Continuing the theme of National Preservation Month, this week I’m writing about the Ferguson Home itself. This Victorian structure was built in 1901, the year the Fergusons were called to Guthrie to serve as governor/first lady of the territory of Oklahoma. The home represents great themes of which to be proud: Journalism in the form of the Watonga Republican, good government moving Oklahoma Territory toward statehood, good relations with all ethnic groups, Edna Ferber’s historical novel using the Fergusons as a model and Academy Award winning cinema (Cimarron), music in the form of the state song, and of course the unique Victorian architecture.
After the passing of Mrs. Elva Ferguson in 1947, the home served as private housing for some years. Because of the significance, the property was purchased by the Mother’s Self Culture club in 1968. With $35,000 in assistance from the Oklahoma Legislature, the home was restored in 1972 and opened as a museum in October that year. During the first 15 years, some 50,000 people visited this unique landmark. Last week, some 100 Watonga 3rd and 9th graders visited the museum, a visit remembered with fondness by past students. So far as we know, this, and the Seay mansion in Kingfisher, are the only two remaining homes of Territorial governors in Oklahoma.
But now, some 50+ years after the restoration, the 125-year-old home needs assistance. The city owns the property and the Friends of the Ferguson Home curate the many donated items (including the organ from last week’s article). The roof was replaced about 15 years ago. The Friends raised funds to paint the exterior in three period colors (second and third floors work is ongoing), repair and paint the fence, and replace three sets of windows on the third floor. The giant tree in the front of the home was destroyed in a storm; seniors in high school replaced the tree with a sapling.
Even with the progress, the foundation needs some adjustment as evidenced by the gap in the wall in the music room and sagging wallpaper inside. There are about 30 storm windows circa 1976 that need replacement. Guttering needs to be replaced and some major trim requires replacement to keep birds and animals out. Both south bay windows need major renovations. Rails on the front and second floor porches must be replaced. While all this may not be done in a single year, systematic preservation of this important Watonga/ Territorial landmark must be planned and the plan accomplished.