2022 GUIDE Muskogee & Annual Progress Forecast

2022

Guide Muskogee

& Annual Progress Forecast

 Notable names put Muskogee on the map  Century-old businesses still shine  Get to know your area school districts  Discover a local park to be active, have fun or enjoy a family picnic

SPRING 2022

Celebrating 150 years of Muskogee

MUSKOGEE

muskogeephoenix.com

Where Yesterday & Tomorrow Meet

· EVENTS 2022 ·

· April 16th Easter Activity

· April 30th Centennial Park Market and Craft Fair

· May 28th Centennial Park Market and Craft Fair · June 10th Burn Out

· June 11th 27th Annual Historic Auto Show

· July 4th FTG Fireworks

· July 30th Centennial Park Market and Craft Fair

· August 2nd National Night Out and Back to School Bash

· August 27th Centennial Park Market and Craft Fair

· September 24th Centennial Park Market and Craft Fair · October 14th-15th Smokin the Fort · October 31st Trunk or Treat

· November 5th Centennial Park Market and Craft Fair (Christmas Bazaar)

· November 14th Shop Fort Gibson 1st

· November 26th Shop Small Saturday

· November 28th Tree Lighting Ceremony · December 5th Christmas Parade

· December 17th Shop 1st Ticket Winners Announced 2PM

· Boutiques, antiques, and one of a kind shopping. · Restaurants ranging from trendy coffee houses to traditional dining. · Historical sites. · Fort Gibson Lake: 225 miles of shoreline to enjoy fishing, boating, & relaxing.

SHOP HERE, DINE HERE, PLAY HERE

LET’S MAKE IT TOGETHER IN 2022!

Dal-Tile is celebrating its 75th anniversary! Founded in Dallas in 1947, the company has grown over the last seven decades to become the largest manufacturer and marketer of tile, natural stone and countertop products in North America.

Products from Dal-Tile’s Muskogee floor tile plant and its eight other U.S. manufacturing facilities are used throughout new residential construction, residential remodeling construction and commercial construction.

Under its three powerhouse product brands of Daltile, Marazzi and American Olean, the company leads the industry in both design and product innovation, and is committed to incorporating environmentally-friendly materials, processes, and products throughout its organization.

We have a bright and optimistic 2002 which will bring all DalTile team members prosperity and good health. We thank you our team members and their families for their essential contributions to our success in Muskogee.

In Muskogee we are currently operating at full capacity. Last year DalTile invested just over $2 million in capital investment with just at $4 million projected for 2022 for this Muskogee location.

We invite you to join our very successful team. We have Operators and Maintenance positions available starting at $16.50 for operators and $23 to $27.50 + for Maintenance position depending on experience.

Apply through www.DalTileCareers.com

GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

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Guide Muskogee

& Annual Progress Forecast

Publisher

Ed Choate Editor

Elizabeth Ridenour L ay o u t a n d D e s i g n

Joshua Cagle

Contributing Writers

Ronn Rowland Cathy Spaulding

Advertising Director

Brenda Adams

Advertising Sales Executives

Kristina Hight Angela Jackson Therese Lewis

Business Matters is a publication of the

MUSKOGEE muskogeephoenix.com

What’s new in Muskogee 150 years later

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Haskell Charles Nathaniel Haskell important for state, Muskogee.

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Robertson First woman to preside over a session of the House of Representatives left mark on city.

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Muskogee was home to Indian Territory's earliest hospital.

Dickmann Glass company opened in same year Oklahoma became state.

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State's first hospital

C I TY

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Transportation

St. Paul St. Paul United Methodist Church has survived a few fires over it's since being organized in 1903.

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Griffin Foods Family-owned operation provides syrup, products around nation.

214 Wall Street Muskogee, OK 74401 Phone: (918) 684-2828 Email: news@muskogeephoenix.com

The hills, the rivers, railroads, highways and airports drew people and cargo to Muskogee.

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Elementary Hilldale blossomed since opening as elementary school in 1908.

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Realized dream

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Oklahoma School for the Blind has a rich history of serving people of Indian Territory, state.

Georgia-Pacific Mill finds success throughout years since first coming to Muskogee as Fort Howard.

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Business

E d u c at i o n

Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without permission is prohibited.

Address advertising inquiries to (918) 684-2894.

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Secondary education Higher, vocational education have always played an important role in shaping history of Muskogee.

'Inconveniences'

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Muskogee Public School district overcame many obstacles since opening doors in 1898.

Almon C. Bacone founded what is now Bacone College in 1880.

'Indian University'

Getting to know your city On the Cover

Street scene, Muskogee, Oklahoma. Courtesy of the Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/ Photo by Lee, Russell, 1903-1986, photographer

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Government

S e r v ic e s

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Muskogee City Council

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Muskogee County Commissioners

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Public Safety

H e a lt h & Wellness

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State Elected Officials

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Lake Area United Way service organizations

Saint Francis growth

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Health Care Facilities

Quality o f Li f e 50

Parks improve, grow

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Muskogee Golf Club

YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTHCARE, CLOSE TO HOME.

As part of Saint Francis Health System, Oklahoma’s largest healthcare network, Warren Clinic offers an extensive range of high-quality primary care and specialty services in Muskogee and Fort Gibson.

For more information about Warren Clinic or to make an appointment, please call 918-910-4306 or visit saintfrancis.com/muskogee.

CARDIOLOGY/CARDIOVASCULAR CARE 3340 West Okmulgee Avenue Debasish Chaudhuri, M.D. Satish Kohli, M.D. Tammy Stiles, APRN-CNP 101 Rockefeller Drive John Evans, D.O. Bryan Lucenta, M.D. Jackson Wong-Sick-Hong, M.D. FAMILY MEDICINE 108 Lone Oak Circle, Fort Gibson Charity Johnson, D.O. Alicia Childs, APRN-CNP Bradley Littleton, APRN-CNP 3332 West Okmulgee Avenue Sr. Gianna Marie Savidge, R.S.M., M.D. 3506 West Okmulgee Avenue Rebekah Kriegsman, D.O. GENERAL SURGERY 101 Rockefeller Drive Richenda Herren, M.D. Sumit Kumar, M.D. Patrick Ross, M.D.

INTERNAL MEDICINE 3332 West Okmulgee Avenue David Kyger, M.D. Sr. Grace Miriam Usala, R.S.M., M.D.

PODIATRY 101 Rockefeller Drive, Suite 204 Patrick Branagan, D.P.M. Kevin Dux, D.P.M.

OB/GYN 3504 West Okmulgee Avenue Jonathan Baldwin, M.D. Edwin Henslee, M.D. 108 Lone Oak Circle, Fort Gibson Sarah Poplin, APRN-CNM

PSYCHIATRY 211 South 36th Street Paul Matthews, D.O.

ONCOLOGY 300 Rockefeller Drive Fuad Hassany, M.D.

RHEUMATOLOGY 2900 North Main Street Isabel Vega, M.D.

ORTHOPEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE 2900 North Main Street Peter Fast, M.D. Ronald Hood, M.D. Deborah McAlister, M.D. OTOLARYNGOLOGY (EAR, NOSE AND THROAT) 101 Rockefeller Drive Edgar Boyd, M.D.

RADIATION ONCOLOGY 300 Rockefeller Drive Selamawit Negusse, M.D.

WALK-IN CLINIC 108 Lone Oak Circle, Fort Gibson Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

150-year-history

Haskell put Muskogee on map

By Ronn Rowland

Muskogee Phoenix

It can be said that Charles Nathaniel Haskell brought Muskogee out from under the radar.

Haskell came to Muskogee in 1901 after being approached on one of his southern travels by Judge John R. Thomas

about acquiring a rail line from Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Muskogee.

Jonita Mullins said in a column for the Muskogee Phoenix that “building would flourish in Muskogee after

Haskell came to town, and that was no coincidence.”

One of the buildings Haskell was responsible for was the Railway Exchange Building that stands on the southwest corner of Second and Court

streets. The building provided office space for several railroad lines that used Muskogee as a hub.

“Within a few years, Haskell had constructed as many as 14 buildings in downtown Musk-

Charles N. Haskell was responsible for the building of the Railway Exchange Building, that still stands today on the southwest corner of Court and Second Streets. (Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society)

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150-year-history

Charles Nathaniel Haskell

ogee and had organized an additional three railroads that all served his new hometown,” Mullin said. “He gained the respect of the people of Muskogee and was elected as a delegate to the Sequoyah State Convention and a year later to the Oklahoma Constitution Convention.”

At the convention, he stood out as one of the most important leaders for Oklahoma, especially in helping to draw up the state constitution. Most notable was his push to draw up a separate prohibition article in conjunction, with, but separate from, the actual constitution.

On Sept. 17, 1907, Haskell was elected the state’s first governor, winning by more than 30,000 votes. He was sworn in on Nov. 16, five minutes after Oklahoma officially became the 46th state to join the United States.

Some of his significant contributions as governor were establishing the Oklahoma Geological Survey, the Oklahoma School for the Blind, the Oklahoma College for Women, and the State Department of Public Health. In addition, he helped to create the Oklahoma Criminal Court of Appeals in 1908.

He also was influential in proposing the move of the state capital functions from Guthrie to Oklahoma City. On June 11, 1910, Oklahoma City became the state’s official capital.

In 1911, Haskell was succeeded by his 1907 challenger Lee Cruce. Haskell unsuccessfully challenged incumbent U.S. Senator Robert Owen in 1912 in the Democratic primary for Owen’s U.S. Senate seat.

On July 5, 1933, Haskell died in Oklahoma City of pneumonia resulting from complications of a stroke he had suffered in March. He is buried at Greenhill Cemetery on North York Street in Muskogee.

Haskell Boulevard in Muskogee, as well as the town of Haskell (formerly Sawokla) and Haskell County bear his name.

GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

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150-year-history

More than name on school

By Ronn Rowland

Muskogee Phoenix

A name many people in Muskogee are familiar with, but might know very little about, is Alice Mary Robertson.

Robertson was born Jan. 2, 1854, in the Tullahassee Mission in Creek Nation Indian Territory, now part of Oklahoma.

After attending school and working on the East Coast, Robertson returned to Oklahoma and in 1885 founded the Minerva Home — a boarding school to train Native American girls in domestic skills.

The school later became Henry Kendall College, the present-day University of Tulsa.

Robertson’s work in the area put her in contact with reformers during the early Progressive Era and led her toward a career in politics. In 1920, Robertson ran for the U.S. House of Representatives from the Eastern District of Oklahoma as a Republican, defeating three-term Democratic incumbent William Wirt Hastings and becoming the first woman elected to Congress after passage of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote.

During her one term in Congress, Robertson twice introduced a bill that would have provided a federal appropriation to reimburse the descendants of Cherokees who had 8

GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

Alice Mary Robertson

150-year-history

been forcibly removed to Oklahoma in the 19th century — both times defeated.

On June 20, 1921, during a roll call vote on funding for a United States delegation to the centennial celebrations of Peru’s independence, Robertson became the first woman to preside over a session of the House of Representatives.

In April 1923, a month after she left the House of Representatives, President Warren G. Harding appointed Robertson as a welfare worker in the Muskogee Veterans Hospital, now the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center. Her rejection of a proposed World War I Veterans Bonus Bill while in Congress, a rejection that created animosity with area veterans, led to her ouster from that position.

In 1925, a fire destroyed her home and the café she was operating, which prompted Robertson to tell a local reporter that she was certain “some of her enemies had set it.”

Robertson spent her last years supported by generous friends and family and died on July 1, 1931, at the VA Hospital. She is buried in Greenhill Cemetery on North York Street. The Eighth and Ninth Grade Academy in Muskogee is named in her honor.

Alice Mary Robertson

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150-year-history

Dickmann Glass, 115 N. C St. in Muskogee, opened its doors just months before Oklahoma officially became a state in 1907.

(Ronn Rowland)

Business shines 115 years later

By Ronn Rowland

Muskogee Phoenix

Oklahoma became a state in 1907. Earlier that year, Dickmann Glass Company opened its doors in Muskogee.

David Dickmann, great-nephew of the founder, said the

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business has changed since he took over in 1985.

“Right now we only have 10 employees,” he said. “When we were doing big commercial jobs we employed about 20

people.”

Dickmann said when the company started out it was a glass, paint and roofing supplier.

“It was more of a wholesale

supplier, and we rolled it into a glazing contractor back in the ‘60s,” he said. “We’re a glazing contractor now, and we do a lot of residential work, too.”

150-year-history

St. Paul rises out of ashes

By Ronn Rowland

Muskogee Phoenix

Parishioners of St. Paul United Methodist Church awoke Christmas morning 1991 to see their historic worship center ablaze.

The sanctuary had held its annu-

al Christmas Eve candlelight ceremony at 11:30 p.m. the night before. At 8:55 a.m., firefighters were summoned to the church to see the sanctuary, basement and offices burning out of con-

trol.

The church was nearing completion of a $1.5 million addition that included a family recreation center when the fire broke out.

The church was organized in

1903, and the building was erected in 1905.

The fire was not the first for St. Paul. The original sanctuary was destroyed by fire on Jan. 27, 1929.

St. Paul United Methodist Church was rebuilt following the 1991 fire. (Ronn Rowland)

Workers clean up some of the rubble from the Christmas Day 1991 fire that destroyed a big portion of St. Paul United Methodist Church. (ST. PAUL UMC)

GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

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150-year-history

Griffin Foods adapting to times

By Ronn Rowland

Muskogee Phoenix

John T. and Charles Griffin began Griffin Food Company in 1908 in McAlester and 15 years later, John Griffin built a three-story building to house administrative operations, a warehouse, and a processing plant in Muskogee.

The company’s top-selling

product, Griffin’s Waffle Syrup, debuted in 1930. Griffin Food Company specializes in the production and packaging of liquid and emulsified semi-solid based food products.

John Griffin, J.T.’s grandson, said Griffin Food Company employs

approximately 50 individuals and serves a 30-state area.

“We’re one of the larger private-label providers of syrup in the country, and we’re still family owned and operated,” he said.

“Denny’s is a big customer of ours. We probably do over 50%

of the Denny’s in the United States.”

He also said that Griffin’s is branching out into other areas.

“We also do portion packs in which we do portion pack syrups,” he said. “We also have our mustard and jalapeno mustard.”

Griffin Food Company, that came to Muskogee in 1923, provides clients in 30 states with liquid and emulsified semi-solid based food products. (RONN ROWLAND/Muskogee Phoenix)

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150-year-history

First hospital in Oklahoma

By Jonita Mullins

Muskogee Phoenix

Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the Muskogee Phoenix on March 21, 2010.

In 1894, Dr. F.B. Fite purchased a small one-story cottage on South Main Street in Muskogee. He greatly enlarged the little house by adding a second story and building an addition to the front.

The building sat on a busy thoroughfare where many liveries and wagon yards were located.

Early Sanborn Insurance maps of Muskogee note that this hospital was at first called St. Mary’s Sanitarium.

With his medical partner, Dr. J.L. Blakemore, Fite expanded the sanitarium to become the first hospital in the Twin Territories. It was briefly called the Fite-Blakemore Hospital after the two physicians. The doctors ran this hospital until 1906. After a donation of support from their good friend, Andrew Robb, the hospital was then called Martha Robb Hospital.

Martha Robb was Andrew Robb’s wife. A.W. Robb was an early-day merchant in Muskogee.

The Robb family was one of the first to settle in the new railroad town and was always involved in supporting the town and its early institutions. The Martha Robb Hospital drew patients from all over Indian Territory including Eufaula, Tahlequah, Pryor and Vinita.

Dr. Fite brought to Muskogee another medical first for the

Twin Territories. It was an X-ray machine that he installed at the hospital. He purchased the machine in 1889 while studying back east and had it shipped to Muskogee. He first used it in his medical office on North Second Street.

In those days, Dr. Fite found one of his most frequent uses of the machine was to determine the location of bullets in his patients before surgery. Muskogee’s rather lawless beginnings led to many disputes that were settled at the point of a gun. Dr. Fite once commented that he had a double handful of bullets in his office at one time, all neatly tagged with the names of the patients who were glad to be rid of them.

These bullets were all lost when Dr. Fite’s office was destroyed in Muskogee’s great fire in 1899.

By the time the Martha Robb Hospital was seeing patients, Muskogee had mostly settled down to become a respectable town. But that didn’t mean the occasional bullet didn’t still have to be removed from some lawman or outlaw.

In fact, the famous bandit Al Jennings was operated on at the Martha Robb Hospital. Dr. Fite removed a bullet from the train robber’s thigh. The doctor’s son Pat later recalled sitting out on the front porch of the hospital while the surgery was taking place. For a little boy, being even that close to the notorious outlaw

Dr. F.B. Fite

was quite exciting. Jennings had been wounded while being arrested by Bud Ledbetter. He went on to serve time and then he ran for governor of Oklahoma.

The Martha Robb Hospital served Muskogee and Indian Territory before giving way to a larger, more modern hospital called the Physicians and

Surgeons Hospital. When this hospital was built just before statehood, all of the furnishings from Dr. Fite’s hospital were transferred to it. The building was used as boarding house for a number of years before eventually being torn down to make way for commercial development in the area.

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City

A Union Pacific Big Boy steam locomotive stops in Muskogee during an August 2021 trek. Muskogee has long been a railroad and transportation hub. (File photo)

Transportation fueled growth

By Cathy Spaulding

Muskogee Phoenix

E

arly interest in Muskogee can be traced to moccasin tracks embedded in sandstone atop Agency

Hill.

“Apparently, they had an archaeologist date it and it dates to 1000 AD,” Former Honor Heights Park Naturalist Tom Roberts said, declining to disclose the tracks’ location.

Agency Hill was an important site for Natives and settlers, Roberts said.

“You can see for miles. You could watch

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buffalo moving, people moving. You could see all the way to Fort Gibson.”

The hills, the rivers — and later the railroads, highways and airports — drew people and cargo to and through Muskogee.

The confluence of the Arkansas, Verdigris and Grand rivers drew river traffic even before the 1800s. Early Muskogee historian Grant Foreman said the area was an important stop for trading expeditions from St. Louis to

Mexico. Fort Gibson was established in 1824, and the first steamboat arrived at Three Forks two years later.

Historian Jonita Mullins said the joining of the three rivers was a good place to locate a primary railroad depot.

The first train arrived Jan. 1,1872, she said.

“The railroad — the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad — named that location Muskogee after the Muscogee (Creek) tribe.”

Other railroads followed. The Ozark and Cherokee Central came in 1902, and later was bought by St. Louis and San Francisco (Frisco) Line. In 1903, Midland Valley linked Muskogee to Wichita, Kansas.

The Jefferson Highway, established in 1915, included Muskogee on its route from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

According to the Oklahoma Historical Society website, Muskogee had big

City

Barges pause by the Arkansas River west shore. River traffic has been an important source of commerce since before Muskogee was established in 1872.

(File photo)

Shawnee Bypass has become a major artery for hospitality, commerce and just passing through.

(File photo)

Muskogee-Davis Field Airport not only accommodates corporate jets and personal aircraft, it also can host visits by vintage planes, such as the B-24 Bomber Diamond Lil, being examined by Andy Cook, left, and his father Jerry Cook during the 2019 CAF Air Power History Tour. (File photo)

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City

A sign at Spaulding Park shows how far one would have to drive to get to towns along the Jefferson Highway. The park had a tourist park for highway car campers.

(File photo)

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ideas for the highway.

“In 1921, the Muskogee Kiwanis Club decided to build a car camping site at Spaulding Park,” the website said. “They raised three thousand dollars and constructed a large pavilion containing cooking facilities, modern restrooms, and showers, and they built camp sites. By July 1922 more than 1,400 car campers had used the park.”

The Muskogee Turnpike, linking Tulsa to Webbers Falls, opened Oct. 16, 1969.

The Port of Muskogee, on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, ties the rivers, highways and railroads together.

The 445-mile waterway links four rivers — Verdigris, Arkansas, White and Mississippi, as well as the Arkansas Post Canal. In February 1969, ground was broken for a $2.5 million Muskogee Industrial Park. MKARNS opened to barge traffic as far as the Port of Muskogee on Dec. 31, 1970, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society.

Aviation also has been important for Muskogee.

Hatbox Field was established in 1921.

According to the Oklahoma Historical Society, notable pilots who visited Hatbox Field included the Red Comet Grange, four aroundthe-world flyers, in November 1924. Charles A. Lindbergh arrived on Oct. 1, 1927, as part of his cross-country tour following his solo trans-Atlantic flight. Amelia Earhart made a visit in September 1928. Laura Ingalls set a world record for the number of loop-de-loops at the airfield’s rededication on May 26, 1930.

Hatbox was used for flight training during World War II. The site now is a popular sports park and event venue.

Muskogee-Davis Regional Airport, south of Muskogee, opened as Muskogee Army Airfield around 1942. It later served as an Air Force Reserve Base until 1967, when it was released to the City of Muskogee. According to the Muskogee Development website, Davis has the ability to accommodate heavy air traffic, including corporate jets. It also is a popular site for air shows, such as the CAF Air Power History Tour.

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Business

Georgia-Pacific recently acquired a new sign at its Muskogee Mill. (JENNIFER RECTOR/Submitted)

Georgia-Pacific finds success

By Cathy Spaulding

Muskogee Phoenix

T

hrough various names over 47 years, Georgia-Pacific found a home in Muskogee.

“In Muskogee, you really feel like people care,” said Jennifer Rector, public affairs and communications manager for Georgia-Pacific’s Muskogee Mill. “They care about our business, our employees and about how we all work and live cohesively. At GP, we call that ‘virtuous cycles of mutual benefit,’ and that is what we are all working toward

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as partners in this area – creating relationships that help us all provide a greater quality of life, along with prosperous careers.”

Muskogee has welcomed the mill all along the way.

The Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat spread the news across the top of its March 7, 1975, edition: “Fort Howard is Coming to Muskogee!”

The story began: “Fort Howard Paper Company of Green Bay, Wis-

consin, Thursday announced it would construct a multi-million dollar plant in the Muskogee Industrial Park.”

The newspaper story said about 600800 employees would be hired at first, with an annual payroll of $10 million to $12 million. The story said the plant could expand to hire 2,700 employees.

And expand it did.

In 1976, the plant broke ground east of Muskogee as Fort Howard.

“Initially, the easy access to wa-

terways, as a way to transport large equipment, was a significant factor in the initial decision to locate to Muskogee,” Rector said. “That decision has proven to stand the test of time and we continue to have great transportation infrastructure in this region that helps us move our products where they need to go quicker – a significant advantage when you consider the importance of the supply chain.”

Fort Howard merged with James

Business

A Georgia-Pacific employee moves bundled paper rolls through the GP Muskogee Mill.

The mill remains Muskogee’s largest private employer.

(JENNIFER RECTOR/ Submitted)

A reproduction of a 1975 issue of the Muskogee Daily Phoenix and Times-Democrat touts the upcoming arrival of Fort Howard paper mill. The mill still operates today through Georgia-Pacific. (CATHY SPAULDING/Muskogee Phoenix)

Toilet paper rolls by the thousands are made, wrapped and bundled out of Georgia-Pacific’s Muskogee Mill. The mill also produces paper towels and napkins. (JENNIFER RECTOR/Submitted)

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Business

Access to the Arkansas River traffic, plus a willing workforce, drew what is now Georgia-Pacific to Muskogee in 1976. The Muskogee Mill now employs 800 people. (JENNIFER RECTOR/Submitted)

River in 1997 and was acquired by Georgia-Pacific in 2000. Georgia-Pacific was acquired by Koch Industries in 2005.

“Our Muskogee Mill sits on 640 acres at the heart of the Muskogee Industrial Park,” Rector said. “At this location, we have superior logistics, close proximity to rail and highways, ample truck parking and less traffic congestion.

In today’s new global economy, speed to market with finished goods and low-

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cost shipping continue to emphasize that the decision to build the facility in Muskogee was and continues to be a significant driver to our competitive advantage.”

Nearly 800 people now work at the Muskogee Mill. That doesn’t include numerous full-time contractors.

Even multi-generational employees work at the facility, Rector said.

“That sense of dedication to this region and our business is naturally

ingrained into families here,” she said.

“That’s an advantage you don’t often see in other places.”

These employees produce more than 1 million rolls of toilet paper each day, as well as 1,000 tons of paper for napkins and paper towels. That amounts to 4,500 miles of paper, Rector said.

As the largest private employer in Muskogee, the plant has an overall economic impact of more than $250 million.

“Like all businesses and industries, to be competitive in our market, we must continually be focused on transforming our manufacturing practices,” Rector said. “We continue to put significant investment in areas that improve safety, reliability, and efficiency of our operations. These investments in technology and equipment continue to help Georgia-Pacific be the preferred company for our customers, our employees, and this community.”

We’ve Got Your Back, Muskogee!

Georgia-Pacific and our Muskogee Mill team members are proud to manufacture quality products that help improve lives and generate sustainable outcomes that benefit society. We are fortunate to operate in a community that is aligned with our guiding principles.

Thank you, Muskogee, for your continued support.

©2022 Georgia-Pacific Muskogee LLC. All rights reserved.

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Education M u s kog e e P u b l i c S c hoo l s

Muskogee schools began in 1898

By Cathy Spaulding

Muskogee Phoenix

E

arly Muskogee historian Josephine Little wrote about “inconveniences” Muskogee Public Schools faced when it opened in 1898.

“Store rooms, church buildings and any kind of quarters that could be leased became the classrooms where the first public school students of Muskogee were taught,” she wrote.

Yet the district grew.

Two high schools opened around 1910: Central High School at Dayton and E streets, and Manual Training High School at Altamont and Girard streets.

The district remained segregated until 1970.

Long-time MPS teacher and administrator Derryl Venters recalled attending Black schools: Wheatley Elementary School, Sadler Junior High and Manual Training.

“I remember Wheatley School being kind of small, and everybody close-knit,” she said. “The junior high was a lot larger and we had multiple classes.

Wheatley is now is now a vacant building. The former Sadler Junior High has been torn down and the leftover gym built at a much later date now houses Rougher Alternative Academy. The former Manual Training now houses Sadler Arts Academy.

Venters said MTHS gave her a good preparation for college.

“I remember having meetings with students from Central High School at Wards Chapel Church, and we’d have discussion about issues,” she said.

Segregation was not absolute, Venters said.

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“You could have gone to any school,” she said. “I went to black schools. My cousins went to Pershing, West Junior High and Central.

So, Muskogee is kind of unique in that respect.”

Retired Muskogee High teacher Joan Murray “Mama Murray” Hogan recalled attending Edison Elementary, Alice Robertson Junior High and Central.

AR, the original, was a nearly new building at the time, having opened in 1939.

“It was huge, and I remember the stone steps and the lockers,” she said. “We had a wonderful auditorium.”

She recalled industrial classes held in Central High’s basement.

“There was a print shop, woodworking shop, cosmetology,” Hogan said. “Above the auditorium was the girls’ gym.”

Hogan later taught about 30 years in Muskogee, including a couple of years at Central. The modern Muskogee High School opened in 1967. Students from Manual Training came to the new MHS in 1970.

Hogan recalled an easy transition with desegregation.

“We made it work, and the kids made it work, and the teachers made it work,” she said.

Venters said MPS was fully integrated when she returned to the district in 1972. She began teaching at Alice Robertson Junior High.

“It was an exciting time to be a teacher,” she said. “When there was a shortage of science teachers, I thought that was something I could make a difference in. I began to appreciate teachers.”

Memorabilia from Alice Robertson Junior High is displayed at the 8th and 9th Grade Academy, which was built on the site where AR stood for more than 80 years. (File photo)

Abigail Mix is shown on two big screens as she delivers the McEntee Award address at Muskogee High School’s Class of 2022 graduation.

The ceremony was held at Indian Bowl stadium. (File photo)

Wheatley Elementary, located near 24th Street, was known as a west end school when students attended there from 1929 to 1970. (Cathy Spaulding/Muskogee Phoenix)

Education By the Numbers FUND I N G S OU RCE S

Enrollment:

muskogee

Local:

362

County: State:

4,820

Support Staff:

262

Certified Staff: Administrators: (excluding administration)

$10,269,993.24 $999,763.40

Students:

43

District leadership

$25,260,284.87

including cabinet, coordinators and directors

Federal:

Superintendent: Jarod Mendenhall

Director of Child Nutrition: Kim Hall

Total projected:

Deputy Superintendent: Kim Dyce

Director of Federal Programs: Donna Pillars

$20,423,006.49 $56,953,048 B U I L D I N G P R I N C I PA L S: Muskogee High School: Mickey Replogle Rougher Alternative Academy: Heather Jones Roughers Innovations Academy: Karen Watkins 8th & 9th Grade Academy at Alice Robertson: Ryan Buell 6th & 7th Grade Academy at Ben Franklin: Latricia Dawkins Creek Elementary: Andrea Sagely Cherokee Elementary: Reubin McIntosh Irving Elementary: Katy Thomson Pershing Elementary: Lisa Rogers Sadler Arts Academy: Ronia Davison Tony Goetz Elementary: Sarah McWilliams Early Childhood Center: Meleah Hoskins

Assistant Superintendent: Lance Director of Security: Dan Hall Crawley Director of Health and Social Services: Julia Price Executive Director of Student Services: Kim Fleak Director of Special Education: Veronica Teague Executive Director of Athletics: Jason Parker Director of Elementary Curriculum: Ginger James Executive Director of Finance: David Chester, CPA Director of Secondary Curriculum and Indian Executive Director of Education: Lisa Yahola Communications and Marketing: Steve Braun Director of Fine Arts: Jerry Huffer Director of Human Resources: Instructional Technology Bradley Eddy Coordinator: Justin Walker Executive Assistant to the Special Education Coordinator: Superintendent: Carla Cooper Amy Pool Director of Operations and Communications Coordinator: Transportation: Brad Smythe Shane Stewart Director of Maintenance: John Rich GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

27

Education H i l l d a l e P u b l i c S c hoo l s

Hilldale continues growth

By Cathy Spaulding

Muskogee Phoenix

S

ince opening as an elementary in 1908, Hilldale School has had a history of growth.

“We kind of were always struggling to keep up with the growth of the school,” said Don Stout, who coached at Hilldale from 1978 to 2013. “I can remember in my early days of teaching, I would be moving from classroom to classroom on other teachers’ planning periods. We just didn’t have the number of classrooms we needed at that point.

Stout began teaching and coaching before Hilldale even had a high school.

“My year, 1978, was the last year that they went to the ninth grade,” Stout said. “After that, we added one grade each year until we were a full-fledged high school.”

At first, Hilldale had to compete against Oklahoma’s smallest high schools because it only had a sophomore class.

“It wasn’t long, as the school grew, our numbers increased, and we moved on up,” he said.

By the Numbers

F unding sources

(Amount from each fund)

School I nformation:

DISTRIC T LEAD ERSHIP

Enrollment:

Superintendent:

1,972

Certified staff: (excluding administration)

“The biggest growth, obviously, was facilities. It was kind of the standalone high school building.

Not long after that, they added a middle school east of there. Over time, they added on to each end of those buildings until they tied them together with a big library in the middle.”

Hilldale High School graduated its first class in 1982 with 83 graduates.

About 128 seniors are expected to graduate in Hilldale’s Class of 2022, Hilldale Superintendent Erik Puckett said.

Local:

$2,086,188.37 County:

Erik Puckett

$425,100.24

Assistant Superintendents:

State:

Dr. Deborah Tennison,

$10,724,663.12

Number of support staff:

Chad Kirkhart

Federal:

Number of administrators:

Building Principals

Total projected:

146 77 9

Elementary: Patty Bilyard Middle School: Darren Riddle High School: Josh Nixon

$2,145,314.73 $15,381,255.46 500 E. Smith Ferry Road (918) 683-0273 http://www.hilldale. k12.ok.us/

28

GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

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29

Education O k l a hom a S c hoo l fo r th e B l i n d

OSB continues age-old mission

By Cathy Spaulding

Muskogee Phoenix

A

rkansas School for the Blind graduate Laura A. Roland had a dream of serving blind students in Indian Territory. She established a school in 1897 in an old barracks in Fort Gibson.

That school, now Oklahoma School for the Blind, serves students throughout Oklahoma.

OSB became a state institution when Oklahoma became a state in 1907 and moved to its present Muskogee location in 1913. An 80-acre tract of land on Gibson Street was donated by Governor Charles Haskell, a Muskogee resident.

A tornado struck the school on April 12, 1945, destroying roofs on most of the buildings and demolishing the gym. Three OSB students were killed — Delores Hicks, 14; Alda Stephens, 15; and Juanita Moss, 15.

Tommy Robertson was 6 when the tornado struck.

“There were some red and green things up in the sky and it started sprinkling, and

they told us to come in.... The tornado hit while we were going downstairs. The basement was about four or five feet below ground,” Robertson said in 2021. “The big boys’ cottage was 20 to 30 feet east of the little boys’ cottage, and somehow it wasn’t damaged.”

The school rebuilt, adding new dormitories and a central heat and air conditioning system over the next 20 years. In 2021, the school dedicated a new gymnasium, complete with a tornado safe room.

OSB Superintendent Rita Echelle said OSB plans to build a new greenhouse. The school also works with Oklahoma State University Extension on an after-school and summer program, which will provide tutoring and enrichment activities.

“We just keep trying to push our students and help get them ready for their futures, their careers and help get them prepared, so they can be as independent as possible and be productive citizens in the future,” she said.

Students learn at a table in the early years of Oklahoma School for the Blind. The school was established in 1897. (DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES/Submitted)

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GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

A tornado sweeps through northeastern Muskogee in April 1945. It left a swath of damage, including buildings at Oklahoma School for the Blind.

(DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES/Submitted)

Department of Rehabilitation Services teacher Deitra Woody, left, helps Oklahoma School for the Blind student Aaron Grimes of Muldrow put the correct amount of dough on a cookie sheet. Students from across Oklahoma learn independent living skills and vocational skills, along with academics, at OSB. (File photo)

Education By the Numbers FUND I N G S OU RCE S State:

$7,108,000

District leadership

including cabinet, coordinators and directors

Superintendent: Rita Echelle

Inter-agency:

Elementary Principal: Shawna Coplen

Federal:

Information:

$625,000 $0

Other:

$44,000 Total projected:

$7,777,000

High School Principal: Lynn Cragg

Enrollment:

Administrators:

Day students:

Support staff:

83 23

Residential students:

60

4

57

Certified teachers/staff: (excluding administration)

35

Oklahoma School for the Blind students use their white cane skills as they walk through Civitan Park. The park is across Gibson Street from OSB. (File photo)

GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

31

Education Secondary education important in Muskogee

By Cathy Spaulding

Muskogee Phoenix

H

igher education and vocational education have long played a role in Muskogee history as schools have come and gone.

According to the Oklahoma Historical Society, Muscogee (Creek) tribal leaders codified a national common school system and awarded charters to higher education institutions. The first one was a United Methodist institution, Harrell Institute.

“By the mid-1890s Muskogee was home to no fewer than five higher education facilities: Edwards University, a freedmen’s college; Harrell; Nazareth Institute (Catholic); Henry Kendall College (Presbyterian); and Indian University (Baptist),” the OHS said in “The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture.”

Indian University became Bacone College. The Tulsa Commercial Club persuaded Kendall College to move to Tulsa. In 1921, as a Presbyterian synod school, it was rechartered as the University of Tulsa.

Muskogee Junior College opened in 1921 as the first municipal junior college in Oklahoma. It remained open until 1962.

Joan Murray Hogan, a 1947 Central High graduate, recalled attending Muskogee Junior College for two years.

“I was 16 when I graduated, and mother didn’t want me to leave home,” she said. “Muskogee Junior College was at the lower north floor of the high school. A lot of the teachers who taught us as seniors went on teaching for the junior college.”

Over the years, other colleges and career tech programs have set up Muskogee campuses.

Connors State College, based in Warner since 1908, absorbed Muskogee Junior College in the early 1960s to establish its Muskogee branch. The branch operated out of the Graham-Sykes building, then the C.N. Haskell building for many years. The Three Rivers Port Campus was built in 1995.

Health care careers are the main focus on the Muskogee campus. However, Connors offers a variety of degree programs designed to transfer to four-year-institutions or train for various careers.

Connors also helps high school students transition into college. Statistics show 254 area high school seniors and 144 high school juniors are in concurrent enrollment.

The college is working with Muskogee Public Schools to start an Early College program next fall. The program is designed to allow underrepresented students to pursue higher education at no cost.

Connors President Ronald Ramming said, “Our mission is, and will continue to be to serve the residents

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GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

Zack Kuykendall, left, and Aubrey Linker, both of Muskogee, examine the specification sheet and the engine well of a 2019 Corolla donated to Indian Capital Technology Center by the Toyota Corporation.

(File photo)

in this area, to meet their educational needs.”

It helps that Indian Capital Technology Center is right next to the Port Campus.

ICTC opened in 1970 and has grown to four campuses: Muskogee, Tahlequah, Sallisaw and Stilwell.

Construction is set to begin soon on a fifth campus, in Coweta, to serve students in rapidly-growing Wagoner County. The campuses serve 12,553 students in all or part of seven counties, preparing them for careers as varied as cosmetology, computer graphics, food services,

building construction and health care.

ICTC Superintendent Tony Pivec said ICTC works with Connors on an occupational therapist assistant and physical therapist assistant program.

“It helps students and helps our medical facilities on being able to provide the quality of health care that is so needed in our area,” he said. “We also have a cooperative effort where Connors houses their Muskogee campus library in our facility, which helps our students as well as theirs.”

Education By the Numbers Muskogee C ampus

Total Students District-wide:

12,553

Total Muskogee Campus Students:

Locations Four campus locations districtwide.

Muskogee Campus: 2403 N. 41st St. East, Muskogee; (918) 687-6383

Number of High School Students:

Sallisaw Campus: 401 E. Houser Industrial Blvd., Sallisaw; (918) 775-9119

Number of Adult Students:

Stilwell Campus: Rt. 6 Box 3320 (Oklahoma 59 and Maryetta

556 467 89

Male:

346 Female:

210

Road), Stilwell; (918) 696-3111 Tahlequah Campus: 240 CareerTech Way (Vo-Tech Road), Tahlequah, (918) 456-2594 Adult Health Careers Campus: 2403 N. 41st St. East, Muskogee; (918) 348-7998

E TH N I C I T Y: White:

Top courses at the M uskogee C ampus

Native American:

Cosmetology, HVAC, Welding, Electricity

271 192

African American:

52

Hispanic:

33

Other:

6

AD U LT TUITION, FEES In-District Students: Per hour rate of $2.25 for each Career Major hour; Per hour rate of $2.50 for Full-Time Adult Health Career Major hour (Books & Fees NOT included); Per hour rate of $3.75 for Heavy Equipment (Books provided) Out-of-District Students: The per hour tuition rate will be doubled unless the student is from another Tech Center district that has a reciprocal agreement with ICTC. Faculty

(IC TC-Muskogee campus) :

25

Indian Capital Technology Center cosmetology student Jaliyah Mitchell gives ICTC Superintendent Tony Pivec a final trim during a February class. Pivec had let his hair grow during the COVID-19 pandemic, then donated his hair to a cancer charity. (File photo) GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

33

Education By the Numbers Connors State College nursing student Travis Cockrell checks PoncaWi, a SimBaby, while SIM Lab clinical instructor Sheri Todd watches during a lab class in 2019.

Connors has become a leader in nursing instruction. (File photo)

Student I nformation: Number of Students: 2,477 Male: 29.5 percent Female: 70.5 percent

E TH N I C I T Y*: White:

46 percent Native American:

23 percent Black:

5 percent

BUDGE TS

Other:

FY 2022 total budget:

* Students are allowed to check multiple ethnicities on their admission.

FY 2022 state appropriation:

26 percent

$21,863,038 $5,453,446

FY 2021 total budget:

$23,117,391

FY 2021 state appropriation: TUITION AND MANDATORY FEES, per hour

$5,140,925

Resident:

$153

Non-Resident:

$213.76

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GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

5 most popular majors 1. General Studies 2. Pre-Nursing 3. Nursing 4. Business Administration 5. Agriculture

FACULTY INFORMATION Number of tenured or tenure/track instructors: 0 Number of non-tenured or nontenure/track instructors: 46 Male: 17 Female: 29 Adjunct faculty: 45 Number and percentage of faculty members with doctorate degrees: 4, 8.7 percent

Students come from In-State:

96 percent Out of State:

4 percent

Education By the Numbers Student I nformation: Each student noted is enrolled in at least one class at Muskogee (whether on ground or online).

Number of Students:

784 Male:

137 Female:

647

E TH N I C I T Y: White:

439

African American:

47

Faculty & Staff Faculty information from 2019-2020; includes all faculty members teaching courses in programs based in Muskogee so there are a few full-time faculty members from other campuses who are included in the numbers below as part-time in Muskogee (particularly in Organizational Leadership); this does not include graduate teaching assistants or full-time staff/ administrators teaching as adjunct.

Male Faculty: 6 Female Faculty: 18 Adjunct Faculty: Adjunct (part-time) faculty are included in the above numbers 12 part-time, 12 full-time, 24 total Number and percentage of faculty members with doctorate degrees: Calculated based on full-time – 10/12 = 83.3% Other Staff: 7

Native American: Other:

136

162

Northeastern State University Muskogee Campus 2400 W. Shawnee Bypass (918) 683-0040 www.nsuok.edu/ muskogee

Most popular undergraduate majors: Nutritional Sciences, B.S.; Nursing, B.S.N. (online); Organizational Leadership (online); Speech Language Pathology, B.S. Top Graduate majors based in Muskogee: Nursing, M.S.N. (online); Occupational Health, M.S.; Physician Assistant Studies, M.S.; Public Health, M.P.H.; Speech Language Pathology, M.S.

Students come from

716

Out of State:

59

Undergraduate Resident tuition:

$230.50*

Undergraduate Non-resident tuition:

$510.50*

Graduate Resident tuition:

$283.40*

Graduate Non-resident tuition:

$588.90*

Undergraduate Non-resident nursing tuition:

$231.50*

Undergraduate Resident Organizational Leadership tuition:

$258

Undergraduate Non-resident Organizational Leadership tuition:

$583

Graduate resident nursing tuition:

majors

In-State:

TUITION/Per credit Hour

International:

9

$285.40*

Graduate non-resident nursing tuition:

$286.40*

Graduate Resident Occupational Therapy tuition:

$337.15*

Graduate Non-resident Occupational Therapy tuition:

$642.40*

Graduate Resident Physician Assistant tuition:

$335.40*

Graduate Non-resident Physician Assistant tuition:

$634.90

*Tuition and mandatory fees Source: https://offices.nsuok.edu/ admissions/Admission/Tuition-Fees GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

35

Education B AC O NE C O LLE G E

Bacone traces history to 1880 Submitted by Bacone College

L

ong before Oklahoma became a state, Bacone College was established as a seminary school in Tahlequah, in 1880, making it Oklahoma’s oldest continuing center of higher education. In 1819, the U.S. Government began its campaign to “civilize” Indians through legislation that provided funding for missionaries who wished to open seminary schools for American Indians. In 1880, with the help of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, Professor Almon C. Bacone, a missionary teacher, started a school called “Indian University” in the Cherokee Baptist Mission at Tahlequah, Indian Territory.

Not long after Bacone founded the school in Tahlequah, an appeal was made to the Creek Tribal Council for 160 acres of land in Muskogee, then called the “Indian Capital of the World,” the land was granted, and in 1885 it was moved to its present site. In 1910, it was renamed Bacone College after its founder and first president. The Murrow Indian Or-

phans Home also was moved to the Bacone campus in 1910, and those children also attended school at Bacone.

Classes from first grade through four years of college met in Rockefeller Hall, a building made possible by a contribution from John D. Rockefeller. “Old Rock,” as it came to be called, served as a classroom, dormitory, dining hall, chapel, teacher quarters and administration building. It was razed in 1938, and Bacone Memorial Chapel was built in its place.

From the 1930s on, Bacone became famous for the minimal flat-style painting created by Art Department Directors Richard “Dick” West Sr., a Cheyenne, and Acee Blue Eagle, a Muskogee (Creek). Director Ruthie Blalock Jones carried the style into the 21st century.

Bacone Memorial Chapel’s steeple caught fire in 1991, and the church was razed to the foundation and rebuilt. The stone foundation remains from the orig-

inal church. However, lost were artworks and stained glass windows by Bacone’s great artists.

The Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee is named after a 1938 graduate of Bacone College who received the Medal of Honor in World War II. Other notable alumni include former State Sen. Enoch Kelly Haney, an artist and sculptor; Crow tribal historian, author and war chief Joseph Medicine Crow; and professional football player Don Chandler.

Many of the buildings on campus are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, Bacone College, while respectful and appreciative of its roots and history, is moving away from the Christian college model to non-secular instruction in hopes of becoming a Tribal College under the Bureau of Indian Education. Four tribes charter the college today: the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, Kiowa Tribe, Osage Nation, and Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.

Bacone College students and faculty gather on the steps in this 1910 photo. (BACONE COLLEGE/Submitted)

Renowned Bacone Art Director Woody Crumbo stands by one of the stained glass windows in the Bacone College Chapel.

The windows were destroyed in a 1991 fire.

(BACONE COLLEGE/Submitted)

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GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

Bacone College students join the processional in the Class of 2018 commencement.

Ceremonies are often held in front of historic Bacone Chapel.

(File photo)

Education By the Numbers Student I nformation Number of Students:

Native American:

130

216

Male:

111

Female:

105

Students come from: In-State:

149

Mixed:

6

30

21

Hispanic:

8

Full time: 15

Undeclared:

Black: Total:

FACULTY INFORMATION

E THNIC IT Y:

White:

21

Male: 5

Female: 10

Adjunct: 27 Number and percentage of faculty members with doctorate degrees: 8, 53%

International:

8

Out of State:

59

Most popular majors Business (various concentrations), Criminal Justice, Exercise Science B UD G E T 2020:

$6,096,000 2021:

$4,396,000

Seminole/Muscogee (Creek) artist Enoch Kelly Haney, a Bacone College graduate, sculpted this Chickasaw Warrior statue for the Bacone campus. (File photo)

GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

37

Celebrate Muskogee all year long.

For details visit www.muskogeeonline.org

Azalea A Azz Festival F Fee t

MLK Parade & Celebration

April A 1-30 1-30

MLK CENTER JANUARY 17

CHILI C HILI AND BBQ A ND B BQ COOK-OFF C OOK-OFF MAY M A Y 113-14 3-14

lo oc ca al l l

mo ot tiio on n m

de ep po ot t d gr re ee en n g

38

GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

Founders’ Founder's Place Place Homes Tour Homes JuneTour 11 June 11

RODEO RODEO JULY 1-2 JULY 1-2

October

November

OKIE JEEP JAM OCTOBER 21-23

Christmas Lights on Depot Green

BALLOON BALLOON

FEST FEST

AUGUST 20-21 20-21 AUGUST

MUSKOGEE'S

150

Government G e t to k n o w y o u r l e a d e r s . . .

Muskogee City Council Tracy Hoos

Evelyn Hibbs

Dr. Tracy Hoos, 46, is a local pediatrician who was appointed in July 2020 to the Muskogee City Council as Ward IV representative. He succeeded Marlon Coleman, who was elected

by Muskogee voters to be the city’s first Black mayor.

Councilor Hoos was graduated in 1994 from Hilldale High School. He went on to earn degrees at Northeastern State University and Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency with the University of Oklahoma.

Hoos said he likes to barbecue, something for which he has earned several awards for his talent at barbecue competitions, including Exchange Club of Muskogee’s Chili and Barbecue Cook-Off. He also enjoys spending time with his family and pets.

He and his wife, Kristi, have two sons: Trey and Cadyn..

Evelyn Hibbs, 77, is a lifelong Muskogee resident. She is the executive director of Women in Safe Home (WISH). She has a son, Jamie Hibbs, who is married to Angela.

Her hobbies include rescuing animals, music and volunteering.

Gibbs said job creation Councilor is a crucially important issue facing our community. To address the situation, she would like to see the partnership with Muskogee City-County Port Authority and the City of Muskogee expand to attract industrial development.

She has served as a member of the Muskogee County Election Board and as chair of the Muskogee Medical Center Authority. She started WISH Inc., nearly 34 years ago to help victims of domestic violence.

Traci Lynn McGee

clude a monthly newsletter updating the residents on current city affairs.

Stephanie Morgan No information available.

Councilor

Jaime Lynn Stout Stout attended school at both Hilldale and Oktaha school districts.

She has an associate’s degree from Connors State College as well as a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Northeastern State University. She is employed Councilor with ORS Nasco as an information technology support analyst.

She also is actively involved with her church, Immanuel Baptist. She has served in leadership and volunteer roles in many community organizations serving with Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, Gospel Rescue Mission, Women in Safe Home, The Barracks and United Way Day of Caring. She is a councilor in Ward II.

Ward IV City Councilor Traci McGee, 54, is from Muskogee. She Ivory Vann graduated from MuskIvory Vann was born ogee High School in in Muskogee in 1957.

1983.

He attended Wheatley She is an entrepreElementary, Edison Eleneur and is owner/agent mentary, Alice Robertson of Act Now Insurance Junior High, Muskogee LLC. High School, then Her hobbies include Councilor Oklahoma State Univerreading the Bible, mensity, where he received a toring and rummage sales. degree in plumbing and She has one daughter, Brandi Nash. pipefitting. In his career, Councilor She said she believes the most important issue he worked for Garrett in Muskogee is transparency and accountability.

Plumbing, Muskogee Regional Medical Center, and She said the leader should be accountable for Alex Reynolds Fort Howard/Georgia-Pacific, and remains a city making decisions that affect residents because the Ward II Councilor and state licensed plumber. citizens have entrusted leaders to be responsible.

Alex Reynolds is owner Vann has four children: daughters Jacqueline and By being transparent it will allow residents to see and managing member Shabriel Vann, sons Ivory A. Vann and Michael that city government business is done in an open at Lakota Restaurant Vann. Vann is a member of Rayfield Baptist Church way without secrets, so that people can trust city Group, and he works at where he serves on the Usher Board, sings with the councilors.

Max’s Garage, a property Brothers in Christ Choir, and serves on the Pastor’s As Ward IV City councilor, McGee said she owned by the group in Aid Committee. Vann is a state delegate for the would show accountability to residents by keepdowntown Muskogee.

Democratic Party. He also is a member of Musking them informed and explaining the process.

Reynolds was seated as a ogee’s Rotary Club where he serves on the Board She said she plans to hold community meetings city councilor in Novemof Directors. He is president of the Robison Park to keep residents informed. She plans to create a ber 2019 after his predeCouncilor Community Association. Reach Ward III Councilor working relationship with residents and will create cessor’s withdrawal from Vann at ivann@muskogeeonline.org. an email subscription for residents that will inthe 2020 election and drawing no other challengers.

GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

39

Government M u s k og e e C i t y Co u n c i l c o n t i n u e d Reynolds is an advocate for downtown Muskogee businesses and believes the city is well-positioned to capitalize on medical marijuana and the hemp industry. That could extend, he said, to recreational marijuana in the future if the politics of pot play out as he anticipates they will at the federal level.

“Merle Haggard made us famous as the city that didn’t, and now all of a sudden we did — that gives us some unique marketing opportunities,” Reynolds said in 2019 while seeking a variance for a growing and processing business on West Okmulgee Avenue. He credited city officials for quickly adopting sensible zoning and business permitting ordinances.

“Our property, our farmland, our real estate values for purchase and rent are some of the cheapest in the United States — we have a real opportunity here.”

Derrick Reed

Councilor

Reed won election in 2012 and took over the seat of Robert Perkins.

In addition to his backing from labor supporters, Reed credited Perkins for his win.

Reed said Perkins groomed him for the city council.

Reed, who oversees

various programs at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, referenced the date of his victory with that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last public speech before he was slain by an assassin. In that speech is remembered the phrase, “I’ve been to the mountain top.”

It was April 3, 1968, when Dr. King gave his last public speech. On April 3, 2012, Reed stood in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center giving his victory speech. Reach Ward III Councilor Reed at dreed@muskogeeonline.org.

Mayor Marlon J. Coleman The Rev. Marlon Joseph Coleman is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. He was unanimously elected pastor of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, now known as Antioch, the Temple of Hope, in Muskogee, where he faithfully serves. He Mayor completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Later, he went on to study at the Andersonville Theological Seminary where he obtained the Master of Theology Degree and then the Doctorate of Theology Degree in

Pastoral Care. He also completed the Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix.

Professionally, Coleman has served in several management positions with federal government with the U.S. Department of Agriculture across the country and with the Veterans Affairs as the physician recruiter at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee, where he retired from federal service after serving 22 years. Enjoying the calling to teach and serve the people of God, Coleman was selected to serve as an instructor at the historic Washington Baptist Seminary where he taught Homiletics and Systematic Theology. He is an adjunct professor with Connors State College.

Coleman assists the community by serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce. He also is a member of the Lake Area United Way Community Investment Board, committee member for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, board member for Neighbors Building Neighborhoods, steering committee member of Action in Muskogee (AIM), National Action Network, and chairman of Religious Affairs for the Muskogee NAACP. He is the National Youth director for the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America and gives leadership to several national and regional youth and civic organizations. Reach Ward IV Councilor Coleman at mcoleman@muskogeeonline.org.

G e t to k n o w y o u r l e a d e r s . . .

Muskogee County Commissioners Kenny Payne

guns and spending time with family.

County Commissioner, District 3

Keith Hyslop

HOMETOWN: Muskogee.

FAMILY: Wife, Stephanie Payne; two children, Tori and Tate.

OCCUPATION: Regional sales, Springfield Grocer Co. EDUCATION: Northeastern State University, safety and education.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Timothy Baptist Church.

HOBBIES: My children’s activities, classic cars and trucks, and golfing.

Ken Doke County Commissioner, District 1.

HOMETOWN: Muskogee.

FAMILY: Wife, Jodi; three children,

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GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

County Commissioner, District 2.

Commissioner Kenny Payne

Commissioner Ken Doke

Kaje, Kensli Faith, and Jenlee Hope.

OCCUPATION: Vice president, business development director at Arvest Bank in Muskogee.

EDUCATION: University of Phoenix,

Commissioner Keith Hyslop

bachelor’s degree in business administration.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: New Hope Assembly of God. HOBBIES: Hunting, fishing, shooting

HOMETOWN: Webbers Falls.

OCCUPATION: County Commissioner, District 2; construction inspector, project manager.

FAMILY: Wife: Tamra Hyslop; Daughters: Lauren Harris, Ashley Beard, Celeste Reaves, Ashton Burleson; Son, Richard Burleson Jr.; five grandchildren.

EDUCATION: High school graduate; numerous state certifications for roads and bridges.

HOBBIES: Work, spending time with family.

Government G e t to k n o w y o u r l e a d e r s . . .

Public Safety City of Muskogee Emergency Management

Address: 220 State St., #20, Muskogee, OK 74402 Mailing address: P.O. Box 2274, Muskogee, OK 74402 E-mail: mcem@ readymuskogee.org

Director: Tyler Evans Phone: (918) 684-6295 Fax: (918) 684-6316 E-mail: EmergencyManagement@ Tyler Evans Jeff Smith muskogeeonline.org Address: 229 W. Okmulgee Chief: Jody Moore — (918) Police Department Ave. 684-6252 Mailing address: P.O. Box 1927, Chief: Johnny Teehee — (918) Fax: (918) 684-6253 Muskogee, OK 74402-1927 683-8000 E-Mail: fire@muskogeeonline.

112 S. Third St., Muskogee, org Muskogee County OK 74402 Emergency Management Fax: (918) 680-3197 Fire Department E-mail: MPD@muskogeepd.org Stations Director: Jeff Smith — (918) 682-2551 1. 515 Columbus St. Fire Department Fax: (918) 684-1699 3. 2603 Border St.

Johnny Teehee

Jody Moore

Laurel Havens

4. 100 S. Country Club Road 5. 1706 N. York St. 6. 513 E. Peak Blvd.

7. 200 North 40th St.

0130 Address: 200 Callahan St., Muskogee, OK 74403 Email: laurelh@mcems.us

Muskogee County Emergency Medical Service

Oklahoma Highway Patrol

Executive Director: Laurel Havens, NREMT-P — (918) 683-

Address: 1806 N. York St., Muskogee, OK 74403 Phone: (918) 683-3256

G e t to k n o w y o u r l e a d e r s . . .

State Elected Officials Dewayne Pemberton

District 9 Oklahoma Senator (R-Muskogee)

HOMETOWN: Cabot, Arkansas.

FAMILY: Wife, Claire Pemberton; three sons, Matt, Ben, and Adam Pemberton; six grandchildren.

OCCUPATION: Retired educator.

EDUCATION: University of Central Arkansas, bachelor’s degree with a double major in social studies and health-physical education; University of Arkansas-Little Rock; Northeastern State University, master’s degree in education administration; Oklahoma State UniversityTulsa, principal and superintendent specialist certification.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: St. Joseph Catholic Church.

HOBBIES: Hunting, fishing and playing with grandchildren.

CAPITOL ADDRESS: 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 427; Oklahoma City, OK 73105; (405) 521-5533; pemberton@ oksenate.gov Executive Assistant: Peggy White.

(405) 521-5533

Senator Dewayne Pemberton

Representative Chris Sneed

EDUCATION: Graduate of Hulbert High School; Attended Murray State College and Northeastern State University.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Christian; Member Muskogee First Assembly.

HOBBIES: Hunting, watching college football and baseball, playing golf.

CAPITOL ADDRESS: 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd.; Room 300C; Oklahoma City, OK 73105; (405) 557-7310.

Legislative Assistant: Chris Morriss (405) 557-7310

Avery Frix District 13 Oklahoma Representative (R-Muskogee)

HOMETOWN: Muskogee.

FAMILY: Parents, Kem and Paige Frix.

Chris Sneed OCCUPATION: President, Oxford Productions Inc.; vice president, Frix Construction Co. District 14 Oklahoma Representative (R-Fort Gibson) EDUCATION: University of Oklahoma, bachelor’s HOMETOWN: Fort Gibson. degree in business administration, accounting.

FAMILY: Wife, Joie Sneed; three children: Summer RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: First Baptist Church of Brock, Cody Sloan and Keaton Sloan; one grandchild.

Muskogee.

OCCUPATION: Business owner, Chris Sneed Insurance. HOBBIES: Watching Hilldale Hornets play football.

Representative Avery Frix

Representative Randy Randleman

CAPITOL ADDRESS: 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd.; Room 328B; Oklahoma City, OK 73105; (405) 557-7302 Legislative Assistant: Vicki Adams (405) 557-7302

Randy Randleman District 15 Oklahoma Representative (R-Eufaula)

HOMETOWN: Eufaula.

FAMILY: Wife, Jennifer; Children: Brandon, Chad, Jordan, Zachary, Rhea; Grandchildren: Julianne, Tinley, Case.

OCCUPATION: Licensed psychologist.

EDUCATION: Associate’s degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M; Bachelor’s degree from University of Tulsa; Master’s degree from Northeastern State University; Ph.D from Oklahoma State University.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Community Culture Church, Eufaula.

HOBBIES: Love to draw and travel; like to use my bulldozer, it’s relaxing; hunting, fishing.

CAPITOL ADDRESS: 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd.; Room 302; Oklahoma City, OK 73105; (405) 557-7375 Legislative Assistant: Kaley Mills (405) 557-7375

GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

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BUYING A HOME CAN HELP

Inflation is something most people haven’t thought much about since 1982. The United States has enjoyed a 40 year period of mild inflation. Today inflation is all over the news. Energy, food and housing prices are all moving up. Home mortgage rates are about 1.0% higher than last year. Many people expect the Federal Reserve will raise the key overnight rate 5-7 times over the next 2 years resulting in an additional 1-2% increase in most borrowing rates. The average sale price of homes sold in Muskogee in 2021 increased 22% compared to 2020. If all of that sounds scary, here are some things to keep in mind: 1. The US Consumer Price Index rose 7.9% for the year ended in February, 2022. If the inflation rate remains steady over the next couple of years and your mortgage interest rate is 4.5% then your real interest rate on your mortgage is -3.4%. 2. If you choose to rent instead of buy, over time your cost for housing will be considerably more than if you can lock in a low, fixed rate today. 3. The value of the home you purchase today should rise with the rate of inflation protecting you now and in the future.

Karen Cox

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GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

Brandi Cook

FIGHT RISING INFLATION

I recently spent some time with a customer that has lived in Muskogee for 3 years. He is moving from a rental into a home he is purchasing here. He told me that he was previously living in Dallas and his company offered him a job at their Muskogee location.

He was eager to accept the position to get out of Dallas and into a smaller town. He likes that it only takes him a few minutes to get to work and finds that he can get most things he needs locally. He prefers Muskogee because it’s quiet and safe compared to other places he has lived. I have seen significantly more people moving into Muskogee from out of state in the last couple years. I think what those people have taught us is how to see the value in the land and homes we have. What seemed like a high price a year ago would be a great buy today. If purchasing a home is something you would like to consider, find a Realtor and you’ll find a partner that can give you information, help you find the home that is right for you and help you find your shelter from the storm.

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GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

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Services L a k e A r e a U n i t e d Way S e rv i c e O r g a n i z at i o n s Boys & Girls Club of Tahlequah Provides youth development to Cherokee County youth by working to inspire, educate, and empower kindergarten-eighth graders to realize their full potential as productive and responsible citizens in a safe and fun environment. www.tahlequahbgca.org (918) 456-6888.

Courtney Hammons and John Tyler Hammons bring their dogs to the Walk in Her Shoes event, held Thursday in downtown Muskogee.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma Girl scouting equips young girls in making better life choices by developing leadership, confidence, and girls of courage through a variety of scouting programs. www.gseok.org (918) 6837738.

Muskogee County Council of Youth Services — MCCOYS Provides guidance and character building programs in two United Way funded areas; 1) supervised community experiences for youth and young adults working within the judicial system, and 2) in-school “Lifeskills” training for 6-8th graders at Braggs, Okay and Muskogee Public Schools. www.mccys. org (918) 682-2841.

United Methodist Children’s Home Provides a spectrum of transitional living assistance into early adulthood for at-risk high school and college-aged youth through an independent living program to better equip them in making their way into the adult world. (918) 456-6166.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library Provides age appropriate books to children ages 0-5 years of age each month to boost children during the early formative years and put them on a path towards a successful education. www. lakeareaunitedway.org (918) 682-1364.

American Red Cross A volunteer led humanitarian organization. United Way support touches lives daily with relief to victims of disasters as well as emergency and prevention/preparedness training. www. oklahomaredcross.org (918) 682-1366.

Hope House of Cherokee County 44

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Helping people help themselves by providing a supportive network of services and providers such as emergency food, shelter, and utility assistance to aid individuals and families in becoming self-sufficient. (918) 456-4673.

Volunteers of America – RSVP (Retired Seniors Kelly B. Todd Cerebral Palsy Volunteer Program) & Neuro-muscular Center Creates opportunities for senior

456-8788.

Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma

Provides children and adults with motor deficit or developmental delays physical therapy to enhance mobility and interaction with friends and family. www.kbtoddcpcenter.org (918) 683-4621.

Providing high-quality civil legal services to lower income and elderly residents. www.legalaidok.org (918) 6835681.

Kids’ Space – Muskogee County Child Advocacy Center

CASA for Children in Muskogee — Court Appointed Special Advocates CASA recruits, screens, trains, and supports community volunteers to advocate in the best interests of children involved in juvenile cases of neglect and abuse in Muskogee, Wagoner and Sequoyah district courts. www.casaok.org (918) 686-8199.

CASA of Cherokee Country Advocating as a voice for children who enter the court system as a result of abuse and/or neglect by providing trained volunteers to speak independently for the best interests of the children. www.oklahomacasa.org (918)

Provides a child-friendly environment for the intervention, assessment, and investigation needed to assist with prosecution, treatment and prevention of physically and sexually abused children. Provides educational and child protective classes. www.kidsspacemuskogee.org (918) 682-4204.

citizens to remain actively engaged in their communities through volunteer services in a variety of organizations ranging from hospitals to youth centers by utilizing their time and talents in service to others. www.voaok.org (918) 683-1578.

Women In Safe Home — WISH Provides shelter, counseling, and support services to victims of domestic violence, rape, and adult survivors of child sexual assault or harassment in order to achieve safety, survival, recovery, empowerment and rehabilitation to women and children coping with domestic violence. (918) 682-7879.

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45

Health & Wellness Saint Francis plans expansion

By Cathy Spaulding

Muskogee Phoenix

H

ealth care has gone through many changes since Muskogee General Hospital opened at 300 Rockefeller Drive in 1959.

The hospital later was named Muskogee Regional Medical Center.

Capella Healthcare acquired MRMC in 2007. Out of the acquisition, Capella Healthcare entered into an agreement with the Muskogee Regional Health Center Trust Authority, a public trust, to lease Muskogee Regional Medical Center for a term of 40 years. City officials created the City of Muskogee Foundation in 2008 as a nonprofit corporation from the net proceeds of this lease.

In November 2012, MRMC merged with the former Muskogee Community Hospital to form Eastar Health System.

Saint Francis Health System acquired the hospital in 2017, bringing even more change and growth.

“Our total investments to date in capital improvement is $85 million,” said Saint Francis Muskogee President Michele Keeling. “This represents improvements to the facility’s roof, air handling, hot water heaters. There’s new technology, state of the art imaging equipment, cath (catheterization) lab, which represents $30 million. In workforce development, in addition to new jobs, we have been able to invest $25 million in wage adjustments to compete with larger urban areas.”

Keeling said the radiology department has almost an entire suite of

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GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

In this 2012 photo, Officials, from, left, Muskogee Regional Medical Center Medical Staff President Dr. Dwayne Atwell, left, Eastar Health System Board Chair Kathy Hewitt, Capella Healthcare CEO Dan Slipkovich, Connors State College President Tim Faltyn and Dr. Timothy Holder unveil a new name and mission for the hospital. (File photo)

new radiology equipment, including a new X-ray and a new MRI machine.

Another MRI machine has been ordered, she said.

The hospital added robotic surgery in 2018, and obtained a surgical robot for the operating room within the past year, she said.

Saint Francis Muskogee has committed to even more growth.

The health care system will add a seven-story tower, containing more than 125 patient rooms, to its existing hospital within four years.

Keeling said the addition offers “a tremendous opportunity for growth in new jobs and services.”

The expansion will add at least 245,000 square feet and will feature a new lobby and waiting area for families, as well as a new chapel.

“The rooms are much bigger, so we’ll be able to have a sofa in the room and be able to have more guests, “ she said. New rooms will have larger windows for more natural light. The rooms also will have more mechanical support for negative air flow, which is important for respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and tuberculosis.

Emergency and critical care services also will expand, she said.

“Right now, the ER is kind of landlocked because the critical care

area is to the south,” she said. “We are going to move critical care to the new buildings.”

This means more critical care rooms with advanced technology, Keeling said. Once critical care moves to the new unit, the emergency room will expand to a new space with better ambulance access, she said.

The addition sends a message to Muskogee, even as other rural hospitals close, Keeling said.

“It says we’re committed forever, for the long haul,” Keeling said.

“We’re building this because we’re certain that the future of Muskogee is bright.”

Health & Wellness

Expansion plans for Saint Francis Muskogee Hospital include a seven-story tower and more than 125 new patient rooms. (ST. FRANCIS HEALTH SYSTEMS/Submited)

New operating room technology in place at Saint Francis Muskogee hospital incorporates robotics. (LYNN CASEY/Submitted)

Saint Francis Muskogee hospital will have a new chapel and a modern new look along with a seven-story expansion. (SAINT FRANCIS HEALTH SYSTEMS/Submitted)

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Health & Wellness H e a lth C a r e Fa c i l i t i e s Saint Francis Muskogee Address: 300 Rockefeller Drive.

Phone: (918) 682-5501.

Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee is made up of more than 140 providers and 320 beds. The community hospital serves a seven-county area and is one of Muskogee’s top employers.

In April 2017, Eastar Health System and affiliated clinics became part of Saint Francis Health System.

Along with Warren Clinic physician offices, Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee provide area residents with quality care and expanding services.

As part of Saint Francis Health System, patients in Muskogee and the surrounding communities have access to continuum of care and services offered by eastern Oklahoma’s largest health care network.

Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center Address: 1011 Honor Heights Drive.

Phone: (918) 577-3000.

The Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System consists of a Joint Commission accredited, complexity Level 2 medical center in Muskogee that serves veterans in 25 counties of eastern Oklahoma. The 89-bed facility offers primary and secondary levels of inpatient medical and surgical care, as well as an inpatient rehabilitation and inpatient behavioral health unit.

As part of the Rocky Mountain Network (VISN 19), EOVAHCS has ready access to seven sister facilities for referral, although it uses the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center for the majority of its tertiary services. EOVAHCS also operates three community-based outpatient clinics that provide primary and

Cherokee Nation Three Rivers Clinic performs more than 2 million outpatient visits.

Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center offers primary and secondary levels of inpatient medical and surgical care, as well as an inpatient rehabilitation and inpatient behavioral health unit.

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Health & Wellness

Saint Francis Hospital is a community hospital that serves a seven-county area. consultative care in medicine, surgery and mental health in Tulsa, Hartshorne and Vinita. In addition, they operate a Behavioral Medicine Clinic in Muskogee that provides outpatient therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse, and a Behavioral Medicine Clinic in Tulsa that provides outpatient mental health therapy and substance abuse

treatment.

Cherokee Nation Three Rivers Clinic Address: 1001 S. 41st St. E. Phone: (918) 781-6500.

Cherokee Nation Health Services, a division of Cherokee Nation, is a medical facility that provides nursing,

nutritional, emergency medical, and behavioral and community health services. The center also offers treatment solutions for cancer and diabetes.

Cherokee Nation Health Services performs more than 2 million outpatient visits. It works with communities, families and individuals. The center additionally specializes in the areas of dentistry, radiology, optome-

try and tobacco cessation. Cherokee Nation Health Services provides the Healthy Nation Program. It also maintains a residential adolescent treatment center and offers disease prevention services. The center operates a WINGS Activity Club.

Cherokee Nation Health Services also provides a cancer prevention program.

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Quality of Life

Parks improve, grow

Brooke Kilgore of Coweta shoots a photograph in the Beatrice Sheddan Children’s Garden, part of the Honor Heights Park Papilion. The garden and Papilion are part of the evolution of Honor Heights Park. (File photo) Former Honor Heights Park Naturalist Tom Roberts looks at one of the stone benches and tables the Works Progress Administration built at Honor Heights Park during the Depression. WPA workers also build a shady stone pavilion at Elliott Park. (File photo)

By Cathy Spaulding

Muskogee Phoenix

L

eaders throughout Muskogee’s history have pushed for parks.

“We have nice-sized parks for a town our size,” said Muskogee Parks and Recreation Director Mark Wilkerson. “That’s partly due to the fact of early city leaders, who came from somewhere else, big cities in the east where they had grand parks. I think the desire for the city leaders to have a central park is probably why they worked towards Honor Heights Park, so we would have a regional park-like attraction.”

Honor Heights was established in 1909 on the north side of Agency Hill, after the city bought 40 acres from the Creek Nation, said Former Honor Heights Naturalist Tom Roberts. In 1911, a landscape architect was brought in from England to design the park.

One of his designs was the waterfall flowing down Agency Hill.

Works Projects Administration projects added during the 1930s enhanced Honor Heights and other Muskogee parks.

“A lot of the big boulders you see throughout the park were part of that,” he said.

“Those were all brought in on mule-driven wagon trains. All brought in by WPA workers.”

Boulders as big as a compact car were brought in by wagon train, Roberts said. The WPA built stone benches, picnic tables, even

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Parks and green spaces • Beckman Park, North 16th Street and West Broadway.

• Bill Pool Park, Gawf and Foltz lanes.

• Civitan Park, 3301 Gibson St. • Coody Creek Bark Park, 1121 S. Second St. • Depot Green, Third and Elgin streets.

• Douglas-Maxey Park, South Sixth Street and West Southside Boulevard.

• Elliott Park, Altamont Street and Tower Hill Boulevard.

• Gulick Park, South Seventh and Elgin streets.

• Honor Heights Park, Between Agency Hill and 48th Street.

• King Park, Gibson Street and East Side Boulevard.

• Langston Park, Euclid and Sandlow streets.

• Optimist Park, South F and Independence streets.

• Palmer Park, Honor Heights Drive and Denison Street.

• Robison Park, Augusta and Gulick streets.

• Rooney Park, 2300 Military Boulevard.

• Rotary Park, South 24th and Elgin streets.

• Spaulding Park, East Okmulgee Avenue and East Side Boulevard.

IN THE WORKS: Grandview Park, behind Hilldale Elementary School.

Quality of Life

A plaque honoring 1930s civic leaders T.J. and Willa Elliott (spelled “Willie” on the plaque) is on a boulder at Elliott Park, which bears their name. In the background is a playground the park shares with Sadler Arts Academy. (File photo)

stone grills along the Audubon Trail, which winds up the north side of the hill.

Honor Heights evolved over the years, installing newer playgrounds, azaleas and the Papilion and butterfly house.

Community leadership led the way for Elliott Park, which sits atop Tower Hill.

The 29-acre park, with its own pool, was dedicated in 1936 by Willa A. Elliott in memory of her husband, clothier T.J. Elliott.

“Willa Elliott created the swimming pool so Black kids could have a place to swim during segregation,” filmmaker and historian Ray said in a 2014 Muskogee Phoenix story.

She said children had been drowning at a nearby pond. Other pools, such as one at Spaulding Park, were segregated at the time.

Veterans and others salute the flag during a 2021 Veteran’s Day ceremony at Depot Green.

The green space has become a popular gathering and celebration space. (File photo)

The WPA built a stone pavilion overlooking the park. The pool was open until the 1990s. The park now has a splash pad and is the site of reunions and celebrations.

Other parks have interesting histories.

Civitan Park was originally surveyed by Daniel Boone’s son, Nathan. The park’s eastern boundary is the boundary of the Cherokee and Creek nations.

Spaulding Park’s Scout House once housed a tourist camp for people traveling along the Jefferson Highway, which ran from New Orleans to Winnipeg, Canada.

“Spaulding once had a band shell outside the swimming pool, a lot of famous people came to Muskogee and spoke from that band shell,” Wilkerson said.

Muskogee Parks and Recreation has grown and diversified with parks in all parts of the city and a trail system that stretches for miles.

Depot Green, a grassy space in Muskogee’s Depot District, has become a popular gathering place.

Muskogee boasts a Swim and Fitness Center, Senior Center and Teen Center.

“We continue to expand our programs out at Hatbox with different activities,” Wilkerson said, referring to the Hatbox Event Center.

The department awaits federal funding to start redeveloping Grandview Park, south of Hilldale Elementary School, into a park with bicycle trails and an adventure playground, Wilkerson said.

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Quality of Life

Bob Watts, left, stows his golf clubs while Steve Watson watches while playing Muskogee Golf Club’s ninth hole. The two veterans enjoyed free golf and lunch at the club. (File photo)

Muskogee Golf Club staying in fairway

By Cathy Spaulding

Muskogee Phoenix

M

uskogee Golf Club was founded on March 10, 1903, as the Muskogee Town and Country Club and was located on the outskirts of Fort Gibson where it occupied two buildings.

In the summer of 1907, the membership bought the hundred acre Garland farm, house and all, moving the Club to its current location and the golf course. Originally nine holes, it is the oldest course in the state still at its original site.

In 1970, the course hosted the U.S. Women’s

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Open, won by World Golf Hall of Famer Donna Caponi, the second of her back-to-back championships.

In 2016, the club house was renovated making room for Mawell’s and an event conference area.

Great detail was taken to refurbish and update the men’s and women’s locker rooms along with the pro shop and back patio, complete with fire pit.

The club periodically plays host to high school tournaments, including state regional qualifiers and since 2018, it has played host to the All Pro Tour.

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Quality of Life M u s kog e e C i t y Pa r k s

Matt Abel takes Schatzi, left, and Pancake for a walk at Honor Heights Park. Abel is president of Friends of Honor Heights and frequently walks his dogs there. (File photo)

Beckman Park North 16th Street and West Broadway

Located in the heart of Founders Place Historic District, this 3.7acre neighborhood park has a new playground, splash pad and picnic shelter.

Bill Pool Park Gawf and Foltz lanes

This 2.5-acre park in Phoenix Village has picnic tables, a playground, and a basketball court.

Civitan Park 3301 Gibson St.

Daniel Boone’s son, Nathan, originally surveyed this 43-acre hillside park across the street from the Oklahoma School for the Blind. The eastern

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boundary of the park is the boundary of the Cherokee and Creek Nations.

Amenities include a concrete trail that is .8 mile in length and is the meeting place for many regular park patrons. An 18-hole disc golf course is open to the public at no charge. There are picnic areas, playground, open play areas, and a historic shelter that is available by reservation.

Douglas-Maxey Park South Sixth Street and West Southside Boulevard

This 2-acre park was originally two separate parks. Now considered a single park, it has picnic areas, playground, open spaces, and a basketball court.

Elliott Park Altamont Street and Tower Hill

Boulevard

of Muskogee in 1909, Honor Heights Park has proven to be the “the crown One of Muskogee’s older historic parks, Elliott Park is situated on Tower jewel in Muskogee’s park system.”

The idyllic setting of this 132-acre Hill, the site of Muskogee’s first water park makes it attractive to visitors tower. This beautiful treed and teryear-round. There are many picnic raced 29-acre setting has picnic areas, playgrounds, lighted basketball courts, a areas, two picnic shelters, a pavilshelter that is available for reservation. ion, gazebos, and public restrooms.

You also will find activities such as During summer days the sprayground, fishing in five lakes and ponds from an interactive water playground, is in the shore of the fully accessible operation. fishing docks, playground, open play Gulick Park areas, three tennis courts, and a sand volleyball court. A splash pad located South Seventh and Elgin streets next to the playground area is in This 1-acre neighborhood park has operation May-September. Honshaded picnic areas, playground, and or Heights is home to three trails: open play areas.

Henry Bresser Nature Trail, the Honor Heights Park Audubon Trail, which is a favorite of local birders, and the half-mile Honor Heights Drive Stem Beach Trail which is a habit Originally purchased by the City

Quality of Life of local runners and walkers. Also home to the Conard Rose Garden, the C. Clay Harrell Arboretum, Art Johnson Memorial Dogwood Collection, Elbert L. Little Jr. Native Tree Collection, azalea gardens, floral gardens, white garden, and at the top of Agency Hill, you will find the Rainbow Division Memorial Amphitheater. Honor Heights Park also is home to the city’s largest festivals: The Azalea Festival and The Garden of Lights.

Love-Hatbox Sports Complex/Hatbox Field 34th and Arline streets

This 60-acre site is formerly a historic airport that had seen the likes of such people as Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart. Newly expanded and developed over the last several years, this complex is home to many leagues, tournaments, and individual users.

King Park

Gibson Street and East Side Boulevard

two fishing ponds.

This fenced park has a shaded picnic Robison Park area, playground and an open play area. Augusta and Gulick streets This park offers a playground and Langston Park sprayground with picnic areas, basketball courts, baseball/softball practice Euclid and Sandow streets area, and soccer goals. Walking trails This 2-acre park north of Shawnee and outdoor fitness equipment are Bypass has shaded picnic areas, a playground, an open area, and a basketball available, as well. court.

Rotary Park Optimist Park South 24th and Elgin streets Originally donated by the Rotary South F and Independence streets There is a shaded playground and picnic area in this 1.5-acre park.

There is also a ballfield and an open play area.

Club, this 3.5-acre park is home to a newly renovated playground and splash pad, picnic areas, open play area, pavilion, and two basketball courts.

Palmer Park Honor Heights Drive and Denison Street

Spaulding Park East Okmulgee and East Side Boulevard

This setting is home to 19 acres of This 2-acre park is named after early many amenities and some of the first Park Superintendent George Palmer. publicly planted trees in the city. There You will find shaded and sunny picnic are picnic areas, a playground, open areas, a playground, open play area, and play areas, fully accessible swimming

facility, tennis courts, the asphalt multipurpose Spaulding Trail, a picnic shelter (reservations available), a gazebo surrounded by the water of the park’s lake, two basketball courts, a fishing dock, and public restrooms.

Located directly next to the Parks and Recreation Administration offices.

Parks and Recreation Department Facilities River Country Water Park, 3600 Arline St. Honor Heights Park Papilion.

Georgia-Pacific Butterfly House open Mother’s Day through Sept.

30.

Love-Hatbox Sports Complex, 3601 Arline St. Muskogee Swim and Fitness Center, 566 N. Sixth St. (918) 6846304.

Source: City of Muskogee

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Jamie Powell, left, and his son Brayden sample a healthy snack from the TSET table at the 2021 National Night Out picnic at Robison Park. (File photo)

Shirley Hilton-Flanary Shirley@AmericanBankOK.com NMLS #704034 MOBILE: 918.231.7777 2401 Chandler Rd., Muskogee www.AmericanBankOK.com

GUIDE Muskogee | 2022

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