Duncan A. McIntyre and Tulsa’s Finest Airport The history of Tulsa’s airport begins in 1919 with Duncan A. McIntyre. McIntyre, a native of New Zealand and an avid aviator, flew to Tulsa to visit an old army buddy. At this time, progress in Tulsa was in full bloom. Nearly twenty years earlier, Tulsa had gained […]
Tag: History
Frontier Life in Old Poteau Switch, Oklahoma
The Early Days of Poteau From the formation of the Indian Territory until Statehood, eastern Oklahoma was outlaw territory. Following the Civil War, many stories of outlaws, robberies, and other acts of violence were reported throughout the area. Much of this was contained by the Lighthorsemen, but these Native American law officers didn’t have authority […]
Socialism in Oklahoma: The Story of Milton
Origins of the Town of Milton Milton, a small town, started out just as any other Oklahoma town. Around 1870, settlers started arriving and cultivating the area. Soon, a small general mercantile store opened that served the needs of the area residents. Or tried to. So frequently was the store out of supplies that the […]
Oklahoma’s First Woman Mayor: Ms. Nora Shaw
Progressive Poteau Since Poteau was first established, historically, it’s been known as a very progressive and vibrant city. During the late 1800s, many notorious outlaws and famous U.S. Marshals visited the early town. Those included people such as Belle Starr and Ed “Coon” Ratterree. In the 1910s, Poteau was one of the only towns in […]
A Tale of Bonnie and Clyde: The Bank Robbery at Poteau, Oklahoma
Meet Bonnie and Clyde After a long string of petty thefts that began in 1926, Clyde Chestnut Barrow was sent to the Eastham Prison Farm in April 1930. The Eastham Prison Farm was the first maximum-security prison in Texas. Because of its grueling work assignments, treacherous conditions, and difficulty escaping the unit, even hard-core criminals […]
The McAlester Scottish Rite Temple in McAlester, Oklahoma: One of Oklahoma’s Architectural Wonders
Considered as the largest fraternity in the world, Freemasonry is, in its most basic form, a group of dedicated men concerned with moral and spiritual values. They form a brotherhood of like-minded individuals, dedicated to humanitarian causes and the betterment of the world around them. They are proud and humble; proud in the rich heritage […]
Pioneer Life: Sod Homes on the Prairies
Oklahoma Settlement Begins Overburdened wagon trains lined the border between Kansas and Indian Territory on a warm spring day in April 1889. Excitement coursed through the crowd as they waited in eager anticipation. They had come in droves from all walks of life; there were doctors, lawyers, dentists, shopkeepers, farmers, and even the occasional ruffian. […]
Showmen’s Rest: The Legendary Circus City in Hugo, Oklahoma
The Day the Music Died The clowns no longer laugh, the acrobats no longer soar, and the musicians no longer play. All is quiet under the big top, and yet, in immortal life, the circus lives on. In Hugo, Oklahoma, in a place known as Showman’s Rest, the bones of great legendary circus performers lie […]
A Fascinating Glimpse Into Okmulgee, Oklahoma’s History During the Great Depression: 1920–1929
Okmulgee History: The Roaring ’20s and a Slow Decline The Roaring ’20s hit Okmulgee much like it did in the rest of the country. Radio programs were popular, as television hadn’t been invented yet. People sat around and listened to popular shows or music from great jazz artists such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Towards […]