In February, we focused on Black history month and T.B. Ferguson’s support of that community. March is Women’s history month, and there is plenty to celebrate about Elva Ferguson, her daughters that died as children, and Elva’s daughter-in-law, Lucia Loomis Ferguson, a famous journalist in her own right.
In March, I plan to write about Elva Ferguson’s participation in the 1889 and 1893 Land Runs in Oklahoma, her role as a journalist with the Watonga Republican, her role as first lady of Oklahoma Territory 1901-1906 and as a civic leader in Watonga, her leadership in the Republican Party, representation of Oklahoma in the Philadelphia Sesquicentennial, and world travels with her granddaughter.
Before commenting on the Fergusons, let me mention local Watonga women who have stood up for the cause of the Ferguson Museum. Mary Ann Phillips and Vonda Compton helped raise funds and awareness of the Friends of the Ferguson Home. Mary Ann Phillips and Janine Espy spoke before the city council to stress the value of the Ferguson Home Museum, as did Clay Zahn who accomplished major repairs on the front porch. They emphasized the importance of the city continuing the lease between the Friends of the Ferguson for the museum to remain viable. The city has owned the Ferguson Museum, 1893 jail and Cavalry unit from the 1880s since December 2020.
Please make plans to attend T.B. Ferguson’s birthday party on Friday, March 15 at the Watonga Senior Center. Support the Senior Center by buying lunch at 11:30 for the usual price of $7 (Chicken, vegetables, fresh-baked bread, salad, dessert and drink). We will have words of note concerning T.B. Ferguson and cut the birthday cake at noon. This will be the optimum time to renew or initiate membership with the Friends of the Ferguson Home for 2024 if you have not already done so.
Please consider a contribution toward the renovation of the 123-year-old home. Wheeler Brothers has promised $15,000 and an additional $10,000 in matching funds. A private member is also matching the first $10,000. Each $1 is therefore worth $3. And thanks to those who have already contributed. The repaired home will be beautiful.
Then on Saturday, May 4, we will have a tea party at the Watonga First Baptist Church. This will be a wonderful event worthy of First Lady Elva Ferguson. Consider sponsoring a table.