History of the Presbyterian Church by Dr. Rachel Caroline Eaton

“Editor’s Note: The following historical sketch of the founding and growth of the First Presbyterian church was prepared by Mrs. Callie Eaton (Dr. Rachel Caroline Eaton, Ph.D.), county superintendent, and read before the congregation at the commemoration exercises of the 36th anniversary of the founding of the church, held in Claremore, Sunday, March 1st, 1925, with an all day program.

“The First Presbyterian church, of Claremore, organized in 1887 by Dave Allen in a small dwelling called the Gage house, situated a block west of the Frisco depot, and dedicated in 1889, was, in the beginning a small frontier organization, the result of the zealous and devout religious activities of various denominations, Methodists, Presbyterian, Baptist and others. Since its beginnings lie deep in the past lives and experiences of the community it is not remarkable that the celebration of its anniversary has proved of interest to many people of various denominations who have contributed freely from the storehouse of memory, interesting facts concerning the life of the church and the community.

“While the superstructures of this church has been reared within the last few decades, the foundations were laid much earlier, not in stone and mortar, but in the moral and religious aspirations and endeavors of the early pioneers, most of whom were men and women of high standards of citizenship, with definite cravings for culture and refinement, and with deep and sincere religious convictions.

“This is an eminently suitable occasion, therefore for acknowledging our heritage from the past while we take stock of the present, and look forward to the glowing prospects of the future with keener insight and clearer vision.

“In the midst of these pleasant modern surroundings, it is difficult to realize that less than a century has passed since buffalo and deer grazed up and down this pleasant valley and lay down to sleep on the ground occupied by this building; that the howling of wolves, the cry of the panther, the scream of the eagle and the war whoop of the savages were familiar sounds hereabout. An Indian village once occupied the eastern outskirts of this town, the fame of whose chief, Black Dog, is perpetuated in the name of a creek hard by; and a chief town of a powerful tribe of Indians covered many acres of land a few miles distant, where strange orgies and heathen rites were performed only a few decades ago. From such a past and from such conditions has Christianity redeemed the wilderness, covering the valley and the prairies with homes and churches and replacing heathen religious rites with Christian worship. Out of such a past this church grew and developed its present organization, housed in this pleasant and modern edifice.

“In this connection it is eminently suitable that we pay a brief tribute to the often underrated itinerant preacher, who at a very early time and in the face of hardships and suffering carried on the evangelistic activities along the remotest frontier. Many of these early preachers were able and eloquent men, who going on horse back from house to house visited the homes, where they were heartily welcomed, spending the night and holding family prayers morning and evening. Much of their work was personal and heart to heart, and included the children whom they encouraged to memorize Bible verses and the Catechism. This phase of their work can hardly be overestimated.

“And whenever opportunity offered they preached. In the occasional school house, in groves and under brush arbors the frontier community gathered to sit on the rude board or the puncheon benches while they listened to the expounding of the Word by these consecrated preachers whose fiery zeal to save sinners from the burning pit found expression in eloquent words which often struck terror to the heart of the unregenerate, whose feet even stood on the brink of destruction. Nor did they fail to picture the joy and happiness that awaited those who had won the right to enter the Pearly Gates. They visited the sick, comforted the bereft, and in many ways helped to soften the rigorous conditions of the times, for which they were welcomed and revered by young and old. These Godly men now rest in peace, but their good works still follow them.

“Among them were Josiah Henry and Louis Wolf, who preached to the fullbloods of the Dog Creek hills in their own language and to English speaking congregation through an interpreter. Rev. McSpadden, Cowart, Coker, Crawford, Howard, Evans, Lerskov, Hogan, Parks, Yarbrough, Henry Cloud and Kelley are names of some among the white preachers.

“Nor in this connection should the work of the Christian teacher be forgotten. As a rule these teachers of the early rural schools were able, refined Christian men and women who taught good citizenship and the Ten Commandments as diligently as they taught the rule of three: and thus it will be seen that education and Christianity advanced side by side along the frontier as it has been from time immemorial.

“Among these teachers I recall the names of Misses Mattie Cobb and Mary Brewer, Cora and Ada Archer, Bettie and Amanda Smith and others.

“Added to the activities of the preachers and the teachers were those of the good fathers and mothers who tried to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and succeeded fairly well under the circumstances. And so the good seeds were sown and the good work begun long years before Claremore appeared on the map. At West Point services were held in a log house in the early seventies. At Kephart Springs, the Cherokee court house furnished a gathering place from a very early time. Near old Claremore, on the ridge to the northeast, a community church of brown sandstone was began about 1776 and the foundation completed and the walls partly built, when funds failed and tin work was discontinued. Only a few tumbled stones near Ira Moore’s mark this early attempt to build a church. Dave Allen organized a church at Oowala and D.W. Lipe exerted unfailing effort until it was completed, furnishing some of the materials and boarding the workmen who built it. Other public spirited citizens who contributed to the building of this church were Chas. and W. P. McClellan, Dr. A.J. Lane, Mr. Swimm and the Foremans.

“Mr. Allen also organized a little church in a log cabin overlooking the Buster Flat, a good spring determining its location. Here was organized the first Christian Endeavor Society of this community. The first social function of the society was a wild strawberry festival held on the grounds back of the church and the young people from far and near attended it. It was really quite ‘an occasion’ for that time. The unusual character of this organization attracted a good deal of attention and the president of the society was invited to New York for special training in this work. And on the minute book of the society are to be found the names of Nathan, Charles and Gertrude Hanes, Walter and Lucy Burgess, Calvin Merrit, Mattie and Callie Eaton.

“When the Iron Mountain railroad was built and Sageeyah located, the log church house was abandoned for a more pretentious frame building constructed in 1885. It still stands as a memorial to the few men and women who labored and gave of their substance that the community might have a suitable place of worship. Among those most active in the work were Mother Hanes, Mr. Miller and G.W. Eaton.

“As the years went by naturally the life of the community, religious as well as economic, began to converge upon the little village of Claremore growing up on the Frisco railroad, which wound its torturous way down the Dog Creek valley in 1882. A few houses were built, stores filled with merchandise and people moved to town. Again the preacher followed. In the Gage House or in the freight room on cold days and on the east platform of the depot on summer afternoons, Dave Allen, preaching in his shirt sleeves to an attentive if somewhat heterogeneous congregation, left no room for doubt as to the future of the unregenerate. But if his inspired eloquence carried the imagination to the brink of Hell it also transported it to the gates of Heaven. And many a man of those times live a cleaner, better life for listening to Mr. Allen’s sermons.

“Following Mr. Allen came A.D. Jacke, who though stationed at Oowala, soon realized that the time was ripe for building a church house at Claremore. In due time plans were formulated for the building and the house was completed and dedicated in 1889.

“In the beginning the church was not strictly denominational, but in the broadest and truest sense presented the combined religious cravings of the whole surrounding country. Of the 17 charter members two were Methodists, and two were Cumberland Presbyterians; Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin West, Mr. and Mrs. Burns, of Tiawah, William Moore, Mr. and Mrs. J.L. LaHay were among the charter members and John and Maggie LaHay were among the first children baptized into the church.

“Mr. Teece Chambers donated the lot for the church, while Mrs. Chambers, Mrs. Lindsey, and Mrs. Gage formed the committee for buying the furniture. Doc Denny donated the organ. Everybody helped with either money or labor. Not only the people of Claremore but those of Sageeyah, Oowala, West Point and the whole surrounding country contributed something to the enterprise.

“The first pastor was A.D. Jacke, who with his efficient and consecrated wife, soon made the church a real community center. Mr. and Mrs. Jacke were not only devout and zealous Christians, but educated and refined people, and their influence for good was soon felt throughout the entire country. So the little church grew and prospered for many years.

“An economic center for a considerable territory, Claremore early attracted new enterprises; stores multiplied, hotels were built and more people came to town. When a weekly paper was set up, a bank started and a two room brick school house constructed on the ‘eastern prairie across the branch’ the town had begun to arrive.

“The church meantime was undergoing a period of evolution. The Sunday School, with William Moore, as superintendent, was organized to keep pace with the times. Under Mrs. Godbey‘s enthusiastic and efficient management a regularly selected choir supplanted the heterogeneous group of young people who had formerly occupied the vantage point behind the organ for the purpose of ‘helping out’ with the singing. While the missionary society still carried on its works and early church sociables gave place to the Ladies Aid, which soon became an important social factor in the life of the town.

“The years that followed brought swift changes The Methodist and Baptists organized and built churches, the school was enlarged, the population increased and the time came for the Presbyterians to provide more commodious and suitable quarters for themselves. A campaign was accordingly begun and in time sufficient funds raised to build the present structure. The new building was completed and ready for occupancy in 1905.

From time to time since then a good many improvements have been added to the church. A small heating plant for cold weather and electric fans for warm weather, new carpets and pews and a parish house. The old red, blue and green windows, so dear to Mr. Lippert’s heart, have been replaced by ones of more subdued tones. A piano supplanted the place of the old organ, which will give place, in its turn, to a new and better musical instrument.

“The Missionary Society still flourishes, the Ladies Aid carries on the social and religious features of the church for which it was originally intended, the Sunday School has outgrown the church, the choir shows marked musical talent, and thus it is not difficult to see that the day is not far distant when another step forward must be made in order to keep pace with progress.

“Progress is never haphazard, civilization does not develop by chance. Every step of advancement is due to the efforts of some individual or group of people working with a more or less clearly defined plan towards an ultimate goal. Though they may never reach this goal, they motivate forces which evolve something finer and better perhaps than they foresaw. And so the men and women of the past built better than they knew. The pastors of the church each contributed something of lasting value to the community. Mr. Allen with his consecrated energy and his love for the people, Mr. Jacke whose broad experience in Mission fields added to his natural refinement and superior education, were unusually well fitted for laying the foundation of the church.

“Mr. Jake was followed by Mr. C.C. McGinley, a young man was brought direct from the theological seminary fresh enthusiasm and progressive ideas. But he soon passed, leaving as his gift to the church an optimistic outlook for the future and a firm conviction that greater things were in store for Claremore.

“Leonidas Dobson with his ripe experience and romantic career followed Mr. McGinley, and was followed in turn by another young theolog, F.F. Dobson, who very frankly expressed his gratitude to the Claremore church for having allowed him to practice on it and gain his first experience as a pastor. E.H. Broyles and his bride, the sweet singer, followed and served the church efficiently until March, 1900. Richard Dick, from Princeton, the dashing bachelor preacher, came next and was followed by Mr. Lippert, during whose ministry this edifice was constructed. Mr. Findley according to the records was called to the pastorate August 28th, 1901, and served faithfully as pastor until 1909. During that time the membership of the church increased materially. Incidentally, the salary of the pastors during these ranged from $600 to $800, supplemented by $200 from the church board.

“1910-1911, Rev. J.N. McDowell was pastor and it was during his ministry that the Bulgen revival services stirred the town to its lowest depths. After the death of his wife, Mr. McDowell returned to the east. On September 15th, 1912, a call was issued to Rev. W.E. Loucks to become pastor ‘at a salary of $1,200 and one month’s vacation.’ In 1924, he resigned to go to the First Presbyterian church of Sapulpa, and was succeeded by our well beloved Mr. Gardner, now pastor of New Cambria, Mo. For five years he preached and labored for the upbuilding of the church, the Sunday School and the Christian Endeavor. Mr. Gardner was particularly successful in his dealings with the young people and it was due to his activities that the young people’s meetings prospered for a considerable length of time. During these years, Dr. Seth R. Gordon filled the pulpit from time to time, delighting his congregation with his eloquent and scholarly sermons and charming all with his friendly courtesy.

“And last, but not least, comes our present pastor, Clarence Campbell, than whom are not better and to whom there are few equal. High minded, optimistic, well trained and wide experience, Mr. Campbell has broadened the outlook of the church and animated its membership with fresh inspirations. Under his leadership the church advances with speed in keeping with the 20th century. Nor is all the credit for the success of the church due to the pastors. Our own Ralph Lamb, who has filled the pulpit from time to time, who was ordained in this church and who has helped to gather in and concentrate in the church the results of the Christian activities of the surrounding country for the past half century, is too much a part and parcel of the First Presbyterian church, of Claremore, to be left off the list of her ministers although his name does not appear on the minute books as a regular pastor.

“And there are church officers and laymen whose work should not be forgotten in reviewing the history of the church. Among them are Riley Lindsey, the superintendent of the first Sunday School organization in 1887; William Moore, the first superintendent of the Sunday School in the old sway-backed church; Chas. McClellan, who gave liberally to the church fund; Joe LaHay, always active and efficient in church work; F.A. Neilson, a man of generous spirit as well as dignified, distinctive bearing; C.F. Godbey, the church treasurer for so many years; James M. Scott, who as clerk of the session kept such neat and well worded records. There are others: D.G. Elliott, A.E. Diefendorf, Mr. Barhydt, Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Woods and others and others and others.

“And to name the good women who have helped to bring the church up to the present standard would fill several pages. Among those who bore the labor and heat of the early day only a few can be mentioned here. Mrs. LaHay and Mrs. Ross are among these; Mrs. Johnston, who was the faithful organist so many years and Mrs. Liggett, the superintendent of the primary department of the Sunday School, and Mrs. Godbey, in the choir, are some of them.

“The church is but the symbol of the Christian life of the community. The work of its members but the sign of the Christian spirit of its constituancy [sic].

“The hardships of the frontier no longer press upon us and hedge round about, curbing enthusiasm and limiting opportunity. It affords us keen satisfaction to look back today and see how far we have come, and to look forward with clearer vision to possibilities not yet achieved.

“Though we have come far we have not reached the goal, and in the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes continue to say in our hearts:

‘Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul,

As the swift seasons roll.

Leave thy low-vaulted past.

Let each new temple nobler than the last,

Lift thee towards Heaven with a dome more vast,

Till thou at length art free,

Leaving thine outgrown shell by life’s unresting sea.'”

The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, March 5, 1925. page 3. Newspapers.com.

To read more stories by Rachel Caroline Eaton, PhD, please look below.

https://archive.org/details/johnrossandcher00eatogoog/page/n12. To READ John Ross and the Cherokee Indians click here. Eaton, Rachel Caroline. John Ross and the Cherokee Indians. George Banta Publishing: Wisconsin. 1914.

https://cdm17279.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p17279coll4/id/2085/rec/30 To READ “The Legend of the Battle of Claremore Mound” click here. Eaton, Rachel Caroline. “The Legend of the Battle of Claremore Mound.” Essay. Chronicles of Oklahoma. Volume 8, No. 4. December 1930. Pages 369-377.

Claremore’s Methodist Church Memories

“Recalls Ground Breaking Ceremonies For Early Day City Methodist Church – By William R. Harper.

“Breaking ground for the new Methodist church a short time ago bought pleasant memories to one old timer, P.T. Rummage.

“According to Mr. Rummage the original Methodist church was erected in 1891-2, at a time when Rev. Hill was looking after the flock in the village of Claremore and services had been held for some time in the Cooweescoowee district courthouse, which was located at the corner of Claremore street and Catalayah avenue – diagonally across the street from the Cobb (bath house).

“The pastor’s wife, Mrs. Edna Hill, was teaching a subscription school in the old courthouse; Mr. Rummage, of this city, and Dock Rattlinggourd, now of Tulsa, being among the pupils who marched in a body to the location and broke ground for the first Methodist church erected in this part of the country, which is embraced in and forms a part of the present church building, where Claremore Methodists have worshiped for 48 years.

“Claremore formerly had two Methodist churches, a ‘North’ and a ‘South,’ but local differences were patched up and the two consolidated several years ago; but recently various brands, or breeds, of Methodists have formed a Nation wide consolidation – there being now no north, no south but a united church; such as the Master of Men prayed for during the night before his crucifixion – his last recorded prayer save and except an appeal for forgiveness for his executioners.

“Even though you may not be affiliated with the Methodist church; even though you may be inclined to ‘talk bad’ to them about infant baptism, falling from grace or some other detail; you will hand it to them for taking a broad step toward bringing about a final realization of fervent, though as yet unanswered, prayer as recorded in the Gospel of St. John.”[i]

---

[i] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Friday, May 19, 1939. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

History Mystery – Mrs. A.T. Challburg and Her Choice Recipes Cookbook

As often happens when exploring Claremore’s history, a research project begins with an antiquated curiosity.

Don’t judge a book by its deteriorating cover and stained pages. Choice Recipes Compiled by the Y.W.B.M. of the First Baptist Church, Claremore, Oklahoma, is a 1914 culinary treasure.

This time, the treasure hunt was inspired by a 1914 cookbook titled Choice Recipes Compiled by the Y.W.B.M. Society of the First Baptist Church, Claremore, Oklahoma. At least three copies of this fragile yet remarkable cookbook are known to exist.

This copy of Choice Recipes came from the personal collection of cookbook collector (she owns at least 2,000 of them), culinarian, and author of My Cookbook Passion, Pamela Grogan.  

Almost faded beyond recognition, this Choice Recipes artifact has the name, Mrs. A.T. Challburg, Mar. 1915, scribed by hand across the top of the front cover. With this discovery at least two questions “rise” like yeast in freshly baking bread. Why was this culinary cookbook created, and who was Mrs. A.T. Challburg?

September 10, 1914, a “Notice” was posted in the Claremore Progress newspaper. “The Y.W.B.M.[1] takes this opportunity to thank the public for its loyal patronage during the past summer and desire to announce that at the Claremore Fair, to be held next week, they will have a stand at the entrance to the Grand Stand and there you will find cakes, candles, sandwiches, ice cream cones, etc. They also announce that their new Cook Books will be on sale at that place. Please remember them with your continued support.”[2] This announcement further confirms that the industrious ladies of the Baptist Church had published a cookbook and were looking for patrons’ support.

The Y.W.B.M. met “with Mrs. E.H. Lightner, on Chickasaw avenue” at two o’clock in the afternoon, April 4, 1914,[3] where they defined their mission. “The ladies of the Y.W.B.M. are gathering up all of the old papers and magazines in the city. It is their intention to get a car load and market them. The money derived from such sale will be expended toward refurnishing the Baptist church. If you have any old papers or magazines which you are willing to give to a good cause, phone Mrs. A.N. Lerskov or Mrs. C.S. Leacock.” [4] The project was an opportunity to recycle for a good cause.

The following month it was announced, “The Y.W.B.M. will meet with Misses Olive and Esther Theeson tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 o’clock.”[5] These girls’ father was the owner and baker of Theeson’s Bakery located downtown. Was it any wonder that “The Y.W. B.M. [would] give a cake and food sale Saturday evening May 30^th, at J.T. Wilson’s store” and also publish a cookbook?[6]

This informative “Notice” came by way of the Claremore Progress. “As president of the Y.W.B.M., I wish to thank the public for their generosity of the past months since our organization in February. We need a few more papers, books, and magazines to fill out our car load. In everything we do, our aim is to give you your money’s worth and not bleed the public, as some would say, but show you we are willing to work hard to earn our thousand dollars for the new pews. Our ice cream and sandwiches, our benefits at the show, in fact everything we do, you get the benefit, and we make a small profit toward our pews. We appreciate all your help, and we want you to feel welcome in our new church. Cordially, Mrs. O.L. Lockwood, President Y.W.B.M.”[7] The mission was clear. The cookbook fundraiser was designed to purchase pews for the new Baptist Church that was being built on Will Rogers Boulevard at Chickasaw Avenue.[8]

Choice Recipes, Compiled by the Y.W.B.M. Society of the First Baptist Church was well worth the price paid. Not only did it support a great cause, but the book was filled with choice, mouthwatering recipes. The names of the women who shared their recipes reads like a Who’s Who of Claremore – Mrs. Mary Bayless with her Angel Food Layer Cake and Ripe Tomato Preserves (p.33&58), Mrs. G.D.D. [perhaps Mrs. G.D. (Francis Bayless) Davis] with her Roast Turkey (p.13), Mrs. M.B. Church with her Rice Stew and Corn Salad (p.25&56), Mrs. Theeson and her Danish Dumplings (p.13), Mrs. J.T. Wilson with her Vegetable Soup (p.1), Mrs. T.W. Rice with her Veal Cutlets and Baked Peppers (p.13&22), Mrs. Ernest Shanks with her Cheese Balls (p.26), Mrs. Kaho with her Pimento Salad (p.4), Mrs. Gilkerson’s Muffins (p.8), Mrs. C.T. McClellan’s Pine-Apple Pie (p.29), Mrs. Godbey’s Baked Egg Plant (p.24), Mrs. Lerscov’s Egg Omelet (p.27), Mrs. H. Jennings’ Cream Pie (p.31), Mrs. Ross’s Chocolate Pie (p.30), Mrs. Chas. S. Martin’s Roast Quail (p.18), Dr. Caroline Bassmann’s Macaroni With Oysters and Green Tomato Chow-Chow (p.23, 59), Mrs. O.L. Lockwood’s Missouri Chocolate Cake and Claremore Cake (p.38), Mrs. Lon T. Wilson’s Strawberry Shortcake (p.46). These are just a few of the ladies and the tasty recipes they shared.  Mrs. A.T. Challburg’s Pudding Pie, Jam Cake, and Suet Pudding were also included in the mix (p.30,41&46).

It’s interesting to note the many blank pages included in the cookbook offering space to add one’s own recipes. Here Mrs. A.T. Challburg has added instructions for making Mrs. Moore’s Chocolate Cake.

This book was a good place to find out “Things Good Housekeepers Should Know” (p.71) with important Hints and Helps for the attentive homemaker. In 1914, everyone must have understood how to measure “butter the size of an egg” or “butter the size of a walnut.” And apparently everyone knew what Apollinaris water was a “German, naturally sparkling mineral water” which must have tasted much more refreshing as punch than Claremore’s local Radium Water.[9]

The advertisements hidden on the pages within the cookbook tell a story all their own about the local businesses in Claremore. The National Bank of Claremore; H.T. Brown’s Meat Market; J.T. Wilson and Sons’ Hardware; Mrs. M.B. Church’s Ladies Specialty Store; Theeson’s Bakery; Walkers Dept. Store Co.; The Sequoyah and Mason Hotels; Radium Grocery; Bortle Drug Co.; Littlefield Loan; Tanner’s Furniture; Dr. Bryan and Dr. Kaho, Dentists; W.E. Sunday’s Cherokee Land & Loan Co.; J. Herbert Moore, Undertaker; L.D. Odom’s Barber Shop; Streeter’s Tailor Shop, and Morris Haas’s Dry Goods Store are just a few that are presented.

Question number one has now been answered. Choice Recipes, Compiled by the Y.W.B.M. Society of the First Baptist Church was published by Claremore women, to share their favorite recipes and raise money to buy new pews for their church. As a byproduct, they advertised Claremore businesses, built community, and gave us a wonderful glimpse into the culinary arts of Claremore’s past.

Yet, history mystery number two remains. Who was Mrs. A.T. Challburg?

Remembering that married women were often addressed by their husband’s initials in old newspapers, this story begins in August 1906, when the Claremore Messenger announced, Mrs. M. Ostenberg, of Mead, Nebraska, came to Claremore, Indian Territory, to visit “her sister, Mrs. C.S. Wortman, and while here is looking over some land in view of buying.”[10]

Mrs. Mary Ann Kane Ostenberg was married to Thomas Ostenberg.[11] Their children were Minnie Mae (1881),[12] Lydia E.[13] (1883), Teresa K.[14] (1889), Grace Genevieve[15] (1886), Stella[16] (1891), Frank[17] (1904), and Dorothy.[18] Mary Ann’s sister was Claremore resident, poet, and teacher, Mrs. C.S. (Katie F. Kane) Wortman.[19]

August 1, 1908, The Claremore Progress announced, “Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Ethridge this week sold their place south of town to Thomas Ostenberg, of Mead, Nebraska, the consideration being $5,900. There is eighty acres in the place and is well improved, being one of the best country residences around Claremore. Progress welcomes Mr. Ostenberg and family to our community.”[20]

The home on the property was quite exquisite. The Claremore Messenger goes on to say, “Mr. Dustman is the man who built the houses of Blue Starr and Jeff Ethridge a number of years ago. These two houses are still considered among our best residences, despite the fact that many modern ones have been erected since then.”[21] Janet Gaash recalls in The History of Rogers County, “The Ostenbergs moved to Claremore in 1908 and bought a farm a mile south of town, with a large three-story house, a stone garage, barns and outbuildings and 80 acres of farmland with a stream running through it. The house was a replica of one built by Blue Starr on the north side of Claremore… The big house was called ‘The Oaks’ and was the scene of many weddings and even one birth (John Thomas Resler was born there in 1920).”[22]

The Claremore community kept watch as the home’s improvements progressed. “Mr. Ostenberg, who purchased the Ethridge place south of town, is making vast improvements in the property. He is now having the interior remodeled and the place piped and fitted for gas. It will be an ideal country place when finished.”[23]

Ever so talented, the Ostenberg daughters settled into their new community, two becoming Rogers County school teachers. Miss Minnie Ostenberg taught at Chelsea, and Miss Lydia Ostenberg taught at Claremore where the girls’ aunt, Mrs. C.S. (Katie) Wortman was employed.[24] In 1908 and 1909, Katie F. Wortman taught second grade. Lydia E. Ostenberg taught grades three and four.[25] [26]  Teaching Music and Art the following year, Lydia Ostenberg’s salary was $60 per month, $10 more than the grade teachers’.[27]

In February 1910, the talented Miss Lydia Ostenberg entertained at a Quest Club reception. “The second annual reception of the Quest Club, (for) their husbands and a few invited guests, was held Tuesday evening at the beautiful home of Mrs. J.M. Bayless (Claremore’s iconic Belvidere Mansion).  Almost the entire membership was present to enjoy the occasion.  A short program of old time music was rendered by various members of the Club.  Miss Lydia Ostenberg, a guest, entertained with two violin selections.”[28]

A place known for its liberal hospitality, in September 1910, Miss Teresa Ostenberg became “the life Partner of W.J. Hannan, at 10:30 o’clock, Wednesday morning, at ‘The Oaks,’ the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Ostenberg.” At this joyous occasion, “Teresa Kathryn and Mr. William James Hannan of Fremont, Neb., were united in marriage.”[29]

Wedding bells rang again at the Oaks in December 1910. “At high noon Wednesday (December 28, 1910), ‘The Oaks’ the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Ostenberg, was the scene of a very pretty wedding, when their daughter, Grace Genevive, and Mr. Frank S. Feuerstein, of Leshara, Nebraska, were united in marriage. ”[30]

Yet, The wedding that answers the second question of our investigation occurred in June 1912. “Ostenberg-Challburg. The many friends of Miss Lydia Ostenberg and Mr. Arthur Challburg were greatly surprised this morning to receive an announcement of their marriage. It seems they preferred a quiet wedding so slipped away and were married at Tulsa Tuesday evening at 8 o’clock by the Rev. Fr. Heiring of that city. Dr. C.A. Marshal of Tulsa acted as best man and Miss Virginia Fitzgerald of Oklahoma City as bridesmaid. Mr. and Mrs. T. Ostenberg, parents of the bride, little Frantz Ostenberg, and Mr. and Mrs. C.S. Wortman, uncle and aunt of the bride, were among those who witnessed the ceremony which was beautiful in its simplicity.

“Miss Ostenberg is one of Claremore’s most charming and accomplished young women, a talented musician in voice, piano, and with the violin. She is also an artist of no small ability. Since coming from Nebraska four years ago, she has been connected with our schools having been music and art supervisor in our public schools and for the past year filling a similar position in the State University School. Her bright, sunny disposition has ever won for her a host of friends.

“Mr. Challburg is also a native of Nebraska having been lured to Oklahoma by its wonderful opportunities about six years ago. Since then, by his energy, steadfastness, and business ability, he has built up a prosperous grain and lumber business both at Verdigris and Rice. He has many warm friends throughout the county who will rejoice with him in his good fortune.

“Mr. and Mrs. Challburg left for Chicago and other eastern and northern points Tuesday night, but their many friends will be pleased to learn that they will make their future home in Claremore. Progress extends congratulations and joins with friends in wishing them a long, happy and prosperous married life.”[31]

A fourth Ostenberg wedding was announced in November 1913 when “Twelve of Miss Minnie Ostenberg’s friends assembled at the home of her sister, Mrs. A.T. Challburg, apparently for a sewing party Thursday afternoon and none of those who were invited had the least idea that the party was being given for any reason except the one announced, but during the afternoon the fact that Miss Minnie Ostenberg is to be married to Mr. John Resler, an instructor in the Weatherford Normal School, in this city, at the Ostenberg residence, on Saturday morning, November 8, was revealed.”[32]

Once again, the Ostenberg-Resler wedding was celebrated at The Oaks. “The home of Mr. and Mrs. T. Ostenberg, south of town, was again the scene of a very pretty ceremony Saturday morning, November 8, when their daughter, Minnie May, was united in marriage to Mr. John S. Resler, of Weatherford, Okla.”[33]

One wonders. When Mrs. A.T. Challburg assisted in giving a party for her sister and serving food in April 1915, did she use the Choice Recipes cookbook to create the delicious refreshments? “Miss Stella Ostenberg, who is attending the University of Oklahoma at Norman, this year, entertained a few of her friends at cards Saturday evening at the beautiful suburban home of her parents, south of town. The evening was pleasantly spent at whist and music, after which refreshments were served by the hostess, assisted by her sisters, Mrs. A.T. Challburg, and Mrs. J.C. Resler, of Weatherford.”[34]

The search for Mrs. A.T. Challburg’s story and the discovery of why the First Baptist Church’s Y.W.B.M. Society published their 1914 Choice Recipes cookbook has been a satisfying one. I’m thankful to have collected this culinary tidbit of Claremore’s history.

If you would like to browse the 1914, Choice Recipes, Compiled by the Y.W.B.M. Society of the First Baptist Church, Claremore, Oklahoma, please click on the title above.

By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

Sources: Oklahoma newspapers are sourced through The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

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[1] Perhaps Young Women’s Baptist Mission

[2] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 38, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 10, 1914.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181500/)

[3] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 9, Ed. 1 Friday, April 3, 1914.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181454/)

[4] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 9, Ed. 1 Friday, April 3, 1914.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181454/)

[5] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 22, Ed. 1 Friday, May 22, 1914.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181468/)

[6] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 23, Ed. 1 Friday, May 29, 1914.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181470/)

[7] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 33, Ed. 1 Thursday, August 6, 1914.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181490/)

[8] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 19, Ed. 1 Friday, April 24, 1914. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178599/)

[9] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollinaris_(water)

[10] Smith, Clark. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 12, No. 31, Ed. 1 Friday, August 3, 1906. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178113/)

[11] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/185418966/thomas-ostenberg Thomas Ostenberg, Birth 23 April 1855, Wisconsin. Death 28 Nov 1940 (aged 85) Tulsa County, Oklahoma. Burial Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/185418956/mary-ann-ostenberg Spouse: Mary Ann Kane Ostenberg. Birth 31 Jan 1864, Illinois. Death 21 Nov 1949 (aged 85), Tulsa County, Oklahoma. Burial Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma.

[12] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/99222535/minnie-mae-resler Minnie Mae Ostenberg Resler (1881 – 1966) Memorial Park, Tulsa, OK

[13] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/188301253/lydia-e-challburg Lydia E. Ostenberg Challburg (1883 – 1983) Memorial Park, Tulsa, OK

[14] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/79754131/teresa-k-hannan Teresa K. Ostenberg Hannan (1889 – 1974) Fremont, NE

[15] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/73530645/grace-genevieve-feuerstein Grace Genevieve Ostenberg Feuerstein (1886 – 1984) Idaho Falls, ID

[16] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/172010615/stella-cecelia-burke Stella Cecelia Ostenberg Burke (1891 – 1990) Houston, TX

[17] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49348363/frank-thomas-ostenberg Frank Thomas Ostenberg (1904 – 1970) Arlington, VA

[18] Dorothy Ostenburg O’Rourke (d. 1955) Columbus, OH Gaash, Janet. “Ostenberg – 435.” The History of Rogers County. Claremore College Foundation. c. 1979. p. 341.

[19] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/64067361/katherine-f.-wortman

[20] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 28, Ed. 1 Saturday, August 1, 1908. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182387/)

[21] Smith, Clark. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 43, Ed. 1 Friday, October 25, 1907. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178171/)

[22] Gaash, Janet. “Ostenberg – 435.” The History of Rogers County. Claremore College Foundation. c. 1979. p. 341.

[23] Smith, Clark. Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 13, No. 35, Ed. 1 Friday, August 21, 1908.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178211/)

[24] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 37, Ed. 1 Saturday, October 3, 1908. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182453/)

[25] Smith, Clark. Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 14, No. 1, Ed. 1 Friday, December 25, 1908. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178234/)

[26] Smith, Clark. Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 14, No. 22, Ed. 1 Friday, April 9, 1909. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178259/)

[27] Smith, Clark. Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 14, No. 31, Ed. 1 Friday, June 11, 1909.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178274/)

[28] Smith, Clark, editor. Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 22, Ed. 1 Friday, February 18, 1910. (http://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178312/)

[29] Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 28, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 29, 1910. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc957243/)

Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 34, Ed. 1 Friday, September 30, 1910.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181210/)

[30] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 41, Ed. 1 Friday, December 30, 1910.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181221/)

[31] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 20, Ed. 1 Friday, June 14, 1912. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181296/)

[32] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 41, Ed. 1 Friday, November 7, 1913.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181414/)

[33] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 42, Ed. 1 Friday, November 14, 1913.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181416/)

[34] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 23, No. 9, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 8, 1915.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181545/)

CLAREMORE PROGRESS: Christ the King – a gem of an old rock church set in the heart of Claremore!

How many times have you driven past the quaint old rock church building located at 330 East Patti Page Boulevard, Claremore, Oklahoma, and wondered, “What is the origin of this solidly built sanctuary set like a gemstone in the heart of Claremore?” A recent question posed by Julie Carini actuated a search for answers.

Bobbie Cary, of the Rogers County Historical Society and a member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, gives insight from the records of St. Cecilia’s history.

“After meeting in private homes and the American Legion Hut, Father Ben Forner (1940-1948), the second non-resident Pastor, directed the congregation in the construction of a little rock church dedicated to Christ the King…  It was blessed by Bishop Francis C. Kelly in October 1940…  The Claremore Catholic community used this church until 1973,” when its new church was built at 1304 North Dorothy Avenue.

Chester Baldwin confesses, when he was quite young, the church building’s Spanish style reminded him of the Alamo! “In my juvenile mind, I thought ALL Catholic churches were the same!”

Sharon Weaver shares, “The beautiful stained glass windows (of the church) with remembrances of parishioners’ family members are … now in the Catholic Church on Dorothy.”

Pat Reeder, whose sons were baptized in this church, recalls, “My son also remembers having the religious education classes in Fr. Warnke’s house… While the kids were in their religious education classes, the parents who lived outside town went to the Hotel Will Rogers for raisin bread.”

Mary Weston reminisces, “Mother played the organ from 1947 until they moved to the new church on Dorothy, and she continued to play for the church.”

“In the summer, Nun’s would come for 2 weeks to teach us,” Maria Willhoite says; Michelle Vierheller Johnson adds, “I had to go with my grandmother every night to feed them dinner!”

Michelle continues, “Vacation Bible school was under the carport at the rectory next door. Who remembers the rectory? That was the spooky place, dark and drab with dark paneling… We had ice cream socials in the yard every summer… The funniest story I remember was Eddie Oldham knocking out a church window playing baseball when we were having one of those socials. We were all horrified.”

Dewey Johnson recollects, “Always loved that little chapel. One day I walked down and opened the front door; there was a casket in there with the lid up; it scared the daylights out of me and off I ran. Such a cool place.”

After 1973, when Christ the King, aka St. Cecilia Catholic Church, had proceeded to its present location (SWBT,1973), the rock building served as a house of worship for other Christian denominations such as the Pentecostal Holiness Church (SWBT,3-1990-1991) and Family Bible Church (2019 photo).

Dori Arnold’s once ran her photography studio from there. “My dark room was in the back… I think it was about 1984. I was only in there for about a year. There was no air conditioning at the time.” Lacking AC, the building must have been “as hot as ___ “(you fill in the blank J) during Oklahoma’s blistering summer months.

Curves ran its exercise gym there early in the current century (SWBT,1999-2000&2010-2011). Intense pastors’ sermons were not the only thing causing people to sweat in this building.

God alone knows the future of Christ the King’s rock church building. We pray this historic gemstone will continue to bless its owners, occupants, and the entire Claremore community with facets of eternal light for generations to come.

by Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

This story was originallly published in the Claremore Progress, April 16 & 17, 2022. For the longer, more detailed version, please click here.

Christ the King, Claremore’s Stone Church Rocks!

Built circa 1940, Christ the King Catholic Church, 330 East Patti Page Boulevard, Claremore, Oklahoma.

Many have driven past the old rock church building on the northwest corner of East Patti Page Boulevard and Wewoka Avenue, Claremore, Oklahoma, and wondered. A recent question posed by Julie Carini, a member of the newly formed Redbud Church, ARP, actuated my curiosity, too. What is the origin story of this solidly built, quaint little church set like a gemstone in the heart of Claremore?

Claremore’s early 1940 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, copyright April 1940, was little help. Though lovely wood framed dwellings were scattered across this neighborhood at the time of the map’s creation, a simple vacant lot was depicted at Block 19, Lot 6. So, I asked the community for help.

Bobbie Cary, of the Rogers County Historical Society and a member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church gives insight from the records of St. Cecilia’s history.

“After meeting in private homes and the American Legion Hut, Father Ben Forner (1940-1948), the second non-resident Pastor, directed the congregation in the construction of a little rock church dedicated to Christ the King.  This Church is still standing at 328 East Patti Page Boulevard.  It was blessed by Bishop Francis C. Kelly in October 1940.  Until 1948, Claremore was a mission of St. William’s Church, Skiatook.  Father Edward Phee (1945-1955) was appointed the first resident Pastor of 1948.  The Claremore Catholic community used this church until 1973,” when a new church was built at 1304 North Dorothy Avenue.

Bobbie goes on to explain, “Being a mission church means there wasn’t a resident pastor.  The priest from Skiatook would come to Claremore for Mass for the people in this area.”

Southwestern Bell Telephone, Claremore, directories concur. Christ the King Catholic Church was located at 328 East 2^nd Street. Though an address shift occurred in 1963’s directory to 330 East 2^nd Street, the church still stood firmly on its same foundation as always (SWBT: 1951, 1954, 1955, 1958, 1960, 1963).[i]

Claremore historian Chester Baldwin tells his amusing youthful memory of the church building’s exterior design. “This is not really a history of the building but a remembrance of its architecture. When I was a child, Walt Disney broadcast the story of Davy Crockett and hence, the Alamo. I lived for a time in south Texas and had actually visited the Alamo a couple of times. I couldn’t help but notice the Spanish style of this church building and how it’s much the same as the Alamo! In my juvenile mind, I thought ALL Catholic churches were the same!”

Sharon Cooper Weaver shares, “The beautiful stained glass windows (of the church) with remembrances of parishioners’ family members are … now in the Catholic Church on Dorothy. I was also married in this Catholic Church in 1970.” Several generations of couples were blessed to have been married in this charming sacred structure.

 “It was our first Church when we came to Claremore, Christ the King, and where my sons were baptized,” Pat Reeder recalls. “Our Chapel in St. Cecilia’s is Christ the King Chapel…

“My son also remembers having the religious education classes in Fr. Warnke’s house and sitting on the bedside in class. FYI, Fr. Warnke’s sister was Gov. David Walter’s mother (just a side). Guess I am getting old enough to know ‘too’ much. While the kids were in their religious education classes, the parents who lived outside town went to the Hotel Will Rogers for raisin bread. I think I am one of the few of those still living.”

Mary Weston shares, “Mother played the organ from 1947 until they moved to the new church on Dorothy, and she continued to play for the church.”

“In the summer, Nun’s would come for 2 weeks to teach us,” Maria Willhoite says.

Michelle Vierheller Johnson adds, “I had to go with my grandmother every night to feed them dinner!”

Michelle “attended church there from 1959 till St. Cecilia’s was built. My grandmother played the organ every Sunday! Vacation Bible school was under the carport at the rectory next door. Who remembers the rectory? That was the spooky place. Dark and drab with dark paneling. Probably on purpose.

“We had ice cream socials in the yard every summer,” Michelle continues. “Wish my grandma was alive because she could really tell the stories.

“The funniest story I remember was Eddie Oldham knocking out a church window playing baseball when we were having one of those socials. We were all horrified.”

And then there is Dewey Johnson’s humorous story. “I lived a few doors west at 306, I believe – always loved that little chapel. One day I walked down and opened the front door; there was a casket in there with the lid up; it scared the daylights out of me and off I ran. Such a cool place.”

By 1973, Christ the King’s Parish Hall had moved to its Dorothy and Faletti location, but the address for the office continued to be 328 East 2^nd Street. By 1975, the Christ the King, aka St. Cecilia Catholic Church, family had fully moved to its North Dorothy location (SWBT,5-1973&1975).[ii]

Yet, the building often serve as a house of worship for other Christian denominations such as the Pentecostal Holiness Church (SWBT,3-1990-1991)[iii] and Family Bible Church (2019 photo).[iv] Others remember a Baptist church and a Lutheran church in residence there. But that’s not all.

Dori Arnold shared, she once had her photography studio in the building. “My dark room was in the back… I think it was about 1984. I was only in there for about a year. There was no air conditioning at the time.” Lacking central air conditioning, the building must have been as hot as ___ (you fill in the blank :)) during Oklahoma’s blistering summer months.

Intense and passionate pastors’ sermons were not the only source that caused people to sweat in this building. Several local ladies attest to the fact that Curves ran its exercise gym here in the beginning of the current century (SWBT,1999-2000&2010-2011).[v]

God alone knows the future of this unique, Christ the King, rock church building. Yet, whatever is in store, we pray that this historic gem will continue to be a blessing to its owners and occupants and the entire Claremore community for many decades to come.

By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

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[i] Southwestern Bell Telephone directory. 1951, 1954, 1955, 1958, 1960, 1963.

[ii] Southwestern Bell Telephone directory. May 1973.

[iii] Southwestern Bell Telephone directory. March 1990-1991.

[iv] 2019 photo.

[v] Southwestern Bell Telephone directory. 1999 – 2000 & 2010 – 2011.

Journeycake Memorial Baptist Church – Dewey, Oklahoma

In August 1905, Bartlesville, Oklahoma’s Weekly Examiner announced, “Corner Stone Laying Wednesday. The ceremony of laying the corner stone of the Journeycake Memorial church will be performed at Dewey next Wednesday and a large attendance is expected. The new edifice is to be octagonal in shape, 36×36 feet and provided with basement. The architect will conform to the modern style. A Parsons firm has the contract for the building which is to be completed by September 20. Mrs. Nannie Bartles has been the moving spirit in the building of the Dewey church and besides liberal contributions of cash she has donated four valuable town lots toward defraying the expense. As its name indicates the church is reared as a monument to her father, Charles Journeycake. Chief of the Delaware Indians and a pioneer Baptist missionary in the Territory, whose earthly labors were ended some years ago. Elder Journeycake was loved by all for his good deeds and he is today held in grateful memory by hundreds of whites and Indians in the Cherokee nation.”[i]

A week later the newspaper continued, “The Chief Joruneycake Memorial church, Baptist, was started Wednesday afternoon with appropriate ceremonies attending the laying of the corner stone. When completed this will be one of the most elegant church edifices in the Territory. A movement has been started now to increase the subscription about $1,000 and veneer the building with brick. A tile roof will also be used if the subscription is raised. More than half the amount required to make the proposed change in the plans was subscribed almost immediately after the change was proposed.” [ii]

Mrs. N.M. (Nannie) Bartles, the building’s patron, “was the first person in Dewey to organize a church and Sunday school work … she conceived and carried out the plan to erect a Baptist church in memorial of her father and the fine brick church edifice at the corner of Delaware avenue and Ninth street is the result of that undertaking and is known as the Journeycake memorial Baptist church.”[iii]

In September 1906, The Weekly Examiner reported, “The Delaware Baptist association convenes in Dewey next Thursday and remains in session three days. Delegates from forty churches will be present. The meeting will be held in the Joruneycake Memorial church.”[iv]

Sixty-eight years later, March 27, 1973, “Landmark Will Fall, Dewey – A Dewey landmark, the old First Baptist Church, more commonly known at one time as the Journeycake Memorial Baptist Church, is to be torn down. The old Journeycake Memorial Baptist Church of Dewey, Indian Territory, was formed June 3, 1900, by Rev. G.H. Goodwin and seven members. It was named for Indian Chief Charles Journeycake.” [v]

by Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

Sources: Oklahoma Newspapers were sourced through The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

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[i] The Weekly Examiner. (Bartlesville, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 29, Ed. 1 Saturday, August 5, 1905. https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc143700/: accessed March 7, 2022.

[ii] The Weekly Examiner. (Bartlesville, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 23, Ed. 1 Saturday, August 12, 1905. https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc143702/: accessed March 7, 2022.

[iii]Cranston, C. Dewey Globe (Dewey, Okla.), Vol. 10, No. 25, Ed. 2 Friday, June 18, 1920. https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc951867/: accessed March 7, 2022.

[iv] The Weekly Examiner. (Bartlesville, Indian Terr.), Vol. 12, No. 27, Ed. 1 Saturday, September 8, 1906. https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc162509/: accessed March 7, 2022.

[v] Gaylord, E. K. Oklahoma City Times (Oklahoma City, Okla.), Vol. 84, No. 30, Ed. 1 Tuesday, March 27, 1973. https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc1788722/: accessed March 7, 2022.

I Will Give You Hidden Treasures

BLESSED EASTER! Sometimes the Lord just hands you an unexpected gift that is neither earned or deserved. This happened recently, thanks to the overwhelming kindness of Mr. Bill Ray who held the keys that unlocked the doors to hidden treasure.

Perhaps you already know that I love, love, love the Belvidere Mansion, Claremore, Oklahoma, and continue to study the John Melville and Mary Melissa Bayless family’s history.

The Bayless – Davis family was instrumental in building the “new” Baptist Church (1914-15) and donated money for its fabulous stained glass windows.[1] I had heard several years ago that these windows still existed though the original church building was replaced by a newer facility. It was one of my fervent hopes to someday see these beautiful works of art that connected in a tangible way to the Bayless family’s history and their faithful Godly devotion.

This wish came true as two locked doors were opened so I could view these glorious treasures of resplendent light. I thank you, Mr. Ray, and I am eternally grateful to you for sharing these Claremore treasures.

“1When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”Mark 16:1-3 NIV

4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. 5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” Mark 16: 4-7 NIV

“8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” Acts 1:8-9 NIV

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” John 10:14-18 NIV

There is JOY in the Journey. Happy Easter❣️ ~ Christa

 

[1] “Mr. and Mrs. Bayless were both active workers in the First Baptist Church and two of the original stained glass windows were donated by them and their son Earle.”

“Bayless” by Mary Bayless Campbell. The History of Rogers County, Oklahoma. Article #32. Page 105. Claremore College Foundation. c. 1979

Mrs. Minnie B. Church – Faithful in the Small Things. PART IV.

Claremore, Oklahoma, 1909, to 1911.

If you have not already done so, we invite you to read “Mrs. Minnie B. Spencer Church – Faithful in the Small Things” from the beginning, by clicking here for  PART I, here for Part 2 , or here for Part 3.

“With every $5 purchase we will give you a beautiful China souvenir plate of Claremore. M.B. Church Specialty Store” advertisement. Rogers County Leader. Vol. 1. No. 65. Ed. 1. June 2, 1911.

Despite the challenges of the fashion thieves, the fall business season, 1909, arrived right on schedule. “Ladies should not fail to attend the Grand Opening at Mrs. M.B. Church’s Specialty Store Wednesday, Sept. 29. I have the finest line of Millinery and Suits to show the ladies. Grand Opening Wednesday, September 29. M.B. Church,”[1] The Claremore Messenger announced.

Happy family news, that October, Mrs. Charles Martin (sister Roxie) of Bristow, brought her newborn son, Howard, for a visit to Mrs. M.B. Church.[2]

Mrs. L.H. Eddy resigned her position,[3] and “Miss Maude Deahl, of Okemah, an experienced saleslady, [took] the position at Mrs. Church’s ladies furnishing store.”[4]

In the Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910, Claremore Township, Ward 3, Rogers County, Oklahoma, 57-year-old Pleasant F. (Frank) Church was listed as head of the household now in residence on Second Street, and 44-year-old Minnie B. Church[5] had been married for 21 years. Interestingly enough, Frank was listed as the merchant of Ladies Furnishings and not his wife. Minnie was listed as having no profession. The Fairchilds (Mrs. Church’s sister’s family: Delbert and Maggie with daughters Ethel and Mary) were listed as living next door, with Mr. Fairchild being a merchant in a retail grocery.

Busy with social engagements that February, Mrs. Church entertained the Episcopal Guild on a Tuesday afternoon,[6] and spoke at a Workmen of the World (W.O.W. life insurance company) gathering. The Claremore Progressrecounted,  “After supper the following toasts were responded to: John Foster, Adviser Lieutenant, on the pleasure of the evening, followed by a rousing vote of thanks to the Ladies’ Circle and their friends for the delicious supper and a most enjoyable time, after which the guests enjoyed a most timely reply by Mrs. M.B. Church who spoke for the Circle. Mrs. Church spoke in her usually happy vein, after which we all adjourned with the abiding conviction that the ladies knew just how to reach the good will of all present and that the ladies were adept in the art of entertaining… Long live the Circle.”[7]

The following week Mrs. M.B. Church, accompanied by Miss Needham, left “for St. Louis and Chicago to study the newest in millinery and purchase her early millinery stock.”[8]

That spring, March 1910, Frank Church had an important spiritual mission on his mind, St. Paul’s Mission. He was among the parishioners who organized the St. Paul’s Mission of the Episcopal Church in Claremore.  The following were vestrymen for the year: “Mr. Frank Church, Mr. A.A. Dennison, and Mr. R.S. Saunders.” Along with organizing the church they were preparing to build a church building.[9]

April was a whirlwind. Mrs. Shipley resigned her position at the M.B. Church store. The Easter display, of millinery at M.B. Church’s was described as “a very beautiful sight. Mrs. Church has the best for her customers that the market affords, and her immense business is proof of many satisfied customers.”[10]

And, once again, the elite women’s fashion store was robbed. Thieves must have considered it an easy mark.  The Claremore Progress explained, “Themillinery store of M.B. Church was broken into Friday night and a large amount of fine silks and dress goods taken, the exact value of which has not been ascertained. The thief or thieves entered the store from a rear window.”[11] Two weeks later, “Sheriff Stephens went to Sapulpa … for a man captured there with some of the goods stolen from Mrs. Church’s store.[12] April 22, word was received “that a man had been arrested at Sapulpa while trying to dispose of some of the goods stolen from M.B. Church’s store… Hiram Stephens went down there … to bring this man back. It is believed by the officers making the arrest that they have the man that actually stole the goods. Mr. Stephens will return with his prisoner this afternoon.”[13]

And more distressing news arrived regarding Mrs. Church’s father. “J.J. Spencer, livestock inspector, had his right arm broken near the shoulder during the past week, while dipping cattle at Talala. He is at the home of his daughter Mrs. M.B. Church, and is getting along as well as cold be expected.”[14] The Claremore Progress further explained, “J.J. Spencer, father of Mrs. M.B. Church, of our city, happened to an accident at Talala, in which he had his arm broken up close to the shoulder. Mr. Spencer, who lives at Vinita, and is quarantine inspector, was at Talala one day last week dipping cattle, and in attempting to drive some cattle into the vat, was thrown to the ground with such force as to break his arm. Mr. Spencer was able to be brought to Claremore Sunday and is now at the home of Mrs. Church where he is resting as well as could be expected. He is more than 70 years of age and will probably have a hard time recovering.”[15]

Already a Scottish Rite Mason, a member of the Knights Templar, Frank and his wife, Minnie, attended a banquet of Claremore’s Royal Arch Mason’s chapter.[16] The Claremore Messengerwrites, “Claremore Chapter Royal Arch Masons did much work this week. At the regular meeting Monday night W.P. Johnston was installed as Master of the First Veil; Fred Walker Master of the 2^ndVeil and Earl Bayless, Royal Arch Captain. Tuesday an all-day session was held, work being conferred in the Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch degrees.  Masons from Nowata were down and took the work. During the day nine, Masons were made Chapter members.  Tuesday night an excellent banquet was served to the Companions and their wives at the Sequoyah hotel the following being present: Dr. and Mrs. Murdaugh, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Church, Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. O.S. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Clark Smith, Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Makemson, Mr. and Mrs. E.D. Myers, Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Johnston, Mr. and Mrs. Leo. A. Moore, Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Finley, Earle Bayless and Mrs. J.M. (Mary) Bayless, Charles Hess and Miss Martha Willis, Messrs. T.L. Brown, R.S. Liggett, W.E. Hutchins, of Claremore; C.S. Clifton, D.E. Randolph, E.L. Clifton, C.F. Byers, O.D. Dickenson, C.S. Armstrong, of Nowata, and Dr. Walter A. Howard, of Chelsea. The menu follows: Fruit Cocktail, Tomatoes and Cucumbers in Mayonnaise, Sweet Pickles, Manzanilla Oliver, Fried Spring Chicken, Claret Punch, Lobster Salad, Potato Chisp, French Rolls, Vanilla Ice Cream, Layer Cake, Almond Macaroons, American Cream Cheese, Salted Wafers, Coffee, Cigars.”[17] That December, in a public installation in which “fully two hundred people were present,” Frank Church was installed as Capt. of Host,[18] and/or master of the first Veil.[19]

Visits from Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Spencer and Mrs. W.S. Spencer and children;[20] a visit of Thomas Church, from Sunflower City, Mississippi (brother of Frank Church) “with a view of buying a farm;”[21] and a recurring bout of illness for Mrs. Church[22] were all announced in the local news.

Sister Roxie Martin returned to Claremore to assist in the store during the holidays.[23] A special advertisement publicized, “Mrs. M.B. Church will give away a doll on December 17. Tickets given with every dollar purchase of children’s dresses and coats. A ticket given with every pair of hose, on the doll to be given away by M.B. Church on December 24.”[24] Rengo Belt Corsets, also among the advertisements were to be “our greatest corset event of the season. This corset embodies a new invention for reduction of the hips, and to produce smooth back and slender, graceful hip lines which are being so widely advocated in the advance dress models. Reno Belt is the most wonderful corset we have ever seen for medium and large figures, and we feel so certain of its immediate success and wide popularity that we have secured a complete line of all sizes and models… An Expert Corsetiere in attendance to fit these models.”[25]

Unfortunately, in this celebrated Christmas season, The Rogers County News recounted that the M.B. Church Ladies’ Specialty Store was robbed. “M.B. Church Store Visited By Shoplifters. Saturday while Frank Church was busy in the ladies’ specialty store two of the three … women making intended purchases tucked some skirts and shawls under their arm. With these articles the women left the store undetected. Soon after at Walker’s store, Joe Anderson, a clerk, noticed a pretty skirt projecting from under one of the two women’s arm, who were making that store a visit. Mr. Anderson suspected mischief notified the Church store, and in less than an hour three women were placed in jail to answer to charges of shoplifting. They gave their names as Bertie Owens, Grace McFee and Jennie Washington. Joe Smith, is being held as an accomplice. The four will be given a hearing before Judge Ryan on Monday afternoon at two o’clock.”[26]

January and the new year, 1911, arrived and Mrs. M.B. Church was “on her way to Washington, D.C., in company with her father, J.J. Spencer and Congressman Davenport to attend the democratic caucus at the capitol. Mrs. Church [planned to] visit the cities of Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York before returning home.”[27]

That February, 1911, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church realized its dream of having its own church building. Frank Church, served on the building committee along with Dr. E.D. Nurdaugh, Mr. R.S. Saunders and Mr. A.A. Dennison.

“OPENING OF EPISCOPAL CHURCH.  The opening services of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will be held on Feb. 19^that 11.  The Rev. Mr. Welles, Rector of the Vinita and Chelsea churches, will preach the dedicatory sermon, and the Vested Choir of the Church of the Redeemer, Chelsea, will furnish the music for the services which will consist of Morning Prayer and a choral celebration of Holy Communion. The church people of Claremore are to be congratulated on the completion of this beautiful little chapel. Through the generosity of their many good friends, this earnest and faithful congregation of Episcopalians has been enabled to complete and furnish the church practically without any funded indebtedness.  The building is of brick and stained shingles, the open timber work in the interior being finished in black mission.  The choir is separated from the nave by an arched reed screen, and east of the choir is the raised sanctuary, containing the high altar.  A convenient vestry, and choir room, with two entrances to the chancel and nave, is provided for by a north wing, the completed building costing about $2,000.00.  The building committee consisted of Mr. Frank Church, chairman; Dr. E.D. Nurdaugh, senior warden; Mr. R.S. Saunders and Mr. A.A. Dennison.” “By appointment of the Bishop, Mr. S.H. Glassmire has been in charge of the church for the past six months, and furnished the plans, and it is through the efforts of these gentlemen and the Ladies’ Guild and friends of the congregation, that the Episcopal church with the beautiful liturgy, and splendid history has been successfully organized in Claremore. The parish will be under the jurisdiction of the Rt. Rev. T.P. Thurston, Bishop of eastern Oklahoma. Sittings are free to all, and public services will be held every Sunday. We welcome the coming of this old mother church of English-speaking people to Claremore, and all Christian people will unite in congregations on the completion of St. Paul’s as a witness to the faith in the historic creeds and the common prayer-book worship and as influence for good in this community.”[28]

That spring, Miss Needham attended the St. Louis market “and purchased early spring stock for Mrs. M.B. Church’s store,”[29] and Miss Elinor Bean and Miss Maybell Hall joined the team at M.B. Church’s store.[30]

M.B. Church’s ladies’ specialty store reported “good sales on gowns and millinery this season, and the windows of this store always hold attractive displays”.[31]

In May, Claremore merchants celebrated their community’s business endeavors. “Merchants Feasted and Visited With One Another – Enjoyable and profitable hour spent at a banquet – big picnic planned. If there is any contention or a knocking spirit stored within the hearts of the Claremore merchants it was certainly smothered Monday night at the banquet in the Sequoyah given by the Retailers’ association. As the twenty – five merchants and their wives seated themselves before the spread there was an evidence of a most pleasant relation seeming to prevail one with another. This ‘rubbing of elbows’ certainly does create a desire among business men (and women) to cooperate. Truly this good will prevailing among the Claremore merchants cannot but result in good for all, and not a little in the substantial buildup of this city. As a delightful menu was being served, President C.S. Leacock called upon some members of the association for ‘short talks,’ which were well received. Those who took part were Frank Briscoe, Miss Nowlin, R.K. Hart, Mrs. M.B. Church and G.D. Davis. These with the exception of Mr. Hart, had papers prepared, which we take pleasure in publishing in part. M. Haas, E.E. Woods, J.F. Flippin and George Fezell responded with a few well-chosen remarks.  The menu was as follows: Essence of Chicken, Queen Olives, Dressed Tomatoes, Fresh Radishes, Cold Baked Ham, Cold Pressed Chicken, Saratoga Chips, Waldorf Salad, Hot Parker House Rolls, Ice Cream with strawberries, Assorted Cake, Cream Cheese, Salted wafers, Coffee.”

Mrs. Church’s “short talk” was recorded as follows. “Business Woman’s View of The Association. Members of the Retail Merchants’ Association: You have accorded me the privilege and honor of addressing you on the subject ‘A Business Woman’s View of the Association,’ and may I at the outset place as a corner-stone that basic quality which so dominates the true man and woman, no matter on which side of the counter he may stand – consideration. Charity for the errors common to us all, but mainly through aggressiveness and persistency to acquire the supremacy in the business world. I have no desire to criticize the work of the organization; on the contrary. I have nothing but comments of praise. I feel that the business organization should be the dominant power of the town and that its good influence should be felt in any way and every cause that is for the general good and betterment of the community; that it may be viewed with pride as the champion of Claremore. First of all, let harmony be the watchword and truth be paramount in our business relationship. Let us buy honest merchandise, so when we sell it, we shall not feel impelled to misrepresent it. Let us advertise our wares and give what we advertise. For business is sensitive. It goes only where invited and stays only where well treated. Let us be considerate toward our competition, for they too must live. Let us be fair with our customers. Let them expect the most and get it, be charitable toward the stranger, and our interest in them manifest itself as an invitation to remain in Claremore. Let this organization interest itself in our schools and lend its efforts toward anything that will promote the higher education. I believe this is a just world, and as we sow so shall we reap. I believe business is a science and that the members of this organization should give some of their time in perfecting plans for our mutual betterment. ~ Mrs. M.B. Church.”[32]

A month later, the Claremore community mourned the passing of a long-time business community friend. Frank Church, his sister, Mrs. Jones, and a host of other Claremore Citizens, traveled to Muskogee, Oklahoma, to attend the funeral of the late, 46-year old, noted Cherokee lawyer, Joe M. LaHay, formerly a valued resident of Claremore for 20 years.[33]

“Radium Water, Claremore, Okla.” (front); “WHEELOCK, Made in Germany for M.B. Church, Claremore, Okla.” (back); “With every $5 purchase we will give you a beautiful China souvenir plate of Claremore. M.B. Church Specialty Store.” ad. [34]

It was about June 1911 that Mrs. Church offered a uniquely beautiful gift premium. For a simple purchase, a valued patron could receive a porcelain Claremore souvenir, a valued artifact that is still in existence today, validating Mrs. Church’s Claremore presence.

The Wheelock brothers were “one of the largest wholesalers and retailers of fine china in the United States.” To obtain specialty souvenirs imported by Wheelock, local merchants from around the country provided favorite photos of local attractions to traveling Weelock salesmen. These salesmen ordered the production of distinctive fine china pieces from Europe, mainly Germany and Austria. European potteries created black and white decals of the photos sent, transferring the pictures onto ceramic ware such as teacups, plates, teapots and bowls. As multiple steps were taken in the firing process, hand-painted details and gilt edging were applied to these keepsakes. “Most of the pieces received a stamp on the bottom or back with the name and town of the merchant as well as the word Weelock, and the town and/or country where it had been produced. The European potteries then shipped the pieces directly to the shop keepers.”[35]

[A dainty, delicate ceramic pictorial souvenir dish from Mrs. M.B. Church’s store can be found on display at the Belvidere Mansion, Claremore, Oklahoma. Depicted in the bowl of this small transfer ware dish is a picture of J.M. Bayless’ “Se-quo-yah Hotel & Annex, Claremore, Okla.” Stamped on the back of the porcelain dish, true to form, are the words “WHEELOCK, made in Germany for M.B. Church, Claremore, Okla.” Other Wheelock – M.B. Church souvenir dishes are found in the Claremore Museum of History. The items Mrs. Church sold from her store were impressive, unique, and very feminine. It is exceptional indeed to discover actual documented treasures that came from Mrs. Church’s early 1900s store.]

Business expansion continued as Mrs. M.B. Church, opened a store at Collinsville.[36]

Magnanimous entertainment continued. William Griffin and Tom Church, from Blue creek, visited Mr. and Mrs. Frank Church as dinner guests. “They were loud in their praise of the way they were entertained and said that they had been farmers all their lives and this was the first time they have had to visit friends and relatives in town to get a mess of ‘roasting ears.’”[37] Col. J.J. Spencer, of Vinita, visited his daughters, Mesdames M.B. Church and Chas. Martin. “Col. Spencer holds an official position at Washington under the new democratic House of Representatives.”[38] The Big Eight club held its last meeting, with “Miss Ethel Fairchild, at the home of her aunt, Mrs. M.B. Church… The afternoon was pleasantly spent in playing rook, in which Miss Theresa Flippin succeeded in making high score. Promptly at six o’clock a delicious two-course luncheon was served in the latest approved manner by Misses Fleta Griswold and Mary Fairchild, the last course being green and white (the club colors) brick ice cream, which was furnished by the Claremore Ice Cream Factory, and cake. Cut flowers were presented to each member. Favors consisting of framed pictures by Harrison Fisher and hand painted score cards were presented to each guest. The girls are very loud in their praise of Miss Fairchild’s hospitality.”[39]With all the company and guests Frank Church decided it was time to build a room “on his residence on Second Street.”[40]

Because it was September once again, Mrs. M.B. Church traveled to St. Louis to purchase goods for her women’s clothing store taking Miss Jesse Needham along with her.[41]

The Inola Register reported, “M.B. Church, Claremore, carries Munsing Underwear, for ladies and children. Enough said. Saturday Oct. 14^th will be Mother’s Day at M.B. Church’s store. Every child visiting the store on that day will receive a beautiful set of Mother Goose Postal Cards.” That month Mrs. Dietz was on hand to “give a grand lecture on health and corsets. Mrs. Dietz has been fitting corsets for 15 years and you will enjoy meeting her very much.”[42]

At the end of October, 1911, a Halloween Social with the ladies of the Sequoyah Historical Society, hosted at the residence of Mrs. M.B. Church celebrated the return of fall and the beginning of the fall fashion season.[43] The year had been a good one. There was much to celebrate.

by Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

We invite you to continue reading “Mrs. Minnie B. Church – Faithful in the Small Things, PART 5,” by clicking the link  here.

Sources:

Newspapers sourced below are found at: The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[1]Smith, Clark. Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 14, No. 45, Ed. 1 Friday, September 24, 1909, newspaper, September 24, 1909; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178290/: accessed March 6, 2019).

[2]Smith, Clark. Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 14, No. 48, Ed. 1 Friday, October 15, 1909, newspaper, October 15, 1909; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178293/:accessed February 25, 2019).

[3]Harper, W. R., editor. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 17, No. 44, Ed. 1 Friday, December 17, 1909, Newspaper, December 17, 1909; (http://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181170/ : accessed September 28, 2016).

[4]Smith, Clark. Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 11, Ed. 1 Friday, February 4, 1910, newspaper, February 4, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178310/: accessed March 6, 2019).

[5] Mr. Pleasant Kansas (Frank) and Mrs. Minnie B. Church should not to be confused with Claremore Mayor E.A. and Mrs. Loretta Church.Harlow, Rex & Victor, Editors. “Makers of Government in Oklahoma: A Descriptive Roster of Oklahomans…,” Published: Oklahoma City, 1930.

[6]Smith, Clark. Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 21, Ed. 1 Friday, February 11, 1910, newspaper, February 11, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178311/: accessed March 6, 2019).

[7]Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 1, Ed. 1 Friday, February 11, 1910, newspaper, February 11, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181178/: accessed March 6, 2019).

[8]Smith, Clark. Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 22, Ed. 1 Friday, February 18, 1910, newspaper, February 18, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178312/: accessed March 6, 2019).

[9]Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 4, Ed. 1 Friday, March 4, 1910, Newspaper, March 4, 1910; (http://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181181/ : accessed September 29, 2016).

[10]Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 28, Ed. 1 Friday, April 1, 1910, newspaper, April 1, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178318/:accessed March 6, 2019).

[11]Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 9, Ed. 1 Friday, April 8, 1910, newspaper, April 8, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181186/: accessed March 6, 2019).

[12]Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 31, Ed. 1 Friday, April 22, 1910, newspaper, April 22, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178321/: accessed March 6, 2019).

[13]Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 11, Ed. 1 Friday, April 22, 1910, newspaper, April 22, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181188/: accessed March 6, 2019).

[14]Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 32, Ed. 2 Friday, April 29, 1910, newspaper, April 29, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178323/: accessed March 6, 2019).

[15]Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 12, Ed. 1 Friday, April 29, 1910, newspaper, April 29, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181189/: accessed March 6, 2019).

[16]Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 32, Ed. 2 Friday, April 29, 1910, newspaper, April 29, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178323/: accessed March 6, 2019).

[17]Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 41, Ed. 1 Friday, July 1, 1910, newspaper, July 1, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178333/: accessed February 28, 2019).

[18]Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 42, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 22, 1910, newspaper, December 22, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc957365/:accessed February 28, 2019).

[19]Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 40, Ed. 1 Friday, December 23, 1910, Newspaper, December 23, 1910; (http://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181220/ : accessed September 29, 2016).

[20]Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 47, Ed. 1 Friday, August 12, 1910, newspaper, August 12, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178339/: accessed February 28, 2019).

[21]Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 41, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 15, 1910, newspaper, December 15, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956231/:accessed February 28, 2019).

[22]Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 33, Ed. 1 Thursday, November 3, 1910, newspaper, November 3, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956509/: accessed March 6, 2019).

[23]Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 36, Ed. 1 Thursday, November 24, 1910, newspaper, November 24, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc957210/:accessed March 9, 2019).

[24]Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 52, Ed. 1 Friday, November 4, 1910, newspaper,November 4, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178351/: accessed March 9, 2019).

[25]Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 3, Ed. 1 Friday, December 9, 1910, newspaper, December 9, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178356/: accessed March 9, 2019).

[26]Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 41, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 15, 1910,newspaper, December 15, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956231/:accessed February 28, 2019).

[27]Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 46, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 19, 1911,newspaper, January 19, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956532/:accessed March 9, 2019).

[28]Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 3, Ed. 1 Friday, February 17, 1911, Newspaper, February 17, 1911; (http://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181228/ : accessed September 29, 2016).

Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 50, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 16, 1911, newspaper, February 16, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956373/:accessed February 28, 2019).

Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 3, Ed. 1 Friday, February 17, 1911, newspaper, February 17, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181228/:accessed February 28, 2019).

[29]Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 14, Ed. 1 Friday, March 3, 1911, newspaper, March 3, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178369/: accessed March 9, 2019).

[30]Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 3, No. 6, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 13, 1911, newspaper,April 13, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956197/: accessed March 9, 2019).

Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 12, Ed. 1 Friday, April 21, 1911, newspaper, April 21, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181237/:accessed March 9, 2019).

[31]Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 3, No. 7, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 20, 1911, newspaper, April 20, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956772/: accessed March 9, 2019).

[32]Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 3, No. 10, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 11, 1911, newspaper, May 11, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956170/: accessed March 9, 2019).

[33]Harper, William R. Rogers County Leader. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 1, No. 65, Ed. 1 Friday, June 2, 1911, newspaper, June 2, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc955929/: accessed March 1, 2019), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/45134803/joe-m_-lahay. Accessed: March 1, 2019. Joseph Martin LaHay. Birth 27 Aug 1864. Death 29 May 1911 (aged 46). Burial Greenhill Cemetery. Muskogee, Muskogee County, OK. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/46399391/annie-lahay. Accessed: March 1, 2019. Annie Russell LaHay. Birth 12 Dec 1864. Glasgow City, Scotland. Death 2 Sept 1951 (aged 86). Muskogee, Muskogee County, OK. Burial Greenhill Cemetery. Muskogee, Muskogee County, OK.

[34]Harper, William R. Rogers County Leader. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 1, No. 65, Ed. 1 Friday, June 2, 1911, newspaper, June 2, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc955929/: accessed March 1, 2019).

[35]You can read more about Wheelock Souvenir china at  http://antiquesqa.blogspot.com/2017/01/remembrances-in-china.html. Accessed: February 23, 2019.

[36]Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 30, Ed. 1 Friday, June 23, 1911, newspaper, June 23, 1911;Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178387/: accessed March 9, 2019).

[37]Harper, William R. Rogers County Leader. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 1, No. 71, Ed. 1 Friday, July 14, 1911, newspaper, July 14, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956051/: accessed March 1, 2019).

[38]Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 25, Ed. 1 Friday, July 21, 1911,newspaper, July 21, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181249/: accessed March 9, 2019).

[39]Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 30, Ed. 1 Friday, August 25, 1911, newspaper, August 25, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181254/:accessed March 9, 2019).

[40]Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 37, Ed. 1 Friday, August 11, 1911, newspaper, August 11, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178394/: accessed March 1, 2019).

[41]Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 31, Ed. 1 Friday, September 1, 1911, newspaper, September 1, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181255/: accessed March 9, 2019).

[42]The Inola Register. (Inola, Okla.), Vol. 6, No. 9, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 12, 1911, newspaper, October 12, 1911;Inola, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc180404/: accessed March 9, 2019).

[43]Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 39, Ed. 1 Friday, October 27, 1911, newspaper, October 27, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181263/:accessed March 9, 2019).

Tour the Town, Claremore, Oklahoma, 1916 – Claremore’s East Side a Land of Churches.

Christian Church is located on the northwest corner of 6^th Street and Florence Avenue (now called Iglasia Baptista Hispania).

Tour the Town, Claremore, Oklahoma, 1916 – Claremore’s East Side a Land of Churches. Part I.

We invite you to join us to “Tour the Town, Claremore, Oklahoma, 1916.” We will begin on the east side of Claremore in its notable residential area.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Claremore, Rogers County, Oklahoma. Sanborn Map Company, Jun, 1916. Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn07040_008/.

As we look at the Sanborn Fire Insurance map of Claremore, Oklahoma, 1916, we note that the side of Claremore east of the Mo. Pac. railroad is a haven for seven churches. Claremore citizens loved their churches.  Chickasaw Avenue in particular is dotted with a number of these sacred buildings.  If we begin on Chickasaw Avenue and look north, in 1916, we discover:

1. Holiness Church is on the northwest corner of 7^th Street and Florence Avenue (in 2019 the Lighthouse Apostolic Church).
2. Methodist Episcopal stands on the northwest corner of 6^th Street and Chickasaw Avenue (in 2019 the Wedding Chapel).
3. Christian Church is located on the northwest corner of 6^th Street and Florence Avenue (now called Iglasia Baptista Hispania).
4. Methodist Episcopal, South, stands on Fifth Street, between Weenonah and Chickasaw Avenue (now an empty lot due to a fire).
5. First Presbyterian Church is located diagonally across the street from the Belvidere Mansion on the northeast corner of 4^th Street and Chickasaw Avenue. (It continues as the active First Presbyterian Church today.)
6. 1^st Baptist Church is on the southeast corner of Chickasaw Avenue and 3^rd Street. (This continues as the active First Baptist Church today.)
7. Further east along 2^nd Street is St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (opening services February 19, 1911) on the northeast corner of Florence and Second Street.
8. Nazarene Church was eventually (sometime between 1933 and 1940) built on the southwest corner of Florence Avenue and 2nd Street.

“North Methodist Episcopal Church and Parsonage, Claremore, Oklahoma. Northwest Corner 6^th Street and Chickasaw Avenue.” Source: Private Collection.  Church Dedicated February 24, 1895. (Claremore Progress. March 2, 1895.)

Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Claremore, Okla. Fifth Street, between Weenonah and Chickasaw Avenue. Source: Lawley, L. Ida. “Souvenir Booklet, Claremore, Oklahoma 1910-1915.” (Home Eng. Co.) Muskogee Printing Co….Muskogee, Oklahoma. Belvidere Mansion Archives.

Hiawatha School, Claremore, Okla. Southwest Corner, Fifth Street and Chickasaw Avenue. Source:Lawley, L. Ida. “Souvenir Booklet, Claremore, Oklahoma 1910-1915.” (Home Eng. Co.) Muskogee Printing Co….Muskogee, Oklahoma. Belvidere Mansion Archives.

“Presbyterian Church, Claremore, Okla.” Northeast corner 4^th Street and Chickasaw Avenue. Postmark: 1908. Source: Private Collection. 

Built 1902. (First shown on 1903 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, Claremore, IT, Sheet 1). The original Presbyterian Church building was located on the southeast corner of 2^nd Street and Cherokee Avenue (First shown on the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps Claremore, Oklahoma, 1896 & 1901, Sheet 2).

This postcard is so precious because it is scribed with a love poem. “This is the place we once have been. Perhaps next time we will go right in and see the alter…Walter…Miss Mundes Wood Morrell.”

“Bayless Residence, Claremore, Okla.” Postmark 1911. Published: Wheelock, Atkinson Studio. Source: Private Collection.

Belvidere Mansion, home of the Bayless family, was built in 1907 by J.M. Bayless and his family. Mr. Bayless purchased the land (Block 103) in 1905 according to the property’s Abstract. Ground breaking was noted in the Claremore Progress in March 1907. J.M. Bayless died in June 1907. The family finished building the mansion after his death and moved in (relocating from Cassville, Missouri, by way of Sulphur, Oklahoma) in November/December 1907.

“Baptist Church, Claremore, Okla.” Postmark 1911. Publisher: Zimmerman. Source: Private Collection.

The first First Baptist Church. This was the original building that was located on the southeast corner of 3^rd Street (aka Will Rogers Boulevard) and Chickasaw Avenue. It was built (1893) on land donated by Mrs. F.A. Neilson. Mrs. F.A. (Ella May) Neilson was the daughter of Nannie Bartles who was the wife of Jacob H. Bartles, founder of Bartlesville and Dewey, Oklahoma (Claremore Messenger.  May 31, 1907).

“First Baptist Church, Claremore, Okla.” Postmark 1910. Publisher C.T. PhotoChrom. Source: Private Collection. “FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, CLAREMORE, OKLA. This church has been named Grace Temple and is known as the peoples’ church.  It is one of the handsomest church structures in the southwest.”

“First Baptist Church, Claremore, Okla”. Publisher: C.T. American Art Colored, C.T. Chicago. Source: Private Collection.

The second First Baptist Church, southeast corner of 3^rdStreet (aka Will Rogers Boulevard) and Chickasaw Avenue, was a brick building dedicated in 1915. This building was razed for the third 1^stBaptist Church building constructed in 1970. (Construction date: Claremore Messenger. April 24, 1914.)

“Greetings from Claremore, Oklahoma. First Baptist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Methodist Church, First Christian Church. Will Rogers’ Home Town.”

Please join us for “Tour the Town, Claremore, Oklahoma, 1916 – East Side of Main Street,” Part II.

by Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

 

Mrs. J.T. (Melvina) Wilson – Claremore Social Leader

Mrs. J.T. (Melvina) Wilson – Claremore Social Leader

Photo: J.T. Wilson and Sons Hardware Store. J.T. Wilson (left). Melvina Wilson, wife (right). Courtesy of Randy Leach, Claremore Archivist.

Melvina O. McColm Wilson[i] and her husband James Taylor (J.T.) Wilson[ii] moved from Missouri to Pioneer Claremore, Indian Territory, in 1902.  The Wilson family came to Claremore to build their pecuniary dreams.  The family named their new enterprise the J.T. Wilson & Sons’ Hardware and located their business on the northeast corner of Third Street (aka Will Rogers Boulevard) and Missouri Avenue.

The Wilsons had three sons: Landon Thomas (L.T.) called “Land,” born December 20, 1873[iii]; William Ellis (W.E.), born September 11, 1875[iv], and Homer Dawson, born April 27, 1883[v]. The youngest Wilson child was a daughter, Elsie Belle, born February 16, 1892[vi]. One grandson, Harold James, Will’s son, born 1900,[vii] also accompanied the Wilson family to Claremore. By the 1910 U.S. census, only Elsie and Harold were living in the Wilson home; the other adult sons were by then heads of their own families.

When J.T. Wilson brought his family to Claremore, Melvina set up housekeeping in the Baptist parsonage and made plans to get involved in her new community.[viii]

The oldest Wilson son, Landon returned briefly to Bolivar, Missouri, to marry Miss Maude Hockenhull. He brought his new bride with him to Indian Territory. The Claremore Progress cordially announced, “The happy couple returned to our town Sunday night and will make their home here.  PROGRESS wishes the young couple much happiness and heartily welcomes Mrs. Wilson to Claremore, and hopes she will find her home in our midst a pleasant one.”[ix]

By the following summer (1903) the entire Wilson family “moved into their new home on Wewoka Avenue and Third Street,” Claremore.[x]

Yet that fall was a trying and difficult time for the family.  While J.T. Wilson attended a “meeting of the Territorial Baptist association at Duncan, in the Chickasaw Nation,[xi] “Mrs. J.T. Wilson and her daughter, Miss Elsie, (were) both seriously ill with typhoid fever.” [xii] Miss Alice Watkins, a professional nurse, cared for them. As often happens in families, Mrs. Landon Wilson was also very ill with the same disease.[xiii] The following week it was mercifully announced, “Mrs. J.T. Wilson and little daughter have so far recovered, that very little doubt is entertained of their recovery.  Mrs. Landon (Maude) Wilson is also reported some better.”[xiv]

Melvina Wilson was very active in Claremore’s community life and especially in the activities of the local Baptist church.  When “the Willing Workers of the Baptist church met with Mrs. Jack Mathews …  The society (had) a membership of 23 with Mrs. T.F. Coe as President; Mrs. J.T. Wilson, vice-president; Miss Laura York, Secy., … all the lady members of the Baptist church (were) requested to attend.”[xv] Furthermore, “the ladies of the Baptist church (conducted) an Exchange on Saturday, October 22, (1904) from 2 to 6 o’clock p.m. at J.T. Wilson & Son’s store.  All articles for sale (were promised to be) ready for Sunday dinner.”[xvi] And in 1905, “The Woodman Circle (women’s group) elected new officers…Mrs. E.H. Gibbs, Guardian. Mrs. J.T. Wilson, Advisor. Mrs. Wm. Helm, Magician. Mrs. A.C. Layton, Banker. Mrs. T. Wade Rice, Inside Sentinel…” This women’s organization met every second and fourth Tuesday in the Woodman’s hall.[xvii]

Fully settled in their new home and community, there was much entertaining of Missouri friends who traveled to Claremore, and members of the Wilson family who traveled back to their homeland to visit friends and family in Missouri.  The newspaper stated, “W.B. Bond and wife of Cassville, Mo., are the guests of their friends, Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Wilson this week…Mrs. Landon Wilson returned this week from an extended visit at her old home in Bolivar, Mo. She had prepared to return home twice before she started, but was detained. The first time she and a cousin were thrown out of a wagon by a runaway horse and while she escaped without injury, her cousin was seriously hurt and she remained to nurse her back to health. The second time she was detained by the death of another cousin.”[xviii] “Homer Wilson returned Monday from Bolivar, Mo., where he has been attending a street fair.”[xix] “Mrs. T.J. Wilson and son Leonard of Monett, Mo., are visiting her brother-in-law, J.T. Wilson and family.  They will be in the city several days. Mrs. W.B. Boren (Belle Wilson Boren, sister of J.T. Wilson[xx]), of Cassville, Mo., and Mrs. R.A. Atkisson[xxi]of Monett, Mo. (daughter of Mrs. W.B. Boren), were guests of Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Wilson this week, returning home yesterday. Miss Elsie Wilson went to Cassville, Mo., yesterday with her aunt, Mrs. W.B. Boren. She will spend about a month in that city and Monett, visiting relatives.”[xxii] “W.B. Boren, of Monett, Mo., arrived in our city Wednesday for a visit with his brother-in-law, J.T. Wilson.”[xxiii] “Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Boren, of Monett, Mo., have been the guests this week of the latter’s brother, J.T. Wilson and family.”[xxiv] “Mr. and Mrs. F.M. Pollard, who have been visiting J.T. Wilson and family, returned to their home is Cambridge, Neb., Tuesday.”[xxv] In fact the Wilson family was entertaining so many houseguests that in February 1906, hardware business owner J.T. Wilson built “an additional room to his house which adds to its convenience.”[xxvi] That understatement was undoubtedly true.

Wilson brother-in-law W.B. Boren, of Cassville, Mo., liked Claremore so much that he “purchased of Judge E.S. Bessey, his residence near the Valley depot, the consideration being, $2,150,” left Missouri and moved to Claremore.[xxvii] It was projected that W.B. Boren’s son-in-law, Robert Atkisson and wife, of Monett, Missouri, would probably do the same.[xxviii] Entrepreneur W.B. Boren started a “gents’ furnishings” (clothing) business in one room of the Halsell building.”[xxix] W.B. Boren’s Claremore Clothing Co. a fancy men’s store, was located three doors east of First National Bank at the west end of town.[xxx]

Extended Wilson relatives continued to migrate south. Mr. and Mrs. F.M. Pollard, of Cambridge, Nebraska, who had visited the former’s sister, Mrs. J.T. Wilson, “bought the Sanger lots opposite the school house, the consideration being $1,400.  This is a very desirable piece of property and Mr. Pollard will probably move to Claremore and build on his purchase.”[xxxi]  The Wilson’s clan was building as Claremore business opportunities drew more pioneers into Indian Territory.

But, for health reasons, the family unit was about to splinter in the spring of 1906.  The Claremore Progress revealed, “Mr. and Mrs. Will Wilson left Sunday for Mexico, a few miles south of Brownsville, Texas, to spend a while with the hope that the climate will benefit Mr. Wilson’s health.”[xxxii]

But the Wilson hospitality continued as before as more houseguests were welcomed into the Wilson home. Relatives, “Mr. and Mrs. McColm, of Ransome, Illinois, are the guests of J.T. Wilson and wife,”[xxxiii] as were “Mr. and Mrs. L.E. Decker, of Cambridge, Nebraska.”[xxxiv] All received the good will of Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Wilson.  The Deckers were “greatly pleased with the Oklahoma climate and Mr. Decker would have purchased some land here if the restrictions had been removed.”[xxxv]

Melvina Wilson continued to graciously serve and lead in her Claremore community. “Mrs. J.T. Wilson and Mrs. Wade Rice pleasantly entertained the members of the Woodmen Circle Thursday afternoon at the residence of Mrs. J.T. Wilson.”[xxxvi]  In 1907, “according to the call issued by the committee appointed by the Chamber of Commerce, a number of ladies of the city met at the council chamber and organized the Ladies’ Improvement Association…  The following officers were elected: President – Mrs. H. Jennings. Vice-President – Mrs. J.T. Wilson. Secretary and Treasurer – Mrs. G.H. Davis.”[xxxvii]

In 1908, a literary entertainment and light lunch were “given by the ladies of the Baptist church at the residence of J.T. Wilson on Wednesday, February 5. A small admission of 10 cents” was charged as a fundraiser.  Cakes baked by the ladies were also for sale.[xxxviii]

That month The Ladies’ Improvement Association met “and elected the following officers for the coming year: Mrs. Callie Burns, president, Mrs. J.T. Wilson, vice-president; Mrs. G.H. Davis secretary and treasurer…” The association was reported as being “very anxious to enlist every woman of Claremore in the work of beautifying and improving our town,” declaring, “a few hours’ work is about all that will be asked of anyone and surely most of the ladies will be willing to spare their time in such a beneficial cause…every woman who is interested in the healthfulness, cleanliness, and beautification of Claremore is most cordially invited to be present and enroll herself as a worker.”[xxxix] The unrelenting effort continued as “The Ladies’ Improvement Association was organized, under the direction of president, Mrs. Burns, into committees for the regular summer’s work. The committee which will have in charge the awarding of prizes for the best kept and prettiest yards were divided into sections, each of which is to inspect the ward assigned them at least once a month.  The committee, who will award the furnace for burning trash in the block keeping the cleanest alley, has also been subdivided into wards for inspection of alleys. The following ladies will have charge of inspection of yards: 1^st ward, Mrs. C.F. Godbey, Mrs. C.B. Littlefield and Mrs. Leo A Moore… The committee on inspection of alleys are as follows: 1^st ward, Mrs. J.Q. Adams, Mrs. G.W. Walkley and Mrs. Landon Wilson; 2^nd ward, Mrs. G.D. Davis, Mrs. John Dirickson and Mrs. G.H. Davis…The following ladies were appointed as a standing social committee: Mrs. J.T. Wilson, Mrs. G.F. Wyvell, Mrs. H.M. Makemson… The ladies will please take this as notice of their appointment, the first named lady being chairman.”[xl] How could anyone refuse these dedicated, fastidious, civic minded ladies?

But an unfortunate event was about to strike the extended Wilson family leaving sadness in its wake.

Please stay tuned for Mrs. J.T. (Melvina) Wilson – Part II.

By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

Special thanks to Randy Leach for sharing his J.T. Wilson family photos.

[i]http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=33579861. Melvina O. McColm Wilson. Created by Erice Wilcox. Record added: Feb 06, 2009. Find A Grave Memorial# 33579861. Accessed: November 29, 2018.

[ii]http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=33564884. James Wilson. Created by Erice Wilcox. Record added: Feb 5, 2009. Find A Grave Memorial# 33564884. Accessed: November 29, 2018.

[iii]https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/33565016/landon-t.-wilson. Accessed: November 29, 2018.

[iv]https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/33583702/willie-wilson#view-photo=110094848. Accessed: November 29, 2018.

[v]https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/132208310/homer-dawson-wilson. Accessed: November 29, 2018.

[vi]https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28456181/elsie-bell-baker. Accessed: November 29, 2018.

The History of Rogers County, Oklahoma. Copyright 1979 by Claremore College Foundation.

[vii]https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/33566859/harold-wilson. Accessed: November 29, 2018.

[viii]The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 10, No. 38, Ed. 1 Saturday, November 1, 1902, Newspaper, November 1, 1902; (http://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc183106/ : accessed October 03, 2016), Oklahoma Historical Society, The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[ix]The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 10, No. 40, Ed. 1 Saturday, November 15, 1902, Newspaper, November 15, 1902; (http://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182305/ : accessed October 03, 2016), Oklahoma Historical Society, The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[x]Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 15, Ed. 1 Friday, June 26, 1903, newspaper, June 26, 1903; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc177947/:accessed November 7, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 17, Ed. 1 Friday, July 10, 1903, newspaper, July 10, 1903; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc177949/:accessed November 7, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xi]The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 34, Ed. 1 Saturday, October 3, 1903, newspaper, October 3, 1903; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc183158/: accessed November 7, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xii]Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 29, Ed. 1 Friday, October 2, 1903, newspaper, October 2, 1903;Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc177960/: accessed November 7, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xiii]Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 29, Ed. 1 Friday, October 2, 1903, newspaper, October 2, 1903;Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc177960/: accessed November 7, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xiv]The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 35, Ed. 1 Saturday, October 10, 1903, newspaper, October 10, 1903; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181807/:accessed November 7, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xv]The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 35, Ed. 1 Saturday, October 10, 1903, newspaper, October 10, 1903; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181807/:accessed November 7, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xvi]Williamson, F. E. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 10, No. 39, Ed. 1 Friday, October 14, 1904, newspaper, October 14, 1904;Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178018/: accessed November 6, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xvii]Williamson, F. E. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 50, Ed. 1 Friday, December 15, 1905, newspaper, December 15, 1905; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178083/: accessed November 9, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xviii]The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 23, Ed. 1 Saturday, July 18, 1903, newspaper, July 18, 1903; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182989/: accessed November 7, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xix]Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 29, Ed. 1 Friday, October 2, 1903, newspaper, October 2, 1903;Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc177960/: accessed November 7, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xx]Mrs. W.B. Boren: Belle Wilson Boren, born Mar. 31, 1853 – died Aug. 3, 1937. Wife of William B. Boren, married 1876. Sister of J.T. Wilson. Elsie Wilson’s paternal aunt. Daughter of Eliza J. Nichols Wilson. Mother of Mrs. Robert Allen Atkisson (Myrtle Boren Atkisson). https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/137419343/belle-boren

[xxi]Mrs. Robert Allen Atkisson (Myrtle Boren Atkisson).[xxi]Daughter of Belle Wilson Boren and William B Boren. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28678230/myrtle-atkisson

[xxii]Williamson, F. E. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 27, Ed. 1 Friday, July 7, 1905, newspaper, July 7, 1905; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178061/:accessed November 8, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxiii]William B. Boren (Jan. 21, 1843 – Jan. 28, 1909) married Belle Wilson Boren (born Mar. 31, 1853 – died Aug. 3, 1937), 1876. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/137419089/william-b-boren

The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 41, Ed. 1 Saturday, November 4, 1905, newspaper, November 4, 1905; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182425/:accessed November 9, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxiv]The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 43, Ed. 1 Saturday, November 18, 1905, newspaper, November 18, 1905;Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182577/: accessed November 9, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxv]Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 14, No. 6, Ed. 1 Saturday, March 3, 1906, newspaper, March 3, 1906; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc183194/: accessed November 9, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxvi]Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 14, No. 4, Ed. 1 Saturday, February 17, 1906, newspaper, February 17, 1906; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182084/:accessed November 9, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxvii]The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 43, Ed. 1 Saturday, November 18, 1905, newspaper, November 18, 1905; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182577/: accessed November 25, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxviii]Williamson, F. E. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 49, Ed. 1 Friday, December 8, 1905,newspaper, December 8, 1905; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178082/: accessed November 25, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxix]Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 14, No. 17, Ed. 1 Saturday, May 19, 1906, newspaper, May 19, 1906;Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181940/: accessed November 25, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxx]Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 14, No. 41, Ed. 1 Saturday, November 3, 1906, newspaper, November 3, 1906; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc183198/: accessed November 25, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxxi]Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 14, No. 5, Ed. 1 Saturday, February 24, 1906, newspaper, February 24, 1906; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc183280/:accessed November 9, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxxii]Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 14, No. 6, Ed. 1 Saturday, March 3, 1906, newspaper, March 3, 1906; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc183194/: accessed November 9, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxxiii]Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 15, No. 38, Ed. 1 Saturday, October 12, 1907, newspaper, October 12, 1907; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc183632/:accessed November 9, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxxiv]Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 52, Ed. 1 Saturday, January 18, 1908, newspaper, January 18, 1908; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc183061/: accessed November 9, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxxv]Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 1, Ed. 1 Saturday, January 25, 1908, newspaper, January 25, 1908; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc183092/: accessed November 9, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxxvi]Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 14, No. 32, Ed. 1 Saturday, September 1, 1906, newspaper, September 1, 1906; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182220/:accessed November 6, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxxvii]Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 15, No. 5, Ed. 1 Saturday, February 23, 1907, newspaper, February 23, 1907; Claremore, Indian Territory. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182390/:accessed November 9, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxxviii]Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 2, Ed. 1 Saturday, February 1, 1908, newspaper, February 1, 1908; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc183044/: accessed November 9, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xxxix]Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 4, Ed. 1 Saturday, February 15, 1908, newspaper, February 15, 1908; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc183000/: accessed November 6, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[xl]Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 16, Ed. 1 Saturday, May 9, 1908, newspaper, May 9, 1908; Claremore, Oklahoma. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181979/: accessed November 9, 2018), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.