On Friday, March 17, Watonga celebrated TB Ferguson Day on the anniversary of TB Ferguson’s birthday. Members of the Friends of the Ferguson Home, family members and city officials gathered at the Watonga Library to celebrate this important day.
Ferguson, who came to Watonga with his industrious and civic-minded wife, Elva, and their son, in October of 1892, only months after the land run of April of that year which opened the Cheyenne-Arapaho lands for settlement. Within days, Ferguson had published the first issue of the Watonga Republican. Ferguson, nominated by Teddy Roosevelt, served with distinction as the governor of the Territory of Oklahoma, for five years from 1901 to 1906. It is entirely fitting that Watonga should celebrate TB Ferguson Day on his birthday as proclaimed by Mayor Bill Seitter In addition, special recognition was given to two long-term members of the Friends of the Ferguson. Louise Griffin and Louise Dunn each were members of the Friends of the TB Ferguson Home for more than 20 years.
Louise Griffin served as president from 2014 through 2022 expanding the knowledge of the Ferguson through her many articles in the Ferguson Features, many tours for individuals and groups of the museum and collaboration with other museums in Oklahoma.
Louise Dunn served as treasurer and later as secretary as well. Together, they managed site directors, conducted the annual chicken noodle dinner, teas, Halloween activities, open houses during the Cheese Festival, countless tours by school children, hunts for eggs at Easter, and many other activities.
Their efforts were recognized by citations from State Senator Darcy Jech and State Representative Mike Dobrinski.
Sincere appreciation for years of service is extended to these officers of the Friends of the Ferguson Home.