bmonthly March 2022 by bmonthly Magazine

MARCH 2022

Bartlesville’s Preferred Mortgage Lender BECKI GAILEY Sr. Mortgage Loan Consultant NMLS # 993347 1740 SE Washington Blvd. Bartlesville, OK 74006 918.698.5039 stridemortgage.com/bgailey *All mortgage laons are subject to credit approval. Some restrictions apply.

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6006 SE Adams Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006 | 918-331-0550 MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

WHAT’S INSIDE

what’s inside...

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Upfront

Profile: Dan Keleher Jr. Legacy by Design

Looking Back: We Finally Found Her! The Story of Zerelda Moomey

Feature: Tyler Family Heritage A Legacy Set in Concrete

Education: At it Again! OKWU Adds Another Doctorate Degree Program

Feature Sponsor Story: Nancy Cooper Russell A Driving Force

From the Heart: A Little Old Lady ... Let’s Pray, but Also Help Each Other

Tribute: Delacey Smith

Arts & Entertainment: Shows that Pop!

Local Business: From Chore to Passion Randy Cummings Living a Dream with Mr. C’s

Kids’ Calendar

Chick-fil-A Events Calendar

Business Spotlight: Building on a Vision Ambler Architects’ Foundation is Strong

Local Elections: Keeping BPS a Pillar Scott Bilger Looking to Keep Seat on School Board

Helping Hands: A Hand Up

A Fresh Perspective: Rooftop View of Our Town

On the Osage: We Blossom — In Pawhuska Women Business Owners Thriving in Pawhuska

Funny You Should Ask: The Suggestion Box

Out & About: Photos from Around Town

A Good Word: The Incredible Complainables

Business: The Heart of the Matter A Promise, Faith & a Team Local Legends: The 66ers Now You Know: Ladies of Vision

Local Tales: Bartian Pens His Life Story Bill Dutcher Publishes Second Book

Let Freedom Ring: Yellowstone National Park A Little About America’s First National Park

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UPFRONT

upfront Hello friends, and welcome to March. Christy and I are ready for warmer temperatures, longer days, and the blooming of trees and flowers. It has been a long winter with so much going on with bmonthly and in our lives … I will get to that a little later in my Upfront. Every month as I look at what to do for the Feature story, I usually want a subject that I find most interesting or never knew happened. I believe that our Feature stories are some of the best in any magazine. I know for a fact no other magazine in this state spends 10 to 12 pages on the story like we do. For this Feature story we travel a little north to our sister city of Dewey. We learn about the history of the Portland Cement Company and the man who built a “Legacy set in Concrete” … Don Tyler. I'm not sure if most of you know that Don Tyler is Christy’s great grandfather. When I assigned this story to Sarah, we obviously knew a ton about Don Tyler. What we did not know is what the Portland Cement Company and Don Tyler meant to the community and how much he gave back to Dewey, Bartlesville, and this region. We didn’t realize just how many lives he changed and made better. When you see the opening two pages, you see a plant built before we were a state. When it was at its biggest, it was larger than 4 blocks long — which is basically from the downtown Pizza Hut heading west to United Linen on Frank Phillips Blvd. It was massive. As big as this mammoth plant was, his heart for giving and helping others was so much bigger. He was one of the pioneers of business in Bartlesville and Dewey. His name and reputation has stood the test of time with men like Jacob Bartles, Frank Phillips, HC Price, H.V. Foster, Getty, Arutunoff, the Kanes, and many more legends of the past. In this issue I write a two-page story on the Warming Shelter we opened with Rando and Shiloh Gamble with Get Real Ministries. The Shelter was open during the Arctic storm that hit this area in February with over 8 inches of snow and bitter cold temperatures. Just like February of last

year when we opened a Shelter at the Westside Community Center with Lorront Carney, we continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus helping the homeless and the many misplaced lives we have in our community. Christy and I have and will continue to use all of our resources to help our brothers and sisters get off the streets, but more importantly to help get their lives back together. Of the 13 men we had in the Shelter, six of these men reached out to us and wanted change in their lives. We helped make that happen. We had one go to Highway 80 in Texas, which is a year-long drug program. Two are in sober living homes, one is going to Tulsa’s 12 and 12 program, one went to the Lighthouse, and one is moving into an apartment here in town. I also want to announce that Gracefest on the Green 2022 is coming back. It will be Saturday, May 7. This year's event will have four musical acts and over 10 food trucks. We are also going to show a movie at the end of the concert, and it's all FREE! We cannot announce the musical acts just yet. Stay tuned and be looking on our bmonthly Facebook page for more information in the coming days. We are committed to have this every year, and it will always be free to the public. Just like last year, all proceeds gathered will benefit The Journey Home. During Christmas we received some very exciting news. Our daughter, Mary, is pregnant with our second grandbaby. What a shock this news was! We are just beside ourselves — our sweet little Mary will be a mama. Congratulations Logan and Mary! We can't wait to hold and love on this baby in August. The Lord continues to bless Christy and I. We hope and pray that the blessings he pours on us allow us to give back to others tenfold. Every month, we put our heart and soul into this magazine for our more than 20,000 readers. We love to brag on this city, her people, the history, and the ones who continue everyday to make Bartlesville “The Best Little City in America”. God bless, Keith.

Volume XIII Issue III Bartlesville Monthly Magazine is published by

ENGEL PUBLISHING

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

www.bartlesvillemonthly.com facebook.com/bartlesvillemonthly Publisher

Brian Engel brian@bartlesvillemonthly.com Art Direction

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

Keith McPhail keith@bartlesvillemonthly.com Community Liaison

Christy McPhail christy@bartlesvillemonthly.com Project Manager

Andrea Whitchurch andrea@bartlesvillemonthly.com Administration

Shelley Greene Stewart Delivery and Distribution

Julie Drake Calendar/Social Media

calendar@bartlesvillemonthly.com Contributing Writers Debbie Neece, Kay Little, Jay Webster, Lori Kroh, Kelly Bland, Jay Hastings, Sarah Leslie Gagan, Maria Gus, Delaney J. Williams, William Dutcher, Brent Taylor, Mike Wilt, Keith McPhail, Joe Colaw, Lori Just Contributing Photographers Bartlesville Area History Museum, Kathy Peaster, Heather Shoesmith, Christy McPhail, Becky Burch Amanda Stratford Photography, Tyler Family, Mike Dutcher, Dona Dutcher Kids Calendar

Jessica Smith

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

ABOUT THE COVER Remembering Don Tyler and the Portland Cement Company. Creative Concept by Keith and Christy McPhail Design by Copper Cup Images

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Animal Barn and Playground

Historic Lodge Home

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Walking Trails Mountain Man Camp Welcome Center & Cafe

Facilities for Weddings, Parties, and Corporate Events

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MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

PROFILE

Dan Keleher Jr. Legacy by Design by Sarah Leslie Gagan Bartlesville is a community rich with artistic influence. Architectural beauty rests on every street and every corner from greats like Frank Lloyd Wright to Bruce Goff. Equally as outstanding are the everyday buildings of our lives, many skillfully designed by our own local architectural gem, Dan Keleher Jr., owner of Keleher Architects. Born in Texas, Dan moved to Bartlesville in 1975 when his father, Dan Sr., bought a local billboard company, naming it Keleher Outdoor Advertising. The venture became a thriving, family-ran business that would serve our community and surrounding areas for 45 years. The oldest of six children, Dan was the only son. He attended Sooner High School in Bartlesville, graduating in 1980. He was active in golf and basketball during high school. He fondly recalls the rivalry during the Sooner High/College High years and reveals that he was responsible for the annual ritual of building and burning the College High Wildcat replica during his senior year. Dan also has a unique claim to fame from his junior year, he made the tie-breaking shot in a basketball game with their cross-town rival when the game had gone into seven overtimes! After graduation, Dan attended the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture. What drew him to Notre Dame was the two semesters spent in Rome, Italy, studying their wide variety of builds. After receiving his degree, Dan worked with architects in Kansas City and Baltimore before returning home in 1991 to continue his architectural career and help operate the family billboard business. After several successful years of partnering with other architects in the area, Dan began his own firm in 1995, Keleher Architects. Dan has provided design solutions on every scale and for every use. He utilizes his decades of “blood, sweat, and blueprints” to produce innovative designs for his clients. Many of the buildings around our community were designed by Dan — the Jane Phillips Imaging Center, Employability, Tate Boys Tires, Painted Horse Bar and Grill, K8

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PROFILE Life, Agape Mission, and Mutual Girls Club, to name a few. His team also does quite a bit of work for the Bartlesville Public School System and is currently working on the $6 million agricultural center addition to the Bartlesville High School campus. Dan met his wife, Janie, while living in Kansas City, and they married in 1988. They have three children, Abbie, Nick, and Katie, and two grandchildren, Olivia and Luke. Dan considers raising his children to be one of his greatest accomplishments and is so proud of the successful adults they’ve become. The Kelehers consider Bartlesville a great home with kind and caring people, and a wonderful place to raise their family. Dan enjoyed coaching youth sports while his kids were growing up, and being involved in their lives. Dan is active in community organizations and has been on various boards, including Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, and Agape Mission, and both he and Janie are active with their church. Together Dan and Janie ran the family billboard business for many years in addition to Dan’s

architecture firm. The billboard business was very rewarding and had many longterm employees, and even had four fatherson teams. It was a difficult decision, but Dan and Janie sold the family billboard business in 2021 after continuing to operate it for several years after his father’s death. It takes many hands to create a community, and many fingerprints. Through his design expertise and creativity, Dan continues to leave his fingerprints on our community in a lasting way. His legacy fills our everyday lives through the facilities that we use every day, filling our lives with both beauty and functionality. Thank you, Dan, for the care and concern you continue to show our community as you design our present and dream of our future.

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Now Booking Weddings & Events Visit the 26-room home of oil pioneer, Frank Phillips, in historic downtown Bartlesville. Call today to reserve your event date or schedule a tour.

Time to Sing Sunday, April 3, 2022 • 2 pm Bartlesville Community Center Guest Conductor: Dr. Brent Ballweg

Bartlesville Choral Society 1809 SE Washington Blvd, OK 74006 | 918.335.3383

Tickets at: 9183372787 or bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com

MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | MARCH 2022

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SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE STORY

Tyler Family Heritage A Legacy Set in Concrete by Sarah Leslie Gagan

Oklahoma was born on the blood of pioneers; brave men and women who saw possibilities among the prairie grass and buffalo wallows. They dared to dream of the lives we live today, of creating a future that would prosper for generations to come. Many families invested in the land we call home. One such family that left a lasting legacy for us to benefit from was the Tyler family, whose ingenuity and generosity still hangs in the air, influencing the Washington County community.

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The Tyler Family Heritage The story that ended up in Oklahoma first began in Massachusetts, where Moody Tyler was a papermaker by trade. Moody was superintendent of a large paper mill in Dalton, Massachusetts for many years, which manufactured paper for U.S. currency. Moody and his wife, Betsey, had 11 children, the tenth-born being Daniel Waldo Tyler, arriving in 1836.

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE STORY

"Start in at the bottom while you are young. Start with ditch digging. Know each department thoroughly. You'll find that to let your men know that you can do their job as well as they is an invaluable asset. They will always respect your judgment." — Don Tyler

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SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE STORY

Don Tyler’s grandchildren, Dona Dutcher and Ty Beesley, on the train with their father, Scott Beesley, looking on.

After receiving his general education in Dalton, Daniel Waldo Tyler was apprenticed into the machinist’s trade. He was employed as a machinist from 1856 until 1864, when he was offered a farming opportunity in Minnesota. Daniel and his wife, Harriett, moved to Olmstead County, Minnesota, living there until 1867, when he began his career as a railway mechanic. The couple had four children: Herbert Ferre, Frederick Waldo, Frank Edmund, and the only daughter, Wilma Jessie May.

Daniel continued to work in the railway industry until 1871, when he moved his family to Dubuque, Iowa, to become superintendent of a manufacturing plant producing mill machinery. He left this position in 1886, relocating his family to Marion, South Dakota, where he built a flour mill. During this time, Daniel, highly respected in the community, was elected a member of the historic first legislature in the newly-established state of South Dakota. The eldest son, Herbert, married Mary Marsh in South Dakota and their only child, Donald Marsh Tyler, was born November 5th, 1888. This baby, Don Tyler, would one day grow to influence many lives and circumstances for the better in Northeastern Oklahoma. When asked if he had any memories of his early South Dakota years, Don Tyler once said he had no recollection of his first four years of life in Marion other than his mother holding him up to the window one night to see a big fire in the distance. The fire tragically happened to be the family flour mill burning. The fire was the reason the entire Tyler family moved to Junction City, Kansas in 1893, where Daniel built Aurora Flouring Mills, establishing an extensive and successful business that endured for many years. Daniel Tyler and his father, Moody, both were highly esteemed in their communities, known for their honesty and integrity in their business success

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SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE STORY

Don Tyler at his work desk with a portrait of his father beside him.

and commercial affairs. They set the pace for the Tyler pioneering spirit that would only grow in the years to come.

“Build Well, and Permanently” In 1904, Daniel Tyler heard a cement company was struggling to organize in Neodosha, Kansas, and saw it as a financial opportunity for his family. His sons, Frank Edmund and Herbert Ferre, wrote to the plant and in return received a call from the president. Frank Edmund began his experience with cement by joining the management of the American Portland Cement Company of Neodosha, Kansas, serving as treasurer and general manager. The plant started producing cement in 1904, but was sold in 1906 to the United Kansas Portland Cement Company, who eventually shut down and dismantled the plant. Having realized the budding potential of the cement industry, Herbert F. Tyler and his son, Don, made a trip in 1905 from their home in Junction City, Kansas, to Indian Territory. The

goal was to find a site for a new cement plant. They drove to Coffeyville and then rode the train into Dewey, as there were no roads in the area suitable for automobile travel. The production of cement would require natural gas, as well as large deposits of shale and limestone. East of Dewey, the Tylers found both. In 1906, Dewey Portland Cement Company was incorporated with one million dollars in capital. Land for the Dewey plant and rock quarry was purchased. From a geological standpoint, the quarry was the only formation of its kind in the world. The Dewey Portland Cement Company began operations a year later, with Frank E. Tyler as president, Herbert F. Tyler as general manager, and Don Tyler as vice president. The plant became the first cement producer in the newly-formed state of Oklahoma, as well as the first ever in the world to use concrete silos for the storage of cement. The name “Portland” is derived from a type of limestone discovered in the Isle of Portland, England, that was used to manufacture cement. At the peak of its production, the Dewey Portland Cement Company MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE STORY

produced approximately 1.2 million barrels of cement annually and employed more than 300 men. The business had become a success and the Tyler family knew it was time to expand. In 1927, Herbert Tyler moved to Davenport, Iowa to open a second plant, and Don Tyler became plant manager of the Dewey operation. Don would manage the plant until his retirement in 1953. He also enjoyed a successful banking career during this time, holding high offices in the Union National Bank in Bartlesville and the First National Bank in Dewey. The high quality and versatility of Dewey Cement placed the product in demand. It was utilized for a wide variety of structures, from roads to homes to high profile businesses. It was shipped near and far, including as far away as Belgium, England, and Germany.

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In 1925 Sears-Roebuck issued a work order for 75,000 barrels of cement for the construction of a “mammoth building” in Kansas City. And in 1931 Dewey Portland held state contracts to supply cement to build roads in four Oklahoma counties. During WWII, declining work orders created the threat of layoffs, prompting 273 employees to petition the Bartlesville School Board for the new Senior High School and Junior College to be built of white-painted reinforced Portland Cement and won the contract. In the 1950s, the company decided to build a third plant. Around 1500 acres of land with thick limestone deposits was purchased east of Tulsa in 1958, with construction of the new plant starting in 1959. The American-Marietta Company (later MartinMarietta) bought the Dewey Portland Cement Company in the 1960s and competed construction of the Tulsa plant. Soon after, the Dewey plant's production declined, and it went through cycles of closing and reopening until finally closing after more than 60 years of operation.

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE STORY

Oilfield Pipe and Supply Company acquired the Dewey Portland site in 1983 and cleared the site in 2004 for steel inventory.

“The Laboring Man is Your Best Friend if you Treat Him Right” Don Tyler cared deeply about his employees and their families and worked tirelessly to improve their quality of life. He generously offered a “company house” to newlywed employees for a year as a wedding gift and then helped finance a home purchase, paying half the cost of the home for the couple. He also presented Christmas bonuses, personal gifts, and held employee parties at his ranch home. During WWII, Don created a 20-acre Victory Garden to help feed the plant employees and their families. All who worked the garden were paid in vegetables.

admiration came from long term Tyler family employee, Phines Leo Hatter, who named his son, Preston Tyler Hatter, and Preston named his son Preston Tyler Hatter, Jr. Don Tyler remained fairly private in his philanthropic acts, and it will never be fully known all the untold ways he supported his employees and community.

“Do Not Hoard Your Money, but Let Others Use it so that They Too May Succeed Financially as You Have.” Don Tyler invested his wealth not only in people, but also in the Dewey community. In 1959, Don built and donated the Herbert F. Tyler Library to the city of Dewey, in honor of his father, who helped start the library years earlier. He also donated land for a city park, which was named after him. Don Tyler Park is located on the north side of Durham Road, just

In 1953, a charitable trust was organized to make substantial gifts to hospitals in Bartlesville and Davenport, Iowa to ensure the availability of emergency services to factory employees, as well as the general public. In 1963, the Don Tyler Dental Clinic was established in Bartlesville to provide free dental care for underprivileged children of the area, 18 years old and younger, whose parents could not otherwise afford services. The respect was mutual, as Don received many letters and notes of gratitude from employees and community members for his acts of kindness. Perhaps one of the greatest acts of MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE STORY West of Hwy 75. And in 1962, He donated the land and building for the Washington County Agricultural Center located north of the Washington County Fairgrounds.

The only cement containers of their kind in the world at the time.

In addition to operating the cement plant, Don was an oilman and cattle rancher. He was dedicated to supporting the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H Club youth in the area, and often sold his own registered Angus calves to students below market value, to raise and show, then bought back the prize-winning animals at a premium. In 1961, Don donated a herd of 182 registered Angus cattle, valued at over $35,000, to Oklahoma State University. Proceeds from the sale of the cattle were used to establish an endowment to be used to support the annual D.M. Tyler Distinguished Professorship Award, to encourage academic excellence in the Department of Agriculture’s leadership.

Family Life Don met and married Ima Irwin in Bartlesville and they had two children: Helen Louise and John Waldo. The Tylers made their home on Cherokee Avenue in Bartlesville for many years, as they raised their children and grew old together. They were blessed with seven grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Their legacy continues to grow.

“A Person Cannot Have Too Many Friends in this World” Everyone was a friend to Don Tyler. He never saw himself as too advantaged to befriend another person. It has been said of Don that probably the most humanitarian thing about him was that anyone in the community, regardless of age, color, or creed, felt free to come into his office to see him about the most minute detail of business, knowing that he would be received with sympathy and understanding. If at all possible, he would receive help for his problem. In 1959, out of an abundance of respect and admiration for all his kindness to them, The Delaware Tribe of Indians adopted Don into the tribe, making him an honorary member. They gave him

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the name “Walking Rock” for his solid and faithful service to the people of the community. Also in 1959, Dewey residents honored the Tyler family in September with a city-wide program and picnic they called “Tyler Day.” The celebration included a parade, music, and square dancing, among other festivities. The town organized the celebration to show appreciation to the Tyler family for the library donation and all the countless good deeds they performed. In December of 1960, the Dewey City Council passed an ordinance to change the name of 8th Street to Don Tyler Avenue, to show their great appreciation and recognition for all he had done for the community.

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE STORY Don Tyler had long-standing relationships with other historic names from our area, such as attorney John Kane and oilman Frank Phillips. Tyler recalled in writing an event that occurred while with Frank Phillips one day. He recounts the story in his own words: “Newspaper items under Bartlesville headline dated November 1, 1963 tell of the death of Henry Wells, 82-year-old confessed bank robber, and brought to mind an incident which I experienced as follows: Sometime in the early 1930s, Mrs. Tyler and I were the guests of Jane and Frank Phillips at Woolaroc Lodge for dinner and after visiting some time on the porch we both decided to leave for home. To my surprise, Frank asked if he could ride in with us, although he had a limousine standing by with a driver. Frank never drove a car himself. I thought it unusual at the time that he should ask to ride in with us under the circumstances. Subsequently as we descended in the middle of 39 hill on the way home we noticed a broken down truck was wedged across the road. When the lights flashed on this truck Frank immediately became very much excited and insisted that I drive onto the shoulder and get around the truck the best we could, although we almost turned over. I didn't ask Frank to explain his action but elicited from his brother, L.E., the next day that Frank had had a number of threatening kidnapping letters, which were similar to the famous Urschell kidnapping in Oklahoma City. Referring to Henry Wells again, he claimed that he prevented Charles (Pretty Boy) Floyd from kidnapping Frank Phillips in the 1930s, which ties into the above incident. Outlaws considered Frank a "sitting duck" while at the Woolaroc Ranch, considering the isolation of the ranch and Frank's immense wealth.”

The attached newspaper article elaborated further, “Wells, a 6-foot, 200-pound man, took credit for preventing Charles (Pretty Boy) Floyd from kidnapping Frank Phillips, Bartlesville oilman, in the 1930s. He said he tipped off Phillips' employees at Woolaroc Ranch that the kidnapping was planned. 'It was the only time I ever ratted on any of the boys,' he said. 'But I told Pretty Boy I'd rather somebody would have kidnapped my daddy than Frank Phillips.'" Perhaps Don Tyler unknowingly played a role in preventing the kidnapping of Frank that day, as well.

Everlasting Legacy Time has left us with an everlasting legacy bestowed upon us by Don Tyler and his family that is as strong and durable as the cement they produced. Few exist in the world today with the compassionate generosity of Don Tyler, investing fully and completely in those around him. Perhaps it’s not too late for us to learn from his example and follow his wise advice. Help others succeed, don’t brag, live moderately, keep your kindnesses private, and above all, invest your efforts into your community and its residents. May we all catch the spirit of the Tyler legacy.

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SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE STORY

Don Tyler Quotes “Bragging of one's business accomplishments and worth is poor judgment in any company.” “Try hard to never lose your temper. Instead of popping off at the time of your aggravation, count ten and wait and sleep over it that night; you will find the next morning that the matter looks entirely different.” “Never make a pompous or extravagant display of yourself. Remember, there are millions of people in this world less fortunate than yourself. When you advertise your more fortunate advantages, you may build up an insurmountable barrier between you and others. Dress moderately, live in moderation, have moderate conveyances; or in other words, be one of the rank and file of people.” “Loose talk can cause a lot of trouble. The following words have always appealed to me: ‘Listen attentively, talk convincingly, and know when to quit talking.’" “Never lie in your conduct of business. Always be frank and above board and you will find it pays best in the end. If you don't know the answer, say so but don't stall.” “Treat the people under you as you would like to be treated if you were in their position. It is necessary to be firm at times, but you can always do it in a kindly manner. The laboring man is your best friend if you treat him right.”

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SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE STORY “If you are fortunate enough to be financially successful in your life's work, I recommend to you that you lend your money out, at moderate interest and secured, to individuals whom you know to be of good moral character and have ability in their line of work. My thought is, therefore, do not hoard your money, but let others use it so that they too may succeed financially as you have.” — Don Tyler

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FEATURE SPONSOR STORY

Nancy Cooper Russell A Driving Force by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum Abandoned as a child, Nancy Cooper experienced poverty and fought for survival. She found housekeeping employment at the Roberts home in Cascade, Montana where she first met Charles Marion Russell. His cowboy reputation preceded his arrival when he accepted the Roberts’ dinner invitation; however, Nancy was not prepared to be mesmerized by his deep blue-gray eyes. He was fourteen years her senior when they married in 1896 and he humorously told friends he was “bushwhacked by cupid.” Russell was a Montana cowpuncher and canvas storyteller…his paintings were the sum of the poetry in his heart for the sunsets in his photographic memory. From their humble married beginnings, Nancy became the firm business and financial manager of Charley’s God-given artistic talent. She was his boldest cheerleader and Charley worked even harder to not disappoint her.

friend of Joseph Bartles, founder of the Dewey Roundup, and Bartles incorporated De Yong’s artwork onto the Roundup’s posters and souvenir programs. His art also graced many magazines, including the Western Horseman.

Nancy Cooper Russell saw value in her husband’s work and she was just stubborn enough to dig her heals in and turn his art De Yong was enthralled with the work of Montana’s Charley into more than pocket change. Charley was comfortable applying Russell and he set out to his skills to clay or canvas “I think Charlie would have been famous in any case — he set the meet the Master in 1914. and giving or selling for a standard by which all other Western artists are judged.” Their relationship grew as pittance to just get by. Food — Bill Woodard Russell mentored De Yong, on the table and the bare who was Charley’s only true necessities were sufficient protégé. The two shared conversation in sign language and, for this Montana cowboy who was just sharing his mountain although not blood relatives, De Yong idolized Charley as his country experiences and was surprised others thought this work artistic father. was good enough to post on walls, cigar boxes or calendars. Then there was the likes of an Oklahoma kid named Joe De Yong. De Yong was a Dewey sketch artist who contracted spinal meningitis as a teenager leaving him deaf. His father was a close

Charles and Nancy Russell with actor Douglas Fairbanks. 24

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Nancy’s lofty goals were to sell Charley’s art to the rich and famous bringing financial success and international fame. A goal she set into action as the couple crossed the pond to Europe and traveled throughout North America. They finally settled in California where Nancy peddled Charley’s art to Hollywood stars and rich oil men. Goal accomplished! It was through the determination of Nancy Cooper Russell that Charley Russell made an artful living and mentored Joe De Yong, allowing both men to become notable Western artists. Even after the death of her beloved Charley in 1926, she was determined to preserve his legacy and insure future collectors recognized the value of his art. She was the driving force in several books detailing Charley’s life and work. In addition, Nancy and Joe De Yong continued to hold a close relationship until her death in 1940.

AT TRI COUNTY TECH

Early Bird Special Join us this summer for our annual STEAM Summer Camp at Tri County Tech! STEAM Summer Camp is a fun-ﬁlled, week-long day camp oﬀering one to two themes every day for kids currently enrolled in 3-9 grade. Participants will choose their camp program, featuring fun & exciting themes in a safe, small-group instruction environment. STEAM Summer Camp is from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm with lunch, morning & afternoon snacks, and a free t-shirt.

GRADES 3-4

GRADES 5-6

GRADES 7-9

June 13 - June 17, 2022 8:30am – 3:30pm

June 20 - June 24, 2022 8:30am – 3:30pm

June 6 - June 10, 2022 8:30am – 3:30pm

Register online by April 10 to get our $50 off Early Bird Special. Visit TriCountyTech.edu/SummerCamp to register. T R I C O U N T Y T E C H . E D U | 61 01 N O W ATA R O A D , B A R T L E S V I L L E , O K | 91 8 . 3 31. 3 3 3 3 There will be no discrimination in the technology center because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender expression or identity, national origin, religion, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, age, or genetic information in its programs, services, activities and employment. The following individual is designated to handle inquiries regarding the technology center’s non-discrimination policies, including Title IX: Tara Stevens, Director of HR & Compliance Officer | 6101 Nowata Road, Bartlesville, OK 74006 | 918-331-3248 | Tara.Stevens@TriCountyTech.edu. According to the State of Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act, registered sex offenders must self-disclose their status before admissions. View our privacy policy: TriCountyTech.edu/Privacy-Policy. View our full non-discrimination policy: Bit.ly/NonDiscrimination-Policy. Title IX Training provided by: OSSBA Workshop Resources: Bit.ly/TitleIX-Policy.

5 Best Friends + The Greatest Hits of All Time = 1 Unforgettable Night

Call The Center at 918-337-2787 to reserve up to four complimentary tickets! Sunday, March 27 • 5:30 pm TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

918-337-2787 bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com

2021-2022

Monday, May 9 • 7:30 pm • bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com 26

bmonthly | MARCH 2022

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Shows that Pop! BCC Celebrating 40 Years With Exciting Performances The center of arts, events, and community in Bartlesville turns 40 years old this year. In celebration of its RUBY Anniversary, a free show is offered to the public as part of the RUBY Campaign. Help the Bartlesville Community Center celebrate with a complimentary concert, Forever Young, and reception on Sunday, March 27 at 5:30 p.m. Forever Young follows one unforgettable group of friends as they discover the greatest hits of all time! Set in a music-filled suburban basement, this unbelievable heartfelt true story is guaranteed to take you back to the first time you pushed play, tuned in, or set the needle down. Featuring songs by Billy Joel, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Huey Lewis & The News, Styx, Queen, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Brooks & Dunn, The Black Crows, Bon Jovi, and many more, this multi-award-winning production is jam-packed with powerhouse vocals, dynamite choreography, and one sensational true story that is guaranteed to make you feel ... Forever Young. Call the BCC box office at 918-3372787, to reserve up to four complimentary tickets to Forever Young, or visit the

stops in Bartlesville on Monday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Bartlesville Community Center box office in person from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. More information about the show can be found at bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com. Special thanks goes to the Bartlesville Community Center Trust Authority for its vision and planning to make the Center’s RUBY Anniversary year a year to Rebrand, Update, and Build-up Your Center. Tickets for the national tour of Waitress are currently on sale at the Bartlesville Community Center box office. The show, which is part of the current Broadway in Bartlesville! series,

The performance will introduce you to Jenna, an expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed By My Eggs Pie.” When a baking contest in a nearby county — and a satisfying encounter with someone new — show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness. Tickets for Waitress are available by phone at 918-337-2787 and in person at the Bartlesville Community Center box office from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For 24/7 ticket sales, you can visit bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com. Special thanks go to The National Endowment for the Arts, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and the following local sponsors who have made the Broadway in Bartlesville! 2021-2022 series possible: Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Adams • American Heritage Bank • Arvest Wealth Management • Bartlesville Convention and Visitors Bureau • ConocoPhillips • Copper Cup Images • Mr. and Mrs. Paul Crawford • Diversified Systems Resources • Examiner-Enterprise • Green Country Village • Keleher Outdoor Advertising • KGGF-AM KGGF-FM KUSN KQQR • KRIG KYFM KWON KPGM • Nowata Road Liquor • Phillips 66 • Price Tower Arts Center • Robinett/King • Dr. and Mrs. Richard Rutledge • Dr. and Mrs. William D. Smith • Sparklight • Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory • Truity Credit Union • United Linen MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

MARCH CALENDAR SPONSORED BY 1

Bruin Varsity Slowpitch Softball vs Barnsdall

Bruin Soccer vs Sand Spring

5&6:30PM; Bruin Softball Field

6PM; Custer Stadium (G) 8PM; Custer Stadium (B)

Bruin JV Baseball vs Ponca City 5PM; Doenges Stadium

OKWU Softball vs Park 1&3PM; OKWU Softball Field

Bruin JV Baseball vs Sapulpa 5PM; Doenges Stadium

OKWU Baseball vs Ottawa 4PM; OKWU Baseball Field 5:00pm

Bruin Baseball vs NOAH 5PM; Doenges Stadium

OKWU Baseball vs Ottawa 12&3PM; OKWU Baseball Field

7 8

Bruin Baseball vs Friends 4PM; Doenges Stadium

Bruin Soccer vs Union 3:30PM; Custer Stadium (JV/G) 4:30PM; Custer Stadium (JV/B) 6PM; Custer Stadium (V/G) 8PM; Custer Stadium (V/B)

5PM; Doenges Stadium

Spring Break

OKWU Baseball vs Southwestern

No School March 14-18

6PM; OKWU Baseball Fields

OKWU Baseball vs Bethany 2PM; OKWU Baseball Field

OKWU Baseball vs Bethany 12&4PM; OKWU Baseball Field

6PM; Doenges Stadium

2&3PM; OKWU Softball Field

OWKU Softball vs Bethel

Bruin Tennis Invitational

OKWU Softball vs Mid American Christian 1&2PM; OKWU Softball Field 4:00pm

No School; Parent Teacher Conferences Bruin Baseball vs Skiatook

Bruin Varsity Baseball vs Union Bruin Varsity Baseball vs Union

Bruin Track and Field Invitational All Day; Custer Stadium

OKWU Softball vs Sterling 2&4PM; OKWU Softball Field

Bruin JV Baseball vs Muskogee 5PM; Custer Stadium

OKWU Softball vs Tabor 2&4PM; OKWU Softball Field

Bruin Slowpitch Softball vs Bixby

9AM; Tennis Courts

5:&6:30PM; Bruin Softball Field

5PM; Doenges Stadium

Bruin Baseball vs Tahlequah

Bruin Varsity Baseball vs Muskogee

Bruin JV Soccer vs Sand Springs

6PM; Doenges Stadium

4PM; Custer Stadium

Bruin Slowpitch Softball vs Tahlequah 4&5:30PM; Bruin Softball Field

bmonthly | MARCH 2022

6PM; Doentes Stadium

LET YOUR BUSINESS A PART OF THE

MOST READ

MAGAZINE IN BARTLESVILLE. Call Christy or Keith McPhail today for advertising opportunities.

918-214-4968 keith@bartlesvillemonthly.com

MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

MARCH MADNESS MOBILE MONDAYS FREE reward when you place a DRIVE-THRU Mobile Order through our Chick-fil-A App. March 1st-March 31st Must place a Drive-Thru Order via Chick-fil-A App. Valid only at Chick-fil-A Bartlesville. Reward may take up to 48-72 hours to appear in Chick-fil-A App.

bmonthly | MARCH 2022

MARCH 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!

Tue, Mar 1 10:30 AM

Zumba w/Bee Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. Zumba w/ Bee is held every Tuesday at 10:30 am in Meeting Room A at the Bartlesville Public Library. This class is free and open to the public. Zumba is a fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves.

5:30 PM

6 PM

Yoga w/Glenda

Candle Making Class - Containers

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave.

The Crafty Candle Shoppe Wax Factory 203 S Osage Ave.

This class is free and open to the public. Please bring your own water bottle and yoga mat. For your safety, be sure to put 6 feet between you and other participants.

ELL Conversation Class

The book club meets in the Literary Services Office on the 2nd floor of the library on the first Tuesday of every month.

12 PM

In the Kitchen w/ Susan

5 PM Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. These classes are held every Tuesday at 5 p.m. and every Thursday at 10 a.m. These classes are FREE and open to the public. Please contact the Bartlesville Literacy Services office at 918-338-4179 for more information.

7 PM

Euphorigen Investigation Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. Last year, six libraries were selected to pilot The Euphorigen Investigation, an online escape room. This immerses players in a world of manipulated media, social media bots, deepfakes, and other forms of deception. Can you escape?! BPL is also offering the challenge on March 9 at 11 a.m. and March 16 at 10 a.m.

Wed, Mar 2

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave.

ELL Conversation Class

Casa Hispana 822 S Johnstone Ave.

6 PM

Johnstone Irregulars Free Book Club Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave.

This free program consists of eight healthy cooking classes. Susan is a local restauranteur with many years of cooking experience. Susan loves to share with us how she has made healthy cooking easy in her own home and brings her best ideas and practices to make us all better chefs.

6:45 PM

7:30 AM TIMES VARY

Free Citizenship Class Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. Citizenship classes are held on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., and Thursdays at 11 a.m. on the second floor of the Bartlesville Public Library in the Literacy Services office. Classes are free and open to the public. Please contact the Bartlesville Literacy Services office at 918338-4179 for more information.

These classes are held every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. These classes are FREE and open to the public. Please contact the Bartlesville Literacy Services office at 918338-4179 for more information. 7 PM

Xtreme Hip Hop w/ Tarah Tower Center at Unity Square 300 SE Adams Blvd. Class is held outside on the stage every Wednesday at 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public. This class is a step up from the traditional cardio step class. Please bring a full-size 43” wide step.

Thu, Mar 3

Faith in Business Series

10 AM

Crossing 2nd 215 E 2nd St.

Journey Through Health Series

12 PM

Lenten Musical Moments First Presbyterian Church 505 S Dewey Ave.

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. This series is FREE and open to the public. It is presented by Stacey Dawson, with the OSU Extension Office. 5:15 PM

Presbyterian Women will provide brown bag lunches for $5. Dates for the musical moments are March 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.

Best You Workout Challenge w/ Ashley

1 PM

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave.

Tai Chi w/ Bee Tower Center at Unity Square 300 SE Adams Blvd. Class is held on Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

This class will be held each Thursday of the month in Meeting Room A. Please bring a mat and water bottle and join us as we work out and discuss strategies for success!

MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

EVENTS CALENDAR Sat, Mar 5

6 PM

8 PM

Beginners Line Dancing

History and Haunts at the Dewey Hotel Museum

Richard Kane YMCA 101 N Osage Ave. Learn line dancing skills and an eclectic mix of line dances. The class is part of a 6class series and will also be held on March 10 & 17, from 6-7 p.m. 6 PM

Zumba w/Tarah Tower Center at Unity Square 300 SE Adams Blvd. This class is free and open to the public. Zumba is a fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. It incorporates interval training to help improve cardiovascular fitness. Please bring your own water bottle. For your safety, be sure to put 6 feet between you and other participants.

Fri, Mar 4

The artisan market is an indoor market with fresh baked goods, coffee, home decor, clothing, soaps, live succulents, Unique homemade products, local art and more! Shop locally! The market is open from 12-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Spend an evening at the Dewey Hotel. They will go over some of the hotel’s unique histories and take a lantern guided small group tour. You will go into some of the rooms, usually blocked off access to guests. Each journey will be unique, as you can never predict what our fellow specters will do during the tour, or what you might hear or see. Tours are held every Saturday.

In this two-day workshop, students will complete two colored pencil artworks. Working on a black Stonehenge paper with a minimum of colors, students will create a ballerina. Students will also learn how to use colored pencils to create a southwest still life.

Bartlesville Art Association 500 S Dewey Ave.

10 AM

ShamRock the ‘Ville

6 PM

Tower Center at Unity Square 300 SE Adams Blvd.

Pound w/Tarah

Guns of Glory 427 S Osage Ave., Dewey

9 AM

An annual 5K race & fun run benefitting Catholic Charities Mary Marth Outreach, a non-profit organization that provides necessary items to those in need.

Seal Throwing Club LLC 28035 N 4000 Rd., Ramona

Washington Park Mall 2350 SE Washington Blvd., Ste. 218

Learning What Colored Pencils Can Do BAA Class

Personal Protection in the Home – Instructor Course

9 AM

12 PM

9 AM

Dewey Hotel Museum 801 N Delaware St., Dewey

Mon, Mar 7

Throwing Clinic

Bartlesville Artisan Market

Sat, Mar 12

Athletes, coaches and observing parents will have an exciting opportunity to learn proven throwing techniques that will help you excel this season. This clinic is open to all competing age groups. Clinics are open to any and all entrants (limited only by number, age, grade level and or gender). This Throwing clinic is a one day event and will be held at The new Throw Town Ramona facility in Ramona

Tower Center at Unity Square 300 SE Adams Blvd. Pound uses lightly weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising. It is designed for all fitness levels. This class is free and open to the public. Bring water, mat, and drumsticks (if you have some). A limited number of drumsticks will be available at the class. 5:30 PM

Free Spanish Classes Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. Free Spanish Class every Monday evening at 5:30 p.m. in Meeting Room B on the first floor of the Bartlesville Public Library. This class is free and open to the public. Please contact the Bartlesville Literacy Services office at 918-338-4179 if you have any questions.

Tue, Mar 8

This 15-hour course teaches the knowledge, skills and attitude essential to organizing, promoting and teaching the NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home course. Must be an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor. Prior to the course, candidates complete a pre-course questionnaire and demonstrate their firearm background in pre-course assessment exercises. The course is presented in two parts: basic instructor training and discipline specific instructor training. Students demonstrate organizational and teaching skills via participation in practical exercises during the course, and complete an instructor certification examination. Students will receive the NRA Trainer’s Guide, NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home Instructor Candidate Packet and NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home course student packet.

Sun, Mar 13

5:30 PM 7:30 PM

Fiddler on the Roof

Adult Beginner Stained Glass Workshop – Shamrocks

Bartlesville Community Center 300 SE Adams Blvd.

The Crafty Candle Shoppe Wax Factory 203 S Osage Ave.

Presented by Broadway in Bartlesville!, the show features a wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra that tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family. Featuring the Broadway classics “To Life,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “Tradition,” Fiddler on the Roof will introduce a new generation to this uplifting celebration that raises its cup to joy! To love! To life! Rated: PG.

Learn the steps to make your own custom stained glass piece! You will be taught to score and break glass, use a grinder to fit pieces together, apply and burnish copper foil to the glass (Tiffany method) then solder, patina, clean and polish, all in one class.

6 PM

St. John Catholic School Annual Gala St. John Catholic School 816 S Keeler Ave. Please join us to celebrate the Roaring 20s. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for guests to enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and blackjack, followed by dancing and a chance to try your luck at exciting raffle items. This event is a special time for celebrating and honoring St. John Catholic School students, families, faculty patrons and community members by Empowering Minds and Enriching the Spirit!

7:30 PM

Riders of the Orphan Train Presentation Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. Learn about the history of the orphan trains that brought young children from the east coast to live with unfamiliar families in the Midwest from 1854 to 1929.

7 PM

Newsboys: Stand Together Tour Bartlesville Community Center 300 SE Adams Blvd. Now is the time to Stand Together, united by a night of music! Join us for The Stand Together Tour with Newsboys, Danny Gokey, Mac Powell, and Adam Agee to worship with a shared purpose. Tickets are on sale now through the Bartlesville Community Center website.

“Friendly dealers, great showroom and vehicles, very accommodating. Really appreciate being called by name.” — Matt from Wichita, KS

Hwy 75 in Bartlesville • (918)333-8010 • gopatriotauto.com

bmonthly | MARCH 2022

EVENTS CALENDAR

Wed, Mar 16

Thu, Mar 17

Sat, Mar 19 8 AM

First Annual Native Art Market Delaware Tribe of Indians Complex 5100 Tuxedo Blvd. 7 PM

Bartlesville Civitan Club Paddle Party Fundraiser Bartlesville Elks Lodge 1060 Swan Dr.

Thu, Mar 24 7:30 PM

10 AM

Fri, Mar 18

Animal Barn Opens for the Season

10 AM

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd.

Intro to Pistol plus Oklahoma Handgun License courses

One of the most popular places at Woolaroc is the Animal Barn — originally the Dairy Barn for Woolaroc founder, Frank Phillips. Over the years, the barn has been home to many different animals, including rabbits, chickens, goats, and calves. The Animal Barn is open during normal hours, Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Guns of Glory 427 S Osage Ave., Dewey

10 AM

Mountain Man Camp Opens for the Season Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd. Woolaroc's Mountain Man Camp, led by brothers Wes and Roger Butcher, is a living history event that recreates the life of a fur trader in the 1830's. The camp started out as an unpaid test run some 25 years ago and has since evolved into one of the signature pieces of Woolaroc. The Mountain Man Camp is open during normal hours, Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In a no pressure, easy going fun & friendly environment you can take the required course to get your SDA Permit/Oklahoma Handgun License (open/conceal) PLUS learn the basics to shooting fundamentals, ammunition and cleaning your firearm! This is just the beginning and Sweet Shot Firearms Training and Guns of Glory is honored to take that first step with you! This course meets all training requirements in accordance with Title 21 Section 1290.1 et seg known as the "Oklahoma Self Defense Act." All instructors are required to use the state of Oklahoma approved curriculum. The course is from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and will also be offered at the same time on March 26. 7 PM

Live Music with Josh Wadsworth Dollhouse Road Brewing 301 W Main St., Pawhuska Josh Wadsworth is making a hometown appearance at the brewery on March 18th! Food truck and beer release information coming soon.

Genealogy 101 Presentation Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. Learn the basics of genealogical research.

Sat, Mar 26

2 PM

Upcycled Art Workshop for Teens Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. This workshop is presented by Josh Waddell, of 3 Bulls Upcycling. 7:30 PM

The Orchestra Shines Bartlesville Community Center 300 SE Adams Blvd. Exciting works performed by an exciting orchestra, showing off the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra in its full musical and sonic capability.

Mar 31 9 AM

4 PM

KLIFE Run the Ville 10K

BPS Foundation Educator Hall of Fame Ceremony

New KLIFE Building 1815 Hillcrest Dr. Lace up your sneakers and get to runnin'! When you participate in Run the Ville, you are furthering our mission to impact a youth culture for Christ! 7 PM

Bartlesville Beatdown IV Washington Park Mall 2350 SE Washington Blvd.

Bartlesville Community Center 300 SE Adams Blvd. Join the BPS Foundation as we honor three former educators for their dedication to and passion for their profession. This year, we are inducting Ginny Spencer Drummond, Bill Beierschmitt, and Jeannette Askins. Moving this event from before school to after school, we will offer a creative, delicious, and filling "after school snack" in lieu of breakfast.

MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

SCOTT BILGER BARTLESVILLE SCHOOL BOARD

Endorsed by former BPS Superintendents with 21 years of experience at BPS

“person of integrity” He is a person of integrity, open to innovations and always focused on doing what is best for the students and staff. Dr. Gary W. Quinn

“the leader we need”

“Scott is the type of leader we “He was always very professional in his need in this community both now approach to finding common ground and and in the future.” solutions for the projects that were being Kevin Sitton developed. His tenure on the Bartlesville Board of Education has been an asset for the community of Bartlesville." Bill Beierschmitt “Scott seeks to understand all sides of a situation before making recommendations on how to proceed. He is open minded, levelheaded and rational, which is exactly what you need on the school board.” Nikki Benson

“professional approach”

“level headed and rational”

“You can be guaranteed that he will continue to bring a moderate approach to his servant work on behalf of the community.” Mike Orr

Endorsed by past and current BPS board members with 66 total years of experience. “Having served with Scott for over 8 years, Scott has proven himself as a great leader of our board.” Randy Herren “His experience is irreplaceable, and his dedication to Bartlesville Public Schools and its community is unwavering.” Alison Clark

“irreplaceable”

“proven great leader”

“He was instrumental in obtaining the teacher pay raise for all Oklahoma public school teachers.” Rick Boswell

“...improving the educational experience for all students at BPS.” Doug Divelbiss Vanessa Drummond

"There is not a person I would trust more to lead our district."

“He truly has a passion to ensure the best education for our students and for the future of Bartlesville schools.” Andrea Nightengale “His professionalism is unparalleled and his dedication to our district, its students and faculty is beyond reproach.” Ben Rainey

“Scott has proven his commitment to the overall educational experience of the entire student body and likewise, has worked hard to ensure that Bartlesville Public Schools remains competitive as a top employer...” Sam Springer

Endorsed by former BPS Chief Financial Ofﬁcers representing over 35 years of BPS experience

“Mr. Bilger's advocacy and leadership are essential to the Board and moving public education forward in Bartlesville.” Kinder Shamhart

“Mr. Bilger has always put the interests of those he serves first. He has been a great asset to both our school and the community.“ Tim Green

“Scott’s extensive knowledge of school finance proved to be a valuable asset for me and my staff in dealing with a whole plethora of difficult issues. His continued service on the Board of Education would not only greatly benefit our district but public education as a whole.” David Boggs, CPA

“valuable asset”

LOCAL ELECTIONS

Keeping BPS a Pillar Scott Bilger Looking to Keep Seat on School Board by Delaney Williams Scott Bilger cares about public education and wants to continue to make Bartlesville Public Schools a pillar of our community as a member of the school board. Bilger is a native of Newkirk, Oklahoma and an OSU and OU alumni. Following law school, he accepted a position with Phillips Petroleum Company in 2001 that brought him and his family to Bartlesville. Bilger and his wife, Pam, moved to Bartlesville when their son was very young and quickly got involved in helping at his school. “Not long after we moved and my son began attending BPS, we were part of a parent group that signed up over the summer to paint classrooms,” said Bilger. “I was surprised at the condition of the school. Shortly thereafter, Chris Batchelder and I became responsible for running the 2007 bond issue campaign.” Bilger’s work led to new additions at Ranch Heights, Wayside, and Wilson and renovations at Hoover and Jane Phillips, but his work wasn’t done. In 2010, Bilger joined the BPS School Board. For the past 12 years, Bilger has worked hard to continuously improve Bartlesville Public Schools. He is proud of what the board has accomplished, and has reason to be. “We have transformed much of the BPS system, from Finance to Operation to Transportation to Staffing,” said Bilger. When asked what he is most proud of during his time on the school board, he made it clear why he puts in the work. “The two things highest on my list are the opportunities that we have created for students and the efforts we have put into improving the experience for our teachers. They are who we do all of this for, after all.” Students in BPS are definitely enjoying those opportunities. Students can now take part in STEM, internship, agriculture, and broadcasting programs, none of which were available 10 years ago. Bilger and his wife have been involved at every level of the school system. They have served in PTO organizations, worked the Wayside Carnival, taken part in the “Walk-a-Thon,” Frontier Days, and Central Madness, helped reinstate the Basketball Booster Club, and worked at the Bruin Classic, After Prom, and Project Graduation. “My desire to be involved in Bartlesville Public Schools has been and continues to be based around my belief that an exceptional public school is essential to the future of our community. Every parent wants their child to have a great edu-

cation and they look for places to live and work where that is possible, “ said Bilger. Bilger believes he is the right choice for BPS. He is the proud parent of two Bruin graduates. He has the support of 12 current and former board members, prior Superintendents Gary Quinn and Bill Beierschmidt, and prior Chief Financial officers Tim Green and David Boggs. Bilger encourages you to vote to re-elect him for BPS school board on April 5th. MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

Honey’s Flowers

918-333-8181 Johnstone Sare Building 100 SW Frank Phillips Blvd www.honeyshouseoﬄowers.com

srussell@mcgrawrealtors.com

918-213-5943

bmonthly | MARCH 2022

ON THE OSAGE

We Blossom - In Pawhuska Women Business Owners Thriving In Pawhuska by Kelly Bland The room was filled with chatter, laughter, and lighthearted smiles, mingled in with the smell of freshlybrewed coffee, perfume, and London-style tea at the Dirty Laundry Saloon one morning this week in Pawhuska. I was especially blessed as woman after woman walked through the doors. This was a first — a pioneering move to create something new, something fresh, something definitely female — but nothing like feminism.

a seed-bed for other businesses to spring up and swing open their doors. And it’s been the women, for the most part, who have followed in her footsteps and dared to step out of their comfort zones into the business world — and prosper. But why should this surprise us? Maybe because there’s much to be said about the beauty a woman can bring to a home, a family, or any particular room she might grace with her presence. But there’s little that is said about the ability, creativity, insight, attitude, and intelligence women bring to the board room, business world, or the Main Street storefront — unless you find yourself in Pawhuska, that is.

Ever do that? You know, step out of your comfort zone into the unknown — roll the dice and let what may come straight at ya? Well, that’s what every one of the women who filled the room that day had done — at least once. Before I go on, first let me rewind this story for you and take you back a few months to an afternoon lunch in PTown Pizza with Lori Roll of Phoenix Insurance, who began telling me of several good things going on in Bartlesville. Inspiration is what it was, pure inspiration. I left our lunch excited to put together something new that was going to be birthed within the Pawhuska Chamber and then marketed by Osage County Tourism — an online magazine called Blossom that will feature women business owners, those female visionaries who are transforming the local economy and blowing holes in the glass ceiling. Pawhuska seems to be fertile ground for the female entrepreneur. This sky’s-the-limit climate, you might say, was pioneered by our own Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond — whose blogging and cooking blossomed into a Food Network spot that now has her acting in Christmas movies and more! Once The Mercantile opened in 2016, Osage County has been flooded with visitors coming to put their feet under Ree’s table and explore the county that she calls home — thus creating

Known for Food Network’s Pioneer Woman originally, but now becoming known for pioneering women who are fearless, not fragile; female, but not feminists; friendly, but not frowny — and who are making a noticeable difference in their community as well as in their own bank accounts — that’s Pawhuska, Osage County, Oklahoma. A place where a girl can get away from it all … or have it all! Y’all come see for yourself and stop by and visit the savvy businesswomen in their shops up and down Kihekah Avenue, Main Street, and 6th Street too! Spring may be delayed by another six weeks, but things are beginning to Blossom in the Osage where #TheSmilesAreAlwaysFree! (Want to hear a little more? Tune in to the Osagin’ It podcast and listen to the Way Up North episode as The Tourism Gal visits with shop owners Denise Webster and Ros Jackson, owners of Sunset Ridge Gallery, The Gypsy Cowgirl, and the Pawhuska Marketplace.) VisitTheOsage.com

MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

bmonthly | MARCH 2022

OUT & ABOUT

WOOLAROC VALENTINE’S DINNER

MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

OUT & ABOUT

BHS BRUINS SENIOR NIGHT

bmonthly | MARCH 2022

OUT & ABOUT

BHS BRUINS SWIM TEAM

Chamber gala

WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL BASKETBALL

MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

BUSINESS

The Heart of the Matter A Promise, Faith & a Team by Kara Gage The story of Daniel in the lion’s den teaches us about the promises and faithfulness of God, even if we feel like everything has been lost. The Biblical account of Daniel and his refusal to bow to man and how God used Daniel to save a nation is a powerful story indeed. In Daniel 6 we learn of a man who had tremendous faith and held steadfast to his beliefs no matter what the world through at him. Not only does the owner of Guns Of Glory bare the same name, but also, Daniel Dawson holds true to the same faith. A faith in our almighty God that has seen him through many struggles from serving our country, to losing his beloved mother, to fulfilling a promise and finally opening the doors to his dream, Guns Of Glory. God, Guns & Country, with a prayer-filled life are Daniel and Morgan Dawson, the owners and backbone of the team. Daniel Dawson is the owner of Guns of Glory. He joined the United States Army Infantry active duty at the age of 21. He served proudly and re-upped in Mosul on his first tour. Unfortunately, on his second tour in Baghdad, Daniel fell in a hole blowing out his cartilage between his vertebrae and incurred 24 stress fractures in his L4 and L3. They gave him the option of a desk job or an honorable medical discharge. Daniel decided it was best for him and his son on the way to take the discharge and college money, to pursue an education. He was awarded the following for his service: Army Commendation Medal, Valorous Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Combat Infantry Badge. Daniel went to college and earned his degree in Business as a Human Resources Specialist. He and his wife prayed where God wanted them to be,

and God answered Oklahoma. Daniel’s love for firearms encouraged him to pursue a career in them. His mother supported him and helped him acquire a business loan and build his own range. Sadly, his mother succumbed to complications of Covid-19 in March 2020. “It is my dream to finish the last project that we started together and ensure the success she believed I was capable of achieving,” he said. “To this day I hope, since happy is all God allows us to be in heaven, that He might let her look down on this business and its success so she can be happy at what we started,” Daniel stated. In addition, Daniel has vowed to honor her by offering the best range experience in the area. To ensure that Guns Of Glory is second to none, he hired the most knowledgeable and experienced team he could find, David Romine (Executive Director) and Kara Gage (Executive Marketing & Creative Director and Lead Instructor). Daniel hired these professionals to create the best atmosphere and range experience money can buy, and he didn’t stop there. Since opening in September of 2021, Daniel has continued to add the best in the industry to the GOG team. They not only have an amazing sales team, but in February of this year welcomed Eric Fuson to their team. Eric is GOG’s Range Operations Manager, a well-known competition shooter holding several titles and accolades from all over the nation. Through all the up and downs and the long journey to finally open the doors all of us at Guns Of Glory are truly blessed. The heart of man who held on to a promise mixed with faith, a whole lot of prayer and few laughs, Daniel Dawson faced those “lions.” Getting to the HEART OF THE MATTER at the end of the day all GLORY goes to God, hence the name Guns of Glory.

MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

WHAT’S INSIDE

The 66ers by Mike Wilt

What is considered to be one of the greatest amateur basketball teams of all time started in Bartlesville. From 1920 to 1968, the Phillips 66ers chalked up 1,543 wins against 271 losses, won two Olympic trial championships and 11 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) titles, produced 39 AAU All-Americans and 21 AAU Hall of Famers, and yielded four company presidents. The team became a national and global phenomenon with fans and spectators packing gymnasiums wherever it played. But the team’s history started with just a handful of recreational players.

The Early Years Iowa brothers Frank and L.E. Phillips founded Phillips Petroleum Company in 1917. Still in its infancy in 1920, Phillips was a small supplier of crude oil and a small employer. A few of those employees enjoyed shooting baskets after work at the local YMCA. One of those men was K.S. “Boots” Adams. Enticed by the prospect of earning $125 a month ($1,742 today), the 21-year-old Adams dropped out of the University of Kansas to become a Phillips warehouse clerk. After a year of playing basketball at the YMCA, Adams and six other employees decided to organize a team and schedule games with other company teams. The competition and rivalries became intense. When playing in other towns, the Phillips players were often pelted with pebbles fired from slingshots through the chicken-wire fences around the court. (Hence, the term “cager.”) Occasionally, “Uncle Frank” would take time to watch his young employees play. Blessed with a talent to see beyond what was in front of him, Frank recognized that basketball required teamwork and quick decision-making, which were also two critical elements of business. Company executives O.K. Wing and J.S. Dewar didn’t have to say much to convince Frank to pay for uniforms and occasionally dole out a few bucks for hamburgers. Eventually, the team became fully sponsored by the company. Not only would the players serve as a great marketing tool, but Frank could keep tabs on potential future executives. 44

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Both Wing and Dewar served as coach and trainer for the team through the 1927-28 season. A year later, Louis Wilkie from Phillips University (no relation) in Enid became the first full-time coach, and he brought some players with him to organize a new team. However, The Great Depression forced the company to focus on survival rather than basketball, and no team was fielded until the 1936-37 season.

The Fabulous ‘40s With the escalation of World War II, most of the top 66ers joined the military in 1941-42. However, as WWII continued into 1943, most company employees were exempt from the draft due to Phillips being in a war-related industry. As other AAU teams lost players to the military, the 66ers dominated and captured three straight AAU titles in 1943-44, 1944-45, and 1945-46. The 1945-46 college basketball season featured the game’s first two big men – George Mikan of DePaul University and Bob Kurland of Oklahoma A&M (Oklahoma State University today). Born in St. Louis two days before Christmas in 1924, Robert Albert Kurland would eventually grow to a height of seven feet. Having participated in basketball and track at Jennings (MO) High School, Kurland considered attending the University of Missouri. However, legendary A&M basketball coach Henry Iba invited Kurland to dinner after a game against Saint Louis University. Iba offered him a scholarship. Mizzou could only offer him a job. Many of Kurland’s family members had not finished high school, making him the first to attend college. In 1945 and 1946, Kurland led the Aggies to consecutive NCAA titles and was named Most Outstanding Player both times. Tall with long arms, Kurland could easily jump to grab opponents’ shots above the rim. This led the NCAA to ban defensive goaltending. He’s also credited with being the first player to dunk during a game. After his four years in Stillwater, Kurland arrived in Bartlesville where he became a salesman for Phillips and played for the 66ers.

WHAT’S INSIDE He was a six-time All-American and led the team to three amateur titles. Since he did not play professionally, Kurland was eligible to play in the Olympic Games. He won gold medals in 1948 and 1952. To this day, he considered the best 66er to ever play. However, there were a number of other outstanding players. In fact, the 66ers boasted 15 other All-Americans - several of whom earned the honor multiple years – from 1940-41 to 19491950. In addition to Kurland, Gordon Carpenter, Jesse “Cab” Renick, and R.C. Pitts were three other 66ers who won gold medals at the 1948 Olympics. The U.S. team was coached by 66ers head coach Omar “Bud” Browning. The trainer for that 1948 Olympic team was Louis Wilkie, the 66ers’ first full-time coach.

Dominant for Two Decades In 1947, the National Industrial Basketball League (NIBL) was formed. In addition to Phillips Petroleum Company were teams from Chevrolet, Caterpillar, and Goodyear. When the league ended after the 1959-60 season, the 66ers had racked up 11 NIBL championships. The USA men’s basketball team that captured gold medals in the 1956 Olympics included six 66ers. The Olympic team was coached by Gerald Tucker, the 66ers’ coach at the time. A star player for the U.S. team was 66er Burdette “Burdie” Haldorson, a six-foot, nine-inch forward and prolific scorer. He would earn a second gold medal in the 1960 Olympics. While he was only with the 66ers for three seasons, Bobby Plump is one of the better-known players. Plump first joined the team in 1958, but four years earlier he hit the winning shot for tiny Milan High School to capture the Indiana state championship. The team is said to have been the inspiration behind the 1986 movie Hoosiers with Plump being the inspiration for the Jimmy Chitwood character. The beginning of the end started in 1960 as AAU basketball began to decline. The National Basketball Association (NBA) and television had discovered each other. That meant NBA teams could pay players better. Many roundballers who would have been amateurs in the past decided to become professionals. The descent continued when the NIBL disbanded in 1961. The 66ers were still able to attract some very talented players during the 1960s including Charlie Bowerman (Wabash College), Gary Thompson (Iowa State), and Jerry Shipp (Southeastern Oklahoma State) who was captain of the gold medal-winning Olympic team in 1964. But the emergence of another professional league sealed the fate of amateur hoops. The American Basketball Association (ABA) started in 1967, and it needed players to compete with the better-established NBA. Many amateurs, including seven 66ers, leaped to the ABA. While the company was always very supportive of the players and the team, the inevitable was obvious. Players could earn enough money by playing basketball full-time rather than working in business. The 66ers final season was 1967-68, and they lost their last game.

The Company Presidents Just as Frank Phillips had envisioned, the 66ers produced a number of successful employees and executives. Sadly, Frank lived to see only one of the four 66ers to serve as company president. But that one was his hand-picked successor – Boots Adams.

By his own admission, Adams didn’t “know an oil well from a water well” when he joined Phillips on November 17, 1920. But he knew that he loved basketball and was proud to be one of the original seven 66ers. While Adams left the team in 1928 after becoming a member of the company’s executive team, he continued to have an impact. Paul Endacott grew up in Lawrence, Kansas and personally knew Dr. James Naismith – the founder of and inventor of basketball. Endacott was the first All-American at the University of Kansas and played for legendary coach “Phog” Allen. After graduation, Endacott joined Phillips and played for the 66ers. He was the AAU Player of the Year in 1923. He competed for five seasons before stepping down in 1928. Endacott became a company president before retiring 1967. Elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1972, Endacott passed away in 1997 at age 94. William F. “Bill” Martin earned a business degree in 1938 from the University of Oklahoma where he lettered in basketball and was conference tennis champion in both singles and doubles. He joined Phillips in 1939 and played five seasons with three years interrupted by his service in WWII. An AAU All-American three times, Martin was company chairman/CEO from 1972-82. He passed away in 1996 at 79. C.J. “Pete” Silas was a six-foot, six-inch standout for Georgia Tech University before he went to work for Phillips in 1953. He only played one year for 66ers, but was a member of the U.S. Army basketball team that won the Pan American Games in 1955. Silas was named CEO in May of 1985 and retired in 1994. Silas passed away in 2014 at the age of 82.

The Legacy From the very beginning, the 66ers made Phillips Petroleum Company and Bartlesville known all over the country. And from the very beginning, the 66ers embodied the company’s leadership role in sports and physical fitness. In the early 1920s, the company developed intramural and varsity programs for employees in a variety of sports. By 1982, about two-thirds of the company’s Bartlesville employees participated in regularly organized recreational programs. While the finest amateur basketball team is long gone, it’s impact on Bartlesville and physical fitness continues to this day.

MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

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announcement as a couple on the 3rd ﬂoor, greeting your waiting guests. 8:00 am to midnight under the happy gaze of friends and family. Saturday or Friday night over night in our Bridal suite included, an extra night is $250.00. Sunday: Pick up your own decor and minor cleaning, no big messes left, and you are leisurely out of the space, 8:00 am to noon. Some prefer to do this Saturday evening. Let us know. Total Price: $5,000.00 Additional guest rooms available on-site through your AirBnB App destination Bartlesville, The Jewel Box Hotel Apartments 1-4. Approximately $140.00 per night. Additional party space available for showers, Bridesmaids luncheons, Anniversaries and other celebrations.

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NOW YOU KNOW

Ladies of Vision Group Organized the Young Women’s Christian Association

by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum The “better halves” of Bartlesville’s “movers and shakers” were a group a tenacious forward-thinking ladies who refused to respect the word “defeat.” In the fall of 1921, they gathered to form the Bartlesville Young Women’s Christian Association Club and met with the National Y.W.C.A. from New York to hammer out the details. The first year, the group met in the basement of the Y.M.C.A. at the northwest corner of 5th Street and Johnstone Avenue. During that timeframe, the 400 block of South Johnstone was a “Mayberry” setting, lined with homes and businesses. In 1925, the Y.W.C.A. established their first home in a small cottage-style home at 416 S. Johnstone, referred to as “The Little House,” now the location of the Washington County Courthouse at the northeast corner of 5th and Johnstone. By November, the ladies began a Charm School for the women working at the Kress and Woolworth department stores which evolved into the Younger Business Girls Club. In March 1926, a cooking school was added and a second Charm School was formed in May, which became the Business Girls League. 48

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The Y.W.C.A. quickly out grew The Little House and, in 1927, they made arrangements to move across the street to a much larger two-story home at 411 S. Johnstone, surrounded by the Y.M.C.A to the south and the Griggs Photography Studio and Hotel Maire to the north. This home was once the original residence of Mary Journeycake Armstrong with a gingerbread accented front porch. The Y.W.C.A. was mostly volunteer-operated, women standing for the needs of women and their families. The uplifting organization was fully charged towards the betterment of women’s lives regardless of age, race or faith. In September of 1932, the Douglass School Mother-Daughter meetings took place at the Y.W.C.A. and by 1935 the “Girl Reserves” membership had grown to 549 members. The Y.W. provided counseling, child care, etiquette, educational classes, fitness training, arts and crafts, recreation for women and youth, and medical care; but most importantly, the Y.W. offered a community service that developed leadership skills. During the depression years, the

NOW YOU KNOW Y.W. was the application location for ladies looking for work or housing assistance. Children’s play hours were developed to help working mothers and the Y.W. served the less fortunate community with food, clothing and money as the budget allowed. Although most Y.W.C.A. organizations wrapped visitors in a women’s “home away from home” setting, Bartlesville’s Y.W. was a non-resident organization funded through donations and fund-raising efforts. During some of their leanest years, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Phillips established the Y.W.C.A. Trust with a $10,000 donation. With WWII looming, in February 1941, the National Y.W.C.A. joined the National Catholic Service Community, the Y.M.C.A., Salvation Army, Traveler’s Aid and Jewish Welfare to form the United Service Organizations for National Defense, shortened to become the U.S.O. The Bartlesville Y.W. supported the war effort by organizing local “care package” drives, shipping cheer to our Washington County war heroes. In 1943, Bartlesville’s Y.W. became one the first charter members of the Bartlesville United Community Fund and War Fund Drive, which later became Bartlesville’s United Way. Through the years, community leaders like K.S. “Boots” Adams, Robert Kane and John F. Kane have participated in United Way fundraising campaigns. By 1945, the need for a new building was apparent. The initial capital campaign was executed in April, followed by a second campaign in 1948. The architectural firm of Neville, Sharp and Simon was commissioned to design the building late 1948. The construction cost was estimated at $110,000 and the Y.W.C.A. signed a 99 year lease on the land. Frank Phillips donated $50,000 to the building campaign with other donations completing the fund. Later that year, the wooden building was razed and the ground breaking ceremony took place on January 17, 1949 for the three-story brick building. Additionally, a committee of women worked to coordinate all of the design and decorating elements. One year later, January 15, 1950, a formal grand opening reception welcomed the community to the new facility. The Y.W. constantly evolved to the needs of area families, extending services to include health screenings in partnership with Jane Phillips Hospital’s Mobile Mammogram Unit with free to low cost exams, massages, yoga and Jazzercise, vision screening and Home Alone latchkey services.

YWCA ladies on the porch of their building at 411 S. Johnstone Ave.

Each November the Y-Market was a local pre-Christmas shopping “must” for one of a kind crafty gifts; followed by Cookies N’ Claus in December for the children. Y.W. programs offered something for every age; including the Mutual Girls Club, Mother’s Day Out, Mutual Teen Mothers, Young Actors theater performers, Y-Teens and more. In 2002, after 81 years of community service, the waning membership forced the closure of Bartlesville’s Y.W.C.A. and sent staff members in search of area charities who would continue the most needed services like “low-cost counseling, leadership for girls, mammograms for uninsured women and safety programs for children home alone.” The Family Healthcare Clinic began caring for the mammogram program and incorporated the “Miles for Mammograms 5K” as a fundraiser. The brick building at 411 S. Johnstone, which served as the Y.W.C.A.’s fifty-year home, was listed for sale and the Y.W. moved to small offices in the Y.M.C.A. to complete their business. The building was demolished in 2003 and the property is now the parking lot for the City of Bartlesville. Although the work of Bartlesville’s Y.W.C.A. has faded into the sunset, our local Y.M.C.A. and United Way continue to forward the mission of the tenacious Y.W.C.A founders, improving the “health, education and wellness” of our community.

Did You Know? Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Armstrong came to Bartlesville from Coody's Bluff after the 1895 death of her husband, Charles Henry Armstrong. She became recognized as one of the community's most prominent pioneer women and resided at the then “out in the country” Johnstone Avenue home which later became the Y.W.C.A. Mary’s father was Delaware Chief and Baptist Minister Charles Journeycake and her sister was Mrs. Nannie Bartles, wife of Bartlesville namesake, Jacob Bartles. She was also the mother of Mrs. Lillie Ann Johnstone, first wife of William Johnstone, and Mrs. Carrie Overlees, wife of Frank Overlees; both men were early Bartlesville pioneers. YWCA ladies outside their building at 416 S. Johnstone Ave.

Now You Know* MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | MARCH 2022

LOOKING BACK Zerelda Moomey with founding mothers of Bartlesville.

We Finally Found Her! The Story of Zerelda Moomey by Kay Little, Little History Adventures About three years ago, I was gathering information about local and state women who made a difference in our history. My fellow history rock star friend, Michelle Martin, found a Works Progress Administration interview of a Cerelea Moomey. It is a fascinating interview, but I was really bummed because I could not find anything about her in our local history museum. Then last month, I found out why. Her name was misspelled in the interview. Her name was Zerelda. Debbie Neece, another history rock star friend, was able to find her in our Bartlesville Area History Museum. Zerelda Talley was born November 30, 1842, in Tennessee. Her great grandfather was President William Henry Harrison. Even though she was not Indian, she was named for a Cherokee Indian. She married John Green and they had five children. In 1885, shortly after he died, she took the advice of a family member and moved to Bartlesville, Indian Territory. Zerelda settled on the Goodhue place, at the foot of Circle Mountain, in a one-room log house. Mr. Goodhue gave her cows for milk and butter for her family. Some Indians helped her by furnishing meat and finances. To make money, she made quilts and clothes for others. She was a housekeeper for Mrs. William Johnstone. Several other Bartlesville founding fathers and their wives helped her. When her daughter died, they paid the funeral expenses. Zerelda met Solomon Moomey, a former Union solder, while working for the Johnstones. Mr. Johnstone was her friend and advisor since she moved to Bartlesville. So, in 1888, when Johnstone advised her to marry Solomon, she did. Solomon had one of the first businesses in Johnstone and Keeler’s southern settlement.

The Moomeys built a nice four-room house, bought a farm and a small tract of land north of Dewey. They leased it to an oil company, which brought in good money. They later built a nice two-story house at the corner of 5th & Johnstone on land they bought from the government. It was the family home for many years. Later the YMCA was built there. It is now a Phillips parking lot. In the early days of Bartlesville, 2nd Street was considered Main Street and Solomon built one of the first buildings there, along with a livery stable. On Sunday, July 18, 1897, the Moomeys helped organize the Bartlesville First Christian Church. Sometime after Solomon died, Zerelda moved to Arkansas, but moved back to Bartlesville a few years before her death. A newspaper article from 1930 wrote that Mrs. Jennie Johnson entertained Zerelda Moomey, of Arkansas. “Mrs. Moomey is 89 years old and drove all the way from her home to Dewey without feeling any ill effects.” Zerelda seemed to always be surrounded by friends. In 1934, the Washington County Pioneers who had lived in the Indian Territory since the 1880s, held a reunion at the fairgrounds. Zerelda was the oldest person present, at the age of 92. Zerelda received very little education and could only write her name — so she could sign her pension check every month. In her WPA interview, she gave quite a few details of early Bartlesville, for which I am grateful. Zerelda died November 27, 1937, just days before her 95th birthday. She was dearly loved and greatly missed. MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | MARCH 2022

Two Doctorate Degrees Added

EDUCATION

At it Again! OKWU Adds Another Doctorate Degree Program After breaking new ground last year with the first doctorate degree in Oklahoma Wesleyan University’s 116-year history — their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) — the expert faculty in the Graduate and Professional Studies Program are at it again. This time, they’re excited to launch a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree, the first-ever program of its kind in the state of Oklahoma. When talking with the faculty behind the DBA, one idea kept coming across: students should be able to chart their own educational path, achieving personalized outcomes that position them for success in their field. “The DBA empowers graduates to pursue multiple new career paths, because it’s not limited to just a research degree,” Dr. Kirk Jackson, the director of the program, said. “For those that want to teach at the university level, the dissertation track program equips graduates to be successful in full-time and part-time faculty roles. But for those graduates that want to leverage their degree into executive leadership or corporate consulting roles, it provides the research-informed perspective of practical problem solving for any organization.” This difference in pathways — a professional degree versus a research-only degree — is the core DNA of OKWU’s unique program. “No other university in Oklahoma has this degree — a professional doctorate in business,” Dr. Brett Andrews, OKWU’s Vice President for Graduate and Professional Studies, said.

The Right Education for a Changing Workforce OKWU’s DBA program was designed to address a need for a more diversified business education as students sought to enter an ever-changing workforce. For Jackson, this meant equipping students to deal with the increasingly difficult scenarios they will face in the workforce. “The problems facing businesses today are becoming more complex and multi-faceted,” he said. “This requires an education

that can identify and solve these complex problems. The DBA program helps business leadership do this. By analyzing the depth of research in business and related disciplines, we can find more creative ways to provide solutions for current organizations.” The idea-seed came from Andrews and Dr. Mark Shannon, assistant professor of management and leadership at OKWU. Together, the two identified a need for a professional business doctorate in the state. They were determined to build a program that spoke to a variety of needs. “We noticed this need for expanded access to doctoral-level business education in Oklahoma,” Andrews said. “We designed the program as a team that included not only our business faculty, but also some industry executives. This will ensure that our graduates have the skills necessary to either push forward in their career or take a faculty role at a university very similar to OKWU.” These industry executives will also be involved at the ground level, teaching courses throughout the program. This, for Jackson, was a key part of the process. “Expert faculty will reflect the diversity of perspectives needed to equip our students to be successful in their desired career paths,” he said. “Some will be full-time faculty and others will be executives — encouraging innovative thinking in our students by providing unique perspectives.”

Continue Your Story Oklahoma Wesleyan’s DBA program only takes about 36 months to complete, with students taking one eight-week course at a time — entirely online. Due to the flexibility of the professional degree, students can choose to complete either a work problem or a research-based dissertation, allowing them to shape the curriculum to their own needs. To learn more about this innovative new program, you can visit www.okwu.edu/dba. MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

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FROM THE HEART

A Little Old Lady... Let’s Pray, but Also Help Each Other by Lori Kroh I learned a lesson and wanted to share, because it’s not every day that my children are right. The snow was piled up on the sidewalk and along the side of the roads. I noticed an elderly lady walking somewhat fast along the busy road. She wore a skirt and had on tennis shoes. She was carrying her purse. To avoid being hit, she was walking on the road and then scurrying around the snow drift and then back on the street until another snow drift and then going in the street again. Her long gray hair was tied into a braid and it moved every time she jumped on the curb to avoid being hit. I said out loud, “Look kids—- let’s pray for her! She is walking in this cold.” My kids looked out the window and then started pleading with me ... “Mom! Look at her! It’s freezing outside! Go get her! Mom! Help her! Mom! Do something! She is old!” I thought to myself — just ignore it. Ignore it! You don’t pick up strangers with your children in your car. Keep driving. Don’t look. I do not pick up strangers as a rule. I promised myself a long time ago that I would never put curiosity or caring above my children and their safety. I pulled into a parking lot and watched. I saw her making good time, but she was now really having to go in the busy street often to avoid the snow drifts and it was so very cold outside. I said, “Kids. Let’s just pray for her. Let’s pray that she will be safe.” My stomach had a knot in the bottom of it. Sterling says, “Mom. We can pray but we need to do something. We can’t just look away. We have a car and she doesn’t! Please, Mom. We can help her! Let’s pray but let’s also help her!” I started to get teary eyed! I sat there and prayed. Then, I was like ... I’m doing this. I called Scott and left a message. So, he would know what I was gonna do. I drove up to her and rolled down the window, “Ma’am, do you need a ride?” and then I looked straight in her eyes. She stared at me and looked at me and the kids. I guess we were sizing each other up. She said she was going to pay a bill and then head back home and would I mind taking her to McDonald’s and she would walk from there? (I instantly thought ... oh, she doesn’t have a home. She is making this part up...”) yet, her eyes were clear. It was freezing outside and she had such a sweet smile. I looked at her and said, “Ma’am — before you get in — you need to know something ... the Angels of God’s Armies are with us and we are protected by God...I just want you to know that!” She smiled huge and said, “Oh, yes! Ma’am. They are with me too. Thank you for blessing me today!” and she got in.

I took her to the place she asked and she paid her bill. Then, I drove her to McDonald’s and offered to buy her a meal. She said, “Oh, I’m not a charity. I have a good job as a prep cook. I just don’t have a car now.” She pulled out a debit card and ordered. She told me how she ended up in this area and how she loves God. She thanked me over and over for helping her. She has two lovely grandkids and they are moving here soon. Her job will be to take care of them. Then, I asked to drive her home. I was fully expecting whatever came next. She told me her address and as we pulled up Campbell said, “Oh, your house is sooo pretty”. The lady smiled. She turned around and blessed my children as she told them she appreciated them caring so much for her. She then got out and said, “I will never forget you and your kindness. I may never see you again ... the next time I see you all it will probably be in Heaven.” Then, she waved goodbye as she walked into her home. I learned a valuable lesson. Let’s pray, but let’s also help one another. Good one kids. Good one.

MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

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bmonthly | MARCH 2022

TRIBUTE

Delacey Smith Local Resident Left Behind a Legacy of Caring and Laughter by Maria Gus Bartlesville lost another legendary citizen in February, with the passing of longtime downtown business owner Delacey Smith. Delacey, or “De” as he was affectionately known, and his late wife Lousie, were the owners of Weeze’s Cafe. Long known as one of Bartlesville’s best diners, Weeze’s has been open since 1995 and is still a beloved staple of locals and visitors alike. Smith was born in Bartlesville to Forest and Ruth Ann Smith and graduated from College High School in 1960. He married the love of his life, Louise DeLapp, in April of 1964 and the couple enjoyed 57 years of marriage and happy memories. Rosie Mendoza grew up across the street from Smith’s grandmother, Della Postrach, and said she had known De since they were small children. “We played together all the time on Hickory Street,” said Mendoza. “When my Grandma Roderiguez died, we were six and seven. De said, ‘don’t cry, I will share my grandma with you.’ And that’s exactly what he did. He would do whatever he could for somebody, one way or another,” said Mendoza. Eva Fisher, longtime employee of Weeze’s, echoed the sentiment of the Smith’s being supportive and caring people. “De and Weeze were good people,” said Fisher. “They cared about you, that’s for sure. He really enjoyed the customers.” Fisher said she will miss fighting with De, too. Smith was always fond of teasing those he cared about. De was always having fun, whether it was tending to his property or watching his sons, Bryce and Scott, play baseball growing up, playing in his band De and the Midnighters, or singing karaoke with Johnny Henshall. According to those who knew him best, De was always up for an adventure. Ron Adams recalled some great memories of De as a young musician in Bartlesville. Adams said plenty of memories were made practicing and playing with friends Buzz Johnson and Jerry Savage. Smith’s sister, Judy Stephens, said she loved watching her big brother play the drums and just spending time listening to music with De and all his friends. “We had an electrifying connection when it came to music. We spent endless hours in my mom and dad’s garage playing on an old beat-up piano,” she recalled. “After De returned home from college he brought a drum set. That is when all the fun began.” Adams said The Midnighters became pretty popular around the Bartlesville area, with Smith having aspirations of becoming more than just a garage band. Band members came and went but De began dating a pretty young woman named Louise, and she loved to hear him play. Eventually Adams and his brother joined the band, and one night they played at a club called The Bam

De Delacey with his wife, Louise.

Tam. “De was so excited! He got the idea of wanting to set up his drum set on a riser off the dance floor.,” said Adams. “So, he knew he couldn’t build one and couldn’t afford a folding one. He got this idea (to use) a sheet of plywood and put it up off the floor with folding chairs positioned at each corner. We tried it and it worked. Well, we thought it would work.” In the middle of playing the song “Wipeout,” Adams said it all came down with a crash. “His cymbals came crashing onto the floor, we turned and saw the chairs were scooting from the corners from the vibrations of Dee beating the drums. Next, we see the plywood collapse and Dee fell backwards and his drum set was on top of him. All you could see was his legs kicking and him screaming for help.” Adams said the crowd was in shock, but then it turned to laughter. “De wasn’t too happy about that, but like a trooper he put his drums back up on the floor and continued to play the rest of the night. We never brought up the subject of a riser, again. Privately though, we never let him forget that moment!” Adams said they had a lot of fun making music and De had a knack for making them laugh, “We never knew what he might want to do or come up with.” Stephens said she was amazed by her brother’s energy. After retiring from Phillips 66, Smith called his sister to say that he and Louise were opening a cafe. “I told him I didn’t even know you liked to cook!” Stephens was delighted as she recalled all of her brother’s activities from water skiing (“He was fearless!”), playing with his band, or singing karaoke. Stephens said that her brother was her inspiration all her life. “Am I proud? You bet! Busting proud,” said Stephens. “He lived a long and rewarding life and I am proud to be ‘De’s little sister’.

MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

bmonthly | MARCH 2022

LOCAL BUSINESS

From Chore to Passion Randy Cummings Living a Dream with Mr. C’s Lawn Care by Lori Just What started as a childhood chore has turned into a lifelong passion for Randy Cummings. Taking care of his own yard has expanded into a full-time mowing business called Mr. C’s Lawn Care. “Back in 2015, I started doing this part-time,” Randy said. “I started out doing this to pay for my daughter’s college tuition. I was also working fulltime in food service sales, but I discovered that lawns were more my passion.” Sitting in his home office one day, he was trying to think up a name that were a blend of his two occupations. He originally came up with Randy’s Gourmet Lawn Care. His wife, Tammy, quickly vetoed and suggested a family nickname. “Every time I called my dad to check in with him, he’d answer the phone ‘well, hello there, Mr. C!,’” Cummings said. “It was a nod to our last name. Immediately after my wife said it, I knew that’s what it was supposed to be.” His dad, Don Cummings, had passed a year earlier and this was a way to honor his memory. “My dad taught me how to take care of our yard when I was a kid,” he said. “And I’ll take care of your yard the same way.” Growing up, Randy said his dad was very picky about their yard. He had to make sure lines were straight and there was a clean edge on the yard. “We didn’t have the tools we have now back then,” he said. “Instead of a solid blade for edging, we had a hardened wire and about five different pieces that went into a hub. It was hard to use, but I learned how to put a good, clean

edge on the yard. I realize it’s just mowing grass, but I try to make it as good and straight lines as I can. I continue to do this with my own yard and try to do that with every yard I do.” Randy went full-time with the business in January 2020, right before the start of the pandemic. His first year he started with around 35 yards to take care of and ended up with almost 80. “I offer basic lawn care; mow, blow, and go,” he joked. “I also offer power washing, shrub trimming, flower bed clean ups, mulch installation, and leaf clean ups. I started snow clearing for residential accounts this year.” His motto is to be your go-to guy for lawn care. He explains what that means is if he can’t take care of what you need done on your property, he will find a trusted resource that can help. “I have no problem referring customers to people that can better take care of them,” he said. While he is a solo operator, he does bring on contract labor as needed, especially during the summer months. He hopes to continue to slowly grow his business and keep pursing his passion for lawns. “I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it,” he said. “It may get hard when it’s 105 degrees, but mowing can be fun. My goal is to provide excellent service, be a pleasure to do business with, and offer good, responsive communication. I am thankful for every customer I have.” To contact Mr. C’s Lawn Care, visit their Facebook page, their website at mrcs-lawncare.com, or call 918-440-4101.

MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

Painted Horse Bar & Grill, together with Wolf Creek Ranch owners, Mark and Kelly Spencer, are proud to offer our locally raised, guaranteed all natural Angus beef products.

110 SW Frank Phillips Blvd. 918-336-1100 painted-horse.com Dine In and Carry Out Available!

New dine in hours! Restaurant: Mon - Sat 11a - 9p Bar: 11a - 10p

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Bringing You Home

direct | 918-331-8152 office | 918-766-0001 email | cathycowan@kw.com web | cathycowan.pro

I am so honored to be the recipient of the 2021 Best of the Best Real Estate Agent. Thank you Bartlesville!

BARTLESVILLE REALTY

Extraordinary Reach. Extraordinary Results. 60

bmonthly | MARCH 2022

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Building on a Vision Ambler Architects’ Foundation is Strong by Maria Gus Ambler Architects has seen quite a bit of Bartlesville’s history in the last 63 years. Since it’s early beginnings with Tom McCrory in 1959, Ambler Architects has been creating beautiful spaces all over Northeast Oklahoma. Just as the baton was passed to Scott Ambler in 1980, Joseph Evans now leads the team toward an even brighter future. Ambler Architects has always been about the people. Whether it’s the people on the team or the people they serve, creating intuitive spaces with the customer in mind has long been the standard for the company. Ambler Architects has spent a great deal of time building relationships as well as beautiful buildings. That all began in the early 1980s with Scott Ambler and the man that would soon be his partner at Ambler Architects, Randy Weatherly. “Randy always had a smile on his face and a servant attitude toward the team and our clients. We talk about him often,” said Scott Ambler, founder of the company. Although Weatherly passed away in late 2018, his enthusiasm and commitment to the company has left a legacy. Joseph Evans, now president of Ambler Architects, has been a part of the team since 2012 and has his eye set on the future for the firm. Evans earned his degree from Oklahoma State University and was an architectural intern before taking on a leadership role at the company. Weatherly and Ambler saw something special in Evans and knew they wanted him to be the one to carry the firm into the future. “From the moment Joey started interning for us, Randy and I knew we would be working for him one day,” said Ambler. In 2019, Evans took on the role of president of Ambler Architects, and with a strong foundation the company has continued to reach clients throughout the state. “There is so much opportunity to do great work in Oklahoma,” said Evans. “The work that Scott and Randy had done paved the path forward and made it easier to think ahead.” In 2019, Evans hired Donna Keffer to serve as a principal and the director of business development. Keffer came to the firm with extensive experience in marketing, business development, and client relations. In addition, both Evans and Keffer are fifth generation Bartians. Both families have a long history of developing, building, and working to improve Bartlesville and beyond. “To return to my hometown and be able to directly contribute to the growth and success of the community has been a privilege,” said Keffer. “The drive for development and progress of Bartlesville is literally in my blood, going back to my great-great grandparents.”

When a company hires Ambler Architects, they receive the knowledge and support of an entire team of professionals, more than ‘four walls and a ceiling,’ said Keffer. Ambler agreed. “Our team includes architectural and interior design services,” added Ambler. “Our employees are determined to help the client realize their vision. The mission is to deliver something to the client that will not only provide space and shelter, but something that fosters creativity, solutions, and grows the client’s own vision.” The company’s tagline is Architects. Consensus Builders. Problem Solvers. “Everything we do falls into one of these ‘buckets’ and oftentimes all three,” said Evans. “The team wants to create something that meets the client’s needs and gives them a strong foundation for the future.” Ambler Architects has worked with churches, schools, hospitals, industrial locations, and most recently they took on one of Oklahoma’s favorites as a client. The Ambler Team is currently transforming a 1920s, three story Masonic Lodge Temple into a restaurant and entertainment venue for country music legend Reba McIntire. “To be a part of something so uniquely Oklahoma has special meaning for us,” said Evans. “We know that this will be a place that thousands, if not millions, of people will visit, and we’re so proud to be a part of a project that will welcome so many to Oklahoma.” Creating a uniquely Oklahoma space full of hospitality and entertainment is a vision Ambler Architects can certainly deliver. Ambler Architects is proud to have made such a significant contribution to the architecture in Bartlesville and Northeast Oklahoma, and looks forward to continuing this legacy of great work for generations to come. MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

HELPING HANDS

A Hand Up by Keith McPhail “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came and visited me. The righteous will answer and say when did we see you like this and The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25, 34-40. This is a portion of a chapter from Matthew. This message describes how Christy and I, for the last three-and-a-half years, have tirelessly tried to be … the hands and feet of Jesus. When the February arctic storm of 2021 hit, Christy and I were watching the forecast like many others, over a cup of coffee like we do every morning. It didn't look good at all. I decided to call Sherri Smith, with Agapé Mission, to see how we could help, since in the past we had helped her feed community members when Agapé closed for cleaning or inspections. The forecast looked really bad, so as we talked, Sheri said she was not going

bmonthly | MARCH 2022

to be able to feed those in need because all of her volunteers could not make it in to cook and serve. I made some calls, and we jumped into action. I called Chef Nook and asked if he could cook homemade chicken noodle soup, and he agreed. I also called a few friends and businesses who always want to help us when we serve our less fortunate. As word got out, people started showing up. We couldn't let them eat outside in the brutal cold, so we called Loront Carney. We asked if he would let them eat inside the Westside Community Center. Without hesitation he said bring them. The weather was horrific and was only going to get worse, so we all decided at that moment — without a committee — we would open the Warming Shelter. The storm hit and we had ice and snow, but what was the killer were the -20 degree temperatures. In fact, it did not get above freezing for 13 straight days, which is how long we left the Warming Shelter open. The storm was so bad that everyone was closed, including Agape, Mary Martha, Red Cross, Salvation Army,

HELPING HANDS Churches, and most, if not all, businesses. Basically, the city was shut down … they all closed … but we did not! We asked personal friends and businesses for donations through our bmonthly and our personal Facebook pages, and our church, First Wesleyan Church. Businesses gave their time and resources to help, and did they ever. Donations including food, lunches, dinners, clothing, coats, gloves, hats, everything you could think of were coming through the doors. We asked the Washington County Emergency Management for cots and blankets and they supplied them. For the first five days of the storm, as the temperature never rose above 5 degrees and the lows were -15 to -25 degrees with the wind chill, I would go out every night, pulling people from cars and bathrooms throughout the city. These people had no hope as the storm bore down on our city! At its highest, we had 28 people including men, women, their pets, and families at the shelter. For the ones who wanted a change in their lives we, along with Loront, were there for these folks weeks after the storm. We found hotel rooms for them to rest in and treatment centers for their addictions. We helped some get their driver licenses, medications, and mental health services. We asked the VA to join us in helping our sacred veterans. For Christy and I, it's not only about helping people in the moment, it's about helping after the storm — helping them out of the moment that has left so many in the dark. Let's fast forward one year … the same month, another arctic storm was coming. We jumped into action with Rando and Shiloh Gamble with Get Real Ministries to open another Warming Shelter. As the storm approached, we opened on Wednesday morning. By Thursday, 8-10 inches of snow and arctic air poured over us. We sheltered 9 men on the first night, and by the end of the storm, we had 13 men seek shelter. We also served over 22 people who came in for warmth, food, clothing, shoes, socks, and love. That Monday before the storm hit, we asked our pastor, Joe Colaw, if he would send out an email to our First Wesleyan Church family asking for simple supplies: food, homemade sandwiches, snacks, water, clothes, socks, and new boots. We were blown away, because the next morning, the church hallways were filled with hundreds of items. Thank you, friends! Just three weeks before this storm, our Church donated $3,100 to buy emergency sleeping bags and tents to pass out when we fed over 40 people in the Agape parking lot. I called a good friend of mine, who always wants to help us when we serve the unfortunate, and I told him whatever he could give would be a blessing. We wanted to purchase all kinds of supplies and items, and he donated $500. That donation made a huge impact on what we could purchase for them. He might not know what he did, but I believe he helped save lives. I want to tell you about a few of the many God moments we had during the 11 days the shelter was open. We had three individuals come in with damaged feet and toes. Christy washed, cared for, and bandaged each of them to get them to start healing. When the storm hit I took Ray and Dennis, both homeless and staying at the shelter, with me that Thursday night. The conditions were dire, with the temperature hovering around zero and 6 inches of snow and more coming down. We drove through the winter storm to Johnstone Park checking bathrooms. When I went to the Pavillion bathrooms and opened the door, there was

a young girl curled in a ball with soaking wet clothes on and tennis shoes with holes in them. As she looked up at me with these scared big brown eyes — lost and desperate, I reached my hand down and said take my hand and I will help you. As she reached for my hand, tears came to my eyes for this 29-year-old girl who was broken, lonely, and helpless. We’ll call her Sara for this story. We took her to the shelter, where she ate three plates of spaghetti. We gave her new socks, dry clothes, and waterproof boots. We went back out to help others and when we returned to the shelter my heart sank … Sara went back into the storm. Christy and I know from working with the homeless and the lost for almost four years that most of these men and women are not transits to Bartlesville. They are people who have lived in this area, went to school here, and worked here most of their lives. Through bad choices or bad life experiences, they find themselves in dire straits. We see them — not through them. We have become friends with many and know their stories. We also know you can't help everyone, because not everyone wants help. However, of the 13 men we sheltered during the storm, six of them wanted help. We sent two of them to Texas to Highway 80, a yearlong program to help the addicted. We got two into a sober living home here in Bartlesville. One went to a 12-and-12 program in Tulsa for the addicted, and we helped one man find an apartment in Bartlesville. I called Dora Smith Patzkowski from the Cherokee Nation and asked her to come to the Warming Shelter. She was a great resource to three Cherokee men, as she shared the services and help available through the Cherokee Nation. It's not always about putting a band-aid on during a moment of crisis. It's about helping the ones who have their hand up wanting change and going all the way to make that happen for them. We want to give a big thank you to Joe and Dawn Marie Colaw and First Wesleyan Church. Many thanks to Rando and Shiloh Gamble with Get Real Ministries for the use of their building and the many hours you spent loving and feeding the hearts of those in need. You not only help when a crisis hits, you do this every day with your ministry. Thank you Mario for staying every night, keeping everything under control. We also want to thank Francis Virden for coming every morning to serve breakfast and to stay and listen to all the storie,s and Sherri Smith with Agape. Much gratitude goes to The Gilmer family with Okie Lemon, David Cantrell with Abiding Place Ministries, Smith Roofing, Harry Thomas Septic, Lance Wyatt, Slyvia McFarland, Everett Adair, Marti Karich, Patti and Allen Godwin, Robert Gelmer, Jim Dau, Frank Molina, Kimmy Hough and her boys, Washington County Emergency Management, Bartlesville Police Department, and the Washington County Sheriff's Department. Thank you all! For Christy and I, this has become our love and passion. Even though we know we can not help everyone, we know that everyone deserves help. We will continue to reach out to give a hand up and to love the hopeless, the lost, the lonely, the broken, the hungry, the cold, and the ones who walk in darkness. We will continue to try to be some kind of light for them where they can be loved and cared for right where they are. We have and will continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Not by a committee, not by a board or a focus group or even a logo. We do all of this because we truly believe everyone deserves a hand up … everyone! God Bless, Keith and Christy

MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

of Exceptional Senior Living Green Country Village has helped seniors in Bartlesville enjoy private, maintenance-free residences with exceptional services and great hospitality for the last 30 years. Whether you or someone you love is considering independent living, assisted living or memory care, Green Country Village is the place to live, connect, grow.

Green is our lucky color, join us at Green Country Village!

Call (918) 335-2086 to schedule an appointment. GreenCountryVillage.com 1025 Swan Drive • Bartlesville, OK 74006 Not-For-Pro昀t Organization

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU! Thank you, Roy and Cliff, for allowing Regent Bank to be part of your new furniture store on Dewey Ave.

422 S. Dewey Ave • (918) 907-3580 www.regent.bank

bmonthly | MARCH 2022

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Rooftop View of Our Town Rooftop Trip at the Age of Four Led to Career in Building by Brent Taylor Someone asked my mom if the story about her discovering me astride the rooftop of a newly-framed house next door at the age of four was true. “Not true!” she replied. “He was actually two years old.” My career in construction began atop the ridge of that home in Oak Park as I gazed out upon the edge of nature and progress, to dappled cows grazing against the scenery of rolling hills set in relief by the strict imposition of streets and curbs. The ladder left behind by carpenters let me ascend to this view. Their tools, sawhorses, lumber, and gear lay dormant waiting for hands to raise up a house that would hold the hopes, dreams, and sorrows of people yet unnamed. My fresh mind had no words to express what I saw then. I only have those images to remember, and the smell of sawdust and lumber, and the sound of my mother’s voice telling me to sit still while she came up on the roof to fetch me. Mom was pregnant with my sister, Debbie, at the time. I ignored her and trotted down to the ladder at the roof’s edge. Now, I’m a home builder by vocation, a writer by avocation. And I have the toolbox to articulate what my mind couldn’t express in those childhood moments. As Annie Dillard tells it, “The line of words is a hammer. You hammer against the walls of your house. You tap the walls, lightly, everywhere. After giving many years’ attention to these things, you know what to listen for. Some of the walls are bearing walls; they have to stay, or everything will fall down. Other walls can go with impunity; you can hear the difference. Unfortunately, it is often a bearing wall that has to go. It cannot be helped. There is only one solution, which appalls you, but there it is. Knock it out. Duck.” I grew up a stone's throw away from Limestone Grade School, in a split level house that my Dad, also a homebuilder, constructed in 1963. Bartlesville has been a place of formation for me, and as someone who is in the business of designing communities and homes, my design sensibilities agree with my upbringing. Although I sometimes struggle with writer's block. I once confided to my brother, who is an author, “I’m having trouble developing an original idea to write about.” He said, “There aren’t any new stories. There are only the old ones. When you write, you tell the old stories all over again, but in fresh ways. Love, apathy, disenchantment, power, patriotism, death, greed, hope, mercy ... all of these are as old as time. Tell the old stories again but use your own words.” The same goes for neighborhoods. What is timeless and original in all its incarnations is neighbors, and not just neighbors — neighbors that you actually know. Closeness, relationships, front porch swings, gardens, common lawns, cookouts. This idea of community led me to develop the Gramercy Lofts and Cottages, a neighborhood with shared spaces and lawns and walkways.

The idea was to create a neighborhood that was modern but old, classic yet new, intimate yet separate. Gramercy is not a new neighborhood concept. It is simply the old story of community told afresh. One great example is in Southern California. Kathleen McInnis moved into the Silver Lake Bungalow Court in Los Angeles in 2004. “Most of the people living in the bungalow court were insanely good-looking couples in their late 20s,” She recalled. Her tight-knit neighbors would hang out in the party-light-strung parking lot of the Spanish Revival style court at all hours of the day and night. “It was like a sitcom … I was only a few years older than them, but I felt like the resident divorcé crone. It was like being stuck in Friends when you didn’t want to be in Friends. I loved every second of it.” Many of these Bungalow Courts are intact in Los Angeles, and the sense of community and camaraderie among residents has made them one of the city’s most beloved and desirable styles of housing — one that some argue should be revived as a solution to the shortage of affordable housing. The communal experience was exactly what Kathleen McInnis was looking for. “It definitely feels like family here: We watch out for each other; take in mail and water plants when others are away; have shared holidays, cocktail hours, and an open-door policy for each other.” Ultimately, Bartlesville is one of those rare places where you can talk to your neighbors and sit on front porch swings and wave at folks walking past. Those of use who have lived here most of our lives all have different stories to tell. Mine began astride the peak of a roof. I count myself fortunate to call Bartlesville home, a place of rich heritage and stories still being told in new and hopeful ways. MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

The Choice is Yours! Choose the team that provides physical, emotional, and spiritual support to you and your loved ones.

Locally owned and operated. Serving the Bartlesville area for 15 years. www.comfortinghandshospice.com 918-331-0003

Sandra Brown, Administrator

Aﬀordable apartments where you can enjoy new friends and feel right at home!

We have independent living apartments available to rent for those ages 55 or older. All apartments are unfurnished, 1 bedroom, $850 per month and include: • • • • •

All utilities paid; including basic cable 24-hour emergency response Fully equipped kitchen Patio with sliding glass door Restaurant-style dining or you can have meals delivered directly to your apartment • Planned activities; to include regularly scheduled happy hour • Scheduled transportation for shopping

• • • • • • •

Housekeeping On-site laundry On-site beauty shop Daily exercise classes oﬀered Year-round building & grounds maintenance Interior maintenance Pet-friendly

3434 Kentucky Place • 918-333-9545 • www.bartlesvillehealthandrehab.com 66

bmonthly | MARCH 2022

The Lowe Family Young Scholars Program

MENTORS NEEDED Mentoring

Requirements

The Lowe Family Young Scholars Program is looking for men and women to serve as mentors. The reality of the past two years has spotlighted the importance of extending help to others and how that help can be life changing. Mentorship involves being a trusted advisor to a student whose best interest you have in mind, and making yourself available to support them when they are in need. Making a positive difference in someone’s life can be an extremely fulfilling experience.

Submit to a background check through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. Complete an interest survey to assist with the matching process. Work with a student in grades 7-12 and in college. Meet with your mentee regularly. Have a desire to know and support a young person as they prepare for college. Attend Lowe Family Young Scholars’ planned events with your mentee.

STACEY AND EMMA - MENTOR MATCH OF 2021

michael.youngscholars@gmail.com www.loweyoungscholar.org

Green Country Pet Cremation Service offers private pet cremation with timely return of ashes in your choice of a decorative wooden urn with an engraved nameplate. If no return of ashes is requested, the ashes will be gently scattered on a beautiful pastoral/garden property. We are located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and gratefully serve pet owners from a wide area surrounding Bartlesville, Dewey, and Northeast Oklahoma. For our fee schedule, please feel free to call us at any time.

918-766-3812 GCPetCremation@aol.com

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FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK

by Jay Webster

From time to time I get a little bored hearing my own self type. It’s not that I don’t find my witty observations entertaining. I do. It’s that occasionally it’s nice to shake things up and do something different. To that end, a couple of weeks ago on “the Socials” I asked: What do you want to talk about in this month’s column? There was a wide range of topics, and not surprisingl I had thoughts about most of them. So … let’s pull some suggestions out of the mailbox and see where this goes. Brent of Bakersfield, CA asks: “Could you please do a ‘how to’ on fixing deep fender dents with a full can of cheap beer?” While on the surface this appears to be a simple DIY auto repair question, this actually is a reference to an episode from my teen years. You see, Brent and I have been friends since middle school. (In fact, we were each other’s “Best Man” at our respective weddings.)

ing addition, and hid the beer in a drainage pipe. From there we proceeded with the rest of the weekend’s plans. First on the agenda was going to “Egg’s” house. His real name was Jonathan, but his family called him Egg (based on the oblong shape of his head), so we did, too. Egg was smarter than Brent and I combined times 10. So when he suggested we go “van surfing” of course we agreed. Egg’s family had a 27-foot van that could have doubled as a B52 bomber. When “van surfing,” we would remove the seats and let Egg drive around the neighborhood at high speeds while Brent and I tried to stand upright during tight corners. (I told you Egg was the smart one. He was driving.) None of us had “cool” cars back then. Our friend, Pearson, had an 80’s model Honda Accord hatchback. Multiple times a week, we would squeeze way too many people in the car — faces pressed against the rear glass and two people in the bucket seat up front — and drive to the downtown Pizza Hut, where we’d put the personal-pan-pizza-in-five-minutes-or-it’s-free-guarantee to the test. We looked like we were escaping a clown car when we pulled in.

Brent and I came of driving age at approximately the same time. And while we were “good kids,” our 16-year-old brains had not yet developed the necessary frontal lobes for “intelligent decision making,” an impairment made quite clear when a friend asked if At least 15 states in the Union have voted to make we could help transfer and hide a Daylight Savings permanent (as in no changing case of beer for him. Obviously, we clocks twice a year). Oklahoma had two such bills agreed to help. as recently as 2019. Both Lankford and Inhofe have sponsored and or supported bills on a national We loaded the beer in the back level. And yet … here we are. All I can tell you is of my 1973 Pontiac Grand Prix, Daylight Savings Time is as close as I’ll get to being drove to an underdeveloped housa single-issue voter 68

bmonthly | MARCH 2022

Eventually, Brent and I did manage to wreck into each other. It was in the midst of a TP-ing incident gone bad. The police showed. We were issued tickets and a time to appear in traffic court. Our fathers lost their minds. Insurance rates are not kind to 16-year-old males with

FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK accidents. My own girlfriend (and later wife) was called on to “testify.” It didn’t go well.

“last call” for kids. We started to entertain the idea. We still didn’t want kids, but we did want Evanjalyn. So we “discussed” it and a few months later Amazon delivered our daughter. In a lot of ways it felt like we cheated life. We had nearly two decades of one life and then at the last minute, we took the exit and got on another road.

One night I had a dream about starting a company in which our name, Pioneer, would kind of act as a guiding principle in our work. “The name describes the function.” Since then we’ve been ridiculously fortunate to live in a community that allows us to do a host of crazy things … and get away with it.

The morning after the wreck, my Dad called me out to the driveway. He figured since my car was a 1973 tank and the dent was in the back quarter panel, we could smash it out from the inside. When I got outside, my Dad explained his plan and then said, “I wondered if you wanted me to use this to pound the dent out?” He was, of course, holding up a can of beer that had escaped our transport. Things went downhill from there.

Coleta of Bartlesville asks: “Why does our state continue to have daylight savings time?” I don’t know that I’m the person to ask about this, Coleta, but I can tell you that I share your dismay. At least 15 states in the Union have voted to make Daylight Savings Time permanent (as in no changing clocks twice a year). Oklahoma had two such bills as recently as 2019. Both Lankford and Inhofe have sponsored and or supported such bills on a national level. And yet … here we are. All I can tell you is Daylight Savings Time is as close as I’ll get to being a singleissue voter. Pamela of Bartlesville writes: I’ve always wondered how you started PioneerDream, and writing, and things that you do professionally. And I’ve always wondered where your daughter’s name came from ... Your report of her summer vacation is one of my favorite columns of the year.

In answer to your question, Pam, Evanjalyn Jayne’s name means: “one who brings good news.” Thanks for asking. And finally, Andra of the Ville asks: “After [your column] about vulnerability, I’d be interested in reading your take on the difference between that and oversharing, venting, trauma dumping, and whatever names it goes by, because there’s a line between the two and some of us have a little difficulty in finding it.” I’m not sure I’m qualified to answer that, Andra, but it doesn’t mean I won’t. One “helpful” line or distinction we can draw is “the other.” How is what I’m saying or doing affecting the other person? Are they a willing participant in this discussion or dump? Am I just repeating the same issues without regard to healing or applying help or getting better? If we’re only wallowing, after a while it feels like we’re just pulling someone else into our quicksand. But if someone is offering support or relief, there’s a significant chance you’re both being helped. The process of “needing help” and “offering help” are incredibly important for both parties. Not sure if that helps, it’s only one “sharer’s” opinion. (An actual counselor would be a much better resource.) Wow. We covered a lot of ground here. I feel like I should pay you a sitting fee or something. Either way, it’s been fun. Thanks for being so responsive. We’ll try again next month. Cheers my friends.

Thank you, Pam. PioneerDream is literally the result of a dream I had when we were in college at OU. I was an advertising major. My wife, Ann-Janette, was a broadcast major. One night I had a dream about starting a company in which our name, Pioneer, would kind of act as a guiding principle in our work. “The name describes the function.” Since then we’ve been ridiculously fortunate to live in a community that allows us to do a host of crazy things … and get away with it. For the last 25 years, we’ve worked with the likes of the US Olympic Swim Team, Speedo, Fortune 100 companies around the country, and dozens of amazing non-profits. We’ve made our own independent movies and concert events … and even put disco balls on a pink buffalo. You can’t do all that stuff in just any city. As far as our one hit wonder, Evanjalyn, her name is a gift from her mother. We never really wanted kids. We were busy. We traveled a lot for work. And, frankly, I was enough kid on my own to satisfy any want. However, one day Ann-Janette met a beautiful woman whose name was Evangeline and the name stuck with her. Fast forward 18 years and we were close to the MARCH 2022 | bmonthly

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A GOOD WORD

The Incredible Complainables Change the Wrongs Without Complaining About Them by Joe Colaw “Oh no! Here he (or she) comes. All they ever do is complain!” Have you had a friend or associate that caused you to think such thoughts? Or, worse yet, have you been the person who generated those thoughts in others? We are living in a time and season that seems to generate a steady flow of complaining! It’s too hot! It’s too cold! They’re too young! They’re too old! It’s too dry! It’s too wet! It’s more risk! It’s more debt! Or the kids complain there’s nothing to eat or nothing to do! How many times, after scrolling through the channels, we groan, “there’s nothing worth watching on TV.” There’s just so much to complain about. Today, we have an added plethora of new “complainables.” Things we don’t like or we’ve never seen before that alarm, annoy, or disgust us. It can be quite overwhelming, and also quite addictive! In the Bible, God heard the complaints of His people and their complaining kept them from the very thing they longed for most. The Promised Land! (See the story in Numbers 14). Furthermore, the Bible encourages us to be hospitable to each other without

complaining. (1 Peter 4) Think of it … choosing to be nice to people without complaining could revolutionize our communities! There is always going to be something we don’t like. According to Dictionary.com, the definition of “complain” is “to express dissatisfaction.” I suspect that most of us could express some kind of dissatisfaction about something, everyday, at any time of the day. Frankly, we need to understand that complaining is not healthy for us. I know, someone is reading this and saying, “But there are some things that are just wrong! We need to voice it and do something about it!” I fully agreement with that. For years I told my children, co-workers, and others, “you are just complaining if this issue of concern (complaint) is one that you have no authority or responsibility over, or perhaps you cannot or will not do anything about. However, if you do have control or influence to change something, do it! If it is your responsibility to change something, then do it as kindly and quickly as you can! If you are still defending your need to complain, then you might find it especially interesting that scientists from Stanford University have researched how complaining produces a negative chemical wash that impacts the hippocampus, reducing it’s size. (No, “hippocampus” is not where Hippos go to school). What is the hippocampus? Why does it matter? Our hippocampus is a part of the brain that is designed to help us with memory and problem solving. Frankly, most of us can’t afford for our hippocampus to be downsized. The research went on to suggest that complaining or hearing people complain for more than 30 minutes can begin a negative chemical wash that starts to physically damage our brains. Since the beginning of time, there’s been things to complain about. But let’s remember — we can emphasize the good! Be the voice of encouragement. Be thankful, thoughtful, gracious, and love others! Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8) and bring about constructive change.

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LOCAL TALES

Bartian Pens His Life Story Bartlesville Native Bill Dutcher Publishes Second Book Bill Dutcher, born and bred in Bartlesville, has published his second book: How Did I Do That? A Life of Risk and Reward. Now living in Norman, he is the founder and chairman of Anadarko Minerals, Inc., an independent oil and gas company operating primarily in Western Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle. A member of the College High class of 1961, Dutcher majored in journalism at the University of Oklahoma in 1965 and served for four years, with assignments in the Philippines and the Pentagon, during the Vietnam war era. He was back home in Bartlesville between 1973 and 1977 as a speech writer for Phillips executives.

I got my first taste of playing basketball in front of large crowds when I played for the Phillips 33ers during halftimes of the Phillips 66ers games. In one of my earliest basketball memories, I was dribbling down the court on a fast break during a 33er game when an opponent suddenly blocked my path. I gave the ball a hard bounce, ran around him as the ball soared over his head, retrieved the ball, and continued dribbling down the court. This move drew my first reaction from a basketball crowd, probably a laugh. My favorite cheer at Wildcat home games went: “Clap your hands . . . stamp your feet Bartlesville Wildcats can’t be beat!”

Here are some excerpts from his book: My granddaughter Hanna was an aspiring ballerina at age three. Watching her practice at home one day, I saw her do a graceful pirouette, then exclaim in amazement: “How did I do that?” That’s the same question I have asked myself, looking back, at age 78, on a life that has felt like a balancing act on a roller coaster.

At age 68, Bill Dutcher dribbles behind his back to escape from NBA star Dwyane Wade in a fantasy camp game in Miami, Florida.

My mom once told me that when I was a baby, the Caney River flooded our hometown of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. When the high waters reached our home, she had to hand me off from our front porch to a man on a rowboat. This might have been an omen that I would lead an adventurous life. My dad, Harris, my mom, Louise, and my brother, Del, older than me by three-and-a-half years, made up my family. We lived in a small, white, one-story, two-bedroom, ranch-style home at 1515 Jennings, about a mile south of downtown Bartlesville. My favorite early playmate was Dorothy Ann Bash, a girl my age who lived next door. She was a tomboy with long, black pigtails, always willing to go along with whatever mischief I could get us into. While I was a good boy who at times minded his mother, I often ignored her in search of adventure. Her default suggestion, “Just go outside and play,” was easy to comply with, and subject to a wide range of interpretation. The low point of my paperboy career came early one crisp autumn morning as I was delivering to one customer’s garage apartment, tossing the paper up to his second-story porch. Like Sherlock Holmes, I was warned by the dog that didn’t bark. Normally, when my paper hit his porch, a big German Shepherd would start barking, and I would be glad he was kept upstairs. When I didn’t hear him bark, I looked around and, sure enough, he was coming after me. I took off as fast as I could pedal my little bike. But my bike was so small and so loaded down with newspapers, he caught up with me easily. We raced down the street, eye to eye, until he bit my right ankle and called off the chase.

One winter night, someone must have forgotten to sweep the floor before the game. As the fans dutifully stomped their feet at the cheer’s command, dust began rising from the floor, like a fog, until the players were knee-deep in dust. The referees had to stop the game until the dust settled, literally.

Our eighth-grade social studies class was taught by a whitehaired woman who would write things on the blackboard for us to copy into our notebooks. Unfortunately, this method required her to spend a lot of time with her back to the class, which led to near anarchy. Once, a rebellious Westside kid threw a marble-sized firecracker that exploded when it hit the blackboard, causing our poor teacher to jump and the kids to laugh hysterically. I felt sorry for her, so I didn’t feel a need to contribute to the chaos. Sure, I was ornery, and occasionally felt obligated to provide my classmates with some comic relief. But I wasn’t mean. Just mildly disruptive, in the nicest possible way. A few weeks into the school year, my English teacher, Mrs. White, asked me to meet her after class. She told me the social studies teacher was having a hard time maintaining control of her classroom, and she asked me to see what I could do to help her. I was surprised by this request. This was the first time an adult had asked me to change sides in what I had always seen as a battle between oppressed school kids and controlling, boring adults. Mrs. White’s request made an impact on me. She seemed to imply that I could be a leader, and it was up to me to decide if I would be a force for good. The idea of changing teams had never occurred to me. She may have started me on a new path. As much as I loved living in Bartlesville, I decided to go to work for Oklahoma City wildcatter Robert A. Hefner III. His firm, The GHK Company, was pioneering the exploration for deep natural gas in the Anadarko Basin. The book is available online on Amazon and Barns & Noble.

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The first 100 entries will be pictured inside the April bmonthly issue and shared on our Facebook page for People’s Choice voting. The most-liked pet will get a full-page picture in the magazine. The Judges’ Choice winner will be featured on the cover of our April issue! Although we love them all — scaly, slimy, feathered, and fluffy — our contest is only open to furry pets, and they must be pictured by themselves. Photos must be current and of living pets only, please.

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LET FREEDOM RING

Yellowstone National Park A Little About America’s First National Park by Jay Hastings The Yellowstone National Park is located in the western United States, largely in the northwest corner of Wyoming and extending into Montana and Idaho. On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant signed into law the Act of Dedication. In doing so, Yellowstone became the first established National Park in the United States, and some say the world. The stated purpose of its establishment was to protect the land. Indigenous tribal peoples had lived undisturbed in the Yellowstone region for at least 11,000 years. Occasional visits by mountain men began in the early-to-mid19th century, including one of the most well-known expeditions — that of Lewis and Clark. It was a young Shoshone woman who guided the group toward the Pacific Ocean. You’ve heard of her; she is Sacajawea. Were it not for the agreeable efforts and involvement of the tribe, the explorers would not have enjoyed safe or successful passage through the region. Other organized explorations continued until mid-century, but were hampered through the Civil War until picking back up in the late 1860s.

Henry Jackson and paintings by Thomas Moran. The report helped convince the U.S. Congress to withdraw the region from public auction and ultimately draft and enact the Act of Dedication, approved March 1, 1872:

In October 1865, acting Montana Territorial Governor Thomas Francis Meagher commented that the region should be protected. Additionally, a Montana writer and lawyer named Cornelius Hedges, who had been a member of the Washburn Expedition, proposed that the region should be set aside and protected as a National Park. Between 1870 and 1871, Hedges would often write articles about his observations for the Helena Herald newspaper.

“AN ACT to set apart a certain tract of land lying near the headwaters of the Yellowstone River as a public park. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the tract of land in the Territories of Montana and Wyoming is hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale under the laws of the United States, and dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people; and all persons who shall locate, or settle upon, or occupy the same or any part thereof, except as hereinafter provided, shall be considered trespassers and removed therefrom.”

In 1871, just 11 years after his failed first effort, Ferdinand V. Hayden successfully explored the region. With government sponsorship, he returned to the region with a second, larger expedition — the Hayden Geological Survey of 1871. He compiled a comprehensive report, including large-format photographs by William

After the Park's official formation, Nathaniel P. Langford, also known as “National Park Langford”, was appointed as the Park's first superintendent in 1872. Langford remained its superintendent until 1877, when he was forced to resign due to continued reports of the poaching of buffalo, deer, elk, and antelope. It was

estimated that between 1874 and 1875, approximately 3,000 buffalo and mule deer were killed for their hides, the rest left to waste. By that time, Native tribes had been effectively excluded from the National Park. Several tribes had made seasonal use of the Yellowstone area, but the only year-round residents were the Eastern Shoshone. The Shoshone were originally guaranteed nearly 45 million acres through treaty with the establishment of the Wind River Reservation in 1863, but five years later the reservation was reduced to less than three million acres and the promises of being allowed continued hunting access were broken, through unratified treaties and the previouslymentioned poaching. Today, the Shoshone are actively involved in buffalo reintroduction and conservation efforts in the area. Working in conjunction with the Tribal Partnerships Program of the National Wildlife federation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the tribe is seeing success in increasing the population of genetically pure Yellowstone Buffalo, currently on a 300-acre area of the Wind River Reservation.

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