June 2021 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Magazine

JUNE 2021 MAGAZINE OF THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME TELLING OKLAHOMA'S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE SINCE 1927 CONNECTIONS OF FIBER: EDUCATION, HISTORY, COMMUNITY HARVEY PRATT: CIRCLE OF LIFE • A MEMORABLE OKLAHOMA HERO, A DEVOTED BROTHER: RUBEN RIVERS MARY BLAIR: IT’S A SMALL WORLD • THIS IS OKLAHOMA: MIKE HEARNE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: STANLEY DRAPER • GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM

What’s the best way to take care of your loved ones? Take ae of youself. In the last year, it’s been hard to focus on anything but COVID-19. But now, it’s tie to get bac to a healthier you. nd at INTEGRIS Health, we make it fast and easy to fi nd the erfect riary care hysician for your faily’s wellness chec, as well as yours. I ­€‚Iƒ „ealth riary care hysicians and secialists are caring for atients in erson, safely, with the aroriate rotocols. But of course we’re still offering telehealth …isits, including video and telephone appointments. †hich eans there’s no reason to delay any screening or checu. We’e eady to see you iht away, so make an appointment fo you and you family today. Visit inteishealthdotos.om to get started. UNI_21-IN-029 PCP_OKC Hall of Fame.indd 1 5/6/21 3:13 PM

JUNE 2021 What’s the best way to take care of your loved ones?VOLUME 27 • NUMBER 2 Take ae of youself. PRESIDENT & CEO Shannon L. Rich VICE PRESIDENT CONTENTS Gini Moore Campbell CHAIRMAN, PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Bob Burke DESIGN Skip McKinstry skipmckinstry.com MAGAZINE OF THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME 2 From the Chairman From the President Subscription ........................ $35 Bruce Benbrook Shannon L. Rich Individualism ....................... $50 Perseverance ......................$100 3 Connections of Fiber: Pioneer Spirit ..................... $250 Education, History, Community Optimism .......................... $500 Gail Sloop and Olivia Reyes Friends of the Medallion ........$1,000 Mistletoe Circle ................. $2,500 Gold Circle .................... $5,000 12 Harvey Pratt: Constancy Circle ...............$10,000 Circle of Life D O N O R L E V E L SMission Partner ..............$15,000 Carol Mowdy Bond In the last year, it’s been hard to focus on anything but COVID-19. But now, it’s tie to get bac to a healthier you. nd at INTEGRIS Health, we make it fast and easy to fi nd For additional information contact 28 A Memorable Oklahoma Hero, the erfect riary care hysician for your faily’s wellness chec, as well as yours. the Oklahoma Hall of Fame A Devoted Brother: Ruben Rivers 1400 Classen Drive Betty Katherine Permetter Falato Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106 I ­€‚Iƒ „ealth riary care hysicians and secialists are caring for atients Telephone 405.235.4458 or in erson, safely, with the aroriate rotocols. But of course we’re still offering Toll Free 888.501.205936 Mary Blair: telehealth …isits, including video and telephone appointments.E-mail [email protected] It’s A Small World. Visit the organization's website at Gini Moore Campbell †hich eans there’s no reason to delay any screening or checu.OklahomaHOF.com We’e eady to see you iht away, so make an appointment foUnsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by return postage. 42 This Is Oklahoma: you and you family today. Mike Hearne Unless otherwise noted, all images are Gini Moore Campbell courtesy of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. LIBRARY DISTRIBUTION MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF DONORS STATEWIDE. 50 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Member Spotlight: MISSION PARTNERS Stanley Draper MR. AND MRS. BOB BURKE Charles Wren THE CHICKASAW NATION CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA E. L. AND THELMA GAYLORD FOUNDATION THE PUTERBAUGH FOUNDATION COVER: During a visit to Peru, Oklahoman Mary Blair developed the vibrant and colorful style that would later inspire her “It’s A Small World” imagery for Walt Disney. Visit inteishealthdotos.om to get started. UNI_21-IN-029 PCP_OKC Hall of Fame.indd 15/6/21 3:13 PM

FROM THE FROM THE CHAIRMAN... PRESIDENT... It has been a busy first six months Oklahoma’s highest honor are: First, I want to thank the board of are thrilled to announce our masters and, with the privilege of sharing Col. Stanley L. Evans, Oklahoma directors and staff for their continued of ceremonies for the event—Gov. Bill with you the Oklahoma Hall City; Scott Hendricks, Clinton; commitment and support as we Anoatubby and Chief Gary Batton, of Fame Class of 2021, this is Hannibal B. Johnson, Tulsa; navigate our way back to what can both Members of the Oklahoma Hall my favorite issue of Oklahoma: Justice Yvonne Kauger, Colony: best be called our “new normal.” With of Fame. You will learn more about Magazine of the Oklahoma Hall Paula Marshall, Tulsa; Harvey restrictions lifted and the vaccination the 94th annual induction ceremony of Fame. Pratt, El Reno; and Jim Stovall, rate increasing, we have been eagerly in the coming months. On May 20th family, friends, Tulsa. From Oklahoma City, welcoming guests back to the Gaylord- Finally, thank you, to our board colleagues, and Members of the Roscoe Dunjee will be inducted Pickens Museum. of directors and donors, for your Oklahoma Hall of Fame gathered posthumously. We have hosted a number of school unwavering commitment and to celebrate and welcome the In the coming months the field trips, weddings and special events, continued financial support over incoming class during a luncheon in Honorees will be choosing the business meetings and conferences, this past year. We are extremely the Bennett-McClendon Great Hall individuals to present them for Spring Thing activities, and the 2021 grateful for your generosity and your at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum. induction on November 18th, in Oklahoma Hall of Fame Announcement commitment to partner with us in Oklahoma Hall of Fame Member addition to working with staff and Luncheon. Our online programming, telling Oklahoma’s story through Becky Dixon served as our mistress the production team to craft their created to meet the needs of our diverse its people. of ceremonies and made the unique stories for broadcast the audiences during the pandemic, has official announcement. In addition, night of their induction and to be become a permanent addition to our in conjunction with the luncheon incorporated into the permanent education programming portfolio and announcement, Oklahoma Hall exhibits in the Gaylord-Pickens our traveling Pioneer Spirit exhibit is of Famers Bob Burke and Cathy Museum. On behalf of the in demand. Shannon L. Rich, Keating co-anchored a Facebook officers, directors, and staff, The summer and fall will be especially PRESIDENT & CEO Live announcement to announce congratulations to the Oklahoma busy as we plan for an in-person the 2021 Honorees. Hall of Fame Class of 2021. Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Oklahomans being inducted Ceremony. Scheduled for the evening later this year reflect a broad range of November 18th, the black-tie of fields of work, hometowns, Bruce T. Benbrook, affair will be held at the Cox Business and experiences. Those receiving CHAIRMAN Convention Center in Tulsa. And, we CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD CHAIRMEN’S COUNCIL ANNE M. GREENWOOD STILLWATER BRUCE T. BENBROOK WOODWARD CALVIN J. ANTHONY STILLWATER MICHELLE HARDESTY TULSA NEVYLE CABLE OKMULGEE NATHANIEL HARDING OKLAHOMA CITY CHAIR-ELECT OF THE BOARD PAT HENRY LAWTON ANN HARGIS, STILLWATER DAVID KYLE TULSA GLEN D. JOHNSON OKLAHOMA CITY MAUTRA JONES OKLAHOMA CITY CHAIRMAN EMERITUS OF THE BOARD ROXANA LORTON TULSA PEGGY KATES OKLAHOMA CITY GOVERNOR BILL ANOATUBBY ADA TOM J. MCDANIEL OKLAHOMA CITY CATHY KEATING OKLAHOMA CITY ORS JOE P. MORAN III TULSA DAVID KYLE TULSA VICE CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD - EC LEE ALLAN SMITH OKLAHOMA CITY KATHY LASTER SHAWNEE CHIEF GARY BATTON DURANT MARK A. STANSBERRY EDMOND DUKE R. LIGON WEWOKA SAMUEL COMBS III TULSA JUDY LOVE OKLAHOMA CITY GREG ELLIOTT CHICKASHA DIRECTORS GREG MASSEY DURANT JENNIFER GRIGSBY OKLAHOMA CITY JARI ASKINS DUNCAN JOHN M. MCARTHUR LAWTON EDNA MAE HOLDEN KREMLIN DEWEY F. BARTLETT, JR. TULSA FRANK W. MERRICK OKLAHOMA CITY MAXEY REILLY OKEMAH BARBARA BRAUGHT DUNCAN MIKE NEAL TULSA BOB BURKE OKLAHOMA CITY SUSAN NEAL TULSA CORPORATE SECRETARY JILL CASTILLA EDMOND S. BOND PAYNE OKLAHOMA CITY A. XAVIER NEIRA NORMAN STAN CLARK STILLWATER WHITNEY RAINBOLT OKLAHOMA CITY JODI CLINE PONCA CITY BOB ROSS OKLAHOMA CITY TREASURER MICK CORNETT OKLAHOMA CITY JOANN SCHAUB TULSA STEVE BURRAGE ANTLERS ART COTTON OKLAHOMA CITY WILLIAM SCHONACHER OKLAHOMA CITY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AT LARGE PAGE DAVIDSON BROKEN ARROW T.W. SHANNON OKLAHOMA CITY CLAYTON I. BENNETT OKLAHOMA CITY CHAD DILLINGHAM ENID KAYSE SHRUM TULSA LINDA ENGLISH WEEKS NORMAN GENTNER F. DRUMMOND TULSA STEVEN W. TAYLOR MCALESTER JEFFREY T. DUNN TULSA STEVE TURNBO TULSA ARD OF DIRECT PRESIDENT & CEO CHERYL EVANS BURLINGTON JIM UTTERBACK EARLSBORO SHANNON L. RICH OKLAHOMA CITY TRICIA EVEREST OKLAHOMA CITY HARDY WATKINS OKLAHOMA CITY KEN FERGESON ALTUS AVILLA WILLIAMS EDMOND VICE PRESIDENT AMY ANNE FORD DURANT SUSAN WINCHESTER OKLAHOMA CITY BO GINI MOORE CAMPBELL OKLAHOMA CITY JANE JAYROE GAMBLE OKLAHOMA CITY ALLEN WRIGHT OKLAHOMA CITY OklahomaHOF.com 222

Connections of : Fiber Education, History and Community iber arts, including but not limited to embroidery, knotting, crochet, and felt-making, is an art form Fthat utilizes primarily natural and synthetic fibers. Central to fiber art is the importance of the concept and design of the piece as well as the materials and labor that went into creating it. Fiber art has long been associated with femininity and domesticity. Until recent decades it was considered primarily a craft rather than a fine art, a vehicle in Art History through which, according to scholar Rozsika Parker, the artistic works of women are marginalized. However, beginning in the 1970s during the Second Wave Feminist movement, women artists began to reimagine this work as both a fine art and a means of empowerment. Once seen as a symbol of oppression—the woman with her head bowed in silence with a needle in hand—these feminist pioneers reclaimed fiber art as a form of resistance. Fiber art pieces were recognized for and imbued with meaning beyond their physical form and utility. As Parker argues, the creativity and thoughts of the woman as she works becomes physical through the fiber art. Thus, the internal worlds of women fiber artists are expressed in rich detail through the mirrors of their work. BY GAIL SLOOP & OLIVIA REYES 3

In Oklahoma, fiber arts followed a similar chosen art form and its history with others in historical trajectory. Fiber art in the state can be her community, Grubbs helped found the Hand traced back to women weaving rugs, making Weavers League of Oklahoma in 1976. She taught quilts, and sewing clothing, as a function of Home Economics for a number of years, but domesticity and homemaking. In 1976, the eventually worked as a full-time fiber artist in Hand Weavers League of Oklahoma (now the addition to part-time work as a librarian. After her Fiber Artists of Oklahoma) was established in husband’s death in 1992 Grubbs became a full- Norman, allowing its members to share their time librarian, yet still found time to devote to her knowledge and passion for fiber arts. Just two fiber art. Following her retirement 20 years later, years later, the League initiated Fiberworks, she remained committed to her artistic practice. a juried art show of fiber arts that has since Grubbs has received numerous accolades, Stephanie Grubbs. Photo Pamela Husky hiking at Robber’s Cave. Julie Marks Blackstone. Photo courtesy courtesy of Stephanie Grubbs. Photo courtesy Pamela Husky. Julie Marks Blackstone. become an annual event. Of course, the role of including a cash award from the Oklahoma individual artists in the development of fiber arts Designer Craftsman art show as well as a variety in Oklahoma cannot be understated. Stephanie of awards from the Fiberworks annual art show. Grubbs, Pamela Husky, and Julie Marks Over the course of her career, Grubbs Blackstone are all Oklahoma fiber artists who, in has done work in weaving, basketry, paper- their decades of work, have made great impacts making, felt-making, and knotting, all the while on the artform in the state. mentoring other artists, including Pamela Husky. Stephanie Grubbs, a Sapulpa native, grew Her primary works are small vessels made up in southeastern Oklahoma. She earned her of a series of intricate knots. Concerned with degree from the University of Oklahoma (OU) the conflict between control and chaos in her in Home Economics, the educational sphere materials, the contrast in her vessels reveal the in which fiber arts were taught at the time, still self-described “compulsion” she has to tame considered by many to be a women’s domestic misbehaving threads into forms that elicit craft. Committed to sharing her passion for her comfort and calm. 4

Julie Marks Blackstone, If Kehinde Worked in Thread, Embroidery, Cotton Floss, 6 ½ x 6 ½. A portrait of young John Lewis, with nods to Kehinde Wiley and William Morris. Photo courtesy Julie Marks Blackstone. 5

Pamela Husky of McAlester embraced her and recycling and planting initiatives, all while passion for art while an undergraduate at Central involving local students. In 2015, Keep Oklahoma State University, now the University of Central Beautiful chose Husky as its Champion Volunteer, Oklahoma (UCO), earning a BA in Ceramics. She the highest award offered for an individual. It is then earned a Masters her love and sense of of Liberal Studies in Art responsibility for the from OU with her thesis environment and her “Artworks in the Alfred community that shines P. Murrah Building,” through in her the basis for a General fiber art. Services Administration In her felt-making catalog. Much like her and tapestry work, mentor Stephanie Husky utilizes water, Grubbs, Husky was hand-dyed wool, and drawn to not only create silk threads to create fiber art but to share her painterly landscapes of knowledge with others. the environment she She served ten years as works so diligently to an Artist-In-Residence protect. By carefully for the Oklahoma Arts arranging layers to Council, through which create background, she taught weaving and middle ground, and felt-making to nearly foreground, along 10,000 students across with her profound Oklahoma. In 1996 she observation of light, began teaching felt- form, shadow, texture, making and drawing and movement, Husky at UCO, and became delivers magnificent the Assistant Chair images. Her fiber art and Director of the has received many 3D Design Program. awards, including: the Husky’s excellent American Tapestry work in education has earned her numerous Alliance Award, the Handweavers Guild of awards throughout her career. Additionally, her America Award, the Oklahoma Visual Arts commitment to community extends beyond the Coalition Awards of Merit, and the People’s classroom. In 2007, Husky helped establish “Team Choice Award from the Intermountain Weavers Up to Clean Up,” an environmental nonprofit Conference. Her work is also included in the in Eufaula, Oklahoma. For a decade, the group Oklahoma State Art Collection at the Oklahoma engaged in local environmental clean-ups State Capitol. Stephanie Grubbs, Between the Light and Dark, Double Half Hitch Knots of Cotton Thread and Waxed Linen, 10 x 7 ½ x 2 ½. Photo courtesy Stephanie Grubbs. 66

Julie Marks Blackstone, Assistant Professor has continued, earning her the Distinguished of Art at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) in Teaching Award from OBU in 2019, the highest Shawnee, started her journey towards fiber art at academic honor the university has to offer. the suggestion of OBU Professor Janie Wester, Blackstone teaches a variety of mediums a master rug weaver. as a professor, but as Interested primarily in an artist is perhaps ceramics, painting, and best known for her drawing at the time, fiber work. Her “Knotty Blackstone began to Girl” series, created study fiber art under using a French Knot Wester’s mentorship embroidery technique and eventually with embellishments, began teaching full- are portraits of time at OBU in 1981. inspiring women. In When OBU paid for her historical series, Blackstone to attend an Blackstone portrays embroidery workshop historical figures, while under Professor Mary also utilizing fiber to Ruth Smith at Baylor create color palettes University, Blackstone and recognizable was inspired to begin designs in homage to experimenting with other artists. Her work fiber as a primary has been accepted medium while utilizing a into multiple shows, more painterly palette, including Fiberworks, greatly influencing where she has won the works she creates “Best of Show” today. Much like her three times, and the colleagues Husky and Handweavers Guild Grubbs, Blackstone is of America’s Small a committed educator, Expressions touring devoted to passing exhibits. her knowledge to future generations of artists. She views art education as her true calling, hese three brilliant, women fiber artists, and considers her own work in fiber art an Tthrough their steadfast commitment to important extension of her teaching. By 1997 education, have ensured that the long history Blackstone was teaching ceramics, stained of fiber art will be remembered. Further, the glass, color theory, figure drawing, and fiber art. connections they have carefully weaved between Her dedication to education and her students one another and the broader community Pamela Husky, Rocky Mountain Wildflowers, Hand Dyed, Spun, and Felted Wool and Silk, 55 x 38. Photo courtesy Pamela Husky. 77 35

will ensure that the legacy of fiber art and the introduced me to skills of sewing and cutting generations of women behind it will continue in folded accordion paper when I was 5 years old. Oklahoma well into the future. Stephanie Grubbs, My lifelong affinity with fiber was her gift. Early Pamela Husky, and Julia Marks Blackstone influence in the arts transforms our lives. Then, participated in a Q&A to discuss their inspirations, as a 19-year-old nursing major, I passed the methods, and love of fiber art: windows of the weaving room on the path to Anatomy Lab. I went on to study weaving and HOW DID YOU DISCOVER FIBER ART? graduated with a B.A. in Ceramics. Julia Marks Blackstone: “Discover” is a strange Stephanie Grubbs: I discovered fiber art while word in this context. I’d been working part-time living in Kansas, where I saw weaving by Marilyn in the ceramics lab at OBU for several years Grisham and other fiber artists at art festivals in when Professor Janie Wester — one of the Wichita. I bought a book and a small hand loom all-time great weavers here in Oklahoma — and began to weave little tapestries. I took them suggested I learn to weave. She was considering to an art festival and was referred to an art gallery her eventual retirement, but didn’t want the in Hutchinson, Kansas. I saved the money I made fledgling fibers program at OBU to be dropped and bought a floor loom. I was on my way! for want of an instructor. My focus at that time Pamela Husky: My grandmother, Lorene was on ceramics, painting, and drawing, but I Saunier, loved to sew, crochet, and quilt. She said I was willing to learn. I wanted that job, too! Stephanie Grubbs, Melting Pot, Stephanie Grubbs, Interrupted, Double Half Hitch Knots of Cotton Thread and Waxed Linen, Double Half Hitch Knots of Cotton Thread and Waxed Linen, 10 x 5 ½ x 5 ½. Photo courtesy Stephanie Grubbs. 9 x 6 x 7. Photo courtesy Stephanie Grubbs. 8

WHAT ENCOURAGED YOU TO USE FIBER ARTS IN Blackstone: My work might differ because I’m - A NON TRADITIONAL WAY? crazy enough to do it. Working with French knots is incredibly time-consuming, so it is definitely Grubbs: I was encouraged by my mother, not for an artist who enjoys instant gratification. who was a very imaginative seamstress and Fiber art, in general, takes more time than most embroiderer. I was also encouraged by other other mediums I work with. fiber artists, classes and workshops, fiber groups I joined, and my own natural tendencies. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE Husky: Stephanie Grubbs is my mentor whose WORKING WITH FIBER? artwork in weaving, papermaking, felt-making and knotted vessels has for 40 years been Grubbs: The greatest challenge in working with in the forefront of regional fiber arts. At a fiber is time. All the techniques of fiber art are Hand Weavers League of Oklahoma meeting, very slow. Stephanie showed a 5-line handout and a 6” felt Blackstone: I’d go back to the “time” consideration sample and thereby introduced me to this skill. on this answer. It’s difficult to not lose steam on a Felt-making is one of the earliest fabrics made, project after the first 30 - 40 hours. dating to the stone age, and I embraced it. Blackstone: My first “non-traditional” method in WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CREATING fiber art was warp painting on the loom. I hadn’t YOUR WORK? seen anyone doing it and began experimenting. The entire “knotty girl” approach came about as Grubbs: I like the regular and methodical a faculty development project. My school paid actions necessary for most fiber techniques for me to take an embroidery workshop from and the textures you can achieve in your Prof. Mary Ruth Smith of Baylor. I honestly took designs the workshop to fulfill faculty development Husky: My love of nature — trees, water, sky needs, but it ended up changing the trajectory — can be “painted” using the dyed, spun wool, of my career to a great extent. silk, plant fibers, cut fabrics. Layers can be separated using resist fabrics, adding three- HOW DOES YOUR WORK DIFFER FROM dimensional surface. I choose landscapes TRADITIONAL FIBER WORKS? WHAT of places I’ve experienced. What I love most SETS IT APART? about my medium is the beauty of the materials — the silk, wool, color, organic shape Grubbs: My work differs because I use my and movement of the fibers. The landscape own designs rather than traditional patterns. inspires me and each piece is an exploration of Knots were used for practical purposes or for how to express it. I have been an activist in an decorative art like macramé. My knotting uses environmental group for a decade. This is not a traditional knots but is drawn tightly and close hobby but a responsibility to the community. together. I do, however, greatly respect the Blackstone: Honestly, one of the aspects of my techniques of weaving, felt, basket and paper fiber work I love is getting to “paint with thread” making that have developed over centuries. and create small treasures. Though the bulk 9

of my French knot work has focused on those WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW “knotty girls,” I truly enjoy the more thought- ABOUT THE PROCESS AND THE ART YOU CREATE? provoking art history connections, such as the John Lewis piece that combines the styles of Grubbs: I like to elevate the ordinary or the small artists Kehinde Wiley and William Morris. into a place of importance by embellishing with intricate stitches or knotting. My small vessels are made of cotton thread in double half-hitch knots, which are tied knot-by-knot, row-upon- row from bottom to top. I limit myself to a few materials in order to concentrate on color and form in this repetitive and contemplative process. I find the repetition of the knotting to be comforting and calming. The excitement comes from the designing of this knotted surface and the form of the vessel. I hope the viewer feels both my meditative calmness and excitement. Husky: Felt forms when wool fibers are treated with heat and pressure: hot water plus pressing, rolling, and squeezing. People have made felt into coats, mittens, boots, blankets and nomadic yurt homes for thousands of years. I have always been most interested in the landscape as a subject. My process includes dyeing, carding, spinning and felting. Using silk, mohair, wool, ramie, raffia, I try to convey light, patterns, space, and a sense of a place in nature. I build “strokes” of fiber color and texture in the wool like a painter applying pigment. I construct the blanket and the surface design from the raw fiber. My fascination with the beauty and character of the materials, and with the experiment of the design Julie Marks Blackstone, Knotty Girl: Carmen, Embroidery, Cotton process grows every time I work with fiber. Floss and Notions, 5 x 7. Photo Courtesy Julie Marks Blackstone. Blackstone: These pieces are incredibly time- consuming. Nearly all of them have taken more than fifty hours to stitch, and I don’t even bother to factor in the initial design time. To sustain inspiration on a piece for that long is a challenge for a slightly hyperactive person such as myself. It requires that I sit and focus for hours on end. One of the side benefits of this work involves my day job. When teaching, I’m 1010

standing approximately 90% of the time. By late evening I’m ready to sit down. Working on the fiber art allows me to relax, settle in, listen to an audiobook, and enjoy creative stitching. WHO AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Grubbs: I am inspired by happenings in my home, garden, family, and the world, however large or small or beautiful or ugly, and like to bring attention to the seemingly insignificant by Pamela Husky, Cold, Hand Dyed, Spun, and Felted Wool and Silk, embellishing and covering with beautiful knots. 35 x 38. Photo courtesy Pamela Husky. I am also inspired by fellow fiber artists like Pamela Husky and Julie Marks Blackstone. Husky: I am inspired by my mentor Stephanie Grubbs, and fellow artist and educator Julie Marks Blackstone. Their exceptional craftsmanship and subject choices are inspirational. Blackstone: With regard to fiber art, there’s a very accessible answer here: my fellow artists Stephanie Grubbs and Pamela Husky inspire me. Stephanie and Pam do work that is textbook quality, worthy of any gallery or museum in the world. Stephanie is one of the only other artists I know who is patient enough - or crazy enough - to use a technique so time-consuming. Pam’s felting techniques have always fascinated me: Pamela Husky, Sky Mirror, Hand Dyed, Spun, and Felted Wool the idea that one might “paint” with fiber in and Silk, 48 x 52. Photo courtesy Pamela Husky. such a powerful way is incredible. My first fibers teacher, Janie Wester, also still inspires me. Mary Ruth Smith, that “trigger” to embroidery, continues to work and inspire me. OKC artist Sue Sullivan has always been a fiber artist who didn’t just inspire: I’m in awe of her. Pamela Husky, Chamisa, Hand Dyed, Spun, and Felted Wool and Silk, 37 x 46. Photo courtesy Pamela Husky. 1111 3535

P R Y A E T V O T R F : E L L I A C F H R E CI E H T The Awakening” by award-winning Cheyenne Arapaho artist Harvey Pratt. Photo courtesy Harvey Pratt. 12

BY CAROL MOWDY BOND hen El Reno native and Cheyenne and Arapaho P tribal member Harvey Pratt heard about the R YA WSmithsonian Institution’s National Museum ET VT of the American Indian competition, he just brushed O aside the information. But he succumbed to pressure R F: E by family and friends who convinced the award-winning LL I artist to enter the museum’s international competition to ACF design the American Indian National Native American HRE CI Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. After all the dust settled, the E jury for the Smithsonian National Museum unanimously chose H Pratt’s design. Chosen from T 413 submissions from five countries, Pratt’s $17million architectural memorial, “Warrior’s Circle of Honor,” was unveiled and dedicated on Veteran’s Day in November 2020. It’s the National Mall’s only monument or memorial designed by an Oklahoman. 13 35

Designed by native Oklahoman and award-winning Cheyenne and Arapaho artist Harvey Pratt, the National Native American Veterans Memorial was commissioned by the U.S. Congress. More than 85 tribes, individuals, corporations, and other organizations contributed to the memorial. It is the only memorial or monument, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., designed by an Oklahoman. Designed by Harvey Pratt of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, the National Native American Veterans Memorial, on the grounds of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., November 2020. Photo by Alan Karchmer for the National Museum of the American Indian ratt explains: “I dreamed about the design, and start. The sacred fire is the eternal fire, that warms then drew it on a Big Chief Tablet. My dream and comforts. Yellow represents mother earth; Pwas to appease all the 573 federally recognized white is new beginnings; the Creator’s power is red; tribes through spirituality and ceremony. My design black represents our ancestors. is timeless. If my great-great-grandfather looked As well, Pratt included the military medallions at it, he would know what it means. My great- on the outer walls, and placed benches inside grandchildren will recognize the symbolism.” the walls so people may meditate and pray. Onto “I’ve been in a lot of ceremonies with a lot of the eagle-feather-adorned lances, people will tie tribes. They all have certain things in common. I prayer cloths. The wind will carry their prayers up put those basic beliefs together,” tells Pratt, who to the Creator. grew up in a traditional, Cheyenne-Arapaho family. Located on the last remaining space on the Of his design, he describes that all of life is a circle, National Mall in Washington, D.C., the memorial including the cycles of life and seasons. Pratt includes a 14’ tall and 50’ wide stainless steel, included sacred water that makes things grow and granite, and bronze structure. Pratt’s wife Gina says, 14

Designed by native Oklahoman and award-winning Cheyenne and Arapaho artist Harvey Pratt, the National Native American Veterans Memorial was commissioned by the U.S. Congress. More than 85 tribes, individuals, corporations, and other organizations contributed to the memorial. It is the only memorial or monument, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., designed by an Oklahoman. Designed by Harvey Pratt of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, the National Native American Veterans Memorial, on the grounds of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., November 2020. Photo by Alan Karchmer for the National Museum of the American Indian “We wanted to bring Oklahoma talent into it as through the memorial on unveiling day, and they much as possible.” So, Pratt made the bronze work included Native Americans and Hawaiians. “Due at the Crucible Art Foundry in Norman. Swanda to COVID-19, there was no ceremony. Nothing Brothers in Oklahoma City made the stainless steel was arranged. But Indian people just showed up 12’ circle of honor and lances. Of Oklahoma City’s and did things. It’s the only memorial in D.C. that Butzer Architects and Urbanism, known for their has a sound system. There are four speakers, and designs for the Oklahoma City National Memorial it plays different tribal songs and veteran songs, and Skydance Bridge, Pratt says, “They were so very softly, 24/7. It was very quiet that day. It was instrumental in the whole design and drawings.” peaceful. The memorial is so much more than we The memorial was funded through private expected. People commented about how serene donations. Initially more than 30,000 people were and comforting the memorial is. There was a light expected to attend the unveiling and dedication. rain, and it caused the granite to light up. People But COVID-19 put the skids on that plan. Pratt tied prayer cloths, or whatever was significant to says there were 500 to 600 visitors who walked individuals or to their tribes, onto the lances.” 15 35

ratt is part of a rich, colorful heritage and creative bloodline that merged and sprang Pforth from the Arkansas River area in southeastern Colorado Territory. Born of the North American aboriginal people groups and their cultures and sufferings, and the American Revolution’s spark of independence and ingenuity by way of St. Louis, the story gels around today’s La Junta, Colorado. That’s where an adobe citadel sprang out of Colorado Territory in the 1830s or 1840s. The pièce de résistance of trading, located on the mountain branch of the Santa Fe Trail, Bent’s Fort symbolizes the era’s largest and most successful frontier trading venture in the Old West. At times, even the U.S. military used it for various purposes, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho nations met there to trade in peace. As this epic story panned out across the American frontier, innumerable people from Designed by Harvey Pratt, “Warrior's Circle of Honor” was unveiled various native groups including the Sioux, Arapaho, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Veteran's Day, Novem- and Cheyenne, including Cheyenne Chief White ber 2020. Attending the unveiling are left to right, Hans Butzer, Gina Thunder and his daughter Owl Woman, took center Pratt, Conor McMichael, Evan Sack, and Harvey Pratt. The design team for the memorial included Gina and Harvey Pratt, Hans Butzer, stage. As well, university-educated Edmund “Ed” and Torrey Butzer. Photo by Torrey Butzer. Guerrier (1840-1921), the famous Cheyenne Indian scout of French descent, interpreter and rancher, entered the picture. Much of Old West history swirls around Guerrier. Located in today’s Canadian and Blaine counties, a town was initially named after Guerrier. Hard to pronounce, the name evolved to became Geary. Guerrier’s wife Julia Bent (1844- 1932) was a key player and there’s a cousin, Cowboy Artist Charlie Russell (1864-1926), who was part of the mix. Last but not least was William Bent’s friend Kit Carson (1809-1868), the frontiersman, guide, trapper, and Indian agent. Silas Bent was Harvey’s great-great-great- grandfather. He fought in the American Revolution. In fact, he was in on the ground floor. He dressed up like an Indian and threw the tea into Boston Harbor. Two of his eleven children were Charles Bent (1799-1847) and William Bent (1809-1869), who headed west from St. Louis. To this day, they’re known as the brothers who helped open the West and the Santa Fe Trail. 16

Charles worked for the Missouri Fur Company. The Bent brothers’ personal lives were After involvement in fur trading and a stint in the interwoven into the fabric of their entrepreneurial military, he and William took goods from St. Louis endeavors. Charles married Maria Ignacia Jaramillo to Santa Fe, creating mercantile contacts, starting in Taos. Maria’s younger sister, Josefa, later married a series of trading trips over the Santa Fe Trail, and Kit Carson. Appointed as the first civilian governor partnering with another trader. They established of New Mexico Territory, Charles met a grisly death. a store in Taos, New Mexico, as well as a series of In 1847, Pueblo warriors scalped and killed him fortified trading posts in order to trade with the during the Taos Revolt. Plains Indians. In the 1830s or 1840s, William and In 1835, William Bent married Mistanta (Mis- Charles established Bent’s Fort, which was a fort like stan-stur, ca. 1810-1847) in a traditional Cheyenne no other. ceremony at Bent’s Fort. A Southern Cheyenne, William Bent and his brother were highly William Bent married Mistanta in a traditional William Bent's brother Charles married Maria instrumental in opening up the western Cheyenne ceremony at Bent's Fort. A Ignacia Jaramillo. Maria's younger sister, Josefa, frontier. Their massive endeavors included Southern Cheyenne, she was also known married Kit Carson, William Bent's good cultivating the Santa Fe Trail and building as Owl Woman. friend. Carson was a frontiersman, trapper, Bent's Fort. guide, and Indian agent. William Bent possessed a myriad of talents, she was also known as Owl Woman. William and abilities, and skill sets. His trading endeavors Owl Woman were Harvey Pratt’s great-great- included interacting with fur trappers, Mexicans, grandparents. She was the daughter of White Native Americans, the military, and an assortment Thunder, the most powerful Southern Cheyenne of Anglo Americans moving along the frontier. He chief and a medicine man. Following Cheyenne was accepted into the Cheyenne tribe, becoming custom, after Owl Woman’s death, William took a sub chief. William was an interpreter, and he also her sisters Yellow Woman and Island as wives. served as a mediator among the Cheyenne and White Thunder, Harvey Pratt’s great-great- other Native American nations, and negotiated great-grandfather, held the sacred and prominent peace among various tribes. As well, he negotiated position of “Keeper of the Arrows.” Consisting of between Native American groups and the U.S. four arrows, he kept the bundle, which included two government. William also served as a military scout. arrows for defense and two for hunting, all of which 17 35

were renewed annually. In 1838, White Thunder sacrificed himself at the Battle of Wolf Creek just north of Woodward. In 1871, a Cheyenne and Arapaho agency was established at Darlington, in today’s Canadian County, Oklahoma, and located across the North Canadian River from Fort Reno. Ed Guerrier was the son of Tah-Tah-Tois-neh, and French fur trader William Guerrier, who traded at Bent’s Fort. In the future Oklahoma, Guerrier, and the sons of William Bent—George Bent and Robert Bent—and Ben Clark, continued to be involved with the Cheyenne and Arapaho people in numerous ways. Ben Clark (1842-1914) was a U.S. Cavalry scout whose home base became Fort Reno. The Treaty of the Little Arkansas allowed survivors of the Sand Creek Massacre to receive land. Julia Bent received 640 acres which included Bent’s Fort in Colorado, established by her father William Bent, and she lived there until at least 1872. Charlie Russell In 1875, Julia Bent married Ed Guerrier. Before the government opened the Cheyenne William Bent’s sister, Lucy Bent (1805-1871), and Arapaho reservation to white settlement in married James Russell. Their grandson was 1892, each member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Charlie Russell. In 1880, Charlie moved to tribes received a 160 acre allotment. Julia’s brother Montana to be a cowpuncher. He initially George Bent, whose Indian name was Do-Hah-en- took up art as a hobby. no, received an allotment. Julia Bent Guerrier and Known as the Cowboy Artist, Charlie Ed Guerrier and their children received allotments. Russell (1864-1926), the almost super human artist, left the world with a wonderful gift. Ed Guerrier lived in today’s far northwest Canadian He created over 4,000 works of art, using County on the southern bank of the North paint, bronze, ink, and wax. Canadian River, and for many year he operated a A self-taught artist, his works of art are trading post. called “stories on a page” because his work Visitors recorded that Julia and Ed Guerrier had always told a story. Besides being an artist, a two-story house, and their children lived in the he was labeled a historian, story teller, and writer. Unlike other Western artists, Russell house. But Julia and Ed lived “Indian style” in a tent lived in the West. He and his wife made in the yard. In 1893, a nearby village was named after Montana their home. He recorded the iconic Ed Guerrier, the village was named Geary. American West, leaving it for us to enjoy. Harvey Pratt’s great-grandparents were By the time Russell died in 1926, he Julia and Ed Guerrier. Julia and Ed’s child William was the highest paid artist in America and Guerrier (1881-1967) married Nellie Adams, and his works are now sold globally. Through their daughter Anna Guerrier Pratt Shadlow (1911- Russell’s eyes, we can glimpse the Old West as he saw it. 2002) was born in her grandmother Julia’s teepee in Canadian County. 18

Sand Creek Massacre A large number of the Cheyenne were camped took William Bent’s son Charles Bent captive. on Sand Creek near Fort Lyon, in southeastern Julia Bent, and her suitor Edmund Guerrier, Colorado Territory. Winter was approaching, and escaped in the bitter cold, as did George Bent the tribe thought they were at peace with the U.S., who was wounded. Chivington’s genocidal and in fact they were there for purposes of coming crusade rained slaughter and atrocities on the to peaceful agreements. William Bent’s children Cheyenne. The numbers of dead fluctuate wildly, Charles, Julia, and George Bent, along with Edmund but land somewhere in the neighborhood of 230. “Ed” Guerrier were part of the encampment. And two-thirds of them were women, children, Col. John Chivington learned of the and the elderly. Cheyenne encampment. He left armed guards at For many years after, the massacre created Bent’s Fort to keep William Bent and others from serious issues and was the catalyst for future leaving the fort. At gunpoint, Chivington forced battles and wars between the U.S. Army and William Bent’s son Robert Bent to lead him to native groups. Sand Creek where his own people, including his As well, Sand Creek remains a part of siblings, were camped. Harvey Pratt’s heritage. He tells that his great- With his approximately 700 Colorado grandparents Julia Bent and Ed Guerrier were volunteers of the First and Third Cavalry courting when the ambush occurred. They regiments, Chivington thundered over a hill at eventually relocated to Oklahoma. sunup on November 29, 1864. When a Cheyenne And the trauma of the event remained in woman spotted the ambush, she sounded the Harvey’s family. He describes that “My aunt, alarm, and Black Kettle raised both the American Laura Birdwoman, would tell us, ‘When you guys and white flags. Soldiers fired on Guerrier and a go to bed, put your shoes by the bed because you trader who walked toward them, although neither might have to get up and run.’ As I got older that’s were harmed. Chivington’s unprovoked attack on when I realized that’s what they did. They had to the Cheyenne was bloody and horrific. The soldiers get up in the middle of the night and run.” Anna Guerrier Pratt Shadlow was an award- The French-Cheyenne scout and interpreter Edmund winning cultural teacher and story teller. Guerrier married William Bent's daughter Julia. Edmund and Photo courtesy Harvey Pratt. Julia survived the Sand Creek Massacre. Geary, Oklahoma, is named after Edmund.

From left, siblings Tony, Harvey, and Charles Pratt wearing old-time Cheyenne and Arapaho regalia. Photo courtesy Harvey Pratt. Harvey’s dad Oscar Pratt was Arapaho and Cheyenne. And Pratt explains that his mother Anna Guerrier Pratt Shadlow, who was half Cheyenne, Holding chickens are Harvey Pratt, left, with his brother Tony. Photo and Sioux, French, and English, “heard great stories, courtesy Harvey Pratt. like tribal stories and legends, from old men who Standing on the right is Anna Guerrier Pratt Shadlow, Harvey Pratt's could not speak English. She traveled, telling her mother. Photo courtesy Harvey Pratt. stories, and teaching them to children in schools. She spoke Cheyenne, Arapaho, Mexican, Sioux, and English. And she became a cultural teacher and story teller. And during the 1980s, she earned the titles of Oklahoma Indian Woman of the Year, and National Indian Woman of the Year.” Anna survived her two husbands, including Oscar Pratt. The sixth of seven children, Pratt was born in 1941 in his mother’s little house in the El Reno area. A rare occurrence took place at Pratt’s birth. He was a veil baby. One in every 500,000 babies is a veil baby, and historically it’s seen as a sign that the child is gifted. The tribal interpretation is that the infant will grow up to be a chief or someone special. So, at his birth, Pratt’s aunts said to his mom, “Oh look! He

As a U.S. Marine, Harvey Pratt served in Vietnam. Photo by R.D. Pratt. Harvey Pratt in camouflage. Photo by R.D. Pratt. Harvey Pratt wears a peace medal that has been in his family since the 1880s. Photo by Abraham Farrar. wants to be a chief!” He initially received the name Vehunkis or “He’s Going to Be a Chief.” Raised by a single mom, Pratt tells there weren’t any toys. So his grandfather gave him clay, from which to make his own toys. And his home life was unique. “In my home, when I was a boy, there were all kinds of people coming and going. All these languages were spoken, so it was a bit insane. I grew up speaking English, but I can speak a few Cheyenne words. We were the only Indian family in our El Reno neighborhood. So, there was a stigma, that I would never be anything. But I always thought, ‘I’m not going to be what these people think I should be. I’m going to be what I want to be.’” A student in the El Reno schools, several of Pratt’s teachers looked at his drawings and told him he was talented, and encouraged him to draw. Attending a Catholic school in Anadarko, Harvey drew the Crucifixion, drawing all the people, including Christ, as Indians. Harvey describes how “Father Bock said, ‘You have talent.’ That was in the 21 35

1960s. I sold the painting for $90.” And, others of prominence recognized his artistic abilities. Moving on to Central State University in Edmond, now the University of Central Oklahoma, Pratt set his sights on becoming a commercial illustrator. Professors were extremely critical of his work, and he switched to a degree in psychology. But frustration set in, and he joined the Marines. From 1962 to 1965, Pratt served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam, in air rescue, and in security at the Da Nang air base. “We backed up the helicopter unit,” Harvey tells. “When they were shot down, we went to get them. We picked up guys who had been shot down.” After the Marines, Pratt transitioned into law enforcement, initially with the Midwest City police department from 1965 to 1972. Harvey developed a After serving in the U.S. Marines, Harvey Pratt transitioned into fingerprint and records system, and was promoted law enforcement. He initially worked with the Midwest City Police to detective. And he attended Oklahoma State Department. Photo courtesy Harvey Pratt. As a forensic artist with the OSBI, Harvey Pratt created 2,000 soft tissue reconstructions. Photo courtesy Harvey Pratt. 22

University, where he earned a degree in police science. Pratt says, “I started painting again. I got a couple of drawings in magazines and then galleries. I had work in galleries all over the country, but I was doing the work really fast due to my law enforcement career.” And law enforcement noticed Pratt’s drawings, and asked him to question a woman. An assailant attacked her and killed her husband. Harvey made the sketch, and the police caught the killer. Pratt’s law enforcement career spanned over 50 years, and included the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation from 1972 to 2017, where his career in forensic art quickly blasted off. During his law enforcement years, he was the first to sketch color composite drawings with colored pencils. And he developed an interview technique for witnesses and victims. It was a questionnaire about how to discover deception. And he was a pioneer in soft-tissue reconstruction. During his career, he listened to over 5,000 witnesses and victims, and Harvey Pratt and Dee Cordry. Photo courtesy Dee Cordry. then recreated the faces of the assailants. And “Harvey always understood that the OSBI’s job he made 2,000 soft tissue reconstructions. He is to provide expert assistance to Oklahoma drew hundreds of sketches showing what missing law enforcement. He was once the interim children would look like as adults. Ranked as a director. But no matter what post he was top U.S. forensic artist, Harvey’s cases spanned assigned to, he took the time to help agencies a plethora of the who’s who of high-profile with investigative forensic art. Harvey criminals such as Osama Bin Laden, Ted Bundy, combines investigative experience with expert Terry Nichols, and well-known serial killers. And he interviewing skills and natural artistic ability. even helped identify kidnappers in South America. Law enforcement agencies still reach out to His work resulted in thousands of arrests and the him. It was my good fortune to work with him and be his friend. Harvey often tells me stories identification of hundreds of unidentified remains. of his Cheyenne ancestors. After many years He retired from the OSBI in 2017 having worked as of research, I completed a manuscript, and I a forensic artist, a narcotics investigator, criminal have begun to look for a publisher. The book investigations, administration, criminal records is a detailed account of Cheyenne history and and information divisions, and having served in the Harvey’s great-grandfather Edmund Guerrier.” positions of assistant and interim director. Dee Cordry Chosen as a member of the Council of 44 Historian of Cheyenne and Arapaho heritage Cheyenne peace chiefs in 1996, Pratt assumed the Canadian County, Oklahoma name “White Thunder,” honoring his great-great- great-grandfather. And he was inducted into the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2012, followed by induction into the Oklahoma Military 23 35

“Whadusay?” by award-winning Cheyenne Arapaho artist Harvey In his painting “Ultimate Wes,” Harvey Pratt immortalizes Wes Studi Pratt. Photo courtesy Harvey Pratt. on canvas. Photo courtesy Harvey Pratt. “Roadie Receives Medicine” by award-winning Cheyenne Arapaho artist Harvey Pratt. Photo courtesy Harvey Pratt. 24

“War Ponies” by Harvey Pratt. Photo courtesy Harvey Pratt. “People of Red Earth” by award-winning Cheyenne Arapaho artist Harvey Pratt. Photo courtesy Harvey Pratt. 25 35

Often soft spoken, he is diplomatic, but usually speaks to the truth and directly to the point of the matter at hand. He and his wife Gina live in Logan County. And they’re not sitting in neutral. The Sand Creek Memorial Project has been stuck in idle since its inception in 2014. One Earth Future Foundation is spearheading the fundraising aspect of the memorial. They called Pratt in early September 2020, telling him the project may have a home on the Colorado State Capitol’s west steps in Denver. The Sand Creek project has been and remains plagued by logistical issues, changes in Harvey’s original plan for the memorial, and a lot of controversy on every level. At this point in time, Pratt’s Sand Creek Memorial prototype involves a Cheyenne mother who is in deep grief and mourning. Her child has been murdered in the Sand Creek Massacre. For the seven inch by nine inch Harvey and Gina Pratt. Photo courtesy Harvey Pratt. Harvey Pratt designed a Pendleton blanket for Oklahoma's Centennial. The blankets were a limited edition and are no longer available. Photo courtesy Harvey Pratt. Hall of Fame in 2019. In 2019, Pratt received the key to the City of El Reno. The list of boards he serves on and group memberships is massive. He joined the American Legion and is now the commander of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Post 401 in Clinton. And he’s the chairperson for the Department of Interior Indian Arts and Crafts Board, and tells, “We’ve seized millions of dollars of counterfeit Native American jewelry.” But a law enforcement career accumulates a lot of dark baggage, and Pratt found his solitude in art. Now an award-winning and self-taught, master artist, he uses oil, acrylic, water colors, metal, clay, and wood. He was named Red Earth 2005 Honored One. And his paintings are sold globally. Despite all the accolades and awards, Harvey Pratt is a humble person, fully aware of how his life today is an extension of his ancestral bloodlines. 2626

model, he cut off the mother’s right finger at the joint. He also made cuts in her left leg, to represent a self-wounding ritual done by the Cheyenne and other tribes when a loved one dies. Pratt explains, “When we lose a relative, we take a knife to our hair. She cut her braids off. They are laying on the ground. When I first submitted, they said, ‘That’s kind of brutal.’ I said, ‘It’s history! All these years, you guys change history!’” As Pratt says, “Success is built on failure.” There’s no doubt he has come full circle, alongside his EDITOR’S NOTE: The article on Harvey Pratt was completed prior to ancestors, and his successes are the world’s gains. the unveiling of “Warrior’s Circle of Honor” in Washington, D.C and the announcement of his selection as a 2021 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honoree. Harvey Pratt is a Cheyenne peace chief known as White Thunder. He wears his war bonnet during ceremonies. Photo courtesy Harvey Pratt. 2727 35

BY BETTY KATHERINE PERMETTER FALATO A MEMORABLE OKLAHOMA HERO, A DEVOTED BROTHER: RUBEN RIVERS f the many men and women from Pottawatomie County, OOklahoma, who served in World War II, only one was awarded the Medal of Honor—the nation’s highest military decoration. Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers (1918–1944) was honored with the medal posthumously on January 13, 1997, more than fifty years after he was killed in action in France. Although he received the Silver Star and the Purple Heart during the war, his Medal of Honor came only after his devoted brother Robert Anderson Rivers (1917-2013) and others fought for equal recognition of Ruben and other Black veterans of World War II. Members of the The Black Panthers of the 761st Tank Battalion. 2828

uring the late 1940s and the divulges nothing about his education. D1950s, I worshiped with Ruben’s I contacted my friend Will Lee (Willie) family at the White’s Chapel Christian Jr., Ruben’s youngest brother, and Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church asked him about Ruben’s education in Earlsboro every Sunday morning. and his service during World War II. I had known the Rivers family since Willie Jr. directed me to his brother childhood, particularly Ruben’s Robert, who had known Ruben best parents and younger siblings. I met and had served in France with him the older girls when they occasionally during the war. returned to worship with their Ruben came from a large family. His parents during the holidays. Although parents, Will Lee Sr. (1890-1985) and Ruben’s story of heroism in World Lillian Thompson Rivers (1896-1980), War II has been told many times in were early Oklahoma pioneers. Will Oklahoma and nationwide, I learned Sr. was born in Waldo, Arkansas. By of Ruben and his courage between 1910 his family had moved to western Seminole County, near Earlsboro. Lillian was born in Vernon, Alabama. Her family migrated to Oklahoma in 1913 and moved to Boley. Will Sr. and Lillian were married in 1915 and settled in Hotulka, between Earlsboro and Tecumseh, on a 160-acre farm. There they reared twelve children. Three of their fifteen children died in infancy; Staff Sergeant Ruben Rivers, World War II Ruben was the third who lived to Medal of Honor recipient. Courtesy Defense- adulthood. His siblings, besides Robert Link.mil, “Army Finally Recognizes WWII Black and Willie Jr., were Grace A. Woodfork Heroes.” (1916-2004), Dewey A. Rivers (1922- The burial site of Staff Sergeant Ruben 1975), Bernice Paysinger (1924-2010), Rivers in St. Avold, France. Courtesy of Zack Anese Woodfork (1928-2007), Thelma Sigler, Historian, 103d Infantry Division, 409th (Winrow) Jackson (1929-), Melvin B. Regiment, D-Company (Heavy Weapons). Rivers (1930-1944), Linzy L. Rivers (1931- 2006), Vera May Beal (1932-2009), and Mae Lee Hill (1935-). Robert Anderson Rivers grew up on the At Willie Jr.’s suggestion, I family farm and attended a segregated telephoned Robert in 2007 and elementary school in Hotulka. flooded him with questions about 2007 and 2010, when I was researching himself and Ruben—their schools, the history of Pottawatomie County’s their friends, and their time in schools. During the course of my the war together. My interview research, several people asked me with Robert proved to be exciting. where Ruben had attended high Having known many of the same school. The intense interest in his people in and around Hotulka and education prompted my curiosity Earlsboro, and having shared similar about him. I read the book Hit Hard experiences, our talk was like visiting by Capt. David J. Williams, who was with a long-lost friend. An affable Ruben’s commanding officer in World conversationalist, Robert shared War II and an eyewitness to Ruben’s little-known stories about Ruben and actions during the war. The book himself during my interview. Robert describes Ruben’s military service but informed me that their brother Dewey 2929 35

had also served in World War II. Robert, Ruben, and Dewey eventually of the battalion at Camp Claiborne, Robert was barely a year older served in World War II, which altered Louisiana, on March 15, 1942, and than Ruben, and they spent much their lives dramatically. Prior to its activation on April 1. From there, of their early life together. They that, Ruben had served in a Civilian the battalion moved to Camp Hood, grew up on the family farm during Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp Texas, for advanced training on the 1920s and 1930s, and attended at Konawa, where he developed September 15, 1942. There the troops a segregated elementary school in leadership skills that proved useful in changed from working with light Hotulka, where they played softball. the war. Dewey also served in the CCC. tanks to medium ones. After two Labeled the “dynamic duo,” Robert Ruben was drafted into the U. S. Army years of training, the battalion landed pitched and Ruben played first in 1941; Robert and Dewey were drafted in France in October 1944. General base. Every day, before and after school, they shared farm chores. On weekends, assisting their father, they transported cotton and other farm produce to Tecumseh to sell at the market. After graduating from eighth grade, they were bused to the segregated Dunbar High School in Shawnee. One of Robert’s good friends at Dunbar was Willie Stargell, father of Baseball Hall of Famer Wilver Dornell Stargell. Willie lived in Earlsboro, where Robert said he and Ruben spent a lot of time as young adults. Robert and Ruben aspired for something greater than a life on Troops landed on one of five beaches at Normandy—Utah, Omaha, Gold, Sword, and Juno. the farm in Hotulka. Robert and his father had shared a dream that in 1942. Dewey served in the Pacific George S. Patton requested that the Robert would attend college one as an engineer, while Robert and Black Panthers be assigned to his day; however, family funds were Ruben were assigned to Europe. After Third U. S. Army, attached to the 26th insufficient and no scholarships disembarking in Normandy shortly Infantry Division. were available. After high school, after the initial invasion, Robert Robert moved to Oklahoma City, got witnessed its cost, in lives, firsthand. y November 8, 1944, Company A, married, and began a career. When More than a century later, he could B 761st Tank Battalion was fully the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, recall the sight and stench of dead engaged in combat, supporting he was a supervisor at Bishop’s, a bodies that lay on the ground. the First Battalion, 104th Infantry segregated restaurant in Oklahoma Ruben became a tank commander Regiment of the 26th Infantry Division. City. Ruben worked on the railroad in the 761st Tank Battalion, also Ruben was awarded a Silver Star for after completing high school and at known as the “Black Panthers.” They his action. While the 104th Infantry the Firestone Service Station located were the first Black tankers to fight Regiment was headed toward Vic- at Sixth Street and Hudson Avenue in the American army. The War sur-Seille, the enemy halted the unit’s in Oklahoma City. Department ordered the creation progress with a mined roadblock, 30

followed up by mortar and rifle fire. As of a second tank. On November 17, Company A tank, opened fire on recounted in Hit Hard, Ruben ignored Ruben led the Black Panthers across enemy tanks, allowing the remainder the shots, jumped out of the turret of a river into Guébling, where they of Company A to escape. Ruben was his tank, and uncoiled and wrapped took up positions in and around killed and the rest of his crew was the tank’s tow cable around the heavily the town. On the way into town, wounded. Captain Williams submitted mined log that was being used as a Ruben disabled two enemy tanks and paperwork recommending Ruben for roadblock. While under fire from the forced two others to withdraw. The the Medal of Honor. According to Hit enemy, he ordered the tank driver Black Panthers continued to fight. Hard, he was met with resistance and to haul the roadblock off the road, On November 18, Captain Williams was later informed that the paperwork allowing the unit to advance. and the medical team visited each had been lost. In June of 1944, more than 150 troops landed on the shores of Normandy in Nazi-occupied France. Between November 16 and 18, tank. They warned Ruben that his leg Meanwhile, Robert learned about Ruben was wounded but continued would have to be amputated if he did Ruben’s death from an unlikely source. to fight. He was awarded a Purple not evacuate immediately. Again, as In November 1944, Robert was stationed Heart. On November 16, while the told in Hit Hard, Ruben refused to in Metz, about ten miles from Ruben. 761st Tank Battalion was pushing abandon his men. He was serving as a quartermaster its way to Guébling, Ruben’s tank On November 19, Ruben continued for a unit that supplied Ruben’s 761st ran over and detonated an anti-tank to display the courage that resulted in Tank Battalion. Robert and Ruben mine. The explosion damaged his his recommendation for the Medal had exchanged letters every other day tank and ripped his leg to the bone. of Honor. At dawn Company A, 761st seeking to arrange a furlough at the Medics cleaned and dressed Ruben’s Tank Battalion advanced toward same time in order to meet in Verdun, wound, but he refused the morphine Bourgaltroff, where they met with not far from Metz. Through their they offered. He also refused an order heavy resistance from the enemy. correspondence, Robert learned that from his commanding officer, Captain Captain Williams ordered his tanks Ruben was on the front line. When Williams, to evacuate. Ruben pulled to withdraw and take cover. Ruben, Ruben’s letters suddenly stopped, himself to his feet and took command however, accompanied by another Robert suspected something was wrong. 31 35

ne day, shortly after Ruben’s person to inform Robert that Ruben Odeath, a soldier from Ruben’s tank had been killed in action. battalion was waiting for his tank to be Robert continued his military service refueled at Robert’s supply unit. The and was released in 1945. Although tank driver saw Robert from a distance, several job opportunities awaited and noticed his resemblance to Ruben. him, he chose to return to Bishop’s “That soldier over there looks like Restaurant in Oklahoma City. When my staff sergeant who was just killed,” Robert returned home, he said his the tank driver remarked to the family greeted him with bittersweet soldier who was refueling the tank. expressions of joy and sadness. They “What was your staff sergeant’s were happy to see him, but were anxious name”? about telling him that Ruben had been The Army Medal of Honor was “Rivers,” the tank driver replied. killed in action. He admitted that he awarded to seven black soldiers “Well,” said the soldier who was already knew about Ruben’s death. refueling the tank, “that soldier’s name Despite Ruben’s bravery, and the for their service is Rivers; you should talk to him.” courage of other Black soldiers like during World War II, After speaking with Robert, the him, at the end of World War II, no six were awarded posthumously. tank driver learned that Robert Black soldier had been awarded the and Ruben were brothers. The Medal of Honor. That would change, unidentified tank driver was the first but only after decades of struggle Members of the 761st Tank Battalion that was activated on April 1, 1942, and landed at Omaha Beach on October 10, 1944. 32

against the racial bias of the time. Over the years, Captain Williams, Robert Rivers, and other concerned citizens fought to get several Black soldiers recognized for their valor during the war. In 1992 the secretary of the army commissioned a study by Shaw University to examine why no Black soldiers had been awarded the Medal of Honor. The study concluded that racial bias had been a factor and recommended ten veterans for the award. The Senior Army Decorations Board reviewed the list and approved seven of the names to be awarded the Medal of Honor. The names were then submitted to President Bill Clinton for final approval. After Congress acted to waive the statutory limit of 1952 for veterans receiving World War II medals and Senator James M. Inhofe introduced Senate Resolution 230 on February 29, 1996, urging the president to accept the recommendations of the Senior Army Decorations Board, seven Black soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor, six posthumously. On January 13, 1997, President Clinton presented Ruben’s Medal of Honor to his sister, Grace Woodfork. Since then, a road in Hotulka that leads to the old schoolhouse where Ruben attended elementary school, a section of Oklahoma SH-9/US 270 running through Pottawatomie County, and other landmarks have been named in honor of Staff Sergeant Rivers. He is buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery in St. Avold, France. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame in 2006. Member FDIC

Mary Blair: It’s a Small World BY GINI MOORE CAMPBELL 343434

“She brought modern art to Walt [Disney] in a way that no one else did. ary Blair had a passion He was so excited about her work.” for art and the talent to MARC DAVIS, ANIMATOR Mmatch. If you have ever seen a Disney film, visited a Disney theme park or resort, or read a Little Golden Book, you most likely have seen her work. Born Mary Browne Robinson in McAlester, Oklahoma, in 1911, following high school Blair made her way to Los Angeles, California, and the Chouinard Art Institute. Her inherent gift had earned her a scholarship to the institute well known for training both fine art practitioners and commercial artists. The motion picture industry found Chouinard alumni the perfect answer to the growing need for everything from art direction and animation to costume design and set creation. For more than 30 years, Mary Blair brought imagination to life for Walt Disney Studios. (Left) It was during Mary Blair’s visit to South America that she developed her more vibrant and colorful style. “Peruvian Hat Woman” remained in Blair’s personal collection and hung in her home when not being exhibited. 3535

A McAlester, Oklahoma, native, Mary Blair studied at the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, California. Released in 1944, Mary Blair served as art supervisor on The Three Caballeros. Fellow Oklahoman Clarence Nash served as the voice of Donald Duck in the production. A “life drawing” class at the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, California. Mary Blair graduated from the Institute in 1933. 36

“The way she painted—in a lot of ways she was still a little girl. Walt [Disney] was like that. You could see he could relate to Blair had dreamed of pursuing a career in fine children—she was the same way.” arts upon graduation. However, it was 1933—the JOHN CANEMAKER, ANIMATION HISTORIAN midst of the Great Depression. She accepted a position with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in their animation unit and went to work. Seven years later, in 1940, she joined Walt Disney Studios. The following year she spent three months in South America, touring with the Disney expedition. While studying and visiting the Latin countries of South America, Blair experimented with and developed a more vibrant and colorful style. This expanded her portfolio and allowed her talents to be used on an even wider range of Disney projects. And, because of what Walt Disney himself had seen from Blair following the expedition, she served as art supervisor on Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros, released in 1942 and 1944 respectively. Blair’s blending of color and styling had a great influence on post-war productions by Disney. She incorporated her unique style into Song of the South, Melody Time, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan, among countless others. Special shorts that she contributed to were Susie, the Little Blue Coupe and The Little House. Animator Frank Thomas said, “Mary was the first artist I knew of to have different shades of red next to each other. You just didn’t do that! But Mary made it work.” Alice in Wonderland’s Tweedledee and Tweedledum concept painting by Mary Blair. 37 35

Mary Blair’s unique style caught the attention of Walt Disney. “At first, Walt [Disney} was a little stunned by her art, which was unlike anything he had ever seen before, but then he fell in love with it. He realized how contemporary her designs were and how talented she was as an artist.” DIDIER GHEZ, DISNEY HISTORIAN A rare and early watercolor and ink painting by Mary Blair entitled “The Lady in Red.” At the time the painting was completed, in the 1930s, Blair was a member of the California Watercolor Society. 383838

On the deck of the Jolly Roger, Peter Pan and Captain Hook have their finale fight in a concept painting by Mary Blair. “It’s a Small World” opened at Disneyland in May, 1966 based on the design by Mary Blair for the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City, New York. Mary Blair’s concept painting of mermaids, each in a different color palette to convey personality and mood, graced the cover and interior of Walt Disney’s Peter Pan by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. 39 35 39

In 1963, Disney asked Blair to help with the design for a boat ride he wanted to create to be featured in the United Nations Children’s Fund Pavilion at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City. The result became the iconic “It’s a Small World” ride experienced by millions around the world. It was a call for harmony and peace during the height of the nuclear age. Her sketches in creating the “It’s a Small World” concept depicted the colors and styles she began using in South America and were combined with her years of training and experimentation. They feature children atop the Leaning Tower of Pisa and riding dolphins in the Pacific Ocean; the Eiffel Tower, Russian onion- dome buildings, a Greek temple, and a Dutch windmill are included in a panorama of Europe; and a pair of giraffes’ twisting necks formed an arch over the boat channel. It has been said that the ride is like “floating through one of her children’s books.” Blair also became intrigued with the ceramic tile process. She likened the process to wet watercolors, fluid and vibrant, but never fading. She prepared a piece made of 12 1’ square tiles, hand painted with 3D effects, featuring two small Mary Blair created a ceramic tile prototype featuring two children children to convey her vision for a much larger for her vision of a large mosaic mural for a Disney property. work. Completed, the 90’ mural was placed on the elevator wall in the Contemporary Resort Hotel at Florida’s Walt Disney World. This would be the last project Blair completed for Walt Disney Studios. 4040

The last project Mary Blair completed for Walt Disney Studios was a 90’ mural at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort Hotel. Serigraphs were made of images featured on the mural and displayed throughout the Hotel. There was a period of time that Blair took a Teller storefront windows on New York City’s break from Disney and built a successful career 5th Avenue, illustrations for greeting cards, and as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator. advertisements for Johnson & Johnson, Maxwell She found herself providing the illustrations for a House Coffee, and Nabisco. number of Little Golden Books, including I Can Blair, who lived in Soquel, California, passed Fly which is still in print. Her images and designs away in 1978. She was married to fellow Disney also were incorporated by Lord & Taylor into artist Lee Blair and was the mother of two. scarves and dresses. She created designs Her work will continue to live on in the for Radio City Music Hall’s holiday memories of those that visit any Disney spectaculars and television commercials theme park/resort or enjoy story time for products including toothpaste and with a Little Golden Book. ice cream, paper sculptures for Bonwit Mary Blair created illustrations for a number of Little Golden Books, including I Can Fly that is still in print. 41 35 4141

THIS IS OKLAHOMA: Mike Hearne Mike Hearne at “People don’t want to leave Southerndown here. Or if they do, they most Gold Club in his Welsh Men’s likely come back.” Team blazer. —MIKE HEARNE BY GINI MOORE CAMPBELL erhaps you have heard a This is Oklahoma podcast. Maybe Pyou have seen a post by This is Oklahoma with one of the many beautiful landscapes Oklahoma has to offer. But do you know the unique story of the Oklahoma- transplant who created the brand? Mike Hearne, born and raised in Bridgend, Wales, is the man behind the mic and the lens. The elder son born to Steve and Jennifer Hearne and older brother by five years to Lewis, Mike Hearne played one game of Wales’ national sport—rugby, but after getting hurt decided never to play again. He played a lot of football A young Mike Hearne with his grandfather, (soccer), but believed he was Ted Jones, at Southerndown Golf Club in only “decent,” never “amazing.” Wales. Hearne’s grandfather gave him his first golf club and sparked his interest in However, at the age of six his the sport. 42

grandfather gave him his first golf for the needs of the family. Hearne club and at the required age of spent the next 18 months behind eight he joined the local golf club. the bar at the Southerndown Golf Hearne fell in love with the sport; Club. Although he was making a it came naturally to him. living, he knew he had to get out By age 13 he stopped playing from behind the bar. He reapplied football and focused his attention to a number of colleges and on the sport of golf. He played universities and received one local events due to the high costs offer—a 50% scholarship from of competing. However, at the Coach Steve Hulsey at Southern age of 16, with funds he earned Nazarene University. from working and the support of a Southern Nazarene University Golf Coach Hearne knew nothing about sponsor, Hearne had the financial Steve Hulsey welcomed Mike Hearne to Oklahoma. In fact, his first visit backing to travel and compete in campus in August of 2011. to the United States was in 2011 larger and more notable events. Hearne remembers giving up a lot of his free time to play golf. While friends and classmates were hanging out on the weekends, you could find Hearne on the golf course. He appeared regularly in the local newspaper for his achievements in the sport. Hearne said, “Numerous times I was told golf isn’t a real sport, but I knew deep down that it was going to be In May, 2015 Mike Hearne graduated from my ticket to be something in life.” Southern Nazarene University. Celebrating It was the sport of golf that his achievement are parents Steve, left, brought Hearne to Oklahoma, and Jennifer. specifically to Bethany’s Southern Arriving at Southern Nazarene University, Nazarene University (SNU). With international students are assigned a host family. The Brattens, Denise, left, and Ray, friends already playing golf on right, with Mike Hearne, have become scholarship in the States, Hearne extended family. knew that he wanted to do the Mike Hearne, right, with brother Lewis, left, same. Hearne said, “Being in Wales and dad Steve. when it’s raining a lot, college golf is nowhere near the same level when he and his father made that it is here. . . I also still had the trip to get Hearne settled aspirations to be a professional into his dorm at SNU. Never and most of the UK’s top amateur being on a flight longer than four golfers were hopping across the hours, he boarded a plane in pond to play NCAA golf.” London and landed 10 ½ hours Upon graduation from high later in Oklahoma City on a hot, school in 2009, Hearne already balmy August afternoon. Hearne had committed to attend Nova remembered, “I’d left Wales in Southeastern University in Fort jeans and a hoodie, walking to Lauderdale, Florida. However, prior the rental car in that heat was the to making the move to Florida his hottest I had ever experienced.” father lost his job and the savings Hearne’s first impression for Hearne’s education was used of Oklahoma City did not instill 43 35

“Golf has given me every opportunity I’ve ever had in life. Everything that’s happened to me I can tie back to golf; I wouldn’t be here without it. In my opinion, golf is the best sport for self-development. Every day is different, every round is different. You learn as a kid to grow up really quick, how to act around older members. I played with my grandad and his friends a lot. You learn how to speak to others, so many life skills. And it’s all on you, you don’t have to rely on a teammate Mike Hearne, back row third from right, and the Welsh Men’s Home International Team. doing their part. If you fail it’s because of you.” City. Hearne explained he would was unsure of what kind of work —MIKE HEARNE be attending SNU and his father interested him, but he knew the would be returning to Wales in a expiration date of his one-year couple of days. The lady quickly work visa would be here before jotted down her telephone he knew it. A professor suggested the greatest confidence in his number, gave it to Hearne, and Hearne look into real estate. decision to relocate. Leaving Will told him to call if he needed He joined the Keller Williams Rogers World Airport and heading anything. He knew at that moment brokerage, made his own work north on Meridian Avenue to 39th he was somewhere unique. schedule, and played as much golf Expressway, Hearne noticed the Fast forward to May 2015, as he could. many industrial parks, small car Hearne graduated from SNU His first few years in the real lots, and abandoned buildings. with a degree in Marketing. He estate business proved fruitful. He thought to himself, “What have Mike Hearne and caddy Lee Griffiths at the Welsh Open at Celtic Manor Gold Club in Wales. I done?” Before his father headed back to Wales, the two headed east on 39th Expressway, historic Route 66, to the famous Ann’s Chicken Fry. When the chicken fried steak arrived, the portion size larger than any they had ever seen, covered in “white” gravy they couldn’t help but laugh. What was white gravy? Again, something they had never seen before. A lady in the booth next to them asked where they were from and what brought them to Oklahoma 44

But as his market of college camera was not where he felt multi-million dollar houses? Of friends dwindled as he helped comfortable. A friend suggested course,” Hearne said. “Am I going them purchase their first homes, creating a podcast and offered to blow up my podcast feed with he found it more of a struggle the use of the needed equipment luxury real estate proposals and to find leads. Never learning to he owned to do so. Hearne went sales content? No chance. Some be a salesman, and frankly not to work. His plan was to interview realtors might say that’s dumb, fond of the process, he watched people and, with real estate still but this is bigger than just me. YouTube videos. One that suggested his main j-o-b, place a real estate This has become a beacon for starting a community on social advertising slot at the beginning what Oklahoma stands for and the media caught his attention and he and end of each episode. people who live here.” “I don’t know if I never thought it was possible, but the amount of opportunity here is ridiculous. Literally you can do anything you want and make a business out of it. The fact that a guy from Wales can have a podcast and brand sharing stories about Oklahoma proves that anything can be done with hard work here.” —MIKE HEARNE Mike Hearne launched his This is Oklahoma podcast in May, 2018. launched an Instagram page named His first podcast aired in It was on a blind date during This is Oklahoma in July 2017. He May 2018 and by episode two he Hearne’s final semester at SNU featured Oklahoma sunsets, trendy realized that by commercializing that he met his future wife. and unknown restaurants, and “all the segments he was taking Chad McKamie, who Hearne’s things” Oklahoma. attention away from the real professor had suggested he talk The page was an instant focus of the podcast—the guest to about the real estate industry, hit. The number of followers interview. To date, he has recorded had asked what would happen continued to grow, but Hearne more than 300 podcasts, none if Hearne’s work visa expired. wanted to do more with it— with real estate advertisements. Sarcastically, Hearne replied, he wanted to tell stories. He Ironically, his real estate business “One, go back to school and be a attempted to record a video has grown, referrals are up, grad assistant for the golf team. introduction for the page but and people seek him out for his Two, go home. Three, get married realized being in front of the services. “Would I like to sell and stay.” 45 35

Married in the United States in February, 2016, Mike and Taryn Hearne returned to Hearne’s home in Wales a few months later to have wedding photos taken at Coity Castle, the same castle where Hearne’s parents had their wedding photos made. 46

“What do I like most about Oklahoma? This is a common answer—but it’s the people, we’re just different here. I notice it more when I travel back home and I do things others think that are odd. Simple things like opening the door, smiling at others, picking up trash, just stuff we think is normal to us but is so foreign to others.” —MIKE HEARNE Taking wedding photos at Coity Castle with Mike and Taryn Hearne, far right, were, from left, Mike Hearne’s dad Steve Hearne, mum Jennifer Hearne, brother Lewis Hearne, grandfather Ted Jones, grandmother Hilary Jones, aunt Minie Wager and uncle Nick Wager, McKamie asked Hearne, “Do to Oklahoma to celebrate his wanted to marry Taryn. It was you want to go on a double-date graduation. Hearne remembers not long before he asked for his with me, my wife, and my sister- his father saying, “You better future father-in-law’s blessing. in-law?” The first date the four marry that girl.” In planning to make his home in went bowling. Hearne remembers Following a six-week return Oklahoma permanent, Hearne not being a great bowler, but his home to play golf for the Wales scheduled an early February insecurity and shyness turned into Men’s Team around Europe, meeting with a local immigration humor that made an impression including traveling to Sweden for attorney. Taryn accompanied him on his date—Taryn Learned. The the European Team Championship to the appointment and both were couple continued to date and and Ireland for the Home left speechless when the attorney Taryn was introduced to Hearne’s Internationals, Hearne knew when said, “It takes 90 days to file the parents when they traveled he arrived back in Oklahoma he paperwork. Your visa ends May 31st. 47 35 47

Follow Mike Hearne and This is Oklahoma at #thisisoklahoma and @thisisoklahoma. You can also visit his website at oklahomapodcast.com. Mike Hearne’s host family bleeds orange and, as a result, so does Hearne. Game days in Stillwater and cheering on the Oklahoma State University Cowboys make the list for some of his favorite days. From left, Taryn Hearne, Lewis Hearne, Mike Hearne, Vickie Guy, Dave Guy, and Steve Hearne. “Most of the time my favorite place is on the golf course, Oklahoma City has a great municipal golf course, as well as world class country club courses. The Patriot in Owasso is a cool spot, I haven’t played Southern Hills or Karsten Creek yet, but I’ve heard unreal things.” —MIKE HEARNE 48

“Starting this summer, This is Oklahoma will feature the best homes in the state, from historical mansions and luxury cabins to modern masterpieces. Taking full advantage of Mike’s real estate background, This is Oklahoma will take you on a tour through Oklahoma’s most desired homes.” —MIKE HEARNE You have until March the 1st to again, but ask if the wedding Mike Hearne has taken get married and compile all the could happen the following week. his fascination and love for evidence to prove this is legit.” The couple were married in the his adopted state and shared Hearne had yet to ask Taryn living room of Taryn’s family it with those that are curious to marry him. Unfazed by the home on February 16, 2016. about Oklahoma, rekindled the attorney’s comments, she knew Making their home in Yukon, romance for those that once she wanted to marry Hearne the family has grown with the called Oklahoma home, and and these were the necessary addition of two golden doodles— reminded its current sons and steps to start their life together. Seve, named after a golfer from daughters why there is so much The couple facetimed Hearne’s Spain, and Greggs, named for a pride associated with being an parents to ask for and receive bakery in the United Kingdom that Oklahoman. their blessing. Next step was Taryn loves. to not only ask Taryn’s parents Lean in to local with unique "Made in Oklahoma" items Located inside the Gaylord-Pickens Museum 1400 Classen Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73106 49 35 Tues.-Fri. 10-5 & Sat. 9-2

OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Stanley Draper tanley Carlisle Draper was twenty- Snine years old when he arrived in Oklahoma City for the first time on August 19, 1919. Stepping off the train at Rock Island Depot, located just north of the city’s now-historic Skirvin Hotel, he was about to begin his new job as membership secretary of the city’s Chamber of Commerce, then called the Board of Trade. Although it is true Draper possessed an exceptional measure of foresight, he had little indication at the time that he would be guiding Oklahoma City through the twentieth-century as its most renowned and pragmatic urban planner. Stanley Draper was inducted to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1957. BY CHARLES WREN 50

raper was one of nine children born In command of Company K of the 38th Dto Chesley Winfield and Cornelia Infantry Regiment, Third Division, he led Rosetta “Rose” Draper on a farm near the his platoon through multiple major battles, small village of Lasker in Northampton including the Battle of Château-Thierry, County, North Carolina, on November where he earned commendations at 21, 1889. Draper’s father was a devoted the front lines for exceptional care and farmer and his mother had a similar direction of his men under severe artillery passion for the land. For many years bombardments. Following his honorable after his death she continued to lead a discharge from service in March 1919, rural life in Northampton County until Draper resumed his graduate studies at the her own passing. Draper, along with University of Chicago, but soon dropped his eight siblings, routinely assisted their out. He briefly returned to teaching at a Oklahoma City’s Huckins Hotel, located at 16-26 parents on the family farm, working long rural school in Illinois, lodging with the N. Broadway Avenue, was the site of many hours clearing pine trees and underbrush, family of fellow officer John D. Brown, Chamber luncheons that resulted in businesses and planting corn, potatoes, cotton and whom he had earlier befriended in the to form in or relocate to the capital city. The peanuts. The land around the Draper military. Brown eventually took a job as a hotel was torn down in 1971 as part of an urban renewal project. October 1957. Photo by Meyers family farm was known as Dismal Swamp city development researcher in Oklahoma Photo Shop. Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society country, a boggy but lush and verdant City, and it was through him that Draper Z.P. Meyers/Barney Hillerman Photographic region of Northampton County. Due to Collection. its swampy terrain much of the land in the region was inhospitable, with the nearby community of Lasker having a population of less than two hundred people. The childhood years Draper spent growing up in these relatively quiet surroundings stood in stark contrast to the noisy life he would later lead in Oklahoma City. Farming was not the type of career Draper had in mind for himself when he came of age. By the time he was nineteen years old, he had moved out of the family home, earning a teacher’s certificate and working at a school in Virginia. He enrolled at the Shenandoah Collegiate Institute and School of Music in Dayton, Virginia, in the fall semester of 1910, and soon got his first taste of organizational An aerial view of Tinker Air Force Base captured on an unknown date. It was learning of the U. S. Army leadership. Draper established many Air Corps’ desire for a new Midwestern air depot that prompted Stanley Draper to team up with city organizations at the school, including leaders to secure the new air base. Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society Z.P. Meyers/Barney Hillerman the school’s first chapter of the Modern Photographic Collection. Woodmen of America fraternal camp. He first learned that the city’s Chamber of also met Grace Schmelzenbach at the Commerce had been looking to hire school, a music instructor whom he would a new membership secretary. Having later marry in 1920. By the time Draper reached out to the Chamber through graduated with a bachelor’s degree in telegram, he was soon delighted, if not 1915, he had become the school’s financial surprised, to hear such good news from the secretary in charge of student enrollments. Chamber so quickly. The job was his. He went on to pursue a master’s Moving to Oklahoma City in August, degree at the University of Chicago, 1919, Draper spent his first days at the but when the U.S. entered World War Chamber familiarizing himself with the city, I in 1917 he put his studies on hold and in particular, its local industries, businesses, enlisted in the U.S. Army. After undergoing company owners, and city officials. He was Oklahoma City’s first municipal airport, later officer training at Fort Oglethorpe, Draper placed in charge of organizing and hosting renamed Will Rogers World Airport, on its arrived in Brest, France, in March 1918. opening day in 1932. Courtesy Oklahoma luncheons with business and civic leaders Historical Society. 51 35

impressive host at these events, enticing airport was built in 1932 and renamed fifty businesses to set up in or relocate to Will Rogers World Airport in 1941. Oklahoma City in his first three years with Draper’s special interest in aviation the Chamber. In 1928 alone, he brought in continued on to other important aircraft- 330 companies. related developments, most famous of Draper led other successful efforts in which was Tinker Air Force Base. In the his early Chamber years, most notable late 1930s, he learned from an associate of which was renaming the city. Prior in Washington, D.C. that U.S. Army Air to 1923, when the state capital had still Corps officials were looking to build a officially been known as “Oklahoma new Midwestern air depot to serve as a Station,” Draper could not accept that manufacturing site and point of service the word “city” was nowhere to be found for military aircraft traveling to and from in a name designating a metropolis that Stanley Draper, left, and Dudley C. Sharp at had about 90,000 residents. He initiated the dedication of the Tinker Air Force Base a petition and, along with 25,000 Hospital on January 23, 1960. signatures, submitted it to state officials The Federal Aviation Administration named its Aeronautical Center in honor of Mike Monroney who agreed to change the name. He in 1958. Photo by Bob Newkirk. Courtesy subsequently pressured federal officials Oklahoma Historical Society. until they, too, agreed to do the same on An aerial view of Lake Hefner, originally known as to build membership in the Chamber, the city’s official postmark. the Bluff Creek Reservoir, on May 18, 1948. The secure funding, and create collaborative With the passing of Chamber need for a second water source for Oklahoma development opportunities in the city’s President Ed Overholser in 1930, Draper City prompted a bond issue of nearly $7 million and the purchase of a large section of land in commercial, industrial, and urban planning became the managing director and was northwest Oklahoma City. Photo by Bill Johnson. sectors. He quickly learned, however, that by then in a position to lead major civic Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society Oklahoma the Chamber’s lack of a dining room at projects, the earliest of which included Publishing Company Photography Collection. the time made his tasks difficult. In prior Oklahoma City’s first municipal airport. the east and west coasts. Determined to years, the Chamber had been reliant on Since his days of military service in make Oklahoma City the designation the banquet room of the Huckins Hotel for World War I, Draper had been an early of the proposed facility, Draper teamed luncheons, and Draper soon found it was proponent of aviation, realizing the up with local civic leaders Edward K. not always available when he needed it future necessity of a public airline facility Gaylord, inducted to the Oklahoma Hall to be. With assistance from hotel owner in the city. Using funds generated by a of Fame in 1930, Wilbur E. Hightower, Joe Huckins, he succeeded in acquiring a public relations campaign in 1931 he Tom Braniff, and Frank Buttram, inducted to new banquet room and began organizing purchased a 640-acre tract of land in the the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1940, and luncheons weekly. Draper proved an southwestern part of the city, where the with his Chamber associates organized the 52

Industries Foundation, which acquired 960 Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1965, managed Reservoir was completed by 1944 and acres of land east of the city. Following an to convince the Houston center’s then acting in the following year was renamed Lake inspection by a team of War Department director, L.E. Shedenhelm, to move the center Hefner in honor of the mayor. By the late officials, the site was chosen for the new to Will Rogers Field located next to Will 1950s, however, as continued population air base on April 8, 1941, and began its Rogers World Airport. Development of the and industrial growth combined with operations the following year. At around center’s first buildings began in March 1946, recurring droughts in the decade, the the same time, Draper brought an aircraft and later that year the center held its first demand for more water had grown once manufacturing plant to Oklahoma City after classes and operations. It would go on to again. Draper initiated a new effort to convincing the California-based Douglas add several new buildings to its location and develop a third lake, this one located south Aircraft Company to build a facility east in 1958 was renamed the Mike Monroney of Tinker Air Force Base. Construction began of the air depot. The plant was eventually Federal Aeronautical Administration in 1961 and in 1963, development of the absorbed by the depot in 1945, forming Center, in honor of the Oklahoma senator new reservoir, along with six pump stations, who was inducted to the Oklahoma Hall a water treatment plant, and a 100-mile of Fame in 1961 and wrote the Federal pipeline connecting the new water supply Aviation Act establishing the Federal to Lake Atoka, was completed. The reservoir Aviation Administration. was named Lake Stanley Draper in 1964. Stanley Draper, right, and Oklahoma City Mayor Aside from aviation, Draper led George Shirk at the dedication of Stanley Draper important developments in the Oklahoma Lake, 1964. City water supply, as the city’s continued Draper also led developments in Tinker Field, which, after the establishment population growth demanded. With Lake Oklahoma City roads and highways, of the U.S. Air Force in 1947, was renamed Overholser then as the city’s lone water most notable of which included the old Tinker Air Force Base in 1948. source, in the late 1930s Draper teamed Stanley Draper Expressway, a stretch The Oklahoma City aviation industry up with Mayor Robert A. Hefner, inducted of I-40 through the downtown area. remained on Draper’s mind in the 1940s and, to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1949, First completed on January 8, 1966, the in 1942, when he began a correspondence and Coca-Cola Bottling Company Owner elevated highway served as a solution to with Bennett Griffin, who had established Virgil Browne, inducted to the Oklahoma a decades-old issue of traffic being held the Civil Aeronautics Administration Hall of Fame in 1961, and together led up by the old railroad tracks that still ran Standardization Center in Houston, Texas, a successful campaign to secure public through the center of the city. Additional Draper proposed a bold idea to relocate the support for a $6,911,000 bond issue for segments of the highway continued to be center to Oklahoma City. Griffin accepted the second reservoir. When the bond developed in following years, but today the Draper’s proposal but was called to military passed in February 1941, a large section expressway is no longer in use as a result service that year. In late 1945, Draper and of land northwest of Oklahoma City was of daily traffic exceeding its 76,000-vehicle Fred Jones, the Oklahoma City Aviation subsequently purchased and construction limit by the turn of the twenty-first century. Committee Chair who was inducted to the of the new lake began. The Bluff Creek Virtually all of it has been deconstructed 53 35

Proud to support the and, since 2012, has been replaced by TELLING OF OKLAHOMA’S STORY a newer crosstown expressway located roughly five blocks south of the original location. through its people By the time Draper retired as executive vice president of the Chamber in 1968, he had dedicated the last fifty years of his life guiding Oklahoma City through the twentieth century. Following retirement he began volunteering for the Oklahoma Memorial Association and used his connections with the Hefner family to secure a donation of their family mansion to the organization in 1970. He then led a fund-raising campaign to restore the building to its former glory and install what became the Anthony Oklahoma Heritage Gardens on its grounds. By 1972, when most renovations were complete, the organization moved into the building, made it their first permanent headquarters, and named it the Oklahoma Heritage House. That same year Draper became vice president of the organization, which Stanley Draper at the Anthony Oklahoma was renamed the Oklahoma Heritage Heritage Gardens at the Oklahoma Heritage Association and is known today as the House, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s first Oklahoma Hall of Fame. permanent home, during the 1970s. Located at When Stanley Draper passed away 201 N. W. 14th Street, the property is now owned by St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and the An aerial view of the Crosstown Expressway from heart failure on January 8, 1976, Oklahoma Hall of Fame makes its home in the under construction in 1965. Courtesy Oklahoma Oklahoma City lost one of the most Gaylord-Pickens Museum at N. W. 13th Street Historical Society Oklahoma Publishing Company profound urban planners of the twentieth- and Shartel Avenue. Photography Collection. century. A statue of Draper by Leonard McMurry, inducted to the Oklahoma Hall From left, E.K. Gaylord, Mrs. Grace Anne Draper, of Fame in 1981, that had been dedicated Stanley Draper, and George H. Shirk at the in 1974 in Bicentennial Park, between City Sheraton-Oklahoma Ballroom during the breakfast dedication of the Stanley Draper Expressway on Hall and the Civic Center Music Hall, January 8, 1966. remains today. *Additional items featuring Stanley Draper from the Oklahoma Hall of Fame collections are available on our website, oklahomahof.com, with more to be added in the near future. Stanley Draper at the unveiling of his statue at Bicentennial Park in Oklahoma City in January 1975. Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society. 54

Proud to support the TELLING OF OKLAHOMA’S STORY through its people 55 35

OHOF’S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE Christy Everest , Bruce Benbrook, and Nancy Payne Ellis at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Reception honoring the 2020 Oklahoma Hall Tricia Everest , third from left front row, spoke to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s Second Century Board in the Bennett-McClendon Great of Fame Honorees. Hall at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum. From left, Reggie Whitten , Mike Burrage , Patti Sawyer, and Xavier Neira were eager to congratulate those inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class of 2020 during the May 4th reception. Members of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Teen Board congratulated the Members of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class of 2020 at a Karen Orton, left, helps Julie Korff set up a display of the Orton Students at Norman’s Terra Verde Discovery School enjoyed learning reception in their honor. House Seasonings in OHOF: The Museum Store at the Gaylord- about Oklahomans with the Pioneer Spirit traveling exhibit made Pickens Museum. possible by a grant through the Oklahoma Humanities Council. Denotes Member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame 56

OHOF’S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE CALENDAR EVERY TUESDAY DISCOVERY DAYS VIRTUAL STORY TIME, CRAFTS AND SHOW AND TELL FOR AGES 3-7 EVERY THURSDAY IN JUNE AND JULY SUMMER THURSDAY STORY TIME, CRAFTS, AND A MOVIE FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM JUNE 30 JESSICA BELLAMY ARTIST TALK JULY 10 SEE YOU SATURDAY FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM JULY 21 SUNNI MERCER ARTIST TALK Mike Larsen , left, congratulates 2021 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honoree Harvey Pratt on AUGUST 5 being selected for induction at the 2021 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Announcement Luncheon. JESSICA BELLAMY – SUNNI MERCER EXHIBIT RECEPTION AUGUST 14 SEE YOU SATURDAY FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM THROUGH AUGUST 21 JESSICA BELLAMY – SUNNI MERCER EXHIBIT SEPTEMBER 4 BEYOND THE COMMON THREAD EXHIBIT OPENING Terra Verde Discovery School students learned about Oklahoma astronaut Shannon Lucid Jim Stovall, center, with wife Crystal Stovall, left, and Terri Cornett prior to the Oklahoma SEPTEMBER 11 while the Pioneer Spirit traveling exhibit was on display at their school. Hall of Fame Announcement Luncheon where Stovall was named a 2021 Honoree. SEE YOU SATURDAY FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM OCTOBER 9 SEE YOU SATURDAY FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM OCTOBER 11 – 16 FALL Y’ALL STORY TIME, CRAFTS, AND A MOVIE FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM NOVEMBER 13 SEE YOU SATURDAY FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM NOVEMBER 18 94TH ANNUAL OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY COX BUSINESS CONVENTION CENTER, TULSA THROUGH NOVEMBER 20TH BEYOND THE COMMON THREAD EXHIBIT DECEMBER 2 24 WORKS ON PAPER EXHIBIT OPENING DECEMBER 11 SEE YOU SATURDAY FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM VISIT OKLAHOMAHOF.COM FOR DETAILS AND TO REGISTER Dr. Stephen M. Prescott , left, and Len Cason, who Prescott selected as his Presenter, at the May 4 Col. Stanley Evans, with wife Saundra, prior to the official announcement of him being reception at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum to honor the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class of 2020. named as a 2021 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honoree. 57 35

OHOF’S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE From left, Darren Shrum, Kayse Shrum, Ann Hargis, and Burns Hargis at the May 4th reception at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum honoring the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class of 2020. From left, Jennifer Grigsby, Martha Burger , and Levi Smith exploring the Legacy Map in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Gallery. Make-and-take crafts were enjoyed by the more than 500 that visited the Gaylord-Pickens Museum for the Fall Y’All Festival in November. Hannah Allam is one of the Oklahomans featured in the Pioneer Spirit traveling exhibit that is available through the Gaylord-Pickens Museum. Choctaw Nation Assistant Chief Jack Austin, Jr., second from left, and his wife Philisha congratulate Chief Gary Batton , and wife Angie, right, on Chief Batton’s induction to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class of 2020 attending a reception in their honor at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, home of the Oklahoma Hall Bradley Fritch, left, answers questions of students from Christian Zachary and his grandmother Sheila Ramirez take a break to of Fame, were, Dr. Stephen M. Prescott , front, and, from left, Chief Gary Batton , Calvin J. Anthony , John W. Smith , and Martha Heritage Academy in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Gallery. read in Makerspace at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum. Burger . Unable to attend were Charles Dennis “Denny” Cresap , Terry Stuart Forst and Francis Rooney . 58

OHOF’S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE Oklahoma Hall of Fame President & CEO Shannon L. Rich, left, and Chairman Bruce Benbrook, right, congratulate members of the Class of 2021 attending the May 20th Oklahoma Hall of Fame Announcement Luncheon. From second from left, Harvey Pratt, Jim Stovall, Yvonne Kauger, and Stanley L. Evans. Unable to attend the Announcement Luncheon were Hannibal B. Johnson, Paula Marshall, and Scott Hendricks. Roscoe Dunjee will be inducted posthumously. Oklahoma Hall of Fame 2020 Honoree John W. Smith and his family with his portrait in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Gallery. DG Smalling, right, explains the meaning behind one of his pieces featured in The Visage of Modern Matriarchy exhibit at the Gaylord- Pickens Museum. J. D. and Gina Leeds, standing outside, congratulated Dr. Stephen M. Prescott , and his wife Susan, standing center, on Dr. Prescott’s induction as a Member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class of 2020. Artist Nicole Moan, left, visits with guests during the reception for The Visage of Modern Matriarchy opening in the Tulsa World | Lorton Family Gallery at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum. 2020 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honoree Martha Burger and Don Rowlett celebrated Burger’s induction at the reception for The Picture Yourself exhibit is always a hit. Christian Heritage Academy students posed for a picture while learning about Members of Members of the Class of 2020. the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in the ranching and farming industry. Denotes Member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame 59 35

OHOF’S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE Artist DG Smalling visits with guests during the reception for The Visage of Modern Matriarchy Jonna Kauger, left, and Kyle Shifflett, right, congratulate Justice Yvonne Kauger on being Fourth grade students from Del City’s Christian Heritage Academy learned about opening in the Tulsa World | Lorton Family Gallery at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum. selected as a 2021 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honoree. Charlie Christian while viewing his guitar in the Oklahoma Through Its People Gallery at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum. Class of 2020 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honoree Chief Gary Batton , center, surrounded by family and friends who came to celebrate From left, 2020 Honorees Calvin J. Anthony and John W. Smith share elements of the Legacy Map with Smith’s children. his induction during the May 4 reception at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum. The family of Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honoree Calvin J. Anthony , fifth from left, admired his portrait in the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Gallery. Bradley Fritch, left, and Emma Leach prepare boxes of classroom supplies and activities for students in southeastern Oklahoma thanks Denotes Member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame to a grant from the Carolyn Watson Rural Oklahoma County Community Foundation. 60

OHOF’S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE NEW RELEASES DONOR SPOTLIGHT BY HALSEY B. MUSSELMAN OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME PUBLISHING The Cameron Family and American Fidelity Assurance Company: The First 60 Years By Max Nichols and Bob Burke $28.95 Shyla Woody Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Shyla Woody is an outstanding leader not only through her involvement in school clubs and sports, including Student Council and varsity cheer, but also through her active service on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Teen Board. As The compelling story of the Cameron family and the Cameron Group of companies began the incoming Alumni Relations Chair, Shyla will in a small Oklahoma town. After decades of selling insurance for other companies, the work to connect former Teen Board members father-son duo of C. W. and C. B. Cameron took a risk and formed their own company. with the current board. Shyla noted, “I joined American Fidelity Assurance Company, the flagship of the Cameron companies, began the Teen Board because I was searching for operating in Oklahoma in 1960. Rated A+ (Superior) by A. M. Best since 1982, American new opportunities to get active in the state. Fidelity Assurance Company achieved success as one of the nation’s largest private, family- This seemed perfect because I would be able owned life and health insurance companies. American Fidelity Assurance Company is a to network with other teenagers and make a supplemental benefits provider serving more than 1 million policyholders across 49 states positive impact at the same time.” with a focus on offering a different opinion for customers in the education, public sector, In a year when many Oklahomans were automotive and healthcare industries. affected by the global health crisis, Shyla stayed true to her word, singlehandedly raising more than $2,300, making her the Teen Board’s top fundraiser. Funds she raised I S B E €y loe for Beaers Bend began as a child when LL and amazing food and colorful small businesses we isited my grandfather who worked at the state A that line Highway 259 make the area so unique, so ark.ND directly support educational opportunities authentic, and oh so busy these days. BJERRY ISBELL AND BOB BURKE ‚AƒI‚ PAYNE „Tƒ Channel … Meteorolo†i­tU MATT PINNELLRK Explosion of Prosperity: Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma The beauty of the local nature was breathtaking, E for students across the state including the and we truly felt like we had entered a different The Hochatown and Broken Bow area are an world. imortant and integral art of the ast, resent, A History of Broken Bow Lake, and future of the hoctaw ation of klahoma.‚ TY ‚ƒORACE Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s Free Field Trip AC an€ EPN ‡ort­ Analˆ­t CHIEF GARY ATTON Chota Nation of OklahomaThere is no lace like Beaers Bend and Broken Bow ƒake where you can forget all the burdens Beavers Bend State Park The magic of Beaers Bend still eists if you sto of life and totally rela and en„oy the slendor of program and its virtual component, OHOF nature. long enough to watch, and listen, and introduce EXP yourself. lease tell it that ­imberly sends her loe.‰ARI AIN Former Lieutenant Governor of OklahomaL and Hochatown IMERLY NORRIG ERREROO S Adventures. “The Free Field Trip program is Atre­­ an€ E€uator…rowing u on the lains of the klahoma I anhandle, going to southeast klahoma was like ON OF PR a tri to a lush aradise. †f you’e been, you will loe the history and hotograhy. †f you hae not isited, this book will draw you to this unique and sentimental to me because I know what it’s like magical lace hidden dee in klahoma’s history O and geograhy.SPEREXPLOSION By Jerry Isbell and Bob Burke MICHAEL RO„NI Former n€er eretarˆ of Homelan€ euritˆT to attend a school with limited resources. Our Y $24.99 OF PROSPERITY fundraiser directly impacts the youth and gives $24.95 A Hi­torˆ of roken o LakeŠ them a memorable experience that may not eaver­ en€ tate Park an€ Hohaton 1400 Classen Drive Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106 405.235.4458The shimmering waters of Broken Bow have been financially possible.” www.OklahomaHoF.comLake. Courtesy Randy Sander.Printed in Canada In her second year on the Teen Board, Old Hochatown, once a sleepy Choctaw Indian village, became an isolated haven for Shyla is looking forward to being able to meet white settlers in the 20th century. Nearby on the Mountain Fork River, Beavers Bend State with her peers in person and furthering her Park was built by a government make-work program during the Great Depression and statewide impact. Meeting people from across came online as the crown jewel of Oklahoma’s state parks in 1936. the state is one of her favorite things about Old Hochatown was moved from its location in the Mountain Fork River Valley in the Teen Board because according to Shyla the 1960s to make way for Broken Bow Lake. Tourism grew from a small business to “everyone is different, from the types of schools an enormous enterprise as people from Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas discovered its we attend to what we do in our free time.” splendor. For more information on the Oklahoma This book captures the bold and exciting history of the area, chronicles the lives of Hall of Fame Teen Board, please contact characters who pioneered life in Hochatown, and explains and highlights the phenomenal Development Coordinator Halsey B. growth of tourism and accommodations around new Hochatown and Broken Bow Lake. Musselman at [email protected]. 61 35

FRIENDS OF THE MEDALLION GIVING SOCIETY Friends of the Medallion have a shared interest in preserving and telling the stories of extraordinary Oklahomans. Their support sustains the 92-year tradition of recognizing accomplished Oklahomans with the state’s highest honor–induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. MISSION PARTNERS Page Davidson Ms. JoAnn Schaub Mr. and Mrs. Bob Burke Mr. and Mrs. Chad Dillingham William Schonacher The Chickasaw Nation Ms. Rebecca Dixon Mr. T.W. Shannon Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Mr. Everett Dobson Mr. Blake Shelton E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation Wendy and Gentner Drummond Kayse M. Shrum, D.O. The Puterbaugh Foundation Jeffrey T. Dunn Richard L. Sias Carl and Susan Edwards Mr. Hal Smith CONSTANCY CIRCLE Greg and Paige Elliott Lee Allan Smith Sheryl and Bruce Benbrook First United Bank Randy Stafford Inasmuch Foundation Amy Anne Ford Charles and Peggy Stephenson Family Foundation Peggy Kates Chad Ford Jon R. Stuart Standley Systems LLC Chip and Shannon Fudge Mr. and Mrs. Barry Switzer R.A. Young Foundation Jane Jayroe and Gerald Gamble Marnie and Clayton Taylor Dr. and Mrs. Gib Gibson Judge and Mrs. Ralph G. Thompson GOLD CIRCLE Anne and Mike Greenwood Steve Turnbo Allied Arts Mr. David Griffin Charles and Sharen Jester Turney Governor and Mrs. Bill Anoatubby Mr. and Mrs. Steven Grigsby Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Turpen Ms. Martha Burger Mr. and Mrs. John D. Groendyke Dr. Jim Utterback Foundation Management Mr. Harold Hamm Blake and Donna Wade Mr. Fred Jones Hall Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hancock Hardy and Kari Watkins Tim Headington Hardesty Family Foundation The Honorable J.C. Watts, Jr. The Mary Gaylord McClean Foundation Nathaniel Harding Judge Linda English Weeks Larry and Polly Nichols Mr. and Mrs. V. Burns Hargis Mrs. Avilla T. Williams Ms. Shannon Rich Fred and Kellie Harlan Mr. and Mrs. G. Rainey Williams, Jr. Mrs. Jane B. Harlow Susan Winchester MISTLETOE CIRCLE H.T. and Edna Mae Holden Mr. and Mrs. Allen Wright Mr. and Mrs. Steve Burrage John and Janet Hudson MAGAZINE DONORS Ms. Tricia Everest Ronnie and Shahnaaz Irani Bruce and Sheryl Benbrook Mr. and Mrs. Ken Fergeson The Honorable Bernard and Dr. Mautra Jones Dr. William and Theta Juan Bernhardt Mustang Fuel Corporation The Honorable and Mrs. Frank Keating Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Cappy Mr. and Mrs. David Rainbolt Mr. Christian K. Keesee Dr. and Mrs. Tom Carlile The Kerr Foundation, Inc. William Tad Cole FRIENDS OF THE MEDALLION Mr. Percy Kirk Samuel and Rita Combs American Fidelity Foundation Mr. and Mrs. David L. Kyle Wendy and Gentner Drummond Mr. and Mrs. Calvin J. Anthony Mr. Bill Lance Mr. and Mrs. John Gibbs The Honorable Jari Askins Dr. Kathy Laster Hardesty Family Foundation Dewey R. Bartlett, Jr. Larry and Marilyn Lee — RAM Energy LLC Fred and Kellie Harlan Brenda Jones Barwick Mr. and Mrs. Duke R. Ligon Heritage Trust Co. Mr. Johnny Bench Mr. and Mrs. Dave R. Lopez Holder Drug – Todd Holder Mr. and Mrs. Clayton I. Bennett Roxana and Robert Lorton INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center The Honorable Dan and Andrea Boren Tom and Judy Love Kent “Gib” and Jennifer James Charles and Cassandra Bowen Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Greg Massey Peggy Kates Mrs. Barbara Braught Mr. John McArthur and Mrs. Karla Oty Marilyn and Ed Keller Mr. Steve M. Brown Mr. Bob Meinders Lynn A. McIntosh Chris and Gini Moore Campbell Frank and Debbi Merrick Mekusukey Oil Company, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Mike D. Case Mr. and Mrs. Joe Moran III Moran Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Joe Castiglione Michael S. Neal NBC Bank Mrs. Jill Castilla Mrs. Susan Bingham Neal John and Shirley O’Neal Ms. Kristin Chenoweth Linda and Xavier Neira Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Parker Mr. Stan Clark Julie and John Nickel Dr. Barry and Mrs. Roxanne Pollard Dean Andrew M. Coats The Honorable Ron and Kandy Norick The Puterbaugh Foundation Samuel and Rita Combs Mr. William G. Paul Mr. and Mrs. Jon Shirley Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth H. Cooper S. Bond and Lori Payne Brannon B. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Rick Cooper Adam and Whitney Rainbolt Robert and Karen Travis Living Trust Mr. and Mrs. Mick Cornett Mr. Robert Reilly and Judge Maxey Reilly Mrs. Peggy Upham Mr. and Mrs. Art Cotton Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Robson Mr. Pete White Bill and Carol Crawford Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Ross Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Williams THANK YOU TO ALL DONORS OF A portion of every donation, regardless of the amount, With questions, please contact Michelle Sopp at THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME goes toward funding Oklahoma: Magazine of the 405.523.3207 or [email protected]. This list Oklahoma Hall of Fame and its distribution to every represents donors making unrestricted contributions senior high school library statewide. as of June 4, 2021. 62

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GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM YES! I WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME. MR./MRS./DR./MS. SUBSCRIPTION .....................................$35 INDIVIDUALISM ....................................$50 SPOUSE PREFERRED TELEPHONE ( ) PERSEVERANCE ..................................$100 ADDRESS EMAIL PIONEER SPIRIT .................................$250 CITY STATE ZIP OPTIMISM .........................................$500 FRIENDS OF THE MEDALLION ............$1,000 PREFERRED LISTING MISTLETOE CIRCLE ..........................$2,500 Your name as you wish to be acknowledged in Oklahoma Hall of Fame publications. GOLD CIRCLE ..................................$5,000 CHECK PAYABLE TO: OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME CONSTANCY CIRCLE........................ $10,000 CHARGE MY VISA MASTERCARD DISCOVER AMEX NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE / CVV# SIGNATURE MAIL TO: OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME | 1400 CLASSEN DRIVE | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73106 DONATION LEVELS & BENEFITS SUBSCRIPTION | $35 OPTIMISM | $500 GOLD CIRCLE | $5,000 •One-year subscription to Oklahoma: Magazine •Pioneer Spirit benefits plus one weekday use of the •Friends of the Medallion benefits plus one of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Hall of Devon Classroom or Centennial Boardroom weekend use of a Gaylord-Pickens Museum event Fame Headlines e-newsletter space* FRIENDS OF THE MEDALLION | $1,000 •Recognition at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Banquet INDIVIDUALISM | $50 & Induction Ceremony and in the printed program. •Subscription benefits plus annual admission pass •Optimism benefits plus invitation for two to Friends of to the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, home of the the Medallion special events in 2019 CONSTANCY CIRCLE | $10,000 Oklahoma Hall of Fame •One weekday use of a Gaylord-Pickens Museum event space* •Gold Circle benefits plus the opportunity to honor one •Invitations to gallery openings, book signings and •Advance opportunity to purchase tickets to the member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame with a Link to other Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Hall of Fame Banquet & Induction a Legacy at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Banquet & Museum events Ceremony Induction Ceremony in November •Recognition in Oklahoma: Magazine of the •Customized benefits package PERSEVERANCE | $100 Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Hall •Individualism benefits plus annual family admission of Fame Banquet & Induction Ceremony printed pass for two adults and household children under program 18 to the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame MISTLETOE CIRCLE | $2,500 PIONEER SPIRIT | $250 •Friends of the Medallion benefits plus one •Perseverance benefits plus a 25% discount on a weeknight use of a Gaylord-Pickens Museum event one-time rental of the Devon Classroom* space* *Event space must be used within one year of contribution and is subject to availability; additional fees may apply For more information about any of our donor levels or to customize your donor package at the $2,500 level and above, call Michelle Sopp at 405.523.3207. 64

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$3.95 $3.95 Kids Fest Comes to you! Saturday, July 24 10am to 1pm Join us July 24 for Oklahoma City’s premier family fun event - Kids Fest! Here’s how it works: Begin your day at one of five locations across the metro for FREE family fun like face painting, bounce houses, character meet and greets and more! From 10am-1pm pick up your Kids Fest swag bag and adventure map, featuring family fun attractions and local businesses offering admission discounts, coupons and giveaways - just for you! Then spend the rest of your day visiting participating locations to take advantage of these special family fun deals! Give back to your community while having fun! We are collecting school supplies at each starting point for children in foster care through Citizens Caring for Children. Let us know you’re coming to “Kids Fest Comes to You” and be automatically entered to win a Summer Getaway Package to the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas. Presenting Sponsor: Community Sponsors: metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-fest/