The Friends of the Ferguson Home, whose goal is to promote cultural and education programs related to T.B. and Elva Ferguson and their home, is off to a fast start in 2025. On Jan. 28, Michael Mayes of the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office, gave a lecture at the Watonga Library on Early Oklahoma Calabooses (jails).
The 1893 jails at Watonga and Geary were built by brothers Alonzo Pettis and Lorenzo Pettis respectively, great-grandfather and great-uncle of Walt Pettis, formerly of Watonga. These stacked wood jails, while not in their original locations and therefore not eligible for recognition in the National Registry of Historic Places, still tell and important story of early Watonga and Geary. Longdale and Okeene, we learned, also have calabooses, each made of concrete block. The one in Okeene is still in use as a “doggy jail.” The date of build of these two jails is not yet recorded Map of Calabooses of Oklahoma.
By the time you read this, The Friends, and many readers, will have heard a lecture on African American History about early Black cowboys, All-Black towns (of which Blaine County had three), and buffalo soldiers, the name attached to Black troopers by Native Americans. All three have a tie-in to the Fergusons or the museum. Professor Roger Hardaway of the history department at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva is a respected expert on these subjects.
The last of the pickets on the fence on the southwest side of the Ferguson Home were installed this week. Leroy Phillips cuts a smooth design on the tops of these pickets and Earl Carmichael puts them on straight. The fence was damaged in June 2023 when a big tree at the Ferguson fell in a storm. Who will help us prep and paint all 784 (original number) of the pickets?
It is expected the replacement tree will be in the ground this week as well. Several seniors at Watonga High School raised almost $500 as a project for the fence and tree. It will be a Shumard Oak, a species known for its strength, beauty, shade and a few nuts.
Coming up Friday, Feb. 28, The Noble House is hosting a dinner mystery theater as a fund-raising event for the Ferguson Home. Tickets are available for purchase online.
In addition to the fence and tree and painting the outside, a lot of work remains on a portion of the foundation, windows, trim and interior to return this 1901 landmark to its proud state. We certainly appreciate the support of our citizens, students and members. If you would like to become a member of the Friends of the Ferguson, please call the museum at 623-5069 and leave a message.