In the book, They Carried the Torch, Mrs. Ferguson tells of life in Watonga before there was a bank. I think we all probably take going to the bank for granted. The businesses would have to take their money to a bank 30 miles away. The Farmers and Merchants Bank was opened in May 1894 by J.N. Beacom, a railroad man from Kansas. J.N. returned to his job in another state and left his son in charge. It only lasted three months before crashing. By September, forged County Warrants and protested drafts made their appearance. J.N. came to Watonga but he could hardly face his son’s dishonesty and disgrace. He paid back some of the forged warrants but as he dug deeper into the condition of the bank it was such a disgrace that he shot himself. His son became a fugitive in foreign lands. Then it was another four years before another bank opened in Watonga. The Yeager and Black outlaws made their headquarters in the hills north of Watonga and hold ups were frequent.
The museum is in need of a site director; the job is 20 hours per week. You will be giving tours as well as helping plan programs and events. The director must be able to go up and down the stairs and have basic computer skills. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Since the museum is short staffed right now, these times may vary. Closed city and state holidays. Please call before coming to make sure it is open. Call at 580623-5069 to make arrangements for an after hours tour, if you are interested in joining the Friends of the Ferguson or the site director’s position.