bmonthly October 2022

October 2022

Charles (Charlie) Allcott, Bartlesville Market President callcott@stridebank.com 918.331.2901

Welcome to Stride Bank, Charles!

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WHAT’S INSIDE

what’s inside...

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Upfront

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Funny You Should Ask: Herd Mentality

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Profile: Earl Sears

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Out & About: Photos From Around Town

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Feature: The Bartlesville Municipal Airport Aviation & Dreams in the Prairie Sky

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Area Attractions: The Sky’s the Limit for Fun Tulsa Air & Space Museum a Fun Experience

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Feature Sponsor Story: Flying High!

61

Arts & Entertainment: Ruby Celebration

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Business: Meet Charlie Allcott Stride Bank Announces New Market President

63

Tribute: Making a Difference

27

Kids Calendar

29

Chick-fil-A Events Calendar

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From the Heart: Here’s to High-Fiving Life!

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A Fresh Perspective: Kayak the Caney

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The Arts: Resonance, Romance & Reflection

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Business Spotlight: Faith-Based Planning

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A Good Word: Africa Calling

75

On the Road: Chioce, Prime & One-of-a-Kind A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Reba’s Place

40

Now You Know: Washington County Free Fair Popular Annual Event is Dewey’s Party

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Area History: History Depends on the Historian

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Looking Back : Stokes Cemetery Oldest Non-Indian Cemetery in County

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Once Upon a Time: Ray Charles & Me... ...One More Time

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Education: Cornerstone Classical Academy Hybrid Homeschool Program Celebrates 9th Year

81

The Great Outdoors: The Spirit of the West Wolf Creek Ranch Provides Authentic Experiences

82

Let Freedom Ring: Apollo 7 Mission

67 Bartlesville’s Own: Wes Barnhart & Clint Eads Bartlesville Wrestling’s Early Royalty

OCTOBER 2022 4

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upfront

Welcome to October and the start of fall, friends. This is one of my favorite times of the year. The leaves start changing in glorious colors and mornings start off with a hint of chill in the air. College and High School football are at full speed, and the Oklahoma sunsets are beautiful paintings in the sky.

If you have lived in Bartlesville for more than a year, you have probably noticed ConocoPhillips jets taking off.

There is really nowhere in Bartlesville that you can’t hear the roaring jets as they take off in one of the most famous airports in the state. In this month’s issue, I had Sarah Gagan write the feature story on the Bartlesville Municipal Airport and the Frank Phillips Field. The history of this area was started by Frank Phillips in 1927. Frank had a love for airplanes. So like Frank would do, he purchased land a mile west of Bartlesville and developed aviation gas before he started automobile gasoline. Most people don’t know that fact. With pilots like Billy Parker, Art Goebel, and the man on our cover - Wiley Post with his beloved Winnie Mae behind him. I love this cover and the history this man made for the aviation world. It is unbelievable that so much of it happened right here over the skies of Bartlesville.

This month’s Profile is Mr. Earl Sears, who we consider a good friend.

We celebrate his love for our great city and, most importantly, his love for his former students. All of our seven kids except Grace had Mr. Sears as their principal at Central Middle School. This man has served Oklahoma as a State Representative and our community by watching and loving all of our kids for 32 years. We are grateful for his service to so many who went to Central Middle School. Christy and I are blessed to call him friend.

UPFRONT

minute or that second has been the same since. Over the years I have written stories on losing Tyler and every year at this time of the year I write about him again. I want to say that I have watched my wife become my inspiration and frankly my hero! Her loss has been for so many others’ gains. She has inspired and helped lift mothers off the ground who have lost their own children. She has prayed with, sat with, and cried with mothers who are as broken as she was on that day 13 years ago. Her angelic smile and loving understanding eases just a little bit of that pain and lets them know that they can go on...they can live. One day you will laugh, you will smile, you will love. Christy knows without a doubt that Tyler will be there when she steps into Heaven. A mother’s love for their child is an amazing thing to watch. I have picked her up many nights off the bathroom floor to put her into bed after we lost Tyler. I know she is helping so many other mothers pick themselves up and say it will be okay. One of the many things I have heard over the years is Christy saying to others that she doesn’t have to worry about Tyler anymore. You might have one of those kids who will be a part of what’s going on. If you knew Tyler, you would see a young man who just wanted to make everyone happy and smile. That was Tyler. He didn’t have a bad thought in his head and, really, all he wanted was to make you laugh. His heart was as big as the love he had for his mama and for all his siblings and friends.

I want to end this Upfront with some advice for when your kids leave in the morning or are just heading to a friend’s house to hang out. Make sure you tell them you love them, and if you can grab a quick hug or a high five. do it. Don’t let that moment go by because no one knows when our last breath will be. Take these moments with your children and let them know how special they are and how much they are loved because it may be the last time you or they hear those words.

As I talked about earlier in this Upfront, fall is my favorite time of the year. I say this with a pause and a sense of what this time of the year means to our family and most importantly to Christy. I wear her pain like a heavy coat and know that this time of the year is her hardest.

September 2nd…Tyler’s birthday. October 8th…the day we lost Tyler. When we lost Tyler to an accidental gunshot 13 years ago, our Managing Editors whole world was flipped on Keith & Christy McPhail. its side. Nothing from that

Fall is my favorite season because of the beauty I see and also because its the beauty of what Tyler’s life meant to his mama, his family and friends, and the colors of his life he brought to Heaven.

We love and miss you like crazy Tyler. God bless, Keith, and your Mama!

Volume XIII Issue X

Bartlesville Monthly Magazine is published by

ENGEL PUBLISHING

Offices located in Downtown Bartlesville in the historic Price Tower 510 Dewey Ave, Suite 400, Bartlesville, OK 74003 P.O. Box 603, Bartlesville, OK 74005

www.bartlesvillemonthly.com facebook.com/bartlesvillemonthly

Publisher Brian Engel brian@bartlesvillemonthly.com Graphics Copper Cup Images design@coppercupimages.com Director of Sales & Marketing Keith McPhail keith@bartlesvillemonthly.com Community Liaison Christy McPhail christy@bartlesvillemonthly.com Project Manager Andrea Whitchurch andrea@bartlesvillemonthly.com Administration Shelley Greene Stewart Delivery and Distribution Julie Drake Calendar/Social Media calendar@bartlesvillemonthly.com Contributing Writers

Debbie Neece, Kay Little, Kelly Bland, Lori Kroh, Jay Hastings, Sarah Leslie Gagan, Brent Taylor, Lori Just, Keith McPhail, Jay Webster, Abigail Singrey, Maria Gus, Rita Thurman Barnes, Orai Lehman, Randy Standridge

Contributing Photographers Melissa DeVivo, Becky Burch Bartlesville Area History Musuem

Kids Calendar Jessica Smith

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or otherwise, without prior permission of Bartlesville Monthly, Inc. Publisher & Editor of Bartlesville Monthly Magazine reserves the right to reject any content or advertisement in this publication.

ABOUT THE COVER

Bartlesville Municipal Airport and Frank Phillips Field through the years.

Creative concept by Keith and Christy McPhail Design by Copper Cup Images

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PROFILE

Earl Sears

Relationship-Focused Community Leader

by Sarah Leslie Gagan When it comes to community, Earl Sears has modeled a life of humble service. His efforts and hard work have touched so many lives. He is a role model, teacher, administrator, representative, and most of all, a friend.

Earl Sears’ heritage within the Bartlesville community dates back five generations, back to Indian Territory when his great-great-grandfather, Joseph Harden Bennett, arrived and opened a trading post in the Silver Lake area. His family has endowed him with a rich legacy of leadership within our community.

Growing up in Bartlesville, Earl had a wonderful childhood. His mother’s family had a farm outside of town where he would spend his summers, then when school began, he was back in town with his parents.

He said that experience of both country and city living gave him the best of both worlds.

His elementary years were spent at Jefferson Elementary School, which once stood on 4th Street at Choctaw Street. He reminisces about how different the era of his childhood was compared to today. It was a different day and time, one where he played outdoors with neighborhood children and roamed carefree in the woods surrounding the Caney River. Kids stayed out all day, often until dark, without a worry in the world. Saturdays were for exploring downtown shops with his brother and taking in a movie show.

When Earl was 11, he began his first job, sweeping floors in a local saddle shop. He worked at the saddle shop all throughout junior high and high school and learned much about leathercraft. He never became a saddle maker, but certainly knew all the steps.

During Earl’s junior high years, he attended Central Middle School. At that time, he could never have envisioned what a big part of his life that institution would one day become. He went on to attend College High School, graduating in 1970. Most of his extra time during those years was spent working.

After graduation, Earl wasn’t sure what direction he wanted to take, and at the encouragement of his older brother, Joe Sears, he was convinced to join Joe 8

bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

in attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. During his four years there, he became the student body president for his senior year. He returned to Bartlesville for his teaching internship at College High School.

Following his internship, he accepted the position of Woodshop teacher at Central Middle School. This was the beginning of 32 years of service in public education.

After about 6-and-a-half years teaching in the classroom, Earl became the assistant principal at Central, a position he held for a year and a half. He then became principal, where he would serve for 24 years.

Earl loved school while growing up and truly enjoyed learning. He had many role models that made positive impressions on him that would shape the direction of his life. Woodshop teacher Ed Fee influenced Earl greatly with his passion for education, and Earl credits Mr. Fee’s influence as the reason he went into a career in education. Frank Morrison, College High DECA instructor, had a contagious love of learning and instruction

PROFILE that shaped Earl’s passion.

High School math teacher, Leroy Coke, influenced Earl with his pure enjoyment of education and teaching.

Earl met his future wife, Jane, in Bartlesville, but it was during their time together at Northeastern when they became serious.

They married after graduation and have two wonderful children and three incredible grandchildren, and they are very proud of all of them. To Earl, family is his rock, his #1 priority, his guiding light, his city on a hill. He is who he is today because of their love and support, including the support and love of his parents and grandparents. Nothing else in his career or list of accomplishments compares to Earl’s love and dedication to his family.

Throughout Earl’s entire life, he was attentive to country and world events, and enjoyed learning about world leaders. He took his right to vote seriously, so much so that in April 1970, when President Nixon signed the legislature lowering the voting age to 18, Earl was second in line to register in Washington County.

Because he always lived his life looking for ways to better people’s lives, he took the opportunity to serve on the Bartlesville City Council as Ward 3 Councilman from 1999 to 2003.

During Earl’s time at Central Middle School, he was instrumental in the remodeling and necessary reconstruction that has made it into the beautiful campus we know today. He saw the need and did whatever it took to arrange funding for the necessary work to the facility. To honor Mr. Sears for his years of tireless dedication to Central, when he retired from public education in 2006, the adjacent park on the corner of Cherokee Avenue and Adams Boulevard was named “Earl Sears Park” in his honor. It was an honor he never saw coming that truly made

him weak in the knees when announced.

Earl’s service to his community did not end with his public education retirement.

In 2006, he was elected as Oklahoma State Representative for District 11, serving most of the Bartlesville area until 2018, when term limits brought an end to his legislative career. Earl has always felt compelled to give back to his community, his state, and his nation, and has always been engaged in what is going on around him.

He is well known for making a difference in the lives of so many with his positive outlook and encouraging spirit, and the fulfillment flows both ways.

Each personal encounter has been written on Earl’s heart in ways that changed his life, too. It empowers him to keep going and reach higher and press on in his quest to make lives better. In the end, it’s all about improving lives for Earl. And Bartlesville is the best possible place, he feels, to live out this mission.

Many things Earl has done and continues to do for his community take place quietly and behind the scenes. He humbly says the community has been incredibly honoring to him, with various rewards and recognitions, and that means so much. But, despite all the public accolades, it is the relationships and time spent interacting with students, teachers, and parents that he sees as the real jewel in his crown and the trophy on his mantle.

Earl is a champion for Bartlesville, always seeking to do what he can to assist, to enhance, and to improve his city. He enthusiastically says, “Bartlesville is a great place to call home; it’s a great place to raise a family. It’s my home and anything I can do to enhance, to make it a better place to live, count me in!” The community thanks you Earl, for all you’ve done to shape us into who we are today.

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SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

The Bartlesville Municipal Airport Aviation Dreams in the Prairie Sky

by Sarah Leslie Gagan

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bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Woolaroc Plane at Phillips Airport, Completing a 12 day farewell tour before being placed to rest in the Woolaroc Museum, 1929 Left to Right; Harold Parker, H.W. Harrington, Frank Phillips, Col. Art Goebel (Pilot), Roland Guthrie (Advance Man), R. C. Jopling, and Poncho Vela (Mechanic) Oklahoma oilman Frank Phillips had a passion for aviation, so much so that Phillips 66 developed aviation fuel first, before automobile gasoline. In 1927, he had a vision for 430 acres of raw prairie one mile northwest of Bartlesville, and putting his money where his heart was, Frank Phillips opened his own airport and the Frank Phillips Field was born.

Oklahoma played a crucial role in the early evolution of flight. Just three years after statehood, Oklahomans witnessed the first mechanically-powered flight over the state. On March 18, 1910, stunt pilot Charles F. Willard flew an exhibition with a Curtiss Pusher airplane above the Historic Capitol Hill district in Oklahoma City. Willard’s plane only rose 15 feet off the ground on the first exhibition day. On the second day, Willard flew about 25 feet off the ground and lasted half a mile before he crashed.

The pilot walked away unharmed, and although many considered the weekend unsuccessful, this landmark event established Oklahoma’s distinguished aviation history.

Aircraft innovation came to northern Oklahoma a year after Willard’s flight, when Clyde Cessna tested plane prototypes in the Cherokee Outlet. Cessna developed a passion for aviation while attending an air circus in Oklahoma City. After purchasing his own materials, the designer took his first plane to the area near Salt Plains State Park for testing. Nearly a dozen prototypes crashed, but on December 18, 1911, Cessna achieved his first successful flight of five miles and reached an altitude of 200 feet. Over the next two years, he staged exhibition flights in other Oklahoma towns.

When the United States entered World War 1 in 1917, a plane testing program was launched and began bringing aircraft production to Oklahoma. It was during this time that Joseph Bartles (son of oil businessman Jacob H. Bartles) formed the Dewey Aeroplane Company and secured a contract to manufacture Curtiss JN-4D Jenny bi-planes for the government. Thanks to returning veterans’ newfound flying skills, Oklahoma’s aviation industry boomed in the post-war years.

First of three hangars and factory rooms of the Star Aircraft Co. of Bartlesville, Post 1927 14

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SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Billy Parker after one of his many flight demonstrations Billy Parker

young Billy Parker was a pilot with a plane.

Frank Phillips was watching the advancements in aeronautics. As his oil and natural gas company rapidly grew, so did his passion for aviation. In his search for those on the cutting edge of aviation, he met Billy Parker and hired him in 1927 as the first corporate pilot for Phillips 66, as well as the head of the first corporate flight department.

For several summers, Parker barnstormed through the Northwest, demonstrating the marvels of his airplane at state and county fairs. During winter months, he built improved airplanes of the pusher type. All in all, Billy built 10 planes which he sold to other pilots or used himself.

From pushers to jets, Billy Parker grew up with aviation. His career choice wasn’t easy. In 1912, ready-built planes weren’t available to a Colorado lad with limited funds. There were only two flying schools in the country and the nearest was over 1,500 miles away. Building his own plane would be extremely difficult, but Billy was driven by passion. He knew if he ever wanted to get off the ground, he would have to make improvements to existing plane designs and build his own plane.

Parker, using the meager information and material at hand, set to work with wire, cloth, and spruce lumber and built his plane. Its power came from a lightweight 50-horsepower Gnome rotary engine built in France. But would it fly?

There was only one way to find out. Pushing the homemade plane to a vacant field outside Fort Collins, Billy tested it on the ground, then took off in a cloud of dust.

His design and Gnome engine had conquered the high altitude of Colorado, and

By 1916, Parker was in the United States Army at the Mexican border. As the United States drew closer to entry into World War I, he transferred to the aviation section of the Signal Corps as a civilian instructor. At that time, the Army owned only 12 or 15 planes. There was no such thing as an air force.

In 1917, Parker was commissioned a captain in the British Royal Flying Corps, but with America’s entry in the war, he was returned to San Francisco. Billy was assigned to the U.S. Aircraft Corporation at Redwood City, California as a test pilot. Later in the war, he became chief instructor at a new flying school opened in Dewey, Oklahoma.

Following the war, Billy became a test pilot, learning firsthand the many and difficult problems facing the young aviation industry.

He wanted to help, and he did. An outstanding example of his early inventiveness was the first practical controllable pitch propeller, which earned him many basic patents.

Photograph Signed by/of Billy Parker, 1929

Parker was barnstorming through the Midwest in 1927 when he joined Phillips as manager of its aviation division. The airshow OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Frank Phillips, Art Goebel, and Friends with the “Woolaroc”, 1927 flying happened by chance. Along with other oil companies, Phillips maintained aviation product display booths at some of the larger airshows. Like similar displays of other oil companies, it received only casual attention from the crowd. But the picture changed when Parker accepted an invitation to fly his pusher at one of the large shows.

The demonstration thrilled the crowd and brought them to the Phillips exhibit to meet the pilot and see the plane. From then on, Billy Parker accepted invitations to fly at major airshows when his busy schedule permitted. Billy Parker and his pusher planes brought a great deal of favorable publicity to Phillips.

Holding license No. 44, signed by Orville Wright, Parker was one of the country’s oldest active pilots and his 1912 pusher was one of the oldest airplanes in active operation. It was an unbeatable combination.

Art Goebel and Woolaroc

from California to Hawaii and win the $25,000 prize offered by pineapple magnate James Dole.

Twenty-six hours, 17 minutes and 33 seconds after takeoff, the monoplane “Woolaroc” touched down at Wheeler Field in the Hawaiian Islands. Pilot of the plane was Art Goebel, a skywriter and movie stunt pilot, accompanied by his navigator Navy Lt. William V. Davis Jr. The pair were met by 20,000 cheering Islanders, many of whom had waited all night and through the morning to see which plane would arrive first. Only one other aircraft finished the race. Although Goebel and several of his friends made the initial financial deposit to Travel Air in Wichita, Kansas, to have the plane built for the race, it was Oklahoma oil man Frank Phillips who agreed to pay off the $15,000 balance owed if Goebel would name it “Woolaroc.”

After the race, the plane was dismantled and sent back to the mainland by steamship. Several months later it was brought to the Phillips ranch, where it became the first exhibit at what is now the Woolaroc Museum, Lodge and Wildlife Preserve.

Anyone interested in aviation history will immediately recognize the name of Charles Lindbergh and “Spirit of St. Louis.” But how about Art Goebel and Woolaroc? Just a few weeks after Lindbergh made his historic 1927 trans-Atlantic flight from New York to Paris, there was another flight which was just as historic, going the other direction.

August 16, 1927, eight airplanes took off from Oakland, California, in a race to determine who would be the first commercial pilot to fly 16

bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

Frank Phillips and Art Goebel, 1929

Frank Phillips had the area which is now the museum lobby built specially to display the plane in 1929. As the museum grew, the plane moved to anoth-

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Wiley Post and Harold Gatty in front of the Winnie Mae used for the round-the-world flight, 1931 er spot inside and finally to an outbuilding nearby. In 1985, a 4,000-square-foot addition was added to the museum for the restored airplane. The plane is suspended from the ceiling by steel cables as if it were just taking off in a climbing position and is viewed from a second-level balcony. By walking downstairs, visitors can look up at the plane and inside one of the doors.

The Dole race to Hawaii was a great adventure for Goebel, and tragedy for several others. 10 lives were lost altogether, before, during, and after the race. Only two of the eight planes made it across the ocean.

Star Aircraft The Star Aircraft division of Phillips Petroleum was formed at Bartlesville in 1928. Designers E.A. Riggs and Billy Parker prepared plans for a two-passenger, high-wing light private owner aircraft intended for the lower-end cost of the market. The advertised cost ranged from $2,895 to $3,450.

The Bartlesville manufacturer produced one plane every 10 days, and in 1930, the plant employed 20 men and had a monthly

payroll of over $4,000. The various Star Cavalier models served private owners in the touring role until the curtailment of civil flying in the US in late 1941. Five Star Cavaliers remained on the U.S. civil aircraft register as of 2009.

The officers of the aircraft company were well known Bartians, President John H. Kane, Vice-President Billy Parker, and General Manager John Bain, in addition to Frank Phillips, L.E. Phillips, Clyde Alexander and W.N. Davis on the board of directors.

Wiley Post and Winnie Mae Frank Phillips continued to invest in the future of aviation by sponsoring Wiley Post in his stratosphere test flights, which contributed much to the future of aviation. This early sponsorship also contributed to Phillips Petroleum Company’s high octane aviation gasoline program.

Young Wiley’s first view of an aircraft in flight came in 1913 at the county fair in Lawton, Oklahoma. The plane was a Curtiss-Wright “Pusher type.” The event so inspired him that he

Star Aircraft Co. and Phillips Airport, various planes, including at least 9 light, hi-wing monoplanes, are lined up to recieve fuel OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

17

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Phillips 77 tanker truck beside the “Winnie Mae”. Wiley Post is standing on the ground looking up to serviceman “Bevo” ( full name unknown), while Ernie Shultz is on the fuel truck. immediately enrolled in the Sweeney Automobile and Aviation School in Kansas City. During World War I, Post wanted to become a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Service. Joining the training camp at the University of Oklahoma, he learned radio technology.

Germany agreed to an armistice before he completed his training, the war ended, and he went to work as a roughneck in the Oklahoma oilfields.

Post’s aviation career began at age 26 as a parachutist for a flying circus, Burrell Tibbs and His Texas Topnotch Fliers, and he became well known on the barnstorming circuit. On October 1st, 1926, Post was badly injured in an oilrig accident when a piece of metal pierced his left eye.

An infection permanently blinded him in that eye, and he became known for wearing a white eyepatch.

Wiley Post in pilot’s seat of open early style biplane 18

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Wiley used part of his injury settlement

money to buy his first aircraft. Around this time, he met fellow Oklahoman Will Rogers when he flew Rogers to a rodeo, and the two eventually became close friends. Post was the personal pilot of wealthy Oklahoma oilmen Powell Briscoe and F.C. Hall in 1930 when Hall bought a high-wing, single-engine Lockheed Vega. The oilman named it Winnie Mae after his daughter, and Post achieved his first national prominence in it by winning the National Air Race Derby, from Los Angeles to Chicago.

In 1930, the record for flying around the world was held by the Graf Zeppelin, piloted by Hugo Eckener in 1929 with a time of 21 days. On June 23rd, 1931, Post and the Australian navigator Harold Gatty left Roosevelt Field on Long Island, New York, in the Winnie Mae with a flight plan that would take them around the world. They arrived back on July 1st, after traveling 15,474 miles in the record time of 8 days and 15 hours and 51 minutes, in the first successful aerial circumnavigation by a single-engine monoplane. After the flight, Post acquired the Winnie Mae from F.C. Hall, and he and Gatty published an account of their journey titled Around the World in Eight Days, with an introduction by Will Rogers.

After the record-setting flight, Post wanted to open his own aeronautical school, but could not raise enough financial support because of doubts many had about his rural background and limited formal education. Motivated by his detractors, Post decided to attempt a solo flight around the world and to break his previous

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Wiley Post preparing his high altitude suit for use, 1934 speed record. Over the next year, Post improved his aircraft by installing an autopilot device and a radio direction finder.

In 1933, he repeated his flight around the world, this time using the autopilot and compass in place of his navigator and becoming the first to accomplish the feat alone. Fifty thousand people greeted him on his return on July 22nd after 7 days, 18 hours, 49 minutes.

In 1934, with financial support from Frank Phillips and the Phillips Petroleum Company, Post began exploring the limits of high-altitude long-distance flight. The Winnie Mae’s cabin could not be pressurized, so he worked with Russell S. Colley of the B.F. Goodrich Company to develop what became the world’s first practical pressure suit. Three pressure suits were fabricat-

ed for Wiley Post, but only the final version proved successful.

The first suit ruptured during a pressure test. The redesigned second suit used the same helmet as the first but when tested was too tight and they were unable to remove it from Post, so they had to cut him out, destroying the suit. The third suit was redesigned from the previous two.

The body of the suit had three layers: long underwear, an inner black rubber air pressure bladder, and an outer layer made of rubberized parachute fabric. The outer layer was glued to frame with arm and leg joints that allowed him to operate the flight controls and to walk to and from the aircraft. Attached to the frame were pigskin gloves, rubber boots, and an aluminum-and-plastic diver’s helmet. The helmet had a removable faceplate that could be sealed at a height of 17,000 ft. and could accommodate earphones and a throat microphone. The helmet was cylinder-shaped with a circular window.

In the first flight using the suit on September 5th, 1934, Post reached an altitude of 40,000 ft. above Chicago. Knowing he could go higher, and with the support and encouragement of Frank Phillips, Wiley attempted the feat again on December 7th , 1934, over the skies of Bartlesville, taking off in Winnie Mae from Frank Phillips Airport.

Wiley Post in high altitude suit entering cockpit. Dec. 7, 1934

A firsthand account of the stratosphere flight quoting Bartlesville resident Bob Kinney states, “Several hundred people at the Bartlesville airport gazed upward on December 7th, 1934. First, they saw a little airplane going up in the sky, then it was a tiny speck, then nothing to the eyes for some two hours and 25 minutes.”

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

19

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Continental Airlines staff members pose for a photo at Bartlesville Municipal Airport This flight was important to the world of aviation and spaceflight as Wiley Post, in his pressure suit, flew the unpressurized Winnie Mae into the stratosphere. The altimeter in the Winnie Mae broke at 35,000 feet, but most everyone believed he flew up above 50,000 feet, 9 miles high, and broke the world flight altitude record.

Wiley had discovered that properly designed airplanes could fly much faster in the thin air of the stratosphere than down be-

low. He discovered the jet stream, that strip of rushing winds vital to aviation, weather forecasting, and other scientific efforts.

He determined that people could breathe in the thin air and keep warm in the minus 70 degree cold through his special pressure suit. The suit was the proud prototype of the firm pressure suits worn by future space explorers. The flight also led to the world’s first pressurized airplanes.

It was with great excitement and pride that Frank Phillips and Wiley Post announced that day that the flight altitude record had been broken as Post sailed into the stratosphere over Bartlesville. It was a monumental milestone for Bartlesville and Phillips Aviation that stood the test of time for 80 years, until a December 13th, 1935 announcement was discovered by the Bartlesville Area History Museum, buried within an uploaded article published in the Bartlesville Morning Examiner.

Just days after announcing to the world that Post had broken the flight record, Frank Phillips and Wiley Post had to recant their announcement much to their dismay and disappointment.

It had been discovered that the barographs used to record the flight were not accurately calibrated or working properly.

Wiley Post announced, “I am told that according to the barographs, I did not reach the altitude required necessary to break Lieutenant Renato Donati’s record of 47,352.2 feet, however, I will continue my stratosphere flights from Phillips Airport as soon as new barographs can be obtained. I think I will be able to set a new record in the near future, after certain alterations, which I have in mind, can be made to my equipment.”

Passengers pose while boarding a Central Airlines plane 20

bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

Unfortunately, Wiley never did get another chance to set a new record. Months later, he and Will Rogers were killed in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935. Winnie Mae sat silent at Frank Phillips Field, draped in black mourning cloth. She would never fly again and was instead dismantled for travel to the Smithsonian Institution.

SUTTERFIELD FINANCIAL FEATURE

Planes in the Oklahoma State Air Tour at Phillips Airport, June 11, 1936.

In the photo Elmer J. Sark, Frank N. Griggs, Bennie Turner, Billy Parker, Ray H. Hamilton Bartlesville Municipal Airport As the aviation industry grew, so did the airport. In 1949, the Frank Phillips Field became The Bartlesville Municipal Airport.

Bartlesville received commercial airline service between 1949 and 1974 and included Continental, Central, Ozark, and Frontier Airlines. Frontier was the last to end service in early 1974.

Biplane Fly-Ins The National Biplane Association held their annual fly-ins at the Bartlesville Airport from 1986 through 2009. The event was the first weekend of June, coordinated with Sunfest. The 1,300-member National Biplane Association opened their national headquarters at Frank Phillips Field in Bartlesville in 1989.

The biplane was the standard for airplanes from the time of the Wright Brothers’ first flight in 1903 until World War II, when military pilots learned to fly in biplane trainers. The fly-ins were a colorful part of our airport’s unique history for over two decades, showcasing the historic aircrafts.

Bartlesville Municipal Airport

tlesville and contracts jet and AvGas fuel through Phillips 66 Aviation. It is the home base of approximately 50 aircrafts and provides a full range of services, including aircraft fueling, towing, hangar storage, flight crew vehicles, restrooms, passenger and flight crew lounge areas, and flight planning. In addition, the airport is home to several third-party services, which in turn employs more than 40 individuals. From fueling up ag-sprayers, to charter and cargo haulers, Bartlesville Municipal Airport offers multiple amenities that have helped the city make a name for itself.

Since the airport’s founding, the facility has gone through several transitions, but remains an institution in Bartlesville. In August 2022, the airport celebrated its one-year anniversary under the city of Bartlesville, and it remains the top airport of choice for several local and regional businesses.

Now 95 years later, the legacy of Frank Phillips’ aviation dream lives on today under the prairie sky, and I’m sure Uncle Frank, Billy, Art, and Wiley are all flying high over us.

The Bartlesville Airfield is rich in aviation history with many early advancements in the industry created right here in Bartlesville. Today, the airport is one of the cleanest and most safety-conscious airports around. It is owned by the city of Bar-

Passengers board a Continental Airlines plane on the tarmac

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

21

FEATURE SPONSOR STORY

Flying High!

BHS Adds Aeronautic Curriculum in a Local Partnership

by Maria Gus

Bartlesville High School is inviting students to fly even higher than before. In the spring of 2022, the Bartlesville Public School District announced they would implement a new curriculum centered around the aeronautic industry. The partnership includes local pilots, the City of Bartlesville Airport, and is in cooperation with Bartlesville High School’s award-winning Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) program.

al development, supplies, and flight simulators. “It is awesome to have such a big investment in a first-year program,” said Hightower. “We are now one of 57 high schools in Oklahoma teaching the program. Oklahoma is leading the country in high school aviation programs.”

Airport Manager Mike Richardson has enjoyed sharing airport work with a young perPictured from left are Mike Richardson, pilot Andy Woodside, Jack Auschwitz, son interested in aviaand teacher Ashlee Hightower.

For one high school tion. “There are many senior, Jack Auschwitz, different career posthe program is an opportunity to open the door to his future. sibilities within aviation,” said Richardson. “To get a firsthand Auschwitz was uncertain what he wanted to do after high glimpse into the many careers is a really special opportunity.” school and spent time researching many different career paths Internships like this didn’t exist when Richardson was before stumbling upon aviation. He soon pursued an internship in high school, which is why he said he would have enjoyed with the airport, looking to explore his new found interest and something like this when he was growing up. “I think it would get some hands-on experience before deciding aviation was a have been very interesting to shadow someone in aviation,” field he wanted to pursue. added Richardson. “You can really get a lot of perspective and “The opportunity for me to be an intern at Bartlesville Muexposure from seeing the day-to-day operations. nicipal Airport and the new aviation program at the high school Auschwitz said the entire experience has been extremely have been extremely valuable to me,” said Auschwitz. “The opvaluable, fueling his interest even more to make a career in aviportunity has further fueled my interest to make a career in aviation. Learning the amount of manpower required and different ation.” Auschwitz said the program can be a special opportujobs involved have been some of the more interesting aspects nity for other high school students by introducing them to vast of his internship. This includes learning a range of unexpectcareer fields in aviation they would otherwise not think about. ed skills such as fueling an airplane, testing jet fuel, and even Educator Ashlee Hightower is teaching two new courses learning how to fly a plane. at BHS, including Introduction to Aviation and Aerospace and All of these skills should serve Auschwitz well after high General Aviation and Aerospace. The program started after school graduation, when he hopes to attend the Air Force Paula Kedy, with the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission (OAC), Academy and explore a career in aviation. “The new program presented the idea of an aviation program to BHS. “Several has helped me make my decision by increasing my interest other schools had already started programs using the AOPA and showing me the numerous jobs available in aviation,” (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) You Can Fly Curricusaid Auschwitz. lum,” said Hightower. “The curriculum is designed to provide high-quality STEM-based aviation education to high school students and open the door to a variety of aviation careers.”

Thanks to a generous grant from the OAC, Bartlesville High School was able to get the program started just in time for the 2022-2023 school year. The grant has helped fund profession22

bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

“My main goal for any student is to spark curiosity and the desire to be a lifelong learner,” said Hightower. “Whether they continue down a path in the aviation and aerospace industries or not, I hope they leave my classroom with the tools needed to be successful in life.”

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OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

23

The Only Locally Owned & Operated Security Company in Bartlesville!

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bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

BUSINESS

Meet Charlie Allcott Stride Bank Announces New Market President

Charles (Charlie) Allcott has joined the Stride Bank team as Bartlesville’s Market President. His primary emphasis will be on growing the bank’s assets through commercial and commercial real estate lending in the Bartlesville and greater Oklahoma markets.

Charlie obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Milligan University in Johnson City, Tennessee where he serves on the Board of Trustees at Milligan University, and just passed his thirty year mark. He later earned his MBA from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Remaining in Florida, Charlie amassed a forty year career in banking, working at several banks during those years. Late in his career, he founded two of the banks as either President or CEO with his primary focus being in commercial and commercial real estate lending.

In 2017, Charlie successfully transitioned into bank consulting.

One of Charlie’s sons, Chase Allcott, moved to Bartlesville with his wife and their two boys in 2018. A year later, Charlie, and his wife Debbie, moved to Bartlesville where he continued to work in bank consulting. Since then, Charlie and his wife have both fallen in love with the Bartlesville community. “Bartlesville is a hidden treasure in Oklahoma. Since moving here, I have seen how great this community is and how I can play my part in growing and bettering not only Stride Bank, but also the Bartlesville community.”

Charlie decided that consulting was not something that he could continue if he wanted to make a real difference in Bartlesville. This is where Stride Bank comes in. “Stride has the opportunity to become a significant financial institution in the industry and community. The bank has positioned itself perfectly with being a community-focused, innovative bank, and I am excited to see where I can use my experience to contribute to the growth.”

Charlie is a recent graduate of Leadership Bartlesville and a member of the DayBreak Rotary Club. He also recently served as a volunteer on the Community Investment Committee for the Bartlesville United Way. He is active at the local YMCA and enjoys golf, baseball, and spending time with his family.

About Stride Bank N.A. Founded in 1913, Stride Bank is an Oklahoma-based financial institution. Offering a full range of financial services such as consumer and commercial banking, mortgage, wealth management, and treasury management, we have also developed and currently manage highly specialized payment solutions for several national fintech companies. While we are unwavering in our pursuit to continue innovating and offering new financial solutions, we will always remain loyal to our community banking roots in Oklahoma. We have branches throughout Oklahoma in Enid, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Bartlesville, Blackwell, Woodward, and Mooreland. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Learn more at www.stridebank.com.

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

25

LET YOUR BUSINESS A PART OF THE

MOST READ

MAGAZINE

IN BARTLESVILLE.

Call Christy or Keith McPhail today

for advertising opportunities.

918-214-4968

keith@bartlesvillemonthly.com

26

bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

OCTOBER

CALENDAR

SPONSORED BY 1

Gathering at the Roc All Day; Woolaroc

Mies for Mammograms 5k 9 AM; Tower Center at Unity Square 10:00am

13 15

10 AM; Dewey and 5th Street

6

OKWU Soccer vs. Avila

5:30 PM; OKWU Soccer Stadium (W) 8 PM; OKWU Soccer Stadium (M)

Bruin Volleyball vs. Owasso

4:30 PM; Bruin Fieldhouse (9B) 5:30 PM; Bruin Fieldhouse (JV) 6:30 PM; Bruin Fieldhouse (V)

Gunsmoke

7 PM; Tower Center at Unity Square Featuring timeless stories of young America as it moved West, with the incorruptible Marshal Matt Dillon, Chester, Miss Kitty and Doc Adams and the citizens of Dodge City.

8

OKWU Volleyball vs. Friends 2 PM; OKWU Gym

OKWU Soccer vs. Bethel

2 PM; OKWU Soccer Stadium (W) 5 PM; OKWU Soccer Stadium (M)

All Day; District-Wide

OKWU Soccer vs.

Southwestern

5:30 PM; OKWU Soccer Stadium (W) 8 PM; OKWU Soccer Stadium (M)

Octoberfest

5

Fall Break

17

Bruin JV Football vs Stillwatter 6:30 PM; Custer Stadium

21

25

6 PM; OKWU Gym Wed Oct 26

26 28

8:30 AM; Woolaroc Join us for the 42nd anniversary of road racing with Run The Streets Woolaroc 8k!

Bruin Varsity Football vs. Muskogee 7 PM; Custer Stadium

29

2 PM; Bartlesville First Church

Bartlesville Downtown Spooktacular Trunk or Treat

2 PM; OKWU Gym 4:00pm

4 PM; Sooner Park BOOFest intends to provide a 1 day fun, family friendly celebration with a Halloween twist that all attendees can safely enjoy. Some activities include:4 - 9 p.m. Outdoor “Movie Under the Stars” Family friendly “Spooky Walk” “Trunk-or-Treat”

Trick or Treat Trail

5:30 PM; The Center

OKWU Volleyball vs. Ottawa BOOFest hosted

by Sunfest

OKWU Volleyball vs. Haskel 2 PM; OKWU Gym

Bruin Varsity Football vs Sand Springs Woolarok 8K

OKWU Soccer vs. Ottawa

5:30 PM; OKWU Soccer Stadium (W) 8 PM; OKWU Soccer Stadium (M

7 PM; Custer Stadium

22

OKWU Volleyball vs. Bethel

6 PM; Bartlesville Church of Christ

31

Bruin JV Football vs. Muskogee 7 PM; Custer Stadium

All Month

Fall Festival

Times Vary; Oklahoma Heritage Farm

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

27

Autumn Spice Milkshake

This Fall at Bartlesville:

Hand-spun the old-fashioned way, this milkshake is autumn spice and everything nice. Made with Chickfil-A Icedream® dessert combined with warm fall flavors like cinnamon as well as crunchy bits of brown sugar spice cookies, it’s a tasty fall treat. Topped off with whipped cream and a cherry (except when served via delivery).

Grilled Spicy Deluxe A boneless breast of chicken marinated with a blend of peppers and grilled for a tender and spicy taste, served on a multigrain brioche bun with colby jack cheese, green leaf lettuce and tomato. Paired with a cilantro lime sauce packet.

Available for a Limited Time!

602 SE Washington Blvd 918-331-9956 facebook.com/cfabartlesville @cfabartlesville

28

bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

OCTOBER EVENTS CALENDAR Know of an upcoming event you would like to see on our calendar? Visit us at bartlesvillemonthly.com for a free listing!

Sat, Oct 1

9 AM

Miles For Mammograms 5K/2K Tower Center at Unity Square 300 SE Adams Blvd.

Times Vary

OLLI Lifelong Learning Classes Various Locations Bartlesville

OLLI@OSU’s local lifelong learning classes: Sept. 19 - Nov. 11. In person and Zoom. Daytime classes — learning just for the fun of it! Course catalogs at Bartlesville Public Library and Dewey libraries, banks, cafes, etc., and online at https://education.okstate.edu/olli.

Questions? Email or phone: OLLI@okstate.edu or 405-744-5868. Visit OLLI on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/olliosu.

Miles for Mammograms annual 5K Run and 2K Fun Walk will take place in downtown Bartlesville at Unity Square. The funds raised by Miles for Mammograms directly support Family HealthCare Clinic’s Free Mammogram Program, providing free mammograms to women and men in the community who cannot afford the life-saving screenings. Racers can run in-person or virtual, or “sleep in” to support breast cancer! To register: www.milesformammograms.org.

10 AM

3 PM

OKM Music Oktoberfest

OKM Office 415 S. Dewey Ave., Bartlesville, OK Prost to OKM’s Sixth Annual Oktoberfest! Bringing a taste of Bavarian culture to downtown Bartlesville. Come enjoy handcrafted beer and delicious food.

This year, OKM is raffling off a Christmas Cruise down the Rhine and a Yeti cooler filled with German goodies. Raffle tickets are limited so enter now! There will also be live music, dancing, games for all ages, prizes, and more. Don’t forget to stop by OKM’s German Shop to discover one-of-a-kind merchandise. Children 12 and under get in free with accompanying adult. We hope to see you there!

Oklahoma Heritage Farm 38512 US HWY 75, Ramona

Every year an agriculturally based working farm transforms the grounds of a working farm into forty acres of good old outdoor country fun for family and friends of all ages. Entertainment, a maze, pumpkins, rides, games, pumpkin blasters, farm animals, and an assortment of over thirty different activities keep things buzzing for over a full month each fall. Visit their Facebook page for more festival information!

Washington Park Mall 2350 SE Washington Blvd.

This is an indoor market with fresh baked goods, coffee, home decor, clothing, soaps, unique homemade products, local art, and more! It is held every Friday and Saturday, from 12-4 p.m.

7 PM

Adult Prom

Family YMCA of Bartlesville 101 N Osage Ave.

Times Vary

Oklahoma Heritage Farm Fall Festival

12 PM

Bartlesville Artisan Market

Gathering At The Roc

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd. This Hot Rod Gathering is a traditional hot rod show for the discerning man.

They can’t wait to see ya there on October 1st 2022! Admission is $14 for adults & children 12 & under free. The Gather is, however, a pre-register only show. So, get on over to registration and get started! The events are open to the public.

8 AM

Bartlesville Farmers Market Frank Phillips Park 222 SW Frank Phillips Blvd.

Fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, grass-fed beef, fresh eggs, and handmade items.

Are you ready to “Party like it’s 1999!?!”

Join us for Retro Prom 2022 benefiting the Richard Kane YMCA Youth Scholarship Program! It’s time to dust off those dresses in the closet, shine up your “Blue Suede Shoes” and get ready to “Dance with Somebody” to the musical talents of the LIVE BAND: Hypnotik! Tickets are $50 per person and will include 2 drink tickets. Beer, wine and a “Spiked Punch” cash bar will also be available as well as light snacks. Adults 21 and over. Tickets on sale now at the Y or online under the Richard Kane YMCA events page.

Stop by and shop our great deals!

Eastland Center • 918-335-2940 • bartlesvillemattress.com OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

29

EVENTS CALENDAR Mon, Oct 3

Tue, Oct 4

Thu, Oct 6

1 PM

7 PM

Oil/Acrylic Painting with Cris Sundquist

GUNSMOKE!

Tower Center at Unity Square 300 SE Adams Blvd.

5 PM

Bartlesville Art Association 500 S Dewey Ave.

ELL Conversation Class

Last Spring, Cris’ classes at the Bartlesville Art Association were so popular, she’s agreed to return this fall with a Monday afternoon painting class in oils and acrylics. Maximum of 12 students ensures plenty of personal attention!

Don’t miss this opportunity to study with one of the best! Mondays from 1 – 3 pm. Adults (including high school age). All levels are welcome. Email Cris for questions about this class at crissundquist@yahoo.com

ELL Conversation classes are held on Tuesdays @ 5:00 pm and Thursdays @ 10 am on the second floor of the Bartlesville Public Library in the Literacy Services office. These classes are FREE and open to the public. Please contact the Bartlesville Literacy Services office at 918.338.4179 for more information.

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave.

6 PM

Free Citizenship Class Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave.

Citizenship classes are held on Tuesdays at 6 pm, Wednesdays at 5:30 pm, and Thursdays at 11 am on the second floor of the Bartlesville Public Library in the Literacy Services office. These classes are FREE and open to the public. Please contact the Bartlesville Literacy Services office at 918.338.4179 for more information.

6 PM

Johnstone Irregulars Book Club

5:30 PM

Free Spanish Classes

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. Free Spanish Class every Monday evening at 5:30 pm in Meeting Room B on the first floor of the Bartlesville Public Library. This class is free and open to the public. Please contact the Bartlesville Literacy Services office at 918.338.4179 if you have any questions.

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave.

The book club meets in the Literacy Services Office on the 2nd floor of the library on the first Tuesday of every month.

Wed, Oct 5

6 PM

Pound with Tarah

Tower Center at Unity Square 300 SE Adams Blvd.

Pound is a full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and Pilates-inspired movements. Pound uses lightly weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising. It is designed for all fitness levels. This class is free and open to the public. Bring water, mat, and drumsticks (if you have some). A limited number of drumsticks will be available at the class.

From the Midsummer Night’s Dream team comes GUNSMOKE! Producers Alan Gentges and Diane Gentges, and Director Shelby Brammer present a new show on the Unity Square Green Stage opening Thursday, October 6th. Featuring timeless stories of young America as it moved West, with the incorruptible Marshal Matt Dillon, Chester, Miss Kitty and Doc Adams and the citizens of Dodge City, Kansas, this will be a rich, moving, action-packed evening of entertainment on the Unity Square Green in Bartlesville. Admission by donation.

Event runs October 6-8.

Tai Chi w/ Bee is held outside at Unity Square on Wednesdays at 8:30 am. Tai Chi will help improve your balance and wellness. This class is free and open to the public!

Spend an evening at the Dewey Hotel.

They will go over some of the hotel’s unique histories and take a lantern guided small group tour. You will go into some of the rooms, usually blocked off access to guests. Each journey will be unique, as you can never predict what our fellow specters will do during the tour, or what you might hear or see.

Tours are held every Saturday at 8 p.m..

Sun, Oct 9

10 AM Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd.

Woolaroc will once again host the Fall Trader’s Encampment on Friday and Saturday at the Mountain Man Camp at Woolaroc. Hosted by Woolaroc’s Mountain Men Wes & Roger Butcher, the camp has quickly become a favorite for traders and re-enactors from across the country. The camp will be historically accurate, recreating what a settlement of this type would have looked like in the 1840s. The Trader’s Encampment is open to the public, and guests are encouraged to park and walk through the camp. There is no additional admission required; regular admission at the gate includes the Fall Trader’s Camp. Many of the campers will set up their tents or tipis and have period crafts for the public to view and purchase. Event runs October 7-8.

Tower Center at Unity Square 300 SE Adams Blvd.

Tower Center at Unity Square 300 SE Adams Blvd.

Dewey Hotel Museum 801 N Delaware St., Dewey

Fall Trader’s Encampment

10 AM

Tai Chi with Bee

8 PM

History & Haunts

Fri, Oct 7

Zumba with Bee 8:30 AM

Sat, Oct 8

Zumba w/ Bee is held every Friday at 10:00 am outside at Tower Center @ Unity Square. This class is free and open to the public. Zumba is a fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. It incorporates interval training to help improve cardiovascular fitness.

3 PM

How Sweet It Is — The Music of James Taylor The Center 300 SE Adams Blvd.

How Sweet It Is - The Music of James Taylor is the first of four concerts in the Bartlesville Community Concert 202223 season. Taking place at The Center, Nashville award winning singer-songwriter-guitarist Steve Leslie will perform the music of an American icon, James Taylor. Steve’s warm baritone and exceptional guitar technique will have everyone singing along to James Taylor’s incredible catalog of songs. For more information see bccamusic.org.

Tue, Oct 11 6 PM

Knit & Crochet Night

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. This free event is held in Meeting Room C on the second Tuesday of each month.

“Friendly dealers, great showroom and vehicles, very accommodating. Really appreciate being called by name.” — Matt from Wichita, KS

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30

bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

EVENTS CALENDAR

Thu, Oct 13

Sat, Oct 22

5 PM

Alive at 25

Tri County Tech 6101 SE Nowata Rd. Alive at 25 is a highly-effective four-hour course that serves as an excellent complement to standard driver education programs and is also ideal for young drivers who incur traffic violations.

Through interactive media segments, workbook exercises, role playing and more, young drivers develop convictions and strategies that will keep them safe on the road. Skill practice and onthe-spot defensive driving techniques help change bravado into confidence.

Participants are encouraged to join in non-threatening, non-judgmental discussions exploring how changing driving behavior makes personal, legal and financial sense.

Fri, Oct 14

5:30 PM

Bingo Bash Fundraiser for WSPCA The Center 300 SE Adams Blvd.

6 PM

Last year’s popular Bingo Bash is back!

Friday Oct. 14th, doors open at 5:00 pm, mini 50/50 games start at 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, regular BINGO starts at 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Purchase your tickets to Bingo Bash either online or at the WCSPCA on hwy 123 between Bartlesville & Dewey! Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the door, each packet includes a BINGO duaber. Concessions will be available for purchase. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more information.

Sat, Oct 15

Jesus Burger

Get Real Ministries 411 W 14th St. Get Real Ministries is having Jesus Burger every 3rd Saturday of the month.

Come be fed spirituality and physically with others that have recovered from ALL kinds of addictions and life struggles that have been healed or are being healed. We will fight the fight with you!

Come witness the “Miracles on 14th Street.” It’s a HOLY SPIRIT REVIVAL! Baptisms, free food, free clothes, and free love — all paid for by Jesus. You WILL leave changed!

10 AM

Monthly LEGO Club

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave. LEGO Club is back! BPL’s monthly LEGO Club will meet the third Saturday of each month in the upstairs meeting room. The Club is for all ages and we provide the LEGOs! Each month, we will feature a fun challenge, project or game for all to participate in. Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay and take part in the fun!

8 AM

2022 Bartlesville Pickleball Fall Classic Hillcrest Country Club 1901 Price Rd.

USA Pickleball Sanctioned – MMP. Tournament Ball: Dura Fast 40. USA Pickleball Membership Required

7:30 PM

Get Happy

The Center 300 SE Adams Blvd.

10 AM

Songstress Joan Ellison brings Judy Garland’s original symphonic arrangements back to life in a nostalgic trip.

Dewey Flea Market & Bartlesville Boutique

Tue, Oct 18

Dewey Fairgrounds 1109 N Delaware St., Dewey

10 AM

Come and shop over 20 vendors at the Dewey Fairgrounds. Antiques, collectibles, repurposed, handcrafted items, specially designed baked goods, fine jewelry so much more can be found.

friday | October 28 | 6pm A "Spooktacular" EVENT

Come make a wooden block craft! Free!

All supplies provided. Call 918-338-4167 to register.

Sp o o

Green Country Village 1025 Swan Dr. 8:30 AM

Woolaroc 8K

Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife 1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd. Join us for the 42nd anniversary of road racing with Run The Streets Woolaroc 8k! Our USATF certified 8k race is chiptimed and takes you through the beautiful scenery at Woolaroc. Runners, walkers, and their guests are treated to free admission to Woolaroc and are invited to visit the historic Woolaroc Museum and Lodge after the race.

Fri, Oct 28 5 PM

Spooky Strings

The Center 300 SE Adams Blvd.

5:30 PM

Downtown Spooktacular Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave.

Come and join us for 2022’s annual Downtown Spoktacular! Put on your best costume for our Trunk-Or-Tread and enjoy some family fun at our block party! Event runs 5:30 - 7:30 pm.

s

with VISUAL PERFORMANCES by Stage Art Dance, Children's musical Theatre and inspyral circus

Bartlesville Public Library 600 S Johnstone Ave.

S t r i ng y k

okm music presents:

TULSA QUARTET

Crafting Class

8 AM

Cars For A Cause Show

Free Concert

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

31

ForrestManor Nursing Center “Caring is our Tradition”

Transportation to Owasso & Tulsa for acute care hospital services.

Highest wages in the area based on a survey completed with all other area nursing homes.

THERAPY & REHABILITATION

Forrest Manor has a long track record of providing premier, skilled care for its residents. Trusted by individuals and their families to continue recovery when leaving the hospital and to enhance residents’ lives by promoting independence and safety. Forrest Manor provides rehabilitation services by caring, licensed therapists. Forrest Manor offers: • Physical Therapy • • • • • • •

• Occupational Therapy

Personalized Care Social Services Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Planned Activities Skilled Care Respite Care Short & Long Term Care

• • • • • •

• Speech Therapy

SERVICES

Hospice Senior Fitness Center Theater Room Private Party Room Elegant Private Dining Room Meals planned by a Registered Dietician

• Restorative Therapy

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(918) 534-3355 • ForrestManorDewey.com 32

bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

Kayak the Caney

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Christmas Day Trip Down the Caney River Gave Inspiration

by Brent Taylor

A few years ago, basking in the glow of presents and Christmas dinner, I suggested to my son that we kayak the Caney River. So we loaded two kayaks in one truck and shuttled another truck to our exit point. We launched our kayaks below the Cherokee Bridge waterfall. We set off to kayak the Caney River, in the mold of Sir Edmund Hillary, who once said “It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” Our goal was to float all the way to 2400 and Gap road, just east of Gravity Hill.

When my uncle, Rudy Taylor, a newspaper editor in Caney, Kansas, heard about our float trip, he chimed in with some river history. He said, “Until 1952, the town of Caney dumped raw sewage into the Little Caney River. I remember a teacher whom I respected mightily avowing that ‘a river will clear itself every five miles.’ So, we flushed and forgot, while our neighbors in Copan, Dewey, and Bartlesville gulped our sewage.”

I’ve seen the river at flood stage and drought stage, currents and eddies relentlessly shaping the banks of naked earth.

I grew up in Bartlesville, but was only vaguely aware that what flows past our noses every day comes from watersheds of neighbors upstream, and that what goes on to our neighbors downstream is impacted by our stewardship, as these waters flow into other rivers and eventually into the Gulf.

Those who cross the river on a daily basis, driving across the Tuxedo, Frank Phillips, Adams Blvd, and Hillcrest bridges, along with the Pathfinder pedestrian bridge, probably think very little of the water and history that flows below them. It was a revelation to get into the water, to paddle between the banks, to see the remnants of the past left by previous generations and my own. And to see in the twilight of a winter’s afternoon a certain beauty through the prism of the setting sun.

Stonewall Jackson sang, “I washed my hands in muddy water, I washed my hands, but they didn’t come clean.” As we paddled lazily along the shoals of the gentle, rippled river, I found myself both proud and ashamed as I thought about dipping my hands in the muddy water, to see if they would come out clean.

This river winds through Bartlesville, cutting through earth

and time in elegant horseshoes, the waters flowing like a plainfaced lass made beautiful in the glow of a flickering fireplace.

But, this river and its banks swell with the refuse of my grandfather’s generation — oil drilling pipe and cable — my father’s white sidewall tires and cruiser bikes left twisted and broken on the bank — and my generation, shopping bags and aluminum cans and plastic bottles.

We paddled past the discharge pipe of the sewer treatment plant, maneuvering as close as possible to the arc of water spilling from the pipe. The disgorged water seemed clear and smelled like fabric softener; perhaps they add Febreeze? There were countless tires, rusting shells of Model T-era cars, and a beached paddle boat. The remnants of a stone house were visible on the east bank of the river not far from Kane Elementary School. As we paddled south, the riverbank became less cluttered — fewer tires, less trash.

The historic graceful arch of the old 7th street bridge provided a stark and artistic contrast to the modern lines of the newer bridge. We saw a headstone lodged with other flood debris wedged against an outer bend of the river. The memorialized was born in 1860 and died in 1950. Past the junction of Sand Creek, the river flows wider. We cruised by hole 12 of Hillcrest Country Club. The river is peaceful along this stretch. We saw heron, several turtles, and a coyote running along the bank before scurrying into the woods after eyeing us.

Finally, we arrived at our destination. We dragged our kayaks up the muddy bank. The sun was sinking quickly, and we cut through the woods and crossed a field to our truck. We started the day around a Christmas tree and ended it paddling down a coffee river in the pastel light of a fading winter day. It felt good to paddle down the river with my son, through a community with such a rich history, traveling down a waterway of complex feelings and abandoned dreams, on a river I was seeing for the first time — although I had crossed over it a thousand times.

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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Investment Advisory Services offered through Revo Financial, LLC. Revo Financial, LLC is a state Registered Investment Advisor. bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Faith-Based Planning

Revo Financial Puts Your Money Where Your Values Are

by Lori Just

There are many options in town when it comes to financial planning. Revo Financial puts a person’s money where their values are.

Jon Nettles, CFP® Chief Executive Officer

“What makes us different is our firm’s focus on a biblical-values, stewardship model. Everything we do centers around that,” said Lucas Nettles, CFP, CKA, personal financial planner. “All of us here are Christians and share the same faith.

We see that scripture clearly speaks about the best way to handle finances. Because we believe in the truth of scripture, even if our client doesn’t necessary subscribe to one faith or another, truth is valuable whether you believe it not.”

Jon Nettles and Bob Marlowe started Revo Financial after full careers in the oil and gas industry. Lucas Nettles, Jon’s son, joined in 2019 — making it a family business and providing a continuity plan from one generation to the next.

“Both entered the Financial Services business at different times,” explained Lucas. “Back in the early 2000s a corporate merger happened, and Dad’s job was relocated to Houston. He instead took a severance package to keep his family in Bartlesville. They agreed they wanted to start a company where the focus was on the best independent financial advice and service available to clients and started Revo Financial as an independent Registered Investment Advisory firm. They have been partners since 2008.”

Lucas Nettles, CFP®, CKA® Personal Financial Planner

Investors are owners and clients should care what companies are doing and how they are serving their employees and their community. Revo believes in investing in companies that are doing good things and avoiding companies that are doing harm.

“We have a dual mandate — profitable financial returns and a positive impact on the world. We help our clients be successful and find financial freedom but do it in a way that gives them something to be proud of,” said Lucas. “If their dollars go to a company that funds medical research for developing a cure for a serious disease or missionary work overseas, it gives clients peace of mind in their investment strategy. God owns everything. He has entrusted us to steward what is His and our responsibility is to take His gifts and manage them in a way that brings glory to God and furthers his kingdom. “ The team of expert financial partners at Revo Financial guide families and individuals through the intricacies and complexities of building and managing wealth using a values-based investing model. Under one roof, they work together to offer an array of services to help Bartlesville community members grow and protect their wealth.

They can assist with financial planning, values-based investments and management, wealth preservation strategies, tax efficient investing, family wealth planning, life insurance and annuities.

“There are a lot of firms that can take your savings and invest it, but we focus first on developing and prioritizing goals aligned with your values and then work with you to develop a plan to get from where you are to where you want to be,” said Lucas. “It’s not just about an account balance. We want clients to find contentment in what their money is doing. We want to be good stewards of all the gifts God has given us and help our clients do the same.”

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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Green Country Pet Cremation Service offers private pet cremation with timely return of ashes in your choice of a decorative wooden urn with an engraved nameplate. If no return of ashes is requested, the ashes will be gently scattered on a beautiful pastoral/garden property.

We are located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and gratefully serve pet owners from a wide area surrounding Bartlesville, Dewey, and Northeast Oklahoma.

For our fee schedule, please feel free to call us at any time.

918-766-3812 GCPetCremation@aol.com 38

bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

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Africa Calling

A GOOD WORD

God’s Calling Led to a Career in Missionary Work

by Orai Lehman

My first introduction to the city of Bartlesville was in August of 1963, when I enrolled for my Freshman year at Central Pilgrim College, which is now Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Two months earlier, I had celebrated my 18th birthday in London, England on my way to the U. S. A. All of my primary and secondary school education, from first grade through 12th grade, was in South Africa. I was born in the quaint little mining town of Sabie, which is nestled high up in the Drakensburg Mountain Range in South Africa. One of my favorite experiences as a child was the excitement of encountering a bull elephant striding defiantly down the road toward our car during a visit to the Kruger National Park. My ambition was to become a game warden in one of Africa’s nature reserves.

My African heritage dates back to 1897, when my Grandmother, Alice Heise, left her home in Hamlin, Kansas and with a group of five pioneer missionaries established a Mission School in the Matopo Hills of the country that is now known as Zimbabwe. One year later, my Grandfather, Isaac Lehman, joined the Matopo Mission team, where he met Alice. Their marriage at Matopo Mission led to a partnership of teaching, Gospel proclamation, and leadership development which lasted for more than 55 years. My father was their youngest son. He became an accomplished brick layer and carpenter as he worked along with Grandpa Isaac in building churches and schools. My Mother went to Africa as a school teacher in 1925, and was stationed in the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.

After serving as a single missionary teacher for 17 years, she met and married my Dad. During my sophomore year, as I began to give more serious attention to my future career, I felt the Lord calling me to devote my life to Christian Ministry. However, I struggled with the question, “How do I know that this is really God’s voice calling me into His service?” I resisted God’s call for fear that it might just be my own idea or a feeling of an obligation to follow the tradition of my parents and grandparents.

One night I had a very vivid and compelling dream in which I relived an experience from my childhood. In 1957, about a year after my Grandfather’s tragic death in a car accident, our family journeyed from Johannesburg to Mozambique, where my Dad was scheduled to meet with church leaders. In my dream I relived the emotional words of welcome spoken by Pastor Stephen Macambaco to my Dad as we drove up to the beautiful bougainvillea-covered arch over the church yard entrance. “Your Father was the Servant of God who introduced me to Jesus and God has called him home to heaven. God has mercifully spared you from death in that terrible accident because there is more work for you to do.” He then turned and reached through the open window of the back seat, taking my hand in his and with tears running down his cheeks he said, “Missionary Junior, do you

see these children? You are their missionary, they have no other missionary.” God the Holy Spirit used those words to emphatically confirm His calling to my heart.

As I focused my academic attention toward preparation to fulfill the mission to which God had called me, He graciously led me onto a relationship with a lovely Nebraska farm girl named Linda Cheney. Our romance led to “wedding bells” in June 1966, followed shortly after by our graduation in 1967.

There probably could not have been a better way to prepare for a life of missionary service than Linda’s upbringing in rural Nebraska. Together we served for 46 years as Wesleyan Global Partners appointees to Southern Africa. By God’s Grace we were instrumental in establishing two Bible Colleges, one in Swaziland and the other in Mozambique. In addition to her homemaking duties, Linda taught adult literacy classes and served as mission accountant and auditor.

We have seen God’s leadership in every area of ministry to which He has led us and have proven that “He who calls you is Faithful.” ~ Orai and Linda settled in Bartlesville in 2014 after serving with Wesleyan Global Partners for 46 years. Orai continues to empower communities in Africa through AfricasCall.org. ~ OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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NOW YOU KNOW

Washington County Free Fair Popular Annual Event is Dewey’s Party

by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum

When Jacob Bartles established the town of Dewey in a lush ue to fund the operations of “free fairs.” Bartlesville and Dewey wheat field, little did he know the legacy he would leave in his were in a heated competition for the fair location. Ola Wilhite’s wake. Dewey has never shied from a party, she opened her arms farm was located along Coon Creek, between Bartlesville and and busted at the seams to welcome visitors for the Bartles’ Dewey, and near the Bartlesville Interurban Railway’s Little Bess annual Fourth of July celebrations. And when Jake announced switch stop. Wilhite offered a thirty-acre lease for the fair locaDewey would host tion and quickly went his Civil War comto work building a Washington County holds mighty deep oily roots but ranching and agrirades for the 24th regulation race track culture hold a close second.

Reunion of the Sixth stating “next fall, we Kansas Cavalry in 1908 with a Roping and Riding Contest as will have an old fashion county fair with horse races and prizes entertainment, the town decorated in style and extended welfor farm exhibitions.” coming arms. From that Roping Contest evolved the Dewey But not so fast! The Dewey Roundup events were suspendRoundup after Jake’s death…an annual Dewey party orchestrated in 1915 while preparations for Washington County’s fair were ed each Fourth of July through 1949, executed by his son, Joseph discussed. Joe Bartles and his mother, Nannie Journeycake BarBartles. tles, donated forty-acres of land for the fairgrounds, Joe’s Early The cowboy contest was held at Joe Knight’s pasture, south Days Amusement Association donated $5,000 in materials and of Dewey. In 1912, the event brought the Ferns vs Magirl boxa county bond issue passed contributing another $15,000. Joe ing match, a monoplane exhibition, cowboy celebrities and over reported: “The city of Dewey spent more than $30,000 in build20,000 spectators. The following year, an estimated 40,000 ing the best fairgrounds and racing track in the southwest and in people arrived by every means possible to fill the expansive the center is a turfed arena as smooth as a billiard table in which football field long bleachers. Each year Bartles added to the enthe contests of the Roundup are held. This year the city voted tertainment and the crowds continued to grow at Dewey’s highadditional bonds and the grandstand seating capacity also was ly anticipated party. doubled – it is the permanent home of Dewey’s fast-growing babies, the Roundup and the Washington County Free Fair.”

In 1915, the Oklahoma Legislature passed House Bill 280, the Free Fair Law, allowing County Commissioners to collect twenty-five cents on each thousand dollars of assessed property val40

bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

The first Washington County Free Fair was held October 21-22-23, 1915 and many visitors traveled from the Tuxedo

NOW YOU KNOW and Bartlesville communities on the Bartlesville Interurban at the final stop on the Dewey loop, about a half-block from the Dewey Hotel. Exceeding expectations, exhibits totaled 1,165, consisting of agriculture, horticulture, fruit culture, livestock, poultry, home management skills and trade entries with cash rewards for winners. The racetrack had a full “card” each day with bi-plane exhibitions before and during the races. Each year, more enticing events were added to the schedule; in 1916, the Woodmen of the World held log rolling, log sawing and nail driving contests with bicycle, sack, potato and foot races for all, and the 1917 fair brought horse and automobile racing with evening band concerts.

Until 1929, the fairground was the property of the City of Dewey and the Bartles’ family estate. In an effort to clear the fairground title, on August 6, 1929, a county-wide special election was held and the citizens of Washington County authorized the county excise board to levy a free fair tax of not more than one mill annually for not more than 5 years. This also allowed Commissioners to fund necessary improvements like improved hog and cow barns, racetrack fence and grandstand repairs. In addition, four lots south of the fair building, owned and occupied

by Mrs. S.E. Thomas, were purchased for $2,500.

The Washington County Free Fair and the Dewey Roundup shared the wooden grandstand until 1949 when rain-soaked ground shifted and a section of the grandstand collapsed, dropping approximately 350 people into the mud, injuring eleven spectators. The Dewey School System purchased the grandstand property by sealed bid on January 9, 1950 for $3,501.

received approval to purchase a portion of the fairgrounds for $10,000, which was $2,500 over the assessed value, with the stipulation the land would be free of fair buildings within five years to allow the school to continue their growth. By September, the foundation was poured for the new Dewey High School and the building extended to within feet of the original 1914 fair building.

To offer better accessibility for 4-H, FFA, Boy Scouts, home demonstration clubs and civic organizations, in 1958, a one year three-mil levy was voter passed to replace the 44-year-old dilapidated fair building. Under the direction of Architect Robert In 1953, over 10,000 visitors attended the Washington CounCaldwell and built by Cooper and Dorrris Construction Compaty Fair; however, fear rumbled at the possibility the 1953 fair ny, just south of the 1914 building, the new 19,200 square feet fair would be the last at the Dewey location due to the deteriorated building has forcedstate of the facilities draft ventilation Under contracts effective with the approval of the fairgrounds plans, the and lack of parking. and a barrel-arch city of Dewey will transfer its title to the county without cost and Joe Bartles, Local chatter was roof with fixed glass who holds reversionary interest, will clear the title and furnish two adjacent a new fairground on the ends of the blocks of land for $5,000. would be placed arches. Construction near the county poor of the 80’x240’ reinforced concrete building began March 1959 farm, located on Tuxedo along Young Avenue. A county bond with an 80’x160’exhibition hall, 50’x80’ dining room capable of was placed before the voters…but failed. seating 400-persons, fully equipped kitchen with mahogany In 1957, amid a rather “heated” Washington County Comcabinets and stainless steel countertops, lobby and office which missioner board meeting exchange, the Dewey School System was completed in June 1960 at a cost of $125,000.

On June 4, 1959, the price of progress was paid as the dilapidated, original Washington County Free Fair building was razed while the foundation of the new fair building was being laid. For 107 years, Washington County homemakers, farmers, craftsmen and 4-Hers have entered the fruits of their efforts in the Washington County Free Fair to be judged in an annual competition of “Whose pumpkin is bigger.” See you at the Washington County Free Fair, September 8-10, 2022.

Did You Know?

In recognition of his dedicated service to the Washington County Fat Stock Show and the 4-H Club, Donald M. Tyler, Portland Cement Company president, was made honorary state and county 4-H member.

Now You Know * OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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Platinum Wedding Package Thursday: The staff at The Room at The Top set up your wedding on our second floor and your reception on our third floor and give the pillows a fluff in The Bridal Suite.

Up to 300 gold Chivari Chairs are available and up to 250 in mahogany, all of your chairs, tables and basic linens, black or ivory, are included in your package.

Friday: You decorate, possibly with props from our props room, bring in your own items, rehearse, relax, and have rehearsal dinner with friends. 8:00 am to midnight.

Saturday: Your vendors arrive and further decoration takes place; flowers are put out, food beautifully laid, and you are getting makeup and hair in our Bridal Suite, then your wedding on our second floor, your guests go up to three, while your photographer takes your group and individual photos, before you proceed to your formal entrance and

announcement as a couple on the 3rd floor, greeting your waiting guests. 8:00 am to midnight under the happy gaze of friends and family.

Saturday or Friday night over night in our Bridal suite included, an extra night is $250.00.

Sunday: Pick up your own decor and minor cleaning, no big messes left, and you are leisurely out of the space, 8:00 am to noon. Some prefer to do this Saturday evening. Let us know.

Total Price: $5,000.00 Additional guest rooms available on-site through your AirBnB App destination Bartlesville, The Jewel Box Hotel Apartments 1-4. Approximately $140.00 per night. Additional party space available for showers, Bridesmaids luncheons, Anniversaries and other celebrations.

CALL OR TEXT FOR A TOUR!

Johnstone-Sare Building Events And Jewel Box Hotel 918.440.6773 • www.johnstone-sare-theroomatthetop.com 42

Located in the heart of Downtown Bartlesville 100bmonthly SW Frank Phillips | OCTOBER 2022 Blvd | Bartlesville, OK 74003

As seen on: The Knot and Wedding Wire, “The Room At The Top”

Stokes Cemetery

LOOKING BACK

The Oldest Non-Indian Cemetery in Washington County

by Kay Little, Little History Adventures

Recently, as I walked through the Stokes Cemetery, I found several names I know from my many years of studying local history. But, how did it start and who were the Stokes?

In 1880, Granville and Phoebe, with their eight children, settled on the Russell Farm, near Dewey. They were farmers and ranchers, had a sawmill that supplied lumber to some builders in the area, and a boarding house/hotel. Two of their sons helped establish communities in Washington County.

This area was part of the Cherokee Nation, which meant only Indians could live on the land. Granville was not Indian, but his son, James, was married to a Cherokee lady, so James would pay the 50 cents each month so his father could remain in the area. James had to pay that fee at the Bartles Store because Jake was the holder of the Permit Record Book.

James married Georgia Russell and they founded the town of Ramona, and built the first house there. The town was originally called Bon-Ton, and according to some sources, Georgia renamed it Ramona. James and his brother-in-law, Robert Duke, operated the first mercantile store in Ramona.

Another son, David, helped to establish the community of Ringo, named for friend, William Ringo. Ringo was a booming community until the railroad came through to Ramona and bypassed it.

Georgia and James had a daughter, Olive, who became famous here and across the country. But, before that, she helped her mother serve meals to tank farm and oil well workers in their boarding house. Eventually, the James Stokes family established the family home near Dewey.

Will Rogers introduced Tom Mix to Olive Stokes at the 1904 World’s Fair. Five years later, they met again, after Tom moved to Dewey. They were soon married and lived on the Stokes land until they moved to Hollywood to become big movie stars. Unfortunately, they divorced in 1918.

Several years before Bartlesville existed, the Federal government set aside land for a cemetery, which became the Stokes Cemetery, making it the oldest non-Indian cemetery in what is now Washington County. It is on the west side of the

Caney River near BarDew Lake on Road 1400 in Dewey. No arrangements were made to maintain the cemetery, so some pioneer families would gather once a year to clean the area and decorate the graves. The call would be sent out asking people to bring tools and lunch, so they could spend the day cleaning the cemetery.

Some of the people buried in Stokes Cemetery include Jarvis Tyner, the first burial; William Ringo, the first white man buried ther;, Mellie Smith, the first teacher in the area, hired by Nelson Carr to teach his children; Edward Lee Bennett, who built the first log cabin in 1879, on what became the Stokes farm; Frank Eaton’s (Pistol Pete) mother and stepdad; plus most of the Stokes family. A few families are still using Stokes Cemetery.

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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Cornerstone fully embraces this educational model, placing Christ as the Arbiter and Originator of truth, beauty, and goodness.

The community is invited to a one-of-a-kind, exciting fundraiser for Cornerstone Classical Academy on Saturday, October 29th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Unity Square, downtown Bartlesville.

Scan for Discounted Tickets!

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bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

EDUCATION

Cornerstone Classical Academy Hybrid Homeschool Program Celebrates 9th Year Perhaps the greatest task of parenting is equipping children with the education and wisdom necessary to navigate life in all its stages. For many, that means entrusting their education into the hands of a public or private school system. For parents who choose to homeschool, it is a very personal and individualized decision. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to homeschooling.

Nine years ago, the Bartlesville homeschool community welcomed a new educational opportunity when Cornerstone Classical Academy opened its doors. Two of the original steering committee members who have backgrounds in classical education, Heather Deal and Bobbie Kirkland, have seen many phases of the school with the current year being the largest enrollment yet. The class sizes are intentionally small yet they want families to know this education option can be found in Bartlesville.

Cornerstone was the first school of its kind to introduce the “blended” or “hybrid” model, servicing Bartlesville and the surrounding communities. The enrolled students meet two days a week for in-class instruction by an instructor and are schooled at home the remaining three days under the parents’ guidance.

The lesson plans for the entire week are developed by the classroom instructor and are given to the parent weekly as they coordinate together. This met the need of several area families who needed to schedule homeschooling around jobs, or simply needed structure in their teaching schedule.

The goal of Classical education is not to simply acquire knowledge or learn subjects, it is for students to have holistic wisdom for life and learn the art of learning. Simply stated, classical education is the disciplined pursuit of wisdom with a predictable pattern of gaining basic facts, analyzing and evaluating them, and then expressing understanding about them, which can be applied to all later learning.

Classical education provides tools students need to think well, and for Christian classical educators, the end goal of thinking well is Godly wisdom. Classical education is a time-tested approach to learning, designed to delight and inspire.

The structure of Classical education is built upon what is called the “Trivium,” divided into three stages, aligning with the students’ natural development. First is the Grammar Stage, where students utilize their love of facts, memorization, and stories to learn and retain information. For example, at Cornerstone, the grammar students learn songs and chants to remember the rules of phonics, spelling, parts of speech, math facts, geography, etc.

Second is the Logic Stage, which captures young adolescents’ natural inclination to debate, as they winsomely explore logical implications of ethical and moral questions. Lastly, old-

er adolescents enter the Rhetoric Stage, where their desire for independence manifests in creative and eloquent communication. Classically educated students will either let the ideas and subject matter change the way they think or reject it as unworthy; and they will be able to tell you “why.”

Classical education is exciting! It engages students as they learn history chronologically with hands-on experiences such as festivals, fairs, plays and feasts. During their history festivals, students learn songs, dances, plays representing the period of history they are studying. The blended model of Cornerstone provides a collective community of families and educators cultivating the desire to learn and explore.

Each stage of the Trivium builds upon the other as subjects are integrated to create complex, abstract thinkers. Cornerstone students study the grammar and syntax of language, both English and Latin. They approach the subjects of science, the arts, literature, math, and history as vehicles by which the art of learning is expressed. This intertwined model allows students to work together, developing the ability to find common ground so they “might reason well” like the Apostle Paul speaks of in Acts 17. Cornerstone fully embraces this educational model, placing Christ as the arbiter and originator of truth, beauty, and goodness.

The community is invited to a one-of-a-kind, exciting fundraiser for Cornerstone Classical Academy on October 29th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Unity Square, downtown Bartlesville. You can learn more about the school and help raise money by enjoying an evening of putt-putt golf, with each unique miniature “green” designed and sponsored by various local businesses. Kids and adults are welcome to wear family friendly costumes and enjoy goodies while they play.

To learn more about Cornerstone, please visit their website at www.cornerstoneclassicalacademyok.com or send them an email at cornerstoneclassicalacademy@gmail.com.

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FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK

by Jay Webster we see the lonely Marlboro Man out on that range doing “man We Americans love our Heroes. work,” alone … because, by God, someone’s got to do it and the Washington, Lincoln, John Wayne, Rosa Parks … Tom Cruise only comfort he needs is a job well done and a cigarette. as Maverick. We like to celebrate their rugged individualism, We love this rugged quality so much it even inspires the their moral compass, their determined passion that compels names we give our cars: Intrepid, Explorer, Challenger, Firebird, them to go against the flow. I’m getting amped just thinking Viper, Yukon and Tundra, about them.

You doubt me, but if party leaders showed up tomorrow and Bronco and Mustang, EsWe love seeing Washingtold us we are no longer driving on the “right” side of the road cape, Edge, and Expedition. ton depicted leaning into the because that’s just what the other side wants us to do, you These are not vehicles for night against the cold and can bet that more than half of our neighbors would get on mall parking and grocery against the odds as he forces board, car wrecks and all. shopping — these are adhis way across the Potomac. venture wagons. They carry our alter egos. They match our deWe cheer when Robin Williams inspires us to stand defiantly on mand for living like heroes (who happen to need 12 cupholders, our desk in Dead Poets’ Society or Rudy is lifted on the shoulleather seats, and butt warmers). ders of his Notre Dame teammates. Our heart even stirs when 48

bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK How are our leaders doing all this? It’s pretty simple really.

Heroes inspire us. They bring out the best in us. We point They blanket the airwaves with fear. They know the most comthese people out to our kids as examples. We train our kids to mon response to fear is anger, so they use it to motivate us, sefollow in their footsteps, to be leaders and stand up for what’s cure our loyalty, and get us to hate other Americans. We fear we right. We tell them that a hero is someone who is faced with a will lose “our America.” We fear we will lose “our freedoms.” We challenge and is determined to overcome — not just because fear a take over by “them.” they want to, but because they have to.

Here’s what I’ve learned as your humble corespondent … the America is known the world over as the cowboy, the titan, thems are just as afraid of your America as you are of theirs. And the rockstar, the brave and the free … as leaders. Even now, the that fear (and the vitriol and rage that follows) is only getting world “looks to us.” stronger — and it’s all part of the plan.

That’s why it’s so surprising to me that as a nation of individWhere are the American individuals, the heroes who will say, uals we’ve turned into a herd of cattle when it comes to politics.

“No.” Who’s going to be brave enough to not buy into the whole Ouch. I know that was abrupt … and harsh. I’ll give you a party package? Who’s going to investigate and read and change minute. Okay. Ready? channels occasionally (if not Here’s the deal. There’s The stakes are apparently too high for independent thinking just turning the TV off all toa disturbing trend in Ameror “rugged individualism.” There is only room for absolute gether)? ica today that’s only getting conformity.

Who will be brave enough to put worse with each passing election. country above party and not let the “Idol of Party” rule their lives More and more, both parties seem to be calling for (demanding) or families or churches? Who will take the time to read and listen our total party line acceptance. They don’t want our indepenand not just party line vote? A bad person who shares your party dent thinking, they want our compliance (otherwise it’s suggestaffiliation isn’t better than a good American who happens to be ed that we’re giving in to the other side and letting them win). on the other side of the aisle.

You must accept the party as a whole. If there are extremists in Maybe the most disturbing part of this trend is all the talk your party that are borderline pathological, you have to support of a new civil war. I don’t know if that’s a reality or not. To some them anyway. If someone says something stupid you’re required degree it’s not hard to imagine. And, maybe for some that seems to validate them. If someone proposes something ridiculous it’s like a solution. You go your way and we’ll go ours. on you to justify it. It’s not enough for us to be “anti-them” we The trouble is, unlike our last civil war, there are no clean have to be fully “pro-us” with no questions asked. lines. There is no “North and South.” We are intermingled and You doubt me, but if party leaders showed up tomorrow and intertwined. The war is with the people in the cubical next you, told us we are no longer driving on the “right” side of the road in the pew in front of you, in the grocery line beside you, in your because that’s just what the other side wants us to do, you can house. How are we going to wage that war? What a disturbing bet that more than half of our neighbors would get on board, car end to “the great experiment.” Perhaps John Steinbeck was right wrecks and all. when he wrote: “We have overcome all enemies but ourselves.”

The stakes are apparently too high for independent thinkLook, I know my little column isn’t likely to change anything. ing or “rugged individualism.” There is only room for absolute I just want to try and bring some awareness. There is a flow, a conformity. current that is happening … and unless we choose differently we What news network is your network? FOX, CNN, MSNBC, will continue to be caught up in it. We don’t have to agree with OAN … Which one do you subscribe to? Okay, fine. We believe each other to listen to each other and treat people with respect all these networks have a political base they serve: liberal or and hold ourselves to conservative. Right? Now ask yourself when was the last time American ideals. your news network was critical of a member of their party affiliWe don’t have to ation? When was the last time they did a hard-hitting, in-depth keep answering the review and called someone out from their own party base? You demand for outrage can’t do it. It doesn’t happen. They’re not here to inform, they’re and anger. We don’t here to reinforce. have to hate our When other countries broadcast news that only agrees neighbors because with their party, we call it State Run News. Here we call it a our party tells us to. trusted new source. The only one that tells us the truth (that we We can topple the want to hear).

Idol of Party and polBut wait … there’s more. Our party leaders not only want our itics … if we want to. unflinching loyalty (and full acceptance), they also want to be But it’s on us. first in our lives. You may be part of other groups (a family, a Godspeed, race, a religion, or be a Netflix or Hulu subscriber, and all that’s friends.

Get outside. fine), but the party must come first. If your church or religion Breathe the air and disagrees with the Party line, change churches. If family memgreet your neighbor. bers have another party affiliation it’s Okay to keep them, but It can only help. be suspicious of them and lower your estimation of their morals and intelligence.

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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AREA ATTRACTIONS

The Sky’s the Limit for Fun Tulsa Air & Space Museum a Fun, Unique Experience

by Maria Gus

It’s a bird! It’s a plane!

No, it’s the Tulsa Air and Space Museum! Venture to the skies and beyond while viewing priceless artifacts from history. Take a look at the universe and beyond at the planetarium, learn about the Tuskegee airmen in their special exhibit, or conduct your own mission using their flight simulators. Bartians and earthlings of all ages will enjoy this one of a kind treasure in Tulsa.

HISTORY The story of TASM began in 1998 in a 1940s hangar on the Spartan School of Aeronautics campus. In 2005, TASM moved into the Sherman and Ellie Smith Hanger One where it is currently located, on the north side of the Tulsa International Airport. Thanks to the Tulsa County Vision 2025 proposition, the James E. Bertelsmeyer Planetarium opened in 2006, providing many Oklahomans their first experience in a planetarium.

According to Alex London, curator of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, the aerospace attraction has a lot to look forward to for the remainder of 2022. The Aviator Ball II takes place on October 8th. This unique event will allow those who have purchased tickets exclusive access to NASA personnel as well as a great environment of food, drinks, and entertainment.

“TASM will also bring in some exciting new artifacts, including a large International Space Station Mockup and other fantastic NASA artifacts,” said London.

Gerber said the vintage airplanes and flight simulator were popular for her family, but as a history buff she really enjoyed learning about the Tuskegee airmen from the special exhibit. “TASM is a true gem for family fun in Tulsa,” added Gerber.

Murphy said her son is a true fan of aviation and wants to become a pilot someday. “Each time we visit TASM he comes home with a new aircraft to research,” said Murphy, “Our whole family loves going and there’s so much variety. We cannot wait for the next fly-in.”

London said TASM is always looking for more volunteers.

“We love when individuals show interest in volunteering!” added London. Those interested are welcome to visit the museum in-person and speak with the front desk staff or they can email info@tulsamuseum.org. TASM offers detailed tours anytime and the planetarium shows are guided by their planetarium manager. TASM also regularly hosts events for families at the museum which you can find on their website at www.tulsamuseum.org.

With a mission of “Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium (TASM) has carved out a unique niche in the Oklahoma museum community, exposing students to real-world applications of STEM since 1994.

In addition to hosting events and special exhibits, TASM has one of the most extensive Spartan Aviation collections in the world. The historic Tulsa company has had a presence in the area since its beginnings as an aircraft manufacturer. Eventually, Spartan went on to produce live-in trailers and then it became the well-known technical school it is now. Today, the TASM collection includes the Spartan Executive, a one-of-akind prototype aircraft. They also accommodate a large collection of artifacts from Oklahoma’s own Bill Pogue, a storied NASA astronaut aboard the Skylab Space Station.

Bartlesville teachers and parents like Angela Gerber and Alana Murphy say that TASM is a fantastic museum to explore the incredible world of aviation. “TASM became a fan favorite in consultations, 918.333.8500 our house,”Free said Gerber.

“Each ofcall us found something to love!”

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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Ruby Celebration

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Center Turns 40, Broadway in Bartlesville!, Holiday Show On Tap For 40 years, The Center has served Bartlesville as “the center” for arts, events, and community. Visitors and locals have experienced a wide variety of events and activities at The Center, and countless memories have been made. The building is a dynamic part of our community that has touched millions of lives over the past four decades.

Bartlesville Community Center Trust Authority Chairman Chris Cook shares that, “The Center has been a focal point of arts and entertainment of not only Bartlesville but the region and beyond. Being a world class auditorium with excellent acoustics makes it a special place to enjoy a concert, show, or play. It is also a gathering place for many organizations including nonprofits that would not have this type of space otherwise for events. The Center has done wonders for tourism and all the jobs and resources that come with out-of-town guests. It is also a central showcase for artists and their work.”

As a nonprofit organization, The Center relies on a variety of funding sources to help underwrite internationally acclaimed artists, educate young audiences, create important community programs, and maintain the remarkable facility. Contributions are crucial to the mission of the Bartlesville Community Center.

As we enter the last quarter of 2022, citizens are invited to participate in building up The Center’s legacy by contributing to its 40th Anniversary RUBY campaign. Donations and seat sponsorship gifts will directly strengthen the endowment, thus ensuring The Center’s future. More information on how to sponsor a seat in memory or honor of an individual or sponsor a business can be found at www.bartlesvillecommunitycenter. com or by calling 918-337-2787.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. - A Celebration of the Music of Aretha Franklin to open Broadway in Bartlesville! 20th season Broadway in Bartlesville! proudly presents the North American debut of R.E.S.P.E.C.T., an electrifying tribute celebrating the legendary Aretha Franklin. This joyous concert event will play Sunday, November 13, 2022 at The Center for arts, events, and community, and opens the series twentieth season at 7:30pm.

The supreme talent bringing this show to life has been found in New York’s Trejah Bostic, the lead singer of the band, supported by vocalists Meghan Dawson, Nattalyee Randall and Ashton Weeks, who also serve as the evening’s Hosts, and Jasmine Tompkins, the vocalists’ understudy.

The tour’s incredibly talented on-stage live band features Music Direction and Keyboards by Darnell White (Revelation The Musical, Gospel at Colonus), Rocco Dellaneve (Keys), TJ Griffin (Drums), Kenneth “Gypsy” Simpson (Guitar), and Owen Williams (Bass).

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. showcases the soundtrack of an era that

brought Aretha Franklin worldwide acclaim singing hits such as, “Natural Woman,” “Think,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Chain of Fools,” “Respect,” and many more.

Tickets for R.E.S.P.E.C.T. are available by phone at 918.337.2787 and in person at the Community Center box office from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For 24/7 ticket sales, visit bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com.

Special thanks goes to The National Endowment for the Arts, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and the following local sponsors who make the Broadway in Bartlesville! 2022-2023 series possible: Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Adams * American Heritage Bank * Arvest Wealth Management * bMonthly Magazine * ConocoPhillips * Copper Cup Images * Mr. and Mrs. Paul Crawford * Diversified Systems Resources * Examiner-Enterprise * Green Country Village * Image First Hospitality * Keleher Architects * KGGF-AM KGGF-FM KUSN KQQR * KRIG KYFM KWON KPGM * Cortney McClure Design * Nowata Road Liquor *Phillips 66 * Price Tower Arts Center * Robinett/King * Dr. and Mrs. Richard Rutledge * Dr. and Mrs. William D. Smith * Sparklight * Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory * Truity Credit Union * Visit Bartlesville.

Motown Christmas tribute concert plays The Center The Center presents Motown Christmas on Friday, December 9th at 7:00 p.m.

This festive show covers the season’s favorites as well as the very best of Motown. Usher in the holidays entertained with songs originally by The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, and more, infused with holiday songs sure to spread joy and cheer. Non-stop hits from talented performers will make you think you are back in the heyday of Motown!

Tickets for Motown Christmas are $21 for adults and $11 for students and go on sale at 9am on Friday, October 14th. They may be purchased by phone at 918-337-2787 or in person at the Community Center box office from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For 24/7 ticket sales, visit bartlesvillecommunitycenter.com.

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TRIBUTE

Making a Difference

Kyle Carlson will be Missed by Many in Bartlesville

by Maria Gus “Salt of the earth,” a phrase meaning a good and honest person. In the ancient world, salt symbolized purity and wisdom. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus used the phrase as a way to teach his followers to be present to each other, demonstrate wisdom, and preserve the good in the world. Kyle Carlson made a difference through his goodness, honesty, purity, and wisdom. Kyle Carlson was the textbook definition of “salt of the earth.”

Bartlesville lost Kyle Carlson suddenly on September 10, 2022. His time in Bartlesville was brief, only living here for 13 years, but his impact was significant and his loss will be felt by so many.

Arriving in Bartlesville in 2009, Kyle married the love of his life, Hollie, in 2012. In 2013 they had a son, Kody. “Kyle was my forever,” said Hollie Carlson about her beloved cowboy. “He made me crazy, all while showing me how much he loved me.”

A little bit country, a little bit rock & roll, Kyle was always up for any adventure with Hollie. “He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need,” added Hollie. “But he didn’t know how truly special he was. He was always striving to make improvements any way he could — in his marriage, fatherhood, and team roping. I learned so much from him that he will never know.”

Known as the Lookin’ Sharp Laundry and Dry Cleaners guy, he was often seen in his signature hot pink shirt, picking up and delivering dry cleaning for the company he operated with his mother, Barbara Carlson. Barbara said, “At first he didn’t want to wear it, but he did because it was what I wanted and he loved his mama.” Beyond his deliveries and standout uniform, Kyle made friends wherever he went. Kyle always took the time to chat up customers, ask about their lives, sell Blue and Gold Sausage for his stepsons Connor and Cameron, or take time for a kind word or a laugh.

to Tami; and a caring, sharing, and fun-loving brother-in-law that I will miss so very much.”

Friends are heartbroken at his loss. Fellow roper Shay Walters said he learned a lot of tips from Kyle in roping and in life.

Kim Greenfield says she’ll miss watching how he loved his family, “I was blessed to know him, be a part of his life, and be taken in by him as the little sister he never wanted.” Robin Mackey said Kyle Carlson was an amazing friend, father, husband, son, uncle, sibling, roper, dancer, “you name it, he was awesome at it.”

Jenny Jenkins said the difference he made was how his presence changed her friend Hollie’s life. “Seeing her find true love, building a life with her and the boys, I’m glad she was able to experience that, even though it was 12 short years.”

Kyle was a husband, a son, a brother, a step-father, and father to a young son to whom he was completely devoted. Carlson was also a bail bondsman, a team roper, and dear friend to many. The loss of Kyle Carslon will be felt deeply, a friendly guy who always showed up, giving back to the community any way he could.

Kyle Carlson made a difference in this columnist’s life, too.

He was my Cub Scout partner in crime as our boys are best friends. He always showed up, helped make things better, and demonstrated the best of humanity. He’d encourage you when you wanted to give up. I saw that in his interactions with his son, my son, and even me.

Brother Bret said Kyle made a difference through his competitiveness. “Kyle expected the best out of you because you were going to get the best out of him,” said Bret.

Sister-in-law Lynne said Kyle could always be counted on, whether it was pulling pranks a plenty as the Carlson’s are known for or going above and beyond in sharing a workload.

One thing is for certain — Kyle Carlson loved his wife Hollie, as it was so clearly evident during her battle with breast cancer.

“I could never fully express how wonderful he has been through this most challenging time in our marriage,” said Hollie during her cancer journey. “He is my rock, my protector, and my safe place. He lets me cry when that’s all I need and he finds a solution if there is one to be had. He knows me better than I know myself sometimes, and honestly that blows me away. He works very hard at everything he does, and he’s a wonderful daddy and loves that job the most. Kyle is kind, smart, ornery, and handsome. I am a lucky woman.”

Brother-in-law Koby Brinkman said Kyle made family a priority. “He was a wonderful uncle to my daughters; a best friend

Bartlesville was ever so lucky for the difference Kyle Carlson has made in the community.

Sister Tami Brinkman said that she loved that he would always spin her around the dance floor at all of the various fundraisers they attended. “I loved the smiles it put on people’s faces”

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bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

Billie Roane

LOCAL ELECTIONS

City Council Ward 4 Incumbent Looking for Re-Election

by Lori Just The City of Bartlesville consists of five wards represented on the City Council by a resident of that ward. All eligible voters of the ward may vote for their representative during the City Council election, which is held every two years; every even-numbered year.

Voters in three Bartlesville City Council wards will have a choice to make in the November 8th election.

In Ward 4, incumbent Billie Roane was appointed to the vacant seat by the Council in Spring 2021, after former vice mayor Alan Gentges stepped down to pursue a position as the Bartlesville municipal judge. She was selected from a group of seven candidates who expressed interest and completed an interview process. Roane is set to run again for this seat.

“Last March, the city began accepting resumes for a replacement for former Vice Mayor Gentges,” Roane said. “With my involvement in the community through non-profit boards and volunteering, my family, community leaders and business associates — including my supervisor and friend, the late Jim Bohnsack — encouraged me to submit my resume. Following interviews, a special April Council meeting was called, where I was appointed unanimously by the Council. Being a City Councilor has provided many opportunities to be successful in helping a diverse community. With God’s blessing, I want to continue being a voice and vote for the people of Bartlesville, and serving on the City Council is the greatest opportunity to accomplish that goal.”

Roane has had many years of management in business and in serving on non-profit boards of directors, as well as holding executive positions in several local organizations. She attributes her volunteer efforts to hainge given her valuable experience in these community organizations’ purpose and those in the community they serve.

“Bartlesville is a unique city in that it has kept its culture and tradition of respect for the contributions to commerce, the arts, and each other,” she said. “Bartlesville has proven the ability to overcome great obstacles, including natural disasters and even the attempt of a very large corporation takeover of one of its own.

Bartlesville is and always has been an innovative city of movers and shakers, working hard and smart to be successful and looking for opportunities to encourage others to do the same.”

Since her childhood, Roane’s family made yearly fall visits to Bartlesville and Woolaroc because her dad was a great admirer of Frank Phillips. Her husband, Tom Roane, and her moved to Bartlesville in 2011 after retiring from their “on the road” life of

traveling the Midwest and Oklahoma towns with Tom’s career in retail management and city management.

“I have been in the right place at the right time with the right people during my life — a caring and hardworking family, an amazing husband and friend, and encouraging people in business and church all willing to encourage and help me be successful,” Roane said. “They have shared their wisdom, compassion, intelligence, and experience. All I had to do was pay attention. I have had the honor and privilege of working alongside so many of the most industrious, compassionate, and humble people throughout Bartlesville, along with those they serve. They have found a place in my heart that reminds me of what a responsibility it is as a City Council member to make good decisions and to help and encourage others on to success.”

Roane believes it is because of all these encounters she has the experience, the confidence, and the commitment which makes her the ideal candidate to continue serving as Ward 4 Bartlesville City Councilor.

To learn more about the upcoming election, please visit oklahoma.gov/elections.html.

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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HELPING HANDS

Non-Profit Showcase!

First Washington County Non-Profit Showcase Set Dear Readers, Right here in Washington County, Oklahoma are so many non-profit organizations that do amazing things each and every day. Unfortunately, many of our local citizens are not aware of those services or ways to support those doing such great things for those in need. With the help of bmonthly Magazine, Journey Home, Northpoint Church of Dewey, and Washington Park Mall, we are excited to announce our first annual “Washington County Non-Profit Showcase!”

The goal of this showcase is to do two things: First, bring awareness to the community of services that may be available to them. Secondly, bring future support to our great non-profit organizations that are in need of volunteers, financial assistance or other areas of need. Our goal for this first event is to be able to showcase around 40-50 local groups, with other activities going on, in and outside the mall area, to help bring in families. We will have food trucks in the parking lot, we are working on bringing in area police, fire and EMS groups to allow kids to get up close with equipment, bringing in AirVac Helicopter, and

more. Bartlesville Radio will be doing a live broadcast during the day as well to help bring awareness to this event.

Booths will be on a first-come basis, and you can register your organization by calling Brennen with Journey Home at 918-841-2485 or Chad with Northpoint Church at 417-434-6110 for more information. We will have a small booth fee of $25. At the close of the event, all participating groups will be placed in a drawing to receive ALL the funds brought in by registration.

You are encouraged to offer door prizes, perform service as able or anything to make your service available on scene. We look forward to having you a part of this wonderful opportunity for your organization and our family and friends of Washington County!

We are BETTER TOGETHER with you!! ~ Brennen Bissinger, Journey Home ~ Chad DeGonia, Northpoint Church, Dewey ~ Keith & Christy McPhail, bmonthly Magazine

CALLING ALL BARTLESVILLE RESIDENTS

WASHINGTON COUNTY NONPROFIT SHOWCASE

WASHINGTON PARK MALL SATURDAY, OCT. 22 11AM-3PM WWW.NORTHPOINTDEWEY.COM/NONPROFITSHOWCASE

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bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

BARTLESVILLE’S OWN

Wes Barnhart & Clint Eads Duo was Bartlesville Wrestling’s Early Royalty

by Randy Standridge

Dan Gable, one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, once said “Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.” I read that and instantly thought of two youngsters I coached at an early age for just a few years that went on to be high school state champions in wrestling. Clint Eads and Wesley Barnhart were those two boys, and they were the first and second state champions from Bartlesville High School after the merger of College High and Sooner High in the early 80s. Clint was a year older than Wesley and graduated in 1995, while Wesley followed in 1996, both state champions their senior years.

I can still remember the first time I saw Wes. It was about 1984 and I was coaching the YMCA team, primarily novices or first-year wrestlers, and we practiced in the Central Junior High wrestling room in the basement. We had about 25 kids and the room was rather crowded. Kent Bottenfield, Wesley’s stepdad, brought him at about 6 or 7 years old, along with his brother Justin, who was a few years older. Wesley was built for wrestling. He was small with a very muscular frame and his quickness and endurance were unbelievable. He quickly picked up moves and you knew he was going to be special.

Clint came on board maybe the year after, when I was coaching the full team — both novice and advanced. His family had moved recently from Texas, where he had started wrestling at 5 in Dumas. He had an older brother that was wrestling in junior high and helped develop his skills. I wish I could claim some credit, but he was already on his way to greatness. He was quiet and reserved, but he was a fast learner and worked hard at perfecting his skills.

Wes in elementary was a four-time YMCA State Champion and had a sixth-place finish at Tulsa Nationals one year. In ju-

nior high his overall record was 53-4, undefeated at 16-0 his freshman year and was a two-time conference champion. In his high school years he was State runner-up his junior year in 1995 with a 30-4, record followed by a 30-2 record his senior year when he won State. His overall high school record was 91-16. He was on the Oklahoma All-State team and after high school he wrestled at Missouri Valley College and UCO. He also was the 1996 State runner-up in pole vaulting.

Clint won numerous championships in elementary, junior high, and high school. In 1994 he took third in State and then was crowned the State Champion his senior year in 1995. His overall high school record was 64-6, going 27-6 his junior year followed by a perfect 37-0 his senior year. In his final year, he was taken down only once by an opponent, only eight matches went to the final whistle, 29 matches ended in a fall or technical fall, and he was named Outstanding Wrestler at three tournaments. During his career he was the USA Under-16 Cadet Freestyle National Champion in 1993 and a member of the 1994 USA National Dual Team Oklahoma with a record of 6-0. He was awarded a wrestling scholarship at the University of Oklahoma in 1995.

Both of these young men went on to college, with Wes attaining a BS in Education at OCU followed by a Masters in Education Leadership at Southern Nazarene University. He then spent 20 years in Education and coaching before he started his own business, the Oklahoma Vault Club, where he has coached 17 State Champions in the pole vault. Wes currently resides with his wife and two children in Oklahoma City.

Clint completed his college degree in Business Administration at Oklahoma Wesleyan University and his current position is Director of Payroll with ConocoPhillips at the Research Center. Him and his family live in Bartlesville.

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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Celebrating Success September Students of the Month Tri County Tech and Downtown Kiwanis Club are proud to name the September Students of the Month. Our students of the month are chosen based on their character, leadership, and contribution to our community.

We are proud of their performance as students, role models, and future professionals.

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Carson Tennison

Madyson Bromley

Construction Technology

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bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

FROM THE HEART

Here’s to High-Fiving Life!

by Lori Kroh

You don’t know what you don’t know.

I learned that lesson the hard way, and to this day I quote it quite often.

I had a crippling fear of heights. My knees would grow weak and I would crawl on the floor rather than get too close to the edge. If I was up too high at a hotel, I could never peer over the balcony. It hindered my life. I decided that for my 25th birthday, the best way to deal with a fear of heights was to jump out of a plane at 10,000 ft. If you look at the Price Tower and then imagine the height being 48 times itself, you can see the perspective of how high I had to go to face my fears.

I found a school for skydiving and about 10 of my closest friends showed up ready to celebrate the folly of a whim. We had all day long to perfect the performance and master our minds. I remember that the font was oversized and I had to sign a lot of papers. They literally stated you could die by engaging in this activity. Please initial here.

Of course it would be a tandem jump, as my instructor would be attached to me for the duration. He would pull the chute and I would follow his lead for safety. We were hooked together by carabiners and cords and my confidence came because his long hair made him seem like one who was going to win at this game of life.

I still have the VHS tape of me smiling and laughing and looking so calm. It was very easy to learn the processes and the equipment and I practiced perfectly. Real life is so different.

You don’t know what you don’t know.

My friends and I climbed into an airplane where all the seats were removed. The sun was shining and the pilot told us it would get warm and he was going to climb to about 14,000 feet. We would be jumping at 10,000 feet for the optimum experience. It was a shell of a plane and I immediately thought, “This tin can is going to fly us above 10,000 feet?” As the propeller started to turn, so did my stomach.

The plane started to taxi down the runway and pick up speed. All my friends were attached to their tandem leader and my guy had the music blaring. He had strapped a boom box to the walls and pouring out of the speakers was the music adrenaline junkies wanted, I guessed.

It was hype music with a lot of screeching guitars and banging drums. They were all slapping our shoulders and yelling outbursts of “Yeah Dude!” and high-fiving one another. I distinctly remember thinking I was going to die and I was the dumbest person I knew. The plane lifted off as the concert of confidence continued. I sat there wide-eyed and prayed so hard my Guardian Angel started to giggle. Or at least, it seemed that way.

We climbed higher and higher. The noise from the inside of that plane mixed with the hot air lured me into a trance and my nerves started to settle. ”How bad could it be,” I wondered?

You don’t know what you don’t know.

I will never forget that feeling of seeing the huge door being opened. It was all fun and games until someone threw open the door and the fear rushed in with the wind. I wish I had listened to that music better. I wish I had said I love you more. I wish I knew my Guardian Angel’s name so I could yell for him on the way down. I had no idea the courage it takes to confront your biggest fear.

With my guy attached to me, I had walked like a duck until I saw the vast chasm of blue. I could not see the ground when I peered out. I grimaced as I dangled my legs over the edge.

I was going to go out into the air and I had to trust the one with me. Relying on others can be so hard. “Live, Lori! Live,” I shouted. We would rock three times and hurl ourselves into the wild blue yonder. Out I went into the atmosphere of the unknown. We fell free for about 30 seconds and the wind was fierce. I know we were at speeds of 120 mph. I saw the horizon spinning and everything I thought I knew did not matter. Then he pulled the ripcord!

We slowed to under 20 mph and there was no sound. Up in the sky, the Earth was so quiet.

I absorbed the sound of peace.

We made crazy eights in the sky as I watched the sun setting in the distance. I saw the most glorious tangerine-orange sunset and we carried on a conversation about how to live life.

We took our time and I enjoyed the end of the day, realizing I had created a memory forever.

You don’t know what you don’t know.

It took facing death to truly live life! “I needed to high-five more,” he said.

When we landed, I jumped up and down and cried tears of joy and relief. I loved gravity.

I loved everyone around me and I loved that I faced my fear.

Here’s to high-fiving life!

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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2022-23 Season

Resonance,Romance and Reflection October 15, 2022 Get Happy

Songstress Joan Ellison brings Judy Garland’s original symphonic arrangements back to life in a nostalgic trip.

November 19, 2022 RESONANCE

Featuring Jay Hershberger, the first winner of the BSO Young Artists Competition in 1978.

January 28, 2023 Take Me Home

The music of John Denver, with Jim Curry and band, featuring John Denver’s original orchestrations by Lee Holdridge.

March 11, 2023 Romance

Showcasing the winner of the 2023 Young Artists Competition, the concert also features concertmaster Sheri Neubauer.

May 6, 2023 REFLECTION

Decades of great music as reflected in the BSO of today. Our exciting orchestra led by our longtime Maestro Lauren Green.

Visit our website for the latest announcements

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BartlesvilleSymphony.org

bmonthly | OCTOBER 2022

THE ARTS

Resonance, Romance & Reflection

by Maria Gus

As the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra prepares for its upcoming season, audience members can expect a beautiful landscape of sound full of opportunity. The community’s professional orchestra promises to deliver great music of both the recent and distant past, inspiring and sustaining while looking to the future.

The BSO was first founded in 1957 with beginnings as the Frank Phillips Men’s Club. The Phillips Symphony was an entirely volunteer orchestra led mostly by Bruce Price, a mathematician at Phillips Petroleum Company.

By 1976, the orchestra incorporated and became the Bartlesville Symphony. In 1977, Lauren Green became the conductor and continues to serve as maestro today.

For Green, the future of BSO is bright and includes innovative and enjoyable concerts featuring an imaginatively wide range of musical styles.

“Concerts are also times to look forward as well as backward,” said Green. “Our upcoming season is a great example of this, with two pop concerts that recreate the amazing music of two great artists, Judy Garland and John Denver.” Green added that the overall title given to the season “Resonance Romance Reflection” relates to the three classical concerts, each of which seemed to evolve around one of those concepts.

Bartlesville’s orchestra is one piece of the beautiful creative tapestry that highlights a love of music and culture. A love, says John Jenkins, that is enhanced by the community’s compassion for others. “I have enjoyed learning this city’s history as well as witnessing the strength and cultural richness of this community,” said Jenkins, BSO’s new executive director. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to see how BSO might use the power of music to serve populations who otherwise would not have access to a concert experience.”

Lauren Green

Jim has created a national following with his accurate portrayal and beautiful musical renditions of the beloved singer.

For BSO, the “Resonance, Romance, and Reflection” of the season will highlight not only musical styles, but an expression of feeling that accompanies the concerts. The “Resonance” highlights the amazing acoustics of the incredible Bartlesville Community Center. The “Romance” creates an experience based upon the full expression of the widest range of musical emotions and orchestral sounds. The “Reflection” concert will be one of reflecting on the past — a reflection full of gratitude and beauty.

“What’s impressed me about Bartlesville is that many people are aware of how incredibly blessed they are to have a full orchestra for a city this size,” said Jenkins. Said Maestro Lauren Green, “I’m quite fond of how this season has come into being and am looking forward to each of the concerts. They will each be very special, and as a season they’ll combine so well into a wonderful and meaningful mix, as always.”

For more information on the BSO you can visit bartlesvillesymphony.org. To renew or purchase a season subscription, visit the BSO online or call 918-336-2787, or visit the box office at The Center at 300 SE Adams. Blvd. For questions, you can contact executive director John Jenkins by email at john@bartlesvillesymphony.org.

John Jenkins

That power of music is carefully curated into the upcoming BSO season by telling a dynamic story through different styles and sounds. The pops concerts in October and January highlight two very different artists beloved by many.

“While miles apart musically and a few decades distant chronologically, both artists carved for themselves a unique place in American popular music,” said Green. In October, Joan Ellison will not only recreate the sound and style of Judy Garland, but utilize the very same orchestral arrangements that Garland used in her films and concert performances — from Hollywood to Carnegie Hall. In late January, Jim Curry and his band will join the orchestra in recreating the look and sounds of John Denver, also utilizing Denver’s original arrangements which were created by the great Lee Holdridge.

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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ON THE ROAD

Choice, Prime & One-of-a-Kind A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Reba’s Place

by Kelly Bland

It’s been said George Strait could sing the phone book and it would be a number one hit... That may very well be so – BUT - here in Oklahoma we’ve got a little gal with her own Midas touch and mesmerizing voice. I’m talking about Reba McEntire and it was her singing of the National Anthem back in the day that set her apart and put her on the road to fame. You know, they say all roads lead home. And making that saying seem true, Reba’s path has led her back to the little town where the local barber shop still has a picture of her daddy getting his hair cut hanging on their wall.

Down close to the Red River, Atoka, Oklahoma seems to look just like other small towns. Along the highway running through you’ll pass the Tractor Supply, the Ford House, a few restaurants and hotels.

But hidden off the main road is the old downtown area ,where the sidewalks are clean, the historic buildings have a fresh coat of paint, and it almost feels like you just parked your car in Mayberry. On the corner of Court and Pennsylvania streets is the spot where the biggest thing in tourism is about to open its doors — formerly the Masonic Lodge but soon to be better known as Reba’s Place.

After a wonderful breakfast at Jackson’s Family Dining (which I give two thumbs up) — John Hurd and I walked across the street and were greeted by iconic, well-known consultant, Mr. Kurtess Mortensen, and Mrs. Garett Smith, general manager of Reba’s Place (and Reba’s niece)! Outside this three-story, soon-to-be attraction, construction was taking place in the streets, creating an outdoor plaza on Pennsylvania and an amphitheater out back.

On the inside, the first two floors will be all restaurant — and not just any restaurant! “Think polished wood, tooled leather, lots of blue, and very upscale,” said Mortensen, with a twinkle in his eye. The venue will even have platform booths with privacy curtains, creating a star-studded Hollywood, Brown-Derbyfeel dating back to the days of Frank Sinatra. Much like private balcony booths in an opera theater, the second floor offers an upscale experience complete with private rooms, fancy chandeliers, and an open-loft view of the stage floor below.

“Everything we serve is going to be 100% made from scratch,” Mortensen shared, and told us that scratch even included the hamburger buns! But the big news is all about the beef! Reba’s Place is set to be the “world-premiere launch site for the Choctaw beef program.” Ranch-raised Native American beef will go from the ranch to a new Atoka processing facility for Choctaw beef, and that facility will be delivering cut beef to Reba’s Place fresh daily.

Now, if you’re wondering about the music? Let me assure you, there’ll be plenty!

“Live music every day, all day” is what Mortensen said could be expected. When asked as to who just might be on the stage, he told us from the well-known on occasion to the not-known – yet; but ensured us that what guests could count on is good music and good food.

“We want it to feel like something between Oklahoma and Nashville,” he told us. And with Blake Shelton’s stomping grounds just a short drive down the road, it might seem the road between Oklahoma and Nashville is only as long as the drive between Atoka and Tishomingo!

“We want to provide an incomparable experience,” Garett Smith said with a smile.

“There’s nothing else like us.” With seating for 300 and a community that has definitely gotten behind the vision, it was Mr. Hurd’s and my impression that what is going on in Atoka definitely is a rare find! Smith went on to talk of the “Get ‘Er Done Gals” in town who planted and care for the beautiful downtown flower beds overflowing with potato vines, American flags, and colorful petals. Smith and Mortensen went on to praise the Atoka city council, the mayor, and the Choctaw Nation for their vision for Atoka and said Reba’s Place was glad to be part of the good vibes that already existed there. If cooperation were personified, Atoka would be a great example. Here you have city leaders, tribal leaders, a country music legend, and even the Baptist Church all working together for the good of their community. When I asked Mortensen how Reba and team wanted folks to feel after visiting, the word he chose was “inspired.”

Inspired…

We felt it as we strolled along the downtown streets of Atoka.

We felt it as we toured the three stories of Reba’s Place. We felt it as we heard the passion and looked into the eyes of Garett Smith. We also felt it as we listened to Kurtess Mortensen talk about the value of serving and making a positive difference in communities.

While they may not be singing the phone book down in Atoka, if you were to flip to the Yellow Pages under the topic of “Rural Rarities,” you can betcha Reba’s Place would be at the top of the list. We hope you’ll put it on your list of places to visit as well, and take a moment to breathe in a little bit of Atoka goodness down in Southern Oklahoma.

Just in case you can’t wait until the grand opening later this year to find out a little bit more on Atoka and Reba’s Place — pull up the latest podcast episode of “Coffee with John & Kelly,” where we’re talking all things Atoka! And thanks for reading along in this month’s “On the Road” column!

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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AREA HISTORY

History Depends on the Historian Indian Territory Pioneer Association’s Circle of Life

by Debbie Neece, Bartlesville Area History Museum President Roosevelt’s New Deal programs brought forth the 1933-1942 Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and 1935-1943 Works Progress/Projects Administration (WPA) creating employment and hope for jobseekers during the recovery of America’s Great Depression. While both entities worked towards rebuilding/construction projects, in 1936, the WPA presented the Oklahoma Historical Society and the University of Oklahoma with a “writers’ project” grant for an interview program which employed over 100 field workers to capture the migration and settlement of Oklahoma. The Indian-Pioneer Papers Project resulted in more than 11,000 interviews which have been transcribed into 112 volumes, detailing Oklahoma’s deepest roots.

In addition, from 1936-1938, field workers across 17 states captured living history and personal accounts of slavery and pre-Civil War era experiences by interviewing more than 2,300 former enslaved persons. The result of the Slave Narrative Project was 17 volumes of edited transcripts allowing readers to walk miles on the bare feet of America’s greatest travesty.

Joe Bartles, Frank Eaton (Pistol Pete) and Scott Bruner of the Indian Territory Pioneer Association.

Locally, the effort of the Indian Territory Pioneer Association (I.T.P.A.) was to capture the grit and determination of the In 1965, at the 50th reunion, the charter was amended to risk-taking people who pioneered into Indian Territory seeking read anyone whose parent, spouse or self had resided in Indian hope for a better tomorrow. The original “Old Settlers” organizaTerritory or the Osage Nation for more than fifty years and intional meeting was held at Jacob Bartles’ Dewey Hotel and the cluded children and grandchildren of pioneers to enhance the inaugural meeting took place in 1887, open to all families who membership and attendance. Participants enjoyed BBQ, square resided in I.T. prior to 1885…but the meetings “fizzled” out. dances, fiddling and dance conWebster defines pioneer as “a person who helps develop tests, and renewed friendTheir first reunion was held something new and prepares the way for others to follow”… ships…eighty-five year old at the Washington County Free Pearl Kitterman won the jig Fair building, November 25, people who chiseled a path by which we followed, leading dancer contest.

1915, with an estimated 600 in future generations. attendance for the Thanksgiving celebration, and Oscar Drum captured a panoramic photo of the gathering. Eligibility was changed to I.T. pioneers who settled in the Caney River Valley prior to 1907, the year of statehood.

Arriving before noon and staying late into the evening to enjoy food, conversation, games and entertainment, they re-lived the by-gone days and “chewed a little fat.” Even notable celebrities like Pistol Pete and Oklahoma Governor Johnston Murray enjoyed the event. And Joe Bartles, Nellie Johnstone Cannon, Frank Carr and Harry Roll filled open ears with the history they experienced coupled with a few hand-me-down stories.

Annual meetings continued through 1973, meeting at the Dewey Fair Grounds and Dewey High School Fieldhouse. Their only break came during the 1918 flu pandemic when the fair building was used as a hospital and gatherings were forbidden by law. The I.T.P.A. initiated the placement of the “First I.T. Post Office” monument at the Bartles Turkey Creek Trading Post site with a donation from Don Tyler and the organization’s descendants became the Washington County Historical Society, the organization that currently maintains the Dewey Hotel…completing the circle of the “Old Settler’s” origin.

OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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ONCE UPON A TIME

Ray Charles & Me. . . . . .One More Time

by Rita Thurman Barnes “Here we go again. She’s back in town again. I’ll take her back again, one more time.” I don’t think I have to bust out in song for many of you to recognize those lyrics from the song by the great Ray Charles, so I’ll spare your ears the punishment. But, as the “one more time” part of that song played in my brain, I thought it was a decent lead-in to my recent whereabouts.

I’ve never kept secret the fact that I am not a native Bartian and that I still salute every time I cross the southern border into Texas. But, for those of you who don’t know, I’ve now actually lived in three different locations as of our most recent move. We made a move to the Owasso area about a year ago to be closer to our kids in Tulsa but upon realizing we saw them as much when we lived in Bartlesville, we moved back home. And thus, I am home again, one more time.

Writing is like water to me. I can hardly live without it. I became serious about it when I sent a letter to the editor of the Bartlesville newspaper during a teachers’ strike many years ago.

I was hired by the paper shortly after that and didn’t stop writing for them for nearly twenty years. Bartlesville Monthly Magazine then hired me, and I wrote here until just about a year ago. I then concentrated on my Facebook group called Once Upon a Time in Bartlesville, but I missed the challenge and the privilege of writing as I had in the past and I’m so grateful to be back with bMonthly. I missed the connection with my readers and the chance to say what’s in my heart and on my mind.

will. We hope to remain here, not far from the high school from which we both graduated, for as long as we can.

Back to my writing, I’m still trying to put together another book which, ironically may be titled, “Bartlesville – One More Time . . .” so I hope you’re as happy to have me back as I’m happy to be back again with you for “Just One More Time . . .

A lot has happened since I last wrote to you, so I’ll try to bring you up to date. We sold the lovely home we bought in the Owasso area on the first day we listed it and sold it to one of three potential buyers. We’ve owned a lot of houses in the 54 years we’ve been married but we’d never experienced a real estate market like that one.

We started looking for an apartment or a small house to lease and couldn’t find a thing. We ended up in a large apartment downtown where hubby had to take the dog down the elevator to do her business several times a day, so when we had the chance to get back to a house on terra firma, we took advantage of it. We both grew up downtown and have always loved it and always OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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Sandra Brown, Administrator

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Housekeeping On-site laundry On-site beauty shop Daily exercise classes offered Year-round building & grounds maintenance Interior maintenance Pet-friendly

3434 Kentucky Place • 918-333-9545 • www.bartlesvillehealthandrehab.com 80

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The Spirit of the West

Wolf Creek Ranch Provides Authentic Western Experiences

by Abigail Singrey Mark and Kelly Spencer were first drawn to the beauty of Wolf Creek Ranch. Located 18 miles out of Bartlesville in Osage County, Wolf Creek Ranch was purchased by the Spencers six years ago. Previously, they had lived on a ranch in Nowata County that was part of the Spencer family’s original Indian allotment.

The Spencer name is familiar around Bartlesville. A fifth-generation rancher, Mark Spencer grew up in the area, and the couple moved back to town as newlyweds. Spencer has been in the restaurant business for years, first with Sterling’s Grille, then opening the River Grille in Bentonville, Arkansas, with several partners, and finally founding Bartlesville icon Painted Horse Bar and Grille. He and his wife also own and operate Spencer Management, a commercial janitorial business.

Now married for over 30 years and long-time Bartlesvile-area residents, they decided they wanted to do something new.

“We were talking about bucket lists, and I had done everything I wanted to do but own a horse,” Kelly said.

They began looking for the right property and found Wolf Creek Ranch. Now, she’s checked that off her list, as the ranch has 25 horses, including the two draft horses that pull the wagon. Other horses are available to ride, including horses suited for any level from beginning riders to more experienced. Some of their most beautiful horses are former wild mustangs.

Now Kelly shares the joy she gets from that bucket list item of owning a horse with others through ranch rides and horsemanship lessons.

Kelly loves seeing the “confidence visitors gain by doing something they’ve never done before.”

The Wolf Creek Ranch is part of the burgeoning agritourism movement. Agritourism attracts visitors to a farm or ranch to provide an interesting or educational experience. With its rolling hills, roaming cattle, and beautiful creeks, Wolf Creek Ranch evokes a historic time. “We get to take visitors on a real Western experience,” Mark said.

In addition to rides, the Spencers host a variety of events out at the ranch. Space is available to rent for weddings, family reunions, and more in an 8,000-square-foot barn that functions as the hub of the property. Painted Horse provides catering services to the ranch. The Spencers also welcome more casual events, such as camping or hiking. They’re currently upgrading their camping fa-

cilities, hoping to attract more guided group camping events.

The property also has RV hookups. Recently, the Women Artists of the West came out to take photographs, enjoy a trail ride, and eat dinner. Some of Spencer’s favorite gatherings involve a wagon ride to the top of a hill, where guests are greeted with a chuck wagon serving dinner or simply s’mores.

“Then we can look at the stars and watch the moon rise,” Spencer said.

Also a working ranch, Wolf Creek is home to a cow and calf herd of Black Angus cows. They are raised on the ranch, with calves born every spring and weaned every October. Some are shipped to market, while others are processed and used in Painted Horse Bar and Grille. The Spencers also offer half beef for sale (half a cow, for those not familiar with the term).

For the Spencers, though, the most important part of the ranch is the fact that they get to share it with others.

“We are thoroughly blessed by God to have the property and be able to invite all these people to see the beauty of the landscape and know that there is a God.” OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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LET FREEDOM RING

Apollo 7 Mission

Mission was a Precursor to a Trip to the Moon

by Jay Hastings

Project Apollo was the third human spaceflight program of the United States. The program was named by NASA manager Abe Silverstein after Apollo, the Greek god of light, music, and sun. Regarding the naming of the project, Silverstein explained, “I was naming the spacecraft like I’d name my baby.” Silverstein said he chose the name at home one evening in 1960, because he felt “Apollo riding his chariot across the sun was appropriate to the grand scale of the proposed program.”

time, and also the first time NASA broadcast a live television feed from space.

Apollo was preceded by the two-person Project Gemini, conceived in 1961 to extend spaceflight capability, and the 1958 Project Mercury, the first space flight program. While the Mercury capsule could support only one astronaut on a limited orbital mission, Apollo was designed to carry three. Missions included ferrying crews to a space station, circumlunar flights, and eventual crewed lunar landings. The Apollo missions ran from 1961 to 1972, with the first crewed flight, Apollo 7, in 1968.

Apollo 7 launched on October 11, 1968, and the mission lasted 10 days, 20 hours, nine minutes, and three seconds. The crew consisted of Walter M. Schirra Jr., Donn F. Eisele, and R. Walter Cunningham. It would be Cunningham’s and Eisele’s only space flight.

Then-45-year-old Schirra Jr. was originally a Mercury 7 astronaut with two missions already under his belt; Apollo 7 was his last, as he had already decided to leave NASA before being selected for the mission.

Apollo 7 would become known as a shakedown mission for an eventual trip to the moon. It was the first time three astronauts were sent into space for an extended period of 82

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During the mission, though, there seemed to be a great deal of tension between controllers on the ground and the Apollo crew. Schirra had reportedly been angered by NASA managers allowing the launch to proceed despite high winds. During the mission, there were arguments over a television broadcast, complaints about the food, and unhappiness with the spacesuits, which required 30 minutes for astronauts to use the restroom — and those were just some of the complaints.

There was a lot of lingering tension regarding safety concerns after a cabin fire in 1967 killed the entire crew during a prelaunch test of Apollo 1. After the fire, the Block II CSM was extensively redesigned with more than 1,800 changes recommended, 1,300 of which were implemented for the Apollo 7 mission.

During the three-man Apollo flight, Schirra seemed to have strong feelings about what it meant to be a mission commander. He insisted to make the point the crew was in charge, noting nobody on the ground was taking the risk he and the other crewmembers were. To make matters worse, Schirra developed a head cold on the second day of the mission. Later, he argued the crew was not going to wear their space helmets upon re-entry because he needed to be able to blow his nose.

Schirra eventually won that argument.

On October 22, 1968, at 07:11, splashdown occurred in the Atlantic Ocean. The mission was considered successful and confirmed the Block II CM would be habitable and reliable over the length of time required for a lunar mission. Eventually, a total of 12 astronauts walked the moon during six subsequent Apollo missions between 1969 and 1972.

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www.GoPatriotAuto.com OCTOBER 2022 | bmonthly

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