Scissortail Magazine Oct 23

Contents Features

34 H aunted Heartland

For many, spooky tales hold a strange allure, captivating our senses and curiosity. From haunted burial grounds in Muskogee to the mysteries of Beaver Dunes Park, Oklahoma's eerie history intertwines with legends of beheaded spirits, captive souls, and mysterious lights. With stories dating back centuries, the state's haunted sites beckon those in search of spine-tingling experiences.

26 U nveiling the Dark Secrets of Killers of the Flower Moon

This Month, Martin Scorsese's film "Killers of the Flower Moon" is set to premiere, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Lily Gladstone in lead roles. The movie, based on David Grann's book, explores the haunting history of the Osage murders during the Reign of Terror in Oklahoma. The film is already sparking discussions about Native American history and trauma, shedding light on a tragic but often overlooked chapter of American history.

ON THE COVER

SB Hons’sa (Choctaw) is a veteran actor who also appeared in "Last of the Mohicans" and other films throughout his career. He kindly posed for a portrait during filming in Pawhuska on July 7, 2021.

Photo by Sherry Stinson

Explore

stories, stunning visuals, and engaging features on our website. With our digital magazine, you can now enjoy the richness of Oklahoma’s culture, people, and places from anywhere.

But that’s not all! Connect with us on social media to stay updated with the latest happenings, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and exciting contests. Follow us today and be a part of our ever-growing community!

When I think of October and the Fall season, it’s all about the cool, crisp air, tasty caramel apples, the state fairs and funnel cakes, the anticipation of cooler temperatures and a break from the sti ing heat, and of course haunted houses for Halloween and allthings-spooky.

This time is also a gentle reminder of the quieter season to come just ahead: Winter.

I tend to hibernate in the Winter as many do. It’s a time to re ect on the year behind, to rest and rejuvenate, and to catch up on your reading. Soon we will don gloves, scarves, and winter coats, all of which are signs of the earth taking time to rejuvenate, revive itself, and rest before the Spring season.

This month’s issue of Scissortail Magazine was so much fun to put together. We cover everything from spooky fabrics to spooky movies based on scary books. Plus, with the lm release of “Killers of the Flower Moon” this month, we are proud to feature those who may have been lm set makers and set builders, or extra actors and actresses, or costumemakers who provide such meticulous detail to their work — all for the long-anticipated movie, based on David Gann’s book about the horri c events that happened to the Osage People.

It was also a pleasure getting to know some of the Cherokee musicians who are out there making music, trying to preserve the Cherokee language through music and their albums.

We also spoke with many di erent local businesses who truly make October the most fun a month can be. You’ll read stories about an ice cream shop with fun, spooky names and tasty concoctions, just to keep things interesting and unique. And a cake baker and decorator who makes the most realistic cakes I’ve ever seen (entirely edible of course!). You will read about an artist who not only paints beautiful, realistic paintings, but creates lifesize statues of Marvel characters, makes amazing make-up and costumes, and the artistic creativity just goes on and on in Oklahoma. We are surrounded by incredibly talented and gifted people in our state, and in this age of social media and texting, we hope you will open up and just talk to them— in person. Support the arts!

So curl up in your favorite reading chair with a cozy blanket of course, and a roaring re if you have it. We hope you enjoy this spooky season and our spooky Oklahoma issue. ©

Paula Brown

EDITORS

Music to My Ears

Killers

People & Places

Honoring the Cherokee Language Through Music

: A Modern Album Crossing Genres

According to the Administration for Native Americans, there are 245 distinct Indigenous languages in the United States — 65 are already extinct, and 75 are nearing that point, with only a few uent speakers remaining. An Indigenous language is lost every two weeks around the world. ᎠᏅᏛᏁᎵᏍᎩ, which translates to “Performers in English,” is a groundbreaking Contemporary album of original music performed entirely in the Cherokee language, representing diverse genres of Psychedelic, Metal, Folk/Americana, Country, Rock, Alternative Folk, Reggae, Hip Hop and Pop.

Scissortail Magazine spoke with three of the musicians on the album.

The Core of Oklahoma’s Heritage

Aaron Hale

When I spoke with Aaron Hale, he was packing for his trip to Washington state to play music about one hour away from the bustling city of Seattle, and he plays all over the country. He’s been playing for about ve years, but things have really taken o in the past two years.

His genre is di cult to de ne – it is eclectic, acoustic guitar, and piano. When he’s in the states, he drives his converted school bus to play in New York, Pennsylvania, and Missouri, just to name a few. His music has in uences of singersongwriters with a little gospel and soul, and “I feel inspired by Pink Floyd,” Hale said

We talked about the American Indian Movement which, if you’re not familiar with, took inspiration from the African-American leaders of the Civil Rights movement. It’s akin to the Black Panther Movement, founded in 1968 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and initially centered around urban areas to address systemic issues like poverty, police brutality, and discrimination against Native Americans. The tribes couldn’t even practice religion in the 1970s.

Fast forward to the current day, the Cherokee people are now able to continue their cherished traditions such as sweat lodges (where they take 40 rocks from speci c places, build a re, and put the rocks in the middle with willow branches and trees to make a structure with hoops of di erent dimensions. It’s surrounded by poles which represent di erent moon phases and the equinox. The structure is then covered with blankets and is pitch black).

“It’s like a sauna on steroids,” Aaron laughed. “It’s all about singing, praying to our ancestors, and all darkness. There’s too much distortion in the world. Three generations ago, the tribal people would have asked, ‘what the heck are you doing?’ We are intellectuals as humans but a majority of people are all struggling, a byproduct of the modern world.”

Aaron grew up singing, his Mom was a pianist and he knew early on that music was his goal. Diversity in his music has

been commonplace for him; he played in the All-State Choir, received an OSU Music scholarship studying classical, and he played pipe organ in Guthrie.

“When I started playing at festivals in 2018, things really opened up for me musically. And now I’m about to release my second album,” he said.

Currently, Aaron lives in Ardmore where his grandmother left her home to him. Aaron now has Shure Clothing Company sponsoring him (you can use his name to get a discount). “But for me, it’s not about the money. It’s about the passion and the music. It’s all so a rming,” he said.

His music has a strong message of love – the compilation album was released in October 2022 and is available through Horton Records in Tulsa, and you can also listen on Apple Music, Spotify, and more.

Austin Markham

Austin, an Oklahoma native, lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and works as a vocal teacher, teaching lessons as a private coach.

His students range in age from 13-72. He's been singing since he was seven years old.

“I have students all over, one of whom is in Iran. She wants lessons early in the morning and has to use a hotspot since there’s censored WiFi. I will teach contemporary music, pop, R&B, gospel, and singersongwriter genres. I have recently been coaching a student on 'The Voice.' I love teaching students who are eager to learn more about their voice, as I once was.”

Austin talked about how it had been very challenging, on the album, but also very fun."

He said, “I know I don’t look Native, but that means I can o er a unique representation for those who aren't perceived as Indigenous."

And while he hadn’t sung in the Cherokee language before this project, he learned the language with Ellen and Danielle Culp (a mother/daughter team) when they helped translate Austin’s own song, "Gon’ Be All Right," into Cherokee. “We recorded in Tulsa, and it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Basically, I learned the language for my song in about two months," said

Markham.“The main focus of the project is the preservation of the Cherokee language. I grew up in Vinita and went to the Tahlequah reservation often. Mom was the principal of the school, and we learned to weave baskets, how to work with leather, and the tribe came and made special foods for us. I’ve always been exposed to the Cherokee culture. My whole family is all about ranching and rodeo, and we spent a lot of time in nature with wildlife,” Markham said.

“Growing up, and I think it’s important to be honest here and say, I never heard Cherokee music that I wanted to listen to or was drawn to. It sounded old to me. We wanted to correct that with this project and represent a new sound in Cherokee music. What we’re doing is inspired by all genres of music. But I didn’t want to bring a traditional song to this project. I wanted to hear a di erent story," Markham stated.

"This project is all about the preservation of the Cherokee language, but second is to represent many di erent genres in the music world. "We are introducing a new sound, setting a new standard," Austin commented.

Osdawidigalisda (Gon' Be Alright)

Austin wrote the song, “Gon’ Be Alright” for the album, and it took about ve to six months from its birth to completion which meant translating to Cherokee and recording the song for the album in Tulsa. “The song is about how the world is changing, how to push through all that, and to just trust in the future, in the unknown. Better things are coming up ahead, it’s a song of hope.”

We talked about "American Idol" and one of my favorite musicians who won the contest in 2023 is Iam Tongi. Austin said he was also a participant on "American Idol" and made it to the top 55. He talked about how shy and nice Iam really is in person.

Austin recently had a show at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, and in Cherokee, North Carolina.

You can nd Austin’s music on the compilation album, as well as on OSIYO TV, Season 8, Episode 3. You can follow Austin's musical journey on social media @donebyaustin.

Cody Clinton

Cody came from a musical family as well, his mom sang, and his dad played guitar. He

went to a bluegrass-y church and was also in middle and high school bands. He attended Oolagah High School when local producer of Pursuit Films, Jeremy Charles, asked Cody if he’d like to be a part of something big, a compilation album featuring Cherokee music.

“It was exciting and fun,” Cody said. “And it was daunting also, putting the album together with Cherokee language. But it [speaking in Cherokee], though di cult and challenging to learn, felt more natural than

I expected.” Cody has always been a tribal member and was surrounded by Cherokee people. “The music industry doesn’t appeal to me, but, music is such a huge part of me, I wanted to participate. It was important to me to feel like I was paying respect to the Tribe with the language I used, and since I only have a small amount of Cherokee blood, I don’t want to be a ‘fake.’ It was important to me to get it right, so we worked with translators to get the language right and to show our respect

for the Cherokee People.”

“Above all, it was the most important project I’ve ever done,” Cody concluded as he was driving to Chadwick, Missouri, for the High Lonesome Music Festival at Dockley Ranch.

With only 2,000 living uent Cherokee speakers,

,  (Anvdvnelisgi, pronounced Ah Nuh Duh Nay Lees Gi), their compilation album celebrates the Cherokee language in the modern world.

Paula Brown

Creating Threads of Love in More ThanWays One

Discover Esther Wright's Heartfelt Journey From Oaxaca to Tulsa, Where Artistry Meets Philanthropy

Esther Wright’s heart and soul are as one — they are intertwined. She has always had a big soft spot for giving back to communities, whether that’s in Tulsa, or Oaxaca, Mexico, her hometown.

Growing up in Oaxaca with a pastor father

It’s a part of her nature. Her business, Hilo de Amor, o ers beautiful artisan, upcycled, and colorful tote bags. But it isn’t about making money — it’s about creating income opportunities for the artisans in Oaxaca who hand-make the totes. Their totes are authentic, handwoven, eco-friendly, fashionable, and colorful, made by proud Oaxacans. Esther learned as a child that prisoners in this vibrant town have been making these kinds of bags for many generations. They are trying to turn their lives around by weaving the totes by hand. Esther's team " nishes" the products which includes stitching to prevent unraveling, adding leather, an inside pocket, a zipper, magnetic clasp, lining, and more. She pays the artisans retail price in advance.

Only Natural Ingredients Are Used

Esther took this on as a business in 2020 which allowed her to expand the market, creating more revenue opportunities. But she doesn't just sell totes. Sitting at her shop at the Mother Road Market in Tulsa, seeing the vibrant colors used in headbands, dresses, and other fabrics, and knowing her items are all-natural, how do designers create the color used on the fabrics? “It all comes from natural ingredients, including bugambilia [bougainvillea] ower; alumbre de potasio, and cochineal,” Esther said. [Cochineal is a cactusdwelling insect that produces a red pigment and was harvested for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples].

Apple TV Discovers Oaxacan Totes

The primary image on the Hilo de Amor website of her and the artists who make the

that same picture found its way to Apple TV executives who immediately knew they wanted to discover more about her giving back. They eventually decided that’s who they wanted to support. When Apple TV rst called Esther, she thought it was a scam (who wouldn’t!). But she researched further and it was legit Apple TV. Apple purchased 75 totes from her and lled them with thank-you gifts to welcome actors to the Apple TV series, "Acapulco." Several Instagram in uencers shared the “reveal” of what was inside the box or tote, and the story goes from there.

If You Lose Your Heart, You Lose Your Business

With both parents as teachers who have big hearts as well, they were always helping alcoholics and drug addicts, and even doing good deeds like cutting someone’s hair or nails for them. She de nitely has a servant's heart. “The heart of a business is the reason you started the business. If you lose that reason, you lose your business,” Esther concluded. She has been in the U.S. since 1999 and has been married 24 years. To see the Hilo de Amor products, visit her inside Mother’s Road Market in Tulsa, or online.

Paula Brown

MORE INFO

Hilo de Amor

Beautiful for Fall! One of the many handmade totes available at Hilo de Amor, located inside the Mother Road Market

Photo Courtesy Hilo de Amor

Claremore, Your Premier Downtown Destination for Festive Fall

Fun

Experience the Magic of the Lilac District with Exciting Fall Events

“We feel so blessed to have a business here,” said Oklahoma Pizza Company Owner Sarah Hayes. She and her husband, Chris Hayes, say starting a business in downtown Claremore was one of the best decisions they have ever made. “We’ve seen a decent increase in customers lately,” Hayes said.

That increase in downtown Claremore foot tra c is no accident. “We enjoy putting on events for people of all ages to participate in,” said Claremore Mainstreet Executive Director Allison Dietzfeld. The non-pro t group is focused on supporting downtown businesses and helping with revitalization. Re-branding the district to be called the Lilac District is the latest push to improve its popularity. The Lilac name originates from the famous 1943 musical

more than the three blocks of main street with 60+ businesses setting up shop on surrounding streets. A full map can be found at downtownclaremore.org.

Leaders with the Lilac District are o ering nancial help to independent building owners within the district. They can apply for building grants to help pay for the sometimes-expensive building facade upgrades. Those historic guidelines will still be met. “The buildings are remaining historic with modern amenities,” Dietsfeld said. The Lilac District o ers the same unique antique stores it always has, along with new brew pubs, boutiques, trendy gift shops and resale shops. Some resale shop owners use a portion of their sales as donations to their favorite charities and non-pro t groups.

The Pink House Below Will Rogers Museum

Photos courtesy TravelOK

to 10 p.m. Children can dress up and safely trick-or-treat through downtown Claremore. Food trucks, bounce houses, live music, and late-night shopping with Oktoberfest-type drink specials at participating locations will be o ered. Leaders expect it to be a safe night of fun for little ghosts and goblins and their ghoulish parents.

Dickens on the Boulevard will kick o its 28th year in November. The Victorianthemed holiday event that is loosely based on the movie “A Christmas Story” will be held November 17th and 18th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Donning historic attire, the streets of downtown are ooded with shoppers enjoying the crisp winter air, holiday music, and historic reenactments. Visitors can take a carriage ride through downtown Claremore while sipping hot cocoa and apple cider and even get a visit with Santa himself. Children can make their wish lists to drop o so that Santa can check it twice. Stores stay open during the event with ‘Dickens Dollars’ giveaways that can be spent at participating stores through Christmas Eve. “People from Texas, Missouri, and Arkansas always visit us during the holidays. We expect an amazing turnout this year,” said Dietzfeld. Dickens on the Boulevard is one of the most popular events held in downtown Claremore.

The Lilac District’s holiday open house will be held November 6th. Visitors to downtown Claremore can play bingo and do some late-night shopping at participating locations for a chance to win door prizes during the event. Pink Friday will be held November 17th. Pink Friday is an annual event held each November with one mission: #SUPPORTSMALLFIRST before

will be held November 25th with many of the same perks and giveaways.

Claremore has the secret sauce for Sarah and Chris Hayes. “We wanted to o er something unique to our town, and who doesn’t love a build-your-own pizza?” Sarah Hayes said. The shop that o ers 10-inch pizzas, made just to your liking, opened in August of 2022 and although the owners are new to all the events the Lilac District organizers are putting on, they are de nitely grateful. “We’ve seen an increase in pizza sales, and we are excited for the Holiday events that are coming up,” Hayes said.

Downtown Claremore business owners, building owners, Claremore City leaders, and residents alike say they’d love for you to visit Claremore. You are sure to walk away with satis ed taste buds, a special gift for someone on your holiday list, a treasure for yourself, and many good memories made.

Claremore Oklahoma is nestled in Rogers County and has a population of 19,500. Located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, the town is home to Rogers State University. It is best known as the home of early 20th-century entertainer Will Rogers. The town has many historic homes and other buildings, with several located in the old business district.  In

Renovations Draw Big Crowds

Downtown Claremore isn’t the only area of town getting upgrades and enticing visitors.

The Claremore Expo Center is taking center stage after the City of Claremore put about $1.3 million into facility improvements over the last seven years. A new concrete floor, all-new horse stalls to host horse shows, and a new storage building for equipment and portable bleachers are just a few items on the upgrade list. “We are thrilled to be 95% booked with events and shows,” said Tanya Andrews, Director of Claremore Expo and Tourism Development.

The 55-acre complex hosted the Rogers County Fair in September with carnival rides, fair food, vendor booths, and live entertainment. Organizers estimated a 25% increase in attendance with an expected 25,000 to 30,000 people.

The Claremore Expo Center is currently the

Above Right Lucky R Ranch

At Right Hammett House; strawberry pie

The Versatile and Multifaceted Artist Extraordinaire

From Pencil Portraits to Film Animation, a Journey Through the World of a Creative Mind

Paul Snyder is not only a talented artist but an incredibly generous, kind, and wise person in so many ways. He’s from Colorado originally, but has lived in Moore, Oklahoma, since 2005.

“I’ve been doing art all my life. It started young, really, with making animals out of aluminum foil, like dinosaurs, cats and tigers. I would take them to school for show and tell,” he said.

“Mom said when I was about two years old, she showed me how to draw a tree, then she concluded that I ended up drawing a better tree than hers, ‘You’re going to do just ne,'” she said.

In the year 2000, Paul started doing art as his business. “I created pencil portraits and drawings, but it’s di cult to make a career out of that. Then I got approached about creating lm boards and then music. By 2010, I started painting,” Paul said.

“The reason I’m able to do art full-time now is because I diversi ed. I found any way I could make art, and that meant making murals, cosplay costumes with amazing make-up, and interior design. Now he creates stop-motion videos and live-action lms, and independent lms such as working with Net ix and George R. Martin (yes, THAT

George R. Martin from “Game of Thrones"). That was before the writer’s strike so it hasn’t been released yet. He’s also produced with Robert Redford, a lm called “Drunktown’s Finest,” a bit of a depressing lm, he said. And a couple of his lm animation shorts are at The Smithsonian, and the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.

When I asked Paul’s advice for other artists who are just starting out or guring out how to make it in the art world, he strongly suggested to budget and save up for that rainy day, because projects and gigs come and go, it’s not constant. “I’m lucky to be able to do this full-time, but it’s feast or famine. Be smart with your income.”

His talents don’t stop there. Paul also makes full-size, air-dry clay and resin casts, as you can see from the photographs in the story, like the lifelike Iron Man and Predator statues (from the lms) that he created in his home. About 30 of his statues were destroyed by the 2013 Moore tornado. He has since rebuilt his and his wife’s home, and the statues. When I asked about the purpose of the multiple, seemingly duplicates of his Iron Men, he said, “Many people may not notice that there are about 40 di erent Iron Man

suits used in the Marvel lms,” he concluded.

Paul’s upcoming art show will be at the OCCC in Oklahoma City in January 2024, where you can see 30-40 of his paintings and other works.

You can also view and purchase his work at TRIBES FINE ART Gallery in Norman. His other talents include bringing awareness to the Native culture with his close friend and writer-director, Steven Paul Judd.

Paula Brown

Editor’s Note

Paul’s incredibly realistic paintings such as his buff alo, lion, light bulb, and portraits of Robin Williams, Chadwick Boseman, and Christopher Lloyd, are so realistic, you wonder if you’re looking at a photograph. You can see his work on Instagram at artbypaul. And take a look at the life-size clay and resin statues he created of Iron Man, Predator, and Darth Vader; I must admit, my niece and I want one of his life-size Iron Men!

Transform Your Garden with Artistic Mastery

Elevate Outdoors with Handcrafted Elegance

Elevate your garden with art that harmonizes materials and beauty. Craftsmanship and custom designs converge to create an outdoor sanctuary. FTE studios.com

At Home

Making Use of Other People’s Stuff —

Ummmmmm, Dead People’s Stuff to be Precise.

Curran and Marymar Fudge are collectors you could say. Actually, more like curators who are dedicated to historic restorations and creative architectural design solutions. The couple met in college and backpacked in India for one year living on $20 per day. While in India, they found Eastern tribal doors and brought them back to Oklahoma City. Their idea was to solely focus on doors, but they pivoted to doing architectural salvage, sourcing inventory from around the state, country, and globe. They either buy salvage rights to a building getting demolished, or people will bring them items after remodels. They say, “We pay you cash to haul o your trash!”

Just some of the doors and signs at Dead People's Stuff Architectural Antiques + Design

Collectibles for the Collectors

Architectural salvage, building materials, and home décor are the company’s main focus. You never know what you might nd in the shop from week to week. They recently just acquired a 40year collection of 350 stain glass windows from a dealer in Kansas. Curran stated that it’s a true family business, Marymar’s whole family all moved from San Diego to Oklahoma City to help make the store a success. They didn’t have any retail experience at the time but had a mentor in the shop, David Abney, who started helping them get familiar with selling antiques. Marymar and Curran spent the last ve years developing and remodeling the 40,000 square foot building, adding a Cross Timbers Brewery, Edge Craft BBQ, Precision grooming barber shop, a “Don’t Stress Meowt” cat café, and the state’s largest tattoo collective, Sacred Sou, making it a one-stop shop for families and friends to visit.

When I asked what criteria they use

when choosing the products they want to showcase in their store or online, they said the main thing is uniqueness and price, which is why they like to work directly with the seller. “We buy doors, light xtures, basically anything funky and unique. It’s really true when people say, ‘One person’s trash, is another’s treasure.’ And we prefer wood, brass, glass, metal or stone, also prior to the 1950s,” Currant stated.

Nothing Like Filling Your Retail Shop From a Soon-to-be-Famous Film

When they learned that “Killers of the Flower Moon” would be lmed in Oklahoma, o they went! They had an opportunity to visit the lm’s expansive storage warehouse in Pawhuska, where furniture and other stage products are accessible for the lm. Since the movie and book were set in the 1920s, this was a perfect era for their shop since the couple prefers that items date pre-1950. Andrew, the lm’s set director, ended up purchasing so many items from Dead People’s Stu , that when the lm was nished shooting,

in turn, they invited them exclusively to purchase inventory featured in the lm.

After the couple’s warehouse purchases, “We had a box truck and a trailer full; we looked like we were the Beverly Hillbillies driving down the road,” Curran laughed. Andrew eventually shipped a lot of the doors used in the lm to Los Angeles for reshoots and other purposes. “We also have many statues from the movie,” Curran and Marymar said.

Their shop’s name is: Dead People’s Stu , Architectural Antiques + Design. “Architecutral salvaged building materials and home décor, a familyoriented environment centered around inclusivity and creativity, for all ages and demographics to have a fun experience together, you never know what treasure you will nd,” Curran concluded.

MORE INFO

Dead People's Stuff

deadpeoplesstu ok.com

Left to Right: More Doors and the Workers Who All Make It Happen, Plus Lamps Galore Far Right: OKC Fabric Market Knows How to Bring the Spooky!

Your Custom Design Destination for Halloween and Beyond!

As Halloween and the holiday season approach, there's often a desire for a unique and custom touch. The OKC Fabric Market discovered the ultimate hub for creators where you can bring your creative visions to life. Whether you're looking to push the boundaries of spooky design with a table runner adorned with spiders or have a special flower-themed costume in mind, modern technology allows you to harness your skills. You can easily craft a repeating pattern, and their advanced technology will transform it into yards of exquisite custom fabric, available in a variety of materials such as lycra, neoprene, stretch velvet, and power mesh.

MORE INFO

OKC Fabric Market

okcfabricmarket.com

The OKC Fabric Market caters to a wide range of needs, off ering regalia, fashion fabrics, ribbons, and custom printing services. In this special Halloween-themed issue, we're featuring a selection of these fabrics to add a spooktacular twist to your projects. Embrace your creativity and make this holiday season truly unique!

Discover Spooky Treasures

Unearth the Best of Halloween, Right in Your Community

This Halloween season, let's discover spooky treasures in your hometown that will elevate your celebration to a whole new level. There's a world of Halloween delights waiting to be explored.

Start your journey at one of the Ida Red locations, a charming store that beckons with a bewitching assortment of vintage-inspired decor and treats. Stepping inside feels like entering a time machine, transporting you to a bygone era of enchantment. You'll nd unique items that capture the spirit of Halloween, from retro candy to quirky decor that's perfect for your festive home.

If you're looking to concoct spine-tingling cocktails at your Halloween gathering, make your way to Pour Choices in Broken Arrow. This spot o ers a curated selection of eeriethemed libations and a knowledgeable sta ready to guide you in creating the perfect elixirs to delight your guests.

Southwood Garden, another hidden gem in Tulsa, adds an enchanting touch to your Halloween preparations. Here, you can explore a wide array of botanical wonders, allowing you to craft your very own haunted garden paradise.

And don't forget about Halloween Boxes from Reeders Auto & Tire. If you're on the hunt for automotive accessories to complete your costume, this is the place to be. You'll discover unexpected surprises and unique items to add a touch of spookiness to your Halloween ride.

By choosing to shop locally, you not only enhance your Halloween experience but also strengthen the bonds within your community. Your support for these local businesses ensures that the spirit of Halloween thrives in your neighborhood year after year. Venture forth and unearth these hidden gems that await just around the corner, making this Halloween truly special and uniquely yours.

Pour Choices

Southwood Landscape and Garden Center

Bones are important for protecting your vital organs and providing structure for the muscles and tendons that surround them. Most people reach peak bone mass by age 30, then bones begin to deteriorate. Weightbearing exercise still creates new bone growth, but usually at too slow of a speed to make up for what is lost in your later years.

According to Carolyn Berg, MD, Premier Orthopedic Specialists of Tulsa, one of the most important factors for bone health includes knowing your own family history. “We can’t do anything about our DNA, so we do need to know what our risk factors are, then we can focus on the things within our control, like living a healthy lifestyle through exercise and nutrition.”

Here are five tips to keep your bones strong and healthy

1. Don’t smoke. Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to maintain bone strength. Smoking impedes calcitonin, a hormone important for building bones, and it increases the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, which leads to breakdown of existing bone. In addition, nicotine damages arteries and veins, preventing adequate blood ow to bones which contributes to fractures. It also reduces the amount of calcium that gets absorbed, which is necessary for bone growth. No matter how you look at smoking, it damages your health from head to toe.

2. Exercise regularly. The word “exercise” frightens the best of us. But it doesn’t have to! Being more active can be as easy as adding natural movement into your day. Walk, hike, garden, take the stairs, play pickleball! All weight-bearing exercise helps to keep your bones healthy and strong (and provides a host

of other feel-good bene ts, too, like stabilizing mood and improving energy).

3. Vary your diet. You’ve heard about the importance of calcium and Vitamin D for bone health, but do you know where to get it? There’s more to bone-strengthening foods than just dairy and leafy greens. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating 5-6 prunes per day reduced the risk of hip fractures in postmenopausal women. Also great for its bone-building properties are white beans, canned salmon, gs, almonds, and tofu. Note: Many Americans are chronically low in Vitamin D. If you have not had yours checked, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to discuss it. You may need a supplement.

4. Strength train. No matter your age, you can promote new bone growth through weightlifting. But don’t go it alone. Find a reputable trainer to help you get started, and who knows how to make modi cations based on your age, tness level and personal goals.

5. Cut the caffeine and alcohol. If mornings without ca eine sound scary to you, don’t fret. You don’t have to completely cut it out, but ca eine does leach calcium from your bones, as does alcohol. Your best bet is to reduce your intake if you tend to overindulge in either. tips for keeping your bones healthy and strong look a lot like tips to keep your brain, heart, lungs and muscles healthy. Stay active, eat a variety of foods, and don’t smoke.

S.R. Brown

Comfortable Cozy Oasis

witness the enchanting magic woven by Jill Bland of J & J Co Interior Design as she turns a sterile plain room into an inviting haven of warmth and comfort. With an artful touch, Jill’s expertise has metamorphosed the space, infusing it with coziness and charm. From the carefully selected textiles to the thoughtfully arranged furnishings, every element has been orchestrated to create a welcoming ambiance that beckons you to unwind and embrace relaxation. Step into this oasis where design prowess converges with comfort, and experience the seamless blend of aesthetics and comfort that only J & J Co Interior Design can craft.

Designer -Jill Bland

Spooky Can Hide in All Corners of Your Home

Unearth the Creepiest House Plants

October is such a fun month. People who participate in Halloween and love to don those ghostly and ghoulish— and sometimes scary — costumes are what makes it so fun (that, and the candy of course!).

But who would have thought that “spooky” house plants exist too! What comes to mind when you think of a scary

3. Devil’s Backbone This hardy succulent gets its name from its unique zigzag-shaped stems, resembling a devil's backbone.

4. Corpse Flower Also called the "Titan Arum," it's famous for its enormous, foul-smelling bloom that resembles a rotting corpse.

5. Devil’s Ivy A versatile and lowmaintenance trailing plant, Devil's Ivy is prized for its heart-shaped leaves and air-purifying qualities.

6. Ghost Plant A succulent with pale, ghostly leaves, it thrives in arid conditions and adds an ethereal touch to succulent gardens.

7. Brain Cactus This small, globular cactus earns its name from its intricate, convoluted patterns that resemble a brain's surface.

8. Black Bat Flowers These intriguing owers, shaped like bat faces, stand out with their dark

10. Raven ZZ Plant A striking indoor plant, the Raven ZZ boasts glossy, deep-purple-black leaves, creating a dramatic contrast.

11. Resurrection Plant This unique plant can seemingly "come back to life" after drying out, unfurling its fern-like fronds when rehydrated.

12. Doll’s Eyes A woodland perennial, this plant is named for its distinctive white berries with dark spots, resembling doll's eyes.

13. Spider Fern (or Rabbit’s Foot) for its ne, arching fronds, this fern is often called "Rabbit's Foot" due to the furry rhizomes.

14. Toad Plant (or Giant Smelly Starfish Flower) A rare and intriguing species, the Toad Plant boasts a star shlike bloom with a distinctive odor, making it a unique and memorable addition to any garden or collection.

Paula Brown

Spooky Themes Don't Have to Stop With Plants; Left to Right Brain Cactus; Purple Pitcher Plant; Cactus Euphorbia Ghost; Photos by Josh New Plants courtesy of Southwood Nursery

Legendary director Martin Scorsese takes a moment to provide instructions to actors Cara Jade Myers (orange dress) portraying Anna Brown, Louis Cancelmi (right of Scorsese) portraying Kelsie Morrison and Scott Shepherd (far right) as Byron Burkhart during a scene in Ralston on August 27, 2021.

By Carol Mowdy Bond

Unveiling the Dark Secrets of Killers of the Flower Moon

Martin Scorsese's epic movie, Killers of the Flower Moon, is scheduled to open in theaters with an o cial October 20 release, according to the August 29 edition of "The Hollywood Reporter."

In partnership with Paramount, Apple replaced the previously-planned-limited October 6 release of Killers with a global theatrical release two weeks later, after which Killers will stream on Apple TV+ following its theatrical run and will also be released in IMAX.

An acclaimed, award-winning American and Italian movie director, producer, screenwriter, and actor, Scorsese's cast includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Indigenous actress Lily Gladstone (who played Mollie Burkhart) as leads in Scorsese's three-and-a-half-hour Hollywood adaptation of David Grann's 2017 book "Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI." Killers spent more than 49 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller list.

Scorsese drew from the non ction book, based on ve years of interviews (many with Osage Nation members in Oklahoma), research, and writing by award-winning New York journalist and

Photos By Sherry Stinson

author Grann. The author chronicled the haunting murder mystery surrounding one of America's most monstrous crimes, known as "The Reign of Terror."

The introduction of Grann's book encapsulated the true-crime saga: "In the 1920s, the richest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma. After oil was discovered beneath their land, they rode in chau eured automobiles, built mansions, and sent their children to study in Europe. Then, one by one, the Osage began to be killed o . The family of an Osage woman, Mollie Burkhart, became a prime target. Her relatives were shot and poisoned. And it was just the beginning, as more and more members of the tribe began to die under suspicious circumstances... Grann reveals a series of sinister secrets and reversals. But more than that, it is a searing indictment of the callousness and prejudice toward American Indians that allowed the murderers to operate with impunity for so long."

Filmed in Osage County, Oklahoma, locations including Pawhuska and Fairfax, plus Bartlesville and Ralston in nearby counties, Killers is already drawing responses from Oklahomans.

Although not involved with making the movie, Program Director for the White Hair Memorial in Fairfax, Tara Damron said "I don't know if we can say what the movie's impact will be. I think one thing the movie will do is highlight that time period. It will bring attention on a national level, and hopefully an international level, about what was going on speci cally here, and the broader impact in the treatment of Native American Indians. I hope that it piques viewers' interest, and that people will want to nd out more. I hope the movie causes people to ask more questions and understand. This all goes back to treaties that predate statehood."

An Osage Nation member, Damron noted that the White Hair Memorial is named after Osage Chief Pawhuska, with the Osage word Pawhuska translated as "White Hair."

As well, Damron emphasized that the history behind the Reign of Terror is not known by most of the public, yet it's a critical part of the Killers story. The federal government deemed Oklahoma land to be worthless. So, in the early 19th century, due to federal legislation and policies, the government relocated American Indian tribes, from across the nation, into what

A local baker made real baked goods specifically for the movie set's window displays.

Background actor, Daniel Preciado, during a scene in downtown Pawhuska on July 7, 2021. Preciado has gone on to have parts in Reservation Dogs and Yellowstone.

A row of old cars lined the streets of Fairfax, replete with dirt, in preparation for filming on July 16, 2021.

Charles Duty, son of Shannon Shaw Duty (Osage News editor) and Jason Duty, both of whom had background parts in the movie, runs back to set during filming in Fairfax on August 4, 2021.

A group of background actors gathered during a break in filming "Killers of the Flower Moon" on August 16th in Pawhuska. Pictured are Jason White Cloud, Lisa Yates, Archie Mason, Chay Nicholas, Cody Crank, Leeanna Nelson, Moose Anico, Zack, Jeremy Good

Voice, Ericka Iron, Damon Waters, Melissa Tiger, SB Hons’sa, Jaylee Low, John, Star Boy, Liz Nelson, Drew Tiger, Honey Bear, Kyle Pepper, Jarad Looper, Jasmine Bear, Vance HorseChief, and Buddy.

Background actor Jarad Looper during a break in filming in Pawhuska on August 16, 2021.

was eventually narrowed down to today's Oklahoma, without the panhandle, and was at that time known as Indian Territory. Then various processes, such as the Dawes Act, broke up the communally owned tribal lands and tribal sovereignty, and assigned individual allotments, or tracts of lands, to individual tribal members. The government often assigned non-Indian guardians to individual American Indians of the native nations, known as the guardians' wards, to help them with their allotments. This guardianship process set the stage for dishonest guardians to steal American Indians' land allotments through various means, including murder, from members of various tribes, including the Osage People.

"That whole system of marrying them or murdering them, that is the story of Oklahoma," Damron said. "And it's a bigger story of American Indians. When the Osage sold our land in Kansas, we purchased land in Indian Territory from the Cherokee. That is why we weren't subject to the Dawes Act, because we owned our own land. But the Osage had already relocated several times, and this part, of where we are now, was actually part of our ancestral territory. The Osage still communally own the mineral rights under our land. So everything that is six inches and below in the ground belongs to the Osage Nation, and the Osage Mineral Council manages it. We have over a million acres, with the boundaries being Osage County as it is now. That was the original reservation."

Realizing the authentic resources in Fairfax, the Scorsese team initially tagged White Hair Memorial Site Manager Renae Brumley, also an Osage Nation member, as a costume advisor. This allowed her to be in the audience of the July movie screening because she was a contributor to the lming.

"I sewed the ribbon work for Mollie Burkhart's clothing," Brumley said. "I also recommended people to do other crafts for the movie. I told the lm crew what not to wear for certain scenes, and what to wear, and how women wore their hair during that era. I said, 'Please no bone or bead necklaces for this era.' They tried to get the period clothing correct."

Brumley witnessed several nighttime lmings from a distance, including the recreated explosion of Rita and Bill Smith's house. Rita was one of Mollie Burkhart's sisters. Brumley also witnessed the bar scene in Ralston where Anna Brown, another of Mollie Burkhart's sisters, was last seen alive.

Leonardo DiCaprio, as Ernest Burkhart, walks through the burning rubble of Rita and Bill Smith's home the night of the bombing. The actual explosion took place in a different location and fire specialists set and controlled the flames during each take of filming in Fairfax, August 4, 2021.

Levi Hawkins stands beside an old Copeland Laundry truck during filming in downtown Pawhuska on July 7, 2021.

Watching a Master at Work

“As someone who loves movies, I was mesmerized by the process of watching a master at work. Never, in all my years did I imagine seeing someone of the legendary Martin Scorsese’s caliber producing a movie in Oklahoma, let alone in Pawhuska, Fairfax, or Ralston and the numerous small-town locations where they filmed. I stood on many street corners during 100+ degree weather, watching him give direction to Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio – huge stars in their own right. As take after take was done, my respect for the man increased tenfold given his attention to detail,” Sherry said. “Not only that, but the Osage and hundreds of background actors wore full Osage dress during this scorching weather — standing by for hours as each take was filmed, then they would reset, and the scene was done again. The ladies wearing wool, full blankets, and men in three-piece suits or blankets – again, the attention to detail was perfect down to the brooches and buttons. I’ve had the pleasure of becoming friends with many of them and am honored to say I know such hard-working folks bringing this shameful and heartbreaking story to light,” she commented. Sherry went on to say that she learned so much speaking with a variety of people on set – background actors, props, the fire guys who set up and controlled the fires, the set builders. “For me, it was more about a behind-the-scenes opportunity to learn how they did their jobs because that was the fascinating part: how they created props; how they built sets and made foam look like concrete or bricks; and how they aged clothing. And also, what went into setting up a realistic, yet safe fire for the actors to walk through.. all of it was such a joy to witness and experience as a movie lover,” Sherry concluded.

A group of ladies gather, looking at the smoking wreckage of Rita and Bill Smith's house after it was blown up. Filmed in Fairfax on August 4, 2021.

Horses Thomas and Buck pulling a Montana freight wagon driven by the late John J. Melo during filming in Fairfax on August 20, 2021.

However, stepping back prior to lming, the movie logistics initially landed in the lap of Visit Bartlesville Executive Director Maria Swindell Gus who served as the liaison for the lm industry's interests and needs. Scorsese's team contacted her April 2019, and Swindell Gus became their "go to," because she provided any information or resources they needed, including potential lming locations, places to eat, crew childcare, and warehouse and o ce spaces, plus enabling Apple Studios access to Bartlesville Municipal Airport's largest airplane hangar.

"They had a three-story o ce building along with warehouse space that included the largest costume department I've ever seen," Swindell Gus said. "An entire room was devoted to aging and dying of clothes, clothing for 300+ background actors, and an art department that was meticulous about period décor."

Swindell Gus emphasized all

the period furnishings and cars, including a period hearse, and was especially struck by recreated tombstones carved out of dense Styrofoam. She said the detail was overwhelming, and the crew was building things up until the last days.

Emigrating from Mexico in 1919, the large family of Swindell Gus arrived in Pawhuska before the Reign of Terror era, and they lived in Pawhuska during that era. Yet no one in her family ever knew anything about the murders or spoke of the Reign of Terror.

"With a family that was there at that time, and to have never heard anything about this, means that it was something powerful but quiet," Swindell Gus said. "I hope that telling this story helps many people come to understand more about the loss, how we must learn and grow, how we cannot forget the pain of our fellow humans, and how we must tell each other's stories. American Indian stories must be told. I think the movie will help all minorities and victims of trauma see a way to tell stories and nd healing."

Moving on to an epicenter of lming, Economic Development Director for The City of Pawhuska, and Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mike McCartney is not registered Osage, but his godmother was full-blood Osage, and he has many Osage friends and relatives. McCartney was impressed by the lm crew's e orts to use Osage people and the Osage language in "Killers," when they were able to do so. He was fascinated by the team's transformation of Pawhuska's historic downtown back to the 1920s with dirt streets, and old building facades, as well as the old train depot reconstruction.

Commenting cautiously in an e ort to not o end anyone, McCartney said, "Many

"When the lm comes out, there's going to be a realization because it's an awful truth," Brumley said. "They're going to hear it for the rst time because it's just not taught. Native people were treated as unworthy. There will be people that will be aware of that for the rst time. The lm is intense."

"They're going to hear it for the rst time because it's just not taught."

Osages Ruth Shaw and Joe Don Brave take a break from filming in Fairfax on August 4, 2021.

An old Ford Model T Woody was used as a taxi during filming in multiple locations.

tragic stories need to be told. This is one of them. I knew of the murders, but our relatives did not talk of them much. If the story has been told accurately in the movie, it should be a great piece for preservation of Native American history. I have a full-blood Osage uncle who will not go see the movie because he was told not to talk about it. He is one of only ve living Osage full bloods. We here at the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce feel the Osage murders were a tragic story that should be told by the Osage Nation and not us. We pray the movie captures the true story that can help start a healing process for the families."

Wha-zha-zhe means "Osage" in the Osage language and is pronounced "Wah" (as "saw") "zha" (as in "saw") "zhe" (as in "they"). The Nation is a much bigger part of the Sooner State narrative than most Oklahomans realize. Just one tiny example is Oklahoma's current state ag.

Former Deputy Director of the Oklahoma History Center and now Director of Collections Je Briley said following a contest, in 1925 the Oklahoma Legislature adopted a new ag that features an Osage shield. As the state's current banner, the ag holds an unusual connection to the Reign of Terror.

Louise Fluke entered her design in the contest to create a new ag. She chose a speci c, historic Osage shield as the central motif for her winning design.

"The singular thing about that, aside from the historical connection, was that Fluke chose, as a central gure of the ag, a shield that belonged to a real person whose name was Black Dog II," Briley said. "He was one of the Osage who had evolved into a leadership position, and he was part of the larger decision-making processes for the Osage Nation. Our state ag re ects a real guy who spent his time caring for the Osage Nation, for its families. He was interested in perpetuation of the land as Osage. But at the time the ag was adopted, the arrests and trials were beginning to take place in Osage County for the Reign of Terror. My hope is that this movie opens a series of conversations that have never happened but that still need to happen."

Circling back to Grann and his bestseller book, his summation of the Reign of Terror and its culture of killing was graphic. He cited that although the FBI estimated there were 24 Osage murders, the real number was much higher because the bureau closed its investigation knowing there were many homicides that had been covered up, evading e orts to be detected.

"Over the sixteen-year period from 1907 to 1923, 605 Osages died....more than one-and-a-half times the national rate — and those numbers do not include Osages born after 1907 and not listed on the roll," Grann said.

In fact, while in Oklahoma conducting research for the book, and before leaving Osage County to return home to New York, Grann stopped to see Mary Jo Webb, a retired teacher in her 80s. Webb spent decades investigating the suspicious death of her grandfather, Paul Peace, which took place during the Reign of Terror. She lived in Fairfax, not far from where the Smiths' home had exploded. Webb showed Grann several boxes of documents she accumulated while investigating her grandfather's unsolved case, and she was convinced that the Reign of Terror's victims included her grandfather.

Because of his interview with Webb, toward the end of his book, Grann penned her statement: '"He was one of those victims who didn't show up in the FBI les and whose killers didn't go to prison,' Webb said."

Dust Bowl to Green Oasis

Oklahoma’s Conservation HEROES

In the midst of the 1930s Dust Bowl catastrophe, Oklahoma faced its darkest hour. Blinding dust storms, droughts, and a devastated landscape pushed communities to the brink. But from this desolation arose heroes: Arthur Coble and sons racing for shelter, farmers and families choking on dust, and a nation in crisis. In 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s vision ignited hope. He sent a model law to all states, allowing citizens to create soil conservation districts. Oklahoma answered the call, passing the Conservation District Enabling Act and birthing the Oklahoma Conservation Commission.

Today, these conservation districts span our great state, protecting our soil and water resources. Elected and appointed board members guide these districts, providing wisdom and stewardship.

the HauntedHeartland

Journey into the Heart of Oklahoma's Ghostly History and Encounter Spirits of the Past

They send a little shiver down your spine, raise the tiny hairs on the back of your neck, and send your heart racing just a hair. But you like it.

For some reason, scary stories are enjoyable for most people. They want to hear all the gritty details of a heinous murder in 1921 and see the rooms where a serial killer stashed his trophies. They want to experience the eeriness of a misty forest with dancing lights and howls of whoknows-what.

Of course, there are a multitude of crybaby bridges, spectral hitchhikers, cemeteries the souls have never left, and apparitions oating around theaters in Oklahoma—but much of the state’s haunted history is based on fascinating true events, people, and places.

In Muskogee, there is the empty lot downtown where graves were uprooted and relocated decades ago to make way for “progress.” Under the light of a full moon, in the small square of grass with a lone, gnarled tree, people say they have often seen an enormous Native American man named George.

A 1904 Muskogee Phoenix article about the e ort to remove the 318 graves claimed they "found the remains of an Indian who had been buried wrapped in his blanket. The blanket was red and still showed the position of the body around which it was wrapped. The Indian was very large with his thigh bone measuring 22 inches in length."

The grave movers also found a woman face-down in her co n with one arm behind her back—making them theorize she had been buried alive—and a man

buried with a strap around his neck fastened with a ring and padlock. All were moved to the city’s Greenhill Cemetery on the east side of town more than 120 years ago but seem to be lingering around the intersection of Emporia and Sixth streets.

On the other side of the state is Beaver Dunes Park—a portal into another world or an ancient UFO landing site? Its story begins all the way back to the 15th century when Spanish explorer Coronado witnessed three men vanishing into ashes of green light on the dunes—at least according to legend.

A bit of research leads to just one source: a man claiming to be an archeologist who believes there’s a UFO buried underneath the sand and who

claims the Coronado story comes from the diary of a Franciscan monk who traveled with Coronado. Regardless of the truth, imagine sitting among the vast dunes on a cool, October evening, watching the sky for mysterious green lights, and listening to strange noises surrounding you in the dark. Creepy.

In 1908, the Chickasaw Capital Newspaper noted that “Old Fort Washita near Sterrett has a proper ghost that walks about at night and on Halloween…” More than 115 years later, Fort Washita is still thought to be haunted—with a surprisingly sinister back story not even related to soldiers.

The ghost is said to be that of one “Aunt Jane,” who was supposedly beheaded by thieves and had her remains scattered all over the military post that was built in 1842. She was even said to possess a nearby child for a short time.

Tulsa’s infamous “Hex House” has been torn down since its heyday when a woman kept other women captive in the basement, torturing them and forcing them to serve her every need. Nonetheless, the basement is rumored to still exist under a parking lot, and many stories have been told of supernatural activity in the area.

Haunted hotels abound, of course, but the Skirvin Hotel is the most famous of them all. Established in 1911 in Oklahoma City, it was the epitome of luxury and saw a host of famous visitors from presidents to actors and musicians.

There were also suicides and crime, illegal gambling, and a bit of tippling going on during prohibition. A 14-year-old boy died there in 1915 though the newspapers of the time don’t detail how. But the ghost story that is most often told is of a woman in red wandering the halls.

Many have seen a maid carrying a crying infant through the halls who was said to

Ghost Stories Lantern 01 – Ghost Tours is an annual event at Fort Washita featuring a walking candlelit tour of the historic site.

Photo by Wendy Burton

have jumped to her death with her illegitimate child. The original hotel owner’s name has been besmirched for more than 100 years—supposedly “E e” was his mistress, and the child was his.

While no historical evidence of this story has been found to date, a former hotel manager did end his own life in a bathroom at the Skirvin in 1913, and a salesman jumped from a 10th- oor window in 1932, so they might be hanging around.

“Ghost Hollow” in Cushing reportedly has a hanging tree that glows white during a full moon— thought to be because an innocent man was hung there in 1887 and the

next day all the bark had fallen o the tree. The story has been around since at least 1948, when the Cushing Daily Citizen reported “there is a spot called ‘Ghost Hollow’ north of Ripley,” though the writer said he didn’t see any ghosts there himself.

And in 1961, the newspaper reported a variety of stories about “Ghost Hollow,” proclaiming the mysteries are “even better for telling on a dark night when the wind is high, and the moon is ghostly galleon.” Sounds like a good time.

Wendy King Burton is part-time writer who enjoys history, ghost hunting, and leisurely walks through creepy cemeteries.

From Land Runs to Ghostly Legends

It’s really no surprise given Oklahoma’s rather turbulent birth into a state, that there are plenty of ghost stories connected to that era—the mid1800s to statehood in 1907 have created hauntings connected to terrible annals of history, like the Trail of Tears, the land runs, forts, and “Indian wars.”

It was also the very edge of the Wild West as we know it for many years, which led to violent crimes and even the deaths of plenty of outlaws such as Belle Starr, Jesse James, Pretty Boy Floyd, Bonnie and Clyde who hid out in Medicine Park near Lawton while on the run from the law in the early ‘30s.

The Osage Indian murders—more stealing of land and wealth through a slew of killings in the ‘20s—certainly have led to “restless spirits.”

It’s all more than enough to spawn a slew of terrifying paranormal events and entities—some good, some rather evil if tales are to be believed.

The Fort Wars

Fort Reno near what is now El Reno, in south-central Oklahoma, began as a military camp in 1874 in what was called “the Indian Wars Era.” Visitors to the fort’s annual Historic Spirit Tours claim to have experienced or collected evidence of distressed souls, including electronic voice phenomena (EVPs) in the chapel, disembodied voices, sightings of a ghostly child, and frequent paranormal activity around the commissary.

The Land Runs

The Cherokee Strip Museum in Alva is said to be a hotbed of spooky activity, according to numerous paranormal investigation groups who have stayed overnight at the place. But what is the reason for a museum built in 1934 to be so haunted? Speculation is that certain artifacts from Oklahoma’s history—especially two flags from the 1893 land run—are to blame for sightings of a deceased soldier and fleeting visions of a little girl. But the scariest part of its history is probably the fact that some of the worst Nazi war criminals were housed there between 1943 and 1945. Shudder.

Turn-of-the-Century

A former rail station in Guthrie, built in 1903, is reported to be haunted by the wife of a former restaurant owner who lived above the place. The Sante Fe Depot was turned into the Harvey House Restaurant, which is now just a part of history. But Mrs. Harvey has been seen looking out the upstairs windows, according to numerous witnesses.

The Roaring ‘20s

The beautiful Philbrook Museum in Tulsa, built in 1927, is said to be the home of shadowy figures, roaming statues, and the sounds of disembodied scratching, knocking, and whispers. It’s not hard to imagine the bronze man in the rotunda stretching his well-defined limbs once the lights are out, stepping off his pedestal and making his way out into the gardens for a moonlight stroll.

Philbrook Museum of Art

Spooky on Route 66

Google Finds a Hidden Gem in Sapulpa

In the heart of Sapulpa, Joe Krout faced a code compliance challenge when he erected a metal building. To add a touch of charm, he transformed it into a whimsical facade, reminiscent of businesses from the early 1900s. As a graphic designer, Krout meticulously hand-painted signs for "eyecu," "Old Saloon," and "Diggem Deep Mortuary."

One day, a routine visit by a Google Maps vehicle led to an unexpected twist. The faux businesses caught the eye of Google's digital cartographer, prompting curious visitors to leave tongue-in-cheek reviews. Soon, a dedicated Facebook page amassed a following, where readers were treated to daily tales of Sapulpa's imaginary landscape.

Krout's building, nestled on the corner of Hobson and Poplar near Heritage Park, initially posed a conundrum due to city ordinances that discouraged metal constructions along key city corridors. Rather than contest the issue, Krout unleashed his artistic flair, adorning the structure with reclaimed barn wood and paint, transforming it into an Old West-inspired spectacle.

The edifice now presents as three distinct businesses: "Dr. I.C. Clearly Optometrist," "Old Town Saloon" complete with swinging batwing doors, and the fantastical "Diggem Deep Mortuary."

This imaginative facade has not only been a local curiosity for nearly two years, attracting Route 66 travelers, but it has now garnered the attention of Google Maps. The car, on its mission to update local data, added "Diggem Deep Mortuary" as a bona fide "Casket Service" business.

Ever the opportunist, Krout encouraged friends to leave reviews, sparking a flood of comical anecdotes, such as the saga of Rattlesnake Leon. In just 24 hours, "Diggem Deep Mortuary" climbed to the number 2 spot for "Sapulpa mortuary" searches.

Expanding on this unexpected opportunity, Krout created a webpage with more fabricated reviews and information on bulk rates, all while promoting local businesses. For instance, a recent post directed visitors to the "Heart of Route 66 Vintage Market" for estate items from "Ima Schotz." Beyond its entertainment value, Krout's escapade underscores the importance of maintaining an online presence. While the fate of this whimsical listing on Google Maps remains uncertain, Krout is determined to leverage it to support fellow businesses in Sapulpa, showcasing the power of creative marketing in the digital age.

"After we started getting a lot of Note-oriety, Google took the casket service listing down and another Facebook business. 'Taste Of Choctaw' helped us get a new Google business listing as an attraction," Joe said. "We've welcomed visitors from all over Europe and America. We recently had people from Vienna, the UK, and Liverpool, as well as some folks on Saturday from South Dakota. The key is to be a good ambassador of Route 66, and make Sapulpa a memorable visit for those rolling down the road.

MUSEUM OF OSTEOLOGY OKC

Explore what forensic anthropologists, law enforcement, and investigators can learn by examining human skeletal remains. Each table will be assigned a mystery case and through a hands-on investigation, you will learn to “read” the features of a human skull to determine your subjects: age, sex, physical trauma and/or pathology (disease). These are replica skulls from REAL homicides, accidents & suicides. Personal discretion is advised. Ages 16 & Up. If you purchase fewer than 4 tickets (1 table), you will be seated with other Forensic Night guests to solve a case. Please let them know if you are attending with friends who have purchased tickets separately and wish to be seated with them. The museum also off ers suspect sketching classes October 21, and D&D Night October 30. The museum is the largest privately held collection of osteological specimens in the world. skeletonmuseum.com

Mary Beth Babcock of Buck Atoms Cosmic Curios on Route 66 showing off Sculptures of Buckwolf made by Scott Farmer of Sculpture Island. The larger than life Buckwolf’s mask will be made by Adam Carnes.

Capturing Memories Since 1990

Discover the essence of photography at Apertures, Tulsa’s trusted photo processing lab since 1990. We’re thrilled to announce our move to a brand-new location on the iconic Route 66, where creativity and innovation converge.

Our state-of-the-art photo processing lab is equipped with the latest technology to bring your cherished moments to life. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, Apertures offers studio spaces for rent, providing the perfect setting to unleash your

artistic vision. Immersed in the spirit of Route 66, your shoots are sure to be infused with an undeniable sense of nostalgia and wonder.

But that’s not all; we believe in sharing the art and knowledge of photography with the community. Apertures hosts a variety of photography lessons suited for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner eager to grasp the fundamentals or a seasoned photographer seeking to refine your techniques, our experienced instructors will guide you on your journey to mastery.

Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead -- Día de Los Muertos -- is sometimes considered more like a family reunion of souls and is actually a Mexican holiday to celebrate those who have gone before us. This important holiday is held on November 1 and November 2.

101 Archer St WOMPA

Photo courtesy Van Gogh

Photo courtesy Myriad Gardens

The Plate

We All Scream for Ice Cream (and Cake!!).

A Unique Perspective on an Old Tradition

Jimmy (James) and Melissa were ready for a change of pace from their hectic Long Island, NY lives after living there 29 years. The pandemic was tough , and made it even tougher living in the big city of NY. They are both huge Halloween fans and decorated their home yearround, 365 days per year! “My wife is gifted at decorating,” Jimmy said. We’ve always loved Halloween and horror movies.”

They lucked out when wanting to start a new ice cream shop in Norman, Oklahoma. A friend had already purchased two ice cream machines, but the couple didn’t want to be like every other ice cream shop. They wanted something di erent. So they took their love for all-things-Halloween, and started the “Ice Creamatory,” lled with some spooky decor and spooky-themed ice cream

concoctions. There are avors with fun names, such as “Child’s Play,” “Trick or Treat,” “The Boogeyman,” and “Elm Street,” just to name a few.

“Our crematory opened in November 2022. My wife was still in NY, trying to sell the home, while I was living in an AirBNB until we had a place to live. We’ve been in business about one year, and it’s all been better than we thought it would. We have a unique presence in the ice cream

A Taste of Oklahoma

Indulge Your Nightmares

Welcome to a realm where your sweetest nightmares come to life, where childhood nostalgia meets spine-tingling indulgence. This spooky ice cream shop has conjured up a menu that will both delight and haunt your taste buds.

is a playful yet sinister creation, featuring Fruity Pebbles and Fruit Loops crowned with an army of Gummy Bears and a blood-red strawberry drizzle. It's a sugary symphony that pays homage to the macabre. For those with a taste for terror and a penchant for the classics, is a slice of terror. With a base of Apple Pie, it's adorned with Golden Grahams, Apple Jacks, and a wicked Caramel Drizzle. It's the perfect treat to enjoy around a campfire at Crystal Lake.

lurks in the shadows, a monstrous concoction of Cookie Crisp, Nilla Wafers, Oreos, Cookie Dough, and a haunting marshmallow drizzle. It's a dessert that will have you checking under your bed.

is a sweet spell, weaving together Golden Grahams, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Marshmallows, Honey Teddy Grahams, and a chocolate drizzle. It's a reminder that Halloween night holds both

world,” Jimmy concluded. “We’ve had people who drove in from the Panhandle just to see us and try our ice cream shop. It doesn’t hurt that I was also

Venture into if you dare, with Reeses Puff s, Cocoa Pebbles, chocolate chips, red sprinkles, and a raspberry drizzle. It's a dreamy yet eerie delight inspired by the darkest of nightmares.

weaves a spell with Trix, Rice Krispies, rainbow sprinkles, and Strawberry Drizzle. It's a colorful incantation that captures the essence of childhood wonder and Halloween magic.

off ers a taste so devilishly good, with Captain Crunch Berries, Rice Krispies, and a mesmerizing raspberry drizzle. It's a creation that'll make you smile just as wide as the Captain himself.

unites Cookie Crisp, Cocoa Puff s, Cocoa Pebbles, M&M's, and a chocolate drizzle in a monstrous ensemble of flavors that'll have you howling with delight.

Finally, for a touch of elegance, savor vanilla ice cream, Golden Grahams, and strawberries, adorned with Golden Grahams and a strawberry drizzle. It's a sinful yet heavenly indulgence that will leave you yearning for more.

So, if you dare, step into this spooky ice cream shop and embrace the thrill of childhood nightmares brought to life through chilling creations. Each bite is an invitation to the dark, sweet side of nostalgia.

born in October, so I’m a Halloween baby through and through.”

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The Ice Creamatory

THEICECREAMATORY.COM

Directions

1 Place cookies into a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin into crumbs.

2 Whisk together pudding mix with milk in a bowl, stirring for 2 minutes.

3 Sprinkle about 1/3 of the crushed cookie crumbs into the bottom of a serving bowl and spoon chocolate pudding over crumbs. Smooth out the top of the pudding, then top with the rest of the chocolate cookie crumbs to resemble dirt.

4 Poke gummy worms halfway into the dirt. Refrigerate until serving.

Tips

For a more mud- or dirt-like appearance, untwist the Oreo cookies and scrape off the creme filling before crushing them.

5 Combine cream cheese, butter, and confectioner's sugar in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth.

Whisk milk, whipped topping, and pudding together in a separate large bowl; fold in cream cheese mixture until well combined.

7 Alternately layer crushed cookies and pudding mixture in a medium flower pot, starting and ending with cookies. Chill dirt cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve; garnish as desired. Recipe courtesy, Allrecipes.com

All About Garlic

We at Scissortail Magazine wanted to have a little bit of fun with this month’s issue. So keep that in mind as you read through the pages.

Keeping Vampires at Bay

Stark white teeth, seemingly made brighter by pale skin; and wide white gums, appearing larger due to shrunken gums, are the characteristics of — you guessed it… vampires! And since this month’s issue of Scissortail is all-things-Halloween, we’re showcasing a multitude of spooky, scary events and fall happenings, and a perfect opportunity to talk about … garlic!

In folklore, garlic was used to ward o evil spirits, demons, and vampires. Obviously, vampires were, and still are, heavily dramatized in lms, books, and plays (Dracula was the work of 19thcentury Romanticism). The folkloric link between vampires and garlic has to do with its compound, allicin, the major sulfur compound that is (brie y) released when someone or something cuts the garlic clove.

According to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the blood disorder called porphyria may have supported this vampire belief. Porphyria is a group of disorders characterized by a defective enzyme our bodies need to make heme, the deep-red, iron-containing compounds that assist

with transporting oxygen throughout the body. Garlic and sunlight can worsen these symptoms, so people with porphyria might avoid it – a habit some people attribute to vampirism.

Planting and Cooking With Garlic

There’s an entire day dedicated to this pungent bulb and all the sharp, yummy avor it provides, and that's April 19. Some states even host garlic festivals! It’s great to cook with and adds so much avor to so many recipes. But garlic can be easy to burn, and that makes it bitter and unpleasant to taste. Always add it at the end of your cooking process. It can also make for a great grilling marinade, but it’s better to use whole, crushed cloves when mixing the marinade, removing them before you start grilling. See our website for recipes using garlic: scissortailmag.com

As for planting garlic, “Garlic is planted in the fall, so it doesn’t interfere with summer crops,” said Tyler Mason, Extension and Research Specialist at OSU; his expertise is vegetable crops. “Garlic does not attract a lot of disease or insects so it’s a great one to grow. Just plant the pointed tip up, and press into the soil about 1-1/2 inches deep, with three inches between each. You want to provide about 10-20 inches of moisture, mid-October-May,” Mason concluded.

9Things You May Not Know About Garlic

1 During WWII garlic was given to wounded soldiers. It was known as ‘Russian Penicillin’.

2 The heaviest head (bulb) of garlic was 2 lbs 10 oz. It was grown by Robert Kirkpatrick of Eureka, CA in 1985.

3 Talking about records The Guinness world record for the most garlic cloves eaten in 1 minute is held by Deepak Sharma Bajagain. He consumed 34 cloves in Nepal in December 2009. That would be some strong garlic breath

4 Fear of garlic is allium phobia: People with this disorder get a fearful and/ or anxious reaction when they see or smell garlic. How awful!

5 You can use garlic to make glue.

6 China grows two-thirds of the world’s garlic, 46 billion pounds per year.

7 Greek athletes would take copious amounts of garlic before a competition, and Greek soldiers would consume garlic before going into battle.

8 Roman soldiers ate garlic to inspire them and give them courage. Even the Roman generals believed so they planted garlic fields in the countries they conquered, believing that courage was transferred to the battlefield.

9 According to the USDA in 2021, when you purchase garlic at the store, you may get the entire bulb with cloves to crush, chop, or roast, among other uses. However, 121 million pounds of this fresh market garlic produced in the U.S. last year accounted for less than half of total garlic production. Most U.S. garlic produced (225 million pounds in 2020) was used for processing (any operations that alter the general state of the commodity, such as canning, freezing, dehydration, or grinding). The total value of fresh market garlic in 2020 ($220 million) was greater than the value of garlic used for processing ($44 million).

Crafting Sweet Delights and Endless Smiles

Nicole is otherwise known as the OKC Cake Lady, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. “I started working at a grocery store when I was 18 years old. I have always been a car enthusiast and had a mini-truck that I was xing up as a hobby. The grocery store manager asked if I wanted to work in the bakery to get more hours. Well, more hours equaled more money for my truck and I kindly took them up on their o er. From there, I started in the bakery and I absolutely loved it. I could not get enough of creating and putting smiles on customers’ faces,” Nicole said.

“Cake decorating was not a passion until I took my rst step in the bakery when I was 17 years old. Now it is a huge part of who I am. It is what keeps my mind busy and full of optimistic thoughts. I truly believe I would not be who I am today if I hadn't stumbled on this amazing adventure /passion called cake decorating.”

"I believe that the creativeness in the cakes comes from the drive I have for what I do. The joy it brings is a like an addiction, you just want more and more. The customers push me a lot, too. They want to see new cakes and I'm here to try and wow them while putting smiles on their faces,” Nicole said.

“I have been in business now for 10 years and I hope to have it for many more.”

Nicole is so creative, she said she is always ready to make

Satisfy Your Spooky Cravings With Bewitched Halloween Cookies!

As Halloween approaches, there's a delightful chill in the air, leaves rustling, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats wafting from Merritt's Bakery. This beloved bakery has mastered the art of transforming ordinary sugar cookies into spooky Halloween delights, and their cupcakes are equally bewitching.

Merritt's Bakery, known for its delectable creations, takes the Halloween season to a whole new level. Their sugar cookies, meticulously decorated with ghouls, ghosts, and pumpkins, are a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. Each cookie tells a whimsical story, inviting you to dive into the world of Halloween.

The attention to detail and creativity that goes into these cookies is nothing short of magical. Whether you're planning a Halloween party or just want to surprise your family and friends with a spooky treat, Merritt's Bakery has you covered.

But the enchantment doesn't stop there. Their cupcakes are equally bewitching. Decorated with eerie yet

adorable toppers, they're the perfect addition to your Halloween dessert table. These cupcakes are not only visually striking but also incredibly delicious, leaving you craving for more.

What sets Merritt's Bakery apart is their passion for baking and their commitment to delivering not just desserts but also happiness. As you take that rst bite into a Halloween sugar cookie or a cupcake, you'll experience the love and dedication that goes into each creation.

So, as Halloween approaches, pay a visit to Merritt's Bakery and let their spooky sugar cookies and cupcakes transport you to a world of Halloween delights. These treats are not just desserts; they're a magical experience waiting to be savored.

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Merritt's Bakery

Discover the Magic Halloweenof Celebrations in the Sooner State

As the leaves turn crimson and the nights grow longer, Oklahoma gears up for one of its most anticipated celebrations: Halloween. It's a time when the Sooner State, with its charming towns and spirited cities, transforms into a playground of costumes, spooky decor, and heartwarming gatherings. From elaborate costumes to friendly neighborhood get-togethers, here's why Halloween in Oklahoma is an absolute blast.

The heart of Halloween lies in dressing up, and Oklahomans take

this to a whole new level. From pint-sized pirates to DIY wizards, you'll nd a myriad of costumes showcasing creativity and ingenuity. Local thrift shops and costume stores become treasure troves for costume hunters seeking that perfect, unique out t. Whether it's channeling your favorite pop culture icon or creating an original character, the possibilities are endless.

Oklahomans are known for going all out with Halloween decorations. From elaborately carved pumpkins to eerie haunted houses, neighborhoods become immersive Halloween wonderlands. It's not uncommon to see houses adorned with cobwebs, jack-o'-lanterns, and eerie sound e ects that transport you to a spinetingling world of fun scares.

In Oklahoma, Halloween isn't just about dressing up and collecting candy; it's a celebration of community. Neighborhood gatherings bring together families and friends for memorable evenings lled with laughter and camaraderie. Potluck dinners, pumpkin carving

contests, and even outdoor movie screenings are common ways in which Oklahomans come together to celebrate.

Halloween in Oklahoma wouldn't be complete without a feast of delightful treats. From caramel apples to warm cider, there's a wide array of scrumptious eats that warm the soul on a chilly autumn night. And, of course, the candy haul from trick-or-treating is a highlight that brings joy to kids of all ages.

As the spooktacular season approaches, it's time to ask, "What is your favorite part of Halloween?" Is it the excitement of choosing and wearing the perfect costume, the thrill of decorating your home in eerie style, or perhaps the joy of sharing delicious treats with your community? Halloween o ers something for everyone, and it's a time when the magic of imagination, togetherness, and celebration comes alive. So, what's your favorite part of Halloween?

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