Come join the Friends of the Ferguson this Saturday, Dec. 14 at the City Hall for the pop-up event. Vote on your favorite decorated tree with a donation in support of activities the Friends of the Ferguson conduct for the benefit of citizens. Come by, renew your membership, and watch a segment of “Cimarron”, the academy- award winning movie about the Fergusons in pioneer Oklahoma.
It has been a big year for the Friends of the Ferguson. In March we celebrated the birthday of TB Ferguson and thanked previous board members for their service. In April Janine Espy lead the Friends in a tea with about 90 women attending, and we hosted the 9th grade history and government classes. In May, we had the grand reopening of the museum, which has been closed until a new agreement with the city could be signed. In June, we celebrated Flag Day, and in July, the Independence of our great nation.
In August, the Watonga Band helped us celebrate “Back to School” and two bicycles were given to young students. In September, we remembered how the Fergusons bartered for subscriptions and ads for food by cooking cornbread, and in October, had an open house in conjunction with the Cheese Festival. In addition, we hosted the photographic art showing of a local photographer.
In November, the Friends hosted the First TB and Elva Ferguson “Good Government” symposium for about 100 high school seniors. Some 12 speakers shared their roles as elected officials. Participants included school board members, city council, elected county officials, State Representative Dobrinski and Senator Jech and U.S. Representative Lucas and U.S. Senator Lankford.
Of course, our hearts are heavy because the Ferguson mansion has many physical needs. The roof needs improved drainage over the eves, the 35 windows need attention, the foundation under some of the big windows needs repair, the porch and balcony need their banisters and railings, and the wood siding needs coats of paint. Wheeler Brothers has pledged a sizeable amount as well as a $10,000 matching grant while another matching grant of $10,000 is on the table. Can you help put this grand landmark of Oklahoma’s history in shape to point to a bright Oklahoma future? Do you know a company that could help? Send donations to the Friends of the Ferguson, 521 N Weigle in Watonga or speak with a board member: Connie Burcham, Mary Larson, Esther Arnold, Todd Lafferty or myself.