Thank you to all who attended the presentation on February 4 sponsored by the Friends of the Ferguson Home. Roger Hardaway, noted author and favorite professor at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva gave an interesting talk in honor of African American History Month. He talked about African American towns in Oklahoma, African American cowboys, both early statehood, amateur and professional rodeo performers, and Buffalo soldiers. These are all well-associated with the Fergusons and Blaine County.
Prof. Hardaway’s talk follows the informative talk by Michael Mayes of the Oklahoma State Historical Society January 28 on early Oklahoma jails including Watonga’s own 1893 stacked wood jail. These activities are the first of several upcoming activities relating to the Fergusons.
On February 28, The Noble House Hotel Bed and Breakfast will sponsor a dinner theater with local artists producing a “who done it” western “Shootout at Bill’s Boarding”. After a steak and chicken dinner, proceeds will be donated to the Friends of the Ferguson home. Tickets are $50.
The fence in front and on the south side of the Ferguson Home has been repaired following the June 2023 storm that damaged the giant tree and fence. Five seniors at Watonga High School raised more than $500 to cover the materials for the fence and a new Shumard oak tree to replace the fallen tree.
You should have by now received your tax document from the Friends of the Ferguson Home, a 501(c)(3) organization which receives tax deductible donations to conduct educational activities such as the Mayes and Hardaway lectures and to assist the city in maintenance and repairs on the museum.
The Friends’ annual membership drive is underway.
On March 16, the Friends will sponsor a celebration of T.B. Ferguson’s birthday. This will be held at the fellowship hall of the Christian Church following morning worship. The menu will be Mexican served buffet style. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for those under 12 with no cost for those under 2 years. Everyone is invited.
And plans are underway for the annual Ferguson Tea to be held Saturday, May 10. A planning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18 at the Senior Center. A theme will be selected and program planned. Everyone is welcome to bring their ideas.