spring 2015 newsletter
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Spring 2015 NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
The Stakeholder A quarterly publication of the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center
Our Mission: to tell the extraordinary stories of settling the Cherokee Strip and sharing the inspiring lessons of leadership with future generations.
It has struck me that I am one of the last generations to have known those who
made the Run or who were children of those who made the Run. My great-great
grandparents were Germans from Russia who made the Run with their five
children. They settled on a quarter of land on the Alfalfa County side of the Woods
County – Alfalfa County line. The Rudy family built their home on a hilltop
overlooking their land, before they and their youngest two children were killed in a tornado in 1908.
It was before my grandfather was born, but my great grandfather remembered the
Run and the tornado. He shared those stories with his family throughout his entire life. A neighbor girl also remembered that tragic night and memorized the story some eighty years
later. She too has now passed on, but the story is preserved.
As time passes, the stories are told less and are lost. Unless that is, we dedicate our efforts to telling future
generations of the hardships, the triumphs and the courage of those who brought us here generations ago. The Cherokee Regional Heritage Center is dedicated to the preservation of those stories. It is a facility built
by the donations of the people of the Cherokee Strip and operates under a partnership with the Oklahoma
Historical Society.
The operation of the Heritage Center, however, depends on the continued support of people like you. The annual membership drive has begun. I would encourage you to become a member if you are not one (for as
little as $15 if you are a student). If you are already a member, please take this opportunity to increase
your level of giving. My goal is to have five new families join me at the 1893 Club Membership level this
year.
Please do one thing more, talk about your Heritage Center. Let others know of the events and educational
programs of the Heritage Center. We are already planning to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the
Chisholm Trail in 2017.
Daron Rudy
Chairman
Spring 2015 Vol. VIII, Issue I
From the Board Chairman ...
HELP MAKE THE CHISHOLM TRAIL
A NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL
The National Park Service is inviting comment on designating the
Chisholm and Great Western Cattle Trails as National Trails. Now
through March 6 is our chance to be heard! These trails represent a vital
part of our history and the American West. The link to comment and the
complete feasibility study can be found on the Oklahoma Historical So-
ciety website at www.okhistory.org. Thank you for taking action on this important issue!
I have some exciting news
to share! We are starting
off the year with our best
membership drive to date.
Since the drive began in
early January, we have
added 44 new first-time
members to the Heritage
Center roles. That brings
our total membership count
to 189! Thank each of you
for your support of our
efforts! It is such an
encouragement to our staff and volunteers to know
that our work to protect and share our Cherokee
Strip Heritage is valued. For those of you who have
not yet received your membership renewal packet,
renewal information will be sent out a month in
advance of the renewal date.
At certain levels of membership a benefit is to be
listed in this publication. Thank you to the
following for your support:
1893 Club Members - $1,000 Level:
Bill and Darla Andrew
John and Susan Bowers
Steve and Lish Glasser
Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. Simpson
Chairman’s Champions Corporate Members -
$1,000 Level:
Linda Athey
John and Virginia Groendyke
Messer-Bowers Insurance
Land Agent Corporate Members - $500 Level:
Parrish Manufacturing Group
2015 Board of Directors
Daron Rudy ............................................... Chairman Jason Turnbow .................................. Vice-Chairman Hallie Caldwell ........................................... Secretary Buddy Carroll ................................................. Treasurer Dr. David Russell .............. Immediate Past Chairman Don Angle April Danahy
Robert Dense Kathy Dickson Lish Glasser Becky Hodgen John Merz Bonnie Muegge Sandie Olson James Shepherd Sharon Trojan Jason Turnbow
Staff
Andrea Holland ..................................... Director/Editor Dana Reese ............................................ Office Manager David Kennedy ........................... Curator of Collections Cody Jolliff....................................... Education Director Aaron Preston.................................................. Archivist Mike Caffey .................................. Maintenance Director Sarah Hardaway ............................. Museum Assistant
Ella Proctor .................................... Education Assistant Cheri Franklin ...................... Visitor Services Assistant Darlene Pottorf ..................... Visitor Services Assistant Mary McDonald ............................. Museum Educator Winnie Oliver ................................ Museum Educator Dee Taylor ..................................... Museum Educator
Tuesday—Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed: New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day,
and Christmas Day
HUMPHREY HERITAGE VILLAGE
Guided tours of historic buildings are available Tues-
day—Saturday: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.,
weather permitting.
Adults ...................................................................... $5
Seniors (age 62+) .................................................... $3
Students .................................................................. $3
Group Rate (10+) ........................................... $3 each
Families (up to 4) .................................................. $13
Active Duty Military, Veterans,
and Children (5 & Under) ................................. FREE
CSRHC and OHS Members ............................. FREE
Special Discount—
$1 Off Admission
for AAA Members
MUSEUM HOURSMUSEUM HOURSMUSEUM HOURS
ADMISSIONADMISSIONADMISSION
Director’s Corner
Welcome New Board Members
JOHN MERZ has lived in Enid for over 30 years, moving here when his father retired from
the Air Force. He and his wife, Stephanie have been married for 23 years. They have two
daughters, Cara who is attending OU, and Audrey, a freshman at OSU. John received his
Bachelor of Architecture from Oklahoma State University in 1992, being recognized as the
outstanding graduate of the School of Architecture. He began his internship with Elliott &
Associates in Oklahoma City, and then joined Corbin Associates in 1993. John is currently on
the Enid Construction Board of Appeals, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment for the City of
Enid. He has served on the Metropolitan Area Planning Committee, Historic Preservation
Board, and Main Street Enid Committee. His grandparents, Roy and Millie Frey were born in
Indian Territory, near the towns of Cleo Springs and Ringwood.
John says, “I have always enjoyed studying the history of our country and think Oklahoma
has a unique story that should be told. I like the way the Heritage Center interacts with the community and tells the
story of early Oklahoma. I believe there is much to be learned from the our heritage – how they lived, worked, and
built their communities in a fairly harsh environment.”
BECKY HODGEN joined Groendyke Transport in 2012 as the Communications and
Branding Manager. Her responsibilities include oversight of all creative and brand media for
the company, liaison between state motor carrier organizations and news media, and assisting
in recruitment and retention campaigns. Born in Colorado Springs at the Air Force Academy,
Becky grew up in Alabama, where she received her B.A in Public Relations from Auburn
University. After serving as a legislative intern in the Alabama Legislature, Becky moved to
Hartford, Connecticut shortly after graduation. There she worked for the Pearson Foundation,
a national educational nonprofit. In 2010, she began to assist in state office campaigns in
Connecticut, and helped elect now State Comptroller, Kevin Lembo. In the fall of 2010,
Becky moved to Enid where she served as Public Relations Director for the City of Enid,
before moving to Groendyke. Becky has served on the St. Mary’s Board of Directors of Enid, founding member of the Enid First Committee, United
Way Board, Enid Higher Education Foundation, currently serves on the Loaves and Fishes Board. An avid foodie,
Becky balances her love for cooking with running and outdoor activities.
LISH CROMWELL GLASSER has a lifelong love of the history of Oklahoma and has been
affiliated with the Sons & Daughters of the Cherokee Strip for more than 20 years. She was
recruited by Bill Humphrey to help with the 1993 edition of “The Journal.” As a committee of
one she has gotten out “The Journal” every September since then. She has also served as
president and treasurer of the organization.
History lessons began around the family dinner table and the stories were memorable. Dinner
with Marquis James, why Maine Street has an "e", H. H. Champlin and the National Guard;
and Dolly Douthitt (or why my grandfather had a snub-nosed pistol), and the Great Train
Wreck! Some stories got more interesting the older she became!
Lish and her husband Steve married in 1971 and they have two daughters. Rachel and Matt
Sargent live in Bentonville, Arkansas with their son Henry, and Gwen and Rusty Robeson
reside in Longmont, Colorado.
Lish does freelance editing and proofreading for several entities, enjoys most anything one can do with needles...
knitting, cross-stitch, quilting, and needlepoint. She also enjoys working in her garden.
Friday, March 27—9:00 a.m. (Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.)
Grand National Gun Club Range, On Hwy 81, North of Enid
Registration has begun for the Fourth Annual April Fools Shoot. The entry fee is $200 per individual, or $1,000 per 5-person sponsored team. Entry includes all targets, lunch, and great prizes for winners in each category. Shooters can also sign-up for the Wobble Trap Competition the day of the event for an additional $10 a round.
The April Fools Shoot benefits the many educational programs at the Heritage Center. Each year thousands of students participate in experience-based learning programs with the Heritage Center’s education team. We appreciate your contributions in keeping the heritage of our region alive by supporting the April Fools Shoot. Join us for a fun day, as we celebrate the American tradition of Sport Shooting. For more information call (580)237-1907 x227, or email: [email protected].
EVENT ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
100-target shoot of Trap & 5-Stand 3 Rounds of Trap
1 Round of 5-Stand
AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED:
Top Gun Top Team Top Trap
Top 5-Stand Lewis Class Scores A, B & C
Mark Your Calendar ...
Gensman Brothers: An Interesting History By Aaron Preston, Archivist
George Gensman and his brothers bought an interest in H.E. Diehl & Company, a general store in early Enid. In 1901, brothers George, William, and Fred bought out the Diehl’s interests, and formed “Gensman Brothers.” The company (located on the corner of Maine and Grand, where Garfield Furniture stands today) flourished, taking advantage of Enid’s access to ready freight via the railroad. In 1914, it generated over a quarter of a million dollars in revenue. Historian, George Rainy told the tale of one Gensman patron who had ridden to town from Woods County to purchase a stove. After arriving home missing a lid, the patron wrote a four-page letter cussing out the Gensmans, swearing never to shop there again, finally ending the letter stating: “P.S. I found the damn lid in the oven.”
The photo shows a group of men outside the Enid store. Fred Gensman has his hand on the motor of the early steam engine. George is standing on his left.
“Patti Page: Once Upon A Dream” Exhibit
This Spring the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center will be one of four Oklahoma museums to have the opportunity of hosting a special traveling exhibit, “Patti Page: Once Upon a Dream.” The exhibit originally opened at the Oklahoma History Center in November 2014 as part of the vast “Oklahoma @ the Movies” exhibition. The exhibit ranging from her Grammy and gold records to dolls and dresses marked the first public viewing of the Patti Page Estate Collection. Page, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 85 was the top selling female artist of the 1950s, with a legacy that spanned generations. The “Tennessee Waltz” and “How Much is that Doggie In the Window,” are two of her enduring favorites. Now
elements of that exhibit will journey across the state to four museums including the Will Rogers Museum in the City of Claremore where Patti Page was born as Clara Ann Fowler. The Pioneer Women Museum in Ponca City will host segments of Patti Page excelling as a women entertainer and the Route 66 Museum in Clinton will host segments of her success. The Heritage Center will host segments of her television years, which is fitting for Enid since KOCO TV got its start right here as KGEO TV. Page was the first entertainer to have her own shows on all three networks. The multi-museum exhibit will open on May 1 and run through the end of the year at all four locations.
In Memoriam
Marie Dolores McClure
By Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. McKnight
Mary Clark, Jesse Rufus Fears IV, Jack Ferchau,
Marietta Henson, Park William Lamerton, Jr.,
Don Loftis, Dr. Cecelia Northcutt,
W. L. “Bud” Stephenson, Glen Wehrman,
Cyril Wright
By Lew and Myra Ward
During the month of March, the Cherokee Strip
Regional Heritage Center will host its 3rd
Annual Trappings of the Cherokee Strip Show
of Fine Western Art and Custom Cowboy Gear.
The show features the works of 15 of
Oklahoma’s most respected Western artists and
craftsmen, beautifully exhibited to showcase
each item. All works are for purchase,
deliverable following the close of the exhibit.
The invitational show brings together an
impressive collection of fine works of Western
art and expertly hand tooled Cowboy gear. On
display will be unique and one-of-a-kind works
in colored pencil, pen & ink, oil, and water color;
gourd art, custom boots, leatherwork, raw hide
gear, sculpture, jewelry, etched hand guns,
furniture, and pottery.
Featured artists are Curt Boles, Brenda Dewald,
Mikel Donahue, Ray Dorwart, Harland Hackett,
Harold Holden, Barbara Jacques, Steve Jones,
Heather Kaiser, Joe Lamerton, Kathryn Leitner,
Bob Rea, John Rule, Skip Thompson, Robin
Wolf. Each artist can exhibit up to three pieces.
These works have been carefully selected for
their fine quality and expert craftsmanship.
The March Brown Bag Lunch & Learn will
feature Mikel Donahue and his paintings. Join
us at noon in the Village Church to hear his
inspiring story.
A reception with the artists will be held on Friday, February 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for members. Heritage Center
member Hallie Caldwell said, “If you have been contemplating whether or not to become a Heritage Center member,
I’ll just tell you of all the benefits, this single event is worth the price of a membership. We look forward to the
beautiful art and visiting with the artists every year.”
Honorarium
Lew and Suzy Meibergen,
Butch and Margie Meibergen,
Roger and Mary Henneke,
Carline Parrish,
Descendants of Joseph and Anna Price Meibergen,
Descendants of W.B. and Olive Newcomb Johnston
By Kay Meibergen Lee
For more information on how you can honor a loved
one through a memoriam or honorarium,
please call (580) 237-1907 x221.
To book a group tour or event rental, or for more
information about upcoming programs or events
please visit our website at www.csrhc.org, call
(580) 237-1907, or e-mail: [email protected]
FEBRUARY 2015 February 28— “Trappings of the Cherokee Strip” March 28 Western Art Show & Sale Temporary Exhibit Gallery
MARCH 2015 Wed., March 11 Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Noon Mikel Donahue—Trappings Artist
March 17-20 Spring Break Hands-On History 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Sat., March 21 Family Saturday 1:00-3:00 p.m. “Campfire Cooking & Baking”
Fri., March 27 April Fools Shoot— 9:00 a.m. Trap Shoot Fundraiser (Advance sign-up required)
APRIL 2015 April 1-18 Red Dirt BBQ Student Art Winners Exhibit Temporary Exhibit Gallery
Wed., April 8 Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Noon “Lebanese in the Cherokee Strip” Dr. Jay Price, Wichita State University
MAY 2015 May 1 to “Grant County: From August 15 Stockade to Strip” Exhibit Temporary Exhibit Gallery
May 1 to “Patti Page: Once Upon a Dream” Dec. 31 Main Gallery—Changing Cases
Fri., May 8 Frontier Festival Town Social, 5:00 p.m. Box Supper, Carnival and Dance Humphrey Heritage Village Green
Wed., May 13 Brown Bag Lunch & Learn “Oklahoma Dust Bowl Women” Dr. Sara Jane Richter, Panhandle State University
JUNE 2015 June 9-13 Summer Chautauqua “Strong Winds, Strong Character, The Dust Bowl”
507 S. 4th Street Enid, OK 73701
Phone: (580) 237-1907 e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.csrhc.org
Return Service Requested
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid Enid, OK
Permit No. 22
Spring Calendar of Events