The Oklahoma History Center Museum will have pieces of silver service from the USS Oklahoma on display starting Monday, November 27, to commemorate the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The complete set consists of 55 pieces. Only select pieces will be available for public view.
On December 7, 1941, the USS Oklahoma was one of eight battleships docked at the Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Honolulu, Hawaii, when it came under attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. The USS Oklahoma suffered 429 casualties, and the battleship capsized due to multiple torpedo strikes.
The tradition of creating presentation silver sets for American warships of the “first rank” began with the USS Maine in the late 1890s. Continuing this tradition, the Oklahoma Legislature appropriated $7,500 in 1913 to create a silver service to express the state’s pride in having a new battleship named for the state. It was designed by Walter Dean of Oklahoma City and executed by Gorham Silversmiths of New York. The USS Oklahoma was christened on March 23, 1914, and the service was presented to the ship at that time. The service was used on the battleship from 1914 until 1941 but was removed before the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and stored at the Puget Sound Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. In 1946 after World War II, the Oklahoma Historical Society appointed a committee to find the silver service and return it to the state. In 1947 the U.S. Navy loaned the silver service to the Oklahoma Historical Society. After thorough polishing and repair, it went on public display.
The Oklahoma History Center is located at 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr. in Oklahoma City. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Please call 405-522-0765 or visit https://www.okhistory.org/historycenter/ for admission costs and group rates.
Across
1 Kilauea flow
5 Clear dishes from
8 Jammies
11 Hosp. figures
14 Longest, as odds
16 Like many Berbers
18 *Occasion to pin back one’s coif?
19 Like village roads
20 Mediterranean country
22 Mixed martial artist Rousey
23 Girl of the fam
26 *Catchy part of a virtuous song?
29 Shortly
32 Arboreal marsupial
33 “You betcha”
34 Garage door opener brand
35 Org. that includes the TSA
38 *People born during the Era of Good Feelings?
42 Digs in the mud
43 Battery measures
44 Biblical mount
45 Bernie in his mittens, Keanu playing with puppies, etc.
46 “Yeah, that’s old news”
47 *Evening spent downloading the latest OS?
52 Manhattan option
53 Mind
54 Qualifying events
57 Calm
60 Social climbers, and what the answers to the starred clues literally have
64 Brings in
65 “You can guess the rest”
66 Put away
67 Keystone bumbler
68 Mauna __
69 Monumental Down
1 “Geaux Tigers!” sch.
2 High point of a trip to Europe?
3 YouTube clip, for short
4 Mine, in MontrŽal
5 Capital in the Levant
6 Many an election night graphic, for short
7 Direct
8 LAX setting
9 Yak
10 Limited autonomy, so to speak
11 Pipe cleaner
12 Internet stranger
13 Quarterback maneuver
15 The Colorado fourteeners, e.g.: Abbr.
17 Hana Airport greeting
21 Compares
23 Facial cavity
24 Unsuitable
25 Watched from the sidelines
27 Left
28 Locks
30 Letters in ancient history
31 “Tell me if this is too personal, but … “
34 Understands
35 Currency of Serbia and Jordan
36 White with frost
37 Biting
39 Large volume
40 Singer Campbell
41 Draw
45 Two socks, hopefully
46 Mississippi source
47 Linguistic practices
48 Violinist/singer Haden
49 Light rail stop
50 Slop
51 Aware of
55 Cell service letters
56 Appease fully
58 Citigroup’s Jane Fraser, e.g.
59 Super vision?
61 Set component
62 Tetra- minus one
63 __ bunt
Senior Citizens’ Events at the Metropolitan Library System
Tai Chi for Better Balance Learn Tai Chi to help reduce the risk of falling, increase balance, and improve flexibility. This six-week class offers a series of slow, continuous movements. • Aug. 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 10 a.m. at Warr Acres Library
Tai Chi for Better Movement Bethany Library offers an eight-week Tai Chi class for seniors, promoting balance, flexibility, and overall well-being through gentle, continuous movements suitable for all fitness levels. • Aug. 3, 10, 17, and 31, 9:30 a.m. at Bethany Library
Total Wellness Total Wellness is a free program by the Oklahoma City-County Health Department designed to help adults prevent diabetes and heart disease through weight loss and increased activity. • Aug. 6 and 13, 5:15 p.m. at Midwest City Library • Aug. 7 and 14. 5:15 p.m. at Bethany Library
Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) Designed to increase muscle strength, range of movement, and improve daily living activities. Includes chair exercises. • Aug. 19, 21, 26, and 28, 10 a.m. at the Village Library • Aug. 21 and 28, 10 a.m. at Choctaw Library
Alzheimer’s Support Group The Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group offers a supportive community for those caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia, providing comfort, practical advice, and a safe space to share experiences. • Aug. 27, 6 p.m. at Bethany Library
August Adventures: State Fair Fun and Back-to-School Excitement at Your Library
As the new school year approaches, the Metropolitan Library System invites guests of all ages to enjoy various events across its 19 locations. Explore the highlights below and visit: https://www.metrolibrary.org/events/upcoming for more details.
Back to School Preparation Prepare for the school year with the Metropolitan Library System’s digital resources, including Creativebug for arts and crafts, Fiero Code for coding lessons, and HelpNow for live tutoring. Explore LearningExpress Library for practice tests, LinkedIn Learning for business and tech courses, and Tumblebooks for interactive children’s reading. Visit metrolibrary.org for more details on these resources and upcoming events! • Back to School Kit: Available throughout August at Choctaw Library, includes essential school supplies. • Educators Reception: August 5, 2:30 PM at Almonte Library, offering tours of the new library and Makerspace. • Back to School Slime Time: August 15, 4 PM at Bethany Library, a hands-on slime-making activity. • Web Developer Bootcamp: Learn CSS, JavaScript, HTML, and more at Choctaw Library every Thursday in August at 7 PM.
Metro Grows: Gardening for All Ages
Our Metro Grows Program returns with expanded tool lending at 12 locations and discovery backpacks for children. Join us for these upcoming gardening events: • Organic Pest Management: August 6, 3 PM at Bethany Library. • Fall Beginner Gardening: August 6, 6 PM at Del City Library and August 26, 6PM at Choctaw Library. • Tea Making: August 6, 6:30 PM at Jones Library; August 17, 11 AM at Northwest Library; August 20, 6 PM at Bethany Library. • Natural Dyes for Kids: August 7, 3PM at Jones Library; August 9, 10 AM at Choctaw Library; August 10, 11 AM at Village Library; August 14, 4 PM at Ralph Ellison Library; August 24, 2 PM at Southern Oaks Library; August 26, 1 PM at Almonte Library. • Fall Budget Gardening for Kids: August 10, 10:30 AM at Luther Library; August 19, 4:30 PM at Midwest City Library; August 20, 4 PM at Northwest Library; August 24, 10 AM at Warr Acres Library. • Planning Your Fall Garden: August 13, 6:30 PM at Luther Library; August 28, 6 PM at Midwest City Library.
LitFest Returns Join us for the 7th Annual LitFest at the Downtown OKC Library on August 17 from 10 AM to 4 PM featuring sessions on AI and writing, publishing, romance, dialogue writing, children’s books, Oklahoma folklore, comics, and more, including a critique partner speed workshop.
State Fair Fun at Your Library
Join us for “Go Again! With the State Fair of Oklahoma” with themed programming at all locations starting August 26. Activities include crafting state fair-themed souvenirs inspired by historical photographs and programs from the library’s archives. Each library will feature different activities, and guests can enter a raffle for a chance to win a four-pack of State Fair tickets. Raffle entries close on September 6. • Featured Take-Home Kits in August: • State Fair Pennant Kit: Begins August 26 at Del City Library. Teens and adults can create personalized pennants with materials inspired by historical State Fair souvenirs from the 1930s. This kit includes a felt pennant, ties, logo and year, and puff paint. All recipients will be entered into a raffle for State Fair tickets. • Miniature State Fair Food Kit: Available starting August 27 at Wright Library. Enjoy crafting miniature versions of your favorite State Fair foods.
Themed Event to Celebrate “Route 66: The Ultimate American Road Trip”
HarborChase of South Oklahoma, a new luxury senior living community, is hosting “Route 66: The Ultimate American Road Trip” from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, March 12. In honor of the community’s grand opening, the event will feature live entertainment, community tours, cocktails, chef-prepared cuisine and a celebration of the iconic sights of Route 66. HarborChase of South Oklahoma City is managed by Harbor Retirement Associates (HRA), a regional senior living development and management company based in Vero Beach, Florida.
“We’re very excited to host this Grand Opening Celebration as we formally open the doors to HarborChase of South Oklahoma,” said Willie Ferguson, Executive Director of HarborChase of South Oklahoma City. “This is truly going to be an evening to remember for our friends, associates, residents and family members. This festive event will pay homage to the beloved and iconic ‘Mother Road.’ We look forward to introducing new friends to the unsurpassed hospitality and luxurious amenities of HarborChase.”
During the event, HarborChase of South Oklahoma City will host community walking tours of its grounds and amenities. The celebration will feature live entertainment and a variety of themed food and beverage stations, each one celebrating one of Route 66’s iconic sights or exits. Guests will have an opportunity to win prizes with a series of prize drawings. Space is limited. For more information or to RSVP, call (405) 259-2309.
Located at 10801 South May Avenue, HarborChase features 24-hour staff, supportive services, scheduled transportation daily, housekeeping service, concierge services and the exclusive Chef’s Fare Dining program with customized dining experiences in multiple restaurants. It also includes HarborChase’s signature Life Enrichment program, designed to provide social, devotional, fitness and recreational opportunities that have a positive impact on residents.
For more information on HarborChase of South Oklahoma City, visit www.HarborChase.com.
Hearing Loss Association of America Central Oklahoma Chapter (HLAA) celebrates 25 years of service to Oklahomans.
HLAA is a 501(c)(3) group that exists to support those who have a hearing loss. HLAA is a support group, but is so much more. HLAA educates people with hearing loss to help them learn to live successfully in a hearing world. HLAA lobbies locally and nationally for Medicare and insurance support for hearing aids. Hearing loss is a disability protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. HLAA offers information on listening assistive devices thru the Faye Donalson Hearing Helpers Room. HLAA gives scholarships to students desiring a higher education.
Hearing Loss Association exists for the purpose of creating a safe place for those with hearing loss and those who love ‘em to gather and talk about hearing loss and many other subjects of interest. We offer a safe place for our members to learn to get along in a hearing world. Our national association, Hearing Loss Association of America is a major lobbying organization. They have worked; to get our Congress to enact legislation to include hearing aids in insurance policies; to get movies and TV to caption their products; to reach out to the military to assist returning GIs; create awareness among the general population of the needs of the hearing impaired; to the professionals in the hearing industry; to business & local governments to create hearing friendly environments for people with hearing loss and on and on and on. Our local group is an extension of all that.
An ice cream social will mark HLA’s 25th Anniversary. The social will be held on August 6th, 2-4PM, at the Lakeside Methodist Church, 2925 NW 66, OKC., Oklahoma City and is open to the public at no admission charge. At that time HLAA will also recognize the two scholarship winners, Ashton Darling attending Oklahoma State University and Shaun Bainter who will be attending Oklahoma University.
There was recently a cartoon published where a husband and wife were sitting on the couch. He said to her, “Turn on the light, please, so I can hear you.” She responded, “I know what you mean, I can’t hear you without my glasses.” It would be funny if it weren’t for the fact that something like one million Oklahomans live with a hearing loss. Many Oklahomans with hearing loss will augment what hearing they have by reading lips. So do your friends a favor by not covering your mouth when you speak, and look at them when you talk, that is only a common courtesy any way.
Summer is fast approaching and activities loom on the horizon — concerts, plays, lake and pool activities, and many more. But, imagine that you can only partially hear the music, the laughter of friends, or that you miss out on family conversations around the dinner table. Hearing loss is a major, and invisible, problem. Hearing loss is no respecter of age, race, or sex. Hearing Loss Association of America Central Oklahoma Chapter (HLAA) has been working for 25 years to help those with a hearing loss live in a hearing world.
May was good hearing month so HLAA asks, “What have you done to protect your hearing?” Our hearing is assaulted daily by damaging sounds. The sound of a lawn mower is enough to cause hearing damage. Imagine what loud music introduced directly into the ear with ear buds might so. Concerts, motors, even driving with the windows down create enough noise to harm your ears. There are several ways to protect your hearing; move away from the sound, turn down the volume, or wear some hearing protection are just a few.
Many ignore the fact that they are having problems hearing. Do you find that you often ask others to repeat themselves? Do people tell you that you have the TV turned too loud? Does everyone mumble? May be it is time to admit that your hearing is getting weak. HLAA encourages you to see a hearing professional. HLAA can assist if you have questions. Yes hearing aids are expensive and in most cases health insurance is no help. HLAA is working to encourage insurance companies to cover the cost of hearing exams and hearing aids.
Hearing loss will continue to grow in the future with thousands of our finest young men and women returning from active military duty. Hearing loss the most prevalent injury among returning veterans so HLAA is very actively developing programs to assist the veteran.
The annual national HLAA convention is held each June to highlight and inform members of technical and medical advancements in the hearing industry. Nationally known speakers, workshops, and Continuing Education Units are a major part of the convention. The Central Oklahoma Chapter is proud to announce that one of our members, Wanda Evans, received an award for Spirit of HLAA at the most recent convention. HLAA offers 17 awards nationally and our local chapter regularly brings home awards.
Central Oklahoma Chapter of HLAA is extremely proud of our Faye Donalson Hearing Helper’s Room. The Hearing Helper’s Room (HHR) displays many assistive listening devices and is staffed entirely by volunteers. We think this is the only facility like it in the entire country. Yes there are other places where you can see and buy items but these ‘stores’ are normally operated as a business or governmental agency and have a paid staff. Our HHR is a demonstration room only. You cannot buy anything here. You may take an item home for a trial at your leisure. If you have questions the volunteers are extremely knowledgeable and are able to direct you to a professional for assistance. The HHR was established 18 years ago by our member, Faye Donalson and we are proud to have her name on our door.
The Mission Statement of Hearing Loss Association of America states that our goal is to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support and advocacy. HLAA’s primary purpose is to educate ourselves, our families, friends, coworkers, teachers, hearing health care providers, industry, government, and others about hearing loss. And we advocate for communication access in the workplace, hotels, schools, court systems, medical, and entertainment facilities. We invite you to be a part of HLAA. Visit our website at www.OKCHearingLoss.org
Connie Flowers, Director of Marketing and Admissions and Yvonne Gutierrez, Life Enrichment Coordinator for the Memory Impaired and Progressive Care Unit at Sommerset introduce The Virtual Dementia Tour, giving the caregiver and the resident’s family members a better understanding of what it is like to have dementia.
by Vickie Jenkins
Sommerset Assisted Living and Memory Care Senior Community is a place you are sure to feel welcome. Recently, I talked with Yvonne Gutierrez, Life Enrichment Coordinator for the Memory Impaired and Progressive Care units. It’s easy to see why the residents love it here. Yvonne is very energetic, enthusiastic and enjoys spending time with the residents of Sommerset. She has been the Life Enrichment Coordinator for the last 3 years.
Yvonne enjoys spending time with the residents as they meet to share conversations, discussing the latest news, reading, playing dominoes and working puzzles. “There is a time and a place where the women like to get pampered, getting their hair done and getting the perfect manicure. They look forward to that,” Yvonne says. “It makes each one of them feel very special,” she adds. The Memory Care and Progressive Care residents enjoy a family day on the second Saturday of every month.
Asking Yvonne what her favorite thing is about being the activity director, she replies, “I love seeing the residents having fun and enjoying their time together. I look forward to the many activities that we have and I enjoy talking to all of the residents. We really get to know each other. Most of all, I like the hugs. Something so small but it goes so far. I love my hugs.” “If you were describing yourself in 3 words, what would they be?” I ask Yvonne. “I am definitely outgoing, very vocal, and I am always ready to help someone.”
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually even the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s, symptoms first appear after age 65. Estimates vary but experts suggest that as many as 5 million Americans age 65 and older may have Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning; thinking, remembering, reasoning and behavior abilities to such an extent that interferes with a person’s daily life and activities. Dementia is severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for basic activities of daily living.
P.K. Beville, a geriatric psychologist and founder of the nonprofit senior citizen advocacy group Second Wind Dreams created the Virtual Dementia Tour, an experiential kit used to simulate the symptoms of age-related Alzheimer’s and dementia to help caregivers better identify and cope with their resident’s behavior and needs.
In the last few months, Yvonne Gutierrez and Connie Flowers, Director of Marketing and Admissions have been working on setting up the Virtual Dementia Tour at Sommerset. A walk-through exercise is given where 5 tasks are to be completed. The latest results show that out of the 5 tasks assigned, the average person accomplished 2. The most common comments were: angry, confused, powerless, embarrassed, scared and rethinking what their loved ones go through.
I also spoke with Dave Gooshaw, Clinical Special Education Coordinator of EMSA. He was very pleased with the Virtual Dementia Tour. He suggests that all caregivers go through this exercise program. “It was very interesting and it let me know what it is like for anyone that has Alzheimer’s is going through. I’ll have to admit, when I finished, I was frustrated by not completing all of the tasks, but it also made me aware of how a person with Alzheimer’s must feel. I am thankful that Sommerset has this program available. Overall, I consider the Virtual Dementia Tour fascinating.”
Sommerset is one of the few healthcare facilities in Oklahoma that has the Virtual Dementia Tour. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias, and this is impacting your family, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to participate in this exercise. You may feel lost, scared and frustrated, but you will feel closer to your loved one and better prepared to help them.
If you or someone you know would like to experience the Virtual Dementia Tour, please contact Yvonne or Connie at 405-691-9221 to schedule an appointment.
Eddie Mulle is an actor and artist, providing artwork for the Kitty Feral books.
By Nick Thomas
If reading bedtime stories to the grandkids is a cherished family tradition, Eddie Muller has an unusual tale to share this holiday season: a gritty feline sleuth searches for a stolen artifact while encountering a host of seedy underground characters prowling through a shadowy urban setting.
If that sounds like the plot from 1940s film noir cinema, you’re no dope. In his first published children’s book, “Kitty Feral and the Case of the Marshmallow Monkey,” the Turner Classic Movies host has channeled his film noir expertise onto the pages of a new book for kids aged 4 and up.
Toning down the traditionally dark stylized themes from early crime fiction thrillers was a no-brainer for Muller https://www.eddiemuller.com/ and Running Press Kids publishers https://www.runningpress.com/. The result is a cute mystery tale with animal characters that cleverly reference popular classic noir films, including one of the best from 1941.
“‘The Maltese Falcon’ seemed a perfect template,” said Muller from his home in the San Francisco Bay Area. “Film noir themes revolve around the most diabolical and dastardly motivations that are not suitable for a children’s book. But many are detective stories, so the idea of a simple quest, like a treasure hunt, seemed adaptable for kids.”
Just like private detective Sam Spade’s search for the precious ‘Falcon’ statuette, Kitty Feral pursues a stolen artifact (a Marshmallow Monkey) and along the way, interacts with some interesting characters, driving the plot. (Kitty is also on a mission to locate kidnapped crime-fighting partner Mitch the Mutt).
When originally approached by (co-author) Jessica Schmidt with the idea, Muller says he jumped at the opportunity provided the artwork would emulate the style of classic noir film. Drawn by Forrest Burdett in glorious noir-ish black-and-white and distinctively skewed viewer angles, the Oregon-based artist added a splash of vivid blue highlights to Kitty who roams the dark alleys, deserted city rooftops, and eerie waterfront in search of a missing Marshmallow Monkey – a stolen sweet treat.
While obviously aimed at children, adults familiar with classic movies will enjoy the subtle references to noir films. For instance, Kitty begins the search at the Acme Book Shop – similar (but naturally less risqué) to a Humphrey Bogart scene right out of 1946’s “The Big Sleep.”
A dockside warehouse image captures a scene from “99 River Street,” a theater marquee acknowledges producer Val Lewton’s “Leopard Man,” and there are plenty of obvious references to “On the Waterfront,” “Casablanca,” “Shakedown,” and “The Postman Always Rings Twice.”
As for the book’s cast of supporting characters, rotund owl boss Casper Nighthawk and sleazy Wilmer the Weasel represent villainous Kasper Gutman (Sydney Greenstreet) and Wilmer Cook (Elisha Cook Jr.) from “The Maltese Falcon.” Sinister leather-clad Johnny Gila is distinctly reptilian, a nod to William Talman’s title role in 1953’s “The Hitch-hiker.” “People have said he looked like a Gila monster,” notes Muller. And speaking of “Perry Mason” actors, there’s even a character representing Raymond Burr’s villainous roles (but we’ll leave that one for readers to uncover!).
As for Kitty, the character is modeled after actress Ella Raines, especially her sultry role in 1944’s “The Phantom Lady,” even though Muller doesn’t formally acknowledge Kitty’s gender in the pages.
“Kitty was clearly inspired by Raines – a smart, independent woman intent on solving a crime herself in the film, not the typical femme fatale character,” explained Muller. As a bonus, if reading the story to kids, grandparents can test the youngsters’ powers of observation by asking if they can spot something intentionally omitted from the artist’s images of Kitty!
Of course, most of the book’s film references will be beyond young readers, but Muller thinks adults reading the story to their little ones will enjoy opening up a monochromatic world not usually seen on cellphones, laptops, or while gaming. And, perhaps, some may even come to appreciate the screen imagery in classic films enjoyed by their parents and grandparents.
“Since the book came out, I’ve attended film festivals that lasted several days and people told me they were buying the book for their grandkids,” recalls Muller. “They’ve returned a second day, reporting they read it to them and that the kids loved it. So that’s really gratifying.”
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, in Alabama, and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and newspapers. See https://www.getnickt.org/.
Steven Howell, the Pharmacy Manager at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, receives a token of appreciation from Alex Azar the former Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
Howell was given this medallion for his role in discovering extra doses of the Pfizer vaccine. In early shipments of the vaccine, the FDA had originally approved the use of five doses per vial. But when examining the doses sent to INTEGRIS Health, Howell discovered that you could actually get six doses from each vial. He quickly informed his brother-in-law, U.S. Marine Colonel Gregory McCarthy, who happens to be on the White House Coronavirus Task Force. McCarthy relayed the information up the chain of command and after further review, the FDA granted permission for hospitals around the country to use the sixth dose. “In essence, we received 20-percent more doses than we originally thought,” said Howell. “We were able to vaccinate that many more people and none of the vaccine went to waste.”
Howell may downplay his involvement in this potentially life-saving discovery, but he fully understands the importance of expanding the use of such a scarce commodity. “It’s exciting to be a part of something so monumental,” admits Howell.
We applaud you, Steven, for your daily contributions to INTEGRIS Health and the citizens of Oklahoma, and we commend you for your service to the entire country.
A Confederate soldier shoots at the Union forces during the Reenacted Battle of Honey Springs in November.
Cannon Roar, Infantry Charge
Boom! Boom! The ground shook as Union and Confederate howitzers volleyed across the battlefield. Smoke rose while 2,000 spectators filmed or covered their ears. Children cried. The Reenactment of the Engagement at Honey Springs, July 17, 1863, had begun.
Six Confederate cannon fired in sequence. Four Union cannon answered. Amidst the smoke, Confederate cavalry flanked left, sabers in hand, while rebel infantry in grey wool uniforms emerged from the woods. At the midpoint of the battle, they spread into two, 20-man lines and advanced toward the Yankee line, believing they were retreating.
Katie Panaro-Kish of Jacksonville, Arkansas, is dressed in an authentic 1800s Tea Dress. It’s her third reenactment at Honey Springs.
“Yee-haw! Yip-Yip!” Johnny Reb yelled, firing at two infantry squares of 25 Union soldiers standing about 50 feet apart. Two men in blue fell. But Billy Yank held firm and in the actual battle, fired back – just as reenactors did on November 7 and 8. In disciplined turns, the Union squares fired volleys at the rebel line 150 feet ahead. The left column fired – three men in grey dropped. The right column fired – two more grey men fell.
Then, Northern Army cannon thundered, covering the Yankees’ advance. The Graybacks retreated across Elk Creek. A narrator explained each step of the battle, which took place on part of the actual battlefield, for onlookers.
Diverse participants
Historical Society information says the combatants in 1863 came from the 1st Division, Army of the Frontier (USA), commanded by Maj. Gen. James Blunt and the Confederate Indian Brigade led by Brig. Gen. Douglas Cooper. They included “American Indians, veteran Texas regiments, and the First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment (the first African American Regiment to see combat in the entire Civil War)…Cooper reported his losses as 134 killed and wounded, with 47 taken prisoner. Blunt reported his losses as 17 killed and 60 wounded.”
Outcome
The Union victory ensured federal control of Fort Gibson in Indian Territory and Fort Smith in Arkansas. However, American Indians in Indian Territory were devastated. The Historical Society estimates between 11-24 percent of tribal members died and after the war, tribes were forced to sign treaties with the U.S. government that made them give up or sell much of their land.
Artillery firing at a Honey Springs Battlefield Reenactment. Photo by Honey Springs Historical Site.
Rest and Relaxation
After the reenacted battle, blue and grey cavalry soldiers allowed children to pet their horses. Attendees and reenactors lined up at food trucks, although it was startling to see Union and Confederate soldiers eating hot dogs and tacos together.
Nearby, Sutler Row businesses sold books, wooden guns, games, and reproductions of 19th Century household items. Demonstrations included laundresses, a piper, and sanitation methods. Union and Confederate camps housed reenactors and their families over the weekend, adding authenticity to the event.
Molly Hutchins, Site Director, estimated 2,500 school children attended Education Day, Nov. 6, and 5,000 came for the two reenactments. She said 300 reenactors from 10 states participated.
Educating Visitors
Trait Thompson, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, explained the purpose of the reenactment is “to give our visitors a better understanding of the Civil War in the Indian Territory.” Asked what he hopes people take away from attending, he replied, “Understanding a little bit more about the people that fought here, the reasons they fought and how the battle may have looked. It’s always good when you can match fun and education together.”
Reenactors Voices
For many participants, reenacting is a passion. “I love history. That’s why I do this,” said Sean Mize of Edmond, a Confederate cannoneer. Union soldier Preston Ulrich of Moberly, Missouri, has been reenacting since age 13. Now 17, he participates 6 to 8 times a year with his father. “I think it’s fun. It’s a good way to escape modern life. It lets us dip into what our ancestors did.” For Colleen Jefferson of Ft. Worth, “I think this conflict is the defining conflict for the nation because it challenges our beliefs about our founding principles.” Jefferson has been reenacting for 14 years.
About the Battlefield
Oklahoma’s Historical Society owns and manages the 1,100 acres of the Honey Springs Battlefield east of U.S. Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville, Oklahoma. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2013. The Society hosts and schedules the reenactment every two years. Planning takes a full year, with support from organizations such as the Friends of Honey Springs Battlefield, a 501(c)(3).
Four monuments list the fighting units involved. Please visit the museum to understand the battle. It has a gift shop and two main rooms. One room offers recorded messages on telephones from dairies and papers of participants and mannequins in period uniforms and weapons. The second displays maps of the engagement, explanations and a replica supply wagon. A few artifacts recovered from the battlefield like minie bullets, lead and canister balls, and camp equipment, are on display.
On one telephone recording, the voice of Col. James Williams, Commander of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry recounted events. “…I moved my regiment… loaded and bayonets fixed under sharp fire, to within 40 paces of the rebel line, without firing a shot, then halted and poured into their ranks a well-directed volley of buck and ball…which sent them to grass…which they never recovered.”
Largest Civil War Battle in Indian Territory
Hutchins emphasized the site’s importance: “We’re the site of the largest Civil War battle fought in Indian Territory…We are also known as one of the most culturally diverse battles in the entire Civil War. Preservation of our site is important for those reasons. We are dedicated to sharing the history of the (battle) and honoring the men who fought here.” •
• Story by Retired Lt. Col. Richard Stephens, Jr., USAFER. See Rich Travel Niche
* Focus, Rehabilitation and Tribal Facilities numbers are not assigned to a specific region as their patient populations reside across the state. Information provided through survey of Oklahoma hospitals as reported to HHS as of the time of this report. Response rate affects data. Facilities may update previously reported information as necessary. Data Source: Acute Disease Service, Oklahoma State Department of Health. *As of 2021-06-24 at 7:00 a.m
