June 2022 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Magazine

JUNE 2022 MAGAZINE OF THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME TELLING OKLAHOMA'S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE SINCE 1927 CARLOS BARBOZA’S FIELD OF DREAMS BIRTH OF THE GREAT STATE FAIR OF OKLAHOMA MAKING WINE FOR A CAUSE: GIRLS GONE WINE SAGE & ELM APOTHECARY: KRYSTLE ROBINSON-HERSHEY OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: ALMA BELL WILSON GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM

Let’s Partner For Better Health At INTEGRIS Health, our mission is partnering with people to live healthier lives—and these days, Olahomans are living aster, more demanding lives than ever That’s why we’re introduing new health are innovations that deliver more fle i­ility, onveniene and high€‚uality e perienes ƒrom new urgent care centers aross the metro, to a utting€edge home hospitalization program or aute are patients, the only hospital€­ased Medicare Advantage program in the area and a brand-new heart hospital, we are ommitted to meeting your every health are need—at your speed Your Health Partner for Life. integrisok.com

JUNE 2022 VOLUME 27 • NUMBER 1 PRESIDENT & CEO Shannon L. Rich VICE PRESIDENT CONTENTS Gini Moore Campbell CHAIRMAN, PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE Bob Burke DESIGN MAGAZINE OF THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME Skip McKinstry skipmckinstry.com 2 From the Chairman From the President Rebecca Dixon Shannon L. Rich Subscription .....................................$35 3 Carlos Barboza’s Individualism ...................................$50 Field of Dreams Perseverance .................................$100 Carol Mowdy Bond Pioneer Spirit .................................$250 Optimism ...................................... $500 Friends of the Medallion ................... $1,000 Let’s Partner Mistletoe Circle ............................. $2,500 12 Birth of the Great State Gold Circle ................................$5,000 Fair of Oklahoma D O N O R L E V E L SConstancy Circle ...........................$10,000 Bob Burke & For Better Health Mission Partner .......................$25,000 Gini Moore Campbell At INTEGRIS Health, our mission is partnering with people to live healthier For additional information contact the 24 Making Wine For a Cause: Oklahoma Hall of Fame lives—and these days, Olahomans are living aster, more demanding lives 1400 Classen Drive Girls GoneWine Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106 Bob Burke than ever Telephone 405.235.4458 or Toll Free 888.501.2059 That’s why we’re introduing new health are innovations that deliver more E-mail [email protected] 28 Sage & Elm Apothecary: fle i­ility, onveniene and high€‚uality e perienesVisit the organization's website at Krystle Robinson-Hershey OklahomaHOF.com Gini Moore Campbell ƒrom new urgent care centers aross the metro, to a utting€edge home Unsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by return postage. hospitalization program or aute are patients, the only hospital€­ased Unless otherwise noted, all images are Medicare Advantage program in the area and acourtesy of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. 34 Oklahoma Hall of Fame brand-new heart hospital, Member Spotlight: we are ommitted to meeting your every health are need—at your speedLIBRARY DISTRIBUTION MADE POSSIBLE Alma Bell Wilson THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF Mattie Barlow DONORS STATEWIDE. MISSION PARTNERS 39 Oklahoma’s Story MR. AND MRS. BOB BURKE Through Its People THE CHICKASAW NATION E. L. AND THELMA GAYLORD FOUNDATION OKLAHOMA CHILLER THE PUTERBAUGH FOUNDATION Your Health Partner for Life. COVER IMAGE: CARLOS BARBOZA’S HOMELAND MURAL integrisok.com

FROM THE FROM THE CHAIRMAN... PRESIDENT... Elected as chair of the Oklahoma Hall classrooms year-round and traveling 2022 is our 95th year and we already announcing those the Honorees select of Fame in December, I am thrilled to exhibits are available at no charge are planning for the centennial of the to serve as their Presenters in the coming serve in this capacity for the this nearly- to schools, museums, and public Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Committees have months and tickets go on sale in August. 100-year-old statewide organization. spaces. The Oklahoma Scholarship been assembled, programming leading We expect another sell out, so make your I want to acknowledge Chair-emeritus Competition makes at least 10 up to 100 years is being introduced, and reservations early. Bruce Benbrook for guiding us through scholarships available to high school the current class of Honorees has been Through September 15th “Vida the most difficult time in our history—the students in each of our 77 counties announced. Oklahoma” is on display in the Tulsa COVID pandemic. His leadership and one senior is awarded the Receiving Oklahoma’s highest honor World | Lorton Family Gallery. Featuring instilled trust among donors and Oklahoma Hall of Fame Scholarship with induction to the Oklahoma Hall the works of Carlos Barboza and Isaac staff, while at the same time ensuring annually. Our library distribution of Fame this November will be Sue Diaz, you will not want to miss this exhibit. the safety of the team and the fiscal program provides books celebrating Ann Arnall, Poteau; Dr. Bob Blackburn, While here, please check out Scissortail strength of the organization. our rich history to public school Oklahoma City; Chet Cadieux, Tulsa; Gifts. Our Museum store has a new look During my time as chair I want libraries at no charge. And this is Patty Gasso, Norman; Roger Hardesty, and features a wide assortment of Made to focus on making certain every just a sampling of the educational Tulsa; Joy Harjo, Tulsa; and Dr. Pamela in Oklahoma and unique gifts, perfect for Oklahoman knows what the programs made available by the McCauley, Oklahoma City. Leon Russell, your giving needs. Oklahoma Hall of Fame has to offer. Oklahoma Hall of Fame on an originally from Lawton, will be inducted Did you know that every Oklahoma annual basis. posthumously. The 2022 Oklahoma Hall classroom can visit the Gaylord- I encourage you to visit of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held Pickens Museum free of charge and OklahomaHoF.com to learn more on the evening of November 17 at the Cox receive a gas stipend of $5 per about these programs and countless Business Convention Center in Tulsa. We student? The Gaylord-McCasland others. I hope you will share these are grateful The Chickasaw Nation and the Shannon L. Rich Teacher Fellowship provides educators opportunities with the educators and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma generously PRESIDENT & CEO experiences to enrich their roles in the students in your life! stepped up as Presenting Sponsors for the classroom. Home School Days reserve event. In addition, the nations, the Cresap the Museum for students to engage in Family Foundation, Mr. Robert A. Funk, programming and crafts that support and Mrs. and Mrs. Herman Meinders their curriculum. Online instruction and Rebecca Dixon have made multiple-year commitments activities are available to students and CHAIRMAN as Production Partners. We will be CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD CHAIRMEN’S COUNCIL AJ GRIFFIN EDMOND REBECCA DIXON TULSA GOVERNOR BILL ANOATUBBY ADA JENNIFER M. GRIGSBY OKLAHOMA CITY CALVIN J. ANTHONY STILLWATER JOE D. HALL ELK CITY CHAIR-ELECT OF THE BOARD NEVYLE R. CABLE JENKS MICHELLE HARDESTY TULSA FRANK W. MERRICK OKLAHOMA CITY PAT HENRY LAWTON ANN HARGIS STILLWATER CHAIRMAN EMERITUS GLEN D. JOHNSON OKLAHOMA CITY HANNIBAL B. JOHNSON TULSA ORS BRUCE T. BENBROOK WOODWARD ROXANA LORTON TULSA MAUTRA STALEY JONES OKLAHOMA CITY TOM J. MCDANIEL OKLAHOMA CITY PEGGY KATES OKLAHOMA CITY VICE CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD - EC JOE P. MORAN III TULSA CATHY KEATING OKLAHOMA CITY CHIEF GARY BATTON DURANT LEE ALLAN SMITH OKLAHOMA CITY KATHY LASTER SHAWNEE SAMUEL COMBS III TULSA MARK A. STANSBERRY EDMOND JUDY LOVE OKLAHOMA CITY ART COTTON OKLAHOMA CITY ERIKA LUCAS EDMOND PAGE DAVIDSON BROKEN ARROW WES MILBOURN OKLAHOMA CITY KEN FERGESON ALTUS DIRECTORS MIKE NEAL TULSA EDNA MAE HOLDEN KREMLIN JARI ASKINS DUNCAN SUSAN BINGHAM NEAL TULSA WHITNEY RAINBOLT OKLAHOMA CITY CORPORATE SECRETARY DEWEY F. BARTLETT JR. TULSA BOB BURKE OKLAHOMA CITY BARBARA BRAUGHT DUNCAN EDIE ROODMAN OKLAHOMA CITY ANDRE’ CALDWELL OKLAHOMA CITY BOB ROSS OKLAHOMA CITY TREASURER BRAD CARSON TULSA JOANN SCHAUB TULSA STEVE BURRAGE ANTLERS JILL CASTILLA EDMOND WILLIAM SCHONACHER OKLAHOMA CITY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AT LARGE STAN CLARK STILLWATER BRANDON D. SCOTT BROKEN ARROW CLAYTON I. BENNETT OKLAHOMA CITY JODI CLINE PONCA CITY T.W. SHANNON OKLAHOMA CITY LINDA ENGLISH WEEKS NORMAN AMANDA R. CLINTON TULSA KAYSE SHRUM STILLWATER TERRI CORNETT OKLAHOMA CITY C. RENZI STONE OKLAHOMA CITY ARD OF DIRECT PRESIDENT & CEO CHAD DILLINGHAM ENID STEVEN W. TAYLOR MCALESTER SHANNON L. RICH OKLAHOMA CITY CHERYL EVANS BURLINGTON JIM UTTERBACK EARLSBORO AMY ANNE FORD DURANT J.C. WATTS JR. NORMAN VICE PRESIDENT JANE JAYROE GAMBLE OKLAHOMA CITY CHAD WIGINTON ALTUS BO GINI MOORE CAMPBELL OKLAHOMA CITY ANNE M. GREENWOOD STILLWATER ALLEN WRIGHT OKLAHOMA CITY OklahomaHOF.com 222

Carlos Barboza’s Field of Dreams BY CAROL MOWDY BOND Carlos Barboza with the mural he created for Tease Hair Design Studio in Yukon, Oklahoma. (Courtesy Carlos Barboza) 33

Carlos Barboza completed his first A native of San José, Costa Rica, Barboza and his mural of 2022 early in the year. As usual, it is another family moved to the United States when he was ten “wow-that’s-incredible masterpiece,” and it graces years old. “My dad was an electrical engineer with a an exterior wall of Hope Community Services, Inc. university degree,” Barboza explains. “We lived a very “It’s 50’x20’ and it had to be designed and installed comfortable life as an upper middle-class family in in record time of two weeks,” Barboza says. “It’s a Costa Rica.” project of the Oklahoma Arts Council’s Art in Public But Barboza’s parents wanted to give their children Places Program in cooperation with the Oklahoma more opportunities. They left everything behind Department of Human Services.” and headed north to the United States, landing in El Barboza is one of those rare individuals who was Reno, Oklahoma to be near relatives. born an artist. Refusing to grade his art homework, “At first, we lived with relatives,” Barboza tells. an elementary school teacher insisted his parents “And then we moved into a very cramped, small did his work for him. “My mom had to go to the apartment. It was a big cultural shift. My dad did school and prove that I did the work myself,” maintenance work. It was very blue-collar work, and explains Barboza. “Since before I can remember, I’ve he did not speak English. He had been a professional been doing art.” in Costa Rica, and he was willing to do this way below his skill level. He has never complained.” Barboza attended El Reno schools for 5th through 6th grades before moving to Yukon, graduating from Yukon High School in 2008. After high school Barboza enrolled in a few college classes, but things weren’t going smoothly. He ended up working jobs to pay bills and painted and drew on paper and canvas during off hours. Then a friend asked him to paint an exterior mural for her Yukon business. In four to five days, he completed his first mural. And only two months later, Yukon Chamber of Commerce CEO Pam Shelton contacted Barboza about a project. They met to discuss her ideas in 4

Oklahoma City’s Hope Community Services, Inc. commissioned Carlos Barboza for a mural on their exterior. (Courtesy Carlos Barboza) Carlos Barboza’s 1,800-square-foot mural “A City in Bloom” at The Museum Broken Arrow, 400 South Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK. (Courtesy Carlos Barboza) 5 5

Carlos Barboza’s oil on canvas of his father. (Courtesy Carlos Barboza) taking off. His murals, now on both interior and exterior walls, are all over Yukon and numerous other Oklahoma locations. Unveiled on December 5, 2021, Barboza’s mural on the new 30,000-square-feet Homeland grocery store, located on the corner of Northeast 36th Street and Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City May 2019 and he quickly began working with the near the Oklahoma State Capitol, proved to be a chamber board. As a result, the nonprofit Friends of life-changing experience for the artist. The project Yukon’s Best Inc. commissioned Barboza to paint was commissioned by The Alliance for Economic a mural in front of Yukon’s iconic grain elevators Development of Oklahoma City in collaboration with on Route 66. Barboza created a masterpiece that the City of Oklahoma City. Barboza describes that depicts Yukon’s history. “I found an old post card the endeavor involved 37 production days and 200 about the train coming through Yukon. It’s my cans of spray paint. favorite part of the mural. It’s a call back to the Barboza’s Homeland mural is one of the largest people who started this town.” art projects undertaken in northeast Oklahoma City “Putting that wall together. Three weeks of painting in recent history. “This mural only includes African all day every day. I really enjoyed it. I would watch American people,” Barboza says. “I began in early the trains go by. It was fun. It was easy. It was a joyful October 2021 and finished late November that experience overall.” same year. It was about 1 ½ months of work, and it With more and more of his murals drawing is the biggest mural I’ve ever done. But it is actually attention across the area, Barboza’s career began three murals, with one mural on the front and two more, one on each side of the building. I talked to the people who shopped. I have never before seen people cry when they saw my work. But they cried when they saw my project.” Barboza explains that while he received some direction on the Homeland project, it was his idea and his design. “It was a very emotionally-charged project for me. I’ve never painted many people of color. I want to do more projects like this and try to somehow put a spotlight on other people.” “Charles Bukowski,” 30''x40'', Acrylic on canvas. (Courtesy Carlos Barboza) 66

Carlos Barboza’s mural at the Homeland grocery located at 625 Northeast 36th Street in Oklahoma City. 77 35

With mural projects, Barboza first comes up with an idea. Then he decides aesthetically how he wants it to look. “The most difficult part is the design process. That’s where the wheels of creativity and inspiration spin. I play with ideas. I let myself fail. I have hundreds of awful designs on my iPad, for my eyes only.” “I work on any mural on my iPad always,” he describes. “I designed the Yukon grain elevator mural in about a day or two. Then the fear factor kicks in. How am I gonna pull this off?” Meticulous in his design process, Barboza considers composition and symmetry, and how the eye will move across the wall. “I use a grid system or projector to draw a raw outline of the design.” Although widely known as a muralist, Barboza still paints and draws, and he creates digital illustrations and traditional pencil on paper work. It’s hard to pin down what he can accomplish because his talents are so diverse. His acrylic on canvas, titled “Johnny and June,” is noteworthy. And his oil on canvas of his father, who left everything behind in Costa Rica for the sake of Barboza and his two older sisters, is stunning. There is so much artistic energy and passion evolving in Barboza’s soul that each new project he completes is more incredible than the previous. “It takes consistency and hard work to reap rewards. I always use the quote in the movie ‘Field of Dreams.’ ‘If you build it, they will come.’” “Being an immigrant and witnessing the hardships my parents endured informs everything I do,” Barboza says. “I want to make a name for myself. I want it all to have been worth it.” “Johnny and June.” Acrylic on canvas. (Courtesy Carlos Barboza) 8

9

Still Blazing New Trails: The interior mural Carlos Barboza created for Edmond’s Jack Rabbit Slims Restaurant features iconic images of Hollywood greats. (Courtesy Carlos Barboza) Carlos Barboza created a mural for Oklahoma City’s Stonecloud Brewing Company located at 1012 Northwest First Street. (Courtesy Carlos Barboza) 1010

Carlos Barboza is featured in the Tulsa World | Lorton Family Gallery’s Vida Oklahoma Exhibit at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, through September 15th. 1111 3535

The Exposition Building was the largest building on the new Fairgrounds. The BirThe Birthth of theof the GreGreat State Fat State Fairair of Oklahomaof Oklahoma BOB BURKE AND GINI CAMPBELL 12

There was optimism in the air in the fall of 1907 as Oklahoma waited th to be proclaimed the 46 state of the Union by President Theodore Roosevelt. Citizens of Oklahoma and Indian territories had complied with Roosevelt’s command to approve a state constitution and to prepare to join the territories into one new state. As statehood approached, business leaders of Oklahoma City considered the idea of a State Fair to boost awareness of the city and the future state. A STATE FAIR FOR A NEW STATE klahoma City leaders Ounsuccessfully tried to generate enthusiasm for a city Fair several times in the final years of the nineteenth century and began the new century with a lackluster effort in 1902. However, the talk of statehood and an unexpected economic boom provided needed resources in 1907 to allow city fathers to unite behind a new cause—a State Fair of Oklahoma for the new State of Oklahoma. Cotton prices skyrocketed in 1906 and 1907 and Oklahoma A popular attraction for the first State Fair was the Carousel. City, with the help of converging railroad lines, became the investors to build printing plants, Commerce, founded in 1902, undisputed economic center bakeries, lumber mills, and flour which sought to promote of the future state. The city’s and grist mills. Even though the city as the “Eden of population tripled from 1900 politics resulted in Guthrie Opportunity.” The chamber was in 1907 to 32,452. Oklahoma being named the first state hungry to host conventions and City was a leader in fiber and capital, it was Oklahoma City meetings which would bring food processing as wholesale that flourished along the North outsiders to Oklahoma City and distributors set up shop to Canadian River. be given the opportunity to show service outlying communities. The beginning of the idea off the explosion of economic With raw materials and for a State Fair came from the and cultural growth. Leaders expanding markets came Oklahoma City Chamber of such as Henry Overholser, 13 35

C.G. “Gristmill” Jones, Anton presided over the meeting at immigrant John Sinopoulo in Classen, and Charles Colcord which two issues dominated. 1902. He arrived from St. Louis began talking among themselves Because of the failure of Fairs and patterned the park after about the need for a grand fair in the previous 15 years, it was a complex of the same name that would focus on agricultural decided that $100,000 in capital in that city. Spring floods and products, manufacturing, and must be raised to support a Oklahoma entering the Union industrial expansion of the successful State Fair. The other with prohibition ultimately future state. issue, certainly more divisive, spelled doom for the park that The idea caught on with was the location of the Fair. Jones closed in 1910. leading newspaper columnists appointed committees to seek Delmar Gardens was special, of the state. Frederick S. Barde, an immediate corporate charter featuring thrill rides, cafes, a legendary writer in the early for the State Fair Association of years of the twentieth century, Oklahoma, a feat accomplished listed reasons for business and within three days, and to discuss community leaders to support a the location of a permanent State Fair: Fairgrounds. Where else could people The money to fund the Fair from other states find in came relatively quickly, but a single place samples it was much more difficult of everything made for leaders to agree upon the in Oklahoma? At the location. Charles Colcord and same time, this visible his real estate partner, Frank evidence of Oklahoma’s H. Shelley, and developer I.M. greatness would Putnam had heavily invested in inevitably arouse a greater real estate on the west side of and deeper state pride the city. Three farmers, Vincent among citizens. It would L. Bath, Dr. Francis M. Jordan, erase the geographical and A.H. Keller advocated the C.G. “Gristmill” Jones was a strong force lines between the two Fair be held on the east side of behind the effort to hold a State Fair in territories. How could a town along the North Canadian Oklahoma City. better way be devised for River almost two miles from a floating wedding chapel, a the removal of sectional downtown. They argued it would grandiose ballroom, a horse racing prejudice, socially and be easier for farmers in eastern track, a Boardwalk beer garden, politically, than by suburbs to bring their crops and and a 3,000-seat theater. The bringing the people of animals to the Fair. Victorian gingerbread theater the state together once a Colcord recommended the hosted silent films, vaudeville year in the contemplation Fair be held at Delmar Gardens, shows, and personal appearances and enjoyment of those a bustling recreational theme by a variety of celebrities of the things which all have park along the river at what is time from Lon Chaney, Sr. to labored to produce? now Southwest Third Street and Buster Keaton and Apache Chief South Western Avenue. Delmar Geronimo, who was allowed The possibility of forming Gardens, dubbed by historian temporary reprieve from his a State Fair Association was Larry Johnson as “the premiere captivity at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, discussed on January 18, 1907, playground for Oklahoma City in to sign autographs and appear for at the offices of the Chamber the first decade of the twentieth photographs with those intrigued of Commerce. Gristmill Jones century,” was built by Greek with his legend. 14

The battle over the first State old Chisholm Trail had Fair’s location leaned toward the crossed the river only a east side as a majority of stock few hundred feet to the purchased in the new corporation east. Transportation to SOLID came from residents of that the site, a critical concern SUPPORT portion of the city. In March during the site selection 1907, the committee voted three process, was to be provided FOR A to two for the east side location by a special switch of the CENTURY and moved to lease school land KATY Railroad that would along the river and buy additional terminate directly in front land on which to place a one- of the entrance gate. Since the first State Fair in 1907, The Daily Oklahoman and the Oklahoma Publishing Company have been the annual event’s strongest supporter. A few days before the first Fair in October 1907, a front page editorial urged citizens to attend the Fair: All Oklahoma…should take a few days off during the next fortnight in order to attend the opening meeting of the new state Fair…It will be time and money profitably spent... The State Fair Association has A potential location for the State Fair was Delmar Gardens, almost performed miracles one of the largest amusement parks west of the Mississippi River. in its preparations for the mile horse track. The split vote Work began immediately same…It has built buildings, caused some resignations, but on the racetrack, a 5,000- constructed a racecourse, and the organization survived. seat grandstand, a poultry The new location, 160 acres building, a music hall, a large otherwise prepared for the planted in corn and pasture grass, exposition building, and barns entertainment of visitors in as was graphically described by Bob for cattle, sheep, hogs, and elaborate a manner as can be Blackburn and Paul Strasbaugh horses. As opening day neared, found at the best state fairs of in their 1994 book, A History of Fair Association President the country. No department the State Fair of Oklahoma: Gristmill Jones told reporters It was flat, with rich soil, the $125,000 construction cost has been skimped. a small lake, and grove of had been well spent. trees situated between The Fair opened on October 5, the Deep Fork River on 1907, and was greeted by good the north and the North weather and 10,000 visitors. Jones Canadian River on the lifted his 11-year-old son to the south. A branch of the podium sharply at 10:00 a.m. to 15 35

push a button to signal the start But there was no doubt the Even though revenues were of the first State Fair of Oklahoma. most popular attraction of the short to pay expenses, the Charles Haskell, recently elected first State Fair was horse racing, State Fair was declared a huge as the new state’s first Governor, long a fancy of early Oklahomans. success by its founders. In addressed the crowd. After several days of racing the just nine months, the Fair The exposition was largely an Oklahoma Derby, a one-mile race, transitioned from an idea to a agricultural show. A vigorous that featured 16 horses, fifteen colossal construction project that proponent of the Fair wrote that thousand racing fans had gathered presented the best Oklahoma the main purpose was to exhibit and paid 50 cents for general could offer to an appreciative and the products of the farm, “a place admission and $1 for box seats. enthusiastic public. where not only will be found the corn, wheat, cotton, broomcorn, potatoes, alfalfa and all that the Oklahoma farmer grows,” but indeed, “all his livestock, even to the garden and orchard.” The strategy of providing $30,000 in prizes was successful. Horse barns overflowed and extra stalls had to be added. More than 2,000 chickens were entered, including a 300-bird flock shipped by a farmer in Wisconsin. Honey and homemade biscuits were free to Fairgoers at a farm demonstration booth manned by students from Oklahoma A&M College in Stillwater, known today as Oklahoma Prize cattle parade before the Grandstand at the 1909 State Fair. State University. Oklahoma’s American Indian culture was displayed in a recreated village Other special days drew a total Most of the money problems where Cheyenne tribal members of 75,000 visitors in the 12-day that beset the infant State Fair set up camp and displayed Fair. Epworth University, now Association resulted from the weapons and native handiwork. Oklahoma City University, and Panic of 1907, a national banking A carnival featured games and Northwestern Normal School in crisis that began on Wall Street the “Australian Snake Girl,” Alva, now Northwestern Oklahoma and caused a dramatic, but who handled rattlesnakes. At State University, played a football fortunately, brief depression. With night, visitors were treated to game; Old Soldiers’ Day featured little plan to raise money to pay an elaborate set on which was a parade for veterans of the off the mounting debt, members performed “Carnival of Naples,” Spanish American War and the of the Fair Board turned to Henry with high wire acts, musicians, Rough Riders Association; and Overholser, a son of German and costumed actors. A fireworks Kentucky Day, was a reunion of immigrants, who had both the display crowned the evening’s former Kentuckians now living in resources and leadership ability to entertainment. Oklahoma. save the State Fair of Oklahoma. 16

FATHER OF THE STATE FAIR Henry Overholser was well equipped to save the State Fair. He arrived in Oklahoma Territory in 1889 in grand style by train, with several boxcars of prefabricated buildings. Within weeks, he erected six two-story buildings and eventually built the Grand Avenue Hotel, the brick federal courthouse, and the Grand Avenue Opera House, a showpiece for the new city. He used his influence and money to lure the Frisco Railroad to Oklahoma City, a turning point for Henry Overholser, successful businessman and Father of the growth of the city. the State Fair of Oklahoma. verholser had heavily Fair at a salary of $75 per month. passengers, so Overholser, a Oinvested in fairs in Practicing their long-held major promoter of Oklahoma Oklahoma City in the 1890s and belief to invest in the future, City’s first streetcar line in was the largest investor in the Overholser and Mahan began 1902, used his influence with first State Fair in 1907. To balance planning to improve the the streetcar company to build a the State Fair books, Overholser quality of the facilities quickly line to the Fair gate. The project loaned the Fair Board nearly constructed for the first Fair. was completed by the 1908 Fair. $50,000 and hired his assistant, Transportation to the Fair was Thirty streetcars delivered Fair Isaac Shepherd “Dick” Mahan, a concern. Trains provided for visitors every five minutes from to oversee daily operations of the the 1907 event carried too few downtown and other terminals to 17 35

within a few steps of the ticket a positive prognosticator for booths at the Fair entrance. long term success of the event. Using his own money, In December 1908, Overholser Overholser built an was named president and Mahan administration building, complete was elected secretary of the with a police station, a telegraph State Fair. They were given office, and an emergency hospital, expanded authority by the Fair and added a concrete floor to the Board to continue expanding Henry Overholser hired Isaac Shepherd “Dick” Mahan to run the day-to-day operations of the State Fair. Ralph T. Hemphill was appointed secretary When WKY Radio went on the air in Oklahoma City, its of the State Fair in 1923. announcers set up a booth at the State Fair. Exhibit Building. The Grandstand facilities, especially because the was expanded to seat 7,000 brief depression was over and people and more than 140,000 Oklahoma City was booming. feet of concrete sidewalks and During the next three years, streets were built. An outdoor the Fairgrounds saw the lighting system was installed, construction of a new Agriculture turning the long autumn Building, expansion of the evenings into a “white city.” Grandstand to seat 10,000, and The investments paid huge installation of an electrical power dividends. The 1908 State Fair plant to light the Grandstand and drew 100,000 people, a 25 racetrack for night events and to percent increase over the 1907 provide electricity to all buildings exposition. The Fair Board on the site. A sewer system and J.M. Owen joined the Fair Board in 1913 and turned a $14,000 profit, not modern restrooms were added, served until 1950. He was Board chairman on enough to pay off past debt, but and Bermuda grass was laid over three different occasions. 18

the entire grounds. cultivation, soil conservation, had at least one milk cow. Visitors In a short time, an Automobile and veterinary science. The first learned the latest in sanitary and Carriage Building and agricultural school was such a cooling and straining techniques Bee and Honey Building were success, the Fair Board built the and how to test for butterfat. built. A major project was the Livestock and Horse Show Pavilion, described by Mahan as the “finest pavilion in the Southwest.” The two-story Pavilion seated 3,600 people around a large arena in which livestock could be displayed. At a cost of $40,000, it was the largest investment in the early years of the Fair. It was important to emphasize livestock at the Fair. The packing industry added 4,000 jobs in Oklahoma City by 1911, a sign of the booming economy of the new state capital, moved in a statewide vote from Guthrie the year before. Not only did the State Fair give farmers and ranchers a venue for showing the success of their operations, but the annual event also played a significant role in educating agricultural producers of the new age of scientific farming. As Blackburn and Strasbaugh wrote, “Where else, agricultural leaders asked, could they reach such a large audience of farmers and ranchers and preach the virtues of conservation, organization, and efficiency.” The State Fair Agricultural School, supervised by personnel A poster advertising the 1912 State Fair of Oklahoma. from Oklahoma A&M, was a 12-day fall camp for teenage Oklahoma A&M College Building The automobile soon replaced boys, two from each county. The to house the next year’s event. the horse as an attraction for boys were instructed in new A model dairy was constructed in racing fans. Betting on horse technology in soil judging, proper 1916. That was important because racing was outlawed by the 1913 planting techniques, fruit tree 90 percent of families in Oklahoma Oklahoma legislature, putting 19 35

a damper upon the number one of the private association would the call of newspapers and attraction of the Fair. Mahan receive nothing for their previous civic and business leaders and brought professional stunt investment and declare it to approved the bond issue by drivers that thrilled large crowds simply be a donation. nearly a two-to-one margin. The as they raced at 60-miles-per- Under the proposal, the city new partnership between the Fair hour around the half-mile track. would own the property and Board and the City of Oklahoma In 1916, 36,000 fans watched operate it for 11 months of the year City breathed new life into the “sputtering, roaring machines as as a park. The Fair Board would State Fair. they whirred around the track.” lease the grounds for one month During the next two decades, The strong suit of Overholser each fall to hold the State Fair. with bond money and city and Mahan perhaps was the Voters were asked to approve a and private donations, the ability to adapt to changing bond issue to fund the purchase Fairgrounds changed in times. They took advantage of of the property and needed appearance. Solomon Layton, a strong economy to invest in capital projects. Promotional an architect who designed capital projects. advertisements in newspapers the State Capitol, The Skirvin Overholser died in 1915, but declared that citizens would be Hotel, Central High School, and Mahan continued to manage paying only 27 cents per year on other landmarks, was chosen to the business of keeping the each $1,000 worth of property. build a Women’s Rest Cottage, State Fair’s books balanced and Occasionally, proponents of the a new grandstand, and the most continuing investment. Then, bond issue turned to scare tactics, expensive project, a Liberal Arts two events threatened to cripple “How would you like to go to Mus- Building. It was a one-story the annual event. In 1916, fire kogee to the State Fair in 1917?” brick structure that looked like destroyed the Grandstand, the City fathers and local a school. Its 37,000 square feet Concession Hall, and half the newspapers asked voters to contained 110 display booths that amusement rides. The following approve the bond issue. The Daily were fully rented to exhibitors by year, the state legislature passed Oklahoman editorialized: the next fall. a bill officially naming the annual It has won recognition As the thrill of flying became Fair in Muskogee the “State Fair as one of the first a larger part of American life, the of Oklahoma.” It was purely class agricultural and Fair Board added flyovers, mock political and, fortunately, did no mechanical exhibits of air battles, and hot-air balloon long-term damage to the State the country. It brings exhibitions. The Army sent Fair in Oklahoma City. There thousands of people here. eight Curtis R-4 biplanes for a was no state money for the It furnishes wholesome demonstration in 1917. As the Muskogee Fair and the legislative amusement. It provides planes arrived, the lead pilot stalled action increased Oklahoma City valuable instruction for high above the startled crowd and leaders’ civic pride and spirit of everybody. It is one of dove to within “100 feet of the competition. the great educational ground,” and ended with sizzling There still existed a weak institutions of the state loops. After the planes landed, the organizational structure of the and of this city. It is pilots were greeted as heroes State Fair, a private association therefore of substantial of the highest order. that was inherently underfunded value to every citizen Dick Mahan, who as the first and dependent upon the economic of this city, not only secretary and general manager conditions each year. In 1917, the property owner, but of the State Fair, guided the Fair the Fair Board offered to sell every man or woman who Board through turbulent times, the Fairgrounds to the City of makes his living here. died in 1923 and was replaced Oklahoma City. The stockholders On May 8, 1917, voters heeded with Ralph T. Hemphill. A former 20

county extension agent who Fair financially. Draper had the with steel bunks for the annual Mahan hired as the Fair’s livestock support of Chamber of Commerce agricultural school. manager, Hemphill had been president Ed Overholser, the The State Fair continued its promoted to secretary of the Fair son of Henry Overholser. The emphasis on the importance of before Mahan’s death. new public-private partnership agriculture in the state. Even For the most part, Hemphill was successfully put to the test during the Great Depression in followed his predecessor’s immediately. When heavy rains the 1930s, many counties and Large crowds waited at the Fair in 1935 to see Lillian Glantz, the human cannonball, shot from a cannon. management goals for the State washed out five days of the 1926 individual livestock and farm Fair. Hemphill had excellent Fair, businessmen guaranteed a exhibitors entered competitions relationships with Oklahoma $25,000 loan which saved the or provided informational City’s business community State Fair again. booths. Farm implement displays and approached the Oklahoma The most important building expanded and the new motor City Chamber of Commerce to added between 1925 and 1937 was truck industry was promoted forge a partnership for a new the 4-H Building, a two-story by truck manufacturers. Slowly, Made in Oklahoma exhibit. facility that included exhibition trucks were replacing railroads Stanley Draper was the new space, a dining hall, and a as the preferred method of chamber manager and accepted meeting space that could seat delivering goods and livestock the challenge to involve leading 1,000. The second floor housed produced on Oklahoma farms businessmen to support the dormitory rooms furnished and ranches to market. 21 35

As original buildings on the But not in Oklahoma. Hemphill has to offer or the latest in eastside Fairgrounds grew old and members of the Fair Board farm equipment and machinery. and outdated, the State Fair believed the State Fair could Exhibition buildings offer dwindled to half its former size. help bring the state together everything from hot tubs and Housing additions, oil wells, and in the war effort. They brought storage sheds to clothing and storage tanks occupied the land soldiers, sailors, and airmen and Made In Oklahoma products. around the Fairgrounds, choking their military equipment to the The arena hosts bull and bronc out any chance of expansion. Fair to educate visitors about the riding, along with Disney On Ice. Frequent floods damaged challenges faced in fighting a world And its equine facilities have buildings and grounds. war on both sides of the globe. earned it the title of “Horse Hemphill attempted to take Keeping the State Fair open Show Capital of the World.” advantage of matching federal during World War II was a huge The OKC Fairgrounds is funds in 1937 to move the State success. In 1944, thousands much more than a mecca for Fair to a new location. The most walked through a bullet-riddled entertainment, it is an economic favored spot was at Southwest B-17 bomber and touched the powerhouse, attracting over 29th Street and May Avenue, machine guns and armaments two million visitors annually a large parcel of land set aside that were used to destroy 20 and providing an influx of more during the development of Japanese Zeros and six Japanese than $325 million. In addition the parks system along Grand battleships. The B-17 was being to putting Oklahomans to work, Boulevard that circled the city. repaired at Tinker Field. The restaurants, hotels, shopping Unfortunately, the city council bomber exhibit was a primary malls, and other local attractions did not agree, and turned down an reason for a record attendance at benefit greatly by this 21st attractive package of money from the Fair. Century Tourism Destination. the state legislature, the Chamber In 1945 the federal government The Oklahoma State Fair of Commerce, and private donors. cancelled conventions and fairs and the OKC Fairgrounds Once again, leaders of the State to focus on war preparedness, continue to invest in those Fair faced a crisis. but that did not deter the Fair that call Oklahoma home. Hemphill, who was general Board. Hemphill and city fathers During the COVID-19 global manager of the State Fair for 35 quickly put together a three- pandemic tens of thousands years, somehow held the annual day “local festival,” with an of Oklahomans were tested exposition together. After low emphasis on entertainment, with and received vaccinations at attendance and participation free admission. Without the the Bennett Event Center. during the Great Depression, the traditional agricultural flavor to Annually, high school students Fair rebounded and broke even the normal State Fair, finances earn scholarships to continue financially most years. There was suffered, but the “show did go on their education and teachers little growth or innovation because without interruption.” are provided with resources to of lack of funds to improve or supplement their efforts in replace rundown buildings. or more than 100 years the the classroom. Whatever city leaders’ comfort FOklahoma State Fair has been With a commitment to growth level was with the status quo providing something for every and expansion, the physical disappeared after the Japanese visitor that passes through its landscape of the OKC Fairgrounds attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941 gates. While some head to the will continue to evolve and and America entered into World Midway for the ride of a lifetime with that comes countless new War II. Across the nation, many or to Food Row for an Indian opportunities for Oklahomans of Fairs were cancelled in favor of Taco, others explore the newest all ages. war preparations and support. models the automobile industry 22

Even after the sun goes down, there is plenty of excitement on the State Fair Midway. 23 35

The unique labels of Girls Gone Wine are the creation of Oklahoma artist Teresa Farrington. All photos courtesy Girls Gone Wine. 24

MMaakkining Wg Winine e for a Cfor a Caauusse:e: GIRLS GONE WINE BY BOB BURKE any Oklahomans know about Girls Gone Wine Hutchings. At an auction to sell the new wine, the first case M(GGW), the innovative and fun boutique winery of wine brought $750 and the remainder of the batch of and funky gift shop in Hochatown near Broken 360 bottles sold immediately. Hutchings lost her fight with Bow Lake in southeast Oklahoma. However, the rocket-like cancer and died in January 2008. retail ascension of GGW is perhaps overshadowed by the Friends 4 Life is still produced to honor Hutchings’ production of a series of wines to assist worthy causes. passion for education. For each bottle sold, $7 goes GGW, created by friends Chandra Rickey, Michelle into a scholarship fund that funded scholarships for the Finch-Walker, and Rhonda Reed, opened for business April education of her children, Hunter and Haley. GGW formed 1, 2006. Because they had worked for government agencies a partnership with East Central University in Ada, Finch- and could “never give anything away,” the girls opened with Walker’s alma mater, and Southeastern Oklahoma State the philosophy that GGW would give something away every University, Rickey and Reed’s alma mater, to provide day. It might be a corkscrew or a free glass of wine, but it was scholarships for Broken Bow High School students who “something” and gave the girls the desire to do more. attend one of the two universities. Since 2008, 34 recipients That opportunity came when Shawn Hutchings, have been awarded more than $225,000 through the a Broken Bow scholarship program. schoolteacher and In 2011, the trio summer wine girl at launched a new label, GGW, was battling “b’ARK,” to donate $4 breast cancer. To raise per bottle to support funds to help with a local animal rescue Hutchings’ medical organization, Animal, expenses, GGW Rescue & Kare (ARK). produced a new wine, ARK was the brainchild “Friends 4 Life,” with a of the late Patt Webb label that depicted the and banker Robyn three founders and Batson. The initiative The founders of Girls Gone Wine, from left, Chandra Rickey, Rhonda Reed, and Michelle Finch-Walker. 25 35

The “Just b’Cause” label was created to help the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It can be used for any worthy cause in the future. has been carried forward by Webb’s daughters Minda Lewis and Glena Ward. The GGW girls each had a rescue dog and wanted to help ARK find good, loving foster and permanent homes for animals in trouble. To date, more than $128,000 has been donated to ARK, with annual donations of $20,000 to $25,000. To provide funding for Treasured Chests of McCurtain County, a local organization that helps women battling cancer with expenses, GGW created “The Girls” label. In addition, an annual celebration each April, “50 Shades of Pink,” attracts hundreds of people to Hochatown. The highlight of the weekend is the “50 Shades of Pink 6k-ish”. Finch-Walker described the run as “about 6k,” but no one can be sure. The race starts at GGW and meanders toward the Broken Bow Lake marina and down a trail through the forests where GPS is lost, and exact distance remains a mystery. Finch-Walker continued, “No one really cares because the run ends back at GGW with wine and cookies.” Another opportunity to give back to the community and state came when Brad Barghols, CEO of the Oklahoma Make-A-Wish Foundation, asked GGW to assist to fulfil a wish for a youngster who wanted to explore Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend State Park. Finch-Waker said, “In a few hours, the big-hearted people of our area provided a cabin, fishing trip, and other fun events.” Barghols helped GGW establish a McCurtain County chapter of Make-A-Wish. To raise money for the organization, the “Just b’Cause” label was created. Finch-Walker, who wears many hats, as a member of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Commission and as Public Information Officer for Oklahoma Forestry Services, a division of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, said the charitable side of GGW has been “extremely rewarding” and has created a huge network of fans and supporters. A GGW patron said, “Not only is the wine superb, I feel better about myself knowing that the purchase of certain labels is helping worthy organizations Girls Gone Wine created “The Girls” label for a wine that raises money for that make Oklahoma a better place to live.” Treasured Chests of McCurtain County, an organization helping women battling cancer. All photos courtesy Girls Gone Wine. 26

“We are so proud to be able to produce special wine labels to give back to our area of the state that is famous for being friendly and helpful to anyone in need.” Shawn Hutchings was added to the caricatures MICHELLE FINCH-WALKER of the three founders of Girls Gone Wine for the “Friends 4 Life” label to raise money to help with Hutchings’ battle with cancer. The fascinating gift shop of Girls Gone Wine at Hochatown. The “B’ark” wine The Girls Gone Wine boutique winery at Hochatown raises money for the is stocked with many wines. Animal, Rescue & Kare animal rescue organization in McCurtain County. 27 35

KRYSTLE ROBINSON-HERSHEY A native of Alief, Texas, a diversity-rich suburb of Houston, Krystle Robinson- Hershey now calls Midwest City, Oklahoma home. A graduate of Langston University, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and her Master of Science in Rehabilitative Counseling respectively, Robinson-Hershey always Krystle Robinson-Hershey, founder of Sage & Elm Apothecary. Courtesy Scott VO. 2828

KRYSTLE ROBINSON-HERSHEY BY GINI MOORE CAMPBELL has possessed a passion for dreamed of being an artist, fostering strong mental and painter, career professional, physical health in and caring actress, and a healer—achieving for others. each of those dreams. From her Growing up in a close knit mother she took her strengths of family, Robinson-Hershey numbers and math, while it was was home schooled with her business and crisis management siblings. She remembers her she gained from her father. young life as being “colorful,” She remembers family adding “my mother let me wear members using ingredients everything.” Robinson-Hershey created by Mother Earth for 29

Sage & Elm Apothecary products are carried statewide, including Scissortail Gifts at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, Implementing fresh ingredients and those aged and cured, at any one time there are more home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, in than 150 jars at various stages of fermentation in the Sage & Elm Apothecary plant. Oklahoma City. comfort and healing. Her great- agencies, combined with losing a grandmother would say “Come younger brother to addiction, in listen to the mushrooms, they 2018 Robinson-Hershey founded have a heartbeat,” reinforcing Sage & Elm Apothecary to create their ability to heal and soothe. specialized products to heal, At a young age Robinson- soothe, and treat consumers. Hershey remembers using The product inventory is plants and flowers to help centered around a holistic friends with various ailments. approach to self-care. Using the Following a career in mental earth’s natural resources Each Sage & Elm Apothecary soap is and physical health with various comes with a responsibility to unique in ingredients and appearance. honor the ingredients. Courtesy Scott VO. It is Robinson-Hershey’s practice to always use the whole plant, explaining that each element of the plant has a use and benefit. The process is full circle—from seed to harvest and back to seed. The product line of Sage & Elm Apothecary is the perfect mix of science and art, each item created to “nourish [the 30

Krystle Robinson-Hershey has perfected the process in ensuring her soaps achieve a high lather. The lengthy process includes 12 hours in the crock pot to reach the precise gelatin consistency. In the plant, multiple crock pots are always “cooking up” the next batch. . Krystle Robinson-Hershey enjoys sharing the process and benefits of the more than 175 Sage & Elm Apothecary products. On the farm and in the plant she loves welcoming groups to create their own unique products and educating them on the benefits of using all-natural ingredients. body and soul] from the inside out.” From soaps, lotions, and oils to teas, masks, and shampoo, and everything in between, there is something for every member of the family. There are no non- natural additives used. The colors in the products are the colors of nature, and the colors After days of preparation and two days to cure, the soap loaf is ready for cutting into bars. Using natural colorants, the colors change through the process with the various ingredients to provide comfort and healing. 31 35

Flowers not only provide color for the various products, but each element of the flower has a unique benefit. Nothing goes to waste. Courtesy Scott VO. The ceiling is never high enough, there is always something else to do.” Krystle Robinson-Hershey Oils are one of the more than 175 products featured in the Sage & Elm Apothecary portfolio. Courtesy Scott VO. can change throughout the volunteers help harvest for the Hershey’s children who attend process. The textures of the products that are created year- markets with her. various products come from the round. Everything grown on As Robinson-Hershey elements used, including buds, the farm is used in the product continues to discover new seeds, and stems for exfoliation. line, and local growers provide benefits and new ingredients, Nothing goes to waste. additional plants, fruits, and the number of products in Robinson-Hershey lives east vegetables. Robinson-Hershey the portfolio of Sage & Elm of the Oklahoma City metro remembers going to markets Apothecary continues to grow. with her family. Her five with her mother, who owned She can be found at markets children earn their allowance an art gallery. Continuing the around the state and her products by working on the farm and tradition, today it is Robinson- are carried by retailers statewide. 3232

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OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Alma Bell Wilson ork, work, work. Those was an attorney and served as mayor Wthree words are advice of Pauls Valley in the 1920s, inspired Wilson to be a lawyer. He wanted both Justice Alma Wilson would of his daughters to go to college, and repeat throughout her life, for at least one of them to become a lawyer. At the age of just eight years old, and indeed her career and Wilson announced to her family that was accomplishments reflect her what she would be when she grew up. Today, a little girl dreaming of becoming tenacious work ethic. She was a lawyer is not a far-fetched idea. beloved and celebrated by However, in the 1920s there were few role models for young Wilson. everyone she met, garnering The first woman to become a lawyer in high praise and numerous the United States was Arabella Mansfield in 1869, but she would never actively awards. She was a trailblazer, Courtesy Oklahoma Hall of Fame Archives. practice and instead taught at what is inspiring both men and women to now DePauw University. Ten years later, Belva Lockwood became the first woman achieve their greatest potential. lawyer admitted to the bar of the United States Supreme Court. It was not until Alma Wilson (neé Bell), and her twin 1893 that the first woman would be sister Wilma, were born May 25, 1917 admitted to the Oklahoma Territory Bar, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to William R. Minerva K. Elliott Lentz. Grace Elmore and Anna Bell. The year she was born Gibson became the first woman to Oklahoma was preparing for its 10th serve in a county or district judgeship in birthday, the United States had entered Oklahoma in 1930, and in 1936 she was World War I, and it would be three more temporarily appointed to the Criminal years before the Nineteenth Amendment Court of Appeals and wrote the first would pass, guaranteeing women the opinion ever written by a female member right to vote in federal elections. Wilson of the court. By 1935, there had only and her sister were raised on Walnut been approximately 100 women lawyers Street in a stucco home with a large licensed in Oklahoma. covered front porch. Their father, who Wilson never lost sight of her goal while growing up in a small Oklahoma Alma Bell Wilson was one of the first women to serve as a federal law clerk in the state of Oklahoma. Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society. BY MATTIE BARLOW 34

town during the Depression. Her sister class of one hundred students. In the settled in Pauls Valley on the same street and their childhood friends knew she 1940s, only 2.4% of the nation’s lawyers where Wilson grew up. She chose to was destined to fulfill her dream and were women. stay home and raise her daughter until become a career woman. Wilson was a Wilson graduated law school at a she was in high school. Wilson didn’t just straight-A student, described as brilliant, time when the roles of women and men stay at home, it was during this time she industrious, outgoing, and hardworking. began to shift in the United States. The earned a pilot’s license. In addition to her and her sister being country was entering World War I and Georgia Nelson, a writer for The athletes on the school’s tennis team, the increase of labor demands, coupled Oklahoman, penned a 1957 article she played the piano and was often with the departing of soldiers, created titled “Seven Women Judges Win Place selected for the lead role in school plays. opportunities for women in industries in Man’s Profession”. In it she stated, Wilson’s hard work as a young student previously dominated by men. Though the “Oklahoma’s women lawyers could not be was recognized when she was named end of the war would mean employers said to dominate the state judiciary—yet. valedictorian for her graduating class in wanted to give back those positions to But keep an eye on them. Seven have made 1935. At the Pauls Valley High School returning veterans, there was a growing a wedge in what until very recent time graduation, she played the piano as her number of career-oriented women who was considered strictly as a man’s field.” class walked in and as they shuffled out, believed working outside the home, In the 1960s, Wilson returned to delivering her class address in between. combined with being a wife and a practicing law with the goal of earning a Wilson and her sister would go on to mother, fulfilled them. The make-up judicial appointment. She became a Pauls Surrounded by family and friends, Alma Bell married Bill Wilson in 1948. Courtesy Oklahoma Alma Bell Wilson and her twin sister Wilma. Hall of Fame Archives. Courtesy Oklahoma Hall of Fame Archives. study at the University of Oklahoma. of the country’s labor force gradually Valley Municipal Judge in 1967, serving Their father would pass away during began to change. for two years. In 1969 she was appointed their junior year. Their mother, a talented In 1941, Wilson was one of the first Special District Judge for Garvin and seamstress that made most of their clothes women to serve as a federal court law McClain counties, a post she filled for as children, moved to Norman and clerk in Oklahoma. She worked in the six years. In 1974 she received the Guy opened a boarding house to make sure offices of U.S. District Judge Eugene Brown Award for extraordinary service in her daughters finished college. After Rice of Muskogee, thus beginning her recognition of her four years of service as graduation, her sister married, but Wilson dedication to improving the administration a member of the OU Association Board continued on to law school at OU. She of justice. In her early career, Wilson of Directors. Prior to her board term she worked as a secretary on campus during worked at many prominent law firms in served as a member of the Alumnae the school year and spent her summers Oklahoma City and Pauls Valley. This led Council. She was also the recipient of the working at law offices in Oklahoma City. her to meeting Bill Wilson. They married 1974 Outstanding Chi Omega Award. She earned her law degree in 1941 and in 1948 and welcomed their only child, Cleta Deatherage Mitchell, a former was one of six women in the graduating daughter Lee Anne, in 1951. The family member of the Oklahoma House of 35 35

Representatives who wrote an article for 1981 summer judicial conference. the Oklahoma Gazette upon Wilson’s In the 1980s, 5.4% of all federal judges passing in 1999, recalled Wilson’s and less than 5% of state court judges tenacity and drive to seek a judicial were women. Almost half of the states had appointment in Cleveland County. She no women in any courts. In 1982, Wilson helped organize Wilson’s campaign became the first woman to be appointed for Cleveland County District Judge. At to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. She the time, Wilson claimed to not know was one of only eighteen women serving anything about politics, but she was able on a state supreme court at that time. to mobilize “everyone she ever met” to Then Governor George Nigh selected make phone calls and write letters to her from three candidates submitted by the governor on her behalf. The day she the Judicial Nominating Commission was appointed to the judgeship in 1975, to replace Justice Ben T. Williams. then Governor David L. Boren tripled Upon her appointment, the Tulsa World the number of female district judges in pointed out that the legislature had Oklahoma by appointing not one but rejected the proposed Equal Rights two women to the bench. Wilson served Amendment just weeks before, “Judge as Cleveland County District Judge for Wilson’s appointment takes on special seven years. significance. It indicates that in spite Alma Bell Wilson and former Governor “Of all the applicants Alma stood out of the Legislature’s errant decision on George Nigh on the day of her swearing in to me,” Boren said in a 2012 interview, ERA, women will not be excluded from to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Courtesy “She was a person who knew the law, she full participation in the administration Oklahoma Hall of Fame Archives. wasn’t afraid to apply the law with great courage as she saw it. She was active in and leadership of this state. But women the community. I felt very strongly too that will have achieved true equality when judges should not only be excellent in the appointments such as Judge Wilson’s courtroom, have an excellent knowledge are no longer unusual.” The Tulsa of law, but that they should demonstrate World article goes on to report that the in their own lives a real commitment to the announcement from the governor’s office total community, raising the quality of life was made without fanfare, the same as for everyone.” In 1975 Wilson received any appointment previously, an indication the Norman Business and Professional that women were to be afforded equal Woman of the Year Award and was rights and such appointments should be inducted into the University of Oklahoma done routinely. Hall of Fame. In the midst of her busy Justice Noma Gurich of the Oklahoma Alma Bell Wilson was the first woman career, she remained an active tennis Supreme Court stated in a 2012 interview, named to Oklahoma’s highest court. player and won a tennis tournament at a “With the appointment of Sandra Day Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society. O’Connor on the U.S. Supreme Court and the appointment of Justice Wilson on the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which took place within about a year of each other, I think everything changed for women in the judiciary in Oklahoma.” Gurich went on to say that it was a really exciting time because Wilson had convinced people it was time for women to be on the bench in the state’s highest court, and it didn’t matter that you were a woman anymore. Wilson gave a voice to views that were never represented before—that of mother, sister, daughter, and wife. She participated in dozens of interviews in the wake of the historic judicial appointment. In a Alma Bell Wilson and her husband Bill in their Pauls Valley home. Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society. candid confession, Wilson revealed 36

that she was in a state of shock when the Oklahoma Bar Association, said the governor called her to inform her of that Wilson was like Themis, the Greek his decision, unable to recall anything goddess of justice, wisdom, and good he said but determined the call was not counsel, who is depicted blindfolded and a rejection. Teresa C. Pitts of the Dallas holding a balance of scales, but despite Morning News reported that at the age this, “the law profession for too long of 64, Wilson was embarking on a new has been the domain of men. It is only career at a time when most people would fitting that women take their place on the be thinking about retirement. Wilson benches of this country. It is a great honor expressed her disdain for retirement, that Wilson will be sitting on the highest preferring to work 10-hour days and bench in this state.” playing tennis regularly every Monday The swearing in ceremony was held on night. She said to Pitts in the interview, “I February 18, 1982. Wilson dedicated her tell people the reason I chose a career is new position to the pursuit of excellence, because I hate housework. I really am a stating that she prayed to follow the law terrible housekeeper. I’m a daughter and to wherever it would take her, and to Alma Bell Wilson and longtime friend and community volunteer Louise Painter. Courtesy Oklahoma Hall of Fame Archives. maintaining a strong judicial system, but lamented on how little everyday citizens understood about the system. A month after assuming her position as an Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice, Wilson spoke at a seminar titled “Opportunities Unlimited” in Edmond with District Judge Arthur Lory Rakestraw and Associate Municipal Judge Terry Pendell. They each spoke about the hard work and dedication required for women to have successful careers in what was once considered a male-only profession. Wilson expressed that her Supreme Court Appointment was Invested in the community, Alma Bell Wilson enjoyed speaking to the next generation of an appointment of all Oklahoma women, Oklahomans. Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society. stating, “What we as women contribute a mother and a wife and a woman—and have the courage to press for change most to this world is our dedication to I think all of those are very valuable assets when necessary for preserving the law. whatever we do. This is where we excel.” and qualities. But essentially, I’m a judge.” When asked whether her gender would Wilson was one of several speakers Upon being questioned on whether she give her a different judicial perspective featured at Women’s Day at the thought she was appointed as a “token” she responded, “I think men and women Oklahoma State Capitol in 1983. At this woman for the bench, Wilson replied, judges just try to be right. That’s what I’m event, Wilson spoke about how there “We don’t have room [in the judicial going to try to do.” Wilson wasted no should be more women represented in system] for a ‘token’ anything. And, time making in-roads with Oklahoma law, judicial roles, the legislature, and in frankly, I think I was appointed in spite of citizens. She aimed to make the judicial public offices. “Women need to be there the fact I was a woman instead of it.” system more approachable, more to help define the laws which belong Nigh would later state that he did accessible, and better understood to all of us,” she said. She passionately not make the appointment for historical among the general public. To accomplish believed that a woman’s view is reasons. He recognized the historical this, she eagerly accepted invitations beneficial when it comes to family issues significance, but declared that Wilson to speak at seminars and events, and and family law, recognizing that she was had all the qualifications and she was not noted that the Oklahoma Supreme Court the first mother, the first daughter, and to be considered a surprise appointment. Justices previously had not been very the first wife to have her views on legal “I just tried to be fair,” said Nigh to involved with the community beyond the issues represented in the state’s highest reporters. Jack Boyd, then president of bench. She praised her colleagues for court. She concluded her speech to the 37 35

Alma Bell Wilson with her presenter, Coach A member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class of 1996, Alma Bell Wilson, seated center, was Barry Switzer, just offstage following her inducted with, from left standing Dr. Charles A. Rockwood, Jr, Keith E. Bailey, and Robert Lorton, and induction to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. seated Dr. William R. “Bill” Bright and G. W. “Bill” Swisher. Courtesy Oklahoma Hall of Fame Archives. Courtesy Oklahoma Hall of Fame Archives. mostly female audience by stating that her time with the Oklahoma Supreme Court was a citizen of the world and she loved appointment to the Oklahoma Supreme she worked hard to strengthen the state’s Oklahoma football and Barry Switzer.” Court is “a signal to all of us—all of you— judiciary system, and even served on a Wilson indeed had a very special place that almost anything is possible.” This panel to help reform the Texas Supreme in her heart for Coach Switzer. She asked same year, Wilson was inducted into the Court. Colleagues have described her him to be her presenter for her induction Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame. as curious, passionate about the law, into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1996. Gurich said of Wilson, “Everything an intellectual who continued to study In her acceptance speech, she thanked was possible. Everything was possible the law with moral courage to apply God for the many opportunities she had in her life. There was never anything that the law as she saw, and an inspiration in life, including the opportunity to be an wasn’t possible and that was a message for others. Her daughter, Lee Anne, said Oklahoman, a distinction which gave her she gave to all of us.” While speaking to that if you were to ask Wilson what was great pride. She said that she had always members of the OU Scholars program her greatest achievement, she would been fascinated with the pioneer spirit of in 1985, Wilson spoke about how say it was the Justice Alma Wilson Oklahomans and was deeply honored to challenging a career in law can be. She Seeworth Academy. Wilson wanted to be recognized as an Oklahoman. Wilson told the scholars how she worked every help people who were unable to help praised her family, friends, and colleagues night, every weekend, and every week themselves, and was a fervent advocate for their role in her success, claiming that of the year. Even on vacation, she would for reforming judicial juvenile justice. she could not have achieved all she had spend time reading transcripts from district She treasured the time she spent at the alone. Of her late husband Bill, she said he and appeals courts. She firmly believed district court level, grappling with tough not only always supported her but he had in working hard to reach your greatest issues involving children. The faces and very high expectations of her. potential. That same year she received stories of children who were held back Wilson was someone who considered the Pioneer Woman Award. In 1986 and from success because of their parents, herself lucky, never having set out with a 1989 she was named Appellate Judge of peers, or their communities stuck with plan to be “the first woman” of anything. the Year by the Oklahoma Trial Lawyers her. The founding of Seeworth Academy She didn’t set out with a roadmap or Association. Oklahoma City University fulfilled her dream to provide children of blueprint for success, she simply worked bestowed upon her an Honorary Doctor troubled backgrounds the resources and hard everyday in a field she was truly of Law degree in 1992. attention needed to succeed. She was passionate about, she was confident in On January 4, 1995, Wilson made known for being very stoic on the bench, herself and what she could accomplish. history again when she was sworn in as showing little emotion and speaking in Justice Wilson was a remarkable woman, Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme an articulate monotone. Contrasting that ahead of her time. The success she found Court, becoming the first woman to hold serious and calm demeanor, she was practicing law opened doors and paved the position. The court selects from its a loud and vibrant cheerleader at OU the way for even more Oklahomans to members a Chief Justice and a Vice Chief football games. believe that anything is possible. On Justice, with a new Chief Justice selected Justice Yvonne Kauger stated in a 2012 the night of her Oklahoma Hall of Fame every two years. The Chief Justice interview, “She had heart, she had grace, induction she told reporters, “Our people presides at all court sessions and chairs she had a zest for life. She played tennis are still our best resource. The best people the state judicial conference. During her with Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. She in the world are from Oklahoma.” 38

OHOF’S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE Hosted by the OKC Thunder, Chair-elect Frank Merrick and Chairman Becky Dixon enjoyed 2021 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Inductee Col. Stanley Evans spoke to the In February, those joining the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors participated in orientation to gathering with members of the board for an young professionals’ Second Century Board at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, learn more about the organization’s history, programs, and mission. OKC Thunder game following the February home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. board meeting. Oklahoma Hall of Fame Directors, from left, Peggy Kates, J. C. Watts, Jr. , Emma Leach gave directors attending the February Board of Directors meeting a tour of the Gaylord-Pickens Museum. Chad Wiginton and JoAnn Schaub enjoyed attending the OKC Thunder game following February’s board meeting. Martha Beliveau introduces students from Pauls Valley Junior High to the Oklahomans featured in the Pioneer Spirit exhibit at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum. Denotes Member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame 39 35

OHOF’S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE From left, Brandon Scott, Bruce Benbrook, and Jennifer Grigsby enjoyed visiting Students from Chickasha Public Schools learned about the medical advancements with members of the board prior to the OKC Thunder game. made by Oklahomans while enjoying one of the three experiences in the Picture Yourself exhibit at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. In the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Gallery, Pauls Valley Junior High students learned about Members of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame from their area of the state. The newly-installed Sensory Wall is one of the many exhibits enjoyed by visitors The first Homeschool Day of 2022 was a huge success, with students and families of all ages. from throughout the state visiting the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. The University of Central Oklahoma, represented by Jancy Scott, left, and From left, Emily Banfield and Breann Miller present the $1,000 scholarship funded Families attending Homeschool Day had the opportunity to explore a number of Christopher Lynch, right, presented one of the 77 scholarships UCO makes available by the Oklahoma Hall of fame Teen Board to Carson Dean, a senior at Seminole STEAM activities that support their curriculum. through the Oklahoma Scholarship Competition to Emma Gulickson, a senior at High School. Mustang High School. Denotes Member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame 40

OHOF’S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE Students representing school districts statewide earned more than $75,000 in scholarships through the 2022 Oklahoma Scholarship Competition. Students enjoyed arts and crafts in the Edith Kinney Gaylord Garden as part of Homeschool Day. David Callahan, right, films the Facebook announcement of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class of 2022 by Andre’ Caldwell and Cathy Keating . Mike Hearne, left, interviewed former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh for the This is Oklahoma podcast, a program offered in partnership with the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. The “egg drop” was a huge hit as part of Homeschool Day at the Gaylord-Pickens Bob Burke , left, was interviewed by Mike Hearne for the This is Oklahoma The Oklahoma Hall of Fame staff continues to participate in exercises focusing on Museum, home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. podcast. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Denotes Member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame 41 35

OHOF’S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE RestoreOKC Executive Director Caylee Dodson and the students that made the Market at Eastpoint a reality, thus eliminating the food desert in northeast Oklahoma City, Olivia Reyes, left, helps a young visitor to Spring Thing in potting her plant. received the 2022 Lee Allan Smith Oklahoma Legacy Award. Sierra Lacey enjoyed Makerspace and the Kris Kanaly mural in the Gaylord-Pickens Museum with son Beckett and daughter Charlotte during Spring Thing. The Teen Board’s “Night at the GPM” included a scavenger hunt, allowing all in attendance to learn more about the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, its members, and mission. Denotes Member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame 42

OHOF’S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE CALENDAR EVERY TUESDAY IN JUNE AND JULY OHOF IN THE WILD VIRTUAL EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN THAT FACILITATES TIME SPENT OUTDOORS AND ENGAGING WITH THE NATURAL WORLD AROUND THEM. EVERY THURSDAY IN JUNE AND JULY SUMMER THURSDAY STORY TIME, CRAFTS, AND A MOVIE FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM JUNE 25 “VIDA OKLAHOMA” OPENS IN THE TULSA WORLD | LORTON FAMILY GALLERY FEATURING CARLOS BARBOZA AND ISAAC DIAZ JULY 9 SEE YOU SATURDAY FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM JULY 21 “VIDA OKLAHOMA” RECEPTION IN THE TULSA WORLD | LORTON FAMILY GALLERY AUGUST 13 SEE YOU SATURDAY FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM With activities throughout the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, Spring Thing provides fun and educational activities for students on Spring Break. AUGUST 17 EDITH KINNEY GAYLORD EXHIBIT OPENS AUGUST 19 OKLAHOMA BORN & BREWED SEPTEMBER 7 LUNCH WITH A LEGEND VIRTUAL EVENT WITH OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAMER BILL HANCOCK SEPTEMBER 10 SEE YOU SATURDAY FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15 “VIDA OKLAHOMA” IN THE TULSA WORLD | LORTON FAMILY GALLERY SEPTEMBER 21 HOMESCHOOL DAY Oklahoma Hall of Fame Chair Becky Dixon , left, with Michelle Hardesty and 2022 EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EXHIBITS Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honoree Roger Hardesty at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame SEPTEMBER 29 Announcement Luncheon. BRENT LEARNED AND GEORGE LEVY EXHIBIT OPENS IN THE TULSA WORLD| LORTON FAMILY GALLERY OCTOBER 7 OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME SCHOLARSHIP NOMINATION DEADLINE OCTOBER 8 SEE YOU SATURDAY FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM OCTOBER 13 – 15 FALL Y’ALL Catching up at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Announcement Luncheon were Calvin J. Anthony STORY TIME, CRAFTS, AND A MOVIE and Shannon L. Rich. FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM NOVEMBER 12 SEE YOU SATURDAY FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM NOVEMBER 17 95TH ANNUAL OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY COX BUSINESS CONVENTION CENTER, TULSA DECEMBER 10 DECK THE HALL OF FAME FREE ADMISSION TO THE GAYLORD-PICKENS MUSEUM THROUGH DECEMBER 17 BRENT LEARNED AND GEORGE LEVY The Oklahoma Hall of Fame Teen Board hosted “Night at the GPM” to introduce From left, Martha Larsen, Mike Larsen , Harold T. “H” Holden , and Edna Mae Holden EXHIBIT IN THE TULSA WORLD| new teens to the organization’s mission. celebrated the 2022 Class during the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Announcement Luncheon. LORTON FAMILY GALLERY VISIT OKLAHOMAHOF.COM FOR DETAILS Denotes Member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame 43 35

OHOF’S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE J. C. Watts, Jr. , right, congratulates 2022 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honoree Chet Cadieux. Bob Blackburn, left, congratulated on being named a 2022 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honoree by Sheryi Benbrook and Bruce Benbrook. Oklahoma Hall of Fame Member Stan Clark presented the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Class of 2022 at the Announcement Luncheon in the Bennett-McClendon Great Hall of the Gaylord-Pickens Museum. From left, Rita Bly Aragon , Art Cotton, and Sandy Cotton at the 2022 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Announcement Luncheon. Oklahoma Hall of Fame Marketing Associates Viviana Goodwin, left, and Kristen Olmsted performed “The National Anthem” and led the crowd with “Oklahoma!” at the Announcement Luncheon for the Class of 2022. Denotes Member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame 44

OHOF’S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLEUPCOMING RELEASES Throwaway Kids: Reforming Oklahoma’s Juvenile Justice System BY TERRY PHILLIPS AND BOB BURKE $22.95 In 1978, Steven A. Novick, an Oklahoma City Legal Aid lawyer, filed a federal court lawsuit against Lloyd Rader, the head of Oklahoma’s welfare agency and the most powerful man in the state. The class action lawsuit alleged horrific and unspeakable treatment of juveniles at six state institutions. The treatment, from coerced sex acts and rape to locking children in solitary confinement in cells with only a blanket and no toilet, bed, or water, shocked Oklahomans, especially its leaders who had ignored rumors of inhumane treatment of children for years. Oklahoma received terrible nationwide publicity when the allegations were proved. ABC’s 20/20 called its investigative report “Throwaway Kids” and a Gannett News Service probe labeled its special reports “Oklahoma Shame.” This is the story about the Terry D. lawsuit, named for one of the eight minor plaintiffs whose case resulted in the closure of Oklahoma juvenile institutions and brought new procedures for handling deprived and delinquent children inthe state. The lawsuit lasted 20 years and perhaps is the most significant case of its kind in the nation. Juvenile justice experts frequently refer to the national and long-term impact of Terry D. 45 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 95-year tradition of recognizing accomplished Oklahomans with the state’s highest honor–induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. MISSION PARTNERS Mr. and Mrs. Bob Burke THE MEANING BEHIND THE OKLAHOMA The Chickasaw Nation HALL OF FAME MEDALLION E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation Oklahoma Chiller The Puterbaugh Foundation CONSTANCY CIRCLE RIBBON Peggy Kates Reddish in color, the ribbon that the Oklahoma City Thunder Oklahoma Hall of Fame Medallion RAYS OF THE SUN R.A. Young Foundation hangs from depicts Oklahoma’s Surrounding five Ts are rays of the Standley Systems LLC rich red earth. sun, the Indian symbol for constancy, unchanging, or unwavering. GOLD CIRCLE WHITE STAR FIVE Ts Governor and Mrs. Bill Anoatubby Taken from the Oklahoma Situated above the white star, Timothy C. Headington State Seal, the white star the five Ts honor the five James C. & Teresa K. Day Foundation represents Oklahoma Indian Nations that Mary and Jeff McClean as the 46th state of Union inhabited Indian McCasland Foundation and the 46th star on the Territory prior Larry and Polly Nichols flag of the United States. to Statehood. Shannon L. Rich Walton Family Foundation GOLD CENTER MISTLETOE CIRCLE The blessing of the union MISTLETOE WREATH Mr. and Mrs. Steve Burrage of Oklahoma and Indian Taken from the Oklahoma Citizens Bank of Edmond territories by Uncle Sam, Hall of Fame’s impression Mr. and Mrs. Ken Fergeson the gold center is taken stamp and the Oklahoma Anne and Mike Greenwood from the impression stamp State Seal, the Mistletoe Mustang Fuel Corporation of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame wreath first was used as an Mr. and Mrs. David Rainbolt upon its founding in 1927. element of the Great Seal C. Renzi and Lee Anne Stone of the Territory of Oklahoma. FRIENDS OF THE MEDALLION Originally pinned to the Honoree have remained the same since American Fidelity Foundation the night of induction, today’s the first induction in 1928. Mr. and Mrs. Calvin J. Anthony Oklahoma Hall of Fame Medallion Headed by Anna B. Korn, the The Honorable Jari Askins is hung on a ribbon around the founder of the Oklahoma Hall of Dewey F. Bartlett, Jr. Honoree’s neck. Although design Fame, a committee worked with Chief Gary Batton and implementation have changed a local Oklahoma City jeweler to Bruce and Sheryl Benbrook slightly, the elements and meanings design the medallion. Mr. and Mrs. Clayton I. Bennett Mrs. Barbara Braught Mr. Steve M. Brown Robert and Karen Browne Family Fund Andre’ Caldwell Chris and Gini Moore Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Chad Dillingham Jennifer and Steven Grigsby Mr. Brad Carson Ms. Rebecca Dixon Mr. Joe D. Hall Mr. and Mrs. Mike D. Case Mr. Everett Dobson Michelle Hardesty Mrs. Jill Castilla Mr. and Mrs. William E. Durrett Ann and V. Burns Hargis Jerry Chenoweth Carl and Susan Edwards Fred and Kellie Harlan Mr. Stan Clark Tom and Cheryl Evans Mrs. Jane B. Harlow Ms. Jodi R. Cline Amy Anne Ford H.T. and Edna Mae Holden Ms. Amanda Clinton Chad and Jessica Ford Carlos and Pam Johnson Samuel and Rita Combs Chip and Shannon Fudge Hannibal B. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Rick Cooper Hardesty Family Foundation The Honorable Bernard and Dr. Mautra Jones Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth H. Cooper Mrs. Jane Jayroe and Mr. Gerald Gamble The Honorable and Mrs. Frank Keating Mrs. Terri and The Honorable Mick Cornett Dr. and Mrs. Gib Gibson Mr. Bill Lance Sandy and Art Cotton Earnie and Marilyn Gilder Dr. Kathy and Charlie Laster Bill and Carol Crawford Senator A.J. and Kenneth Griffin Larry and Marilyn Lee, RAM Energy, Inc. Page Davidson Mr. David Griffin Roxana and Robert Lorton THANK YOU TO ALL DONORS OF A portion of every donation, regardless of the amount, goes toward funding Oklahoma: Magazine of the THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME Oklahoma Hall of Fame and its distribution to every senior high school library statewide. 46

Tom and Judy Love Erika Lucas Mollie Bennett McCurdy Tom and Brenda McDaniel Bob Meinders Frank and Debbi Merrick Mr. and Mrs. Harry Merson Mr. Wes Milbourn Scott Moore Michael S. Neal Mrs. Susan Bingham Neal The Honorable Ron and Kandy Norick Mr. William G. Paul Adam and Whitney Rainbolt Dr. Eli Reschef and Mrs. Edie Roodman Mr. Frank C. Robson Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Ross Ms. JoAnn Schaub William and Lynne Schonacher Mr. Brandon D. Scott Mr. T.W. Shannon Kayse M. Shrum, D.O. Milann Siegfried Lee Allan Smith Jon R. Stuart The Harold Hamm Foundation Justice and Mrs. Steven W. Taylor Judge and Mrs. Ralph G. Thompson Dr. Jim Utterback Gregg Wadley and Susan E. Brackett Mrs. April Waggoner The Honorable J.C. Watts, Jr. Judge Linda English Weeks Dr. Chad Wiginton Mr. and Mrs. Allen Wright MAGAZINE DONOR LISTING Mr. and Mrs. Mark Allen Bruce and Sheryl Benbrook Chimene and Bob Burke Dr. and Mrs. Tom Carlile Samuel and Rita Combs Dr. Cheryl and Tom Evans Mr. and Mrs. John Gibbs Hardesty Family Foundation Fred and Kellie Harlan Kent “Gib” and Jennifer James Peggy Kates Marilyn and Ed Keller The Kerr Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Parker Dr. Barry and Mrs. Roxanne Pollard The Puterbaugh Foundation Brannon B. Smith Lee Allan Smith Pete White Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Williams With questions, please contact Breann Miller at 405.523.3203 or [email protected]. This list Member FDIC represents donors making unrestricted contributions as of June 1, 2022.

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