ABOUT
THE AUTO
FROM THE EDITOR FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS AUTOMOTIVE
I’ll be the first to say it. I’m a girl and I never really understood the fascination of cars until we put this magazine together. One thing is for sure. Stephens County sure loves its cars. Our residents have many stories of how automobiles of all kinds have changed lives.
When I sit and I think about it, it kind of makes sense. How often do you go to your car just to sit in it? I enjoy sitting in my car, listening to my music often. It’s a place of solitude. How often do you drive your car? I drive mine miles and miles each and every day. Could you make it one day without your car? I know many people do when they have to, but I can’t. It makes life hard. And doesn’t it just suck when your car is in the shop or when things with it aren’t working quite right?
While I had these thoughts, it clicked. The love for autos – classic, vintage or even modern – is a two-way street.
You may stop and say, “Charlie, it is an inanimate object ... don’t be so silly.” But I contend that its true.
One thing I learned when reading over these stories and building this magazine is the love that these men and women have for their vehicles. When you pour love into something through maintenance or restoration, that love is returned to you. This time, in the form of miles driven on pavement. You put in the love and now you have your ticket to almost anywhere you can imagine.
I read over the stories and got to know Lynn Davenport, Kevin Hammack, Phil McNair, Dewayne Boyles and the Shirleys. They each enjoy the work they pour into cars and trucks and I grew more excited as I read their stories of how many automobiles they’ve touched and brought back to life.
It made me think of some of the work I’ve done to my own cars.
My very first car was a 2005 Ford Mustang. It was dark red and sparkly. My stepdad, Tony, the best man I ever met and by whom I had the pleasure of being raised, gifted me the car. I
woke up to it in the driveway on Christmas Day, covered in snow. Behind it sat a new navy Mustang Shelby GT, which my brother would get for his present. The red car’s keys, formerly my brother, Shannon’s, were then gifted to me. I know that red Ford had been in the driveway and I had rode it and seen it every single day for longer than a year, but I didn’t care. It was still new, to me anyway. And boy, was I excited. I still remember going out to my car that day and blasting the radio. I wasn’t allowed to drive anywhere because of the snow and ice on the ground, but I didn’t care. I think I sat there all day.
Like many teenagers, I didn’t have that car very long but it sure was my favorite. I wrecked it once – not my fault. But on my second infraction – I did something my dad specifically told me not to do – he took the keys from me and told me I was on my own. Time to find my own ride.
That burgandy beauty, lovingly called Mr. Jinx by my family, was not long after retired. By that point, it had been in a dozen different wrecks – between Shannon and some of his friends, myself, my mom, my stepsister, Tony and even a deer, poor Mr. Jinx had seen his time. Dad traded him in for a car he always wanted and saved a pretty penny for – a bright red Corvette. He loved it and took it for drives to the wildlife refuge and Mount Scott (while he still could before the cancer took over).
Meanwhile, I was on my own when it came to finding a ride. I saved my pennies and soon after bought my Chrysler Sebring.
Boy, working this magazine sure made strolling down memory lane fun for me.
That Sebring, Shelly... She sure was reliable. Until she wasn’t. I have never hated taking apart a car so much in
my life. But that I did. Along the way, you learn there’s something satisfying about working on your own car. A boyfriend of mine taught me how to change my brakes, which saved a ton of funds. But I had Shelly and drove her everywhere, including back and forth to Duncan from Lawton each and every day.
Miles on an auto add up. That’s where the love comes in. Eventually, my alternator went out. There was no way I could afford the repair bill.
Enter my best friend, Luke Harper. We worked in the pizza business together for years and he had experience with fixing his car.
“Order the part,” he said.
I did, and three days later the two of us got out his tools and he walked me through the process of taking out the bad part and replacing it with the new alternator. We did the work in my apartment complex’s parking lot. It was all we had. No fancy garage. Just him, the tools and me cussing up a storm and telling Shelly she better just cooperate with me or “so help me God.”
When the job was done, I was covered with grease, sweat, maybe some blood and a whole heck of a lot of tears. But it was done. He and I had done it. That satisfaction was unparalleled.
As I sat and reflected on the experiences I’ve had with cars over my life, I spoke with our Classifieds Representative, Susan. She also enjoys working on her cars, no matter how frustrating, because as she said, we are just tiny humans working on these massive automotives. They weigh a couple thousand pounds and while they may appear daunting when you first look under the hood, there’s something about being able to fix a monster of a machine that makes you really feel good about yourself. It’s empowering. Satisfying. That’s when the click happened.
Cars receive the admiration of enthusiasts because they’re something to not only love, but also respect. In the matter of mere seconds, a car can take your life. But it can also give you all the freedom you’ve ever dreamed you could have, and many memories too.
CHARLENE BELEW
MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS
EDITOR
CHARLENE BELEW
Charlene, also known in the community as Charlie, is the Managing Editor for The Duncan Banner and Duncan Magazine. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Cameron University, where she also held multiple positions with The Cameron Collegian, which ended with her serving as the Managing Editor in 2014-2015. Charlie has served two tenures with The Banner. Her first began in 2014 with an internship through Oklahoma Press Association and culminated in 2017 as News Editor. Her second began in 2018 when she returned as a staff writer and she resumed her editorship in 2020.
Although she has spent much of her life growing up in Lawton, Charlie has always felt a special call to the Duncan and Stephens County community. She adopted a dog from Stephens County Humane Society’s Take Out Tuesday program with The Banner in 2019 and also participates as a member of the Duncan Rotary Club. In 2021, Charlie led The Banner to the first Sequoyah Award from the Oklahoma Press Association since its last in 2012. She has taken home multiple awards for editorial writing and news writing, and most recently swept Oklahoma Press Association’s design competition for Semi- and TriWeekly publications. She had her first child, Anja, in January 2024.
PUBLISHER CRYSTAL CHILDERS
Crystal joined The Banner staff in 2013 as an advertising executive. She was promoted to Advertising Manager in 2017 before becoming General Manager in 2020 and then Publisher in August 2023.
Crystal has won numerous awards from the Oklahoma Press Association in ad design, most recently a first and third place win for large ad space design along with second place for small ad space design.
Born and raised in Duncan, Crystal graduated from Duncan High School in 2001, joining a long line of Duncan graduates in her family. Crystal is an active member of Faith Church along with several community groups, including the Duncan Noon Lions Club.
She is a proud supporter of the Stephens County Humane Society and all Duncan Demon sports from the many years her children participated.
Crystal has three children, Alyssa, Jacob and Jordan and enjoys spending time with family and her many dogs.
Born and raised in California, Tamara joined the staff at The Duncan Banner in March 2020.
As an award winning journalist, Tamara has placed for her feature stories and photography, as well as for her news and column writing over the past few years.
Tamara previously gathered her experience by interning at the South Gibson Star Times in Fort Branch, Indiana, as well as working as the editor for her college newspaper, The Collegian in Oakland City, Indiana. Her experiences continued while writing and publishing a magazine, Evoke, with a group of friends in Turlock, California.
With family local to Stephens County as well in the surrounding areas of Oklahoma, Tamara moved to Duncan from Stanislaus County, jumping right into community events as a reporter.
She loves to connect and engage with the community members to tell their heartfelt stories each day.
Duncan Magazine’s goal is to create a publication local to Stephens County that’s fun to read and view and created entirely by the hands of people you know. Here are the creators who use their time and talent to tell your stories.
A Comanche resident since the age of 10, Jason graduated from Comanche High School in 1991. His wife, Jennifer, followed a year behind, and the family has strong roots in the area. They have raised three daughters here, each of whom graduated from Comanche. They also have grandchildren attending school there. Jason began his career with The Banner in 2016 as a freelance photographer. Later, he accepted a full-time position in the advertising department, but he still enjoys taking photos, both for The Banner and his personal business, Hodges Photography. Jason loves his connection to the community he has now working at The Banner. He currently serves as the Comanche Chamber of Commmerce’s Vice President and can be contacted for photography work on Facebook at Hodges Photography.
Toni’s history with The Banner began in February 2000 as an education editor and continued in various roles, including news editor in 2013. During this time, she was assigned to serve as managing editor from 200305, at The Banner’s then sister publication, The Waurika News-Democrat. She left The Banner as news editor in 2013. Toni began her news career in the mid-1990s in La Junta, Colorado. She was photo chief for a four-state wide agriculture paper, The Ag Journal (now closed).
In 1997, she and her family moved to Marlow. Harbour Whitaker, then owner of The Marlow Review offered her a job as reporter, which she did for a couple of years. In September 2022, she returned to news when offered the managing editor/ general manager position at The Review until she retired in May of this year. Toni joined The Banner as a contract writer in July. Her work as a writer and photographer has been published in multiple award-winning publications, including The Dallas Morning News (AP pickup stories from The Banner), The Native American Times, Cowboys & Indians, and Oklahoma Today (while working at The Heritage Center). She also published a book, Riding The Chisholm Trail ‘Once in a Lifetime’ in 2009.
Awards include her news work (everything from education to sports), photography, and tourism.
TAMARA GREGOR
JASON HODGES
TONI HOPPER
19 Years and Counting Auto Swap Meet remains popular spring event in spite of challenges
STORY BY TONI HOPPER
PHOTOS BY JASON HODGES
An added attraction is expected to bring new faces, really old vehicles, and some hard to find parts to the annual Duncan Auto Swap Meet in its 19th year when it opens March 20-22.
Organizer Kevin Hammack said the Swap Meet has continued to grow over the last 19 years. It has always held an interest for car collectors looking for parts and those who like to browse classic automobiles or catch a glimpse of something rare. That might be an antique fire truck, a wooden car relic, or even a bicycle, as was the case for a young teen boy in 2018. This year, a Pre-War section will expand the footprint of the overall event.
Hammack, of Duncan, has been with the event since its beginning. Last year, on his way to the Norman Swap Meet, he received a call that he needed to stop in Chickasha and meet with the people who had been operating the Pre-War Swap Meet there for 34 years. On his way home from Norman, he stopped at the event in Chickasha. While there, he distributed the Duncan Auto Swap Meet flyers to every vendor. He estimated there were about 1,000 vendors.
“I had an opportunity to meet the vendors,” he said. His goal was to tell everyone he would be adding the PreWar category to the Duncan meet. “It was met with a little bit of skepticism with the pre-war people. They don’t like walking by and seeing late model car parts at their swap meets. They
only want to see pre-war stuff.”
Logistically, he believes he will make it work.
“Giving them their dedicated space has made it so they will give us a shot. The two north buildings, the original old barns and north arena, will be dedicated pre-war, and the south end, half of the south covered outdoor area,” he said. There will be some challenges since the area is under construction for expansion of covered spaces at the fairgrounds.
“We are revamping our map due to the construction taking place out there. Still not quite sure on the numbers (early registration), but probably 20% ahead of last year. I don’t think they will have the new canopy up yet, but it will be under the old canopy,” Hammack said.
As of early February, Hammack said about 200 vendors had pre-registered for the Pre-War category.
“When we first took over Duncan Auto Swap Meet, we were averaging 400 spaces sold per year. Last year it was up to around 700 spaces. This year, we’ve added the Pre-War category.” He’s encouraged by the attention and growth of the overall event. “The prewar is a growing pain and we will have to work through it this year but I feel it will be worth it.”
“Pre-war has broadened our scope in the United States. People from Minnesota, Louisiana and Arkansas. We usually catch Texas and surrounding
“I had somebody from the tourism group tell me once that they estimate 10,000 people per day. To me, that sounds like a lot. There’s a lot of people walking around.”
KEVIN HAMMACK, DUNCAN SWAP MEET COORDINATOR
states, but now we’ve got some from far away, like Ohio. Bringing in a different crowd. I would venture to say we’ve probably sold more hotel rooms already this year than we normally do. These guys who travel long distances for the pre-war, they book hotel rooms and stay three or four days.”
Hammack said the entire premise for the swap meet began with Zac Thornton and Zac’s grandfather and family.
“Zac wanted to bring a Swap Meet to Duncan. His whole family worked to get it together. We told him if something came along and he didn’t want to do it, we told him we would do it. Family is more important when you are that far away,” Hammack said.
“Me, Bobby Beck and Steve Earnhart, all local. We got together and decided we would continue it and we have,” he said. A three-day show actually takes a full week just to stage, and many more hours year-round. Hammack’s entire family participates, handling everything from emails, to social media marketing and more.
Only one year did the event not happen – 2020.
“It was Wednesday of the Swap Meet week. We had everything ready. The commissioners got together and voted to close it down.” That was the start of the pandemic and everything was being shut down – events, museums and retail.
Everyone was eager for the return of the meet the following year. Much of that is due to the camaraderie and the bond of having the same interests.
“We have to have a balance of ven-
KEVIN
HAMMACK, THE DUNCAN AUTO SWAP MEET COORDINATOR, TALKS WITH A FELLOW AUTO ENTHUSIAST ABOUT THE CAMARO HE BROUGHT TO THE 2014 SWAP MEET TO SELL. HAMMACK HAS WORKED THE SWAP MEET IN DUNCAN SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING 19 YEARS AGO.
dors and swap shoppers. I could get every vendor in the country but if I don’t have the shoppers, then it’s not going to work.” Using fundraising opportunities encourages vendors, as does the availability of the RV hookups and on-site showers at the fairgrounds, on-site security, and being able to book a room in one of the hotels or motels in Duncan.
“I had somebody from the tourism group tell me once that they estimate 10,000 people per day,” Hammack said. He’s not sure about that, but he’s aware there is a ton of foot traffic. “To me, that sounds like a lot. There’s a lot of people walking around.”
He feels every day is about the same in terms of foot traffic. Gates are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. “I promise you, by 6 p.m. we’re tired!” Unfortunately, those who don’t get off work until 5 p.m. don’t have a chance to attend the event for any length of time.
Even though online shopping has impacted the industry, there are many who still like to see the parts or other items in person. They like being able to pick something up and feel it before buying.
“We have a lot of transportation-related items show up, old and antique signage, antique fire hydrants, little bit of everything. We have a lot of custom
wheels (available). Tool vendors, lots of parts, usually have several running, ready to go cars that show up. New parts for restoring a Camaro or pickup.”
The swap meet allows new parts vendors to attract new customers. Another benefit is having local non-profit groups on site, from veteran-based organizations like the Stephens County Honor Guard, to area volunteer fire departments.
“Several local fire departments will bring a car or something they are offering with tickets in a fundraising venture,” he said.
The Empire School District band members operate the concession since the event is held during spring break.
Getting the younger generation to the swap meet is a bit more challenging.
“You see a lot of them whose parents are in the car scene and they come up in it, but now I hear a lot of people say they have kids who don’t care if they ever drive. I can’t fathom that. Having a car and driving is like having some freedom,” he said.
“Today’s kids, 16-25, have less of a desire to mess with old cars,” Hammack said. “I see a bumper sticker every once in a while that says ‘Save the world, Take a kid to a car show.’ It’s a weird deal. Say, in 30 years, you
won’t see anyone restore a Tesla, like they would a pickup.”
Something for everyone can be found at this three-day event. Old pedal cars, die cast cars and Hot Wheels. There’s T-shirts, decals, magnets, bumper stickers and more.
“Before the Internet came along, the only place you could find parts was at a swap meet,” Hammack said. “A lot of the old salvage yards are gone. That helps. Older swap meets are diminishing. If you have parts now you hang on to them and try to find a market for them. You can buy mostly new parts but they don’t fit like the old ones.
“We have an opportunity for you to bring your forgotten projects, parts or transportation related items. Or if you are looking for a project, we have the greatest opportunity for you to come out and find something in your skill level,” he said. “I think there’s something there for everybody. Everybody needs a screwdriver in their junk drawer at their house, so there’s a tool vendor there. All those people attending are going to eat, fill up their tanks, no limit to what they can spend. It is beneficial to the entire area.”
The swap meet is more than just an outlet to sell and buy for most of those attending. “It has a social aspect. Most
of the pre-war guys I’ve talked to are coming because their buddy is coming and they want to hang out with them and talk to them. Most of them it’s the camaraderie. Everyone gets away from their job, their life.”
He compares it to a vacation.
Even though Hammack said the event continues to grow, it is facing challenges.
“We’ve had some great sponsors through the years. We’re losing a major sponsor after this year. They’ve gone corporate,” he said. On the upside, he picked up a new sponsor to replace the big loss. “We’re also losing a lot of our swap-meeters due to aging.”
“Over the years, it has gotten to where it continues to grow. To the point you have to have your whole family in it to make it work. My daughter (Kennedy, 20) helps with the computer work, my wife Shelley, all of my employees help with running the office and setting it up,” Hammack said.
They have two sons who are also involved, Korbin, 20, and Karter, 13.
“They enjoy it and put up with me. They know the value of helping me keep it going.”
Family-owned business is nothing new for the Hammacks since Kevin has had an upholstery shop for 30 years. He
also is a 35-year Duncan firefighter and he will officially retire as of April 15. Hammack said he recently saw a video that described him. “My name is Kevin. I’m an addict. I’m addicted to cars.”
He rattles off a list of his own projects sitting in his body shop. They range from a 1968 Camaro convertible, to a two door ‘44 Chevy sedan, a ‘37 Chevy pickup that needs paint, a ‘61 and a ‘91 Chevy cab.
“I work on everybody else’s cars during the day, so all mine are sitting.” His list goes on. “I have a ‘53 Ford that was my grandpa’s truck and I gave it to my son. I’ve got everything in the world. I’m a collector. I would like to have a completely restored ‘71 Camaro RS/SS split bumper … that’s the year I was born. If I had money just sitting around …”
He also has tow trucks and another 280 cars sitting in his pasture that are just scrap.
As for his wife, he said, “She puts up with my craziness.” Without her, the auto swap wouldn’t run as efficiently as it does, he said. “They kick me out of the office during the week. I’m the guy who runs around talking to everyone, the PR guy.”
YOUNGSTERS AND ADULTS ALIKE FREQUENT THE DUNCAN AUTO SWAP MEET, BECAUSE IT’S TRUE – THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY AT THE THREE-DAY-LONG EVENT. THIS YEAR’S EVENT WILL SET UP SHOP AT THE STEPHENS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS BETWEEN MARCH 20-22. THE EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
An Adventure of Collecting Cars
Lynn Davenport finds fun in the hunt
A1956 Crown Victoria in pink and white hugs a corner of a large shop building. Across from it sits an impeccable high gloss black winged American classic 1958 Chevy Impala. In another building, four Corvettes are parked on one side, while classic sports cars like a red 1968 Mustang shipped in from California years ago dominate the space.
On this particular day, the cars were being driven out of the two
STORY AND PHOTOS BY TONI HOPPER
buildings while a trio of onlookers huddled inside as the weather had dropped from the low 80s the day before, to mid-30s and a biting wind.
Lynn Davenport, owner of the cars, remarked how the day before would have been a better opportunity for photographing the collection.
He hears the roar of a car being started by Robby Edwards.
“I know that car,” Davenport said. “That’s a ‘68 Mustang.”
Edwards backed it into the line of
cars, then went to work bringing out a black and white Camaro. Later, Edwards said it is the hardest car to drive. Using a light foot on the gas pedal was the trick to reversing it into place. “It’s too much of a hot rod.”
Edwards enjoys the responsibility for maintaining the collection, which includes everything from detailing the collection to under the hood engine repairs.
“We can call him my stepson,
LYNN DAVENPORT, LEFT, LOOKS ON AS ROBBY EDWARDS, DAVENPORT’S COLLECTION MANAGER, CHECKS UNDER THE HOOD OF ONE OF DAVENPORT’S MANY CLASSIC CARS. DAVENPORT ENJOYS FINDING THE CARS, WORKING ON THEM, AND RESELLING THEM.
I guess,” Davenport quipped. He’s no relation, but Davenport trusts Edwards with the care of the vehicles. Davenport’s oldest son, Jeff, was also present for the moment. He doesn’t work on the vehicles, but he definitely enjoys driving them.
About 17 cars currently fill the two shop buildings. Two of the classic cars are stationary for the time being and can’t be driven.
“The oldest one we have is a ‘52 Ford convertible,” Davenport said.
Since he was 16-yearsold, Davenport has been in search of his dream vehicle. It isn’t what you think. “If somebody were to ask me what is my favorite car that I want, I’d have to say, I don’t know, it’s the next one.”
Like most young boys in the 1950s, Davenport just wanted a vehicle to drive.
“My first vehicle was a ‘55 Ford. I was 15. We were just looking for a car to drive. The only car we had was an old Ford pickup and I was getting ready to turn 16. I had been saving up for a car,” he said, adding candidly, “I was pretty lazy so I didn’t do much work to save.”
That first find was in 1958. It was a two door Ford sedan. He owned it for about four years. Did he ever think about that car years later? “Never wondered about the vehicle, I knew I was just ready to get rid of it,” Davenport said. “From the time I was about 16, I was one of those always looking for my next car, trade up.”
It wasn’t until 14 years ago that he made a serious purchase. Since then, it has become an
adventure and hobby for he and his wife, Diane.
“Some of the cars belong to her, some to me, and some we both own,” Davenport said. “She buys them so I can drive them.”
One of those cars he enjoys driving is a blue Corvette. In fact, he really appreciates his Corvette collection. All four of them.
“I like them for what they represent. The green one, a 1965, is the last one I bought, from a friend here in town, Leonard Case. He had it for 30 years and he built it.”
Davenport also owns a blue 2004, a maroon 2018, and a white 2013 anniversary edition.
“We bought that one over the telephone from a salesman in Chickasha,” Davenport said.
“Every time there’s a car show close by, we go. A favorite one is the show here in Duncan, (Cruisin’ the Chisholm Trail) and the Friday night car shows. We go to Lawton and the little shows around here, and one in Walters.”
And when he sees a car he likes that is local, he likes having that opportunity to possibly purchase the find. One of the cars in his collection is a Camaro he bought from a man in Marlow about 10 years ago. Lynn and Diane also enjoy traveling to big shows and auctions.
“We go to the auctions quite a bit – the Meecum Auction in Dallas, and the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas shows,” Davenport said.
The first year that he and Diane began collecting, he said they entered two cars in the Christmas parade. And as much as they enjoy
collecting, they also enjoy selling them to keep the collection fresh. He sold a car about two months ago, and then purchased the green Corvette. Ten years ago, they sold a Model A, and he said, five years ago they sold about 10 cars at the Meecum Auction.
“My adventure is my next one, the next car I’m chasing or the next car I’m looking for,” Davenport said. “Once you get them, the fun’s over. I like looking at them, letting people look at them. I love cars, it’s always been a big deal for me.”
He rattles off the list of his early finds as a young man, noting that his second vehicle was a ‘59 Ford convertible, then a ‘60 model Pontiac, and a ‘63 Ford.
“I got married in 1963, went from a new ‘63 Ford, down to a ‘60 model Falcon pickup. Always looking for the next car.”
Davenport said they found the 1955 Crown Victoria (a pink and white beauty) when he and Diane lived in Florida part-time.
“Saw it advertised on a website for the next town down, in Punta Gorda. We drove there,” he said. “I had always liked the ‘55 Crowns. Made a deal and drove it back home there and then had it shipped back home.”
While he and Diane enjoy going to the auctions like the BarrettJackson in Las Vegas, or the Meecum in Dallas, and a few of those wins are in his collection, Davenport said most of his cars are found in Oklahoma.
“My number two son, Bryan, he’s a car locator,” Davenport said.
The 1960 Ford Thunderbird has held its place in his collection the longest.
“At one time we had about 26 cars,” he said. “Just a fun deal.”
Davenport mentions that the ‘54
“My adventure is my next one, the next car I’m chasing or the next car I’m looking for.”
LYNN DAVENPORT AVID CAR COLLECTOR
Chevrolet came from Wyoming, a red Mustang from California and a GTO from Vegas.
Every car is a favorite and everyone has a favorite. Edwards is particularly fond of the ‘56 Ford Sunliner in Calypso Coral Pink and Raven (or Tuxedo) Black. Lifting up the hood to show off the motor, a 312 V8.
“Isn’t that beautiful,” Edwards said.
It wasn’t so much a question, just his adoration of the vehicle. There were less than 59,000 of these cars produced. To be exact, 58,147 Sunliners rolled off the production line in 1956, according to a website geared to classic cars of the 1950s. The overcast gray day did nothing to diminish the intensity of Davenport’s car. If anything, the car really stood out with the natural lightbox of the day.
Edwards’ second favorite is a ‘58 Ford Fairlane in teal blue and ballroom white with gold trim. “It has a 390 V8 and can run a hole in the wind,” he said.
With that, the wind picked up again and everyone decided it was time to get the cars back in the buildings as Davenport felt a drop of rain just a bit earlier. If you are a classic car collector, you know.
LYNN DAVENPORT’S CURRENT COLLECTION INCLUDES SEVEN CARS. HE’S ALWAYS ON THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT AUTOMOBILE.
Peace, Love and Happiness
Three year process turns into retirement dream for Stephens County couple
Athree-year-long restoration process has turned into some of the fondest memories for Stephens County natives, Randy and Janet Shirley.
The Shirleys, the proud owners of a fully restored 1965 Volkswagen bus that many in Stephens County and across Oklahoma have come to know and love, showcase their prized possession across the Sooner state.
Randy, born and raised in Duncan, said the bus came to them as part of their retirement journey, which started over 15 years ago when their daughter found the 1965 Volkswagen bus in a field in Blanchard.
Janet said Randy and his brother went to look at the bus. When they got there, they just knew, so they bought it and brought it home.
Over the next three years, Randy worked to restore the 1965 Volkswagen bus.
Janet said it was in pretty bad shape.
During the restoration process, Randy changed up the traditional interior of the bus.
Typically, these Volkswagens have bench seats, but Randy created a wrap around seat behind the driver’s seat. He made changes to the front seat as well.
As he continued his mission to bring life to this antique auto, Randy changed out the engine from a 6-volt to a 12-volt. He said the 6-volt isn’t as good in cold weather, so he converted it to a 12-volt. He also took out a 1300 CC engine and put in a 1600 CC engine from another car he had.
“It worked out well,” he said. While making the majority of
STORY AND PHOTOS BY TAMARA GREGOR
STEPHENS COUNTY NATIVES, RANDY AND JANET SHIRLEY, SPENT THREE YEARS RESTORING THE PICTURED 1965 VOLKSWAGEN BUS. THE COUPLE NOW SHOWS THE BUS OFF AT CAR SHOWS AND OTHER EVENTS AND HAS RECEIVED OVER 50 AWARDS FOR THEIR PRIZED POSSESSION.
the changes themselves, Randy said he contracted out work on the upholstery and the paint jobs.
Still, he pulled the upholstery out himself. After that, he had it reupholstered.
When it came to painting the outside of the bus, Randy said he sold his Smith Miniplane for the paint job. That plane was a single seat open cockpit.
Janet said Randy is meticulous. She
STEPHENS COUNTY NATIVES, RANDY AND JANET SHIRLEY, SPEND TIME IN THEIR HIPPIE VAN TRAVELING ACROSS THE STATE TO VARIOUS CAR SHOWS AND OTHER EVENTS. THIS PAST YEAR, THE SHIRLEYS TOOK HOME BEST UPHOLSTERY DURING THE 2024 MAIN STREET DUNCAN CAR SHOW AWARDS. THAT’S JUST ONE OF THE MORE THAN 50 AWARDS THE COUPLE HAS RECEIVED SO FAR.
said he worked on the vehicle to make everything just right.
“You can tell by looking at the car that he put a lot of time and effort in it,” she said.
Once the bus was completed, The Shirleys began taking their Volkswagen on the road and to shows.
Janet said one of their first awards came in 2011 and they’ve accumulated over 50 with the Volkswagen bus since.
The couple has shown their vehicle in Duncan, Marlow, Central High, Empire, Walters, Waurika, Medicine Park, Snyder, Oklahoma City, Bethany, Bowie, Texas and many other places.
That special, little hippie bus has brought The Shirleys home best of show, first place in class, best interior, best paint, people’s choice, participant’s choice and many other awards.
It’s no surprise because when they attend these shows, The Shirleys dress the parts in
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their 1960s tie dye attire.
Randy enjoys visiting with the people looking at the cars at these shows.
“They’ve always got a story of their own when they see it,” he said. “They always have to tell us their story of when their parents had one or when they used to have one.”
Randy has lived in Stephens County all his life, except the four years he served in the United States Navy. Janet has been in Duncan for 36 years and in Comanche four to five years before that.
The community, Randy said, is a tight-knit one and he appreciates the quality of life it offers to him and Janet.
Janet agrees.
“It’s not too big and it’s not too small,” she said.
Aside from attending car shows, The Shirleys have brought their grandkids on board one time, during a Duncan Christmas Parade, to toss candy.
Classic Cars Fuel Up ‘Mr. Lucky’
Dewayne Boyles Keeps Antique Auto Love Alive with Restoration Projects, Car Show Appearances
STORY BY TAMARA GREGOR, PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY KIM PARSONS AND DEWAYNE BOYLES
The art of restoring old vehicles is something one Marlow man has done for as long as he can remember.
Wallace “Dewayne” Boyles, 74, has resided in Stephens County all his life. He said he loves his hometown and community.
“I know all the people here,” he said. “Or most of them.”
That’s probably because he’s been president of the Marlow Jaycees – twice, the Marlow Lions Club president, the Marlow Chamber of Commerce treasurer, and he’s active in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he has served as a deacon, elder and choir member for around 60 years.
He’s also the former owner of Mr. Lucky’s Bolts and Nuts, which he operated for 24 years. He purchased the business in 1999 from Bob Davis.
Boyles said the store was originally in Duncan on South Highway 81. He moved the business to Marlow – where he was born, raised and graduated as an Outlaw – about 20 years later.
Boyles enjoyed seeing the people come through the store.
“I had a payment center on one end of the counter,” he said. “I saw a lot of different people.”
With an infatuation for old vehicles from a young age, Boyles said he used to buy old pickups and repair them alongside his dad. They restored the vehicles back in the 1970s and 1980s while he worked for Byerley and Rodgers Pontiac.
As a car restorer, Boyles has worked on several classic vehicles, doing everything from rebuilding to making adjustments.
Boyles said it typically takes him
around four to five years to restore a car, depending on what needs to be done. That’s because he tears the cars all the way down to the frame and builds them again, from the frame up. The work, he said, keeps his hands busy.
The labor and love of the vintage vehicles is something Boyles shares with others, and he’s shared that
enjoyment with many people over the years.
Some of those interactions came at car shows and swap meets.
Boyles began showing his 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, a two-door hardtop, around 1993 in Duncan and Marlow car shows, as well as at Robert’s Cave State Park, Snyder, Empire, Central High and Ratliff
DEWAYNE BOYLES STANDS WITH HIS 1964 PONTIAC GTO CONVERTIBLE IN MARLOW SCHOOL COLORS AT MARLOW LUMBER COMPANY.
City.
He said his 1957 Chevy was his most popular car he’s restored and he’s had four of them.
“The last one I sold three years ago, it was a nice car,” he said. “Sold it at the Chickasha Swap Meet.”
He said the new owner shipped it to Sweden.
Boyles has also restored a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air, a 1937 Chevrolet pickup, a 1967 Ford Mustang convertible and a 1953 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery, on which he had his store signage displayed for parades.
Boyles said the 1967 Ford Mustang convertible was Beverly’s, his wife’s, car. They were married for 51 years before she passed away in 2021.
Boyles now drives a 1964 GTO convertible with Marlow High School colors. Its a navy blue exterior with a white interior and a white top.
You can spot that car and many of the other antique automobiles at the parades. Boyles’ favorite parade comes on Fourth of July in Marlow. He also drives in Christmas parade day in Stephens County, starting in Marlow, moving into Duncan and then ending the night in Comanche. The Comanche parade, he said, ends with a Christmas party afterwards with some of his car club members.
Boyles, a Duncan Antique
Car Club member, also moderates the club’s Facebook page and promotes birthdays and other events they attend.
The club meets weekly and is always looking to boost its membership, which decreased some after the pandemic.
“We dine out every Thursday,” Boyles said.
Boyles said the car club goes to the local swap meets, as well as car shows and swap meets in Branson, Missouri and Arkansas.
He said the members will also cruise around different towns every now and then.
“Sometimes on Saturdays we cruise over to Medicine Park or over to Sulphur,” he said. “Just four or five of us get together and go cruising.”
As Boyles looks ahead to future car show and swap meets, he said he loves to talk to other car enthusiasts who attend the same shows every year.
He said he loves to look at how other classic owners fix their cars up and what they do to them with improvements.
He’s also received awards for his classic vehicles. Boyles said he won many first and second place prizes. He said Central High gives different groups of awards, as well as in Empire and Ratliff City where he’s received around 15-20 awards, and two or three trophies. He also has a couple from the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival.
DEWAYNE BOYLES SHOWS HIS 1953 CHEVROLET SEDAN DELIVERY, WITH MR. LUCKY’S NUTS AND BOLTS ADVERTISING ON THE SIDE.
Four decades of service High school hobby turns into success for McNair
STORY BY TAMARA GREGOR, PHOTOS BY JASON HODGES
Phil McNair’s passion for all things automotive started in the form of bonding with his brother.
That passion and inspiration through brotherly love has now turned into 40 years of serving the community at Phil’s shop, McNair Tires and Alignment.
Phil, a high schooler at the time, would join his brother, Tom, to work on cars and restore them. Phil enjoyed working on old pickup trucks the most and it wouldn’t be long until he restored his first one.
His first truck? A 1963 Chevy pickup, a short step side pickup. His next one was a 1958 Ford pickup, step side.
At 19, fresh out of high school, McNair said he knew he wanted to pursue the automotive business and open a repair shop as a career.
McNair, a Duncan High School 1982 grad, took automotive classes at the vocational-technical center in Duncan.
That high school hobby turned into a career when Phil became an automotive service technician.
Now, McNair can live out that love when he talks to his customers about maintaining their cars. He can also be seen frequenting the swap meets and car shows around the area, because he’s interested in all things “car history.”
The infatuation with trucks and cars grew, and it made selling cars and engaging with the community about car-care easy for McNair. He’s touched almost every kind of car you can think of in his four decades as a shop owner.
One thing that stands out for the McNair Tires and Alignment proprietor: “All the relationships you
PHIL MCNAIR’S PASSION FOR ALL THINGS CAR CAME WHEN HE WAS JUST A HIGH SCHOOLER SPENDING TIME WORKING ON CARS WITH HIS BROTHER, TOM. NOW, MCNAIR OWNS HIS OWN SHOP AND HAS FOR 40 YEARS.
build with all the people,” he said. “A lot of customers become friends.”
The business now boasts 13 employees who work in the car, alignment and tire shop. The crew offers alignments, brakes, shocks and tire services.
The brand availability is expansive also and features a line up ranging
from Michelin and Uniroyal, to Goodyear, Cooper, Bridgestone, Hankook, Toyo and Nitto. The shop stocks tires for cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, ATVs and more.
Running the bay has brought some highlights and lowlights. Some long shifts in the garage and other days at car auctions eat into family time, but
BILL ROGERS, LEFT, A MECHANIC AT MCNAIR TIRES AND ALIGNMENT, LOOKS UNDER THE HOOD OF A CAR WITH PHIL MCNAIR. MCNAIR, RIGHT, HAS WORKED ON CARS SINCE HE WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL. HIS HIGH SCHOOL HOBBY TURNED INTO A CAREER AND THUS, THE AUTO SHOP WAS BORN. IT HAS SERVED THE AREA FOR 40 YEARS.
there are always the days when you get to work on some of the popular “dream” cars that are out there.
Some of McNair’s favorites to work on were old Corvettes and Porsches.
McNair said the shop crew has a few projects under their belts, including a 1954 panel wagon and a fully off-frame, off-restored 1964 El Camino.
In the past, McNair has bought and sold several antique cars. He currently has a 1934 Model T and makes it a point to visit all the car shows and swap meets.
He likes to check out the old cars and learn the history of them.
“The people that have the cars are always unique,” he said. For the 19th Annual Auto Swap Meet in Duncan, McNair said they will take three cars. The Swap Meet will take place at the County Fairgrounds March 20-22.
McNair Tires and Alignment has been voted The Duncan Banner’s Reader’s Choice #1
Tire Store for 23 years.
“We are humbled to win the best tire dealer award for the 23rd year,” McNair said. “In this down economy we are so fortunate to have the best customers in the world. We know there are lots of options on where and how to do your tire business and we appreciate every person and company that chooses us. All of our full-time employees want to say thank you. We are striving everyday to improve the quality of service so our motto, ‘where our customers send friends’ holds true.”
For more information about McNair Tires and Alignment, call 580-252-8042, 1-800-5856247 or visit https://www. mcnairtire.com.
McNair Tires and Alignment is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. McNair’s is located at the Duncan/Lawton Y at 4610 S. Highway 81 in Marlow.
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IT’S A JEEP THING
500 strong, 7 Bar Jeep Club values giving back to community
What started as a get-together of seven or eight people at Duncan’s Mazzio’s in July 2021 has grown into a fleet of more than 500 people with one thing in common: They’re Jeepers who want
nothing more than to give back to their community.
Parker Scroggins, one of the organizers for the Jeep Club servicing Duncan and surrounding areas, said the group came together around the Mazzio’s table and
birthed the 7 Bar Jeep Club.
“7 Bar referring to the seven slots in the grill of a Jeep,” he said.
“We now have almost 500 members in the club from Duncan, and the surrounding area and even farther away towns in Oklaho-
7 BAR JEEP CLUB MEMBERS TAKE OFF-ROADING TRIPS TOGETHER. IN 2024, THE JEEP CLUB TOOK A ROAD TRIP TO COLORADO TO DO SOME PASSES IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS. MORE ADVENTURES ARE PLANNED FOR 2025.
STORY BY TAMARA GREGOR PHOTOS BY PARKER SCROGGINS, BEVERLY BROWN AND BARBARA WILSON
“We created the group to bring Jeepers together to enjoy doing things as a group. I’ve met some great friends through the Jeep Club and Jeep events that I would have never known otherwise.”
PARKER SCROGGINS, 7 BAR JEEP CLUB ORGANIZER
THE JEEP CLUB MEETS ONCE MONTH WITH EITHER A MEET AND GREET, JEEP INVASION OR OTHER TYPE OF EVENT. WHEN THERE’S A NEED IN THE COMMUNITY, THE CLUB WILL LEND A HAND TO EITHER DO A TOY DRIVE FOR AREA KIDS OR A DRIVE-BY JEEP PARADE FOR SOMEONE WHO IS SICK AND CAN’T GET OUT OF THE HOUSE.
ma.”
What does a club of Jeepers do?
Well, a lot. Parades, Jeep invasions at restaurants, off-roading days, holiday activities, Jeep night at the Chickasha Drive-In, plus a bunch of charity. That includes a drive for The Toy Shop of Duncan.
“It was a great success,” he said. “We will continue to do that as well.”
The typical activity for the club brings anywhere from 15 to 30 participants and their Jeeps.
In 2024, Scroggins said the Jeep Club took a road trip to Colorado to do some passes in the Rocky Mountains. Members plan to continue the excursion this year as well.
But with 500 members, the fleet is still growing. The Jeepers meet once a month with either a meet and greet, Jeep invasion or other type of event.
“We created the group to bring Jeepers together to enjoy doing
things as a group,” he said. “I’ve met some great friends through the Jeep Club and Jeep events that I would have never known otherwise.”
Beverly Brown, area Jeep enthusiast, said 7 Bar Jeep allows fellow Jeepers to get together and spend time with one another.
“We enjoy getting together for a ‘Jeep invasion’ at a local restaurant, participating in local events like parades and car shows, convoying to Jeep events or off-road parks and spending the day doing ‘all things Jeep,’” Brown said.
Brown said the Jeep Club is large enough to support the local businesses in the area or help when a need arises. Members pride themselves on lending a hand, even if it’s something like a Jeep drive-by birthday party for a family susceptible to illness.
Since Brown’s grandson hadn’t had a birthday party in years due to his sister potentially getting
exposed to childhood illnesses, in 2023, the Jeep club took on the request and brought over 20 Jeeps to make his birthday even more special.
Even as a club in a rural area, Brown said the club members are there for one another.
While Jeepers participate in many adventures, events and activities, one particular journey came around three years ago to raise money for St. Jude.
In September 2021, a post circulated on Facebook with a call for Jeep participants to become part of a national fundraising campaign — “Mr. Vanderquack’s Mov’n for St. Jude — Jeep Convoy through all 50 states.”
Barbara Wilson, 7 Bar member and part of Mr. Vanderquack’s transportation team, said the mission began when a husband and wife decided to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
A 20-inch giant plush duck with a GPS tracking unit was purchased and the journey began.
Wilson drove her part of the journey from Central High. She took Mr. Vanderquack to Pernell.
While hosting Mr. Vanderquack, Wilson showed him around the Town of Central High, where he caught the sunrise before heading to into Duncan.
Aside from catching a sunrise, Mr. Vanderquack grabbed a photo opportunity next to the Duncan sign, stopped for a little caffeine
boost at Jitters Coffee House, cuddled with friends and posed in the driver’s seat of a Duncan firetruck.
Despite the duck traveling to all 50 states, only Jeeps transported Mr. Vanderquack.
BARBARA WILSON, OF CENTRAL HIGH, IS PART OF THE JEEP CLUB AND WAS ONE ALSO ONE PART OF MR. VANDERQUACK’S TRANSPORTATION TEAM THAT STOPPED IN DUNCAN. THE JEEP CONVOY WORKED TOGETHER TO RAISE MONEY FOR ST. JUDE.
“It made me feel like I was apart of the country and helping St. Jude,” she said. “It was pretty amazing.”
Wilson said being part of the Jeep Club is like being part of an extended family.
“We’re always there for each other,” she said.
For anyone who has a Jeep and is interested in joining, visit 7 Bar Jeep Club on Facebook. The Jeep club is a free club and open to all Jeepers.
DUNCAN THROUGH A LENS
THE SUN SETS DOWN MAIN STREET DUNCAN AT A PREVIOUS CRUISIN’ THE CHISHOLM TRAIL CAR SHOW. THIS YEAR’S EVENT IS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 5 AND THE SHOW WILL CONVENE ONCE AGAIN IN DOWNTOWN DUNCAN.
PHOTO BY JASON HODGES
Tractor Collectors Becoming a Dying Breed
Don Simmons: ‘Always looking for an Old Tractor
STORY AND PHOTOS BY TONI HOPPER
Inside a yellow manila envelope is an aged edition of The Duncan Banner, dated Feb. 22, 1956. Several headlines fill the front page, but there’s one that holds significant importance for Don Simmons of Comanche.
“Comanche Man Crushed by Plow.”
“I’ve got the tractor, that was my grandpa,” Simmons said.
Hiram Roberts Hildebrand, 80, spent his life farming that same land since arriving in Oklahoma in 1909, according to the article. Oklahoma had been a state less than two years when he arrived at the age of 33 from Tennessee, his birth state.
It was mostly a typical day for Hiram, with the exception of it also being his 47th wedding anniversary to Lillian. Until he was accidentally crushed beneath the tractor-operated plow. Simmons’ father, Kenneth, son-in-law to Hildebrand, discovered him. In those days, every little detail was included in the articles, giving a reader a sense of being there at the scene. Of course, one can only speculate just how Hildebrand ended up under the “heavy, hydraulically-operated plow” that resulted in his demise.
Quotes and theories were included and the article reads like a modern-day podcast. Tractors in those days were not necessarily large, but they were extremely heavy and prone to toppling over, or their drivers would fall off
DON
SIMMONS SITS ON ONE OF HIS TRACTORS.
during the course of plowing. It took several men to lift the tractor off Hildebrand. Simmons doesn’t believe his grandpa fell off the back of the tractor. He has his own theory about how the accident happened.
The tractor has a hand clutch and he thinks that Hildbebrand was standing by it tinkering with the tractor when it slipped into gear and took off, pulling him
beneath it.
“He bought that tractor new, in the summer of ‘55, in Walters,” Simmons said. He even pointed out the stamped subscription name and address at the top of the newspaper.
“I still have that tractor and drive it. I learned how to drive on it when it was new. I was probably about 10-years old,” he said and chuckled. “It’s an orange 1954 Allis-Chalmers.” Simmons said owning it has never bothered him. “Never did phase me to drive it.” In fact, he’s driven “grandpa’s tractor” in parades around the county.
“I won a trophy at a Christmas parade once. It’s great just going out there and enjoying yourself. You can throw candy over your head and behind you. Just fun. A lot of kids have never seen a tractor. Seeing the look on their faces is something else.”
One of his memories includes pulling a decorated trailer for a woman who was running for state representative years ago at Velma.
“I’ve been in the parades for probably 25 years.”
Simmons is a tractor collector. It’s not a hobby you just take up. It’s more of an inherited appreciation.
He owns several tractors, somewhere between eight to a dozen, even a 2007 blue New Holland.
“The only thing I till is the garden and I use it for that. A lot of people (today) don’t even know how to grow a garden. We always had plenty to eat.” His family farm consists of 120 acres, one donkey, one horse and, of course, his tractors.
Colors are a big thing for tractor collectors. Simmons rattles off the names of his vintage tractor collection. “I have a red 1946 Farmall. It’s one of my favorite parade tractors. I have four or five Allis-Chalmers, most don’t run. Two are orange. Everybody’s got an old car, but there aren’t a lot
Did you know?
When the Friday tractor first hit the market, it was considered the diamond of tractors. It’s a “want” item on Simmons’ list of dream tractors. It was around the late 1930s-early ‘40s when David Friday, in Michigan, crafted the machine. Being a welder, he had the skills. He built it using a model B motor, a Ford truck rear-end and a truck frame with an old Fordson radiator and gas tank. He built a special one after that and sold it for $20. In 1947, using his homemade welder, he crafted yet another tractor. This time, according to the Gas Engine Magazine article online, it held a Chrysler engine which became his choice for all future models. Each time that Friday built one, he improved on everything until he had one that was driving up to 50 and 60 mph. Considering that many early tractors only had about 8 to 10 horsepower, it’s easy to see why the Friday tractor was the hot rod of the era.
Be sure to visit the Stephens County Historical Museum located in Fuqua Park east (U.S. 81 and Beech) to learn more about the history of tractors in Duncan. There is even a full local news article from the mid-1980s in its tractor exhibit, available to read at the museum.
Tractor clubs need boosted interest
There are a number of tractor clubs and shows in Oklahoma, including the Cache Creek Club which has members from Elgin to Carnegie. Shows can be found around the state with a bit of online investigating. Always best to call the number or send an email.
There are no tractor clubs in Stephens County. Simmons said he thinks there are still about four or five active clubs in Oklahoma. “There’s a dwindling interest. Maybe three or four people in Comanche would show up to parades a few years ago. Cache and Elgin are together, they go to almost all the parades.” Simmons would love to see the interest in tractors take off again. He was in FFA as a youth, but in this day they don’t have tractor driving competitions. In 2023, there were only a handful of area FFA youth who participated in the tractor driving competition of the Farmhand Olympics at the Stephens County Free Fair.
Tractor competitions do seem to be gaining momentum, with major events across the country, like the National Tractor Pulling Championships, in Ohio. A website even has a countdown clock to the 58th annual event in August. It attracts an estimated 65,000 people in attendance for the three day competition.
“Seems like in Iowa they have tractors take off and go across the state,” Simmons said. He’s right. It’s the “Who Great Iowa Tractor Ride,” also a three-day event in June.
of tractors. I used to take it to the tractor show at the fairgrounds. Did that for about 25 years, too. I particularly like the smaller ones, easier to load.”
Describing his antique 1904 JL Case threshing machine, his fondness for the old machines comes through as he shares his memories. “It looks like a dinosaur. Has a big old spout out front where you can load stuff in it. I remember sitting on the fender while my dad was plowing. That’s where we all sat. When we got old enough, they turned us loose to drive them. We didn’t think much about it, we all were doing it.”
Eventually the numbers for tractor entries at the Stephens County Free Fair dwindled down to around a dozen, but when only one or two farmers showed up, that’s when the tractor display was eliminated. He understands. Age and other life issues get in the way for the older tractor generation of collectors. He admits to not having time to enter parades last year, as his responsibilities include taking care of his wife, Karen.
An Air Force veteran, Simmons served his country from 19661970. He graduated from Coman-
che High School, then attended Okmulgee Tech two years to learn the heating and air condition/ refrigeration trade. About the time he finished his education, the draft was enacted to fill the ranks for the Vietnam War. Simmons joined so he could use his trade education and choose the branch of service he wanted to be in, as opposed to being drafted.
As a young boy growing up on a farm in Comanche in the ‘50s and ‘60s, tractors were just routine for everyday chores. He enjoyed the idea of just being on one, whether he was riding along on the bumper, or operating it. He had three sisters. He said today’s youth are missing out on those experiences.
“Carried a jug of water in a tow sack,” he recalled. “We all drank from the same jug of water. That’s just the way it was.”
“Back then, there was no power. Today, these kids can’t do it because there is no power steering, no power brakes.”
In the eighth grade, he got his first job.
“I went to work for the county mowing section lines. County Commissioner Vernon Dunn hired
me, but then he told me I worked myself out of a job. I mowed it too fast, mowed it way too quick,” Simmons said, laughing. “It (grandpa’s) was the tractor I was using. Took me about three or four days. It was about 10 to 15 miles from my house. I got paid $3.50 an hour – that was big money. You furnished your own tractor, your own gas. Dad furnished the gas so I was the only one making money. Gas was about 18 cents per gallon.”
What is Simmons’ fascination with tractors?
“It’s just something different, something out of the ordinary,” he said. “Everybody’s got a John Deere. Get some other name, off-brand. I particularly like the smaller tractors, easier to push around and load. Have had a couple gifted to me. You don’t ever turn them down. Some you can find really reasonable, some you have to pay money out if you really want it.”
He has a 1946 red Farmall that he drives only in the parades, which he started doing around 1998.
There’s one rule a tractor driver should have.
“Always carry a chain or tow strap, especially in parades. In case somebody breaks down. You can just hook that to them and pull them down the road,” he said.
Simmons said there are some drawbacks to owning an old tractor. “The back wheels rust out from the calcium in them. Getting parts is not hard as long as you’ve got the money. Tires are about 25-30 years old.”
He does have a dream tractor he’d like to own. It’s a G.L. Allis Chalmers that could cost about $2,500 to $3,000.
“Looks like a spider and you sit in the front of the motor. It’s about five feet tall,” he said. “Would buy it if I could find one. It would be a good parade tractor.”
Simmons also prefers a red tractor, especially for the parades. He’d also like to own a Friday tractor, or a Doodlebug tractor.
“It’s a nice one, runs about 50 miles per hour,” he said. “Now that’s a tractor.”
Tractors today cost upwards of $60,000 depending on what you need. If you really want to spend big, there are a few for over $109,000. Yet, an old antique model, handmade one of a kind, can be found online for the mere price of $299 plus $18 shipping. It’s a small table top and won’t get any garden tilling completed.
And About Those Old Banner Headlines!
Popular news of the day in the Feb. 22, 1956, newspaper also included the following headline articles, many auto-related: “8,700 Car Owners Buy 1956 License.” This was local for Duncan. The article also held a fair warning from a Duncan Tag Agent, Mrs. Lucille Payne, that those who are tardy with this obligation could face a penalty and even seizure and sale of their vehicles; Drilling oil records also made front page with “New Drilling Tests Locally” and interesting to note, above the masthead it appeared to have a permanent line that read “Leading Oil Production County in Oklahoma;” and also auto-related, “Seismograph Truck Stolen at Norman.” The truck had 750 pounds of dynamite and authorities were seeking a teenage gang. “School’s Paper Earns Top Honor,” which highlights the Demon Pitchfork designated a national winning school newspaper; John Whitten Heads Rotary; Other noteworthy headlines referenced President Eisenhower “Ike Tells Associates He Wants to Run (for another term); and OK Gov. Raymond Gary declines to appear at deposition hearing.”
REACHING FOR NEW HEIGHTS
KORBYN HANSEN BECOMES MOTOCROSS SPEEDSTER
STORY BY TAMARA GREGOR, PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY STEVE THORNHILL AND CHASE HANSEN
Asecond grade student at Central High Public Schools accepted the challenge to compete in motocross two years ago.
At 5 years old, Korbyn Hansen participated in her first motocross event and found her love for racing. Now, 7 years old, Korbyn said one of her favorite parts about racing is winning and bringing home trophies.
Chase Hansen, Korbyn’s dad, said this year will make Korbyn’s third year to race. Korbyn rides 50cc motorcycles. Hansen said Korbyn raced at the Oklahoma State Championship Series, Oklahoma Motoplayground Roots Tour Series and she is currently traveling with GT Arenacross.
This past winter season, Korbyn raced in the GT Arenacross Motocross Circuit in Nebraska, Tennessee, Missouri and other areas.
Last year, Korbyn achieved several placings, some of which came in the Oklahoma State Championship Series where she finished in first place in the girls’ division, second place in the 4- to 6-year-old junior division and fourth in the air-cooled division. For Motoplayground Roots Tour, Korbyn ranked third in the girls’ division, fourth in the 4- to 6-year junior division and fourth in the aircooled division.
Currently, Hansen said Korbyn leads the girls’ division and the air-cooled division, and carries second in 4-to 6-year junior division in the GT Arenacross.
Hansen said racing is in
Korbyn’s blood. He said someone in the family has always been involved in some kind racing for over 50 years.
“Korbyn has two cousins that race motorcycles and she showed interest at 3 years old watching them,” he said. “We got her first bike and she has been out racing boys ever since.”
Korbyn plans to race at the Oklahoma State Championship Series in 2025 where she will look to bring home another title. She said she always looks forward to spending time on the racetrack with her family and friends. For those who have kids who show an interest in motocross, Hansen said to buy the motorcycle.
“There is not a better community or network of people that you will become family with that you never knew existed,” he said. “This sport not only teaches your kid values that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives, but also as a parent how to be more compassionate and care about something when you see your kid fall in love with it.”
He said it’s also important to have fun.
“No matter what you do, find something your whole family can enjoy,” he said. “Life is short, have fun.”
Shyanna Phillips, Korbyn’s aunt, said she’s proud of Korbyn’s drive and determination.
“Her motto is ‘go fast, don’t crash, and have fun,’” Phillips said.
Korbyn competed Feb. 14-15 at GT Arenacross in Topeka, Kansas.
KORBYN HANSEN PARTICIPATED IN HER FIRST MOTOCROSS EVENT AT 5 YEARS OLD AND FOUND HER LOVE FOR RACING. CURRENTLY, KORBYN LEADS THE GIRLS’ DIVISION AND THE AIR COOLED DIVISION, AND CARRIES SECOND IN 4- TO 6-YEAR JUNIOR DIVISION IN THE GT ARENACROSS.
CAR EVENTS ON THE CALENDAR NICOLE NICHOLS MEMORIAL CAR SHOW
THE
March 15, 2025
The fifth annual Nicole Nichols Legacy Auto Show took place March 15 at the Stephens County Fair and Expo Center’s main arena. The benefit raises money for working adults who want to further their education in the medical field.
On Feb. 12, 2021, Nichols lost her battle with rare Gist tumors, leaving a legacy of accomplishments.
In honor of Nichols, family and friends created a benefit four years ago to raise money to help fund those with an interest in the medical field.
Aubrey Spivey said they look forward to continuing
the legacy of Nicole Nichols. She said they want to recognize everything Nichols worked to accomplish over the years.
Spivey said they are continuing to search for the next scholarship applicants. She said for anyone interested in applying to email Nicole Nichols Legacy Foundation at nicolenicholslegacy@gmail. com.
All proceeds from the event provide scholarships to working adults and high school seniors to pursue or further their education in the medical field.
19TH ANNUAL DUNCAN AUTO SWAP MEET
Coming March 20-22, 2025
The 19th Annual Duncan Auto Swap Meet will run from March 20-22 across the fairgrounds in the Winchester Room, the Livestock Arena, the South Barn, Territory Hall and the Stephens County Arena.
This year’s event will include the Pre-War Swap Meet, typically hosted in Chickasha for the past 20 years, which will combine with the Duncan Swap Meet to bring an even larger event.
The event, which brings a couple thousand people, will run Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout the
parking lots, buildings and arenas at the fairgrounds.
Setup for the swap meet will take place on March 20 and there will be free parking, as well as admission.
The event will have RV hookups, onsite showers, asphalt and gravel booths, an ATM onsite, on-site security and cash drawings for vendors.
For more information about the Duncan Swap Meet, visit https://www. duncanokswapmeet.com.
The Stephens County Fairgrounds is located at 2002 S. 13th St., Duncan.
NOAH PRESGROVE MEMORIAL CAR SHOW
Coming March 22, 2025
The Noah Presgrove Memorial Car Show will ride into downtown Comanche on March 22 as part of this year’s Spring Fest.
The memorial car show will honor Noah, a Comanche high graduate, who tragically lost his life in September 2023. All proceeds go toward the Noah Presgrove Memorial Scholarship and the carshow entry is donation only.
This year’s show will
include classes for classic cars and trucks, modified uniqueness (an open category), motorcycles, lowered mod, lifted mod, sports performance (open), off road SUV and a kids’ divison. Awards will go for best of show, best of class in each class, and people’s choice, which is determined by donations raised at the cars. For more information, contact the Comanche Chamber of Commerce.
MAIN STREET DUNCAN’S NEW CRUISE IN
A new event will come to Main Street Duncan this April.
MSD Executive Director Brandi Johnson Main Street will now host The Motors & Music Cruise In and Cruisin’ the Chisholm Trail Car & Motorcycle Show.
The event will kick off April 4 with Motors and Music and continue April 5 with the car show. Johnson said car enthusiasts can stroll down Main Street between 6-9 p.m. the first day.
“The fee is $10 to park your vehicle on Main Street,” Johnson said. “Attendees for the Saturday Car Show can pre-register, and enjoy music while socializing with fellow car lovers.”
Then, on Saturday, April 5, Johnson said registration for the car and
Coming April 4-5, 2025
motorcycle show opens from 8-10 a.m. along the north east corner of 12th and Main Street.
“The first 50 pre-registrants will receive a commemorative dash plaque,” she said. “Judging will begin at 10:15 a.m., with the awards scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. at the north west corner of 9th Street and Main Street.”
Each year, Johnson said the car show presents a Best in Show with a $500 prize, as well as first and second place trophies for 15 categories and seven special awards.
For the motorcycle division, Johnson said there are five categories who will receive first place trophies, along with a $300 prize for the Best in Show.
“In addition to the car and
motorcycle show, there will be plenty of additional entertainment and activities for attendees to enjoy,” she said. “The Kid’s Zone, sponsored by DAEDF, will offer various activities for children.”
During the car show, Johnson said there will be a live band to perform at 1 p.m. sponsored by the Chisholm Trail Casino.
Throughout the event, Main Street merchants will open and the event will feature retail vendors, beverage vendors and food trucks.
For more information about the car show, contact Main Street Duncan at 580-252-8696, email info@mainstreetduncan.com, visit mainstreetduncan.com or follow Main Street Duncan on Facebook.
ROCKIN’ THE ROOF BENEFIT CONCERT AND CAR SHOW
A LocAL FAvorite
Coming in October 2025
Von Hawks Rising, an Oklahoma-based rock band and non-profit organization, usually hosts its annual Rockin’ the Roof Benefit Concert and Car Show in October. The annual benefit event, which will mark its fifth year in 2025, includes everything from a Kid’s Zone with activities to vendors, food trucks, a car show and the Rockin’ the Roof concert in the parking lot at Impact580. With a mission as a band to bring “hope beyond the sound,” the highly anticipated annual event helps raise money for families with children who have been impacted with severe illness or trauma.
The effort takes work from board members and many volunteers to put on the Rockin’ the Roof Benefit Concert & Car Show together to raise money to help these families.
The event is free for the public to attend and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the event.
For more information about becoming a sponsor, contact Stephanie Gates at 580-656-0222 or email vonhawksrising@gmail. com. For information about the band or about donating, visit www.vonhawksrising. com.
Osage Country Auto Sales is dedicated to working with you. We are proud to offer a relaxed shopping experience with a friendly sales team and we’ll never try to pressure you into a vehicle or auto loan that you’re not sure about. We’re happy to answer your questions. From features, options, and warranties, to pricing, costs, and financing, our knowledgeable sales staff has the answers, or will find the answer for you.
and
TANNER SHORTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP SHOW
Coming June 14, 2025
Automotive and motorbike enthusiasts have come together for years to put their best vehicles and bikes on display in remembrance of an Empire firefighter.
Scheduled this year for June 14, the annual Tanner Shorter Memorial Scholarship Car Show takes place each year to raise funds to continue the scholarship in Tanner Shorter’s honor.
The scholarship’s legacy pays a continual tribute over the years to honor Tanner Shorter, an Empire alumni and volunteer firefighter who lost his life in a
duck hunting accident while saving his dog on Jan. 7, 2017.
Nine years ago, Carey Shorter and his wife started the legacy fund to give away a scholarship in Tanner’s name each year.
The annual event brings a plethora of trophies for those attending in numerous categories, and normally features food vendors, a silent auction and a gun raffle.
For more information about the annual Tanner Shorter Scholarship Car Show, call 580-606-0183.
April 4-6
• Shorthorn Show & Sale • Cornhole Tournament
April 9-12 Dorpers
April 11-12
EBC Two Bulls
April 25-26
May 2-3 Cord McCoy Rodeo
May 9-11
May 10
• Hustlin’ Honeys
May 15-17
May 17 Jeff Saunders Rodeo
May 24
Hens
May 24-25
June 6-8
June 13-14 Duncan Crafts, Arts & Hobbies
June 14 • Happy Hens
June 26-28
June
Sept.
FACES
MONSTER TRUCK WARS ROCK FAIRGROUNDS IN DUNCAN
The annual Monster Truck Wars took place in Duncan at the Stephens County Fair and Expo center in January. With the off-road experience, community members of all ages rooted for their favorites, like ‘Outlaw,’ ‘Shark Attack,’ ‘T-Rex’ and ‘Sheriff’ who battled it out in the dirt arena. The family-friendly event saw the return of ‘Quad Wars’ and the younger kids participated in kids’ power wheel races, consisting of runs around the track.
Photos by Jason Hodges
DUNCAN
THROUGH A LENS
PARTING THOUGHT
“Go fast, don’t crash, and have fun.”
KORBYN HANSEN, CENTRAL HIGH, AGE 7
PHOTO BY STEVE THORNHILL
Those listed below have responded to the call for action by sponsoring the Newspapers In Education program which provides newspapers to schools to use in classrooms. Newspapers can be a positive addition to school curriculum and connect students to their community. If you have any questions or are interested in sponsoring our program, call Sherrie McCormack 580-255-5354.
