Claremore’s O’Brien Building – a squeaky clean history

O’Brien Building, first building on the left. “Third Street, looking West, Claremore, Oklahoma. Left side near to far – O’Brien Building (1910), Theeson Building (1906), Rexall Drug Store, Campbell Building (1911). Right side, near to far – Columbia Building, Gorey Building (1909), Johnson Building (1909), BF Loomis/ Johnson Building (1906), Burns Building (1906), Bayless/Chambers Building (1905/6), Eaton/Wilson Building (1902).

Tim Pate owns Ann’s Cleaners & Laundry, the building and business located in the O’Brien Building on the southwest corner of Cherokee Avenue and Will Rogers Boulevard in Claremore, Oklahoma’s historic downtown district. Ann’s is a family run business that has prospered in Claremore for over four-and-a-half decades. In a recent interview Tim reminisced saying he learned the dry cleaning and laundry business from his mother Ann who learned it in Canada from her father.

Tim was twelve years old when his family arrived in Claremore moving from California in 1975. Tim recalls, there were still meter maids in downtown Claremore at the time. In the beginning Ann worked for several local cleaners: Hendricks, Mason and Imperial.[i] Eventually, the family bought and ran the Hendricks’s cleaning business, though Ann continued to press for the Masons as needed.

At first, Ann leased the east side, ground floor room of the O’Brien Building. Soon, the dry cleaning business grew so large more space was needed. Eventually, Ann purchased the entire building. Tim remarked, the west side store space had been a gym filled with exercise equipment that had to be removed. Roomers living upstairs also vacated their apartments.  

In September 1982, forty years ago, Tim started working at Ann’s Cleaners full time and eventually purchased the business when his mother was ready to sell. Now, Tim’s cleaning business engulfs the entire first floor.

This is the story of one family’s experience running a business from the historic O’Brien Building. Surely in its 11-decade existence this brick structure has many more stories to tell.

As early as 1896, a large one-story framed building stood at the southwest corner of 3^rd Street (now Will Rogers Boulevard) and Cherokee Avenue, Claremore, Oklahoma (Block 113, Lot 9 & 10). Visible in the iconic 1906 F.L. Stone panoramic photograph of downtown Claremore, this clapboard building according to Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of Claremore, Indian Territory, housed a Grocery (1898), Sample Room (1901), Furniture and Second-hand store (1903), and a Restaurant and Meat store (1907).[ii] But soon after Oklahoma statehood a permanent brick building, the one that still stands today at 401 & 403 West Will Rogers Boulevard, was built.

In August 1910, the Claremore Messenger announced, E.W. O’Brien, of Oklahoma City, “purchased the fifty-foot lot of C.A. Warner, located on the corner of Third and Cherokee. He will move the frame buildings off and erect a nice modern two-story business block. The deal was negotiated through James Scott.”[iii]

“C.A. and Hattie M. Warner to E.W. O’Brien, lot 10 and 23 feet lot 9 blk. 113, Claremore, $7,250.”[iv]

That September, Mr. O’Brien, made “arrangements for the moving of the old buildings off the lot preparatory to building a brick business house.”[v]

The Claremore Progress reported in October, “The brick buildings now under construction in the city are moving on nicely; the laying of brick has begun on the new O’Brien building while the brick work on the new Ward building (now Boarding House Books) is more than half completed and the carpenters are getting along nicely with the inside of the building. The Ward building will have a porch at the second story across the rear of the building and another 30 feet long on the east side, which will add much to the comfort of the guests who will occupy the hotel.” [vi]

The O’Brien Building stood squarely on its corner lot. Divided by a decoratively designed arched brick street side stairway entrance that led to the second floor, this building contained two expansive, narrow business rooms on the ground floor. Customers entered the stores through front entrances facing 3^rd Street. The building had copper pipes and artistically designed ceilings made of pressed tin tiles. The detailed brick edifice boasted a fancy parapet across the roofline with large glass storefront windows on both first and second levels in front and along the Cherokee Avenue side. In an era when the use of electric lights was in its infancy, the natural light of the large windows was an asset to business owners.

It was not till January 1911, that R.S. Saunders was able to move his store into “the corner room of the new O’Brien building.”[vii] That month, Judge Archibald Bonds and J.I. Howard moved their new law partnership into a “handsome suite of rooms in the O’Brien building.”[viii]

The Rogers County News enthused, “Large O’Brien Block Fast Nearing Completion – At the corner of Third Street and Cherokee Avenue stands one of the most imposing and substantially built brick blocks in Claremore. It is the new O’Brien block, which occupies ground space of 50×100 feet, and stands two stories high. This pretty business block, when entirely completed, will cost the owner, E.W. O’Brien, very near $20,000. The plans were drawn so as to make this one of the best lighted business blocks in the city. The two lower apartments are very spacious and stylishly finished. R.S. Saunders’ store already occupies the east corner and the west corner will soon be ready to receive the goods of E.E. North’s New York Store. Mr. North is having some expensive furniture installed, preparing to make his new store one of the best of its class in Oklahoma.”[ix]

Later that month, E.E. North announced, “We Move Feby. 1 – Having contracted for the center store room in the O’Brien Block we will on Tuesday, Jany 31^st, close our present store to allow us time to move and get comfortably settled into our new home. This will probably require ten days. You can help us move by taking advantage of the following bargains: 30 per ct. off on Wall Paper, 1/3 off on English China. Reduction on fish and globes. We have a big stock of Valentines which we desire to dispose of before we move. N.Y. 5 and 10c Store.[x]

“In Front of the Five and Ten Cent Store, Claremore, Oklahoma.”

E.E. North was elated with his store’s opening in its new location in the O’Brien block that February. “At the opening of the New York 5 and 10c store in the new O’Brien block… proprietor, E.E. North, looked more happy and pleased than even a boy with his first pair of suspenders or pair of long pants. Well so he may! For ten days, Mr. North and Miss North his able assistant, with a corps of lady clerks, have been busy as bees planning a big stock of pretty novelties and staple goods upon the… shelves and in the several handsome display cases.  When the hundreds of visitors on Friday responded to the invitations to the opening, they found… a world of pretty articles to look upon. Each visitor was presented a souvenir.”[xi]

The county court had previously been held in the second floor of the G.W. Eaton Building (now Sailor Antiques on the northeast corner of Will Rogers Boulevard and Missouri Avenue) since the building’s creation for Wilson’s Hardware store in 1902. When judges T.L. Brown and H. Tom Kight announced they would designate the “O’Brien Building as the place in which they would hold the courts of the county, this brought out quite an argument in which G.W. Eaton and others seemed to be somewhat interested, and after much debate upon the matter Judge Kight agreed to hold court in the Eaton building for six days; that being the time limit of the old contract in which Mr. Eaton was to be notified in case the commissioners should see fit to terminate their contract with him.”[xii]

In February many county officers moved to “Transact Business in the New O’Brien Block.” The Rogers County News reported, “Last Saturday was moving day for many of the county officers having offices in the Eaton block, part of which has been used as a court house since 1902. The officers to take up new quarters were Sheriff Sanders and Judge Kight; they now are settled in pleasant rooms in the new O’Brien block. County Attorney Elliott had contracted for office rooms in the new block almost before its completion. One story is sent out for the reason of this move at this time as follows. The county’s lease of the second story of the Eaton block expired about the tenth of March this year, and to get possession of his building at that time, G.W. Eaton served the usual thirty-day notice to vacate. Mr. Eaton would, after that date, look to the officers individually for his rent money. The county judge and the sheriff thought it best to move into the O’Brien block while a few rooms were vacant. One of the heavy safes was also moved up into the new block.”[xiii]

Conveniently, a number of attorneys also moved their law offices into the O’Brien building. When attorneys Ezzard and Holtzendorff moved into their new offices in the O’Brien Building it was said they had “one of the best equipped law offices in this part of the state.”[xiv]

Later that year, Blackford & Braden set up offices in the O’Brien Building as did Edgar Anderson Attorney at Law.[xv]

But change was in the winter air that cold, crisp February of 1912 when the announcement was made, “O’Brien Building Sold. W.L. Swager Tuesday sold the O’Brien building corner of Third and Cherokee to J.M. Bidwell, of Wagoner, the consideration being $18,000 cash. Mr. Bridwell is one of the wealthy men of Wagoner county and may decide to locate in Claremore permanently. He will be back in the city next week and may purchase a home at that time. We understand Mr. O’Brien will go to Mexico to make his future home.”[xvi]

“E.W. O’Brien to Ida K. Bridwell, lot 10 and part lot 9 block 113, $18,000.”[xvii]

That year, John Quincy Adams “moved his law office from the Eaton building into the O’Brian building at the corner of Third and Cherokee. This is probably the best location for a law office in the city.”[xviii]

Tragically, a fire caught hold of the O’Brien building in October 1912. The Claremore Progress reported, “Fire broke out in the second story of the O’Brien building on Main street about 7:45 Wednesday evening. The fire department responded promptly and what would have proven a disastrous fire, but for prompt work, was prevented. The fire originated in the room occupied as an office by E.C. Alberty. All the furniture in the room destroyed, a hole burned in the ceiling overhead and in the floor of the second story. Mr. Alberty’s loss is probably $50.00 and repairs to the building will probably cost as much. R.S. Saunders probably was the heaviest sufferer; his loss resulting from water which was used in getting the flames under control.”[xix] This was the second fire R.S. Saunders had suffered while in business in Claremore.

The April 29, 1907, downtown fire destroyed two buildings on the southwest end of Claremore’s main street. Saunders’ stock of merchandise was much “destroyed by getting crumpled up and dirty, etc. not necessarily injuring the goods in any way, but greatly reducing their selling value.”[xx]

After the fire, Mrs. N. Skinner opened her new studio and exchange “in rooms 10, 11 and 12 in the O’Brien building over the New York Store, [and] prepared to do all kinds of china painting,” advertising, “Your liberal patronage of this china class is solicited. Opening all day Friday and Saturday.”[xxi]

When Judge Tom Kight and Richard H. Wills formed a law partnership in 1913, the new firm opened offices in the O’Brien building[xxii] as did loan officer  “Lee Settle, Room 2, O’Brien Bldg.”[xxiii]

J.G. Waldrop, Physician and Surgeon opened his practice in the “O’Brien Building, Rooms 12 – 16” in 1915. [xxiv]

January 1917, E.H. Sanders filed an application requesting a license to open a billiard and pool establishment known as the Liberty Billiard and Pool Hall in the O’Brien building.  J.A. Bell filed for a license to operate a billiard parlor known as the Mission Billiard hall in the same.[xxv]

As an act of patriotic duty during the first World War, 1918, “The Home Service Section of the Rogers County chapter of the Red Cross… opened headquarters in (attorney) W.H. Bassman’s office in the O’Brien building.”[xxvi] It was here that the Red Cross helped enlisted men understand their commitment and aided them on their way.

When George H. Shafer purchased the American Café of S.P. Blakley located in the O’Brien building in 1920, he remodeled the space and changed the café’s name to The Sanitary Waffle House.[xxvii] The Claremore Progress declared, G.H. Shafer “has one of the nicest eating houses in the city and is a town booster. He is heartily in favor of anything that will make the burg grow.”[xxviii]

Shockingly, “The high wind and accompanying rain,” of July 1920, “blew two window lights out of the E.E. North sample room next door to the Sanitary Waffle House and also blew the top off of an automobile.”[xxix]

That September, Gust Leekos “purchased the Sanitary Waffle House from George Shafer and took charge.”[xxx] A newspaper advertisement stated, “Sanitary Waffle House Everything Good to Eat.”[xxxi]

Souvenir Booklet, Claremore, Oklahoma. c. 1922. Photo Courtesy the Rogers County Historical Society. Belvidere Mansion Archives.

Popular Claremore photographer, John Blair “leased the Bridwell (O’Brien) building just east of the Haggard Bakery (located in the Theeson Building) [to] occupy the same with his studio about the first of March 1921.”[xxxii]

A Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, June 1916, further records a Billiards’ parlor in the west side of the O’Brien building, with a Grocery business in the east. By 1925, a “Garage, Capacity 15 Cars” was located in the western half with an unnamed store located in the east. By January 1933, unspecified stores were located in the first floor and a rooming house was located on the second.

Long-time Claremore residents will remember the O’Brien Building at 401 and 401-1/2 Will Rogers Boulevard as the home of Western Auto Association (at least 1939 – 1963), Dr. Meloy’s Claremore General Hospital [at least 1935, 1942 (C. Adair, Supt.) to 1954], The Claremore Hotel [at least 1955, 1958 (Laura Hawks – owner), till at least 1973], and now Ann’s Cleaners.[xxxiii]

It’s inspiring to listen to owners talk about the history of their downtown Claremore buildings and to hear the passion they have for the businesses they’ve created. Tim Pate and Ann’s Cleaners is no exception. The same passion runs the length of the longer Claremore story making this the town we so admire today.

By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

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

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[i] “Ann’s Cleaners Celebrates 40 years in Claremore,” Kristy Sturgill, Claremore Daily Progress. September 28, 2016.

Tim Pate interview, Friday, October 21,2022.

[ii] Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, Jan 1894. Sheet 2.

1-story framed “S. Not Finished.”

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, June 1896. Sheet 2.

1-story framed “Vac. S.” with front porch

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, Nov 1898. Sheet 2.

1-story framed “Gro.” with front porch

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, April 1901. Sheet 2.

1-story framed “Sample Rm.” with front porch

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, Sep 1903. Sheet 3.

1-story framed “Furne & 2d Hand S.” with front porch

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, July 1907. Sheet 4.

1-story framed “Rest. Meat (IR. CL).” With no front porch.

Sanborn Insurance Map Claremore, Oklahoma, June 1916. Sheet 3.

2-story, brick, iron clad 2^nd west wall with breezeway. Central front stairway. Water, Billiards west. Gro. To the east. Auto & Vac iron cl. Additions to the rear. Bakery to the west

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, OK, Dec 1925 Sheet 3.

2-story brick “Garage, Capacity 15 Cars, Wood Floor. Lights: Electric. Heat: Stove. (west).” S (east). Rear Repair Shop (rear).

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, Oklahoma, January 1933. Sheet 3.

2-story brick “Store. Rooming 2^nd”.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, Oklahoma, January 1933. Sheet 3.

2-story brick “Store. Rooming 2^nd”. Porch in front of 403, to the east side of 401.

[iii] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 48, Ed. 1 Friday, August 19, 1910. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178340/).

[iv] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 49, Ed. 1 Friday, August 26, 1910. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178341/).

Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 29, Ed. 1 Friday, August 26, 1910. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181205/).

[v]Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 30, Ed. 1 Friday, September 2, 1910, newspaper, September 2, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181206/: accessed October 12, 2022), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[vi] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 36, Ed. 1 Friday, October 21, 1910. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181213/).

[vii] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 7, Ed. 1 Friday, January 6, 1911. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178360/).

[viii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 49, Ed. 1 Friday, January 6, 1911. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181222/).

[ix] Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 1, No. 45, Ed. 1 Wednesday, January 12, 1910. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956460/).

[x] Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 47, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 26, 1911. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc957286/).

[xi] Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 50, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 16, 1911. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956373/).

[xii] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 7, Ed. 1 Friday, January 13, 1911. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178361/).

[xiii] Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 52, Ed. 2 Thursday, February 2, 1911, newspaper, February 2, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956276/).

[xiv] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 1, Ed. 1 Friday, February 3, 1911. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181226/)

[xv] Harper, William R. Rogers County Leader. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 1, No. 83, Ed. 1 Friday, October 6, 1911. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956049/)

[xvi] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 3, Ed. 1 Friday, February 16, 1912. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181279/).

[xvii] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 17, No. 14, Ed. 1 Friday, March 8, 1912. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178424/).

[xviii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 6, Ed. 1 Friday, March 8, 1912. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181282/)

[xix] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 39, Ed. 1 Friday, October 25, 1912.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181315/).

[xx] Smith, Clark. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 19, Ed. 1 Friday, May 3, 1907. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178150/).

[xxi] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 46, Ed. 1 Friday, December 13, 1912. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181327/).

[xxii] Ross, Ayres K. Rogers County Leader. And Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 4, No. 45, Ed. 1 Friday, January 10, 1913. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc175894/)

[xxiii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 5, Ed. 1 Friday, February 28, 1913.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181347/).

[xxiv] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 23, No. 1, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 11, 1915. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181538/).

[xxv] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 24, No. 52, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 25, 1917. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181638/).

[xxvi] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 19, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 30, 1918. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182586/).

[xxvii] Claremore Messenger (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 41, Ed. 1 Friday, March 12, 1920. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178892/).

[xxviii] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 28, No. 20, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 15, 1920.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc183149/).

[xxix] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 33, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 22, 1920.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc183233/).

[xxx] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 41, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 16, 1920.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181843/).

[xxxi] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 30, No. 44, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 21, 1922. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182530/).

[xxxii] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 17, No. 9, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 3, 1921. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182145/).

[xxxiii] Western Auto Association (at least 1942 – 1963);

Dr. Meloy’s Claremore General Hospital [at least 1942 (C. Adair, Supt.) to 1954];

The Claremore Hotel [at least 1955, 1958 (Laura Hawks – owner), till at least 1973].

Sources:

1949 photos, Blair Photo Collection, Rogers County Historical Society Archives;

“Claremore – Historic Sites Survey – Indian Nations Council of Governments for the Oklahoma Historic Society.” 1985;

Claremore Oklahoma, City Directory, Johnson Publishing Co. 1963.

Telephone Directory, Claremore, Oklahoma. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, May 1942, 1949, May 1951, May 1954, May 1955, June 1958, February 1960, May 1970, May 1971, May 1972, May 1973.

“Final Survey Report Architectural/Historic Intensive Level Survey of the Claremore Downtown Historic District, Claremore, Oklahoma.” Prepared by Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office, Susan Allen, Architectural Historian, Cynthia Smelker, Preservation Research Assistant, February 1996.

“Ann’s Cleaners Celebrates 40 years in Claremore,” Kristy Sturgill, Claremore Daily Progress. September 28, 2016.

CLAREMORE PROGRESS: R.S. Saunders – Claremore’s Music Man

Saunders’ Military Band, Claremore, Indian Territory, 1903. Real Photo, Courtesy Christa Rice Collection. 1. Straub 2. Kaho 3. York 4. Land Wilson 5. Homer Wilson 6. Joe Chambers 7. Tom Beggs 8. RS Saunders 9. LaHay 10. Claude Chambers 11. Grover Leibfried

Though “Seventy-six Trombones” did not march into Claremore in 1903, the city did acquire its very own Music Man when Prof. R.S. Saunders arrived and leased the McDaniel’s rock business building, on the north side of Will Rogers Boulevard (about where Mainstreet Mercantile is now located), and opened his new music store (Claremore Progress,2-21-1903). R.S. Saunders & Co. provided customers with “the finest line of musical instruments ever shown in the Indian Territory” (Claremore Messenger,3-20-1903).

Once established, Prof. Saunders revealed another noteworthy plan. “A meeting was held this week by several of our citizens for the organization of a brass band. Considerable interest is being shown in the matter and the prospects are bright for the forming of such an organization. A committee was appointed to solicit funds to buy a few instruments for those who have no instruments or do not care to buy and own instruments… Prof. Saunders has generously offered to give the boys their first month’s instructions free. Never did Claremore have a better opportunity to have a band, and we hope each of our citizens will do the right thing by the committee when they call for contributions” (CP,4-4-1903).

The Claremore community jumped on the bandwagon, investing in this venture. Donations totaled $140.25. Several band members purchased their own instruments. “It is thought by the promoters that enough money can be raised to give Claremore the best band in the Territory” (CM,4-24-1903).

Striking a major chord, Claremore had its Military Band by May 1903. “The instruments ordered for the band boys have arrived,” enthused the Claremore Messenger. “These instruments were purchased with the money so kindly donated by the various citizens of Claremore as mentioned in a previous paper, for which the band boys offered a vote of thanks. The boys have rented a part of the old opera house and will use it as a band room. They have had two good rehearsals this week and Prof. Saunders is delighted with the progress made… The following is a list of the members: A.A. Bessey, M. Haas, Holtzclaw, Noel Matheson, (T.R. Begg) – ‘clarionets.’ Prof. R.S. Saunders (bandmaster), J.M. LaHay, Homer Wilson, Denny Lane, Joe Chambers, Gale VanSandt – Cornets. Claud Burrows, M. Sangster, L. Wilson – Eb Altos (E flat). Dr. Kaho, Bert Nance, H. Martin – Trombones. J.M. York – Baritone. Mr. Cleveland, Mr. Taylor – Eb Bass (E flat). G. Leibfried, Mr. Reaves – Drums” (CM,5-15-1903; CP,5-30-1903).

Saunders’ Military Band’s Memorial Day debut was well received. Called to order at Woodlawn cemetery by Mayor J.M. LaHay, exercises consisted of prayers, singing, music by Saunders’ Military Band, and decoration of graves by Old Soldiers of Blue and Gray. The final songs, “Shall We Gather at the River,” and “Taps” followed. Saunders’ Military Band enhanced Claremore’s heart-felt, patriotic tribute.

Thereafter, performances were held at local picnics, boxed suppers, Fourth of July celebrations, and open air concerts throughout the summer.

Yet, every melody concludes with a final note. In April 1904, a year after its inception, Saunders’ Military Band dis-‘band’-ed making “provisions for turning over to the Mayor the instruments belonging to the city” (CP,4-9-1904).

Prof. Saunders continued to orchestrate music in Claremore, tuning pianos (CM,6-24-1904), playing music for special occasions with M. Haas, Jr. (CP,7-2-1904), traveling out of town to perform (CP,12-31-1904), and playing in town for young people’s dances (CP,4-1-1905).

February 1915, R.S. Saunders surprised the Claremore community, selling his business, R.S. Saunders & Co., and moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma (CP,2-4-1915). In doing so, R.S. Saunders, Claremore’s Music Man, took a final bow leaving Claremore’s musical measures for someone else to direct (CM,2-12-1915).

By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

This story was shared in the June 18 & 19, 2022, Weekend Edition of the Claremore Progress. If you would like to read the longer unabridged version of “R.S. Saunders – Claremore’s Music Man,” please click here.

R.S. Saunders, Claremore’s Music Man

Saunders’ Military Band. Real Photo – Cabinet Card. Source: Christa Rice Collection. Written on the back 1. Staub, 2. Kaho, 3. York, 4. Land Wilson, 5. Homer Wilson, 6. Joe Chambers, 7. Tom Beggs, 8. Saunders, 9. LaHay, 10. Claude Chambers, 11. Grover Liebfred [sic]

Though “Seventy-six Trombones” did not march into Claremore in 1903, the city did acquire its very own Music Man when R.S. Saunders[i] leased A.L. McDaniel’s rock business building that February. There, on the north side of Claremore’s Third Street,[ii] Mr. Saunders opened his new music store.[iii] He ran the store in harmony with his wife, Emma, who sold a line of ladies’ furnishings, millinery, and stationery. Announcing their grand opening March 10^th, they named their business “R.S. Saunders & Co.” advertising its location as “opposite Boling’s drug store.”[iv]

While preparing to open the store, Prof. Saunders also arranged to organize an orchestra. The colonial ball given at the Knights of Pythias (K. of P.) hall was declared “one of the society events of the season. Many of the ladies were in colonial costume and looked very pretty in their gowns of ’76 and powdered hair… The music for the fore part of the evening was furnished by Prof. Saunders, formerly leader of the orchestra at Lawrence, Kansas; Miss Watkins, also of Lawrence, and M. Haas, Jr. who kindly consented to donate their music since the ball was given for the benefit of the library association. Their music was highly appreciated, Prof. Saunders especially, he being an artist in that line as orchestra leader.”[v]

Conducted by Prof. R.S. Saunders, Claremore’s new orchestra also furnished “the music for the ‘Cemetery Fund’ benefit play. Our new orchestra consists of the following musicians: Prof. R.S. Saunders, 1^st cornet; Miss Alice Watkins, 1^st violin; Mr. M. Haas, 2^nd violin; Miss Smith, trombone; Mr. Grover Liebfried, traps; Miss Electra Davis, pianist.”[vi]

The community applauded the March opening of R.S. Saunders & Co. The Claremore Messenger commended, “The store was beautifully arranged and a fine line of millinery and other goods were displayed. The Saunders’ Orchestra discoursed some fine music during the afternoon. Light refreshments were served, Mrs. A.A. Bessey presiding over that department. There was a large attendance and everybody declared it to be an unqualified success.” R.S. Saunders & Co. had prepared for their customers “the finest line of Musical Instruments ever shown in the Indian Territory.” [vii]

The Claremore Progress further congratulated the business’s opening. “A large crowd was in attendance, and they were pleasingly entertained by the new orchestra. We wish to compliment the orchestra on their music. It was excellent and Claremore has every right to be proud of its orchestra.”[viii]

Prof. Saunders’ skills as musician and orchestra leader continued to be admired. “Quite a number of young people enjoyed an informal dance at the K. of P. hall… Excellent music was furnished by the Saunders’ Orchestra. Everyone in attendance report an enjoyable time.”[ix]  Then in April, the young folks enjoyed “a splendid dance” held on a “Friday evening in the old opera house building. The Saunders’ Orchestra furnished the music.”[x]

The orchestra was a major success, but conductor Saunders prepared to pitch a new idea as The Claremore Progress revealed. “A meeting was held this week by several of our citizens for the organization of a brass band. Considerable interest is being shown in the matter and the prospects are bright for the forming of such an organization. A committee was appointed to solicit funds to buy a few instruments for those who have no instruments or do not care to buy and own instruments. Less than half of the instruments required will have to be bought by the citizens of the town, and Prof. Saunders has generously offered to give the boys their first month’s instructions free. Never did Claremore have a better opportunity to have a band, and we hope each of our citizens will do the right thing by the committee when they call for contributions.” [xi]

Prof. Saunders continued his musical forte. “Mrs. E.A. Leibfried and son Grover, and Mr. Daniel Mayes entertained a number of their friends at an enjoyable evening’s company Wednesday night at their pleasant home in the east part of town. The pleasures of the evening were greatly added to by some excellent music rendered by Miss Maude Kugler, on the piano, and Miss Alice Watkins, and Prof. R.S. Saunders on the violin. At a seasonable hour splendid refreshments were served.”[xii]

An encore performance occurred, April 17, 1903, when The Claremore Progress reported, “A number of the friends of Miss Nettie Frakes gave her a pleasant surprise at the Hotel Sequoyah Friday night. A pleasant evening was spent in parlor games until a seasonal hour when refreshments were served, after which the dining room was cleared and a number of the guests enjoyed the pleasure of the dance, Saunders’ Orchestra being present and furnishing some excellent music.”[xiii]

Community support of the band project was key to its success. Music enthusiasts and businessmen alike jumped on the bandwagon making overtures to invest in the project. “Patrons of Band. The following donations have been made for the purpose of purchasing instruments for the band which is being organized: First National Bank, C.V. Rogers, C.F. Godbey, Bank of Claremore, G.D. Davis, Bessey and LaHay, J.F. McClellan, Judge Jennings, J.M. Boling, W.H. Sanger, Rucker Bros., J.W. Leach, L.W. Carr, Sequoyah Investment Co., H.A. & J.W. Hale, F.O. Benson & Co., R.S. Liggett, A.J. Trail, Mr. Steele, W.M. Hall, Wm. Taylor, John Taylor, Mark Matheson, S.E. McAferty, Lige Ping, Ault & Dolson, Ed H. Gibbs, J. Len Comer, E.N. Henley, J.C. Bushyhead, H.A. Mayberry, J.C. Straub, Tom E. Foster, J.R. Jones, H.B. Thomas, J. Frank Ryan, Marvin Sangster, Robert Selby, J.M. York, John Bullette, Jeff Ethridge, C.D. Ward, Joe Gibbs, Jr., Blue Starr, G.W. Walkley, F.M. Duckworth, J.T. Wilson & Sons, A.L. Kates, E.A. Church, A. Redding, J.H. Moore, G.W. Ward, Mood & Taylor, Hugh Green, W.E. Helm, M.F. Leonard, T.F. Rice, John Dirickson, George Ross, R. Hogan, A.H. Jennings, Jim Burrows, F.G. Griswold. Total $140.25. The following members of the band have purchased their own instruments: M. Haas, Jr., $108.00. Noel Matheson, 15.00. R.S. Saunders, 99.00. Homer Wilson, 30.00. Dr. Kaho, 35.00. Hank Martin, 45.00. Grover Leibfried, 60.00. J.R. Campbell (drum heads), 6.00. Quite a number of parties have not yet been seen and the committee will endeavor to see everyone in the next few days and give them a chance to contribute. One or two parties will order instruments of their own in addition to the names given. It is thought by the promoters that enough money can be raised to give Claremore the best band in the Territory. Prof. Saunders, who will instruct the band, has twenty years’ experience in band work, and will bring it to the front rapidly.”[xiv]

The idea struck a positive chord with the community. By May 1903, Saunders and Claremore had its Military Band. “The instruments ordered for the band boys have arrived. They were carefully tested by Prof. Saunders and pronounced in perfect order. These instruments were purchased with the money so kindly donated by the various citizens of Claremore as mentioned in a previous paper, for which the band boys offered a vote of thanks. The boys have rented a part of the old opera house and will use it as a band room. They have had two good rehearsals this week, and Prof. Saunders is delighted with the progress made. The boys are very much interested and are working faithfully and the prospect is good for a first-class band in a short time. Mr. G.D. Davis, of the Bank of Claremore, has offered the free use of the Windsor Opera House for one night when the band is ready to give its concert, which will help them to secure their uniforms. The band accepts his generous offer and tender Mr. Davis a vote of thanks. The following is a list of the members: A.A. Bessey, M. Haas, Holtzclaw, Noel Matheson – ‘clarionets.’ Prof. R.S. Saunders (bandmaster), J.M. LaHay, Homer Wilson, Denny Lane, Joe Chambers, Gale VanSandt – Cornets. Claud Burrows, M. Sangster, L. Wilson – Eb Altos (E flat). Dr. Kaho, Bert Nance, H. Martin – Trombones. J.M. York – Baritone. Mr. Cleveland, Mr. Taylor – Eb Bass (E flat). G. Leibfried, Mr. Reaves – Drums.”[xv] (Those pictured above are listed in italics).

H. Jennings of the Claremore Messenger reported, May 22, “Band Notes. The band, under the direction of Prof. Saunders, is doing nicely. Three rehearsals were held last week and two this week. One or two new members are needed who are willing to buy their own instruments. There is a prospect for a Bb (B flat) bass horn which will greatly improve the instrumentation of the band.”[xvi]

Those from The Claremore Progress “listened to Prof. Saunders’ Military Band practice, and” declared, “it is our deliberate judgement that it will soon be safe for them to appear in public.”[xvii]

May 30, the day of the debut performance arrived in the form of Memorial Day festivities. “The following is the programme as arranged for the memorial exercises at Woodlawn cemetery this afternoon at 2 o’clock: Assembly called to order by Mayor J.M. LaHay. Prayer by W.C.F. Lippert. Song by Glee Club. Address by Judge Jennings. Music by Saunders’ Military Band. Address by Hon. T.L. Brown. Song by Girls’ Glee Club. Decorating graves by Old Soldiers of Blue and Gray and Flower Girls. Music by Saunders’ Military Band. Song by Glee Club. Floral tribute to unknown graves by Old Soldiers of Blue and Gray and little boys and girls. Prayer by Rev. Gladney. Song by Assembly, ‘Shall We Gather at the River.’ Taps.”[xviii] Saunders’ Military Band was a natural accompaniment to Claremore’s touching, patriotic tribute.

When the Woodmen of the World organization held its June picnic, the Saunders’ Military Band was invited. “The two days’ picnic of Rose Camp, No. 1, W.O.W. of last week was a success in every way. On Friday, the 5^th inst., in spite of somewhat threatening weather, a large number of people began to gather. The features of the day were a march of the members of the camp, headed by Saunders’ Military Band, to the picnic grounds where everything for the comfort of the people had been carefully arranged by the committees in charge.” [xix]

When the Ladies of the Woodlawn Cemetery Association hosted a box supper at the residence of Judge Jennings the evening of June 18, Saunders’ Military Band furnished music for the occasion.[xx]

The Saunders’ Military Band was invited “to Collinsville on the Fourth to furnish music for the Grand Fourth of July Celebration. Collinsville made no mistake in securing the services of the band, and we feel sure that they will be well pleased.”[xxi]

An announcement was also made in the Claremore Messenger, “Prof. R.S. Saunders is now ready to receive a limited number of pupils in violin, mandolin, guitar, banjo, cornet, piano, and organ. Mr. Saunders has had over twenty years’ experience and parties desiring instruction will do well to call him.” [xxii]

The Saunders’ Military Band gave its first “open air” concert Thursday evening, July 2^nd.[xxiii] “Hereafter, the Saunders’ Military Band will give its weekly concerts on Friday evenings instead of Thursday evenings as previously announced.”[xxiv] The mid-July, 1903, weekly concert would be given “on the corner of the court house block – weather permitting. The band is steadily improving and Claremore should feel proud of it. They are practicing on the popular air of ‘Dixie Girl’ and will soon be ready to render it to the public.”[xxv]

Again, the following week the announcement was made, “The Saunders’ Military Band will give its regular weekly concert on the First National Bank corner this evening. The band has been somewhat strengthened by the addition of Mr. T.R. Beggs (pictured) who is an excellent ‘clarionet’ player. Some of the band boys are absent, however, and the band may not be as strong tonight as usual. The band has been practicing on  ‘Hiawatha’ and will soon be able to render it in public.”[xxvi]

Fundraising events were scheduled to pay the expenses which a band incurrs. “Dr. DeWalt Norton, of New York City, with his assistants Messrs. Paris E. Glenn and Robert E. Holder and Miss Vivian Fowler will give musical and art entertainments at the Windsor Opera House Monday and Tuesday evenings, Aug. 10 and 11 for the benefit of the Saunders’ Military Band. Dr. Norton’s entertainments are strictly high-class and strongly endorsed by some of the leading men of the country. The price will be sufficiently low that all may enjoy the entertainments and you will also contribute to a worthy cause.” The Saunders’ Military Band would give its regular weekly concert in front of the courthouse. “Come out and hear some good music,” the Claremore Messenger encouraged.[xxvii]

In August, “Saunders’ Orchestra went up to Chelsea… to play for the K. of P. banquet at that place. Those from (Claremore) were Prof. Saunders, G. Leibfried and M. Hass, Jr… The Saunders’ Orchestra acquitted itself with much credit.”[xxviii]

That September, “The young people enjoyed a dance at the old opera house… Saunders’ Orchestra furnished the music,” and Manager G.D. Davis, of the Windsor Opera House, “secured the Saunders’ Orchestra to play the entire season. Mr. Davis is indeed fortunate and the theatre-going public will no doubt show their appreciation of his efforts to provide good music in a substantial manner.”[xxix]

In February 1904, it was announced, “Saunders’ Military Band, which has been suspended for several months, resumed practice.”[xxx] However, in April, a year after its inception, Saunders’ Military Band dis-‘band’-ed making “provisions for turning over to the Mayor the instruments belonging to the city.”[xxxi]

Prof. Saunders continued to orchestrate music in Claremore, tuning pianos,[xxxii] playing music for special occasions with M. Haas, Jr.,[xxxiii] traveling out of town to perform[xxxiv] and playing in town for young people’s dances at the K. of P. hall.[xxxv]

Prof. R.S. Saunders also taught “a limited number of pupils on violin, mandolin, guitar, banjo, and piano” in 1905.[xxxvi]

On a happy note, the first week of June 1905 became “moving week” according to the Claremore Messenger, when “R.S. Saunders & Co. moved across the street to the post office building.”[xxxvii] R.S. Sanders & Co. explained, “We are nicely located in the post office building and will be pleased to meet all our old friends and many new ones in our new location. Our stock has been enlarged and our low prices will surely please you.” [xxxviii]

This seemed like an advantageous business move until the evening of April 29, 1907. A large fire torched the south side of Main Street between Catalayah (Lynn Riggs Boulevard) and Missouri avenues. [xxxix]  The building where R.S. Saunders & Co. was located was involved. “Nearly the entire contents of Boling’s Pharmacy, J.M. Boling & Co.’s clothing store and R.S. Saunders & Co.’s ladies’ furnishing store were moved into the street and all three are heavy losers by reason of damaged goods and their losses will run up to the thousands.”[xl] After the fire, the Claremore Messenger announced, “R.S. Saunders & Co. will put on a Big Fire Sale, on account of goods which were damaged when the stock was carried out. Step in and look the bargains over. R.S. Saunders & Co. desire to thank the people of Claremore for their assistance in removing and replacing their stock the night of the fire, and to assure you that the assistance is fully appreciated.[xli]

Despite this setback, R.S. Saunders and orchestra continued to bring musical delight to Claremore’s special occasions. The first annual fair week grand ball was given at Orchestra Hall. “The evening’s enjoyment was begun by the Grand March of many beautiful figures led by Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Burke to the strains of sweet music by Sanders’ Orchestra, after which all began to extract from the program the pleasure it seemed to contain for those present. The first part seemingly short, lasted until 12 o’clock, when the guests marched enmasse to the Sequoyah Hotel, where an elegant banquet in the form of well-selected courses was served until 2:50 a.m… After all had partaken to heart’s content, they returned to Orchestra Hall convinced that the managers of the Banquet well-knew how to cater to the tastes of those who enjoy the best. The sentiment prevalent the remainder of the evening seemed to be: ‘On, on with the dance! Let joy be uncontained, No rest ‘til dawn When youth and pleasure meet To chase the lowing hours with flying feet.’ The inspiring strains were resumed by Saunders’ Orchestra and all whirled to the mystic mazes of the dance until the small hours of the morning when ‘Home Sweet Home’ was sweet indeed.”[xlii]

When the Ladies’ Improvement Association, with Mrs. J.A. Burns, president, met at the Claremore Athletic building in June 1908, “music by Saunders’ Orchestra added much to the pleasure of the evening. At the close of the exercises, the ladies served punch and wafers and a social meeting was held which was enjoyed by all.”[xliii]

R.S. Sanders joined Claremore’s School of Music as a member of the faculty to teach violin in September 1911. The school was, at that time, located on the second floor of “the new Campbell building opposite the post office, where they are much better prepared to accommodate their students.”[xliv] All the while, R.S. Saunders & Co. was a thriving Claremore business, or so it was thought.

February 4, 1915, R.S. Saunders & Co. surprised the Claremore community with the news, “Saunders Sold Out. The Reliable Store of Claremore, formerly owned by R.S. Saunders & Co., was sold February 4, to Geo. H. Kerfoot, president of the Mammoth Department Store of Shawnee.”[xlv]

Saturday, February 6, 1915, Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Saunders left Claremore for Tulsa, “where they expect to reside in the future, having disposed of their store at this place.”[xlvi] And so, R.S. Saunders, Claremore’s Music Man, took his final bow and departed Claremore leaving further musical measures for others to direct.

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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[i] Treble Clef on the grave marker.

Probably Robert S. Saunders. Birth 1866. Death 1949 (aged 82-83). Burial Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas. Plot Section 6. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/38360293/robert-s-saunders Accessed: September 24, 2021.

Spouse: Emma J. Saunders. Birth 1862. Death 1933 (aged 70 -71). Burial Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence, Douglas County, Kansas. Plot 6. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/38360305/emma-j-saunders Accessed: September 24, 2021.

[ii] The McDaniel Rock Building was located about 514 W. Will Rogers Boulevard where Mainstreet Mercantile is now located.

[iii] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 2, Ed. 1 Saturday, February 21, 1903.

[iv] The Boling drugstore building was located on the south side, about 513/515 Will Rogers Boulevard, mid-way between Lynn Riggs Boulevard and Missouri Avenue, about where RCB Bank is now standing. Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 8, No. 50, Ed. 1 Friday, February 27, 1903.

[v] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 3, Ed. 1 Saturday, February 28, 1903.

[vi] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 8, No. 51, Ed. 1 Friday, March 6, 1903.

[vii] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 1, Ed. 1 Friday, March 20, 1903.

[viii] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 6, Ed. 1 Saturday, March 21, 1903.

[ix] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 1, Ed. 1 Friday, March 20, 1903.

[x] The Old Opera House was located about 312 West Will Rogers Boulevard, where the Claremore Progress parking lot is now.

Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 3, Ed. 1 Friday, April 3, 1903.

[xi] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 8, Ed. 1 Saturday, April 4, 1903.

[xii] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 9, Ed. 1 Saturday, April 11, 1903.

[xiii]The Sequoyah Hotel was located on the southwest corner of West Will Rogers Boulevard and Missouri Avenue. The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 10, Ed. 1 Saturday, April 18, 1903.

[xiv] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 6, Ed. 1 Friday, April 24, 1903.

[xv] The Windsor Opera House was located on the northwest corner of Will Rogers Boulevard and Missouri Avenue where Spectrum Paint is now located. Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 9, Ed. 1 Friday, May 15, 1903.

[xvi] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 10, Ed. 1 Friday, May 22, 1903.

[xvii] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 15, Ed. 1 Saturday, May 23, 1903.

[xviii] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 16, Ed. 1 Saturday, May 30, 1903.

[xix] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 13, Ed. 1 Friday, June 12, 1903.

[xx] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 13, Ed. 1 Friday, June 12, 1903.

[xxi] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 14, Ed. 1 Friday, June 19, 1903.

[xxii] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 15, Ed. 1 Friday, June 26, 1903.

[xxiii] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 15, Ed. 1 Friday, June 26, 1903.

[xxiv] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 17, Ed. 1 Friday, July 10, 1903.

[xxv] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 19, Ed. 1 Friday, July 24, 1903.

[xxvi] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 20, Ed. 1 Friday, July 31, 1903.

[xxvii] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 21, Ed. 1 Friday, August 7, 1903.

[xxviii] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 22, Ed. 1 Friday, August 14, 1903.

[xxix] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 26, Ed. 1 Friday, September 11, 1903.

[xxx] Jennings, H. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 9, No. 47, Ed. 1 Friday, February 5, 1904.

[xxxi] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 12, No. 10, Ed. 1 Saturday, April 9, 1904.

[xxxii] Lynch, J. M. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 10, No. 16, Ed. 1 Friday, June 24, 1904.

[xxxiii] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 12, No. 22, Ed. 1 Saturday, July 2, 1904.

[xxxiv] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 12, No. 48, Ed. 1 Saturday, December 31, 1904.

[xxxv] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 10, Ed. 1 Saturday, April 1, 1905.

[xxxvi] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 12, No. 49, Ed. 1 Saturday, January 7, 1905.

[xxxvii] Williamson, F. E. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 22, Ed. 1 Friday, June 2, 1905.

[xxxviii] Williamson, F. E. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 23, Ed. 1 Friday, June 9, 1905.

[xxxix]  Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 15, No. 15, Ed. 1 Saturday, May 4, 1907.

[xl] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 15, No. 15, Ed. 1 Saturday, May 4, 1907.

[xli] “R.S. Saunders dry goods, 513 west Third.” Rogers County News (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, September 15, 1938. p. 4. Article transcribed from the business section of a 1909-10 directory owned by Mrs. Frances Taylor.

Smith, Clark. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 19, Ed. 1 Friday, May 3, 1907.

[xlii]Orchestra Hall was located at 416 West Will Rogers Boulevard on the second floor. Smith, Clark. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 40, Ed. 1 Friday, October 4, 1907.

[xliii] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 20, Ed. 1 Saturday, June 6, 1908.

[xliv] The Campbell Building is located at 409 W. Will Rogers Boulevard, where Back in the Day Antiques now is. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 34, Ed. 1 Friday, September 22, 1911.

[xlv] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 52, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 4, 1915.

[xlvi] Claremore Messenger., Vol. 20, No. 9, Ed. 1 Friday, February 12, 1915.