The Stakeholder A quarterly publication of the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center

Our Mission: to tell the extraordinary stories of settling the Cherokee Strip and sharing the inspiring lessons of leadership with future generations.

It has struck me that I am one of the last generations to have known those who

made the Run or who were children of those who made the Run. My great-great

grandparents were Germans from Russia who made the Run with their five

children. They settled on a quarter of land on the Alfalfa County side of the Woods

County – Alfalfa County line. The Rudy family built their home on a hilltop

overlooking their land, before they and their youngest two children were killed in a tornado in 1908.

It was before my grandfather was born, but my great grandfather remembered the

Run and the tornado. He shared those stories with his family throughout his entire life. A neighbor girl also remembered that tragic night and memorized the story some eighty years

later. She too has now passed on, but the story is preserved.

As time passes, the stories are told less and are lost. Unless that is, we dedicate our efforts to telling future

generations of the hardships, the triumphs and the courage of those who brought us here generations ago. The Cherokee Regional Heritage Center is dedicated to the preservation of those stories. It is a facility built

by the donations of the people of the Cherokee Strip and operates under a partnership with the Oklahoma

Historical Society.

The operation of the Heritage Center, however, depends on the continued support of people like you. The annual membership drive has begun. I would encourage you to become a member if you are not one (for as

little as $15 if you are a student). If you are already a member, please take this opportunity to increase

your level of giving. My goal is to have five new families join me at the 1893 Club Membership level this

year.

Please do one thing more, talk about your Heritage Center. Let others know of the events and educational

programs of the Heritage Center. We are already planning to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the

Chisholm Trail in 2017.

Daron Rudy

Chairman

Spring 2015 Vol. VIII, Issue I

From the Board Chairman ...

HELP MAKE THE CHISHOLM TRAIL

A NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL

The National Park Service is inviting comment on designating the

Chisholm and Great Western Cattle Trails as National Trails. Now

through March 6 is our chance to be heard! These trails represent a vital

part of our history and the American West. The link to comment and the

complete feasibility study can be found on the Oklahoma Historical So-

ciety website at www.okhistory.org. Thank you for taking action on this important issue!

I have some exciting news

to share! We are starting

off the year with our best

membership drive to date.

Since the drive began in

early January, we have

added 44 new first-time

members to the Heritage

Center roles. That brings

our total membership count

to 189! Thank each of you

for your support of our

efforts! It is such an

encouragement to our staff and volunteers to know

that our work to protect and share our Cherokee

Strip Heritage is valued. For those of you who have

not yet received your membership renewal packet,

renewal information will be sent out a month in

advance of the renewal date.

At certain levels of membership a benefit is to be

listed in this publication. Thank you to the

following for your support:

1893 Club Members - $1,000 Level:

Bill and Darla Andrew

John and Susan Bowers

Steve and Lish Glasser

Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. Simpson

Chairman’s Champions Corporate Members -

$1,000 Level:

Linda Athey

John and Virginia Groendyke

Messer-Bowers Insurance

Land Agent Corporate Members - $500 Level:

Parrish Manufacturing Group

2015 Board of Directors

Daron Rudy ............................................... Chairman Jason Turnbow .................................. Vice-Chairman Hallie Caldwell ........................................... Secretary Buddy Carroll ................................................. Treasurer Dr. David Russell .............. Immediate Past Chairman Don Angle April Danahy

Robert Dense Kathy Dickson Lish Glasser Becky Hodgen John Merz Bonnie Muegge Sandie Olson James Shepherd Sharon Trojan Jason Turnbow

Staff

Andrea Holland ..................................... Director/Editor Dana Reese ............................................ Office Manager David Kennedy ........................... Curator of Collections Cody Jolliff....................................... Education Director Aaron Preston.................................................. Archivist Mike Caffey .................................. Maintenance Director Sarah Hardaway ............................. Museum Assistant

Ella Proctor .................................... Education Assistant Cheri Franklin ...................... Visitor Services Assistant Darlene Pottorf ..................... Visitor Services Assistant Mary McDonald ............................. Museum Educator Winnie Oliver ................................ Museum Educator Dee Taylor ..................................... Museum Educator

Tuesday—Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Closed: New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day,

and Christmas Day

HUMPHREY HERITAGE VILLAGE

Guided tours of historic buildings are available Tues-

day—Saturday: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.,

weather permitting.

Adults ...................................................................... $5

Seniors (age 62+) .................................................... $3

Students .................................................................. $3

Group Rate (10+) ........................................... $3 each

Families (up to 4) .................................................. $13

Active Duty Military, Veterans,

and Children (5 & Under) ................................. FREE

CSRHC and OHS Members ............................. FREE

Special Discount—

$1 Off Admission

for AAA Members

MUSEUM HOURSMUSEUM HOURSMUSEUM HOURS

ADMISSIONADMISSIONADMISSION

Director’s Corner

Welcome New Board Members

JOHN MERZ has lived in Enid for over 30 years, moving here when his father retired from

the Air Force. He and his wife, Stephanie have been married for 23 years. They have two

daughters, Cara who is attending OU, and Audrey, a freshman at OSU. John received his

Bachelor of Architecture from Oklahoma State University in 1992, being recognized as the

outstanding graduate of the School of Architecture. He began his internship with Elliott &

Associates in Oklahoma City, and then joined Corbin Associates in 1993. John is currently on

the Enid Construction Board of Appeals, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment for the City of

Enid. He has served on the Metropolitan Area Planning Committee, Historic Preservation

Board, and Main Street Enid Committee. His grandparents, Roy and Millie Frey were born in

Indian Territory, near the towns of Cleo Springs and Ringwood.

John says, “I have always enjoyed studying the history of our country and think Oklahoma

has a unique story that should be told. I like the way the Heritage Center interacts with the community and tells the

story of early Oklahoma. I believe there is much to be learned from the our heritage – how they lived, worked, and

built their communities in a fairly harsh environment.”

BECKY HODGEN joined Groendyke Transport in 2012 as the Communications and

Branding Manager. Her responsibilities include oversight of all creative and brand media for

the company, liaison between state motor carrier organizations and news media, and assisting

in recruitment and retention campaigns. Born in Colorado Springs at the Air Force Academy,

Becky grew up in Alabama, where she received her B.A in Public Relations from Auburn

University. After serving as a legislative intern in the Alabama Legislature, Becky moved to

Hartford, Connecticut shortly after graduation. There she worked for the Pearson Foundation,

a national educational nonprofit. In 2010, she began to assist in state office campaigns in

Connecticut, and helped elect now State Comptroller, Kevin Lembo. In the fall of 2010,

Becky moved to Enid where she served as Public Relations Director for the City of Enid,

before moving to Groendyke. Becky has served on the St. Mary’s Board of Directors of Enid, founding member of the Enid First Committee, United

Way Board, Enid Higher Education Foundation, currently serves on the Loaves and Fishes Board. An avid foodie,

Becky balances her love for cooking with running and outdoor activities.

LISH CROMWELL GLASSER has a lifelong love of the history of Oklahoma and has been

affiliated with the Sons & Daughters of the Cherokee Strip for more than 20 years. She was

recruited by Bill Humphrey to help with the 1993 edition of “The Journal.” As a committee of

one she has gotten out “The Journal” every September since then. She has also served as

president and treasurer of the organization.

History lessons began around the family dinner table and the stories were memorable. Dinner

with Marquis James, why Maine Street has an "e", H. H. Champlin and the National Guard;

and Dolly Douthitt (or why my grandfather had a snub-nosed pistol), and the Great Train

Wreck! Some stories got more interesting the older she became!

Lish and her husband Steve married in 1971 and they have two daughters. Rachel and Matt

Sargent live in Bentonville, Arkansas with their son Henry, and Gwen and Rusty Robeson

reside in Longmont, Colorado.

Lish does freelance editing and proofreading for several entities, enjoys most anything one can do with needles...

knitting, cross-stitch, quilting, and needlepoint. She also enjoys working in her garden.

Friday, March 27—9:00 a.m. (Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.)

Grand National Gun Club Range, On Hwy 81, North of Enid

Registration has begun for the Fourth Annual April Fools Shoot. The entry fee is $200 per individual, or $1,000 per 5-person sponsored team. Entry includes all targets, lunch, and great prizes for winners in each category. Shooters can also sign-up for the Wobble Trap Competition the day of the event for an additional $10 a round.

The April Fools Shoot benefits the many educational programs at the Heritage Center. Each year thousands of students participate in experience-based learning programs with the Heritage Center’s education team. We appreciate your contributions in keeping the heritage of our region alive by supporting the April Fools Shoot. Join us for a fun day, as we celebrate the American tradition of Sport Shooting. For more information call (580)237-1907 x227, or email: cjolliff@okhistory.org.

EVENT ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

100-target shoot of Trap & 5-Stand 3 Rounds of Trap

1 Round of 5-Stand

AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED:

Top Gun Top Team Top Trap

Top 5-Stand Lewis Class Scores A, B & C

Mark Your Calendar ...

Gensman Brothers: An Interesting History By Aaron Preston, Archivist

George Gensman and his brothers bought an interest in H.E. Diehl & Company, a general store in early Enid. In 1901, brothers George, William, and Fred bought out the Diehl’s interests, and formed “Gensman Brothers.” The company (located on the corner of Maine and Grand, where Garfield Furniture stands today) flourished, taking advantage of Enid’s access to ready freight via the railroad. In 1914, it generated over a quarter of a million dollars in revenue. Historian, George Rainy told the tale of one Gensman patron who had ridden to town from Woods County to purchase a stove. After arriving home missing a lid, the patron wrote a four-page letter cussing out the Gensmans, swearing never to shop there again, finally ending the letter stating: “P.S. I found the damn lid in the oven.”

The photo shows a group of men outside the Enid store. Fred Gensman has his hand on the motor of the early steam engine. George is standing on his left.

“Patti Page: Once Upon A Dream” Exhibit

This Spring the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center will be one of four Oklahoma museums to have the opportunity of hosting a special traveling exhibit, “Patti Page: Once Upon a Dream.” The exhibit originally opened at the Oklahoma History Center in November 2014 as part of the vast “Oklahoma @ the Movies” exhibition. The exhibit ranging from her Grammy and gold records to dolls and dresses marked the first public viewing of the Patti Page Estate Collection. Page, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 85 was the top selling female artist of the 1950s, with a legacy that spanned generations. The “Tennessee Waltz” and “How Much is that Doggie In the Window,” are two of her enduring favorites. Now

elements of that exhibit will journey across the state to four museums including the Will Rogers Museum in the City of Claremore where Patti Page was born as Clara Ann Fowler. The Pioneer Women Museum in Ponca City will host segments of Patti Page excelling as a women entertainer and the Route 66 Museum in Clinton will host segments of her success. The Heritage Center will host segments of her television years, which is fitting for Enid since KOCO TV got its start right here as KGEO TV. Page was the first entertainer to have her own shows on all three networks. The multi-museum exhibit will open on May 1 and run through the end of the year at all four locations.

In Memoriam

Marie Dolores McClure

By Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. McKnight

Mary Clark, Jesse Rufus Fears IV, Jack Ferchau,

Marietta Henson, Park William Lamerton, Jr.,

Don Loftis, Dr. Cecelia Northcutt,

W. L. “Bud” Stephenson, Glen Wehrman,

Cyril Wright

By Lew and Myra Ward

During the month of March, the Cherokee Strip

Regional Heritage Center will host its 3rd

Annual Trappings of the Cherokee Strip Show

of Fine Western Art and Custom Cowboy Gear.

The show features the works of 15 of

Oklahoma’s most respected Western artists and

craftsmen, beautifully exhibited to showcase

each item. All works are for purchase,

deliverable following the close of the exhibit.

The invitational show brings together an

impressive collection of fine works of Western

art and expertly hand tooled Cowboy gear. On

display will be unique and one-of-a-kind works

in colored pencil, pen & ink, oil, and water color;

gourd art, custom boots, leatherwork, raw hide

gear, sculpture, jewelry, etched hand guns,

furniture, and pottery.

Featured artists are Curt Boles, Brenda Dewald,

Mikel Donahue, Ray Dorwart, Harland Hackett,

Harold Holden, Barbara Jacques, Steve Jones,

Heather Kaiser, Joe Lamerton, Kathryn Leitner,

Bob Rea, John Rule, Skip Thompson, Robin

Wolf. Each artist can exhibit up to three pieces.

These works have been carefully selected for

their fine quality and expert craftsmanship.

The March Brown Bag Lunch & Learn will

feature Mikel Donahue and his paintings. Join

us at noon in the Village Church to hear his

inspiring story.

A reception with the artists will be held on Friday, February 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for members. Heritage Center

member Hallie Caldwell said, “If you have been contemplating whether or not to become a Heritage Center member,

I’ll just tell you of all the benefits, this single event is worth the price of a membership. We look forward to the

beautiful art and visiting with the artists every year.”

Honorarium

Lew and Suzy Meibergen,

Butch and Margie Meibergen,

Roger and Mary Henneke,

Carline Parrish,

Descendants of Joseph and Anna Price Meibergen,

Descendants of W.B. and Olive Newcomb Johnston

By Kay Meibergen Lee

For more information on how you can honor a loved

one through a memoriam or honorarium,

please call (580) 237-1907 x221.

To book a group tour or event rental, or for more

information about upcoming programs or events

please visit our website at www.csrhc.org, call

(580) 237-1907, or e-mail: csrhcinfo@okhistory.org

FEBRUARY 2015 February 28— “Trappings of the Cherokee Strip” March 28 Western Art Show & Sale Temporary Exhibit Gallery

MARCH 2015 Wed., March 11 Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Noon Mikel Donahue—Trappings Artist

March 17-20 Spring Break Hands-On History 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Sat., March 21 Family Saturday 1:00-3:00 p.m. “Campfire Cooking & Baking”

Fri., March 27 April Fools Shoot— 9:00 a.m. Trap Shoot Fundraiser (Advance sign-up required)

APRIL 2015 April 1-18 Red Dirt BBQ Student Art Winners Exhibit Temporary Exhibit Gallery

Wed., April 8 Brown Bag Lunch & Learn Noon “Lebanese in the Cherokee Strip” Dr. Jay Price, Wichita State University

MAY 2015 May 1 to “Grant County: From August 15 Stockade to Strip” Exhibit Temporary Exhibit Gallery

May 1 to “Patti Page: Once Upon a Dream” Dec. 31 Main Gallery—Changing Cases

Fri., May 8 Frontier Festival Town Social, 5:00 p.m. Box Supper, Carnival and Dance Humphrey Heritage Village Green

Wed., May 13 Brown Bag Lunch & Learn “Oklahoma Dust Bowl Women” Dr. Sara Jane Richter, Panhandle State University

JUNE 2015 June 9-13 Summer Chautauqua “Strong Winds, Strong Character, The Dust Bowl”

507 S. 4th Street Enid, OK 73701

Phone: (580) 237-1907 e-mail: csrhcinfo@okhistory.org

website: www.csrhc.org

Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid Enid, OK

Permit No. 22

Spring Calendar of Events