Ashley was busy this week doing reports, researching, and digitizing inventory.
We have an old postage canceling machine that was found by Kenneth Canaday in the attic of his home in Watonga, Oklahoma. It appears the hour of 9:00 a.m. and day of May 5, 1913 is the last time the stamp was used.
In Mrs. Ferguson’s book They Carried the Torch she tells us that a few months after the Watonga Republican was established, Mr. Ferguson opened war upon the lawlessness and through his editorials he accused the saloons of violating the laws and harboring criminals. As a result one cold winter night the office was set on fire with the Fergusons asleep in the back rooms. The man was caught and when asked why he had started the fire, he answered, “the saloon owners gave him ten dollars and a quart of whiskey to burn up that damned editor.” At the trial of one of the saloon keepers, several men on the jury had sympathy for him and he was acquitted. However, he was told to leave the territory at once.
In the early days of Oklahoma, veterans of the Civil War were a power in public affairs. Old soldiers were given preference among candidates running for public office whenever possible to do so. No political party could hope to win without proper recognition of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) organization. The G.A.R. is a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army, Union Navy, and the Marines who served in the American Civil War. When I went to cemeteries doing genealogy I saw the old tombstones with the G.A.R. emblem on them but wasn’t sure what it stood for until researching it to write this. I knew it was something military was all.
Don’t forget the Trades Day this Saturday, June 11, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Bring your vintage and new items to sale. Several people mentioned to me last year they thought it was a good idea.
You don’t have to be a member to volunteer. About a month ago a man who had driven by and seen the sign out front about the restoration called to volunteer. If you can only help with one program or project we welcome you. Any one that wants to become a member of Friends of Ferguson Home is welcome.
Hours of operation are Wednesday thru Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Closed state holidays. Just give us a call at 580-623-5069 or 580- 614-1018 to make arrangements for an after hours tour.