Cowboy Chronicles

Plowshares and Pruning Hooks

How OAMC Prepared for World War I

The Great War in Europe started in August 1914, and for the next two and a half years, public opinion in Oklahoma and the rest of the country varied widely.

Some wanted to rush in to aid the French and British forces. Others supported the Germans and Austrians and many wished to avoid the conflict entirely.

As the United States slowly increased its support for the Allies, Oklahoma’s land-grant college in Stillwater began preparations, no matter which course of action was taken.

The state was still in its first decade and Oklahoma A&M College wasn’t much older, but both were ready to serve in whatever capacity needed.

The first generation of students at OAMC had learned about practical collaborations between agriculture and engineering: the perfect blend of landgrant disciplines to increase food and natural resources production.

(Top) Prior to entrance into WWI, a college “Victory” garden was established on the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station land west of Monroe Street and south of Farm Road. Barns along Farm Road are shown in the background.

(Bottom) The OAMC Corps of Cadets poses for a photo on the military parade grounds north of Morrill Hall.

Beginning with World War I, the university expanded training programs that would also assist with national defense.

Preparing students for war called back to the mission of the Morrill LandGrant Acts, which helped charter landgrant institutions around the country. OAMC was founded in 1890 through the provisions of the First and Second Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. The original act provided higher education opportunities for the first time to the “industrial classes” and included expectations for the type of education they would receive. … of at least one college where the leading object shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts … [Morrill Act of 1862]

Robert Barker, OAMC’s first president, maintained the mandate created during the Civil War to provide “military tactics” for all students, male and female.

OAMC students were required to participate in military drill until a clarification later released women from this obligation. Not all students could afford the official uniform, and in the early years, a variety of outfits were donned during drills. Class lectures provided rudimentary military science instruction and marching drills were held daily.

This burgeoning military training tradition continued through the formative decades of the college. A Corps of Cadets, formed around 1910, consisted primarily of Stillwater and Payne County students. Membership entailed three hours of drill each week and included instruction in small arms firing, field service regulations, interior guard duty, infantry drill and first aid. By 1913, military equipment on the OAMC campus included 450 30-caliber Krag-Jorgensen rifles. With the beginning of WWI, this grew to 600 rifles — Krag-Jorgensens and Springfields — with additional unspecified “infantry equipment.”

During this time, OAMC was facing challenges of its own. Enrollment had grown to 1,471 in 1914, and campus facilities fell short of expectations. OAMC President J. H. Connell had been removed from his position during the summer of 1914 due to financial and alleged corruption issues related to his “political” appointments of faculty and staff on campus. The college was unable to identify a permanent replacement and appointed Dr. Lowery Layman Lewis as interim president.

On Aug. 7, fire gutted Morrill Hall, the main administration office, classroom building and the School of Agriculture. Two months later, the relatively new Women’s Building suffered a fire, which destroyed the top two floors and left extensive water damage on the first and second floors.

The European war was rarely mentioned in the college paper as the institution was more concerned with its own survival. Funding was secured to rebuild the two buildings severely damaged by the fires of 1914. In June 1915, James W. Cantwell was named president and moved into temporary offices in the Engineering Building until Morrill Hall was restored.

Cantwell set to work expanding campus facilities and identifying new revenue streams to support campus programs. While working with the Oklahoma Board of Agriculture and serving as a college regent, the new president applied for a federal program to provide Reserve Officers’ Training Corps on campus.

The college had been placed under the Oklahoma Board of Agriculture in 1912 and board President Frank Gault had little experience working in higher education. He was a former deputy marshal, peace officer and cattle breeder. In support of the “Lever Act of Congress,” the board encouraged the college to expand Oklahoma food production research and distribution programs as the United States began to prepare for war.

Surging grain prices — up 400 percent from 1913 to 1919 — helped propel the “great plow-up” as western Oklahoma farmers and others expanded wheat acreage in the western plains, eventually leading to the Dust Bowl a decade later.

While Cantwell was working to build support for increased food production at home and prepare for battle overseas, students on campus were still conflicted. The Philomathean Literary Society debated entrance into the war and the college paper supported its conclusion.

Many students expressed concerns about militarism on campus during the first years of the war. Ella Wilson was recognized in the college paper when her article “The Aftermath” was published in the Christian Herald in November 1916. She supported peace, arguing war would lead to desolation. The newspaper had war news reports but also included less supportive stories.

While the debate raged on, drills continued daily on the parade grounds between the Central Building and Morrill Hall, as well as north of Morrill.

Stillwater hosted the Grand Army of the Republic (Union Soldiers) and the Spanish War veterans for their annual encampments. Holiday parades in town provided opportunities for military displays and a college cadet corps marching band was eventually added for public entertainment and drill exercises. Marching precision and military dress

OAMC Military Band leaving campus at the corner of Knoblock and College (University) Avenue heading south into Stillwater for a parade.

James W. Cantwell Frank Gault Dr. Angelo C. Scott

had both improved dramatically from the early years. The military section of the college yearbook also expanded every year beginning in 1914, culminating in the “Military” issue of 1918 and the “Victory” issue in 1919.

In addition to the traditional cadet military training program and the new ROTC unit established in 1916, rifle teams and a rifle club were added. The military cadet corps included eight, 40-member companies (A-H). The 320 members of the cadet corps included some of the 50-60 rifle club members. There existed significant overlap between the two groups. The competitive rifle team was restricted to 15 members for events. OAMC women also had a rifle club known as the Death Legion.

Robert L. Williams, Oklahoma’s third governor, took office in January 1915, only six months before Cantwell arrived in Stillwater. Then, in April 1917, the tide of public opinion turned. Public support for the war rallied, beginning with the appointment of state and local councils of defense. Oklahomans increasingly felt they had a role to play in making the world safe for democracy. All voices opposed to this proposition were drowned out. The same could be said at OAMC.

Williams began working with the United States Council of National Defense to establish an Oklahoma Council of Defense. The Oklahoma Legislature was not in session, but this didn’t deter him from establishing this “extralegal” state council.

In May 1917, he appointed a 12-member board with 11 committees. They were to address publicity, military preparedness, conservation of food and fuel, local food production, “Victory Gardens,” promote the sale of Liberty Bonds, support the Red Cross, encourage the use of war savings stamps and expand Oklahoma’s capacity to produce munitions and supplies in support of the war effort.

By July, local councils of defense were organized. The governor appointed local business and civic leaders to work with citizens. Williams named Cantwell to the local council in Payne County. The Oklahoma Council of Defense provided weekly news releases distributed to local newspapers and created an Oklahoma Patriotic Speakers Bureau. Former OAMC President Angelo C. Scott wrote a pamphlet titled, “The War: Its Justification and Purpose,” which was distributed to over 3,000 volunteer speakers.

Known as the “Four Minute Men” they spoke to civic groups, schools, volunteer organizations, service groups and a variety of crowds. The speeches provided justifications for entering the war, described German atrocities and encouraged support for the military.

By the summer of 1917, the initial preparations to support the nation’s war efforts at home and abroad had been completed on the OAMC campus. On the home front, college expertise, guidelines and recommendations shared with citizens across the state increased agricultural and natural resource production involving a wide variety of crops and livestock.

Military training options were expanded, additional equipment was ordered, personnel and resources were added to assist with overseas efforts. The college had done its best to adjust despite the many unknowns found in war, but the institution was less prepared for some of the conflicts to come, both at home and abroad.

The coming years would be difficult for many.

The Battle for Lewis Field — Corps of Cadets engage in a “sham” battle north of campus along the southern boundary of the first location for football and track contests, now the northeast corner of Hester Street and Athletic Avenue.

IMPACT

Spotlight

Oklahoma State University Scholarships

When you donate to scholarships, you equip students with the financial and academic support so that they can pursue their orange passion. Your support offers life-changing experiences to help students be successful at OSU and beyond.

For information on donating, visit OSUgiving.com.

Amanda

Hometown: Beaver, OK Major: Animal Science; Pre-Veterinary Oklahoma State Scholar Society Fellow Donald and Cathey Humphreys Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship

Bolinger

Senior

What impact have the scholarships made during your time in college?

The biggest impact, in addition to the incredible financial peace, is that the scholarships have given me connections I've been able to forge. The Oklahoma State Scholars Society has provided opportunities to connect with faculty and students across campus in a unique way. My peers are some of the brightest, most driven individuals I've ever met. Some of them have even become some of my closest friends. I really value these connections.

What was your reaction when you learned you’d be receiving the scholarships?

I'm really not a crier, so when I was staring at my phone and sobbing, my tennis teammates and coach were very concerned. We were at the regional meet when I was sent a video of President and Ann Hargis congratulating me on receiving the OSSS award. I’ll never forget the incredible relief that came from knowing I could afford college. Not only that, but I was able to attend my dream school.

What would you say to the donors who made your scholarships possible?

I would give them a deep, heartfelt thank you. The OSSS scholarship has changed my life. I've made lifelong connections through this scholarship, I will graduate with my bachelor's degree debt-free, and I am equipped to go on and pursue my dream of becoming an exceptional Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

Shamara

Hometown: Tulsa, OK

Major: Economics and Spanish Parman Foundation Scholarship Donald and Cathey Humphreys Study Abroad Endowed Scholarship Dutreau Scholarship Fund Hilde Wohlert Memorial Endowed Award

Arias

Senior

How have the scholarships transformed your OSU experience?

The scholarships have given me access to many opportunities. I’ve been able to join the LASSO Center as an economics SI leader and the Mr./Miss Hispanic Latinx Scholarship Pageant committee as a pageant coach and professional chair. These scholarships have also given me the privilege of studying abroad in Spain at the University of Valencia for the fall semester of 2021. This trip has allowed me to serve as a representative of OSU and learn about a new culture, lifestyle and traditions.

How are your scholarships helping you reach your career goals?

After graduating, I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s in economics in hopes of becoming a financial advisor for a tech company. The scholarships I’ve received have allowed me to gain new experiences and skills, which will ultimately help me reach my professional goals.

How would you express your gratitude to your scholarship donors?

I would like to say thank you to all the donors who have contributed to my education. Your contributions have allowed me to accomplish so much throughout my college journey. Most importantly, your help is the reason I can proudly say that I’ll be the first in my family to graduate from college in the Spring 2022. Once again, thank you very much. God bless you and your families. Hometown: Idabel, OK Major: Kinesiology Bird Family Endowed Scholarship Dale and Elizabeth Miller Endowed Scholarship

Alexia

Clardy

Freshman

Why did you choose Oklahoma State University?

I have always wanted to be an OSU Cowboy and not just a fan! OSU was my first and only choice. My dad and many other family members and friends have gone to Oklahoma State University. Growing up, I have listened to many stories and have seen lifelong friendships that developed here at OSU. I wanted to be a part of the Cowboy family not only because of wanting to follow my family's footsteps, but also I wanted to experience the stories I have grown up listening to.

How did you feel when you learned you would be receiving scholarships?

I was so happy! I felt weight come off my shoulders. I was more relaxed about going to college. I also felt that all my hard work, time and dedication were finally paying off.

How have your scholarships impacted your college experience and future?

My scholarships have given me the opportunity to have a successful future. They have helped me out with my finances and being able to focus on my class material and career goals and not as much about paying for the classes.

Cause for Celebration

Glenns mark graduation milestone with gift to School of Architecture

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of graduating from Oklahoma State University, Patrick Glenn and his wife, Briar, donated $25,000 to OSU’s School of Architecture. Patrick and Briar Glenn have built their success on a foundation provided by the Oklahoma State University School of Architecture.

The Dallas couple recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of Patrick’s graduation from the program with a $25,000 gift to establish the Glenn Prize for the School of Architecture.

“I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for all the professors in the School of Architecture,” Patrick said. “It really had a profound impact on my life, my work ethic and how I approach things. And so in a way, it was a big thank you to the School of Architecture.”

The endowed fund will provide prize money for an annual competition within the school in which students design educational facilities — a nod to the couple’s work as the owners of Glenn | Partners, a firm dedicated to designing innovative and forward-thinking educational facilities.

“With the Glenns, we were able to imagine a path for their legacy that would simultaneously highlight their career focus in the design of educational facilities while providing students more appreciation of this important area of practice,” said Suzanne Bilbeisi, head of the OSU School of Architecture. “The Glenn Prize will annually recognize and reward excellent student design work of this project type.”

Patrick said the balance of design theory and technical training offered within the OSU School of Architecture sets it apart from other programs.

“I think OSU is really a perfect balance between those two philosophies,” Patrick said. “They’re definitely rooted in design theory and critical thinking and those important guiding principles, but they also teach students how to think practically and pragmatically about design, making sure it’s affordable and buildable. I think that’s one reason why I’ve been successful in my career and why other Oklahoma State graduates are successful. They come out of school with this blended, balanced level of knowledge and experience.”

The Glenns have committed to an additional annual gift to bolster its impact on students.

“While the new endowment grows, we felt the earnings available to award weren’t impactful enough for a student,” Patrick said. “So that’s why we’re enhancing it every year. As long as we’re doing well and we’re growing financially, we’ll always be able to enhance the gift with year-end additional contributions just to make it a little bit more impactful and more meaningful for the students.”

While students will see the most direct impact, the Glenns hope their gift will help enhance the school as a whole.

“We are doing it so that the professors and the program are able to offer things to the students that were not offered in the past,” Patrick said. “It’s really about enhancing the program and trying to support the mission that Suzanne and her team are trying to accomplish.”

To further impact the School of Architecture, Patrick and Briar have made plans for a future estate gift. In addition, the couple plans to give another gift to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Briar’s graduation from the program. In the meantime, they feel honored to give back to the program that built them.

“We’re going to enjoy life and enjoy retirement when that time comes,” Patrick said. “We’ve worked extremely hard, partnered with some amazing and talented colleagues, and made a lot of sacrifices along the way to have achieved the amount of success we’ve seen. Sharing in our rewards and giving back to our roots was the right thing to do. We both have wonderful memories of Stillwater and all the professors who helped build that program and continue to guide students today. I can truly say that we would not be the people we are today without that experience.”

Patrick and Briar are excited to support the school with their gifts.

“I feel honored to have something at the school that has my name on it,” Patrick said. “That program, those years, those professors, that town and that university had such an influence and tremendous impact on me. So if we’re able to give back and even have my name as a part of the OSU School of Architecture legacy, it just means a lot to me,” he said. “So to have something that will live on beyond my lifetime is truly special.”

The Glenn Prize for the School of Architecture will support an annual competition among student designers.

Cowboy100 GalaThe

is an evening filled with energy, excitement and anticipation for OSU alums, their families and business partners.

In 2021, 76 Cowboy-owned or -led businesses were recognized as the inaugural Cowboy100 class for their company’s growth. In the Blazing15, the top 15 highest revenue-generating companies were recognized for their business acumen. With Pistol Pete as the presenter, the inaugural event was a huge success. All OSU entrepreneurs (regardless of college) will want to be a part of the next Cowboy100 Gala!

Important Dates

April 1, 2022: Nominations & Applications Open August 31, 2022: Nominations Close October 31, 2022: Applications Close February 2023: Alphabetical List Announced March 31, 2023: Cowboy100 Honoree Gala – Wes Watkins Center for International Trade Development

NOW OPEN and filling up FAST!

Amy Wilcox, Kay County Chapter

Amy Wilcox considered herself a Cowboy long before attending Oklahoma State University.

Wilcox grew up in Arkansas City, Kansas, just north of the Oklahoma border. Her grandmother attended OSU and graduated the final year before the university changed its name from Oklahoma A&M to OSU.

While at OSU, Wilcox earned a degree in broadcast journalism in 2004, later returning to complete her master’s in mass communications and media management in 2010. Some of her fondest memories from her time at OSU include meeting lifelong friends and experiencing college with her nowhusband, Aaron.

“It’s difficult to recall just a few memories because there are so many to choose from,” Wilcox said.

Soon after completing her master’s, Wilcox moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma, and quickly became involved with the Kay County OSU Alumni Chapter. She didn’t know many people after moving to a new city, so she was extremely excited at the opportunity to be involved in the community, as well as to meet new people who shared her love for OSU.

As president, Wilcox is tasked with many responsibilities, including organizing watch parties and seeking out scholarship opportunities for local students. “I enjoy watching the chapter grow in not only watch parties and other gatherings, but also in scholarship opportunities and board memberships, as well,” Wilcox said.

KAY COUNTY CHAPTER BY THE NUMBERS

2,411 alumni and friends

252 members

178 current OSU students from Kay County

42 miles from Stillwater help. Their involvement and hard work allow these events to occur.”

Wilcox explains that OSU provided her with lifelong friends and memories that she cherishes. She often thinks about her own memories at OSU with her husband and always looks forward to taking her two boys, Ayson and Axton, to OSU events.

“I am excited for my two boys to start creating their own memories at OSU,” Wilcox said.

Her favorite chapter event is Jockeys and Juleps. The event is a Kentucky Derby party held on the day of the race. Attendees enjoy watching the races, participating in party games, a silent auction and traditional Derby fare. Jockeys and Juleps also helps raise scholarship money for local high school students.

“I would not be able to achieve any of this without the rest of the board,” Wilcox said. “They are a tremendous

Amy Wilcox (left) cheers on the Cowboy football team in Boone Pickens Stadium with her husband, Aaron, and sons, Ayson and Axton.