through my challenges in life, I had no idea what God had in store for me; that he would use me to guide others to seek out help for their addictions, to assist veterans with needs, becoming board member of non-profits, or starting a semimonthly Faith In Business breakfast. If you’re reading this and have your own storm to traverse, know that whatever you’re going through, it’s not forever. Ask God for his assistance in prayer and he will answer. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17. God places people in our lives to help us become better — understand your own influence and use it wisely.

DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

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FROM THE HEART

There is Always Enough Love Make the Most of Each Moment in Your Life by Lori Kroh The holiday season seems rushed this year like never before. The news lately would tell us to hurry and buy due to massive shortages. We need to hurry before it’s all gone and there is nothing to give. Don’t wait. Run out to get it before you run out. I asked my relatives if anything ever ran out when they were growing up. I asked them to tell me if they ever experienced any shortages. The laughter rang through the room like golden bells on Christmas morning. They had plenty of shortages, and yet they believed they had it best because it was all about the time they spent with the ones they loved. You just make the most of each moment they told me. They ran out of wood for the fireplace so they huddled together in the living room under piles of quilts and drank hot cocoa to stay warm. They watched the lights glisten on the tree and listened to records that their mom had put on and watched their parents kiss under mistletoe. Grandma made homemade biscuits and fried bacon in her iron skillet and used up the jam she canned that summer from the blackberry bushes. Once, they ran out of money and only had canned goods. The children knew not to ask for presents. There was deep sadness and no merriment to be found. Then, a knock on the door and they opened it up to a cooked turkey dinner with all the trimmings and a pile of presents and the most beautiful noble fir tree leaning against the post with a golden star in a red box. The entire atmosphere changed and it was the best Christmas ever. They never found their Christmas angel to thank them. So, each year they do the same for another family. Another family ran out of money to buy ornaments for the tree so they each got to make some using paper sacks, yarn, and bits from the sewing box. They wrote on the ornament what they were thanking God for in their life. She still has them and treasures each one to this day. Some others ate piles of pancakes on their fine china passed down from their great grandmother. They went to church and handed out blankets to the poor and knew they had everything they needed. Another relative ran out of money for gifts so they had an uncle play guitar, an aunt play the piano, and they sang carols until midnight on Christmas eve. He sighed and wished he would have learned to play because he said there is nothing like a singalong to cheer one up. Some friends ran out of hope of their son coming home from war so they got out all his letters and placed them under the tree. They called all their friends and asked them to please pray for his

safe return. When he finally came home months later in the summer, they opened his gifts under the tinseled tree. One time they ran out of sugar and didn’t think they would have dessert, so the mom made snow ice cream and served it in white bowls with a silver spoon. It was his favorite dessert he ever had in his whole life. Another told me they ran out of trees at the tree lot so the dad and son took all the trimmings and made wreaths for the elderly neighbors to hang on their porch and they took them baked cookies in tins and celebrated just fine without a tree. Another relative ran out of gas so they walked until they saw lights in a farmhouse and then were invited in for hot tea and gingerbread cookies and stayed until the tow-truck came. They went back the next day for Christmas dinner and received a gasoline can with a big red bow as a gift. Their friendship is rooted in true hospitality and they had to follow the star to find it. Phillips 66 people don’t really care for the Texaco Star and that’s why he most likely ran out of gas, they said. I wanted to encourage you that no matter what shortages we have, there is always enough love to go around. It doesn’t take a lot to create a big memory. Celebrate the beautiful moments with the ones you love. Merry Christmas! DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

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AGENT FOR GOODVILLE MUTUAL

MEETING A NEED

Faces With Names God Called Local Pastor to Help Orphans & Foster Kids by Lori Just There was a time Eric Mills had zero interest in adoption or orphans. When his wife, Susan, first shared her heart to adopt a little girl from China, Eric was completely uninterested. Eight years after this initial conversation, his entire outlook would change to help support orphans and foster children both locally and globally. “When I was serving as an outreach pastor, I took my first trip to China, where I met a little girl who eventually become our daughter,” explained Mills, president & founder of Faces With Names International (FWNI). “That whole experience changed my focus on adoption, foster care, and global orphan care.” Now a family of five with son, Reagan, and daughters, Katelyn and Hope, he felt compelled to start his organization. During his role as an outreach pastor, he had the opportunity to work directly with those serving orphans in China, Burma, Nepal, Zambia, and Swaziland and start an orphan care ministry at their church. God began to stir their hearts toward a greater role in the orphan care movement. FWNI, a ministry to care for orphans and vulnerable children, was the culmination of a patient yet persistent wife and the complete transformation of a husband unwilling to adopt. FWNI started in 2014 in Bartlesville and partnered with Oklahoma Wesleyan University to bring foster care awareness and events for foster families. This early focus of the ministry pivoted when a chance encounter with an individual shifted Mills perspective. “Besides leading FWNI, I also serve as the U.S. pastoral director for Orphan Sunday,” he said. “Serving in this role, I had the opportunity to meet a king from Uganda during a conference in May of 2019. It was an amazing experience, as you don’t get to meet a king every day. Four months later, the king was back in the U.S. traveling through Tulsa. He unexpectedly called me and asked if we would receive him into our home. He came to Bartlesville and stayed with our family for a few days.” During that time, Mills got to visit with the king in-depth about the orphan situation in his kingdom. There are 2,000 orphans and 1,200 widows living in four

orphanages across the country. Mills felt intrigued and pushed by God to help care for these orphans. For eight months, he worked long-distance setting up their program to support these kids with food, nutrition, education, and opportunities. Unfortunately, the king passed away in February of COVID-19. Since then, Mills was invited by the king’s family to visit and complete their partnership. He traveled this past March and October to visit the orphanages and see the kids they are trying to help. On the second trip, Mills had two agricultural specialists accompany him for land assessments to develop into sustainable food opportunities. “Our mission is to help orphans and widows move beyond a life of survival, and thrive to fulfill their God-given purpose,” he said. “These kids, through no fault of their own, became orphans. I want them to see their full potential God has for them.” FWNI has worked with local churches to help area foster families with basic needs, as well as supporting the financial side of the program in Uganda. “We are working on plans to implement the farming process, and that will take equipment and finances,” he said. “We are also supporting the reopening of their schools after the pandemic and paying teachers to come back to provide education for these kids.” If you, your church, or business is interested in an opportunity to care for orphans and widows in distress, you can visit faceswithnames.org to learn more. “When I felt called to do this, God was just asking me to be obedient,” Mills said. “We would love the chance to expand our partnerships locally and globally in this united vision.”

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TRIBUTE

Ted Lockin Former Mayor & Longtime Public Servant will be Missed by Maria Gus Ted Lockin had a personality as big as the wide open spaces in Washington County. Always encouraging and focused on success, Lockin was someone who took his role as a community leader seriously and found joy in any challenge. Lockin, former Bartlesville Mayor and longtime community leader, passed away on November 7, 2021 at the age of 89. Whether through his role as a city leader, a 30-year member of the Phillips Petroleum team, or the owner/operator of the car dealership Premier Motors for many years, Lockin was regarded as a gentleman and a consummate public servant who dedicated his life to making Bartlesville better. An Iowa native who relocated to Bartlesville in 1970 as an employee of Phillips Petroleum, Lockin was first elected to the City Council to represent Ward 1 in 1997. He served on the council as vice mayor for two years (1997-1999) before being named mayor by his fellow councilors in 2000. He served in that capacity until 2005, when he left the council, until returning in 2011. He retired from the council in 2016. In his role as mayor, Lockin helped steer the city through several trying times, including the relocation of the city’s thenlargest employer from Bartlesville and a severe drought that nearly drained the city’s primary water supply, Hulah Lake, in 2002. Each challenge appeared to help better prepare him for the next one, and he was quick to share the lessons he learned with newer members of the council. Many former city councilors, former mayors, staff, and citizens had fond memories to share about Lockin, remembering him for his hard work and his passion for Bartlesville. Mayor Dale Copeland said, “I learned so much from Ted in my service with our City Council. I always enjoyed our visits because I could draw upon his depth of knowledge — about city government, cars, and more. Bartlesville will miss Ted Lockin and his positive, can-do spirit.”

While Lockin’s leadership during the early 2000s helped set the stage for many things to come — ongoing economic development efforts and the implementation of the water reuse system, for instance — much of his work can be seen in Bartlesville every day. “Ted was a true champion for our community,” said City Manager Mike Bailey. “He was instrumental in so many projects over the years that have become a part of our city and our everyday life. It was on his mayoral watch that the City Hall building was acquired, Silver Lake and Price roads were extended, and several businesses, including the Walmart Distribution Center, were recruited, creating jobs and bringing additional sales tax dollars into our community. I’ve never met anyone quite like him. He was tireless when it came to advocating for what was right for Bartlesville, and he never ran out of ideas on how to make our community better. I will miss him greatly, and our community is worse off for his passing.” Lockin is survived by his wife, Maxine; and children, Doug Lockin, of Houston, Texas; Ann Lockin Hacker, of Ramona; and Linda Lockin Ricks, of Broken Arrow; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Maxine Lockin said, “He stayed busy and he loved his cars. He loved being on the council. He found his calling because he really enjoyed it and missed it when he decided not to do it anymore.” As many have said, Ted Lockin was a visionary for Bartlesville. He had energy, commitment, and a hope for the future. Lockin was clearly proud to be a citizen of Bartlesville and his hard work and enthusiasm will leave a lasting legacy for the entire community. ~ bmonthly would like to express its gratitude to Kelli Williams for her contributions to this article ~

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TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD

A Memorable Touchdown James Droz Picks Up Senior Night TD for Bruins by Lori Just “Touchdown Bartlesville!” the sports announcer yelled as James Droz, a senior football player with special needs, ran the ball into the endzone at the last Bruins home game of the season on November 12th. It was an unforgettable night for not only his family, but everyone at Custer Stadium. “Any parent that has a child with special needs wants their child to be loved, accepted, and included,” said Susan Hainzinger, James’ mom. “It was a beautiful example of that.” Susan described James as always being an active guy. He played sports up until middle school. He is sports-minded, and she attributed it to both her and James’ dad, Jerry Droz, being retired athletes. “We’ve always gone to the Bruins football games, and he’s in the stands hollering,” she said. Following a Bruins game his freshman year, James ran onto the field to ask Coach Lee Blankenship if there was something he could do to help the team because they were all his friends. After permission from his parents, James became the football manager. “He is very driven and responsible,” said Susan. “It’s been a dream for James and it’s been a blessing to watch happen. When Coach Sport took over [in 2019], he took it to another level. He wanted to instill in those players values and character and included James in everything.” James was given a headset during games and helped with filming, water, and encouraging the players. He went to every practice and traveled to games on the bus. At the end of his sophomore year, the team gave him his own letterman jacket. “He has a way of putting things into perspective for me,” Coach Jason Sport, Bruins head coach, said. “When I was frustrated during a game, I’d just turn around and he’d say, ‘I love you’ and give me a hug. It melts my heart. Giving him the ball that night was a way for us to say, ‘we love you too, we appreciate all the time you’ve put into this.’” Going into his senior year, Coach Sport told Susan he wanted to put James into a game this season. Although James hadn’t passed a physical to play regularly, he knew James had a heart for football. Coach Sport prayed over when it would be the best opportunity and was led to the game against the Choctaw Yellowjackets. He got permission from administration and coordinated with the visiting coach. “I pulled him in the hallway the night of the game and said ‘James, I think we are going to try to get you in the game, so

suit up, and we’ll give you the ball,” said Coach Sport. “He said, ‘it’s about time.’ He knew he was going to do something special with it. That’s been his attitude the whole time as the manager.” Susan was surprised to see James come out of the locker room all suited up in his #77 jersey and was the first to bust through the big Bruin sign onto the field. “It was senior night for these kids, so there were a lot of emotions running around anyway,” said Susan. “I started tearing up before the game even started. When he went out on the field for the play my heart started racing.” In the fourth quarter, with Choctaw leading, it was fourth down on the 37-yard line when Choctaw threw an incompletion and the ball was turned over to the Bruins. “James took that ball and once he hit the hole he just took off,” said Susan. “I’ve never seen him run that fast.” James reached the endzone and scored a touchdown for the Bruins and the crowd just exploded. “The stands were loud and electric,” James said. “It was my first time to run the ball. I was so happy.” Both teams took to the field in excitement to congratulate James with cheers, hugs, and chanting JD. “I was just overwhelmed with emotion,” said Susan. “I was weepy all evening. I couldn’t believe what I just witnessed. I was thankful for all the videos everyone shared. Emerging from the difficult last year we’ve had, everyone is ready for something uplifting. We are so thankful Coach Sport had it on his heart to make this special play for James. He is a pheromonal coach and human. The leadership he is giving those boys is so much more than football.” “This was a special moment for two teams that worked together for something that was bigger than just the game,” said Coach Sport. “We are building a culture in this program of inclusion and serving others that will impact them the right way for generations to come. God’s plan is always bigger than our plan. A lot of people are being impacted by James’ heart and story.” As for James, he agrees it was a special moment and thinks Coach Sport is awesome and “loved every moment I had with those kids.” He hopes the Bruins win more next year. In the future, he hopes to work with the WWE and concepting matches. Although the Bruins did not win against Choctaw, both teams won’t remember the score but they will always remember what they did for James that night. DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

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A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

A Christmas Letter Light of Hope Pours Through the Darkness & Gets Us By by Brent Taylor Most of us grew up with hopeful notions about Christmas. Santa coming down a chimney, gifts under a tree, tinsel, lights, and the anticipation of something extraordinary. Strangely enough, for me the extraordinary was a shaving kit in my stocking when I was four years old. I immediately went into the bathroom, stepped up on a footstool, foamed my cherubic face, and brushed away my innocence with that plastic razor. Shaving with a pretend shaving kit made me feel like a man at age four. Although in subsequent years, I regressed to the toys of boyhood — footballs, baseball gloves, and wood-burning sets. All of this was delivered by Santa Claus. Here is the odd thing though. Santa may not look like a man in an ill-fitting red velour suit to everyone. For me and my two sisters and two brothers, Santa seemed more feminine. Our Santa was a note-writing town-crier of yuletide news. Each Christmas Eve, the five Taylor kids left milk and cookies on the hearth for Santa. This was the first thing we checked on Christmas morning. On the hearth we found the cookies broken, although mostly uneaten. And the milk sipped rather than gulped. We never saw Santa, but with each passing Christmas, the mystery grew, and the winds of time eventually brushed aside the vale to reveal what we suspected all along. Santa was our mother. She wrote the notes left behind on the hearth with her right hand to disguise her identity; she normally wrote with her left. But the note Santa left was the thing we looked for most eagerly each Christmas. This direct communication from Santa gave us the sense that someone was paying attention. There were other notable Christmas gifts as I grew older. A Schwinn Sting-Ray bike with a banana seat, electric cars and racetracks, silly putty, and the amazing Slinky. None of those things lasted very long. But the memories of Christmas remain alive with those letters from Santa. My children are grown and Christmas is different now. In the amber light of a fading year that many wish they could forget, I walked into the back yard and watched the moon announce itself through leafless trees like a “follow the bouncing ball” cartoon song. Boo the cat was looking for mice near the fence as deer rustled the leaves on the edge of our woods. On that winter evening I thought of the words of the English writer Adrian: Bell, describing a Norman church whose windows ‘are no more than dream holes, the walls so thick that the light has the effect of being poured in through a funnel’. That is how I think of Christmas and letters from Santa and gifts under a tree. They are light being poured into us through walls so thick that we seem to be living in a cave. And yet the light pours through and overcomes the drought and hunger, the famine and pandemic, and hope is what gets us through. “Like

a bright savior in a richly gloomy cave,” as Ronald Blythe phrased it. Another year has come and gone, and the glass of milk sits on the hearth, a plate of cookies next to it. What will I find in my stocking? My family loves me and I have friends, a cat, woods, and the moon — the familiar landscape of this city I’ve known since boyhood — and I find that if I am not covetous of those with full stockings, it is because I have all I need. The days are here and ready. Ready for a stiff drink of milk and a crisp cookie, a fresh sheet of paper, and my favorite pen. My wife is watching a Hallmark movie, which gives me reason to believe that the only way those movies survive is hope. Hope that the acting will improve and the story will be nuanced and the script free of cliches. I ask my daughter, “Why?” and she tells me that she watches Hallmark movies if they are close to Christmas, and only if she is bored. I watch them to feel intelligent because I can always predict what will happen and how it will end. For me, in the end, there are letters at Christmas with milk and cookies, faith, hope, and love — and the greatest of these is love. DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

ON THE OSAGE

Oh, Give Me a Home . . . Where the Buffalo Roam by Kelly Bland

It was 5 a.m. I was on my second cup of coffee sitting at the kitchen bar when I shot off an email to Mr. Harvey Payne. To my surprise he fired one right back, and just like that it was set. I was going to the annual bison round-up out on the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. This made me smile. 😊 Probably because the public isn’t allowed at the round-ups. You have to be invited. I found out when I was out there that Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio had both been invited to attend, and that part of the Killers of the Flower Moon movie had been filmed out on the preserve recently, as well. No, Scorsese and DiCaprio weren’t there, but I was treated like a VIP upon arrival. Harvey is known for his gracious hospitality, heart for the conservancy, and his keen wit. He went into telling me the back side of bison preservation and referenced back to the days when Ted Turner was running bison on nearly 40,000 acres west of Pawhuska. Then he admitted he also ran a few head himself. When I asked how many, he said, “Oh, between me and Ted Turner, we have about 50,000 head.” I cocked my head, looked at him and fell for it – hook, line, and sinker.

together in the adjoining small pasture trap and within the massive holding lot were hundreds of bison mulling around. I couldn’t help but think back to the days when these massive mammals thundered across the plains in staggering numbers. As I was musing through history in my mind, it hit me like a thud how visionary the inaugural group of folks were who came together to preserve the tallgrass prairie and the bison here in Osage County. I hopped off the walkway and took a moment in the little office hut at the chute to tell Harvey, “Well done.” He looked at me for a second without saying a word; then proceeded to tell me about the cost of that decision back so many years ago before it was widely accepted. I’ll leave that story for him to tell, but when he finished, we both agreed that standing there today — it was worth it. When you come for a visit, I hope you’ll take time to drive out through the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve just north of Pawhuska, where over 2,500 head of bison roam around 40,000 acres — thanks to some gutsy pioneering visionaries, like my friend, Mr. Harvey Payne.

“Are you partners with Turner?” this little blonde-headed tourism gal asked.

Thanks for letting me join in the round-up this year, compadre.

“No,” Harvey said with a laugh. “I have nine head. Turner has the rest…” I punched him in the arm & joined him in a belly laugh.

Y’all come on over and fall in love with the Tallgrass Prairie, where we’re awfully glad that seldom is heard a discouraging word and the skies are not cloudy all day… in Osage County, Oklahoma!

Harvey had met me that morning at the Visitor’s Center and I followed him to the pens. It was a cool morning with enough breeze to cut through the wool jacket and vest I had on. When we arrived at the pens, I got introduced to the crew and to Mr. Bob Hamilton — better known as the boss out there. Bob took time to explain their ear-tagging process that was in progress that morning as they were running bison down the chute.

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Amidst the tall metal pens, hydraulic apparatuses, and squeeze chute, the careful planning and attention to detail were evident. The working area had a roof over it. The metal gate in front of the squeeze chute even had rubber strips on the inside of the rungs to cushion the blow when the bison rammed it. The intent to make this process as safe and bullet-proof as possible for both crew and herd was obvious. I was allowed up on the elevated walkway flanking the pens, so I knew that my view was one few had the privilege of capturing. Before me lay the prairie as if untouched by time. Gathered DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

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ONCE UPON A TIME

With this December Ring... Give All You Have to Those You Love by Rita Thurman Barnes Those are mine and hubby’s hands with our new weddings rings on and that’s my wedding bouquet from 53 years ago. I still have the bouquet which became my “going away” corsage and I have hubby’s boutonniere as well. The flowers came from Hains Greenhouse and the rings came from a store in Independence, KS and were purchased on a Saturday morning nearly 54 years ago. That’s our marriage license you see our hands and the flowers resting upon. We married in December - the 7th to be exact – yep, on Pearl Harbor Day. Someone actually asked me many years later how it felt to be married on the day Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. I told them I was old, but I wasn’t that old. In fact, I wasn’t born till six years later. But in their defense, it was a younger person who asked me, and I don’t mind that kind of question these days anyway. Our rings didn’t cost a fortune. We were young and newly engaged and we didn’t shop around. I just know that when we both looked down into the ring cabinet that day so long ago our eyes landed on the same rings, and we bought them and never looked back. On my birthday years ago, my sister brought me one of the best presents I

ever received. It was my mother’s wedding ring. It was 83 years old at that time and I hadn’t seen it in years. I knew my mother would want me to have it and my sister did for sure– that little circle of silver given to my mom by my dad over eight decades ago when they were young and in love and ready to take on the world. I wouldn’t wear it because I didn’t want to lose it. Her fingers were much smaller than mine and I’d have to wear it on my pinky finger and that just wouldn’t do. So, I take it out every now and then and show it to someone when the moment seems right. And sometimes I just open the box, look at it, and remember how things used to be. My daddy had to work hard to pay for the ring since everything was hard back then and was about to become even

harder with the Depression of 1929. I’m glad he was able to get the ring before times got so much worse. My dad never wore a wedding ring. Men didn’t wear rings as much back then and he was a carpenter anyway. I actually heard through the grapevine that my daddy may have found my mama’s engagement ring on a job and that he gave it to her after their wedding. But people give from the bounty of their hearts sometimes when it’s all they have to give. They give Christmas gifts in memory of the one who gave His all when He was called upon to do so. We celebrate life in the middle of the darkest days of the year and we give all we have to those we love even if we happen to find it. Merry Christmas to all!

DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

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KNOWING NOWATA

The Smithsonian & Nowata Special Exhibit Coming to Nowata this Month by Carroll Craun Have you ever wished to visit the premier museum in America, the Smithsonian, to experience the many exhibits and activities provided by it? Now you can get a small taste of its wonders through the efforts of the Nowata County Historical Society Board. Under the leadership of Project Director and Board Member Frank Wallace, the board decided to stick its collective neck out and reach for what seemed impossible — bringing an exhibit to Nowata.

demographic impact brought on by changes, America’s small towns continue to creatively focus on new opportunities for growth and development. Crossroads is composed of six sections — introduction, rural identity, community, land, and perseverance & managing changes from a national perspective. Seeing the exhibit first hand, Historical Society members have been amazed at how our communities can be dropped into the exhibits.

The dream began with tasks assigned, reports completed, application forms filled out, potential partners found, matching funding procured, space identified, and finding patience — lots of patience. One of the partners procured is bmonthly, whose editors wrote a letter of support and recommendation. The needed documentation was sent in and the wait began. In November 2020, notification came saying the Nowata Historical Museum was in the final nine sites selected in Oklahoma to host a traveling exhibit. Site visits and interviews followed. In December, official notification came that the museum was one of the official six sites chosen in Oklahoma to host a six-week exhibit Crossroads: Change in Rural America. What excitement!

“The Crossroads exhibits allow us to reflect on the history of Nowata County and surrounding areas, present and future,” said Carroll Craun, president of the Nowata Historical Society. “Our desire is to create opportunities through the exhibit for conversations about what makes our communities unique, how we can grow and make needed changes, and as a part of the exhibit have developed a number of local and public programs to complement it.” Do you want to pet a bull, meet a rodeo clown, learn about powwows, learn about living in the Dust Bowl era, see vintage cars and antique gas engines, enjoy music? That’s just a few of the many possibilities you can experience with the exhibit.

The exhibit is a part of Museums on Main Street (MOMS), a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state humanities councils (Oklahoma Humanities) across the nation, and local host institutions. Funding is provided by the U.S. Congress.

A few of the Historical Society members took part in the installation of the first exhibit in Tishomingo and received training on how to set it up when it arrives in Nowata in December.

The Crossroads exhibit explores how rural American communities changed in the 20th century. From sea to shining sea, the vast majority of the United States landscape remaind rural, with only 3.5 percent of the landscape considered urban. Since 1900, the percentage of Americans living in rural areas dropped from 60 percent to 17 percent. The exhibition looks at these remarkable social changes and how rural Americans responded. For generations, Americans have relied on rural crossroads, places where people gather to exchange goods & services, political discussions, and culture. Despite the massive economic and

The exhibit opens in Nowata at the museum, located at 136 Oak Street, on December 18, 2021 and will remain there until January 29, 2022. From Nowata, the exhibit will travel to Woodward and Pawnee before its final stop in Boley. Earlier sites were Tishomingo and Fort Gibson. The exhibit is free and everyone is encouraged to come and enjoy the different programs and exhibits — some change weekly or daily. Call the Museum 918-273-1191 or look at their Facebook page at nowatamuseum or their website nowatamuseum.org with questions and for updates.

DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

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BARTLESVILLE REALTY

Extraordinary Reach. Extraordinary Results. 72

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SPOTLIGHT

We Just Love Jesus! Iron Sharp Foundation Making a Difference in Community by Kay Little, Little History Adventures Recently, I had the privilege of meeting a couple who are making a difference in our community. I came away so encouraged and feeling like I had been in an exciting church service. In the early 1900s, Sloan’s Grocery Store in Ochelata kept the citizens well fed, even during the hard times of war and recession. People were able to save money by shopping there. The churches in Ochelata were known for being friendly and working with the community. Today, at the same location, T.J. and Jennifer Hendrix of Iron Sharp Foundation are helping to feed the community and are working with local churches. They have set up a pantry in the building and hundreds of people come through every week to “shop” for groceries to help feed their families. The couple is doing their best to make sure no one in the community is hungry — literally and spiritually. The Hendrixes moved to Ochelata in 2018 and received a vision from God in 2020 that He would use the old grocery store to feed people. The building was pretty raw, but they had faith the money and resources would come. The Lord brought it to pass in March 2021, when He provided the finances to purchase and restore the building. God continues to send people and finances to not only sustain the operation, but also grow it as He desires. They opened the building May 1, 2021. They serve about 300 people a month and the numbers keep rising. But food is not the only thing T.J. and Jennifer offer people. Jennifer is working on her master’s degree and license in counseling and is able to offer some counseling. On Monday nights they offer in-depth Bible study and on Thursday, they have discipleship training. They are working with a friend to possibly have a ministry to area youth. They know there is so much more to do, but they are seeking God’s will, to move with Him.

T.J. and Jennifer are adamant that they are NOT a church, but a para-church organization. A few churches in Ochelata have food pantries also, but they all help each other. When one group receives an overabundance of food, they reach out to each other and see if they have a need. Iron Sharp Foundation is partnered with a few other ministries and organizations where they are able to obtain quality food as well as other items families need. On November 13, they partnered with Get Real Ministries, bmonthly Magazine, and others to help give food and coats at the Warm Up Bartlesville event. Jennifer calls these God dots. T.J. talked about how all believers are a part of the Body of Christ. While one may be a hand or a foot, he feels that they are a tendon that helps join and strengthen other parts of the Body of Christ. First Corinthians 12:12 states “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” The organization is founded and stands upon Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” They have a motto: R2P2, which means Relationship, Rest, Presence, Peace. We are all to have an intimate relationship with Jesus and carry His Glory! How does that happen? By seeking Him in the secret place. As we are resting in Him in the secret place, His presence will come, and with His presence comes His peace that surpasses all understanding. The Hendrix couple wants everyone to know who they are in Christ. T.J. wants people to operate in the authority Jesus has given them, because only then will the people have freedom. They want Jesus to be exalted above everything. When people come in to the Pantry, they want them to encounter Jesus! For additional information, check them out on their website: ironsharpfoundation.org.

DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK

by Jay Webster The devil is in the details. That may be true, but I think he may well be easier to find in technology that doesn’t work, political social media posts from friends, and coffee lids that slide open into makeshift sippy cups you’re never quite sure are opened or closed. I certainly get the intent of that phrase “The devil is in the details” … that big ideas are easy, it’s executing them (the “how”) where things get tricky. But if I were in charge of phrases - and 74

bmonthly | DECEMBER 2021

trust me I’ve been asked, but the hours are too infrequent - I would rewrite the phrase as The devil is in the miscommunication or rather, the lack of communication. See, it sorta just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?

I come from a long line of under-communicators; people who often struggle to say, “I love you” or tell you how they feel or what they are thinking. UnderBut if I were in charge of phrases — and trust me, I’ve communicating isn’t so much a been asked, but the hours are too infrequent — I would lack of words, it’s more a matter rewrite the phrase as The devil is in the miscommunicaof not saying the things that are tion or rather the lack of communication. See, it sorta relevant to expressing our feeljust rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it?

FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK I’m the world’s worst at this with my wife. On any given day, ings or giving context to the feelings of others. It leaves the “othI may notice how beautiful she looks or how she went out of her ers” in our lives to fill in the gaps we’ve left; and that, my friends way for me or how she shared a kindness with someone else. I — those shadows and voids — is where the devil lives. Because may even think to myself, “Wow, you’re a lucky man to have by human nature when someone doesn’t fill in the gap for us … someone like that by your side.” and we’re left to fill it in with our …these little encouragements we can offer are food to And acknowledging gratitude own imagination … not so surthe soul. Sometimes telling someone the good or talent within is an important thing, but prisingly, we usually go to the or virtue you see in them can redirect a person’s very worst-case scenario. what good does it do her? Have path. In that light shouldn’t we refrain from withholding any of those unspoken thoughts It works like this: You see a the good someone desperately needs when we have it fed her soul? Not so much. friend. “Let’s get together for cofwithin ourselves to give? fee,” you say gleefully. They love A lot of times, I think we avoid that idea. Then 24 hours later they text you about meeting up for words because they make us vulnerable, or worse — they might coffee on a certain time, date, and place. But you’re not sure embroil us into more words … like maybe even a conversation. how your schedule is going to work (meetings, doctors appointI get it. I can reach my word limit for the day by 10:30 a.m. on ments, mole checks — all important stuff). You don’t know if you most days. If you weren’t there to hear them, well, that’s on you. can get coffee yet so you simply say: nothing. Now your friend But maybe it works like a muscle. Maybe if I try like Frankenstein is left to hang by a digital string. They start to fill in the gaps you to expand my vocal reach, after a while I’ll get stronger. left: Maybe you didn’t really mean it when you said, “Let’s get I’m trying that in my own life by asking questions and not together for coffee.” Maybe you were just being nice, so you could leaving so many things unspoken. As I said, I come from a long move on. Maybe nobody really likes you or wants to share a cafline of under-communicators. I find to combat that, I have to feinated beverage with you because they know what you’re like ask “So what do you mean by that?” Or “Well, what did the docwhen you’ve been “drinking” and you turn into a wild, caffeinated tor actually say.” Or “Okay, how many actual years will you have chatter-box with bad coffee breath. Maybe you should just go to serve?” home and be alone and eat worms. Now obviously, that last paragraph could have been avoided with … say it with me … communication. “Hey friend, I’d love to get coffee. I’ve got to check on some scheduling. I’ll get back with you. P.S. Just as an encouragement: I heard what Peggy said about you, but I don’t find you annoying on caffeine at all.” See how easy that was and how it gave no room for the “devil”? My wife, Ann-Janette, and I have been talking about how often we all see the good in people, even to the point of saying something about it to our friends or spouses … and yet we never actually say it to the person themselves. I don’t know if it’s because we believe somehow they already know, or maybe we fear seeming stalker-ish, or if it would just require too much from us to interact with them. The challenge is, these little encouragements we can offer are food to the soul. Sometimes telling someone the good or talent or virtue you see in them can redirect a person’s very path. In that light, shouldn’t we refrain from withholding the good someone desperately needs when we have it within ourselves to give? Next time you’re with a kid, tell them what good you see in them and watch them light up. It changes the way they see themselves. “I love the way you always include the other kids … Wow, you have such a good eye … You’re very observant … I love how you pour generously when you get daddy his scotch.” They don’t have to be big things, and it doesn’t just work for kids. Think what it would be like this holiday season if we made it our mission to see the good in people and then actually tell them. “I’ve always appreciated what a great Dad you are to your kids.” “I love how loyal you are.” “You’re such a great spouse the way you take care of my sister.” “I so appreciate the way you’re unfazed by current fashions and social norms … and matching colors.”

When you engage others, it will be awkward — a lot. But you won’t die. And the more we open up to others, the more we connect, the deeper we get, and believe it or not — scientifically, medically, spiritually (and all the other ‘allys) the more content and happier we become. So as they say, if you can’t do it for others, do it for yourself. I can’t count the number of arguments I’ve faced in my life that at their root came down to under-communication (or lazy communication). My wife and I almost lost a full Sunday afternoon because we decided to go on a fall foliage drive and (without saying anything to the other) both of us had completely different expectations about that event. All it took was cooling down long enough to see where our paths separated — and then with a little humility and a couple apologies, the afternoon was rescued. So, if I haven’t told you lately — I really appreciate you. Thanks for taking time to read all this month-in and monthout. Your adoration of me makes me feel closer to you. Thanks. Happiest of Holiday wishes. Take the time to fill others up with the good you see in them. As my fatherin-law preaches: See it and say it. Cheers, my friends.

DECEMBER 2021 | bmonthly

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The USS Oklahoma BB-37 by Jay Hastings The USS Battleship Oklahoma was on Battleship Row in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. On that fateful morning, the Japanese Empire carried out a surprise attack on the United States at Pearl Harbor. Japanese dive bombers, fighter bombers, and torpedo planes sank nine American naval ships and severely damaged 21 others. In the first 10 minutes of the attack, the USS Battleship Oklahoma was hit by nine torpedoes dropped from enemy planes and began to capsize and sink in the mud. Fourteen Marines and 415 Navy sailors gave their lives that day on the ship. In total, there were 2,402 US deaths from the attack. The USS Oklahoma was built by the New York Ship Building Company and was launched in March of 1914, officially commissioned in May 1916. The ship served in World War I, protecting allied convoys in the Atlantic Ocean, and was later modernized between 1927 and 1929. In 1936, the USS Oklahoma was used to help rescue American citizens and refugees during the Spanish War. After returning to the west coast, she spent the rest of her life working in the Pacific Ocean. In March of 1943, the USS Oklahoma was raised from the water in an attempt to salvage her. The ship was too badly damaged and in September, 1944 was officially decommissioned. In December, 1946 the ship was sold to the Moore Drydock Company of Oakland, California; but, on May 17, 1947 the ship sank during a storm while being towed back to the mainland, never to be seen again. Of the nine ships that were sunk in the attack on Pearl Harbor, only the Oklahoma and two others were not ultimately recovered. The USS Arizona and USS Utah still remain on site where they were sunk and no attempts to raise them have been made. The location, Ford Island, is still used today by the US Navy to dock naval ships. A memorial has been erected at the location, recognizing the men and ships that were lost during the attack.

During dredging operations in 2006, the US Navy recovered a part of the Oklahoma from the bottom of Pearl Harbor. The Navy believes it to be a portion of the port side rear fire control tower support mast. It was flown to Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, Oklahoma, then delivered to the Muskogee War Memorial Park. The US Oklahoma’s ship bell is at the Kirkpatrick Science Museum in Oklahoma City and the aft wheel is on display at the Oklahoma History Center, also in Oklahoma City. From December 1941 through June 1944, Navy personnel recovered the remains of those who perished at Pearl Harbor, interring them in the Halawa and Nu’uanu Cemeteries in Hawaii. Of the 429 crewmen aboard the USS Oklahoma killed in those early morning hours, only 35 were identified. Nearly 400 unidentified remains were buried as Unknowns in 46 plots at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, known as “The Punchbowl,” in Honolulu. In 2015, as part of the USS Oklahoma Project, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), through a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, exhumed all of the unknown remains from the USS Oklahoma, and began the lengthy identification process. In December 2017, DPAA made their 100th identification from the ship’s casualties. As of June 2021, the identification of 338 individuals from the USS Oklahoma represents the first successful completion of a project of such scope and complexity. Nearly 86% of unknowns from the USS Oklahoma have been individually identified and it is expected that 90% will be identified by the end of the project, surpassing the original projected estimate of 80%. (Source: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) Local author and historian Joe Todd has written a book about the USS Oklahoma. The book is based on interviews with survivors who served on the ship. The title of the book is USS Oklahoma: Remembrance of a Great Lady, and was published in 1990.

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bmonthly December 2021

Articles inside

Spotlight: We Just Love Jesus

Funny You Should Ask: The Devil is in the What?

Knowing Nowata: The Smithsonian & Nowata

Once Upon a Time: With this December Ring

Meeting a Need: Faces with Names

A Fresh Perspective: A Christmas Letter

Tell Me Something Good: A Memorable Touchdown

From the Heart: There is Always Enough Love

Looking Back: How Did Conoco Get Here?

A Good Word: I Didn’t Ask to be a Disciple

Now You Know: Angels Among Us

Business: Guns of Glory

Arts & Entertainment: Gift-Giving Made Easy

Business Spotlight: Meeting Customers’ Needs

Local Business: Shorties Grille

Holiday Traditions: Christmas in the Ville

Feature Sponsor Story: Bartlesville’s Believer

Chick-fil-A Events Calendar

Feature: All Aboard

Tribute: Mike Smith

Profile: Ron Adams