The 1901 Home of Thomas Benton (T.B.) and Elva Ferguson needs some sprucing up. The Friends of the Fergusons Home, a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization supports the home museum through educational and cultural programs. The Friends own and care for the artifacts donated from the 1892-1946 period during which the Fergusons lived in Watonga. The home is actually owned by the City of Watonga. The Friends of the Ferguson Home is much like the Friends of the Watonga Library and Friends of Roman Nose organizations that support both City of Watonga owned properties. We are also similar to the Watonga Community Theater that leases the Liberty Theater from the City.
To give the contents a safe and beautiful residence, the Friends have been assisting the city in evaluating and addressing the physical needs of the structures. The Friends have obtained estimates on painting the building and estimates for replacing broken windows on the third floor where Dr. Dorothy Tyler lived during the time the Fergusons were in Guthrie at the governor’s residence. Evaluations are underway to adjust the foundation, replace the railing on the porch and second floor balcony, evaluate the wooden roof, and replace three sections of fence destroyed in June 2023. All these are components of a comprehensive plan to restore the historically accurate landmark to appropriately house the valuable artifacts in the museum. Replacing the nearly 50year-old storm windows is also being considered.
Many businesses such as Wheeler Brothers, Pioneer Telephone and Cimarron Electric, individuals and organizations (Lions and Kiwanis) have donated generously to help support the renovations of this Territorial and early statehood landmark and to tell the story of a premier family of that era. As final estimates are garnered, these will be discussed with the City of Watonga.
But the primary purpose of the Friends of the Ferguson is to tell the unique story of the Fergusons in Territorial and early statehood. To that end, membership dues and grants are used. The Friends gratefully acknowledge the $1,000 grant from Love’s. An educational grant proposal to the Oklahoma Humanities is under review. We are investigating other grant opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Friends has an opportunity to employ a highly qualified museum site director who will elevate the museum again to area schools, clubs, individuals and families, and promote the museum within and outside the State of Oklahoma.
Please join us Thursday, Sept. 12 at 5:15 at the Ferguson for our regular monthly meeting.