As we ended 2024 activities of the Friends of the Ferguson Home, we are planning for several activities in 2025. To recap 2024, we began our year with a membership drive and now have 80 members! In addition, more than 1,200 people are friends of the T.B. Ferguson Home Facebook page. Along with membership, we had a capital improvements campaign. Wheeler Brothers donated $15,000 and an additional $10,000 to match other donations. A private family advanced another $10,000 which generous donors matched. That, along with other donations provided nearly $50,000 toward much needed renovations of the 124-yearold home which is owned by the City of Watonga. We are grateful to the city for allowing the use of these private funds to improve the Ferguson’s beautiful home and all it represents. Also, we thank First State and Bank 7 for allowing Friend’s accounts to bear interest.
We began the year March 15 with a celebration of T.B. Ferguson’s Birthday held at the Watonga Senior Center. The city proclaimed T.B. Ferguson Day. In April, the Friends hosted a tea in honor of the Fergusons. The theme was fashion, then and now. Images of Mrs. Ferguson show her as a stylish woman with a huge hat. High school ladies modeled some fashions from a local shop and there was a display of antique fashions. It was a gala affair with live music.
On June 15, we celebrated Flag Day at the Ferguson. Three young men and a young lady who attended Boy’s/Girl’s State participated in the Flag raising. Dayson Cash gave an outstanding speech on our flag.
Michael Mays, the director of the National Registry of Historic Places in Oklahoma gave a presentation on early Oklahoma jails. We helped make him aware of Watonga’s unique 1893 stacked wood jail which he added to his presentation. He will give this presentation in Watonga on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
We participated in the Watonga Cheese festival in October, and in November we conducted the second Ferguson Good Government Symposium for high school seniors. Elected officials spoke and interacted with the students.
We are grateful for our two new docents, Rick Larson and Hunter Martinez, for their service. And Roy and Janine Espy brought joy to children and parents in their roles as Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Thanks to all who joined in for caroling.
For 2025, we have been in contact with speakers for the African American Month, Women’s History Month, National Preservation Month, and Native American Month. Your membership of $25 individual, $35 family and $50 commercial pay for these activities.