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WHAT’S INSIDE

what’s inside... 31 6

59 77

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Upfront

Out & About: Photos from Around Town

Profile: Chuck Hoskin Jr. Voice of a Nation

On the Osage: Cavalcade a Big Hit

Feature: The Cherokees... An Adaptable, Dynamic People

Local Leaders: Dora Patzkowski Cherokee Councilor Wants Healthy Future for All

Feature Sponsor: The Last Outlaw Henry Wells was one of Oklahoma’s Wildest Outlaws

Early Years: Trail of Tears Hilliard & Martha Rogers Left Mark on Bartlesville

Meet Your Writer: Kelly Bland

Kids’ Calendar

Chick-fil-A Events Calendar

From the Heart: Salute to Teachers Teachers Help Us Mix Knowledge with Creativity

Entertainment: Virtually Virtuoso OKM Music Festival to Stream Dallas String Quartet

Local Legends: Chief of the Cherokees W.W. “Bill” Keeler’s Long History in Bartlesville

Local History: Oklahoma’s Last Train Robbery The Railroad Theft Occured Near Bartlesville

A Fresh Perspective: The $2 Miracle Special $2 Bill Returns to Owner After 40 Years

Tribute: Carol Seals Central Middle School Legend Remembered

Giving Back: Paths to Independence

Looking Back: The Gentle Cherokee Servant Betty Smith was Always Looking to Help Others

Fighting for Freedom: Native Code Talkers Group of Soldiers Became Military’s Secret Weapon

Now You Know: Princess Theotoway of the Cherokee Nation

Fun Venues: The Magic of Woolaroc Major Improvements on the Horizon at Woolaroc

Once Upon a Time: A Lesson in Geneology

Business Spotlight: RoofPro

Legendary Leaders: Wilma Mankiller Historic Chief was the Essence of Being Cherokee

Funny You Should Ask: What I Did on My Summer Break

SEPTEMBER 2020 2

bmonthly | SEPTEMBER 2020

UPFRONT

upfront Welcome to September, my friends! This is our Cowboy, Western, and Native American issue, and we are so excited to give you “The Cherokees.” We gave this assignment to Sarah Gagan, and let me say, she delivered a homerun. What a great feature story on these amazing people who have been walking, living, and dying on this dirt well before the first white man ever stepped foot on it. Most of us know about the Trail of Tears if you live in Oklahoma, where it finally ended. Did you know it spanned over 5000 miles? The historic symbolism of the Cherokees is their never-give-up attitude, which led this nation of people through nine states — a journey that lasted for over 46 years. Sarah spent weeks digging up information on the real impact that our fellow men, women, and children endured. The whole nation of Cherokee people and four other tribes were literally ripped from their homes and land, which they had occupied for hundreds of years. Then they were forced to move to a land they had never seen. Thousands never made it to Oklahoma because they died on the journey from sickness, malnutrition, or the brutal walk they endured. What if tomorrow someone came to your home and said to you “pack your things and leave immediately?” This is what happened in many cases to many families. Christy and I and the family of Central Middle School unexpectedly lost an incredible woman — Carol Seals. She dedicated 36 years to this school and to thousands of students who passed through the hallways and classrooms. Carol was a one-of-a-kind lady. She gave everything to her family and these students. All seven of our kids went through Carol’s attendance office. For 15 years straight, we had a child in her care. She will be missed.

state. We’ve had a lot of ups and downs. The magazine today couldn’t happen without the great staff of writers, photographers, and the many people behind the scenes. We want them to know how much we appreciate them. A huge thank you goes out to Debbie Neece, Mike Wilt, Kay Little, Jay Webster, AJ Webster, Lori Kroh, Sarah Gagan, Tim Hudson, Maria Gus, Lori Roll, Lori Just, Kelly Bland, Rita Thurman Barnes, Brent Taylor, and the many guest writers. We also want to thank Chance Franks for the many cover photos he’s shot for us.

Bartlesville Monthly Magazine is published by

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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

One company which has been such a blessing to work with and has helped us transform this magazine is Copper Cup Images. Fritz and Melissa Green and their amazing staff have helped us grow this magazine with their incredible graphics and decades of printing experience. Melissa and I work closely on the cover every month to give you the best, one-of-a-kind covers, which I think are masterpieces. Many thanks to Julie Drake who delivers thousands of magazines to 3 counties to you, our readers. We also want to thank Shelley Greene Stewart (who, by the way, was there the night I first met Christy in 1985) for her behind the scenes organization and edits of all my stories I write. Thank You, Shelley! Finally, we want to thank Brian Engel for bringing us on in late March of 2017 to sell advertising. After three years, Brian lets us do exactly what we want to do with the magazine. We couldn't ask for a better boss, friend, and mentor. Thank you to all of the businesses that have been with us all these years. Without your commitment, we wouldn't have a magazine that is free to the public every month. God Bless, Keith and Christy

Last month, Christy and I, Fritz and Melissa from Copper Cup Images, and Brian Engel — bmonthly owner — and his wife, Jenny, attended Bartlesville’s Chamber of Commerce 116th Annual Awards and Gala. (Thank you to Trevor Dorsey, from Regent Bank, for making sure we were there.) I am so excited to announce that bmonthly magazine won Small Business of the Year. We were shocked and overwhelmed with emotion to be honored with this award in front of so many great businesses. Since April of 2017, we have worked hard to bring you the best city magazine in the

Volume XI Issue IX

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, Maria Gus, Tim Hudson, Mike Wilt, Lori Roll, Lori Kroh, Lori Just, Kelly Bland, Rita Thurman Barnes, Keith McPhail, AJ Webster, Sarah Leslie Gagan, Jay Hastings, Bob Fraser, Brent Taylor, Keri Gardner Contributing Photographers Brooke Waller, Chance Franks, Bartlesville Area History Museum, David Cornsilk, Cherokee Nation Citizens Group, Cherokee Language, Culture and History FB page, Cherokee Councilwoman Dora Patzkowski Kids Calendar

Jessica Smith

ABOUT THE COVER Cover photo is Elizabeth Terrell, who came west on the Trail of Tears from Georgia. Creative Concept by Keith and Christy McPhail

Keith & Christy McPhail, bmonthly managing editors, with owner Brian Engel.

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PROFILE

Chuck Hoskin Jr. Voice of a Nation by Sarah Leslie Gagan Growing up in the rolling hills of Craig County, Oklahoma, Vinita native Chuck Hoskin Jr. did not always plan on becoming involved in politics. That dream would come sometime during his years at the University of Oklahoma, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree, and graduated from the OU College of Law. Politics were not unknown to the Hoskin family. Charles Sr. served as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and as a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, he became a member of the Tribal Council, and later served as Chief of Staff for Principal Chief Bill John Baker. The strength and leadership demonstrated by Charles Sr. in these various roles greatly influenced his son and helped shape the course of his life. After college, Chuck enjoyed several years as a successful labor lawyer, then became a member of the Tribal Council of the Cherokee Nation. After serving on the Tribal Council for 6 years, he was appointed to the position of Secretary of State by Principal Chief Baker. He was unanimously confirmed by the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council in 2013, and reconfirmed unanimously in March of 2016. As Secretary of State, Chuck worked side-by-side with Principal Chief Baker and Deputy Chief S. Joe Crittenden to secure funding from the federal government to finance a $1 billion, joint-venture investment in better health care for all Cherokees. He also served as the Baker administration’s strongest advocate on sovereignty protection, investments in education, increased minimum wage, expanded maternity leave, the creation of family leave for employees who foster Cherokee children, and preservation of Cherokee language and culture. It was during this time that he began to really 6

bmonthly | SEPTEMBER 2020

PROFILE envision himself as a potential future Principal Chief. When Chief Baker announced he was not seeking re-election, Chuck decided to run. In 2019, Chuck Hoskin Jr. became the 18th elected Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, the largest tribal government in the country with 380,000 citizens worldwide. He has developed an administration, from day one, that operates with the mindset to always look out for those who live in the shadows, to be a strong voice for those who need one, and to always improve the lives of others. He aspires for the Cherokee Nation to become the most dynamic and progressive government in the country, and under his leadership, that goal is within reach. When taking office last year, two areas of focus for Chief Hoskin were to make sure he enacted legislation to clear the backlog of low-income Cherokee elder housing repairs, and to hold the United States to their treaty obligation to seat the first Cherokee delegate in the U.S. Congress. While those remain priorities for his administration, his greatest area of focus during his first year has unexpectedly become the response to the COVID19 pandemic. He is proud of the Cherokee Nation’s response to the pandemic in keeping their citizens and employees safe. His wisdom and humility equipped him to admit that “he knew what he didn’t know,” which included infectious disease, but he did know that he wanted to rely upon experts. He appointed a team within the Cherokee health system to address the day-to-day COVID-19 mitigation to continue to ensure that the Cherokee Nation workplace is the safest possible, and he is confident that their approach has saved lives. The Cherokee Nation was one of the first to shut down casinos and to implement working remotely for those vulnerable members of their government workforce on March 16, due to the pandemic. Aside from the pandemic priority, Chief Hoskin is committed to the preservation of the Cherokee language. He states, “I want to make sure that we have businesses that continue to generate profits, so that we can live up to the commitment we’ve make to save our language. In a few generations, if we haven’t saved our

language, no one will care how well our casinos did, they’ll just know that the Cherokee language was a great language that once was, and we can’t have that. So, we’ve committed $16 million this year to language preservation.” Chief Hoskin and his wife, January, have two children, Triston and Jasmine. This year, because of COVID-19 and the Chief’s responsibilities, the Hoskin family was unable to take their usual summer vacation to the mountains. Instead, they enjoyed the extra time together while he worked from home and built garden beds. They relieved their stress together by planning and planting a garden. First Lady January Hoskin enjoys gardening and has created a new initiative to boost the population of pollinators to improve the environment. As a result, the Cherokee Nation installed 16 new bee pollinator stations in the tribe’s heirloom garden in Tahlequah. Chief Hoskin joined his wife and daughter, Jasmine, at the heirloom garden recently to hang the new pollinator stations, which will provide sustainable habitats for pollinators such as bees. When asked how he would like to be remembered in history, Chief Hoskin thoughtfully replied, “I would hope the history books would say that, while I was Chief, no one worked harder. That I gave the Cherokee people my very best effort, and as a result of those efforts, and as a result of working together with people, that people were more unified, and we came to understand that we’re all in it together, and shared our resources with each other, and we improved the quality of life and therefore we had a brighter future. I think that if any Chief can say that, then he or she has done a good job. That’s really what I want to be remembered for, I want them to say, ‘Chief Hoskin did a good job.’” SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

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The Cherokees ... An Adaptable, Dynamic People by Sarah Leslie Gagan

The Blue Ridge Mountains, the Tennessee Valley, the Appalachians, and the Great Smoky Mountains are all national treasures of our great country. But, before they were ours, they were theirs. They navigated the waters, hunted the woods, and farmed the soil long before America was even a thought. This southeast section of the United States contained the Cherokee Mountains, the Cherokee Forest, and was home to the sovereign and mighty Cherokee Nation.

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Impressive Ancient Culture It’s not exactly known if the Cherokee Tribe immigrated from another land to southeast North America or if they always occupied the area. Opposing speculations exist. But what we know for certain is they were long-standing occupants of the region. Much has been learned and documented about their early way of life, gleaned from archeological excavation and exploration of the territory. Earliest settlement evidence proves they were an independent and primitive people. What remains that have survived allow us to vividly imagine what Cherokee life in the Southeast was like. Settlement locations have been identified, and determinations can be made about their dress and appearance, along with their spiritual practices. Settlements varied in size, from a quarter of an acre up to 6 acres. Homes were constructed of upright posts and were slightly rectangular with a depressed floor and central hearth. Walls and roofs were most likely made of bark or straw thatch. The complex of homes was arranged surround-

ing a central council house and plaza with storage cribs and small buildings. Burials were made both in house floors and adjacent to the homes. This may have suggested that the family wished to have the deceased close by for spiritual reasons, or that it was dangerous to travel far from home. Some homes used the hearth as burial sites, then constructed a new hearth on top of the burial pit, which, over time, would build up a mound underneath the settlement. Bodies were usually placed in the pits with their heads facing west. The surviving artifacts are made of clay, bone, shell, and wood, as well as chipped stone implements and arrowheads. Various stones and animal bone fragments were fashioned into necklaces and other clothing adornments. Garments were made of deer hide, and feathers were used for headdresses. Seeds found suggest that corn was an important diet staple, along with squash, pumpkins, and beans. Deer, bison, and turkeys were the most valued meat animals, but birds and fish were also hunted. Each clan, or settlement, had their own town council house, built in the shape of a seven-sided heptagon. Two sets of council officials existed, one for times of peace, con-

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sisting mainly of men over 50, and one set of young men, ages 25 to 50, for times of war. The council house held the “sacred fire that always burned,” assorted ceremonial items, and housed seats for the chief and officers. The first known interaction with Europeans occurred in 1540, when explorer de Soto made contact with the tribe. Hernando de Soto described them as living in the province of Chalaque, which would evolve into the name Cherokee. He described them as a people existing on roots, herbs, and berries, who hunted game with bows and arrows. Men toiled in the fields, hunted, fished, HERNANDO DE SOTO and built houses and buildings. Women ruled the house and cared for it, raised the children, assisted in planting, harvest, and cooking.

The Cost of a White Shirt The meeting between de Soto and the Cherokees was shortlived. Life continued as normal for the tribe until 1667, when an expedition of British traders and explorers led by Henry Blatt 14

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arrived to visit the Cherokees. This was perhaps the most pivotal turning point in Cherokee history. Although no one realized it at the time, it would end the Cherokee way of life as they knew it. Other traders from Virginia and South Carolina followed Blatt, and by 1690, a trader named Daughtry was living with the tribe. The Cherokees trusted him and the other traders, and felt they had nothing to fear from the European strangers.

HENRY BLATT

The Cherokee culture was powerful and highly developed by this time, and it is estimated their population was 22,000. They were curious about the newcomers and their ways. They knew nothing about the outside world or their habits, and saw no reason to fear the whites. They allowed them into their world, and began to learn what they could from them. This brought about a transition of the Cherokees from a spiritual, warring, hunting, and semi-agricultural nation to one that began following the white manner of life. By 1700, imported metal weapons were replacing stone and bone implements. As a steady stream of traders arrived, the use of shell, stone, and feathers began to slowly vanish. New agricul-

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tural methods were learned and used in trade for guns, metal goods, and whiskey. Some traders began taking Cherokee wives and settling down in Cherokee towns. The mixed blood descendants began raising livestock and engaging in typical pioneer industries of the white colonial settlers. In the mid eighteenth century, trading between the tribe and the British was at its peak. Rifles, clothes, woolens, tools, and goods were all being traded for animal skins. Many Cherokee clans were becoming dependent upon trade with the British. The price they paid for a white European shirt would, in the end, cost them much more than deer skins — it cost them their independent manner of living. In 1751, Cherokee leader Skiagunsta explained the situation, “I am an old man, and have been a warrior, and am a warrior still, and have always told my people to be well with the English for they cannot expect any supply from anywhere else, nor can they live independent of the English. What are we red people? The clothes we wear, we cannot make ourselves, they are made to us. We use their ammunition with which we kill deer. We cannot make our guns, they are made to us. Every necessary thing in life we must have from the white people.”

Colonial traders brought more than goods to the tribe. They brought foreign illnesses as well. In 1738 through 1739, smallpox raged until half of the Cherokee population had died — 9,000 to 10,000 men, women, and children. After the epidemic passed, the Cherokees obtained their first horses from the traders. This gave them the ability to create trails in their nation, providing easier and faster travel among settlements. By 1760, the tribe owned large herds of horses, and by 1775, each man owned from two to 12. In 1770, an Englishman arrived with spinning wheels and looms to trade, and by 1791, ordinary English farming tools would be in general use. Gradually, the tribe was not only surrounded by white settlers, they were becoming increasingly dependent on them for food, shelter, and clothing.

Tribulation and Treaties

CHIEF OSTENACO

In February 1760, 23 Cherokee leaders were murdered by the British at Fort Prince George in South Carolina. In response, Tribal leader Ostenaco led a siege at Fort London, cutting off ability to acquire provisions which led to their surrender. As Captain Paul Demere led his men out of the fort, Ostenaco and other waiting Cherokees attacked and killed twenty-three British soldiers in retaliation. Shortly after, SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE The first Cherokee delegation.

Ostenaco called for peace with the English. The British sent an army against the tribe’s settlements, burning villages and fields. In September 1761, Chief Attakullakulla negotiated what would be one of many peace treaties between the Cherokees and foreign settlers. The cycles of war and peace between the peoples would lead to additional treaties. It wasn’t long before the treaty agreements began to include sacrificing tribal lands in exchange for peace. This led to the movement of settlements to new and often crowded areas within their territory. Bit by bit, the Cherokee nation was being signed away in the name of peace, and their tribal lands began to shrink.

between the Cherokees and the young United States. By signing this treaty, Corn Tassel accepted the protection of the United States, gained the right to send a representative to Congress, agreed to exchange prisoners, allowed the United States to regulate trade, agreed on the boundaries of Cherokee lands, and received promises that no whites would be allowed to settle on their land. This was a promising treaty for the Cherokees, but the terms didn’t last long. Months later, Corn Tassel and Principal Chief Hanging Maw were forced to sign the Treaty of Coyatee at gunpoint. Under this new treaty, the Cherokees were forced to surrender what remained of their lands north of the Little Tennessee River.

Cherokee Chief Corn Tassel was known for his honesty, resoluteness and for seeking the best for his tribal citizens through his peace efforts. In November 1785, Corn Tassel signed the Treaty of Hopewell, the first treaty

The times of treaties and bloodshed continued, as the Cherokee lands dwindled away. During this seaCHIEF ATTAKULLAKULL

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son of war and peace, protestant missionaries arrived to witness to the tribe. While the missionaries wanted to “save their souls,” the Cherokees wanted to learn to read and write. After the American revolution, the missionaries began working with the tribe to develop their language and writing skills. The first formal Cherokee school opened in 1799 in Kingston, Tennessee when J.B. Davis was hired to teach the Ross family children. This would eventually lead to the opening of other tribal schools operated by missionaries. In 1821, Sequoyah presented his new Cherokee syllabary to Cherokee leaders. Based on the phonetic sounds in the Cherokee language, his syllabary consisted of 86 symbols, representing six vowels and 80 consonants and consonant-vowel combinations. Within a short period of time, thousands of Cherokees were able to read and write in their own language. The Cherokee language is a beautiful melody of tongues with a richness of vowel sounds that created an enduring treasury of musical names for

places that remain today. Tennessee, Chattanooga, Swannonoa, and Etowah are a few examples. In 1825, with the Cherokee literacy rapidly growing, the Cherokee National Council authorized Elias Boudinot to travel the country to solicit donations for a printing press. Boudinot was born Buck Waite, but would later change his name to one he believed to be more distinguished. In early 1828, the press, type, and furniture for the printing office arrived in New Echota, Georgia. The first issue of the Cherokee Phoenix was published on February 21, 1828. It was a weekly paper printed in both Cherokee and English, that was widely circulated in the United States and Europe. In the late 1820s to early 1830s, settlers and traders had begun moving west, as well as other Native tribes, some

SEQUOYAH SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

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voluntarily and some forced. In 1832, Boudinot began to favor the idea of removal to the west. He wanted to publish his argument for doing so but was prohibited by the Cherokee government.

This led to his resignation as editor of the Cherokee Phoenix in August of 1832. In 1835, Principal Chief John Ross planned to move the printing press to Red Clay, Tennessee to protect it from the Georgia Guard, but minutes before his wagon arrived at the editor’s home to pick up the press, Stand Waite, (Boudinot’s brother) and the Georgia Guard confiscated the press, type, paper and books. The fate of the press remains unknown.

The Trail Where They Cried

ELIAS BOUDINOT 18

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In mid-1835, the Treaty of New Echota (the so-called removal treaty) was being drafted. In December of 1835, without permission or qualifications to do so, the treaty was signed “on behalf of the Cherokees” by Elias Boudinot, his brother Stand Waite, John Ridge, Major Ridge, and John Adair Bell. With these strokes of ink, the Cherokee homelands were no more. They were bound, albeit illegally, to relocate west within two years, to Indian Territory, and make the 800-mile journey known as the Trail of Tears. On June 22, 1839, Major Ridge, John Ridge, and Elias Boudinot were murdered near their homes in Arkansas Territory. Stand Waite and John Adair Bell narrowly escaped the same fate when they were warned by messenger of the BLUFORD WEST STARR

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deaths of the Ridges and Boudinot. Chief John Ross was initially suspected of having ordered the killings, but was later cleared of any involvement.Â

The Cherokees were defeated and heartbroken. Some chose to make the journey voluntarily. Others waited until the forced removal began. In May 1838, General Winfield Scott came with

CHIEF JOHN ROSS

STAND WAITE SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

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FRANK & POLLY BIRD

JOHN & JENNIE WALKABOUT CORNSILK

7,000 heavily armed soldiers and the cruel roundup intensified. Even refined and cultured families were dragged from their homes, some while sleeping in their beds, others while eating a family meal, and placed under arrest. As they were herded away, some looked back to see their homes being overtaken by whites; some looked back to see their homes in flames. A few Cherokees who hid in the mountains were never found. Soldiers herded the rest of the tribe into hot and miserable stockades, where more than a few became sick and died. Initially, the Cherokees were to move all at once, but it became obvious that this was impossible. The people were organized into groups of about 1,000, each with its own officers. In June, the first group went by boat up 20

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the Tennessee and Ohio rivers and across the Mississippi. Many died of heat and others begged to be allowed to wait until cooler weather. Finally, on October 1st, 1838, they started out, one by one, on the 800-mile journey to Indian Territory. All of them endured indescribable suffering, ranging from inadequate transportation and food, storms, blizzards, bad roads, sickness, and broken hearts. The last group began its journey by land on December 4th, 1938, with only enough horses and wagons to carry provisions and some of the sick and aged. This last group carried the “sacred fire” and never allowed it to go out. It was mid-winter and bitterly cold when they reached the Mississippi River in Southern Illinois. The river was full of floating ice, and 1,000 poorly clad Cherokees, many sick and dying, some with only a single blanket, lying on the

GENERAL WINFIELD SCOTT

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frozen ground alongside friends already dead, waited until the ice was cleared and crossing could be made. In hopes of finding enough game for food, the group parted, with one portion taking the northern trail passing by Springfield Missouri, while the other portion went through the southern part of Missouri. It took 13 groups from three to five months to make the painful journey, and it is estimated that nearly 4,000 travelers died — either in the roundup or along the way. Also, some died of exhaustion once they arrived at their final destination, the eastern gateway to Indian Territory.

Sovereignty Rebuilt Upon arriving in Northeastern Oklahoma, one can only imagine the agonizing thoughts that clouded the minds of the people — the emptiness of possessing nothing, starting life again in a foreign land and not knowing what lay ahead. Did they question how the Divine Being Above could allow this to happen? Did they feel the hot sting of shame as they remembered how they were treated? Did they succumb to the depression of their broken hearts? While we will never truly know these answers, we do know the depth of their determination and resilience to

rebuild a new settlement, and to continue to move forward as a sovereign nation. The Cherokee adaptability and resilience beams bright. As they redesigned their lives in Oklahoma, many also chose to be American patriots. They joined our military and fought in our wars, allowing their warrior DNA to shine. Many even lost their lives in battle fighting for American causes. The Cherokee people own businesses, teach in our schools, attend our churches, participate in our elections, and even run for U.S. offices. Brokenness did not destroy them. They healed and became stronger and mightier than ever before. Today, the Cherokees are thriving, with a worldwide population of 380,000, and we, as Oklahomans, are blessed to live among them. To share the earth, the sky, the wind, and the water, filled with the charisma of their resilience. May we learn, may we adapt, may we thrive, and rise up to the spirit of strength exhibited before us, by this sovereign nation of people who rebounded, surpassing their forgone state of greatness, even when their souls were crushed.

Mary America Schrimsher, Will Rogers’ mom. SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

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The Last Outlaw

Henry Wells was one of Oklahoma’s Wildest Outlaws by Lori Roll The thickly wooded Osage Hills west of Bartlesville hold the intriguing historic reputation as a craggy hideout for notorious early-day outlaws such as Al Spencer, Frank Nash, Joe Davis, Henry Starr, and Henry Wells. Bank and post office robberies were common in the early 1900s, and “banks all over Washington and Osage counties closed every time they heard Henry Wells was in the vicinity,” said former Washington County Sheriff Griff Graham. One of Oklahoma’s “wildest outlaws,” Henry Wells entered a life of crime as a young man looking for adventure. Wells was born March 3, 1881 near St. Charles, Virginia and moved with his parents to Missouri when he was 16 years old. After he got “into a little trouble there over a woman,” Wells moved to Indian Territory, where he went to work for Rut Custer, a farmer in the area that would eventually become Bartlesville. Two years later he went to the Lynn Ranch in Pawhuska, where he turned from ranch hand to outlaw. A gang of outlaws who stopped by the ranch invited him to help rob a bank, and he later stated, “I would try anything once.” He was reportedly married at the time to a nurse from Oklahoma City, whom he left when he entered a long trail of crime. “When we weren’t robbing or hunting another place to rob, we would go hunting in the woods for past time,” he said of gang life near Okesa. Wells boasted that he never stole anything from anyone who could not see him do it. He admitted to robbing 32 banks during his outlaw career spanning Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. He claimed he robbed banks with Pretty Boy Floyd and helped the Spencer gang plan one of the last train robberies ever staged but missed the robbery at Okesa because his horse threw a shoe. He estimated his total take was about $100,000 from robberies, and he would get “from $2,000 to $5,000” at a time. He was tried for 14 robberies and convicted only once. After citizens of Wynona fought back during the robbery of their bank, Wells escaped with his life, complaining, “I was getting plenty sore at these people. One of them killed a horse for me and lost me a good Stetson hat, and … ruined a pair of hand-made spurs that I was might proud of.” He was apprehended several miles outside of town on foot by a posse and returned to Pawhuska to stand trial in 1916. He served five years of a 10-year sentence at McAlester State Penitentiary and was released early for good behavior. Wells lived to tell his wild tales of crime after he “retired from the banking business” in 1946, when attorneys told him the statute of limitations protected him from prosecution for previous robberies, the last of which he said took place in 1934. “I decided to quit the business when every member of the gang was killed or in jail,” he said. He maintained that many bankers he robbed made more 22

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money than he did by exaggerating their losses to bank examiners. He said one banker sent him Christmas cards for many years. After his retirement, Wells became friends with Sheriff Graham, who he learned had shot a horse out from under him during a bank holdup at Avant. Graham held frank admiration for Wells, who he said “told the truth in such a way that nobody would believe it and let a lot of people provide alibis for him.” Wells turned again to ranch work, and was hired in the 1930s to work for Frank Phillips at Woolaroc, where Graham was foreman on the ranch. Wells sometimes entertained guests with stories of his escapades. It was during this time that outlaw Pretty Boy Floyd approached Wells with a plan to kidnap Frank Phillips for ransom. But Wells warned the ranch hands and Floyd was met with gunfire when he showed up for the heist. Wells said it was the only time he ever “ratted out one of the boys, but I told Pretty Boy I’d rather somebody would have kidnapped my daddy than Frank Phillips.” Wells and Phillips became fast friends, and Wells treasured the Brahma hide rug Phillips presented him for his 72nd birthday party. Known as the “Mayor of Okesa,” Wells was a 200-pound, six-foot man with striking grey eyes, a thick shock of frosty hair, and a trailing handlebar mustache. At age 62, he met Euster Irene Johnson of Savannah, Georgia, who was visiting the ranch where Wells lived with his nephew, Rando Garrett. He proposed to Johnson during their correspondence and she returned by train to Okesa, where the couple married in 1943 with plans to operate the Highland store on the Pawhuska road. Wells said it was his first venture into matrimony. The aging outlaw enjoyed reminiscing about his adventuresome life, showing off a bullet slug he had caught beneath the skin on the top of his hand, another one lodged in his arm muscle and a bullet he took through one knee. While many speculated on whether he had buried his fortune, he lived at the end of his life in a small, oneroom apartment located above a pool hall in Bartlesville, relying on his pension and side bets on pool games to survive. It was reported that he dug up $25.39 from a hiding place near Pawhuska in 1946 and donated it to the Sister Elizabeth Kenny Foundation, named for the self-trained Australian bush nurse who developed a new approach for treating polio, which became the foundation of physical therapy. Wells claimed he had a son who lived in Pawhuska, but his obituary only listed a daughter, Mrs. Opal Nance of Kansas City, Missouri. Wells died in 1963 at age 82 after an illness, and is interred in the White Rose Cemetery.

SEPTEMBER

CALENDAR SPONSORED BY 1

Bruin Softball vs Bixby 5 PM; Bruin Softball Fields (JV) 6:30 PM; Bruin Softball Fields (V)

Bruin Softball vs Grove 5:30 PM; Bruin Softball Fields (JV) 7 PM; Bruin Softball Fields (V)

10 AM; Downtown Dewey The main part of the show will be held in front of Stray Kat Kustoms shop & Two Tall Okies. The address is 700 N Delaware in Dewey, Ok. Show will run from 10 am until 3pm. A Kustom is an American made vehicle that was manufactured between 1935 to 1964. They can be mild to wild with some or all of the following modifications; Lowered, mild de-chroming, nosed, decked, shaved, scooped, frenched headlights & taillights. They can also have wild modifications like; bumper and grill swaps, headlight and taillight swaps, channeled, sectioned, extended and chopped. Kustoms are works of moving art.

Free OKM Music Festival Performance

6 PM; Tower Center at Unity Square In order to safely practice physical distancing, an advance RSVP will be required. Visit okmmusic.org or call (918) 336-9900. Join us for a festival Performance (free to the public) at the brand new Tower Center at Unity Square for an outdoor concert featuring Balsam Range, with opening guest Clark Gibson Quintet. Guests will enjoy the new green space in Bartlesville while eating a delicious picnic and listening to fantastic music. Food trucks will be on site. Don't forget your picnic blanket, chairs and bug spray.

District-Wide Distance Learning Day All Day; BPS

Bruin JV Softball vs Barnsdall 5:30 PM; Bruin Softball Fields

2020 Campaign Kick Off Come support our local Bruins or watch the game live on KWON Radio & TV. Our 2020 Campaign goal will be announced at half-time 7 PM; Custer Stadium

Bartlesville Varsity Football vs Claremore 7 PM; Custer Stadium

JH Choir All State Clinic 9 AM; BHS FAC Choir Room

HS Choir All State Clinic 11 AM; BHS FAC Choir Room

OKWU Volleyball vs Randall 6 PM; OKWU Gym 24

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OKWU Soccer vs Sterling 5;30 PM; OKWU Soccer Fields (W) 8 PM; OKWU Soccer Fields (M)

Pearls on the Praire 6 PM; Timber Oaks Event Center Featuring Ann-Janette and the Evolution! Tickets are $45 and sponsorships available. Named for the Girl Scoutsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; founder, Juliette Gorden Low, who sold her dearly loved pearl necklace to fund Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma is fortunate to have a group in Bartlesville focused on making a difference for the next generation of women leaders.

Lead Aint Dead Car Show

Bruin Softball vs Enid 5:30 PM; Bruin Softball Fields (V) 7 PM; Bruin Softball Fields (JV)

OKWU Volleyball vs MACU 6 PM; OWKU Gym

Bruin Varsity Softball vs Enid 5 PM; Bruin Softball Fields

19 24

OKWU Soccer vs Bethel 5:30 PM; OKWU Soccer Fields (W) 8 PM; OKWU Soccer Fields (M)

2020 Day of Caring — Social Distance Style All Day; Everywhere Join us as we give back to our community through our annual Day of Caring, with a social distance twist! This year, participants are still encouraged to spend the day volunteering, but with social distance etiquette in mind. Those volunteering are encouraged to limit the number of people in groups, wear masks, keep six feet apart, or volunteer from home. Participants can also give back through the purchase of a 2020 T-shirt to commemorate the event and raise funds for our annual campaign.

Bruin Softball vs Owasso 5:30 PM; Bruin Softball Fields (JV) 7 PM; Bruin Softball Fields (V)

3rd All Bellanca Fly-in open to the public

10 AM; Bartlesville Airport Public day is Saturday the 26th of September, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Lions Club of Bartlesville will once again be selling hot dogs and hamburgers during the public day. Entry is a $5 donation.

Jazz on the Plaz

Bruin Softball vs Sapulpa

5:30 PM; OKWU Soccer Fields (W) 8 PM; OKWU Soccer Fields (M)

5 PM; Tower Center at Unity Square Bartlesville Art Association artists scattered outside on the lawn for Plein Air art practice, Jermaine Mondaine Ensemble playing Jazz on the stage. Grab a drink and stroll around to watch as the artists paint or sit at the Price Tower Plaza or around Unity Square and simply enjoy the music.

Country Bumpkin Pumpkin Patch 11 AM; Country Bumpkin Pumpkin Patch The patch is located east of Bartlesville on HWY 60. From highway 75 (Washington Blvd) take HWY 60 east approximately six miles, turn left (north) on N4030 Rd. and continue about 1.5 miles. Special event Oct 17 is Painting Pumpkins with Police. Admission is $8 for ages 3 and up, children 2 and under are free. This includes mazes, rides, games, and activities. Pumpkins and gourds are available for purchase as well as other items in the Country Store & the Snack Shack. Cash and cards are accepted at the patch and the Country Store, but the Snack Shack is cash only. Open to the public on Saturdays from 11-7 (dark) and Sundays from 1-7 (dark).

OKWU Soccer vs Bethel

5:30 PM; Bruin Softball Fields (V) 7 PM; Bruin Softball Fields (JV)

OKWU Volleyball vs Ottawa 6 PM; OWKU Gym

BHS Varsity Volleyball vs Owasso 6:30 PM; Bruin Fieldhouse

Weekly Virtual Storytime 10:30 AM Every Wednesday on Bartlesville Public Library's Facebook page.

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SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

SEPTEMBER 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!

Sun, Sep 6

Sat, Sep 5 8 AM

Bartlesville Farmer’s Market Frank Phillips Park Frank Phillips & Keeler The Farmers Market has always been a place for fun interaction with our neighbors. This will change some in 2020, but we will still provide an economic benefit to our area farmers and the nutritional well-being of the local population. 2 PM

OKM Music Festival Free Live Stream Concert Facebook & YouTube Featuring Tina Go on cello, this online performance will feature music from video game, movie, and television soundtracks, such as Kung Fu Panda, Game of Thrones, Wonder Woman, to name a few.

Thu, Sep 10

Fri, Sep 11

2 PM

6 PM

OKM Music Festival Online Performance

Balsam Range with Clark Gibson Quintet OKM Music Festival Finale

Pearls on the Prairie Benefitting Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma

OKM Facebook Page

Tower Center at Unity Square

Timber Oaks Wedding & Event Venue

Featuring Dallas String Quartet, a classical crossover ensemble that will be performing a virtual performance online for OKM Music’s 36th annual festival. Dallas String Quartet performs a unique mix of contemporary classical music, and pop covers on electric string instruments. Performing everything from Bach, Bon Jovi, John Williams, and even Queen, DSQ has become an international sensation. To catch their stunning online live-stream performance, visit OKM’s Facebook page (OK MOZART) on Sunday, September 6 at 2:00 p.m. This performance is free for viewers to watch online. A link for donations to OKM will be available during the performance and encouraged. After the live-stream concert, the performance will automatically be saved to OKM’s Facebook page for guests to view later.

300 SE Adams Blvd.

1639 US 60, West of Bartlesville

The concert will begin at 6pm and is free to the public for general seating. Reserved VIP seats are available for $15. In the event of inclement weather, the performances will be moved indoors at the Bartlesville Community Center. All VIP ticket holders and the first 325 registered general admission attendees will be permitted to attend the concert if moved indoors. Both free general admission and VIP need to pre-register for the concert at okmmusic.org.

Named for the Girl Scouts’ founder, Juliette Gorden Low, who sold her dearly loved pearl necklace to fund Girl Scouts, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma is fortunate to have a visionary group in Bartlesville who are focused on making a difference for the next generation of women leaders. With the support , girls in the Bartlesville community have the opportunity to uncover their leadership potential and receive academic scholarships to pursue higher ed. Money raised during this annual event supports Girl Scouts in the Bartlesville community. In addition to providing scholarships for higher education, in recent years funds from this special event have supported a new pool and new yurts at Camp WahShah-She. Live music featuring Ann Jeanette and the Evolution, Scout and Cellar wine tasting, raffle experiences and packages and tasty bites and treats! Tickets $45 and sponsorship available. For additional information please visit gseok.org/pearls or call 918-745-5201.

Times Vary

Sports Physicals Washington County Health Department 5121 SE Jacquelyn Ln. Physicals are by appointment only. Call 918-335-3005 to schedule one.

Eastland Center H 918-335-2940

SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

eventS calendar 4 PM

Sat, Sep 26

Country Bumpkin Pumpkin Patch

Hilton Garden Inn

Highway 60 east 6 miles to N4030 Rd left 1.5 miles

Country Bumpkin Pumpkin Patch

205 SW Frank Phillips Blvd. Enjoy a fun evening of Bingo while supporting the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra's scholarship program! Doors open at 4pm for food & drinks. Games begin at 5pm for early 50/50 Bingo. Regular Bingo is from 7-9pm. Seating is limited. Early tickets: $10. $12 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra office located at 415 S. Dewey, Suite 201 or email karen@bartlesvillesymphonyorchestra.org for more information.

Sizzlin’ Summer Series: Salsa North of Tulsa 300 SE Adams Blvd. Come learn how to Salsa dance & enjoy some tacos on our green space with US. There will be live music, activities, booths, and tacos galore! Come salsa with US!

Sat, Sep 12 10 AM

Lead Ain’t Dead Kustom Car Show Stray Kat Kustoms Shop & Two Tall Okies 700 N Delaware, Dewey

Sat, Sep 19 8 AM

Wood Duck Wally Fall Hunt Test Three Rivers Hunting Retriever Club 403133 Rice Creek Rd. Three Rivers HRC will be holding a hunt test in Bartlesville Sept 19-20. Retrievers of all levels will be entered in 3 categories: Started, Seasoned and Finished. Nearly 200 Retrievers and their handlers will be coming to attend this outdoor event. The majority of dogs entered will be Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. If you are interested in attending this FREE event, there will be plenty of room for social distancing. The food trailer Smoke N' Gumbo will be serving smoked meats and Cajun fare during lunch for a fee.

Admission is $8 for ages 3 and up, children 2 and under are free. This includes mazes, rides, games, and activities. Pumpkins and gourds are available for purchase as well as other items in the Country Store & the Snack Shack. Open until dark. 9 AM

Miles for Mammograms Virtual Race Online Miles for Mammograms previously held in Dewey will now be a virtual race. This event is a fundraiser for the free mammogram coupon program at Family Healthcare Clinic. Without access to physical exams and screening processes, many are diagnosed too late for life saving intervention. Family Healthcare Clinic provides families with access to affordable health care, free clinical breast exams, mammograms and other cancer preventative services. Miles for Mammograms directly fund the mammography program as well as other cancer screenings. Remember all proceeds stay in our area to help families in our community. Call 918-336-4822 for information.

Tower Center at Unity Square

A Kustom is an American-made vehicle that was manufactured between 1935 to 1964. They can be mild to wild with some or all of the following modifications; Lowered, mild de-chroming, nosed, decked, shaved, scooped, frenched headlights & taillights. They can also have wild modifications like; bumper and grill swaps, headlight and taillight swaps, channeled, sectioned, extended and chopped. Kustoms are works of moving art. Registration is $20 pre-registration and $25 the day of the show.

10 AM 6 PM

3rd Annual All Bellanca Fly-In

10th Annual Harley Party Benefitting Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville

Bartlesville Airport

Bartlesville Municipal Airport 406 NW Wiley Post Rd, Hanger #5 The annual fundraising event for Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville, presented by Keller Williams Realty and Pro Mortgage Associates, Inc. Each $40 ticket is a chance to win the ultimate door prize — a brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle! Event features auction items, Dancing, Dinner, Wine Pull, Beeramid and Refillable Souvenir Cups and Cash bar. Must be 21 to participate.

Thu, Sep 24 Times Vary

Sports Physicals Washington County Health Department 5121 SE Jacquelyn Ln. Physicals are by appointment only. Call 918-335-3005 to schedule one.

401 Wiley Post Rd. The Lions Club of Bartlesville will once again be selling hot dogs and hamburgers during the public day. The event ends at 2 p.m. Entry is $5 donation.

11 AM

Bartlesville Bruins Special Olympics Fundraiser A&M Auto Detail 228 S Seminole Ave. This event features a poker run, silent auction, 50/50 drawing and lunch. Registration for the poker run starts at 11 a.m. at 228 S. Seminole in Bartlesville. Cost is $5 per hand or five for $20.00. Lunch of hamburger, chips, drink and cookie for $7 per plate. Silent auction bidding starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Bartlesville Bruins Special Olympics team. For more information call 918-766-2146 or 918-397-4850.

Get Happy!

Saturday Oct. 10th

A Judy Garland Celebration with Joan Ellison 28

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11AM

BINGO Fundraiser for Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra

Sun, Sep 27 1 PM

Country Bumpkin Pumpkin Patch Country Bumpkin Pumpkin Patch Highway 60 east 6 miles to N4030 Rd left 1.5 miles See September 26 event for information.

5 PM

Jazz on the Plazz Tower Center at Unity Square 300 SE Adams Blvd. Picture Bartlesville Art Association artists scattered outside on the lawn for Plein Air art practice during a cool evening; Jermaine Mondaine Ensemble playing Jazz on the stage; attendees grabbing a drink and strolling around to watch as the artists paint, or, sitting at the Price Tower Plaza or around Unity Square and simply enjoying the music. You have just imagined "Jazz On The Plazz.” Come join US!

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ENTERTAINMENT

Virtually Virtuoso OKM Music Festival to Stream Dallas String Quartet Online Acclaimed by Good Morning Texas as “one of the most unique string ensembles you’ll ever see,” Dallas String Quartet is a classical crossover ensemble that will be performing a virtual performance online for OKM Music’s 36th annual festival. Formed in Dallas in 2010, Dallas String Quartet performs a unique mix of contemporary classical music and pop covers on electric string instruments. Performing everything from Bach, Bon Jovi, John Williams, and even Queen, DSQ has become an international sensation. DSQ features the talents of composer and violist Ion Zanca, violinists Melissa Primmer and Eleanor Dunbar, Young Heo on bass, guitarist Anthony Plant, and percussionist Efren Guzman Jr. The ensemble performs both intimately as a quartet or with a full accompaniment of drums, guitar, and piano. With the 2019 release of their fifth album. “A Very Merry Christmas with Dallas String Quartet” they have presented ten contemporary interpretations that continue to expand their passionate following on Pandora, Spotify, and Sirius XM radio. “The unique energy that Dallas String Quartet brings to the musical stage is very exciting to watch,” said Ryan Martin, OKM’s Marketing Director. In addition to performing internationally, DSQ has played in the United States for former Presidents Obama and Bush, the College Football Playoff, NBA, and NFL organizations. DSQ has sold out venues all around the country, like the House of Blues, and symphony halls alike. They have performed alongside Josh Groban, Chicago, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, to name just a few. To catch their stunning online live-stream

performance, visit OKM’s Facebook page (OK MOZART) on Sunday, September 6 at 2 p.m. This performance is free for viewers to watch online. A link for donations to OKM will be available during the performance and are encouraged. After the live-stream concert, the performance will automatically be saved to OKM’s Facebook page for guests to view later.

“Although they won’t be performing inperson as originally planned, we are still so excited for our patrons and guests to experience DSQ online,” said Martin. OKM Music is celebrating its 36th anniversary as Oklahoma’s premier music festival. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 festival has been reformatted and all indoor showcase and main stage performances have either been cancelled or postponed to 2021. Artists for the 36th festival include Tina Guo, Dallas String Quartet, the Clark Gibson Quintet, and Balsam Range. For more information, call (918) 336- 9900 or visit okmmusic.org SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | SEPTEMBER 2020

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LOCAL HISTORY

Oklahoma’s Last Train Robbery The Railroad Theft Occured Near Bartlesville by Jay Hastings

What has been coined as the last train robbery in Oklahoma occurred on August 21, 1923, about 14 miles west of Bartlesville. Just west of Okesa, the Missouri, Kansas & Texas, known as the “Katy,” Railroad crosses Lost Creek twice, about a quarter of a mile apart. This part of Osage County was a favorite hideout for outlaws around the turn of the century. In fact, Elmer McCurdy had robbed a train at the exact same location in the fall of 1911. The “Katy” railroad built their Kansas City to Oklahoma City line through AL SPENCER Bartlesville and Okesa between 1902 and 1904. It is believed on the evening of August 21, 1923, two outlaws hopped westbound Katy Train #123 at Bartlesville, stowing away in a baggage car. The train usually did not stop at Okesa, but this night there was a brief flag stop at the station before continuing on west. A few minutes outside of Okesa, near the first Lost Creek trestle, engineer Miller spotted the two men climbing over the tender and jumping into the back of the cab of the locomotive, guns drawn. One of the bandits struck the locomotive fireman, Bryon Towers, in the head with the butt of his gun, knocking him to the floor. About 12:25 a.m., the robbers ordered Miller to stop the train between the two trestles over Lost Creek. As Towers came to, the bandits made him leave the cab and walked him back to the middle of the train, directing him to uncouple the passenger cars on the rear. As Towers was reaching down between the cars to turn the angle cock, shutting off the air brakes, one of the outlaws stuck a gun to his chest and ordered him to hurry or be shot in the heart. Conductor Koch and two mail clerks, C. D. Weiss and W. Burch, were also beaten by the outlaws. Throughout the robbery, some of the bandits recklessly fired their handguns in effort to intimidate the train crew. The leader of the gang was described as calm and collected and yelled at the other criminals when they started getting too rough with the train crew. He seemed experienced and actually apologized to the train engineer, saying some of his men in the gang were anxious and inexperienced. After rifling through the express and mail cars, the robbers turned their focus to the uncoupled passenger cars down the track,

but soon found out the passengers had locked themselves inside. One of the bandits asked where the “juice” was, as they hatched a plan to blow the doors off the passenger cars to rob the occupants. The train crew convinced them there would be innocent women and children killed. The gang leader must have agreed, as he told his men to forget the passenger cars. The engine crew coupled the train cars back together then proceeded onto the town of Nelagony. At Nelagony, the most seriously injured crew member, Towers, was taken off the train and transported to Pawhuska for medical treatment. The train then proceeded on its journey to Oklahoma City. Osage County Sherriff Cook had been on the job for only three days when he was awakened at about 1:00 a.m. and told of the train robbery. Cook quickly gathered his men who sped off in automobiles to the scene of the crime. It was reported the bandits had stolen 20 registered packages, including $21,000 in liberty bonds. In the days that followed, local law enforcement quickly determined the robbery was the work of Ethan Allen “Al” Spencer and his gang. Spencer had been on the run since 1918, when he escaped the prison in McAlester. He was well known as a bank robber, but not a train robber. Law enforcement quickly rounded up other Spencer Gang members and locked them up in the Osage County jail. On a Saturday night, September 15, 1923, Spencer was located 10 miles north of Bartlesville by a posse of six men, led by United States Marshal Alva McDonald. Other officers involved included Bartlesville Police Chief L.U. Gaston and United States Postal Inspector E. L. Adamson. The officers had found Spencer’s trail and heard him running in a field near the road between Bartlesville and Caney, Kansas. Spencer opened fire on the officers with a rifle, and all six officers fired on Spencer, killing him. Ten $1,000 liberty bonds taken in the train robbery were found on Spencer’s person by Adamson. The lawmen located Spencer’s hideout one mile away from where he was shot. According to court records, Riley Dixon, George Curtis, Grover C. Durrill, Curtis Kelley, Earl Thayer, Frank Nash, Isaac Ogg, and Goldie Bates were indicted by a grand jury in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma on February 23, 1924 for the robbery. Ogg later confessed that the gang planned the train robbery the night before on his farm, located about 10 miles from Okesa. All of these subjects were convicted and spent time in the McAlester state prison. SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

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TRIBUTE

Carol Seals Central Middle School Legend Remembered by Keri Gardner Our hearts are broken. Thursday, August 13, 2020, was my 30th first day of school at Central Middle School but my first one without our beloved Carol Seals. We are devastated. Mrs. Seals had served as a classroom assistant, in-school suspension director, and CAROL & KENNY lastly as the attenSEALS dance and the vice principal secretary for a total of 36 years — all at Central. She was the first person you saw as you walked in our doors and usually the voice you heard when you called the school. Her multitasking skills were like no other — she could answer the phone, answer the door, run an attendance report, call a teacher, give a kid a bandaid, check one out of school, blue-slip one to class, and keep the staff in line all at the same time. If there was a report to be made or info to be found, she could do it. She was the glue that held us together. No matter what was going on and regardless of who you were, Carol always The family of Carol Seals: daughter, Barbara; husband, Kenny; and son, Scott. made time to visit and always made you feel significant. She was fun, funny, genblessed so many — the first to send a and everyone knew her. Carol ran the erous, and sincere. Mrs. Seals held kids plant for a service, put money on a stu‘grandma taxi’ for her grandkids, who she accountable who were sent to the office. dent lunch account, pass a get-well card just adored, and never missed their They were hesitant to cross her, but around for an ailing staff member, or events. For 53 years, she created a wonthose who did experienced her tough secretly buy yearbooks for kids who derful life with her sweet husband, Kenny, love and skilled sarcasm! However, they couldn’t afford them. She knew and and children, Barbara and Scott. always knew she wanted better for them. remembered everyone — the Central kids, One of her greatest joys was seeing forMostly, she loved all of us and we all their parents, and their grandparents— mer Central kids enjoy loved her. Our Central family success, especially those will not be the same without Central Middle School and the family of Carol Seals has created a challenging ones. She our Mrs. Seals. She will be memorial fund to honor Mrs. Seals’ memory. With this fund, they plan absolutely loved it when so incredibly missed. to purchase a bench with her name for Central Park for all to enjoy for they came back to visit. years to come. You may donate in care of Central Middle School ParFly high, sweet lady ... ent Support Group at 815 SE Delaware Ave or by visiting Carol was the silent force God got a good one. https://checkout.square.site/buy/26FGMKMAOXLW3ANGBSK76RRQ. behind so many things that SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

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LOOKING BACK

The Gentle Cherokee Servant Betty Sharp Smith Was Always Looking to Help Others by Kay Little, Little History Adventures “Momma was a reserved person, but yet a very funny lady. She had a great love of her native language and made great efforts to preserve it.” Her daughter, Dora Patzkowski, spoke these words about Betty Sharp Smith.

offer native language study classes and invited the community to attend. Betty eventually taught Cherokee language classes because she was concerned that so many Cherokees could not speak the language.

Betty was born February 9, 1931 in Stillwell, Oklahoma and died January 4, 2008 in Bartlesville. Betty grew up not having much, but as an adult, she always wanted to help others. She married Harry Smith in 1956, and together they had three beautiful daughters. Their home was always open to anyone who wanted to visit. Many of them came for the fellowship and to admire Betty’s plants, which she eagerly shared, including her ferns.

One of her students, Ruth Holmes, became a very good friend and together they wrote the book, Beginning Cherokee. The book teaches the rudiments of Cherokee. Anyone who reads and studies this book will understand that Indian tribes are contemporary people with an enduring heritage.

Longtime neighbor, Debbie Neece, said of Betty, “She was my neighbor, mother, and good friend for 38 years. I miss the butter beans she cooked us for lunch and our conversations on her backyard bench.” Betty and Harry were very involved in ministry at their church, working in the bus ministry and preschool ministry. Her smile was contagious, and people felt better after being with her. Betty and friend Bernie Hamlin would collect items from people and take them to a small church in the Stillwell area to be distributed to less fortunate people. Betty was a devoted mother, grandmother, neighbor-mother, friend, and relative. She would help take care of sick friends as

Ruth had a degree in Slavic languages. She said, “For a linguist, Cherokee has a magnetic appeal. Studying Cherokee reveals an inner logic.” Betty Smith and Ruth Holmes.

well as acquaintances. She was a tender, loving caregiver who always thought of others before herself, being a great example of a Christ follower. Betty grew up only speaking Cherokee, and was introduced to English when she started attending school. She always loved the Cherokee language and heritage, which led her to want to share it with others. Continuing her ministry, she beautifully sang ‘Amazing Grace’ in Cherokee, as well. She became very active in the Indian Women’s Club with members of other tribes. In the 1960s, the club decided to

The Cherokee Exhibit at Bartlesville Area History Museum.

The book has been so popular that within just a few months of the 1976 printing, it sold out. In 1978, a 2nd edition was released. In the Cherokee exhibit at the Bartlesville Area History Museum, you can hear Betty teaching the Cherokee alphabet and some Cherokee hymns to her grandchildren. If you knew Betty, you are blessed. When I look at what her daughter, Dora, is doing for the Cherokee people, I have to think Betty would be very proud. We say Wa do (thank you) to Betty for all she did for our community, family, friends, and the Cherokee Nation.

Betty Smith and her daughters. SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

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Princess Theotoway of A Look Back at the Exciting Life of Olive Stokes by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum The two-acre Stokes Cemetery is believed to be one of the largest original internment grounds in this county with the first recorded burial in 1875. Positioned along the Osage and Washington County line and a short distance from Bar Dew Lake, the cemetery is the resting place of Granville Gilford Stokes and his wife Phoebe Jane (Haymes) Stokes who traveled to Indian Territory in 1880. The Stokes Ranch was northwest of Nelson Carr’s trading post along Butler Creek. After the death of Granville in 1892, the family centered in the Ringo and Ramona area where their son, James H. Stokes, platted the townsite of Ramona and managed extensive holdings in the area. The eldest of eight children, James Stokes was born in Missouri and was a counselor for the Cherokee Nation. Under the Cherokee law, a white man was allowed to trade in Indian Territory if he married an Indian maiden or purchased a work permit. James married Georgia Ann Russell, one-quarter Cherokee, and they were joined by three children, Olive, Gretta and a son who died young. Georgia’s parents, Hugh and Ruth Russell, died the summer of 1875 and were among the earliest occupants of the Stokes Cemetery. As Cherokee citizens, the 1887 Dawes Act afforded Georgia, Olive and Gretta Stokes each allotted land. As head of the household, James leased the family allotments to the Cudahy Oil Company but Olive signed a lease with a competitor, 42

bmonthly | SEPTEMBER 2020

American Well and Prospecting Company. Land leases required Department of Interior approval, which would need repeated once Olive reached legal age, so the lease stayed open for a year – until Olive’s birthday. In the meantime, while attending business in Tahlequah, James Stokes died leaving open-ended oil business. Olive’s Cherokee name was “Theotoway” and she became the subject of bizarre newspaper stories in St. Louis when she posed as an Indian Princess of considerable wealth, storming through the eastern states in her large “red-devil” automobile, buying fancy clothing and throwing elaborate parties in over-priced hotels at the expense of Cudahy and American Well. The oil companies competitively “wined and dined” Miss Olive to the tune of $8,000 per company in anticipation of signing her lease agreement (an equivalent of nearly $250,000 each today). During her flamboyant escapades, the St. Louis news reporters sarcastically nicknamed her the “Kerosene Princess.” Olive slyly enjoyed the mischievous “cat and mouse game.” However, after obtaining legal age, court battles and additional trickery, she finally signed her oil lease with American Well and Prospecting. This created a drilling war in Indian Territory as Cudahy developed a “sea of oil wells” to draw oil from Georgia and Gretta Stokes’ allotments while American Well rushed to drain Olive’s allotment. During Olive’s skylarking, she accepted marriage proposals twice – both short lived. She met Banks Brown while attending school in St. Louis. He was a

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the Cherokee Nation railroad agent and he thought he was marrying a rich Indian Princess while Olive thought she was marrying a young society man. Both were disappointed. The couple married November 1905, separated in June 1906 and divorced in February 1907. Shortly thereafter, Olive joined the Miller Brother’s 101 Wild West Show at Chicago and quickly drew the attention of Cornelius Hart, a cowpuncher with the 101. A budding romance bloomed like the floral bouquet she would soon carry down the aisle and their nuptials were announced to the crowd before their partnered arena performance. The marriage license was purchased as noted in St. Louis newspapers on May 29, 1909 and then a mystery occurred. Perhaps Cornelius had cold feet or perhaps Princess Theotoway was a run-away bride as the newspapers carried no wedding ceremony and when Olive made headlines that summer, her name remained Stokes. Tom Mix had met Olive at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair and upon their departure, Tom said “til we meet again.” She humored him, never expecting to see him again. Four years later, December 1908, Olive traveled to Medora, North Dakota on a horse scouting trip for the Stokes Ranch and during her absence, Tom Mix appeared at the Stokes homestead to see her. Giving Olive time to select the horse stock, the Stokes Ranch foreman had stayed at the ranch with plans of joining Olive later to ship the horses to Oklahoma…so Tom tagged along. Arriving by train, Olive and her friends, Nels and Katrina Nichols, were surprised to see Tom. After the horse selection was complete, a Saturday evening farewell party brought dancing until after midnight…but someone was absent. Tom Mix had planned a surprise…a shot gun style wedding. The party broke and at 1:00 on the morning of January 10, 1909, Olive was taken to the Nichols’ home where a fancy cake and food

was spread upon a table with “Chinese Lanterns” strung overhead. Music played in the background and Nels instructed Tom and Olive where to stand. Playing along with what Olive thought was a game, she accepted Tom’s outreached hand and giggled as the wedding began. Tom said “Don’t laugh Olive, this is serious business.” Two “I dos” later and the two were wed. Tom then invited the guests to “eat, drink and be married.” Olive later learned Nels was a justice of the peace and had prepared Tom’s requested marriage license. After a honeymoon in Montana, Tom and Olive returned to the Stokes Ranch. The couple often worked together during their developing film careers and appeared at the Odeon Theater in Bartlesville in 1910 as their travels crisscrossed the United States. Then, in 1912, they made a pit stop in the Dewey area so their daughter, Ruth, could be born on Oklahoma soil. Olive once said although she liked Tom when they married, she “fell in love with him later.” Tom was a restless soul that could not be tamed. The couple sepPreviously owned by Ray arated October 1914 and, after Bowersock and occupied by patiently awaiting Tom’s return, a dry cleaner and laundry, in Olive filed for and was granted June 1968 the Tom Mix divorce on the grounds of Museum became a reality at abandonment in 1917. Although 721 N. Delaware in Dewey. her third marriage failed, Olive The Grand Opening was wrote fondly of her lost love in attended by local dignitaries her book, “The Fabulous Tom and members of Tom and Mix,” and she treasured their Olive Mix’s family, including memories and photographs. their daughter Ruth Mix Hill She never remarried and died and grandson, Hickman Hill. in California at the age of 85.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

RoofPro Family Business Treats Customers Like One of Their Own by Maria Gus Family and honesty are what matter most to RoofPro, a local company eager to treat you and your home as they would their own. RoofPro, owned by Aaron and Lacy Gittinger, opened in 2018 and has been growing successfully ever since. “Aaron has been in the roofing industry for about 14 years, and it’s definitely his passion and what he was meant to do,” said Lacy Gittinger, who handles the administration and marketing of the company. “He thrives on helping people improve their homes and completing projects he can be proud of.” For the Gittingers, their goal has always centered on community connection. With a young daughter at home and a desire to work where they live and play, RoofPro has been moving toward what they always hoped to do — be the go-to hometown roofing company. “It’s important to us to work locally,” said Lacy. “Its been rewarding to serve our community and be close to family.” For many, finding a reliable roofer can be a daunting task. The team at RoofPro hopes their commitment to honest and reliable service can help guide customers through what can often be a challenging project. “Getting to know people is the best part of my job,” said Aaron. “I appreciate when service providers take time to find out what’s important to me, so I want to provide that same experience with each of my customers.” The Gittingers are proud to serve their neighbors with integrity, and have found their work ethic is their best form of publicity. Not only do they strive to provide quality service from the first estimate to the final product, they strive to make what can be a sometimes stressful situation a much easier process. “From the moment someone contacts me to the final nail in their new roof, I’m constantly putting myself in their shoes and trying to provide the kind of service I would like to receive,” said Aaron. “We’ll come out and provide a free inspection and estimate that’s trustworthy — I’ll tell you the truth about what’s best for your home or business. Sometimes that’s a new roof and sometimes it’s just a quick fix.” RoofPro staff not only includes the Gittingers, but also salesman Taylor Richey. Described as genuine and personable, Richey can walk customers through the roofing process with ease. For the RoofPro team, their success is definitely a group effort. “Being an advocate for our customers definitely builds trust, and that’s what we strive for. I’m happy to be a resource for our

community,” said Aaron. “Completing a project with a happy and informed homeowner is a win in my book.” In keeping with their community focus, RoofPro has recently supported several causes and events, including Samaritan Counseling, The Cottage, and Ray of Hope, among others. “We just partnered with Cooper and Mill Brewing Company, another local business, to host a family-friendly event, and there was an amazing turnout,” said Lacy. “We love supporting other small businesses, and any time we can, we want to partner with people who have similar values and vision. It was a pretty packed house and just what our community needed right now.” Area residents can find RoofPro in the Keller Williams Realty building on Washington Blvd. in Bartlesville, or on the web at www.roofproteam.com. Call or text 918-766-1584, and be sure to follow them on Instagram and facebook. SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

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LEGENDARY LEADERS

Wilma Mankiller

Historic Chief was the Essence of Being Cherokee by Ann-Janette Webster Some people are born with a true calling to leave the world around them a much better place. Legendary Cherokee Chief Wilma Mankiller devoted her life to improving the lives of native Oklahomans and Cherokee everywhere. Proud wife, mother, political activist, and advocate for her people, Mankiller rose to national prominence when she became the first woman to become principal chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1985. Wilma Pearl Mankiller was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma in 1945. In search of better opportunities, her family moved to San Francisco, California in the 1950s, where they faced financial hardship and harsh discrimination. While there, Wilma became greatly inspired by Native American attempts to reclaim the island of Alcatraz. She then married, became a mother to two daughters, attended college, and completed graduate work — all the while becoming increasingly active in Native American issues. Returning to her native Oklahoma in the 1970s, she quickly began working as program developer and tribal planner for the government of the Cherokee Nation. Local historian Kay Little, of Little History Adventures said, “It may have been Mankiller’s challenging life experiences which helped foster her desire to serve others. Because Wilma grew up in poverty, she was able to identify with the people who needed help, and worked to make their lives better. She helped the Cherokee Nation grow through community development projects where men and women worked collectively for the common good and she improved infrastructure, which included crucial projects like providing running water. Wilma was a good role model and she was able to show the Cherokee people that men and women can work together for the good of the nation.” Mankiller’s ability to unite the Cherokee in the fight for worthy tribal causes

bmonthly | SEPTEMBER 2020

Cherokee Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller, center, is pictured during the dedication of the Adams Corner Village in 1979.

served her and her people well. In 1983, Mankiller ran for and won the office of deputy chief, and in 1985 the popular leader made history as she was named the tribe’s principal chief — becoming the first woman to serve as the highest leader of the Cherokee people. Mankiller served as principal chief until 1995. Under her administration, the Cherokee government launched early education and adult education programs, built new health clinics, created job training programs, developed vast revenue programs, and established self-governance — allowing the tribe to manage its own finances. Mankiller worked diligently as an advocate to improve the image of Native Americans, and tirelessly worked to combat the misappropriation of native heritage. During her decades in leadership, Wilma Mankiller made many visits to the Bartlesville area. Longtime Bartian and District 12 Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilor Dora Smith Patzkowski said her mother, Betty Sharp Smith, and Wilma

Mankiller were close friends. Dora remembers her visits to the family home fondly. “She and my mother were very good friends and fellow Cherokees, and she visited us several times. In fact, she came to our home and tried to convince my mother to run for tribal council,” said Patzkowski. “This had an impact on me and my decision to serve. Chief Mankiller was a strong and determined human being that cared deeply for our people, and she was a good influence in my life. Just her presence was bigger than life, and gave every young woman the confidence to rise.” According to Little, when Wilma became chief, the Cherokee Nation leadership was male-dominated, which contrasted with the traditional Cherokee culture. “It was a good thing to bring female leadership to the Cherokees, and Wilma hoped to show young girls that they could indeed grow up and become chief. She also did groundbreaking work to improve

LEGENDARY LEADERS federal-tribal negotiations, which helped improve relationships between the U.S. federal government and the Cherokee Nation. She truly left the Cherokee Nation in a better place than when she was first elected.” Mankiller’s decade of leadership was crucial in bringing her people through difficult times. Even after leaving public office, she continued to be a strong activist on behalf of Native Americans and women everywhere. After facing serious health challenges, Wilma retired from her official role in leadership, but continued to act on behalf of her people. She went on to teach for a short time at Dartmouth College, then became a well-known lecturer and author in 1993, writing her autobiography Mankiller: A Chief and Her People, which shares her story of becoming a pioneer in tribal government. Renown feminist leader Gloria Steinem penned the forward for her second book in 2004, titled Every Day Is a Good Day: Reflections by Contemporary Indigenous Women. On April 6, 2010 Wilma Mankiller passed away in Adair County, Oklahoma at the age of 64. For her activism and legendary leadership, Mankiller received numerous local, state, and national awards,

including the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1991, the Wilma P. Mankiller Health Center was established in Stilwell, Oklahoma in honor of Mankiller’s exlemporary dedication to the Cherokee Nation and its people. In 1993, Mankiller was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. In 1994, she was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. And in 2018, Mankiller was among the first inductees to the National Native American Hall of Fame — an honor well deserved.

To Patzkowski and fellow Cherokees, Chief Wilma Mankiller was more than just an amazing leader. Her storied life and remarkable legacy exemplify all that makes the Cherokee people who they are. “Sometimes special people find their calling and it comes naturally. I believe she became a significant person because of her will and perseverance,” said Patzowski. “Groundbreaking is not big enough, in my opinion. To me, she was more than a woman and more than a chief ... She was the essence of being Cherokee.”

Keeler Instrumental in Cherokee Heritage Center Aside from being noted as the Chief Executive Officer of Phillips Petroleum, William Wayne Keeler served as Chief of the Cherokee Nation from 19491975. During his service, his goal was to bring pride and respect to the forefront of all Cherokee. Serving as Cherokee Chief and president of the Cherokee National Historical Society, Keeler was instrumental in the creation of the Tsa-La-Gi Ancient Village, which is now recognized as the Cherokee Heritage Center in Park CHIEF W.W. KEELER Hill, Oklahoma. Near the Museum is the Adams Corner Rural Village, a “collection of seven buildings representing Cherokee life in the 1890s before Oklahoma statehood.” K.S. “Bud” Adams, Jr. generously supported the construction and operation of the Adams Corner Rural Village in memory of his mother, Blanch Keeler Adams, who was also W.W. Keeler’s sister. The replicated small settlement officially opened June 15, 1979.

While serving as economic stimulus coordinator of the Cherokee Nation, Wilma Mankiller exhibited her passion for the preservation of the Cherokee heritage and service to the people as she participated in the grand opening ceremonies of the Adams Corner Rural Village dedication of the Blanch Keeler Adams Memorial. Also present were K.S. "Bud" Adams Jr., Dr. Duane King, Mary Louise Adams, and council member Gary Chapman.

The K.S. Adams family from left: Mary Louise Adams, K.S. “Boots” Adams, Blanche Keeler Adams, and K.S. “Bud” Adams Jr.

SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

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ON THE OSAGE

Cavalcade A Big Hit Committee Bucked Off Pandemic to Host Successful Event by Kelly Bland It was a little like trick riding combined with some fancy roping that would have set Will Rogers back a notch, but the 74th annual Cavalcade Rodeo mounted this buckin’ bronc of a year and made it to the buzzer this summer. You could say this one’s going down in the history books. It was a gamble, but the Cavalcade committee put all their chips on the table and said, “We’re in.” If they erred, they were going to err on the side of caution as they set in place all the necessary guidelines to implement health safety precautions for participants and the public. This year they also became a health haven for all horses in the rodeo and even moved the parade from downtown Pawhuska to the fairgrounds to ensure equine health safety. Also, with a facility like the Osage County Fairgrounds with acres and acres of outdoor open space, social distancing was no problem. Like their famous Shotgun Start that Cavalcade is known for, the Wednesday night rodeo attendance kicked off with a bang as spectator numbers on the grounds looked as if it were a Saturday night performance. In addition, this year saw so many businesses asking to be sponsors that it was a challenge to come up with additional areas for them to sponsor. At first, the Cavalcade committee feared sponsorship might be a problem. However, they soon were pleasantly surprised to receive calls from businesses jumping at the chance to support this event. From the Cavalcade Queen contestants in their rodeo queen array, to the dirt-stomping, crow-hopping, sassy bronc riding — it was one heck of a show as rodeo clubs came together to compete for bragging rights and buckles. A big congrats goes out to Pawhuska’s Shelby Bute, as she took home the title of the new reigning Cavalcade Queen! Now, as you all are reading along here, I’m sure you’re wondering what my perspective is on this — considering the pandemic pandemonium predicament. Well, that’s a debate I just don’t want to get into. I will say this — it brightened my day when the National Anthem was sung as cowboys removed their hats and a rider circled the arena with the American flag. Moments that move me usually have something to do with little kids, unmistakable beauty, heartfelt convictions, or passionate love. You can wrap a little piece of each of those sentiments up into something called patriotism. I felt a welling up of something good inside me that made me glad to be an American — and blessed to be in Osage County, Oklahoma. I’d like to say I’ve never seen such professionalism as that of the Cavalcade committee and their staff. They are committed to excellence, perseverance, all things western, and Osage County. They are a team of givers and team players who just milked one

of the wildest cows to ever come their way. But they got the job done, and they did it with style. Put next July on your calendar and make plans to join us once again in Osage County for what we call, “The World’s Largest Amateur Rodeo!” If ‘ol King Corona didn’t buck us off this year, you can bet we’ll have the chutes loaded for bear next year. ;) Other upcoming events in the Osage include the Postoak Wine & Jazz Festival at the Postoak Lodge Labor Day weekend, Skiatook’s Pioneer Days September 24-26, the Tallgrass Futurity at the Osage County Fairgrounds September 24-27, and the Tallgrass Music Festival in Skiatook October 16-17. For all the low-down on the hoe-downs check us out at VisitTheOsage.com and y’all come see us where #TheSmilesAreAlwaysFree and where #TheCowboyNeverRidesAway!

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LOCAL LEADERS

Dora Patzkowski

Cherokee Councilor Wants Healthy Future for Tribe & State

by Maria Gus For Cherokee Councilwoman Dora Smith Patzkowski, her vision of unity and responsibility is the strength of her spirit.

elders in her community by helping them sign up for $425,000 from the Cherokee Nation stimulus package.

Patzkowski was raised in Bartlesville, and as a child rememembers sleepovers at her grandmother’s house and waking up to the sound of her grandmother and great uncle speaking Cherokee over breakfast. “It was always a great comfort to lay there listening to them,” said Patzkowski. “My spirit is the same now, but more mature.”

However, the Cherokee Nation knows the tribe will be more successful when helping all citizens of Oklahoma. “Cherokee Nation is proud to partner with the state of Oklahoma by investing in core services such as education, housing, health care, and infrastructure that benefit all Oklahoma citizens”, said Patzkowski. In addition to the over $1.5 billion in gaming fees paid by tribes to support public education in Oklahoma, Cherokee Nation goes even further by contributing funds from car tag purchases to public schools, including $6 million to 108 school districts and more than $191,000 this year to schools right here in Washington County. Over the last four years, Cherokee Nation has invested more than $1.2 million on 13 miles of roads in our county that all citizens utilize.

For Patzkowski, with maturity comes responsibility. “All history is important and precious, but if you do not live responsibly and respectfully, history means nothing.” As councilor for the Cherokee Nation, Patzkowski, a wife, mother, and grandmother, has demonstrated that responsibility and respect through the numerous ways in which she serves the Cherokee people and the community at large. “No one on the council works harder, or does the job with more joy, than Councilor Patzkowski,” said Chuck Hoskin Jr., principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. “After just one year in office, she’s made a tremendous and positive impact on not only her district, but all of Cherokee Nation, with her commitment to preserving language and culture and creating opportunities for Cherokee to succeed.” Patzkowski admits she did not fully know the magnitude of being a councilor, but she knew that this role was something God had prepared her for all her life. Patzkowski said she was driven to create unity between District 12 and the rest of the Cherokee Nation. That unity has been realized in the way Patzkowski has actively supported her people, especially through the pandemic. Not only has she created several food distribution opportunities, she has also put in the time and effort to personally deliver food to homes. She was instrumental in donating over $380,000 from Cherokee Nation tribal funds to law enforcement, roads, and various organizations. Patzkowski has also worked tirelessly for the

Cherokee Nation Health Services sees over 1.3 million patient visits per year, and began the first-ever class of medical students at the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation. At the federal level, Chief Hoskin nominated and the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council unanimously confirmed the first Cherokee Nation Delegate to Congress, Kimberly Teehee. With over 6,600 Cherokees in Washington County, Councilor Patzkowski is quick to point out that Oklahomans will always find a willing and able partner in Cherokee Nation. “We are dedicated to making our region prosperous for everyone.” To learn more about Cherokee Nation and Councilor Patzkowski be sure to visit Cherokee.org or contact Patzkowski at dora-patzkowski@cherokee.org. “I encourage our youth to be involved and take the time to sit and listen to our elders,” said Patzkowski. “Our Spirit will move. The Cherokee have the same hopes and dreams as anyone, and love our neighbors and families. We are not sport mascots and stereotypes from movies. We are here and we want the future of our tribe and the state of Oklahoma to be a healthy one.” SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | SEPTEMBER 2020

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

EARLY YEARS

Trail of Tears Hillard and Martha Rogers Left Lasting Mark on Bartlesville by Lori Just Hillard and Martha (Fields) Rogers are buried in the Gilstrap Cemetery on the Tyler-Irwin Farm south of Bartlesville. Their graves were marked as survivors of the Trail of Tears by the TOT Association Oklahoma Chapter in 2005. The story of their passage from Tennessee and Georgia, respectively, to Indian Territory in the mid-19th century made a lasting influence on the development of industry in Bartlesville. The Trail of Tears represents a significant moment in the history of Native Americans. The discovery of the New World by European explorers caused endless problems for American Indians. Their homelands were gradually taken from them and cultures were dramatically altered, and in some cases destroyed, by the invasion. The Trail tells the story of the Cherokee Nation and its removal from its lands East of the Mississippi to settling in Indian Territory, which is now Oklahoma. Hillard Rogers was born in 1819 as the son of John Rogers and Tiana Foster. Hillard held responsible positions in the Cherokee Nation and he had been interpreter for General Zachary Taylor and General Harvey during the war with the Seminole Indians. Martha Fields was born in 1825 as the daughter of John Fields and Elizabeth Wells in the Cherokee Nation. Between 1836 and 1838, as part of Andrew Jackson's Indian removal policy, the Cherokee Nation was forced to give up its lands east of the Mississippi River and migrate over 1,000 miles to an area in present-day Oklahoma. The Cherokee people called this journey the Trail of Tears because of its devastating effects. The migrants faced hunger, disease, and exhaustion on the forced march. Over 4,000 Cherokees died. It is not known when and how Hillard and Martha met, but they were married and settled in Indian Territory near the Kansas line at Chetopa. Nelson F. Carr, who was the postmaster at Oswego, Kansas and held a trading license with the Osages, became a very close family friend. He met their 18-year-old daughter, Sarah Ann Rogers, and after courting, they were married on August 25, 1866 in Kansas. A year later they were married in Indian Territory, which made Nelson a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Carr and Hillard decided to build a trading post on the Caney River southwest of Dewey, near the Old Black Dog Ford. In looking

for another source of income, Carr dug a waterway, or flume, through the narrow neck of land in the horseshoe bend of the Caney River and built the Carr Grist Mill in 1870. They became one of the first families of Bartlesville; establishing the mill and contributing to the growth of the pioneer area. Hillard and Martha Rogersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; health had failed by this time, and they passed away shortly after, in the same year. On March 20, 1875, Carr sold his grist mill for $1,000 to Jacob H. Bartles, who then had a store on Turkey Creek. Bartles moved his store to the site adjoining the grist mill and erected a modern flour mill on the site. Carr went on to develop farm land, then sold the cattle business to devote more time to his oil interests, leasing to such names as W. S. Raydure, George B. Keeler, Sam O. Bopst, Frank Bucher, and Parr Bucher â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which lead to the future purchase of the leases by Frank Phillips. In the Cherokee language, the Trail of Tears is called nu na da ul tsun yi ("the place where they cried") or nu na hi du na tlo hi lu i (the trail where they cried). This became one of the darkest events in American history. The famous poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, wrote of it at the time saying "The name of this nation ... will stink to the world." Today, the path of the Cherokees is memorialized by the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The Trail is the story of us. It reminds us of where we've been, who we are, and where we can go. In Indian Territory, problems quickly developed among the new arrivals and Cherokees who had already settled, especially as reprisals were taken against the contingent who had signed the Treaty of New Echota. As these problems were resolved, the Cherokees proceeded to adapt to their new homeland, and they reestablished their own system of government, which was modeled on that of the United States.

Hillard Rogers BIRTH: March 26, 1819 Cherokee Nation, Georgia, USA DEATH: October 5, 1870 (aged 51) Cherokee Nation, I.T. BURIAL: Gilstrap Cemetery As a teenager, he served as Indian interpreter to Gen. Scott in the tragic Seminole War, 1837. Martha Fields Rogers BIRTH: March 6, 1825 Sale Creek, Hamilton County, Tennessee, USA DEATH: January 18, 1870 Cherokee Nation, I.T. BURIAL: Gilstrap Cemetery Departed Cherokee Nation, TN Fall 1838; Trail of Tears, traversing TN, KY, IL, MO and AR. Arrived in Cherokee Nation I.T. March 1839; Married 1841, Cherokee Nation IT

SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

MEET YOUR WRITER

Kelly Bland On the Osage Writer Always Looking for the Good by Tim Hudson The September bmonthly writer spotlight is on “On the Osage” writer and Osage County Executive Director of Tourism Kelly Bland. According to Bland, she feels that this point in history is no less than a new beginning and time to dream. “I left Texas and came to Oklahoma, and what brought me here was I went through personal tragedy. It was either fall apart or it’s time to dream again. It’s part of seeking the Lord and believing the best is yet to come. I’m loving every minute of it,” she said. “At one point I was in my bedroom on the floor crying. I believe in the Lord, and He spoke to my heart — not my ears, but my heart. He said to me “it’s time to dream again.” I was at a point where I felt like my life was over, but when He spoke, I stepped out in faith. I left a place of pain to find a place of faith, and that’s how I ended up in Osage County. Along with that writing thing, I’m in the middle of rewriting my story ... it’s not going to end in tragedy.” The story begins farther back than that in Throckmorton County, Texas. Bland not only had livestock, but was the Chamber of Commerce director and sat on the board of an organization of 32 Texas counties that was called the Texas Midwest Community Network. “I’m still a rancher at heart, and I come with a past of experience. We worked to be advocates for rural economic development and the interests of rural Texas. I worked with some legislators during that time, so I felt like that laid a really good groundwork for what I am doing now,” she said. “I came up here and Osage County was a perfect fit for me, and it’s my heart. I hope that I’m a perfect fit for Osage County. I love it because of the agricultural background and the rural aspect, and I try to bring a positive attitude.” It wasn’t long after, that bmonthly editors Keith and Christy McPhail came calling. “Creative writing is something I have done non-professionally, on the side on a personal level, and when Keith and Christy approached me about doing “On the Osage,” I felt like it was something I would like to put my hand to and step into that and do it,” she said. Bland’s Bartlesville counterpart, Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Director Maria Gus, said that she’s found Kelly to be both an excellent writer and an ace at promoting Osage County. “She’s great,” Gus said. “Totally easy to work with and does a great job, not only with Osage County, but most of Northeastern Oklahoma.” 60

bmonthly | SEPTEMBER 2020

Kelly Bland, right, is pictured with Mrs. Roy Clark after she wrote a story on Mr. and Mrs. Clark.

Kelly says that it’s easy to get excited about Osage County because “there’s always something good going on there.” “I love bringing out the iconic personalities of the county and highlighting some things that may be off the beaten path that people might not know about. I love writing with a positive outlook, the heart of an overcomer, and I believe in calling to the good” she said. “A long time ago I learned if you want to find the good you can always find it. I found a philosophy that I have adopted that has rolled over to my writing as well, and that is that I would rather call to the good than shout at the bad. That is the philosophy that I take and roll it over into it. It works well for me.”

FROM THE HEART

Salute to Teachers Teachers Help Us Mix Knowledge with Creativity by Lori Kroh I think teachers have the most amazing job — to instill in us the love of learning. I always tell my own children that story of back when and how their mother learned best by using her hands and creative talents with a grocery sack or two. Our entire fourth grade class had to learn about Native Americans. It was an entire hands-on experience and our teacher, Mrs. Williams, assigned us into groups. We had to learn everything we could using an encyclopedia and the materials she had given us to read. I remember we were assigned the Plains Indians. They were tribes of Native Americans who lived on the Great Plains of North America. The Plains Indian culture followed the buffalo migration. At the height of their cultures, their main source of food was the large herds of buffalo. I remember to this day learning that they used every bit of the buffalo they could to ensure survival. Their thinking and culture was formed from the natural environment they lived in and they were very resourceful. Whenever I look on the vast horizon and see the prairie grasses blowing in the wind I am reminded of that life they lived and how brave they were to walk among those beautiful beasts. I know deep down the reason I can remember all of this was because I mixed knowledge with creativity. She was an amazing teacher to let us learn with a hands-on approach, because involvement causes one to learn and glue was my specialty. We were given the task of creating a 3D model of their culture and community. It was like a bird’s eye view of a diorama and we imagined ourselves living just like them. We had to study their culture, and she wanted us to recreate their clothing, homes, and family life and understand the WHY and the HOW. We learned about the purpose and reasons others did what they did, and how it worked out for their survival — for the community, family, and individual. We worked all week long on our 3D model of The Plains Indians. We used fur and twigs and made all the little homes ourselves. We made crops of planted corn and a garden, then we made our version of a buffalo and had them grouped together. We even made miniature tools to show how the men would hunt their prey. We learned they were farmers and hunter-gatherers, and then from autumn to spring they raised crops. During the summers they went out onto the great plains to hunt buffalo on foot. In Oklahoma it was little different, because after 1850 the horse culture of the Plains Indians ended as tribes were moved to Indian reservations. The class took turns around the room and it was a miniature museum. We had a spokesperson to give the overview and another to answer questions. We also had a

chance to create anything we wanted in the spirit of the culture we studied. I went home and rummaged around. I came up with a replica of a Plains Indian made from grocery paper sacks, glue, and a little late-night genius. I cut him out to be over 24 inches tall and stuffed him with all of my mom’s cotton balls, so he was also 3D. I used magic markers and drew, in detail, his jewelry and clothing, and actually took the time to cut on the side of his legs the fringe leggings he would have worn. I cut each fringe to be exactly the same width, and it was during that time in my life I learned the art of creating, crafting, and inventing. I still have him even to this day ... my mom kept it all these years and gave him to me on my 50th birthday. What I kept even more was the ability to learn about another person, another culture, and have real curiosity as to WHY and HOW we are different. Mrs. Williams gave me a gift for my entire life ... the ability to discover who I was while learning about someone else. SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

LOCAL LEGENDS

Chief of the Cherokees

William Wayne “Bill” Keeler’s Long History in Bartlesville

by Lori Roll William Wayne “Bill” Keeler has a history in Bartlesville as long and diverse as the street named after him. Keeler Avenue runs the length of downtown Bartlesville, from the old train depot on 2nd, past the Phillips Petroleum Company where Bill was president and CEO, across Adams Boulevard, named for K.S. “Boots” Adams — another Phillips President Keeler’s sister would marry — past churches, schools, and quaint neighborhoods, to the train tracks at 20th Street. It is a street that looks back at the beginnings of a trading post on the Caney River in Indian Territory and brings it forward to the world-class city that oil built. Keeler’s paternal and maternal grandfathers, George B. Keeler and Nelson F. Carr, were white settlers in Cherokee territory who married Cherokee women. They were instrumental in founding the community that is now Bartlesville. Carr established the first trading post, sawmill, and grist mill on the Caney River, and Keeler was involved in drilling the Nellie Johnstone No. 1, the first commercial oil well in what would become the state of Oklahoma. George Keeler’s son, William B. Keeler, and Nelson Carr’s daughter, Sarah Louisa Carr, married and produced five children, only two surviving to adulthood: Blanche, born February 5, 1900, and Bill, born April 5, 1908, in Dalhart, Texas. The Keelers moved to Bartlesville, where the children attended public schools. Due to his mother’s poor health, Bill lived for a time with his grandmother, who instilled in him the “Indian ways.” Keeler assimilated the Cherokee principles of morality into his life, following notable Cherokee leaders in his family. Keeler worked for Phillips Petroleum in high school and continued during the summers while attending college. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in chemical engineering in 1930, and had already accepted a full-time engineering position at Phillips’ Kansas City, Kansas refinery. He met Ruby Lucille Hamilton, a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Hospital Nursing School, and the couple married in 1933. Sons Billy and Brad were born in Kansas City before Keeler was transferred to Borger, Texas as chief chemist in the Phillips Refinery. The family returned to the main office in Bartlesville in 1941, where son Richard was born. During World War II, Keeler supervised the construction of a new Phillips refinery in Mexico. After the end of the war, he was promoted to manager of the Phillips Refining Department in Bartlesville. He rose through the ranks of vice-president, director, executive director, and chairman of the executive committee, culminating as president and CEO in 1967. Keeler’s position with Phillips Petroleum drew the attention of the federal government, and Keeler was quoted as saying “Easterners … are aghast” at finding he was Indian, due to his success in the oil industry. He received the Oklahoma Petroleum Council’s Outstanding Oil Man award in 1971 and retired in 1973, upon reaching the company’s mandatory retirement age.

bmonthly | SEPTEMBER 2020

At the same pace of his meteoric rise in the ranks of Phillips Petroleum, Keeler worked diligently for the advancement of Cherokee sovereignty and government. President Truman appointed him Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma in 1949, and he set about rebuilding tribal autonomy initiated by the preceding deceased chief, J.B. Milam. In a 1950 speech, Keeler contended that the government’s Indian policy had “minimized and suppressed Cherokee culture, which had excelled in all aspects of a civilized society during the nineteenth century.” One of his first acts was to refine the tribe’s executive committee into a more effective tribal council representing the will of the people. He was reappointed to the Principal Chief position by Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. Throughout his life, Keeler worked in the federal government for the advancement of American Indians. He served from 1945 to 1972 as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Texas Cherokees and Associate Bands, and was instrumental in getting the 1836 Treaty of Bowles Village in Texas brought before the Indian Claims Commission. President Johnson appointed Keeler to the National Advisory Committee for the War on Poverty Program, the President’s Committee on Economic Opportunity, and

LOCAL LEGENDS he led a group to reorganize the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Using his own money, Keeler helped establish the Cherokee Foundation — a not-for-profit organization created “to improve the welfare, culture, health, and morale of the Cherokee people; to encourage and assist deserving Cherokees in obtaining higher education through scholarship awards and educational loans; to assure attendance of Cherokee children in elementary and high schools; and to help provide instruction for Cherokees in self-supporting trades.” The Cherokee foundation provided the framework for more than 75 social service programs operated today by the Cherokee Nation. Through legal efforts and legislation, Keeler helped attain $14.7 million from the federal government over a land dispute involving the Cherokee Outlet, which opened to non-Indian settlement in 1893. After successful settlement of the Outlet case, the

Cherokee Nation won the Arkansas Riverbed case, proving tribal ownership and recovery of $8 million from the State of Oklahoma for royalties collected from production of riverbed resources. Keeler created the Cherokee National Holiday in 1953 to commemorate the Cherokee Constitution enacted September 6, 1839, after reunification of the tribe following its removal to Indian Territory. His great-great-grandparents and great-grandparents were removed to Oklahoma from Tennessee and Georgia during the time that came to be known as the “Trail of Tears.” Under his influence, the Cherokee National Historical Society began in 1963, resulting in the creation of Tsa-La-Gi, the Cherokee Nation Heritage Center which includes a theater, the Cherokee National Museum, Adam’s Corner Rural Village dedicate to his sister Balance Keeler Adams, the Ho-Chee-Nee Trail of Tears Memorial Prayer Chapel, and the Cherokee National Archives and Library. He created the Cherokee Nation Builders Corporation and a national Cherokee newspaper, and oversaw the Tribal Housing Authority, which offered low-cost housing to Cherokees. For his efforts to revitalize the Cherokee Nation, he received the Outstanding American Indian Award in 1957 and 1961. Keeler was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1966. In 1971, Keeler became the Cherokees’ first elected principal chief since 1903. After his election, he presided over the drafting of a new Cherokee constitution, which marked the final step in reestablishment of representative tribal government. Known as a tough, quiet-spoken man, Keeler promoted conservative changes and equality rather than the radical activism of the American Indian Movement of the time, stating “Indians should not be entitled to more rights than anybody else, but they should still have all the rights of everyone else.” Some consider Keeler to be the most influential tribal leader of the Cherokee Nation after Chief John Ross, who battled the removal and relocation of Indians from their native lands to Oklahoma. Ross Swimmer, who followed Keeler after he chose not to run for a second term in 1975, said “Keeler was the Cherokee tribe. He was the one who established the tribe, and he did a lot of it with his money and energy.” After a lengthy illness, Keeler died in Bartlesville on August 24, 1987 at the age of 79. The seat of the Cherokee tribal government in Tahlequah is named the W.W. Keeler Complex in honor of the late Chief. His youngest son, Richard, wrote of his father, “Dad was like a bright comet who streaked across the sky and said, ‘Come join me, and let’s go find out what’s happening. If it’s not happening, let’s make it happen.’” SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | SEPTEMBER 2020

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

The $2 Miracle Special $2 Bill Returns to Owner After More Than 40 Years by Brent Taylor I married into a family of seven Toms. I’m always shocked when I meet another Tom, they keep turning up and growing stronger like two dollar bills. You know they exist, but you are always a little curious when you get one back as change. And in an increasingly cashless economy, Tom Jefferson shows up less and less these days in our wallets. Collectors refer to $2 bills as Toms. John Bennardo, the director of, The $2 Bill Documentary, said that when the $2 bill was first printed in 1862, "...our country did not have much wealth, and a lot of things cost less than a dollar. So the $2 bill really didn’t have much of a practical use." It became the perfect note for some rather nefarious purposes. "Politicians used to be known for bribing people for votes, and they would give them a $2 bill, so if you had one it meant that perhaps you’d been bribed by a politician," Bennardo said. “Prostitution back in the day was $2 for a trick, so if you were spending $2 bills it might get you into trouble with your wife. Also, $2 is the standard bet at a race track, so if you were betting $2 and you won, you might get a bunch of $2 bills back and that would show that you were gambling." Tom got kind of a dirty rep, and over the years, as inflation brought the value of the single and the two closer together, it became even less necessary. Folks didn't see much use for poor ol' Tom, and in 1966, the government decided to stop making it. Ten years went by with no twos. In 1976, the Treasury decided it would take another shot at the $2 bill. It would order the Bureau to print a special bill for the country's bicentennial, with a big picture of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the back. My brother-in-law, Tom Achey, came of age during the Nixon, Ford, and Carter administrations. He still has the same mullet haircut from 1976. And something else from 1976 that he recovered recently. He went to buy groceries at a local store and was handed change. As he walked out, he glanced down at a $2 bill. There was writing on it. Debbie Summit 268-0642 He looked closer and saw the year, 1976. It looked like his handwriting. Tom had met a pretty blonde in 1976, and asked for her name and phone number and street address.

He wrote it down on a $2 bill. In 1976, Debbie Mason lived on Summit and they delivered mail to the Mason home without a house number. She was Debbie Mason of Summit Drive in Tabernacle, NJ. Tom married Debbie a couple of years later. Debbie Mason Achey told her husband that it was a sign that it was meant to be that they met in 1976 aided by a $2 post-it-note, Tom scribbling on a Tom, a note that somehow found its way back home after 40 years. Like a homing pigeon returning to roost, one of a billion $2 bills in circulation returned to Tom with his crib notes from the day he decided to call Debbie and ask her out. What happened to Summit? The house on a dirt road without a number was later given the number 60, and a paved road now fronts the home of Debbie’s youth. Debbie's mom sold the home a few years ago to a nice couple with a son. His name is Mason. And now Mason will roam the same halls of 60 Summit Drive, which holds 45 years of memories for a family of Mason's, many called Tom. And the patriarch, Debbie’s father, Thom Mason, is perhaps looking down knowingly at the kid named Mason. It makes you stop and think...and pay attention to the currency of your life. SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

Annual Logan Cochran Benefit Golf Tournament Benefitting Paths To Independence

Featuring a Host of Former OU/OSU Football Players

Sunday, September 27, 2020 8 am â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shotgun startâ&#x20AC;? 7 am Registration and 11:30 Lunch Adams Municipal Golf Course 5801 Tuxedo Blvd, Bartlesville

Sponsors:

Doug Rogers

River Spirit Casino

bmonthly

Ike Jackson

Tim Burrough

Kevin Godfrey

Mark Moore

Victor Degrate

Joe King

Melvin Gilliam Jr.

Alonzo Mays

Ronnie Williams

Chianti Roberts

$110 per person or $440 per team

4 person scramble

(includes green fee, car, range balls,

Limited to the first 44 teams

lunch and prizes) Mulligans are 4/$20

Email entry form to lorkie50@gmail.com

limited to 4 per person

or call Lorront Carney at 918-332-1801

Hoops Bar

Platinum Cigar

KOPCO

918 Screen Printers

James Allen

Terence Brown

Charles Thompson

P. J. Mills

Melvin Gilliam Sr

Mark Clayton

Roy Williams

Sidney Prince

Corey Warren

Damon Shelby

GIVING BACK

Paths to Independence Former Sooners & Cowboys Will Be in Town for Fundraiser by Mike Wilt Former football players from the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University will soon be driving down the cart paths of Adams Golf Course to raise money for Paths to Independence (PTI). Some 20 Sooners and Cowboys, several of whom also played in the NFL, will hit the links on Sunday, September 27 for the Logan Cochran Charity Golf Tournament. The event is named for a five-year-old Copan boy who was born three months premature and with multiple heart defects. Now living in Bartlesville, Logan is non-verbal and autistic. PTI is a nonprofit private school for autistic children. Logan is not currently a student, but he will be one day. “That’s why the money we raise will benefit PTI,” said event organizer Janet Moreland who served as Logan’s nanny for many years. It’s a long story of how Moreland became so connected to former OU and OSU players, but it all started with a golf tournament in Cushing and former Sooner standouts P.J. Mills, Corey Warren, and Terrence Brown. “Our first event was held in 2017 at Buffalo Rock Golf Course,” Moreland said. “It was run by David Hough of Copan and he wanted to do something to help Logan and his family. Then those three players got involved and the thing just took off.”

ney Prince. Former ‘Pokes include Ike Jackson, Alonzo Mayes, Ronnie Williams, Tim Burrough, Kenny Breath, Mark Moore, Joe King, Victor DeGrate, Melvin Gilliam Sr., Melvin Gilliam Jr., Chianti Roberts, and Kevin Godfrey. Damon Shelby from Baylor is also expected to be there.

Both Brown and Mills are expected to participate in this year’s golf tournament along with former Sooners Corey Warren, James Allen, Mark Clayton, Roy Williams, Charles Thompson, and Sid-

“Despite the in-state rivalry, all of the players are good friends,” Moreland said. “But it’s really all about the kids. They are the stars and they are the reason these guys are coming to Bartlesville.” Indeed. The morning of Saturday, September 26, Hoops Bar & Grill will host a private gathering of the football players and students from PTI. Afterwards, the players will head to a block party along Johnstone Avenue downtown from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided by former OSU standout Joe King. A safety for five seasons in the NFL, King is a Dallas-based country singer/songwriter who will be joined by musicians Steve Burrus and Jason and Jackson Wilson. Admission to the event is free and, for a donation, attendees can enjoy a barbeque buffet inside the Platinum Cigar Company at 314 S. Johnstone. The golf tournament will kick off on Sunday with registration at 7 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Lunch will be available at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $110 per person and $440 for a foursome. In addition to the gridiron greats, celebrity long drive specialist Mick Yelovic will be offering to hit tee shots from a Par 5. While David Hough has since passed away, Moreland hopes to continue what he started. “We’d very much like to see this become an annual event.” Those wishing to register to play can contact Lorront Carney at (918) 332-1801.

bmonthly | SEPTEMBER 2020

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bmonthly | SEPTEMBER 2020

FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM

Native Code Talkers

Group of Soldiers Became the Military’s Secret Weapon by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum With roughly 6,500 worldwide languages, few in history have had the power to save lives like the Native American languages. During World War I, German intelligence decrypted transmission codes of every U.S. force allowing the enemy to anticipate American war tactics. Beginning October 1918, the Native American Code Talker soldiers became the U.S. military’s greatest secret weapon. Their communication codes sabotaged German efforts and created a huge tactical advantage. History has praised the code talking abilities of the Navajo during WWII but the Cherokee and Choctaw were the first tribes to create code words for army nized the “few” that Winston Churchill Hopi, Creek, Crow, Fox, Seminole and terms that had no decipherable counterspoke of. other tribes. The U.S. Marine Corps also parts making the code unbreakable. This established a “formal Code Talking School was a game changer for the U.S. armed Under the Act, the U.S. House and for the Navajo tribe.” forces. The WWI pioneering Code Talkers Senate honored Native American Code were credited with saving thousands of Talkers from thirty-three tribes in a cereDuring a time in history when Native military lives and were the inspiration for mony held at Emancipation Hall at Americans were discouraged from practhe Navajo serving as code Washington D.C. During the “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so talkers during WWII. 2013 ceremony, each tribe many to so few.” was presented a CongresHenry and Caroline — Winston Churchill sional Gold Medal, the (Bunch) Adair held a six“highest expression of hundred acre homestead national appreciation for distinguished ticing their native language and culture, between Bartlesville and Nowata. Caroachievements and contributions.” In additheir heritage changed the course of hisline was the daughter of Rabbit Bunch, tion, for their individual Code Talking tory. The use of Code Talkers continued once Chief of the Cherokee. The eldest contributions during WWI and WWII, spethrough the Korean Conflict and Vietnam Adair son was George who enlisted in the cific Code Talkers, or their next of kin, War. Charles Sunday of Dewey was a U.S. Army September 1917 and became a were presented silver medals as individCode Talker during the Vietnam War and telephone operator in France during WWI. ual service recognition. during that time, the Code Talkers and the Serving with the 36th Division, George’s history they created faded into memories, responsibility was to receive and transmit BRIDGING NATIONS FOR THE some too dreadful to recount. critical orders in his native language, a CAUSE OF FREEDOM! language that was unrecognizable to Unfortunately, the Cheroenemy forces. On the other end of the kee Code Talkers returned transmission, a Cherokee counterpart home without the hero’s weltranslated the message back into come they deserved. As English. Quite an ingenious a tribute to their dedendeavor. ication and valor, in During World War II, Code Talkers served from the Cherokee, Choctaw, Cheyenne, Comanche, Osage, Yankton Sioux, Navajo, Kiowa, Pawnee,

2008, President George Bush signed the “Code Talker Recognition Act” which recog-

SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

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FUN VENUES

The Magic of Woolaroc A Pair of Major Improvements on the Horizon at Woolaroc by Bob Fraser The good news is that sometimes, dreams really do come true. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve made two major announcements recently that make this national treasure an even better destination than before (doesn’t seem possible, does it?) Thanks to broad-based support from individuals, foundations, and businesses, a $1.5 million dollar Welcome Center will be opening to the public in late Spring, 2021. Back in 1926, Frank Phillips built his horse barn, a place that allowed him to saddle one of his favorite horses and ride the 3,700 acres of Woolaroc and forget the world of corporate business. In the early 1970s, that barn was converted into space for the Y Indian Guide Center, a second museum gift shop, and an arts and crafts center. At the same time, the sunken theater was built to the north of the old horse barn. Time, technology, and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements made that space less desirable over the years, and for the most part, the entire building was in need of some Woolaroc “magic.” Work began on the demolition of offices and the mezzanine level in the old barn in late June. Eventually, that space will provide Woolaroc guests with a beautiful gathering space with sofas, chairs, a small theater venue, and space to relax. The floor over the old theater space will soon be the home of the Prairie Dome Café, a sit-down restaurant that will provide many of the same menu items as the Buffalo Haunt, along with several new selections. The walls of the theater will be open windows, allowing guests to dine

and view the museum or the walking trails of Woolaroc. Construction on this project is led by Gorman Construction with the design by Ambler Architects. The second piece of good news is an amazing story. Fifteen years ago, Woolaroc added a playground on the main grounds, believing that it would be a great addition for our young visitors. It was a major success. Four years ago, Woolaroc staff started working on a new playground design that would be larger and would fit in with the mission, theme, and feel of Woolaroc. Working with GameTime Recreation out of North Carolina, they came up with a design that looks grea and is inclusive and accessible for all children, no matter their age or abilities. The final design has multiple slides, climbing towers and webs, a crossing bridge, mushroom stepping stones, and much more.

The design of the playground was the easy part. Funding it would be a unique challenge, especially coming on the heels of the welcome center. That worry was solved by the incredible generosity of one family: Kay Sallee, of Bartlesville, and her brother David Sallee, of Kansas City, are underwriting the entire project to honor the memory of their late parents, Lyle and Shirley Sallee. Principle donor, Kay Sallee, a long-time executive at Phillips 66 said, “My brother and I can think of no better way to honor our parents. They were committed to family and especially loved children, and we are honored to help make this great addition to the campus of Woolaroc.” The opening date for the new playground is late November, 2020. Dreams really can come true…….

SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

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A Lesson in Geneology Author Recalls Tracing Her Family History as a Youth by Rita Thurman Barnes Once upon a time I had a proud Cherokee mother just as I remember her in the photo you see. At family reunions, the black-haired relations around me looked Indian (long before we said Native-American) and I grew up believing I was Cherokee on both my father’s and my mother’s sides of the family. I remember sitting in my grandparents living room listening to both of them as they spoke about their Indian heritage. Grandpa talked about being part Pottawatomie while my grandma always regaled her Cherokee lineage. When my brother (16 years older than I) became interested in our father’s genealogy I was finally mature enough to be interested as well. I soon began making daily trips with him to the Public Library where we were able to trace our Thurman ancestors almost back to the day they got off the boat. We saw where they bought land and traced their progeny from state to state throughout the years right up to the time they settled in Pawhuska and finally in Bartlesville. But more interesting were the trips when my husband and sons helped turn our family vacations into family history vacations. We ventured back south and east where we met other Thurmans and visited gravesites revealing dates I’d only seen in history books.

papers I had collected during the time when I worked alongside him. Then one day my older son got the family history bug and I finally gave all my paperwork to him. My older black-haired, black-eyed son grew to be even more interested in family history than my brother and I combined. He spent long hours on the phone and on his computer hunting down and visiting with people he confirmed he was related to. Of course, most of his research was about the Barnes family name but he was interested enough in my maiden name and our assumed relationship with the Cherokees that he decided to join a well-known genealogy organization. He told me what he was going to do, and I was anxious for him to receive his results. One day the phone finally rang, and my son uttered the words I never in my life thought I’d hear. “Mom, you’re not a Cherokee”.

The research with my brother also included several days spent at the local LDS Church research room where we learned about the several-times-removed uncle we had learned about who we saw being referred to as Leven. We learned one particular day that Leven was his nickname. His actual name was Eleven due to being the 11th child born into that branch of the family. We lost my brother a few years ago and I not only miss him, but I miss our days doing genealogy together. It wasn’t quite the same doing the research alone and I finally put away all the stacks of

SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK

by Jay Webster Greetings Race Fans and welcome to September. It’s good to see so many of you again. I wish I knew whether to celebrate the arrival of a new month or not. It’s hard to say anymore. Some days it feels like we’re living by the Seal motto: “The only easy day was yesterday.” The optimist in me says we have to turn a corner at some point. The realist in me says — “What are you basing that on?” I guess we could hold to the axiom of Young Frankenstein, "It could be worse.” Though this year that feels more like a dare, really. At moments like these, I like to hold on to a few absolutes. Like — now that summer is past, it’s bound to cool down and that means death to mosquitoes and flies. I feel better already. And — even in seasons like this one, kids are still kids. To that point, I’m proud to continue a segment we started last year called, “What I did on my Summer Break,” where I interview my daughter on her five-month summer break. I believe that’s what the Beach Boys meant by “Endless Summer.” To them it was a fantasy. For parents it was the impetus for “day drinking.”

bmonthly | SEPTEMBER 2020

We’ll join the conversation already in progress. For our readers at home, please tell everyone your name and how old you are. My name is Evanjalyn and I am eight years old. Is that it? And three quarters! This is your eighth summer as a human being, overall how was it? It was actually pretty fun — a little more than others — because I got to hang out with my neighbors A LOT more instead of going to Chicago like we did last year. We did a lot of fun stuff like that here in Oklahoma. I like staying here a lot. Tell readers what activities you were involved in this summer. We started going to Tulsa and getting Torchy’s Tacos and taking a picnic basket and putting our tacos in it and bringing it to, um, a really beautiful park. So we did Park Picnics and it was really pretty. And we brought my scooter. We never really had a chance to bring my bike because my bike is pretty big. But it was fun because I could scooter around. And there was always this one

FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK little gardener lady, this one little person, who was always waving while I was going by on the scooter. What else did you do over your Summer Break? So we also went to Arkansas and it was really cool because we went to like Natural Falls State Park — which was actually in Oklahoma, but we stayed in Arkansas. And we always did like a little celebration in our car when we passed over from Arkansas to Oklahoma. So we went to the state park and we went for a hike there. It felt like forever. It honestly felt like forever. At first we got lost and we didn’t know where we were going. And this little hiking trail said we were supposed to go one way and it just like led us to a cliff’s edge. So we were like — “OK, we need to go the other way.” Did you go hiking or camping anywhere else? Oh yes! So the Easter Beagle from Charlie Brown comes to visit our house too, just like the Easter Bunny. And the Easter Beagle gave us a two-night stay at Osage Hills State Park. (Also a whole collection of glitter play-dough that my mom was saving in her gift closet. So, yay for that!) And we set up a tent. It was so cold overnight. Sooooo cold! And we had to charge our devices that we brought (like our phones and my tablet and stuff) over at the RV parking spaces. And we felt like really selfish just walking over and plugging stuff in. And we ate stuff…like 10,000 s’mores. A LOT of s’mores. I think we did like three hikes. There were a lot of cliffs that my mom was totally worried about. Did you do any swimming over the summer? Yes, we went to Oklahoma City to meet my grandparents and we went to a small memorial service for my great grandpa. And, um, we swam A LOT. And when we were there, I saw my dream water park — it was just like the Frontier waterpark. It had a big bucket, but the bucket had the store’s name “Loves” on it. And I’m so interested in it and I really want to go … like now. Were you able to go to any camps this year? Yes. I went to CMT. What’s CMT? Children’s Musical Theater. So what do you do in those camps, just math? No, we didn’t do any math. We did acting, of course. And we put on plays. The first one we did was Moana Jr. Did you play a role at all? Um, yeah. So, in these kinda camps you pay to be in them, of course, but that means you’re just in them no matter what. You’re just gonna get a part no matter what. You’re not going to just get thrown out. What part did you get? I got in the Ocean Ensemble. And it was actually kinda fun because I had a big fan with extended fabric and I had to wave it around. I saw the play. You were a very realistic wave. Yeah.

Did you get any reviews? Um, (curious look) - I got reviews from my sore back and my arm from all that waving… I mean, did anyone tell you they liked your performance? Yeah. You and Mama. After that, I did Annie Jr. and it was the same like Moana, except not the same story. And I got a role. Now you’re probably thinking this would be Ensemble, but it’s not. I got “Kate,” one of the named orphans. Wow. Did Kate have any lines? Yes, Kate had lines. I really liked doing it. I like giving the people my gift that I have to do. And I really enjoy doing it. Were you nervous? No, not really. Did you make any friends? Yeah, I made a friend I hadn’t seen in a really long time. I mean, I didn’t “make” her, because that’d be weird. So this last summer kind of started after Spring Break — you never went back to the school anyway — so that’s like five months long. Is that too long for summer? NO. It was perfect. It could have been a little longer. (Brief pause) No, I was actually kind of excited about the first day of school too. Are you glad that summer is finally over now? Um, kind of. I like my new teacher. My new teacher is Mrs. Denison. I go to Kane by the way. What are you looking forward to the most this school year? Um ... learning how to use a Crumb Book for Virtual Fridays. Is it a Crumb Book or a Chrome Book? Um … I think it’s Chrome book, but we all call it Crumb. Anything else you’d like to tell the reading audience at home? Um, nope. Goodbye. OK, well there you have it folks, “What I did on my Summer Break,” with eight-year-old Evanjalyn Jayne Webster. Hopefully, it’s been entertaining as well as informative. I know I’ve certainly learned a few things. Being with you makes me think of the Beatles lyrics: I got to admit it’s getting better all the time (It couldn’t get no worse) Cheers friends. I’ll see you here next month.

SEPTEMBER 2020 | bmonthly

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