One of six buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Watonga, the home of T.B. and Elva Ferguson stands as a grand monument to the Ferguson family and its contribution to Watonga, Oklahoma Territory, and the nation.
Built in 1901, this Victorian style home was initially rented to a local pharmacist, Warren and Violet Hooper, as T. B. Ferguson had been appointed as Governor of the Territory of Oklahoma by Theodore Roosevelt in November 1901 to serve in Guthrie. In 1902, the first dentist in Watonga and first woman dentist licensed in Oklahoma, Theresa Hunt Tyler, rented the third floor of the home for three years (Don Tyler/Oklahoma Dental Association).
After serving longer than any other territorial governor, the Fergusons returned to Watonga, and moved into their home. While living in this home, Governor Ferguson ran a campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1907 and governor in 1910 (letters to donors were discovered in 1977 in the home) but was unsuccessful. One can imagine the dignitaries and guests the Fergusons entertained in those years in the home, which was designed for receiving long lines of visitors.
The home was the scene of sadness in January of 1919 when Lieutenant Tom Jr. (Thad) died from pneumonia complicating the 1918 influenza pandemic. There was further sadness when Thompson Benton (T.B.) Ferguson passed away on Feb. 14, 1921. Gov. Ferguson’s body lay in state in the parlor of the home after being eulogized by then governor at the Oklahoma State Capital. Patrons lined the tracks of the funeral train to Watonga to show respect.
After T.B. Ferguson’s death, Mrs. Elva Ferguson continued to live in the home and publish the Watonga Republican until 1930. In the late 1920s, Mrs. Ferguson entertained Edna Ferber who interviewed Mrs. Ferguson and others about the land runs, early newspapers and pioneer life as recorded in her book, “Cimarron”. With the consultation of Mrs. Ferguson, the movie by RKO studios won best picture in 1931, the first western so honored.
In 1937, while living in the home, Elva Ferguson published her book: “They Carried the Torch: The Story of Oklahoma’s Pioneer Newspapers.” During those years, Mrs. Ferguson also toured Europe and served as Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Republican Party.
Mrs. Ferguson died in 1947 and the home was used as a duplex until 1967. The Mother’s Self Culture Club raised funds to purchase the property and 17 businessmen signed a loan for $9,000 to buy the home. The City of Watonga purchased the property in 1968. In 1969, 70 and 1971, the Oklahoma Legislature apportioned a total of $35,000 to renovate the property under MSCC President Ellen Shaw and master carpenter, Carlisle Rice. The home was opened as a museum in October 1972 and celebrated 50 years in 2022. Storm windows, many of which presently need replacement, were installed in 1977 cutting the fuel bill to 1/3. In the first 14 years as a museum, almost 50,000 people visited the museum! (This old House in Watonga by Ellen Shaw).
Thank you to all who continue to support and renew this important landmark of Oklahoma History.