Woman who owns bluff property looks forward to couple’s reopening of camp FLYING HIGH
Tahlequah pilots share stories of Ken Duncan and his venerable airplanes SOUNDS OF COMMUNITY
Music in Tahlequah runs the gamut, from campfires to clubs
20
24
FROM BUGS TO BUILDING
Craig Clifford fits the definition of a true ‘Renaissance Man’
JOY, COLOR AND FUN
Arts Council of Tahlequah keeps local creativity alive
Note from the Editor
Here we are, ready to roll into the middle of a Cherokee County summer – and wow, it’s hot outside! At the very least, you need one of those silver folding sun shields to put in the front window of your vehicle. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a predicament similar to one suffered by a local woman recently.
She was at the NSU Fitness Center, and she had borrowed her boyfriend’s car – a classic he had babied for years. While rummaging through a grocery sack where she’d dropped her credit card, she took some things out and put them on the front seat. One of the items was a large Hershey bar for making S’mores, and she left it on the dash. She told this awful tale to me and another woman, and wanted our advice on whether to try cleaning up the mess herself, or confess to the boyfriend.
I blurted out, “Why are you eating S’mores in this heat?” It was the first thing I thought of. I couldn’t picture a campfire in 96-degree weather just for S’Mores.
To avoid such dilemmas, you’re probably better off hanging out at one of the local pools – or your own, if you’re lucky enough to have one – or in your own living room, provided your air conditioning is up to snuff. And once you’re comfy, you can peruse the Summer 2025 edition of Tahlequah Grapevine.
We have five great stories for you. Two are written by Renee Fite: The first is a retrospective on Hanging Rock and a look forward to the revamped Hanging Rock Camp; the second, a story on Arts Council of Tahlequah. Next up is a feature about a local pilot and his planes, by Greg Combs. Then we have a profile piece by Nancy Garber on Craig Clifford. And finally, Mary Hanafee worked up a rundown on the local music scene. We promise you’ll enjoy all of them, and maybe learn something. I know I did.
The next edition of Grapevine is due out in late September, and we’re always looking for ideas. Have an idea for a story, photo spread, or some other cool feature? Then drop me a line at kpoindexter@tahlequahdailypress.com. In the meantime, enjoy!
Kim Poindexter, Executive Editor
MEET THE EDITOR
Kim Poindexter has been a member of the TDP news team since 1985. She is in the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame and received the 2022 Oklahoma Press Association Beachy Musselman Award. She has won more than 300 journalism awards on the national and state levels, both individually and as part of the team for TDP, which was named CNHI’s Best Newspaper for five consecutive years. For her work in 2023, she was named OPA Editorial Writer of the Year, and by CNHI, Columnist of the Year. She and her husband, Chris, a facilities engineer, have an adult son, Cole, and a daughter-in-law, Dani.
Tahlequah Grapevine is a quarterly magazine published by the Tahlequah Daily Press. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced without express permission from CNHI, LLC.
On The Cover
Color photo by JD Collins. Black and white photo provided by the Oklahoma Historical Society.
By Renee Fite
Woman who owns bluff property looks forward to couple’s reopening of camp
Hanging Rock Camp, on State Highway 10 on the Illinois River, will celebrate a special birthday in 2027. It’s the oldest business on the Illinois River.
In 1927, it opened as Hanging Rock Fishing Camp, with guided fishing trips in flat-bottom Jon boats. In the ‘60s, the camp converted to canoes and commercial floating.
Owners Marcus Olive and partner Mindy Hendrix are making plans, with several activities leading up to the big event. They are looking for people to share favorite memories of past days at Hanging Rock Camp, as they gather its history.
Hanging Rock is currently unable to operate its float business due to an Oklahoma Department of Transportation construction project. The couple hopes the project is completed in time to reopen for a “100 years in business” anniversary.
Olive purchased Hanging Rock Camp in 2011, and Hendrix became involved in helping him operate it in 2018. The couple values the natural beauty and ambiance of the flowing water at Hanging Rock.
“We appreciate the beautiful rock bluffs, the peaceful river and the
creek that flows
spring-fed
Renee Fite, a longtime feature writer for the Tahlequah Daily Press, is former editor of the Stilwell Democrat Journal. Currently she is communications director for the City of Stilwell and president of the Arts Council of Tahlequah.
A photo taken in 1963 on the gravel bar at Hanging Rock shows the Hanging Rock Fishing Camp sign in the background. From left are: Linda Josephine “Lin” Moore, William Lindhard “Papa Doc” Moore, Diane Warrick, Teresa “Terry” Moore, John Arnold “Arnie” Moore, Larry Koch, Carl Lindhard Moore, Warren Williams (Gammy’s husband), Helen “Gammy” Josephine Lindhard Moore Williams, unknown man, and Janet Moore Story.
down the north side of the camp and meets the river,” said Hendrix. “There’s an abundance of wildlife, including eagles, hawks, turkeys, deer and more.”
Thousands of hummingbirds migrate annually through the camp, and occasionally, elk pass through. Bats fly around the bluffs at dusk and roost in the rock crevices there.
“There is something about the way the land lays between the two rock bluffs that creates a cool breeze in the evenings, even in mid-July, no matter how hot it may be during the day,” said Olive.
The couple continues to improve the property. The motel and office were remodeled and they added more rafts, kayaks and equipment. The RV park was added in 2019, and the much-loved music stage was erected in 2020, built by Olive with help from the late Ben Nicholson.
Before the ODOT project began, Hanging Rock
Camp offered floating, fishing, camping, dining, music and swimming.
“We hope to again offer all that and more, once we are able to resume float operations,” he said.
For Hendrix, the project is all about family.
“Our kids – Joe, Ben and Elli [Hendrix] – have all participated in different roles at Hanging Rock, including working security, bucking boats and ground maintenance,” she said.
The couple is optimistic about the future of the camp.
“We hope to celebrate the business’s 100-year anniversary in 2027 with our community and patrons,” said Olive. “We hope in the near future to continue providing a unique place for our guests to connect to and enjoy nature and the powerful presence of our beautiful river. We are working toward carrying tradition into the camps next century and offering guests new and exciting expe-
Marcus Olive and Mindy Hendrix hang out at Hanging Rock Camp.
There is something about the way the land lays between the two rock bluffs that creates a cool breeze in the evenings, even in mid-July, no matter how hot it may be during the day
– Marcus Olive
riences once we are open again.”
They would like to hear from former guests who enjoyed visiting the camp.
“We want everyone who has been a part of Hanging Rock Camp over the years to know they are a part of our history and family here,” said Olive.
One of those families that predates Olive and Hendrix is that of Mesha Leggett Sanchez, who owns Hanging Rock Bluff, from which Hanging Rock Camp got its name.
As a child, Sanchez grew up visiting the Illinois River during the summer, and her best memories come from being at Hanging Rock.
“My connection with Hanging Rock Camp is mostly on the mountain. Hanging Rock Bluff, the mountain, has been in my family’s ownership since 1933, but my ancestors were regular visitors since pre-statehood,” said Sanchez.
There wouldn’t be a Hanging Rock camp without the mountain.
“I remember growing up here and my mom enjoyed her childhood here,” said Sanchez. “I loved riding horses. My dad had quarter horses and paints. We’d do trail rides. He was a Mason and Shriner, and we’d ride horses all around the camp.”
Still to this day, the Kilgores, who live behind the camp, do trail rides every year through all the back property and park at the camp.
Her family would go to the restaurant at Hanging Rock Camp at the time, in the mid- to late ‘70s. They would celebrate July 4 and family reunions at Hanging Rock Bluff.
Mesha’s favorite memory was easy to recall.
“My grandfather, Dr. Lin Moore, ‘Papa Doc,’ and I would walk down to Hanging Rock Hollow, now called Peavine Creek, which is part of Hanging Rock Camp. We would collect watercress out of the creek. To this day, it’s still lush with watercress,” Sanchez said.
The creek area used to have a state sign designating it as Hanging Rock Hollow. The sign was recently replaced with a new one reading Peavine Creek.
“It was Hatfield Bluff originally. In 1909, it was called Hanging Rock Bluff. My great-grandfather was here first, John Arnold Moore and his family,” Sanchez said.
Marcus Olive and Mindy Hendrix replace rocks on the exterior of the camp office.
On top of Hanging Rock Bluff are cabins from before statehood.
Sanchez has a collection of photographs from the past, along with all the ones she has taken.
“In the ‘20s, people just didn’t walk around with a camera, so having all these photographs is pretty special,” she said.
Some of the photos date as far back as 1909. One includes her great-great-great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents, great-grandfather and friends on the gravel bar at Hanging Rock Camp.
“I know from the artifacts I’ve found over the years that this spot was inhabited by Native Americans. It’s definitely got some protection,” Sanchez said. “My grandparents, George, who was Cherokee, and Terry (Nonnie) Tapp, are also buried on top of Hanging Rock Bluff.”
After her great-grandfather passed, her grandmother bought the bluff.
“My Gammy was an avid angler who spent most of her time fishing. Since Hanging Rock Camp was originally a fishing camp, I think that’s why she loved this area so much,” said Sanchez. “I have fished every part of this river and there’s no part with better fishing than on the gravel bar at Hanging Rock Camp.”
She always felt like she was home at Hanging Rock because everyone knew one another. It was like one big, happy family.
“I love watching the eagles fly down the river at dusk and dawn back and forth to their nest, and also seeing all the sparrows building nests under the Hanging Rock Bluff and the bats that migrate here each year, as they fly around at dusk. This year, I saw a herd of 16 elk grazing along the river just north of Hanging Rock. There are hawks, deer, wild turkeys and rare birds all over this area,” she said.
Sanchez appreciates her neighbors, Olive and Hendrix.
“I love them both and how respectful they are of this area. Marcus does an amazing job of keeping the camp clean while still preserving the natural beauty of the area. Mindy is so protective of Mother Earth, nature, and all the wildlife. It’s wonderful to have neighbors that put the protection of the river and this land first,” she said.
Today, looking down from Hanging Rock Bluff, toward the camp, the changes Sanchez sees aren’t necessarily what she considers improvements. She agrees the road needs improvement and to be protected, but believes there were better ways to accomplish this without destroying the natural beauty by constructing a concrete wall along this stretch of the river.
“I treasure the day Marcus will be able to reopen the ‘original’ camp and what many visitors call their favorite float outfit and campgrounds on Highway 10. I miss the energy and fun the guests bring to Hanging Rock Camp,” she said. G
Musicians perform in summer 2022 on the stage at Hanging Rock.
By Greg Combs
Tahlequah pilots share stories of Ken Duncan and his venerable airplanes
The terminal at Tahlequah Municipal Airport is an interesting place. Travelers, workers, aviation enthusiasts and the lost pass through the facility.
Many stop and linger, with the place developing into a popular coffee spot over the years. It’s not a “klatch” in the true sense of the word. Greek for “gossip,” klatch is a noble word but falls short of describing this group. Even “group” is improper. Its use might cause the snack area to evacuate, pilots to sprint to their planes and fly off in formation.
Just say there are regular gatherings of an amorphous assortment of aviation enthusiasts frequenting the airport. They don’t hang out at the terminal. Although it is a public facility, the homeless would not be encouraged to use it like a bus stop, nor would slack-jawed gawkers abuse the heat and air conditioning.
Three decades ago, a man joined this collection. He had retired to a local village and housed his airplane at the airport after a management career with Schlumberger, the world’s largest oilfield services company. Soon locals realized the man was a special pilot, with tales, adventures and wisdom gathered over a half-century of world travel. He had owned 53 airplanes beginning in 1947. His name was Kenneth Duncan.
“Ken was actually kind of a hero,” said former airport manager Greg Blish. “He had owned more than 50 airplanes
since 1947. He still flew regularly into his 70s.”
To set the aviation scene when Duncan first took to the air in 1947, take baseball, then America’s “national pastime.” Passenger trains, buses and automobiles allowed for the relatively swift, comfortable movement of travelers, including baseball teams. Then came a world war. Not to worry, this story is not about global carnage.
Following the 1941 attack at Pearl Harbor, lives and the nation were altered, emerging in 1945 to a new world. One change was to Major League Baseball, the highest level of the pastime, with 16 teams stationed from the East Coast all the way to the Mississippi River in its first half century – a fairly sluggish migration. The post-war jet age soon allowed two California cities to lure the Dodgers and Giants from New York. Rail pushed the Athletics westward to Kansas City. But this story is not about baseball.
In 1947, Duncan — like Americans in general — realized advances in wartime technology had revealed a future of flight. Travel would now include everything from safer, faster personal aircraft to airliners with jet engines attached. Within 21 years, America would put a man on the moon.
Next time the reader navigates Tahlequah’s slow-moving parking lot known as “South Muskogee and the Bypass,” ponder that 80 years ago, it was believed society would be airborne by now. Insights into the future usually included folks zipping around in flying cars. Who knows? That may happen still. And forgive the construction. Futurists saw personal runways, not what actually developed.
Duncan had been a soldier in the recent war. He did not say much about that. It was nearly unspeakable. Wounded at the Battle of Normandy in 1944, with its 29,000 American
Greg Combs is a retired educator and served as District Attorney during his career at Tahlequah. He formerly wrote for the Pictorial Press, a predecessor to the Tahlequah Daily Press after serving four years in the U.S Air Force during the war in Vietnam.
deaths over 85 days, he had seen the worst and survived. And now ,with the world at his feet and on the ground in Spiro, Oklahoma, he knew one thing: He wanted to pilot airplanes.
“Few had the perspective, knowledge and wit of Ken Duncan,” said pilot and former air traffic controller Ron Landers, who appreciated the newcomer, as did the others in that group. “We all cared for Ken.”
Early flight had been phenomenal and deadly. In his 2014 book “Birdmen,” author Lawrence Goldstone chronicled the perilous race to fly higher and faster, as well as the excessive, early stunt daredevils. Safety lagged well behind. Many early craft and their pilots perished after a dreaded tailspin.
Piloting these airplanes was not for the timid.
Stunts included the “Dip of Death” and one man who specialized in defeating the tailspin, until one day at an airshow, he plunged to his death. In 1934, the Bureau of Air Commerce sponsored a design contest for a safe single-engine airplane, emphasizing stall and tailspin avoidance. Chosen was the Ercoupe – pronounced “Air Coupe” – entry, but not long after the plane’s introduction, that world war came along and production was suspended until 1946.
in Oregon and Washington,” said Jack Goss, a retired investigator and pilot.
He added that Duncan contacted the present owner in a Seattle suburb. He was told the plane was for sale, but it would likely — due to its age — need to be hauled overland by any buyer.
Duncan drove to Washington, determining N 93389 to be in excellent condition and airworthy.
“He came home and we drove him to Tulsa for a commercial flight to Seattle,” Goss said. “Ken then bought and flew his old Ercoupe 415C to its new home at Tahlequah Municipal Airport.”
Duncan first bought a one-owner 1946 Ercoupe 415-C, No. N 93389. He took delivery at Poteau, learned to operate it, and by late summer of ’47, had taken to the air. Within 100 days, he and a friend took an eventful series of hops to California and back, fueling at gas stations along the way, breaking off a propeller in a Flagstaff airport snow bank, and proving N 93389 was one tough airplane.
“Ken often spoke of his old 415C Ercoupe. He had sold it in 1949. One day, we decided to see if it was still registered. An FAA database showed it had passed through 20 owners, mostly
Not wanting to stress N 93389, Duncan flew to southern California and turned left across the desert, avoiding the Rockies and Sierra Nevada. He crossed the continental divide at its lowest point, then cruised into eastern Oklahoma to a friendly Tahlequah airport welcome.
It is always dangerous to list folks in a story. Someone is always omitted. But one may regularly find Goss, Nick Hand, Mark Hodson, John Denison, Mark Gish, Lewis White and Ron Landers, among others, at the terminal.
Each has memories and tales of Duncan. They visited as he turned 90 and no longer came by the airport. He passed at 91, at home in January 2015, with Blish visiting, photos of Duncan’s 53 airplanes on the wall and with memories of an aviator’s life.
Goss, Blish and others have owned an interest in N 93389. Hand is the custodian of Duncan’s flight log books. Airport Manager Brian Lambert now owns the Ercoupe.
Just over 1% of Americans are older than the venerable craft. Somewhere, Duncan – having made his final takeoff a decade ago – is probably smiling, reflecting on his friends at the airport and first and last airplane he owned, old N 93389.
Ken Duncan stands with the 1946 Ercouple he bought in 1947. He sold it in 1949, owned 53 more airplanes over the next half-century, then located it in Washington state, bought it again and flew it to Tahlequah.
Ken Duncan’s life of flying is preserved in his pilot log books. His adventures can be traced in six books, beginning in 1947 and including the return of the first airplane from Washington state to Tahlequah two decades ago. Nick Hand is custodian of the logs and a regular visitor to the airport’s terminal.
I like being the bright spot in someone’s day. I think music is a tool God gave us to shine his light – not just in church, but everywhere. Pumping gas, in a bar. That’s how we grow closer to each other.
-Tequila Kim Reynolds
SOUNDS OF COMMUNITY
Music in Tahlequah runs the gamut, from campfires to clubs
By Mary Hanafee
In Tahlequah, music doesn’t just play. It pulses through bars, streets and riverbanks like a heartbeat.
For locals and newcomers alike, it’s more than a pastime. It’s community, therapy, family and identity.
At the Squeeze Inn, where the scent of burgers mingles with the buzz of a crowded bar, Turk Frank has helped shape a stage that reflects the soul of the town.
“Whenever we feature musical acts, the crowd tends to be very mixed,” Frank said. “We have a diverse population of music lovers.”
What started as occasional shows has grown into a five-nightsa-week rhythm, with singer-songwriters and small bands playing everything from red dirt to classic rock covers.
“Tahlequah really does it well. Especially for a town of our size, it’s really kind and supportive,” he said.
The bar now hosts a Sunday residency with local favorite Austin Reece.
together.
“Older people seem to be drawn to live music. Whenever we don’t have it, the crowd skews younger, but when the music’s playing, it brings everyone together,” Frank said.
From dive bars to river stages, Tahlequah’s sound thrives in every corner of town.
A few blocks away, Kroner & Baer’s Michael Payne echoed that sentiment.
“Live music helps us stay busy, for sure. Whether it’s people coming specifically to hear an artist or just hanging out longer on the patio, the vibe shifts when music is in the air,” he said.
Payne said Kroner aims to keep the lineup balanced, booking both local and regional acts based on their energy and connection with the space.
“Tahlequah has a great music scene and we’re thankful to be a part of it,” Payne said.
Down the street at Ned’s, one of the oldest watering holes in town, manager Paige Sellars has been gearing up for summer events, including open mics, a Pride afterparty and the venue’s 40th anniversary celebration, Nedspalooza, in October.
“Any live music is good music,” she said. “Most of this town is built on local acts. Some of the best music I’ve heard comes from Tahlequah. Music is timeless, just like this town.”
From veterans to newcomers, Tahlequah’s sound is as diverse as its people.
Red dirt artist Lance Roark blends bluegrass, classic country and rock with a raw edge that comes from years of playing small town shows. His journey began in church and a gym where his first band filled the bleachers. Roark married a fan-turned-partner who now helps with merch and raising their daughter. His debut album drops this fall.
“All the familiar faces at local venues are there to have a good time; it brings the community together for good music,” he said. “There’s something in the water here. The artists coming out of Tahlequah are insanely talented.”
Tahlequah Grapevine | Summer 2025
Lance Roark and R.C. Edwards perform
Soul Exxplosion plays at the Crawfish Festival. From left are: Austin Reece, Eian Klock, Teddy Parris, Chris Feary, Cooper Compton, and Ben Stone.
Boone Mendenhall & War Horse share that sense of place and purpose.
“Music is medicine,” Mendenhall said. “It’s a universal language. It makes people feel less alone.”
Inspired by red dirt pioneers, blues legends and gospel roots, Mendenhall writes autobiographically and plays with the weight of experience.
“Moving from solo to a band was overwhelming at first, but there’s camaraderie now. We make magic and moments
together,” he said.
Bands like Kyler Smith & The Sunday Sinners know that magic well. Formed organically by friends who’ve known each other since seventh grade, the group blends country, punk and family chemistry into each show. Their EP “Highs and Lows” dropped recently, with more music on the way.
Austin Reece of Soul Exxplosion plays on stage at Neds.
“Now more than ever, authenticity is important,” Smith said. “People want to see something real. Music has always
been power, a way to escape, be inspired or just feel seen.”
Tequila Kim Reynolds, a mandolin and ukulele playing solo artist, carries that same torch. A mother, wife and full-time musician, Reynolds began performing in her 20s and taught herself to play after her children were born.
“I never saw anyone playing live when I was a kid. Now women are dominating and it’s awesome. To be a woman in this business, you have to know your worth and not accept anything less,” she said.
Reynolds said she’s drawn to the joy of performance not just for herself, but for others.
“I like being the bright spot in someone’s day,” she said. “I think music is a tool God gave us to shine his light – not just in church, but everywhere. Pumping gas, in a bar. That’s how we grow closer to each other.”
For younger artists like Ben Stone of Soul Exxplosion, music began as something deeply personal. Now, it’s something he shares fearlessly.
“I’ve always wanted to make music but was too scared,” he said. “Eventually, I realized life was too short. I didn’t want to regret not putting myself out there.”
Now a key part of Tahlequah’s jam-band scene, Stone performs original rap, jazz and soul with a rotating lineup of friends. He said the freedom and vulnerability of the stage is worth it.
“For every one person who says you suck, 20 more love you. People are kind. They want to hear more. It’s life-changing,” he said.
Whether it’s an open mic on a Tuesday, a festival on the river or a packed Saturday night at one of downtown’s watering holes, the music in Tahlequah never really stops. It adapts, evolves and grows with the people who play and listen, and through every note, chord and lyric, it brings the town a little closer.
“Music is a comfort and a constant,” Stone said. “Even in the apocalypse, people will play around the campfire.”
By Nancy Garber
Craig Clifford has always known he wanted to build things, study insects, and help others.
He grew up in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans, and spent most of his time as a youth outdoors on his bicycle, often blazing a trail from Lake Pontchartrain to the Mississippi River. The abundance of water in south Louisiana shaped his interest in the natural world.
“I started collecting insects and plants early in life and contemplated becoming an architect or a biologist when I grew up,” Clifford said.
He also loved old houses – an interest he shared with his mother, another nature enthusiast.
His Catholic school education instilled a strong commitment to social justice. He recalled high school trips to disadvantaged neighborhoods, where he and classmates helped residents with cleaning, activities, and entertainment.
Over a period of 17 years, Clifford earned all his degrees at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, including a Ph.D. in physiology. He taught as a graduate assistant there and discovered the joy of seeing his students get excited about what they were learning.
In a 2023 Tahlequah Daily Press interview, Clifford told a reporter he was “shy and retiring” as a child and believes teaching helped him to become more outgoing.
“You get to stand up and talk in front of people about something you know about, and share that, and you don’t have to be shy about it,” he said.
While at LSU, he developed leadership skills, founding the Zoology and Physiology Graduate Student Organization. His job search after graduation led him to
Several years of planning went into the
development of the Mission Park Project, of which Craig Clifford serves as president.
Nancy M. Garber, a University of Florida graduate, is a lifelong journalist and photographer. A former member of the TDP editorial and advertising teams, she retired from NSU as director of Communications and Marketing and still likes to pick up the pen and camera now and then.
Northeastern State University.
It’s hard to imagine now, but there was no such thing as “online listings” back then.
“When you needed a job in 1985, you applied wherever there was an advertised position. At that time, every university in the country listed openings in Science Magazine. I applied at six schools. All were smaller, non-research types of positions. Though I enjoyed research, I did not see myself writing grants, having graduate students and publishing extensively. I felt that I was good at teaching,” he said. “The interview at NSU was the first and only nibble that I got. I flew up on an early flight to Tulsa on a Thursday, got picked up and taken to Tahlequah, interviewed all day, and flew home that evening. The job offer came the following Tuesday and I accepted it.”
Clifford worked his way up the academic chain — chair of the biology department, dean of what is now the College of Science and Health Professions, and president of the NSU faculty council. He founded the Oklahoma Academy of Science, serving as its president, and was a Pre-Professional Health adviser, chair of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and chair of the Institutional Review Board at NSU.
“When I was dean, hiring new faculty was something I enjoyed because it was improving and growing the college,” he said.
He continued teaching as an administrator.
“I was good at it and loved getting to know the students,” he said.
Clifford retired from NSU in 2019 and taught adjunct for a few years. During his academic career, he influenced the lives of thousands of students, many of whom he still sees randomly or by design.
“At spring graduation, I hooded a new doctor at the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and then attended his wedding a week later,” Clifford said.
The 1985 move to Tahlequah opened up a world of volunteer opportunities for the Louisiana native. With his wife, Patsy, by his side, along with their daughter, Samantha, he turned his many skills and talents into good works for his adopted community.
I met Clifford in 1987 while reporting for TDP about an upcoming production of the Tahlequah Community Playhouse. True to his interest in building, he was constructing the stage set. He has been an integral part of TPC for four decades, widely recognized for his work on stage and behind the scenes.
His list of civic activities now includes Kiwanis Club of Tahlequah, the Tahlequah City Abatement Board, the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, and the faith-based mission Feed My Sheep. He co-founded and serves as president of the Mission Park Project, in the neighborhood where the Cliffords reside.
One year, he and Patsy rode as marshals in the
Craig Clifford became president of the Tahlequah Kiwanis Club in 2012. From left are: Denise Deason-Toyne, Mary Kaye Smith, Clifford, Ann Wilkins, and Judy Williams. Tahlequah
Being acknowledged is fuel that keeps the inner fire going to face life’s challenges
- Craig Clifford
downtown Tahlequah Christmas Parade.
“For someone from New Orleans, that was really special,” he said.
In his professional and volunteer work, Clifford is sought for his organizational and leadership skills. He learned the importance of volunteer work from his parents and advocates individuals taking personal responsibility to make things happen.
“You can do things to help people, but there has to be an inner good feeling that makes you want more,” Clifford said.
He also said everyone must figure out their own path to serving others.
“Patsy also does a lot in the community, but quietly, and she has supported me throughout our marriage,” he said. “I couldn’t have done many things without her support.”
Clifford’s name is inscribed on multiple certificates and plaques: “That holds a warm spot in my heart,” he said.
He was presented the NSU Circle of Excellence Award for Service in 1991. An endowed scholarship has been established through the NSU Foundation in his honor to benefit students applying to medical school.
“Being acknowledged is fuel that keeps the inner fire going to face life’s challenges,” he said.
Since his retirement, Clifford has focused on staying fit by working out. He actively pursues his favorite hobbies, including beekeeping, birdwatching and gardening, and frequently makes presentations to local organizations.
said. “Insects are my special love. I am a physiologist, but I did my research mostly with insects. Hence, the honey bees. I use only minimal pest control and try to let nature take its course whenever possible. I think most people have a disproportionate fear of the ‘creepy crawlers’.”
Above all, he encourages others to identify their skills to achieve life goals.
“I love plants and animals and nature as a whole,” he
“I don’t think it is bragging to acknowledge your strengths,” he said.
Samantha and Craig Clifford brought home the Erwin Awards for the 2016 Tahlequah Community Playhouse season. From left are: Patsy, Samantha and Craig Clifford.
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Arts Council of Tahlequah keeps local creativity alive JOY, COLOR AND FUN
By Renee Fite
Renee Fite, a longtime feature writer for the Tahlequah Daily Press, is former editor of the Stilwell Democrat Journal. Currently she is communications director for the City of Stilwell and president of the Arts Council of Tahlequah.
The arts can bring joy, color and creative fun to life. The nonprofit Arts Council of Tahlequah – also known as the Cherokee Arts and Humanities Coalition – has been connecting the arts and artists with the community for 11 years.
Four events featuring different types of art are hosted annually: Plein Air Red Fern in April, with the Red Fern Festival; Arts Under the Stars in June; Tahlequonia Art and Photography Show and Sale in September; and a Winter Concert the first Saturday in December. Some years, a gala recognizing arts volunteers, arts sponsors and those who make the arts matter for the Tahlequah community have been held.
Plein Air Red Fern brings in artists from other states and towns, as well as locally, to paint Tahlequah icons, people and whatever catches the eyes of participants. A painting of Meigs
Jewelry from a previous Plein Air Red Fern is for sale at the Gallery at 127 House – on the second floor of 127 House Salon and Spa – along with other beautiful paintings of celebrities, landscapes and people.
Anyone looking for a unique gift should consider the art at the gallery. The art is incredible in person, but can been seen on the ACT Facebook page.
Arts Under the Stars, the nonprofit’s fundraiser, was held June 21. Live music by members of Bear Creek Troupe provided ambiance as guests mingled, toured a goldsmith workshop, new gallery and museum home, and enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres. A walking trail, with a pond and metal sculptures placed throughout the grounds, was a highlight.
Entertainment was provided by Joe Weavel with Native storytelling. David Jennings read from his latest book of poetry and photography, and Tahlequah Community Playhouse talent Dennis Tibbits kept the audience captivated. Last year, Tibbits portrayed Mark Twain, and everyone loved chatting with him. TCP actors performed three vignettes.
This year, Tibbits returned with “Twain Comes to Tahlequah,” set circa 1907, when Twain was in Oklahoma, and Tahlequah, for statehood celebrations. Guests became part of a book lecture, with the literary giant talking about his love of
The Arts Council of Tahlequah hosted the annual Plein Air Red Fern competition at the Red Fern Festival in April. From left are: Lesa Cordle, Bryn Smith, Temple Moore, Renee Fite, Winter Lisenbee and Jeff Emmerson.
travel, animals, and traveling by train — all humorous. The audience was treated to a mixture of honesty and prevaricating talk about politics, aging and Twain’s spiritual beliefs. The evening ended with an art quest. Tickets for $100 per couple gave each ticket holder an art piece of choice.
TCP actor Peggy Kaney was in one of the vignettes, along with Craig Clifford.
“I enjoyed all of it — the house tour, foundry tour, arts, the wonderful storyteller Gayle Ross and talking to other artsy folks,” said Kaney.
ACT board member Tami Woods said she loved everything – the house and foundry tours and performance artists.
“The actors were my favorite –Mark Twain and the Native American storyteller, Gayle Ross,” said Woods.
Attendee Peggy Glenn choose a nature photo by one of her favorite artists, Nancy Garber.
“Last year, I really enjoyed seeing old friends and
making new ones, getting to pick out a piece of art, and enjoying classic Cherokee stories and Mark Twain at his best,” Glenn said.
Tahlequonia Art and Photography Show and Sale will again be held in September. Last year, it was held at the Northeastern State University Gallery downtown, where it boasted success.
The annual Winter Concert – featuring the Mandophonics, Bear Creek Troupe and other local talent – will be held the first Sunday this December at First United Methodist Church.
ACT can be followed on Facebook. Contact board members for a ticket or call 918-457-7345.
Members of the ACT board are Lesa Cordle, Brian Cowlishaw, J.D. Emmerson, Dr. Carl Farinelli, Renee Fite, Charlcie Kennedy, Bryn Smith, Ellie Vega, and Tami Woods.
Tahlequah Community Playhouse actor Dennis Tibbits portrays Mark Twain at the 2024 Arts Under the Stars.
Peggy Glenn shows the Nancy Garber photograph she chose as her art to take home. G
