Let's Shop! | Chickasha's Shopping Guide

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IN THIS ISSUE

P.14

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 10 CHICKASHA CHARM 11

P.18

F E S T I VA L O F L I G H T 14 BEST OF OH18 NOMINEES 18 THE REASON WHY 24 LOCAL SHOPPING GUIDE 40

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SMALL TOWN STORIES 52 RECIPE 56

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W H AT I S O H 1 8 ?

Oh18 is all about the 73018 and surrounding areas. We love to promote living local by showing off our great shops, giving insight into local eats and highlighting live music and events.

Check out all the Oh18 area has to offer and live local, friends!

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SINGING LOUD Something about the air shifts this time of year, and no I am not talking about the cold. The holidays tend to bring the best out in people. Everyone is more cheerful, forgiving and relaxed.

I like to think it's because the holidays bring people together.

Unfortunately the opposite happens too - let's face it holidays can be stressful.

So, how can we combat the negative with positive actions?

You know I am going to say SHOP LOCAL because, well...this is a shop local guide and man are there some great finds in Chickasha (peep the Shopping Feature in this issue). But why do we always say shop local? Our local businesses are the heart of our community. These are the people we pass in the drop off lines at school, the ones who sponsor local activities and those who love serving our community. By shopping local, you are pouring your heart into the community and a community who works together is unstoppable. I'm proud to say Chickasha excels in this area.

Another way to combat negativity is if you think something positive, say it. It's that simple. Let's not rob others of the blessing they can receive by giving a kind word. If you haven't joined Chickasha's Positively Speaking Facebook page, I urge you to check it out. Our town is full of great things, movement in the right direction and a desire to make improvements. Change takes time, but it's important to celebrate the little wins along the way.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Kristen McGregor COPY EDITOR Kristyn Allbritton PHOTOGRAPHY Kristyn Allbritton DESIGN & LAYOUT Kristen McGregor

Like a wise elf once said, "the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

Let's sing, Chickasha.

Kristyn Allbritton Kristyn Allbritton Co-Owner, Oh18

Livin' Local Were you at the Homecoming Parade this year? It was packed! Seeing so many people lined up waiting was exciting! Don't forget to mark your calendar for our BIG Christmas Parade!

ON THE COVER Jay's Jewelry Life in Bloom Okie Mountain Trading Co. Wheeler Farms Meat & Market Ross Seed Co. Two Vets Clothing Co.

ADVERTISING Interested in placing an ad in the next issue of Oh18 Magazine?

Please contact us at oh18.livelocal@gmail.com or call us for more information at 405.219.4397.

©Copyright 2024 Oh18 Publishing and Oh18 Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced without prior written consent of Publisher. Oh18 Magazine is published bimonthly and distributed in Chickasha.

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER C A L E N DA R O F E V E N T S

11/1 USAO Women's Volleyball USAO 11/1 Tim Brauer* Shakespeare Wine Company 11/1 Billy Joe Tribute* Legends Pubhouse & Venue 11/1 - 11/2 Christmas Expressions Arts & Crafts Festival Chickasha First

11/9 Def Legends & Monkey Business* Legends Pubhouse & Venue 11/9 Chelsea Cummings* Shakespeare Wine Company 11/9 Leg Lamp Fashion Show The Stage 11/9 Super Fight Night Grady County Fairgrounds

11/2 Coffee with Cops Viridian Coffee

11/9 - 11/10 A-OK Alpaca Blast-Off Show Grady County Fairgrounds

11/2 Jack Smiley* Shakespeare Wine Company

11/10 Pinewood Derby Grady County Fairgrounds

11/2 Christy Bryant & Twist of Fate* Legends Pubhouse & Venue

11/14 - 11/17 Sooner Circuit of Dog Show Grady County Fairgrounds

11/2 - 11/3 OK JH & HS Joint Rodeo Grady County Fairgrounds

11/15 SHIM* Legends Pubhouse & Venue

11/4 Operation Greenlight Ceremony Grady County Courthouse

11/15 ES Walker & Uncle D* Shakespeare Wine Company

11/7 LILIAC & 9 Left Dead* Legends Pubhouse & Venue 11/7 Moonshine Bandits* Legends Pubhouse & Venue 11/8 Cody Lane* Shakespeare Wine Company

11/22 - 12/31 Festival of Light Shannon Springs Park Sun-Thurs 6-10pm Fri-Sat 6-11pm 10 \ \ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024

11/15 - 11/16 OHCE Celebration of Crafts Grady County Fairgrounds 11/16 Noise Pollution - ACDC* Legends Pubhouse & Venue 11/16 Jeff Butler* Shakespeare Wine Company

12/1-2, 8-9 & 15-16 Santa's Bus Shuttle to FOL 100 W Chickasha Ave 5:30-10:30pm

11/22 Asa Davidson* Shakespeare Wine Company 11/22 Pink Friday Event Tammie's Bling Boutique 11/22 - 11/24 Barrel Race Grady County Fairgrounds 11/23 Wing T's Christmas Reveal Legends Pubhouse & Venue 11/23 Dani Carson* Shakespeare Wine Company 11/29 Brad Good* Shakespeare Wine Company 11/30 OK Hereford Association Grady County Fairgrounds 11/30 Toby Wayne* Shakespeare Wine Company 12/1 Grinch Whobalation Event Tammie's Bling Boutique 12/4 Quilted Coat Class Wagon Wheel Ranch Retreat 12/5 Legit Kits Retreat Wagon Wheel Ranch Retreat 12/5 - 12/8 SCROOGE! (play) Chickasha Community Theatre 12/6 Plainview Mennonite Chili Supper Grady County Fairgrounds

Charm

CHICKASHA

with Cheyenne Belew, Storytime Books 12/6 Jake & Elwood Blues Tribute* Legends Pubhouse & Venue 12/6 Dani Carson* Shakespeare Wine Company 12/7 Christmas Parade Chickasha Avenue 12/7 Tim Brauer* Shakespeare Wine Company 12/13 Adam Cereal & Nathan RedElk* Shakespeare Wine Company 12/14 Wine & Craft Festival Grady County Fairgrounds 12/14 Frank Ryan* Shakespeare Wine Company 12/14 - 12/15 Central 4D Barrel Race Grady County Fairgrounds 12/20 Kiss Tribute & Santa's Workshop* Legends Pubhouse & Venue 12/20 Nicki Jackson* Shakespeare Wine Company 12/21 ES Walker & Uncle D* Shakespeare Wine Company 12/31 1940s New Years Bash* Shakespeare Wine Company

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK OR VISIT OH18MAGAZINE.COM/EVENTS FOR UP-TO-DATE EVENTS

What's your favorite place in town?

Downtown Chickasha Avenue is definitely my favorite place in town. It has a cool Hallmark feel to it with its little shops and historic buildings.

What makes this place your favorite spot in town?

All the unique small businesses and sense of small town community are wrapped up on this one street.

What was your first impression when you visited?

My first visit was to the Christmas lights in the park about 15 years ago and I was over the moon! I came with the group, Young Moms with Kids, from our church and we were really impressed with the organization and presentation of the lights. With organizations and businesses sponsoring different light displays, it was evident the community had come together to make the lights happen. Our kids were completely in awe. They had never seen anything like it. Our experience made that Christmas especially memorable.

What unique features or qualities does this place have that made it stand out to you?

It has an especially friendly small town vibe that I think is unique to Oklahoma. It's small enough to be intimate, yet large enough to support small businesses.

What would you recommend others try or do when they visit?

When people ask about Chickasha, I recommend perusing the downtown businesses first. It seems like there's always that one special item you're surprised to find. My second recommendation is to see the lights in the park if they're here at Christmas time. Third, I think the USAO campus is fun and educational to visit because of its unique history as a former women's college. It's certainly a must!

*Live Music NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024 // 11

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Over 30 years ago, Eddie Binyon had a little idea to share the spirit of Christmas with his community. By 1992 a nonprofit was formed and the community hit the ground running. Festival of Light had its grand opening in 1993 and has been flourishing ever since.

Every year volunteers transform the 43 acre park into a beautiful interactive light display

We invite you to join us for the Festival of Light Nov 22 - Dec 31!

The name Festival of Light is quite special. Light is singular because it’s referring to the one light of the world and what Christmas is all about.

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with over 3.5 million lights. That’s right - from putting the lights up, greeting at the entrance and exit, take down and so much more is handled by volunteers in the Chickasha community and something we are very proud of. Even our light displays are sponsored by local businesses.

Entering the 32nd year, the Festival of Light has something for everyone. Most of your favorite activities have returned along with a few new attractions! Enjoy standing under our 172ft lighted Christmas tree, ice skating, food and more.

The 2024 holiday season, Festival of Light is excited to introduce the expansion of North Pole Village! Located north of the dam bridge will be a little village for children to play, new displays, Santa’s hut and even more food trucks!

Festival of Light’s mission statement is founded on viewing Christmas through the eyes of a child, which is why this event is always free and open to all. Come experience the magic and spirit of Christmas at Shannon Springs Park.

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adult single ticket $25 K-12 Students FREE usao.edu/dwpas

Tickets for Kuniko Yamamoto are available at the door only

Best of Oh18

awards

The nominations have been submitted and now it's finally time to vote for the Best of Oh18 Awards!

Here's how it works.

1. Select your favorite business, organization or individual for each category.

2. One vote per person in each category please!

3. Check out the January/February issue of Oh18 Magazine for a list of the 1st ever winners of the Best of Oh18 Awards.

Voting will begin November 1st and run through December 10th.

Vote now!

nominees ANNUAL EVENT

• Rock Island Arts Festival • Food Truck Championship • Festival of Light

LOCAL BAND

• The Imaginaries • Dollar.98 • Justus & The Hometown Revival

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

• Legends Pubhouse & Venue • Shakespeare Wine Co • The Stage (at Flower Shop/Brandi's)

AUTO REPAIR

• Auto Works • Pro Auto Care • Todd's Muffler & Auto Repair

DRINKS

• Brandi's Bar & Grill • Interurban • Shakespeare Wine Co

EATS

• Brandi's Bar & Grill • Flower Shop Winery & Pizzeria • Interurban

APPAREL STORE

• Brink's Downtown Boutique • Tammie's Bling • The Southern Blossom Boutique

GIFTS & HOME STORE

• Okie Mountain Trading Co • Perrefitte Home & Gifts • Ross Seed Co

VOTING ENDS DECEMBER 10TH

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024 // 19

FLORIST

• Kendall's Flowers & Gifts • Life in Bloom Florals

MEDICAL PRACTICE/PROFESSIONAL

• 29th Street Dental • Abby Housman, D.O., • Chris Ludwell, Ludwell Chiropractic

EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL

• Laura Martin, Chickasha Public Schools • Jennifer Phillips, Chickasha Public Schools • Valarie Walker, Pioneer Schools

FAMILY FUN

• Chief Drive-In • Jungle Ice Fun Zone • Shannon Springs Park

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS/INDIVIDUAL

• CMS Willowbrook • JR's Diversified Fencing • Walsh Development

FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL(S)

• Amber Goodrich, Arvest Bank • Jamie Henderson, Ross & Henderson Pllc • Sanders, Welch, Wallis & Holten PC

SALON/SPA

• Beauty Bar & Boutique • J Danielle Salon & Color Studio • Nailynn Beauty and Spa

BUSINESS OWNER

• Brandi Terry, Brandi's Bar & Grill • Lora Gerstner, Rock Island Candy Co • Josh Woods, Interurban

BARTENDER

• Gisela Alonzo, Interurban • Leah McConnell, Brandi's Bar & Grill • Tara Rudick, Shakespeare Wine Co

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BAKER

• Bakerz Dozen, Kenzee Baker • Cookies by Jamie, Jamie Duncan • Dana's Cakes

PERSONAL TRAINER

• Ashley Kulhman • Blake Taylor • Danny Freeman

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

• Junior Social Workers • CASA • Salvation Army

BEST NEW BUSINESS 2024

• DD's Nutrition • FireHouse Nutrition • Luigi's Cucina Italiana

REALTOR

• Amanda Bertelli, Eastwood Realty Group • Rebecca Owens, Downtown Realty Group • Suehzen Mosley, Century 21

PUBLIC SERVANT

• Daniel Ramirez, Grady County Sheriff • Gary Boggess, Grady County Sheriff • Jimmy Blue, Chickasha Fire Department • Terry Alexander, Grady County Sheriff

BEST MURAL/ART INSTALLMENTS

• Land I Love Mural • Leg Lamp • Shakespeare Mural

VOTING ENDS DECEMBER 10TH NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024 // 21

THE REASON WHY

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T H E I M P OR TA NC E OF S HOPPI NG L O CA L

Shopping locally also has a personal impact on the families who own these businesses. Behind every purchase is a family directly affected. Your choice to buy locally might mean an owner can afford to expand their shop or hire employees allowing them a little time with their families. These decisions ripple out, affecting not just the present but future generations who may take over the family business someday; carrying on the tradition of serving the community.

On the flip side, when we choose to shop elsewhere, especially online or at big chains, it can be difficult for local businesses to compete. The result is often heartbreaking— families who’ve poured their lives into their shops might be forced to close. And when those doors close, a piece of the community’s history and character goes with them. By shopping local, you're helping preserve our rich history and ensuring these businesses can continue to serve our community for many generations to come.

ASHA

CHICK

Many of these business owners are more than just shopkeepers—they are your neighbors, friends and active members of the community. They’ve likely supported your sports teams, sponsored events or pitched in when the community needed them most. For them, running a business isn’t just about making a living; it’s about making the place they live better for everyone. By supporting these shop owners, you’re helping them continue to pour into our town, and you’re strengthening the bonds which make the Chickasha community a truly special place.

EST

2024

When you shop local, you're doing more than just making a purchase—you’re contributing to the heartbeat of our community. Local businesses are often passed down through generations, built with the love and hard work of families who have lived in the area for years. Every time you choose to shop at one of these businesses, you’re helping keep those family legacies alive. The money you spend stays in our community, supports local jobs, schools and other services which keep this town thriving.

THINK BIG SHOP SMALL SUPPORT LOCAL

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024 // 25

JAY'S JEWELRY

M E E T T H E OW N E R S Jason and Kristy Jarnagin own one of the staple businesses in Chickasha, Jay's Jewelry. This couple cares deeply about their family, friends and their community. Their deep roots have created a long-standing business invested in much more than handcrafting the most perfect jewelry.

EST

History Here

ASHA

1948

In 1981, Jason and Kristy began working in Jason's familyan opportunity to move the store to Kristy's hometown of Chickasha in 1982. After Willowbrook Construction Co.

renovated the Kress building in downtown Chickasha, they were offered the corner space in the Downtown Mall which housed six stores. Today, they can still be found in the corner space along with their son Jacoby, who is now a 3rd generation jeweler and

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owned jewelry store in Jason's hometown, Anadarko, with

wife Krystal. Next door you will also find their home and gift store Okie Mountain Trading Co. which opened in 2019.

Why Chickasha?

Chickasha is Kristy's hometown and where the Jarnigan's have created a family community. They, along with daughter Kassity, her husband and two children and son Jacoby, his wife and two children, are invested in this community where they not only have business partners, friends and neighbors, but have a long legacy with their family.

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YEARS IN BUSINESS

327 W Chickasha Ave, Ste 1 | (405) 224-9021 | jaysjewelry.com

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TAMMIE'S BLING 28 \ \ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024

M E E T T H E OW N E R S Kelsie and Tammie are the local mother/daughter fashion experts who keep their store stocked with all the latest trends.

This pair dug their roots in downtown Chickasha and have become a trusted place for women of all types to feel beautiful due to encouragement and positivity they shine to anyone who

EST

going to festivals with her trendy items. Before long, she had begun to pop up as a vendor in boutiques. Her popularity grew

and she was finally able to open her first shop in Newcastle, but her roots were always planted in Chickasha so when she had the opportunity, she moved her shop to town where her friends and family welcomed her excitedly. She has poured in countless

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As an entrepreneur, Tammie's started out as a simple business

2010

History Here

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walks through their doors.

hours, sweat and tears into making her store a success along with her family and especially, daughter Kelsie!

Why Chickasha?

Tammie, her husband, children and grandchildren call Chickasha home so why wouldn't she want to be rooted here? Being in downtown Chickasha has allowed her to not only grow, but to invest in the success of other businesses. Her goal isn't to just be a business in town, but to help others see success as well!

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YEARS IN BUSINESS

BOUTIQUE 123 W. Chickasha Ave. | (405) 320-5053 | tammiesbling.com

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HICKS COMPANY

M E E T T H E OW N E R S James & Michelle are a father, daughter pair who have deep rooted history in Chickasha with a longstanding reputation in town for quality western wear and customer service. They, along with Karen, have been dressing the community in the latest western trends for nearly 72 years and won't be stopping

EST

and multiple locations across Oklahoma. When James' father passed away, the children continued on in his honor and eventually downsized to one location on Grand Avenue in the 80's. With the downturn of the economy, the business faltered,

but the Hicks' never quit. James restarted the western shop with only a few pairs of boots on Choctaw Avenue in 1987 where the

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Hicks originally started in 1952 with a home base in Chickasha

1952

History Here

ASHA

anytime soon!

store is located and fully stocked today due to his persistence.

Why Chickasha?

With so much history in the area, James Hicks found it easy to settle in Chickasha. His daughter, Michelle, a 3rd generation Hicks, has recently stepped in to assist as a manager. The Hicks' family are big supporters of the Chickasha community and look forward to the continued success of their hometown.

HICK S Company

72

YEARS IN BUSINESS

410 W. Choctaw Ave. | (405) 224-3410

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LIFE IN BLOOM 32 \ \ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024

M E E T T H E OW N E R S Dallas & Stephanie, at Life in Bloom Floral are quite the pair, laughing and joking together as they arrange and deliver some of the most beautiful bouquets. This dynamic duo live and work in Chickasha, supporting other local businesses, schools and individuals however they are able.

EST

flowers! With a natural serving heart and a pure love for decorating for the holidays Dallas was eager to get started. A location right on the corner of 4th Street and Kansas Avenue was secured and Dallas launched the cutest little flower shop

and wasted no time bringing color to our community. With floral arrangements, plants and gift items they have the perfect space

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Dallas stepped out to chase her dreams and her true passion;

2022

After serving the community in the dental field for 20 years,

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History Here

to brighten anyone's day.

Why Chickasha?

Chickasha is where Dallas, her husband and son reside on their family farm so what better place to chase her dreams. Along the way, Dallas pulled in her sister-in-law Stephanie to make Life in Bloom a true family affair. Their light-heartedness and positivity are infectiously spread throughout the community in the form of a beautiful arrangement.

02

YEARS IN BUSINESS

130 S. 4th St. | (405) 448-5024 | lifeinbloomflorals.com

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WHEELER FARMS 34 \ \ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024

M E E T T H E OW N E R S Will and Nicole Wheeler along with their two young daughters have been Chickasha natives all their lives. Their love for the community runs as deep as their love for farming and family. This couple is passionate about keeping it local and creating a space for the community to have healthy, home-raised food options.

EST

History Here

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been around for over a century. Established in 1903, Wheeler

2020

Although Wheeler Meat Market is fairly new, Wheeler Farms has Farms now runs 6 generations deep with ownership in property were the state's largest pig farm and transitioned to cattle soon after. They now have Hereford and Black Angus cattle which allowed them to start a farm raised beef shop, Wheeler Meat Market, for the community to have localled sourced beef and

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which has been in the family for 100+ years. In the 20's, they

items such as pork, chicken, eggs and honey along with Made in Oklahoma products Why Chickasha?

Chickasha is home for this family. As land owners and farmers in the area for over 100 years, there is no desire for them to walk away. The Wheelers are invested in Chickasha because this town is family! Families such as the Wheelers are what this town is built on and will continue to build on for years to come.

04

YEARS IN BUSINESS

727 CR 1360 | (405) 274-1799 | wheelerfarmsmeat.com

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BEAUTY BAR & BOUTIQUE

M E E T T H E OW N E R S Tonya Pricer, local cosmetologist and small-town farm girl, took a leap of faith when opening her own business. Although her passion is hair, she believes in lifting one another up and inspiring change for community through beauty, education and leadership.

EST

History Here Although The Beauty Bar & Boutique has only been open for one

ASHA

2023

year, Tonya started out as a nail tech in the industry many years prior. After ten years in the industry, she found her true passion she elevated her skills and became a hair expert. With health

scares and bills piling up, she started her boutique to supplement a stylist's income. Today, her hard work has paid off as she works from her very own shop, purchased in 2023, off Choctaw Avenue with other talented stylists.

CHICK

was actually hair. With business classes and advanced training,

Why Chickasha?

The Beauty Bar & Boutique offers luxurious yet affordable services such as color treatment, extensions, cuts, lashes, facials and a beautiful boutique filled with unique clothing and accessories. Tonya has always been community focused, wanting to see success in others moreso than herself in most cases. With the opening of her salon, she wanted to give people an opportunity for accessible beauty. Chickasha is where she hopes to make a big difference and create change!

01

YEAR IN BUSINESS

1105 W. Choctaw Ave. | (405) 825-5011 | blubirdboutique.com

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K A C SHA I H

CHICKASHA'S LOCAL SHOPPING JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER! We live in a thriving city and it can be difficult to find the best places to shop. We've got you covered though in this special shopping guide. We found great items from local shops around town and we can't wait for you to see what else these stores have for you!

happy shopping!

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ALL ABOUT HOME

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comfort & bliss 1.DOWNTOWN MERCANTILE BOOK DECOR, CANDLE 2.LIFE IN BLOOM BIRD OF PARADISE CANDLE 3.5TH ST UNIQUE BOUTIQUE OVERNIGHT BAG 4.ROSS SEED COMPANY COFFEE MUGS 5.OKIE MOUNTAIN TRAINING CO SERVING BOWL 6.WHEELER FARMS MEAT & MARKET MARINADE, ASPARAGUS 7.BRINK'S DOWNTOWN BOUTIQUE BLANKET

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beautiful you 1.THE BEAUTY BAR PURSE 2.LIFE IN BLOOM FAITH NECKLACE 3.5TH ST UNIQUE BOUTIQUE SWEATSUIT SET 4.HOFFMAN HOUSE BOUTIQUE EARRINGS 5.TAMMIE'S BLING BOUTIQUE DRESS 6.JAY'S JEWELRY EMERALD NECKLACE 7.WING T'S TEE & FLANNEL 8.BOOKSTORE ON THE CORNER HAPPY PLACE

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1.WING T'S HEADBANDS 2.THE BEAUTY BAR WALLET 3.BOOKSTORE ON THE CORNER MYSTERY BOOK SET 4.JAY'S JEWELRY DIAMOND RING 5.TANS UNLIMITED JEANS 6.TANS UNLIMITED SKULL CLIP 7.PERREFITTE GLASSHOUSE CANDLE 8.TAMMIE'S BLING BOUTIQUE HOUSE SHOES

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best of the best 1.CHICKASHA LUMBER RATCHET STRAPS 2.TWO VETS CLOTHING CO HOT SAUCE PACK 3.DOWNTOWN MERCANTILE LOCAL HATS 4.5TH ST UNIQUE BOUTIQUE COLOGNE 5.CHICKASHA LUMBER NAILER 6.HICKS COMPANY MEN'S COAT 7.JAY'S JEWELRY CITIZEN WATCH

ALL ABOUT FELLAS

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hello handsome

1.HICKS CLOTHING BOOTS, BELT 2.LIFE IN BLOOM CAR DIFFUSER 3.JAY'S FIREARMS POCKET KNIVES 4.HICKS CLOTHING COLOGNE 5.JAY'S FIREARMS SILENCER 6.TWO VETS CLOTHING CO KOOZIES 7.TWO VETS CLOTHING CO CUSTOM TUMBLERS NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024 // 45

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FOR THE KIDS

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special delivery 1.DOWNTOWN MERCANTILE CHARACTER HELICOPTERS 2.ROCK ISLAND CANDY CO STUFFED ANIMALS 3.HICKS COMPANY COWBOY BOOTS 4.CHICKASHA LUMBER SWING SET 5.HOFFMAN HOUSE BOUTIQUE COW OUTFIT 6.ROSS SEED CO TOY TRUCK 7.OKIE MOUNTAIN TRADING CO BURP CLOTH, BLANKET

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shop local

1.OKIE MOUNTAIN TRADING CO KIDS NAIL ART, TATTOOS, NECKLACE 2.PERREFITTE PUPPY BOOK 3.LIFE IN BLOOM WARMIES 4.HOFFMAN HOUSE BOUTIQUE LIL' LLAMA TEETHER 5.OKIE MOUNTAIN TRADING CO PIGGY BANK 6.STORYTIME BOOKS CLASSIC BOOKS 7.ROCK ISLAND CANDY CO ENAMEL PINS

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special delivery 1.BRINK'S DOWNTOWN BOUTIQUE PENDLETON CUPS 2.LIFE IN BLOOM NOTEBOOK, PEN, BOOK 3.DOWNTOWN MERCANTILE SALT, PEPPER SHAKERS 4.TAMMIE'S BLING BOUTIQUE JEANS, PUFFER VEST 5.OKIE MOUNTAIN TRADING CO MAKEUP BRUSHES 6.BOOKSTORE ON THE CORNER LISA GARDNER BOOKS 7.THE BEAUTY BAR CHEMISTRY NECKLACE 8.WING T'S HAT

ALL THE REST

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1.STORYTIME BOOKS BOARD BOOKS 2.5TH ST UNIQUE BOUTIQUE EARRINGS 3. JAY'S JEWELRY DIAMOND NECKLACE 4.ROSS SEED CO COWPRINT PURSE 5.PERREFITTE NESTING BOWLS 6.WHEELER MEAT & MARKET BOOKS 7.THE BEAUTY BAR WASH, RINSE

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Sma l l Tow n Stor ie s

T H E H I S TO RY O F C H I C K A S H A ' S

I

Lincoln School

n 1983, twenty African American families settled in what is now known as Chickasha, right off the Washita River. With education as a high priority and the help of an individual known as Professor Henderson, the community opened a private school in 1895. Students would pay a fee to attend school which was taught by one teacher for all grade levels.

A gentleman named J. Oscar Spencer joined the community from Texas and felt the private school was inadequate to meet the needs of the growing African American population. August of 1902, in a little frame building occupied by the First Baptist Church, the first African American public school was opened, known as Lincoln Schools.

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As the student count grew, development for a bigger space began. First, a four-room brick building was constructed off First Street and Dakota Avenue. Then, in 1915 land was purchased and Lincoln expanded to Second Street. A small house was converted to classrooms for primary grades and a large Industrial Arts and Agriculture building was built. As enrollment continued to grow, so did Lincoln; with continued expansion of the main building, a new science laboratory and home economic area.

A new principal emerged in 1926, R. Goodwin Parrish, who introduced the first extracurricular activities, football being the first sport offered. The Grady County Fair Board granted permissions to allow the school to use the fairgrounds for a football field. Three years later, an auditorium, rest rooms and music room were added, as well as basketball.

Around 1937, the original Lincoln School was demolished and, with the help of the County Excise Board and WPA, the present Lincoln School was built.

When desegregation of schools took place, students were allowed to enroll at Chickasha High School. By 1959 all students were bussed to Chickasha High School and by 1967, all fifth and sixth grade students of Chickasha attended Lincoln. Lincoln School is still open today catering to Chickasha's fifth and sixth grade classes.

Lincoln is also well known for graduating Dr. Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher in 1941. Dr. Sipuel Fisher was the first African American to integrate to the University of Oklahoma School of law.

Thank you to the Grady County Historical Society for information regarding this article.

Special thanks to Lizzie Stevenson.

F U N FAC T First students to attend Lincoln School were: Marie King, Irene Walters, Addie Smith, William Stevenson, Ethel Smith, Virgie Smith, Mary Boyd and Jim Moore.

Lincoln Lion Football Team, 1941

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Credit: thetickledtastebud.com

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls sweet and savory

Preparation

Ingredients

Dough 1. Add 3c flour, yeast, sugar, salt & ground ginger to a stand mixer.

2. Add softened butter & warm milk, mix on medium.

3. Add eggs, molasses & vanilla extract. Blend to combine.

4. Switch to dough hook, add 2c flour & mix on low until fully mixed.

5. Turn to high for 4-5mins. If dough is sticky add 1TBSP of flour.

Mix until dough doesn't stick to fingers when lightly pressed. Cover with plastic wrap and rest for 20mins.

Dough: • 5c flour • 2 packets RapidRise instant yeast • 1/4c brown sugar • 1tsp salt • 1 1/4tsp ground ginger • 1c warm milk • 2 large eggs • 6TBSP butter • 1tsp vanilla

Filling 1. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, butter & molasses.

2. Grease 9x13" baking dish.

3. Uncover dough, punch it down & place on lightly floured counter.

Roll dough into a 12x16" rectangle with rolling pin.

4. Spread even layer of filling, leaving edges untouched.

5. Starting on longest side, begin rolling dough tight. Pinch the two edges to seal. Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 large rolls.

6. Place rolls in baking dish & cover with plastic wrap to rise for 1 hour.

7. Preheat oven 350º and bake for 40 mins.

Frosting 1. Mix butter & cream cheese.

2. Add molasses, ginger, cinnamon & vanilla extract. Gradually add in powdered sugar. Once mixed, blend on high until creamy.

3. Spread on warmed rolls & serve!

Serves 12

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Filling: • 1/2c brown sugar • 2tsp ground cinnamon • 1 stick butter • 2TBSP molasses Frosting: • 4TBSP butter • 6oz cream cheese • 1 1/2TBSP molasses • 2tsp ground ginger • 1/4tsp ground cinnamon • 1tsp vanilla extract • 2c powdered sugar

P E T of the M O N T H

Lucy Brooks

Breed Treeing Walker Coonhound Color Tri-Color Best Trick Sitting for treats, of course!

Favorite Treat Chicken Jerky Lovable Quirk She loves to cuddle on the couch and watch football!

Owner Valerie Brooks If you'd like to submit your pet for pet of the month, send a photo and info to oh18.livelocal@gmail.com.

N O N P R O F I T of the M O N T H

Santa's Workshop Santa's Workshop is a local group who are determined to make sure "no child goes without a toy" for Christmas. This organization accepts new toy donations all year around for the children in Grady County.

Every year, Santa's Workshop hosts a Toy Run to raise awareness and bring in more toys. In addition to the toys, Santa's Workshop also facilitates a "Socks and Undies" Run. After the bike runs, Santa's Workshop will host dinners as well.

While Santa's Workshop wants to bring the joy of opening toys on Christmas morning, they also accept new or barely used clothing for children and adults as well as partnering with other organizations for Back to School promotions.

For more information, check out Santa's Workshop's Facebook page or give them a call at 405-222-8321.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024 // 57

A GUIDE FOR LIVING LOCAL

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2024