Ferguson Features

We had a couple from California come for a visit this week. The man didn’t speak English so the lady translated for him.

We have a pair of beaded leather moccasins on the third floor. The beads go around the edge of the whole shoe next to the sole. There are also beads around the part the foot goes all the way around the heel. There’s a circle with five rings of beads; the rings are alternating white and red with a blue bead in the center. I wonder what the circle represents.

Mrs. Ferguson describes in her book They Carried the Torch that Chief Howling Wolf had three wives. This was before the government issued an order that the Indians couldn’t have more than one wife. Howling Wolf’s wives were concerned about him being in jail. He was moved from the Watonga jail to El Reno during the night. Early the next morning the three wives were found under a window at the courthouse mourning. They had found a spot of red on the ground and they thought it was the blood of their chief. The morning was disturbed with their lamentations. They understood very little English so it was difficult for the sheriff to explain that it was not the blood of Howling Wolf and that he was safe in jail in El Reno. It took many years but the case was finally stricken from the docket. He went back home and was seen around the camps and later joined an Indian and Wild West show. He was killed in an auto accident.

The multiple wives reminds me of Quanah Parker who had eight wives. His mother Cynthia Ann Parker was my grandfather’s cousin. When Quanah was told he had to put aside all of his wives but one, he asked how he was to make that choice. He did have one that didn’t have any children and he would take her when he would go to Washington for various reasons. The other wives had to stay home and take care of their 18 children.

Don’t forget the Trades Day, June 11 and July 9, 2022, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Bring fresh produce, canned fruits and jellies, crafts, new and vintage items. We have several things in the planning stage. The Tea will be in August, Music Under the Stars, a Corn Hole Tournament in September, and an Open House in October celebrating the 50th anniversary of the museum.

Any one that wants to become a member of Friends of Ferguson Home is welcome. You don’t have to be a member to volunteer. If you can only help with one program or project we welcome you.

Hours of operation are Wednesday thru Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Closed state holidays. Just give us a call at 580-623-5069 or 580- 614-1018 to make arrangements for an after hours tour.