COMPLIMENTARY COMPLIMENTARY
Surrey Taking You Places Today!
History Lesson Judy Eagleton preserves Claremore’s heritage in tangible ways
Time Standing Still
American Woman Restoring Hope Fall 2011 2011 Vol. Vol. 43 No. No. 11 •• AA Claremore Claremore Daily Daily Progress Progress Publication Publication Fall
75 7 5 Years Years as as Your Bank! Your Bank!
Surrey
Vol. 4 No. 1 Fall
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Taking You Places Today!
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Cherokee Woman Rachel Caroline Eaton was the first Cherokee woman to earn a Ph. D. and was also Rogers County Superintendent of Education.
American Woman Claremore’s Kimberly Teehee serves as a policy advisor on Native American issues for President Barack Obama.
Claremore’s Girl Judy Eagleton is an collector and preservationist of Claremore’s history in a tangible way.
Restoring Hope Colton and Corbin Marcotte have joined forces to restore hope one house at a time in Claremore.
Time Standing Still Clyde Hicks knows when time stops and knows how to get it back moving by repairing time pieces small and large.
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Editor’s Note Summer is a time for sweating, and dreaming of 22 inches of snow.
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Restoring and Preserving Life is what we each make of it. We learn from out mistakes and attempt to not repeat them. When we face new challenges and ideas, we reach back to the times in our past which we made the right or wrong decision and combine that with our current situation to choose the appropriate path to take. As we enter the Fall season we have choices. Do we restore the relationships which may not may not have been fractured in the past? Do we plow new ground an plunge into new activities and relationships? While Fall is know as a time of harvest and thanksgiving, it should be a time to keep thinking about the past and the future. In this issue of Surrey, we take you to new places. The lives of three strong Rogers County women grace our pages. Rachel Caroline Eaton, Kimberly Teehee and Judy Eagleton. Their lives show us how hard work and commitment to specific ideas and causes can be transformed into a legacy worth remembering. Eaton’s story as an educational pioneer is told by her great grand niece. Eaton was the first Cherokee woman to RANDY COWLING earn a PhD. She also served a Superintendent of Education in Rogers County. Teehee is a young Claremore woman who is now serving our country in the White House. She is a policy advisor for Native American issue to President Barack Obama. Her Rogers County roots have prepared her to make a difference in Washington D. C. Eagleton is a central player in anything anyone wants to know about Claremore. Her collection of artifacts will soon find a new home in the Claremore Historical Museum. We also share with our readers the stories of the Marcotte brothers, Corbin and Colton, who have begun the process of changing the real estate landscape in Claremore by restoring old homes. The Maronites are bring hope to the city. Finally, Clyde Hicks share his love of time pieces. He repairs clocks, small and large, and keeps time moving along. Hicks tells how he became enamored with clockworks. We hope you enjoy how Rogers County residents are preserving the past, restoring the present and building the future.
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Surrey Taking you places today! Surrey©2011 All rights reserved. Published Bi-monthly by The Daily Progress PUBLISHER Bailey Dabney EDITOR/DESIGNER Randy Cowling CONTRIBUTORS Larry Larkin Dorothy Willman Cummins Salesha Wilken ADVERTISING Misti Grannemann Kim McCool Duffy Hoagland Melissa Ring Annette Riherd Cinda Vaughan CREATIVE DEPARTmENT Cathy Grissett Brenda Hall Amy Walsh
SEND COMMENTS TO: The SURREY @ The Daily Progress 315 W. Will Rogers Boulevard Claremore, OK 74017 P.O. Box 248 Claremore, OK 74018 E-mail — rcowling@claremoreprogress.com ADVERTISING INFORMATION: (918) 341-1101 addir@claremoreprogress.com All copy and advertising in the Surrey are copyrighted and cannot be reproduced. Some photos used by permission of source.
CLAREMORE | BARTLESVILLE | PRYOR
www.rsu.edu | (918) 343-7777
“I was looking for a university where I would be more than a face in the crowd. At Rogers State University, I’m a member of the Honors Program and the varsity cheerleading squad, all while pursuing my degree in medical/molecular biology. I don’t know for sure where I’ll be ten years from now but I do know I’ll be working in the medical field and my education will have prepared me to be successful. RSU has given me so many opportunities that I would not have gotten at other schools. For that, I’ll always be grateful.”
KYLIE DENT
Pryor, OK | Medical/Molecular Biology | Cheerleader | Honors Student Fall 2011 Surrey 5
Rachel Caroline Eaton Cherokee Woman Historian, and Educator By CHRISTINA BERRY All Things Cherokee allthingscherokee.com
F
ew people today have ever heard of Rachel Caroline Eaton. Her story has gone uncelebrated for the most part, which is odd considering how many firsts she accomplished. Rachel C. Eaton is believed to be the first Oklahoma Indian woman to receive a PhD.D., and the first woman county superintendent of schools in Oklahoma. Rachel C. Eaton was Cherokee, enrolled on the Dawes Roll. She dedicated her life to history and
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education. She taught at numerous universities and wrote a book on Cherokee history called John Ross and the Cherokee Indians. “Callie,� as she is affectionately called, was born July 7, 1869 near Flint Creek, Cherokee Nation. Her father George Washington Eaton was a Civil War veteran who was born in the Republic of Texas. Her mother Nancy Elizabeth Ward Williams was a part Cherokee woman whose mother walked on the Trail of Tears. Callie attended tribal schools and the Cherokee Female Seminary in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. It was during her senior year that the original Female Seminary building burned to the ground. After Seminary she attended Drury College in Springfield,
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Eaton documented Cherokee history Continued from page 7
Missouri. From there she went on to the University of Chicago where she received her PhD.D. In 1921, her dissertation “John Ross and the Cherokee Indians” was published as a Cherokee history book.
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It is still used today for research by Cherokee historians. In addition to the book’s value as a history book, one chapter of the book “Trail of Tears” was used for many years as a model of excellent English prose at the University of Missouri. Callie was also an educator who taught in the public schools of the Cherokee Nation, the Cherokee Female Seminary (in the new building which is now part of the Northeastern State University campus) in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio, and the Industrial Institute and College of Columbus, Mississippi. She was also Dean of Women at Trinity University in Waxahachie, Texas (now in San Antonio, Texas). She was elected the Superintendent of Public Instruction of Rogers County, Oklahoma in 1920 and served two consecutive terms. Callie was a member of several organizations including the Tulsa Indian Women’s Club. She was an honorary member in the La-kee-kon Club of Tulsa, The Quest Club of Claremore, and the Pocahontas Club. The Pocahontas Club was a Cherokee ladies club which allowed men to be honorary members. One of these honorary members, while Callie was in the club, was Will Rogers. Later in her life Callie wrote a second book, a continuation of her first, called The History of the Cherokee Indians. Unfortunately she died before the book could be published, and the book still remains unpublished. Callie was included in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1936 as one of Oklahoma’s outstanding women. On September 20, 1938 Callie died in Claremore, Oklahoma, after a long battle with breast cancer. Callie was very proud of her culture and worked her entire life to continue the
Eaton included in ‘The Printed Word’ Cherokee history. The following is a poem written by Callie and used as the club collect by the Tulsa Indian Women’s Club. It clearly illustrates her feelings about Cherokee history and culture. Let us be wise, in wisdom ever growing, Steadfast and firm, the needful things to do; Walk calm, serene whatever winds be blowing; Attain the heights yet touch the lowly, too.
For more information about Rachel Caroline Eaton go to allthingscherokee.com.
But I would like for her to someday be recognized for her role in Cherokee history and women’s history. Strides are being made in this direction, the Cherokee Heritage Center included Callie in their “The Printed Word” exhibit several years ago.
Used by permission of Christina Berry.
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Let us be true; sincere in word, in thought, in action; Free from all pettiness of soul and mind; And fair, devoid of prejudice or faction, Let us be wholly just, supremely kind. We pride of race would cherish veneration For ancient Knowledge, wisdom, legends, lore; Would throw the torch each future generation To grasp and pass, As in the days of yore. We would hold aloft the banners of the Tribesmen, Lest trailing they be trampled in the mire; Signal, “Up Ye Peace Chiefs, War Chiefs!” to the Clansmen; “Sunset! Come Twilight; Renew your Council Fire.” — Dr. Rachel Caroline Eaton Published as the club collect in the Tulsa Indian Women’s Club Yearbook 1976-77. It’s time for a true confession. Rachel Caroline Eaton is known to me as “Aunt Callie.” She was the sister of my great grandmother Martha Pauline “Mattie” Eaton. My grandfather recalls the times when Callie encouraged his own education and development. We are proud to have Aunt Callie as a member of our family history.
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American Woman Claremore’s Kim Teehee works at The White House Kimberly Teehee is senior policy advisor for Native American issue for President Barack Obama. Teehee is a Cherokee Nation citizen and graduate of Claremore High School. She agreed to answer questions about her position and issues facing the Cherokee Nation. 1. Tell about your Claremore days. Where you grew up, went to school, college? Surrey readers want to know about your life before the White House. KT: Thanks to my wonderful parents, I had a pretty amazing childhood filled with precious memories rooted in Cherokee heritage. 10 Fall 2011 Surrey
My parents are very supportive of me. To know about my life before the White House is to understand my family’s background because that is what influenced my career path. My parents, Amos and Polly Teehee, grew up in Stilwell on their Cherokee land allotments and speaking Cherokee as a first language. Both attended Sequoyah High School in Tahlequah when it was a boarding school operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. While I grew up in Claremore, I was born in Chicago, Illinois, where my parents moved as part of a federal relocation assistance program for American Indians.
My family moved to Claremore when I was in the 4th grade. Both of my parents work for the Claremore Indian Hospital. As you can tell by these examples, federal policy is interwoven in my family’s history but I didn’t appreciate that until I was much older. I attended Claremont Elementary School, Will Rogers Junior High and Claremore High School (’86). I was a pretty quiet kid except around my small circle of friends. I was not athletic although I tried occasionally to play softball, golf and tennis. My brother, Gerome, was popular and an excellent athlete in school and growing up I was probably best known for being his little sister. Cherokee Nation sponsored several youth programs which I participated in such as leadership camps for Native American youth and summer internships. I was on Cherokee Nation’s tribal youth council. I took part in a number of activities supported by Cherokee Nation. Growing up, I didn’t realize that these activities would also influence my interest in Native American affairs. I don’t think my parents sought opportunities for me through the tribe by design but Cherokee Nation was the natural outlet for that. 2. When you were growing up did you ever dream of working at the White House? KT: I never dreamed of working at the White House, or of living outside of Claremore. I’m the kid that cried when my Mom dropped me off at school in the mornings because I missed her. As the baby in the family, I can tell you I didn’t venture far from Mom and Dad. I’m certain my family is as shocked as I am that I work in Washington, DC. 3. Where did you go to university? What were your degrees and interests? KT: Rogers State College. Associate of Arts (’88) Northeastern State University (NSU). Bachelor of Arts (’91) University of Iowa College of Law. Juris Doctorate (’95) Working as a summer intern after high school for then Cherokee Nation Chief Wilma Mankiller, I discovered a deep passion for government so I decided to major in political science. After my summer internship was completed, Wilma hired me so I continued to work for her while attending NSU. Wilma was a wonderful mentor and observing her leadership, diplomatic skills, grasp of the issues, and connection to her constituents fascinated me. At NSU I joined student organizations that would help me develop skills that would benefit me in government. I
was in student government and participated in different clubs and organizations. While at Iowa, I was the law school’s student representative in student government and helped to organize blood drives and volunteered for other causes. Through these experiences, I also acquired an interest for community service and public service. Both of my parents are public servants and so are many of my extended family, which also helped to shape my interests. 4. Your title at the White House is Senior Policy Advisor for Native American Policy. Give our readers some background of your journey and study of Native American issues. My family history combined with experiences gained in childhood, as Wilma Mankiller’s intern, working for tribal government, and in college and law school really laid the groundwork for me to immerse myself into Native American issues. I can trace my interest in Federal Indian law and national Native American issues to a conference Cherokee Nation sent me to in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1991. I was considering law school. The interest was there but I didn’t really know how to execute this idea. At NSU I was in the pre-law club but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with a law degree so I was little lost. I was working for Cherokee Nation and I asked to attend a Federal Indian law conference. While there I met so many wonderful people. I was mistaken for a law student. I was invited to a reception and met Native American law students from across the country. A law student arranged for me to meet with the Director of a summer program for Native Americans planning to attend law school. This summer program is a mock law school setting with real law school courses taught by law professors. Law schools from across the country recruit Native Americans from this program. I had never heard of this program, but I applied and was accepted and spent the whole summer in Albuquerque, New Mexico taking law school courses (with final exams) at the University of New Mexico College of Law. One of the courses was Federal Indian law. Finally, I appreciated the connection between law, Native American issues, government and policy. The University of Iowa law school recruiter convinced me to give Iowa a shot. Iowa was great to me. I initially felt far removed from Native American issues but the law school had a well respected professor who was also a preeminent scholar in Continued on page 13
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Federal Indian law. I would later co-teach with him a Federal Indian law course to graduate students at the University, serve as his research assistant and later serve as a research assistant for another professor who specialized in international indigenous rights issues. My summers were spent in Tahlequah at Cherokee Nation researching and writing, two things I love to do. After graduating from Iowa, I returned to the Cherokee Nation. Less than a year later, I accepted a position in Washington, DC to work for a political organization focusing on Native American issues. This led to me eventually to work for the U.S. House of Representatives where I served as Director for the House Congressional Native American Caucus for nearly twelve years. While working for the U.S. House, I gained a deep respect for the federal legislative process, and developed a passion for the cross-cutting aspects of Native American issues. I worked daily with Members of Congress and with several House Committees on every Native American issue imaginable—housing, health, education, transportation, agriculture, justice, appropriations issues and others. I cherish my time working “on the Hill.� 5. How did you land the White House job? Tell our readers about a typical day at the White House for you. Lots of meetings? KT: President Obama had announced that he would appoint a senior policy advisor for Native American Affairs in the White House Domestic Policy Council (DPC). The DPC is responsible for the development and implementation of domestic policy for the President and works with federal agencies and Congress on his policy objectives. I was asked by someone in the White House to submit a resume which led Fall 2011 Surrey 13
to an interview, and my eventual appointment. I’m very blessed and humbled to be in this position. I can say with great confidence that all my experiences in tribal government and in the U.S. House of Representatives prepared me well to perform my job. The hours are long, but the work is rewarding. A typical day begins early in the morning with responding to emails from colleagues, meeting deadlines where I’m either producing documents or reviewing documents, researching and writing about issues, developing policy proposals, reading lots of material about the issues I’m working on, and meeting with agencies, Congress, stakeholders. I take work home every night to prepare for the next day.
I take work home every weekend which consist of lots of reading material. I often hand write memos and my speeches on weekends just to type them on a computer when I get to my desk. I prefer not to use my computer at home. Sometimes I miss the feel of pen to paper. My day ends with me responding to emails. It is common to receive and respond to emails past midnight and for the email chain to start again in the wee hours of the morning. 6. What do you see as the top 3 or 4 issues facing Native Americans? How is the Obama Administration working to address those issues? KT: President Obama is committed to strengthening the government-togovernment relationship between the United States and Indian tribes. He believes that tribal leaders must
be part of the solution, and have a seat at the policy making table. This belief is manifested in my appointment in the Domestic Policy Council, two White House Tribal Nations Conferences during which tribal leaders interfaced directly with the President and senior officials from the highest level of government, and his memorandum (November 5, 2009) to the federal agencies directing them to fully implement an Executive Order on tribal consultation. The federal agencies are consulting with tribes at historic levels and the feedback from these sessions help shape the Administration's policies for Native Americans. For example, tribal leaders indicate that improving health care, making tribal communities safer, and promoting sustainable economic development in Indian Country are
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among top priorities. I focus on these issues, among many others, on a daily basis. 1. Improving Healthcare President Obama took a major step towards addressing health care gaps by signing into law last year landmark legislation known as the “Affordable Care Act”. Significantly, the legislation provides permanent authorization for the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which modernizes and updates health care services available to those who use the Indian Health Service, which includes most American Indians and Alaska Natives. The law is making a huge difference in the lives and health of Native Americans. 2. Making Tribal Communities Safer As we have been told repeatedly by tribal leaders, no community can prosper, economically or socially, unless its basic needs for public safety are met. The Administration is committed to working with tribes on a governmentto-government basis to increase public safety in Indian Country. More flexible funding has been key. But perhaps more fundamental was the July 2010 signing by President Obama of the Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA). This comprehensive law is improving the federal government’s ability to work with Indian tribes in the investigation and prosecution of crime impacting tribal communities. Addressing crimes against Native American women is a particular priority for the Administration. To build on the TLOA, the Department of Justice recently submitted to Congress a legislative proposal that would recognize certain tribes’ power to exercise concurrent criminal authority over domestic-violence cases, regardless of whether the defendant is Indian or a non-Indian. In addition, the proposal clarifies that tribal courts have the civil authority to issue and enforce protection
orders against both Indians and nonIndians, and would provide federal prosecutors tools to seek stiffer sentences for particular offenses. This legislative proposal would significantly improve the safety of Native women and allow federal and tribal law enforcement agencies to hold more perpetrators of domestic violence accountable for their crimes. 3. Promoting Sustainable
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Economic Development in Indian Country Indian Country faces unique challenges when it comes to sustainable economic development. The White House Rural Council, which President Obama established in June 2011, will work across federal agencies to address these challenges and promote economic prosperity and quality of life in Indian Country and across rural America. The Administration has already made important investments in infrastructure to support economic development in Indian Country. In order to bring high-speed, affordable broadband into tribal communities, both the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce have
programs to do so and have awarded loans and grants worth over $1-1/2 billion for projects to benefit tribal areas. These infrastructure investments go hand-in-hand with a wide range of projects to create jobs in Indian communities and prepare Native Americans to fill them. 7. Most who work at the White House do so for one or two terms, what aspirations do you have for the future? KT: I’m just thinking about continuing the success of President Obama in addressing the many issues facing Indian Country. I have not yet plotted out my future.
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Claremore Girl Judy Eagleton By LARRY LARKIN
M
y front yard was Main Street and I loved every minute of it, says Judy Eagleton when she recalls her childhood and growing up in Claremore. Instead of playing “house” and holding “tea parties” as a youngster, she started serving coffee and donuts as soon as she was big enough. This is often the case when your parents own a downtown café. Her hard working parents, Virgil and Nathamay Smith, operated five different eating establishments during the 1940s and ‘50s. “I loved downtown as I was growing up; there was so much to do and see back then,” and working for my parents wasn’t work at all. It was a pleasure,” recalls Judy, “As soon as I was big enough, I begin to fill the water and tea glasses. I was a waitress until my father’s ill health caused him to close our Cadet Grill in 1958.” It wasn’t all work and no play. Downtown merchants were a close group. Everyone knew everyone else. She was always welcome in the drug stores, dress shops, and the best places of all, the movie houses. “Going to the Yale, the Cadet, or the Palace, I was a regular at each one,” she confessed. Looking back, it was the movies that may have started Judy on the path of being the serious collector she is today. “When I was growing up I started a scrapbook of Hollywood movie stars,” recalled Judy, “At first I cut pictures of my favorites out of magazines, but then I discovered I could send a quarter to them for autographed 8x10-inch color photos. I would go to the Post Office two or three times a day to see if any
had arrived. “June Allison was my favorite actress. Because she appeared with Jimmy Stewart so many times, I like him, too. Later I thought Paul Newman was the most handsome man alive. It was those blue eyes. And Elizabeth Taylor was so pretty.” Her scrapbook of movie memories are long gone now. For a good reason at the time she gave the book to someone else. “When I did that I really believed I would get my photos back, but that didn’t happen,” Judy laughed. While Judy might enjoy looking at the scrapbook again, it is not something causing a lot of grief. Those half century old pictures have been replaced by a new passion. When the new Claremore History Museum, scheduled to open next year, many of the items on display will have been collected by Judy Eagleton. During a newspaper interview four years ago, Judy admitted she didn’t really know when her present collection started. “I love Claremore. I have lived here all my life with the exception of about two years. My husband’s work caused us to move twice, but each time we moved back,” she said. It was following Bill’s death in 2003 when Judy first became a serious collector of Claremore memorabilia. Today she has more items than she can actually count. Plates, bottles, matchbook covers, post cards, if they have a Claremore connection, she has it among the collection. The list is near endless and many date back before statehood.
Fall 2011 Surrey 19
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Images of old businesses capture city’s culture, heritage Among old newspaper articles and many actual photos of former police officers and fire fighters are more pictures of old businesses. There is a wire clothes basket once used at Claremore’s first municipal swimming pool, the one in the basement at the long gone Athletic Club once located north of the Rogers County Court House. Countless advertising items (pins, calendars, etc.) recall many early day businesses. The oldest piece appears to be a silver spoon dated 1897. Asked to select her favorite item, she doesn’t hesitate. A series of dinner plates were made with various drawings of local places on the front with the words ‘Claremore, Indian Territory’ underneath. Her favorite plate has the likeness of Sequoyah on it. As large as her collection is now, it continues to grow. Friends call when they discover something they think she may be interested in. Antique shops give Judy first opportunity to purchase items. She has even received phone calls from strangers wanting to add to list. “I brought one item on eBay some time back,” Judy laughed, “After submitting the high bid I asked him how much the postage would be. It was more than the purchase price. Finding out he lived in Claremore, I told him I would meet him at the post office and save the postage.” A small portion of Judy’s collection has been on display the past few years at the J. M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum. This has allowed her to share those items with the public. Still there is so much more. In her beloved hometown that is already noted for its various museums, she deeply believes there is room for another one; a place totally dedicated to the people and places of Claremore’s yesterdays. “For some time now I have been thinking about a place where Claremore’s wonderful past can be saved for
Two fo the thousand of photographs in Eagleton’s collection.
An early china plate with a painting of an early an Native American leader.
Fall 2011 Surrey 21
our future generations,” she said. She and other members of the executive committee for the planned Claremore Museum & Welcome Center believe they have the perfect building and location. The City of Claremore has agreed to lease to the group the old Will Rogers Library building on the corner of Weenonah and 4th Streets. Currently Judy and Claremore’s John Cary are fundraising co-chairmen. To someone who doesn’t know Judy Eagleton, her passion for such a museum might sound self-serving. Don’t believe it for a moment! Yes, the future museum will display many items from her huge collection, but they will be only a small portion of the museum overall. Because of space and the enormous response from others, all exhibits will be presented on a rotating basis. “I can’t really say what the future holds concerning my hometown collection,” said the consistently on-the-go pretty lady, “For the time being I hope the new museum will allow others to walk through Claremore history as I have.” An apron and hat from a waitress uniform at the Cadet Grill.
Judy Eagleton surveys part of her historical collection which now can be seen at the J. m. Davis Historical and Gun museum.
22 Fall 2011 Surrey
Restoring
H O P E
one home at a time By SALESHA WILKEN
T
he house barely stood as time punished the remains. Boards covered the doors and windows warning visitors to keep out. Nothing but a skeleton, void of hope and destined for demolition the home is a reminder of the past. Two young men approach the structure looking for opportunity. “It is in shambles a complete disaster,” says Colton Marcotte. His brother Corbin falls through the porch floor as he tries to enter the dwelling. The Marcotte brothers know this is the one. It is not just a run down home, but a chance to make a difference. Corbin 16, and Colton 18, make an offer to purchase the home at 327 Patti Page Blvd. Unable to obtain a loan due to their age they are forced to face reality. “Everyone told us it was a bad idea,” said Corbin. “But, when someone tells us we can't do something we want to prove them wrong,” said Colton. Taking money earned from mowing lawns and other
personal stock investments they purchase the property. Corbin and Colton pay $8,000 cash and before they can enter college they become homeowners. Mischievous in their early teens the boys learned life is what you make it. “We knew we could not continue down that path anymore. We needed direction,” said Colton. The 3-bedroom 2-bath craftsman style home provided more than just direction. These brothers got a crash course in business, finance, and adult life. It took a month to demolish the damaged areas. Even during this phase the boys were careful to preserve any materials found in good condition. We recycled as much old material as possible. When we took down a wall we would take each board apart one by one, said Corbin. They deconstructed the walls and reclaimed lumber to be reused. Material not reused by the brothers was donated to the local Habitat for Humanity. Giving back was second nature to the brothers. Their Fall 2011 Surrey 23
motivation for taking on the project stemmed from a love of their community. “We want to play a role in bringing old homes in Claremore back to life,” said Corbin. “If we do what everyone else is doing that would make us average. We want to do more in life than that,” he said. The brothers consulted members of the Rogers County Historical Society for advice. They worked to preserve the historical features of the home. A touch of new combined with old traditions make this home unique. We did not want to do what other builders were doing. It was important to us to preserve the character, they said. The home has been completely remodeled through the brother's efforts. They were involved with every aspect of the project. Contractors were used to make repairs to the electric, plumbing, and heating/cooling services. Inspections were conducted according to building standards. Not only did the brothers work full-time on the renovations they both held down other employment. Colton worked for Baker Hughes full-time as an Operator for Team Reclaim. His brother Corbin completed his high 24 Fall 2011 Surrey
school education and worked at Quik Trip. Working and attending school presented additionally challenges. “Our schedules made it difficult to meet with contractors and inspectors,” Corbin said. The Marcotte brothers were driven to complete the project despite adversity. Their belief in hard work and pride in craftsmanship carried them through. “This is the hardest thing I have ever done. It is rewarding to see the outcome when you work with your own hands,” said Colton. “When you drive through Claremore you can see we made a difference in the community,” he said According to Corbin, the neighbors were excited to see us working. We have pride in our work and the impact it could make. “Claremore is not just a town it is a community,” he said. Corbin and Colton formed the business Marcotte Brothers LLC. They plan to list the property for sale soon. The listing price will be $107,000 and they will reinvest any earnings made to purchase additional properties in Claremore.
Tim e
Standing S til l
Clyde Hicks finds ways to advance time Fall 2011 Surrey 25
Fascination with clocks began when Hicks was a teenager By DOROTHY WILLmAN CUmmINS
C
lyde Hicks explains his passion with one sentence, “I love working with clocks.” He surrounds himself with clocks, 150 of them in the shop and another 35 at his home. The shop at 321 S. Lynn Riggs Blvd. houses two businesses, Clyde’s Quality Heat and Air and The Old World Clock Gallery. Clyde grew up in Tulsa and came to Claremore 38 years ago to work in an air conditioning business. Eighteen months later, he started his own business, and Clyde’s Quality Air and Heat has been located at the S. Lynn Riggs site for more than 30 years. His fascination with clocks began early. Clyde remembers being a young teen who came home early from Saturday night parties, then sat at the kitchen table taking apart his mother’s alarm clocks. He said he just wanted to see if he could get them back together. He started his clock business with two clocks. Then he went to an auction in Columbia, MO and bought 45 clocks. “That got me goin’”, he said. Clyde took apart, cleaned and repaired each one of those clocks before he sold them. Then, as now, he provided a year warranty on every clock he sells. Over the years, he has sold about 150 clocks and repaired a countless number of them. He currently has clocks for sale ranging in price from $10 to $55,000. A self taught craftsman, Clyde did have a mentor years ago. A man west of Claremore was a noted clock repairman and finally agreed to Clyde’s request for help. Two afternoons per week for two months, Clyde went to work in the man’s “very hot garage. “He taught me a lot in a short time,” said Clyde. “After that, I had to ad lib,” he said, “But I enjoy the challenge of figuring things out.” Early in the clock business years, Clyde’s research led him to a German company that produced sophisticated, high quality expensive clocks. He applied to become a 26 Fall 2011 Surrey
Clyde Hicks is comfortable at his work bench where he repairs time pieces.
Shop has 150 time pieces Kieninger dealer. “I had to sell two old Corvettes to be able to afford the dealership,” he said. Ultimately it was worth it, and Clyde remains the only Kieninger dealer in the state of Oklahoma. He admires the craftsmanship of Kieninger clocks and recalls an early order. There was one particular clock that he favored, and when his shipment arrived, that clock had not been shipped to him. He called and spoke with a company representative, explaining how much he wanted that clock. Only one was available, located in Switzerland, and it was shipped to Clyde. As delighted as he was, he can’t quite name it his favorite. It’s too hard to pick just one. His shop is filled with clocks that tick tock, chime, sound bells and even a few that cuckoo. He has a large number of French clocks and several mystery clocks from Austria. His collection also includes double decker calendar clocks, an 1865 perpetual calendar clock and an 1850 triple decker Seth Thomas. He has a 1000 day clock, and two clocks with all wooden movements. The taller clocks in the shop include a 1770’s French Long Case, and the giant of his collection stands nine and a half feet tall. It was hand carved by a California craftsman and another like it appeared as a furnishing for the Cartwright Family on the TV series Bonanza. Clyde Hicks and his son have been working together in the heat and air business for 12 years and Clyde went to part time several years ago so he could devote time to his clocks. Next year, he plans to become a full time clock shopkeeper and repairman. He said “clocks are a lot of fun.” He considers them “a good investment, plus a piece of art and a piece of history.” He finds them a reminder of a “gentler, more comforting time.”
Among Clyde Hicks’ clocks are ones incorporating statues and traditional grandfather clocks.
Fall 2011 Surrey 27
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