My Two Cents
When I began this blog I felt that it was enough to simply present the news of Caddo, both past and present, and let people gather information and draw conclusions on their own. I didn’t feel that I had enough personal knowledge to add my opinion to anything, nor had I done enough research to expound upon my findings.
However, now that I have spent five years researching the history of Caddo, and have accumulated a substantial data base of information, I have decided to change the format of the blog somewhat. Beginning today, I will add a personal comment at the beginning of each entry. Think of it as a little “color commentary” – added information that may contribute to your understanding and appreciation of the piece. I’m putting it at the beginning of each entry so you can skip it if you wish and go right to the news.
I would also like to take this opportunity to make a couple of comments about my books. Caddo, Oklahoma, Persevering on the Prairie offers the basic history of Caddo and a glimpse of what life was like from 1872-1948. It is not a definitive history, nor does it contain information about every family who lived here during that time period. I have heard comments that “my family isn’t mentioned much”. Well, mine isn’t either! Most of the book is based on newspaper accounts and many of you have been reading this blog long enough to know that certain families were mentioned in the paper over and over again, while others barely got recognition when a major event occurred. Such is the nature of business and politics. So if your family isn’t listed in the index of the book, I would still urge you to buy a copy for three reasons: 1. The book presents a good overview of what life was like, for your family and mine, in Caddo, Oklahoma. 2. Even if the people mentioned in the book were not your relatives, they were the friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, and business associates of your relatives. 3. Book sales support the Bryan County Genealogy Library and Archives. I get a small percentage, but the majority of the money goes to them because that is where I have done most of my research and they are printing the book.
The book I am currently writing, Fifty Fabulous Families will not be finished by Heritage Day as originally envisioned, but I make no apologies for that because the reason for its delay benefits everyone. I have found that I have much more information in my files that I originally thought, and the book will be bigger and better than I had planned. I also hope to gather family photos to include in this one. The basic purpose of the book is to provide brief biographical sketches and interesting stories about the fifty families who were most influential to Caddo’s first fifty years. And by the way, I would love to have more stories and photos if you wish to send them to me! I’m not going to set a new deadline for the book, but will keep you informed as it progresses.
So…let’s move on to today’s entry.
If you look at the “locals” over a period of several years you notice that they consist of three things: the comings and goings of prominent families, advertisements for local businesses, and “life events” such as deaths, births, and accidents. Some editors, especially Mr. Crossett, also include a few political opinions and some “rah-rah” support of Caddo. Mr. Crossett was the ultimate Caddo booster- always open to new ideas to promote Caddo and willing to back them up with his heart, his hands, and his money.
There are many articles and local mentions of Socialists in The Herald during the teen years. This item from 1914 sums up the prevalent local attitude and uses the term “calamity howling” which is found in today’s political commentary and often repeated by Mr. Crossett:
August 21, 1914
The good people of Caney are certain to be pitied having a big bunch of socialists with their constant calamity howling to be in their midst for three days of this week.
The encampment lasts until Saturday night.
Their antics ought to be enough to disgust all lovers of good government and decency. They have a bunch of never-do-wells telling them how to run the government, blaspheming God and the things that have made humanity what it is today. They cuss the church, they cuss the gov’ment, and they cuss present Christian standards. How any decent intelligent man can embrace their doctrines is beyond the comprehension of ordinary man.
Where is one of their own number that has made a success of anything? People want to follow men who have lived decently and who have accomplished something in the world.
There are three grocers vying for attention in today’s entry. It is interesting to note that the competition for “trade” between the grocers in Caddo was fierce. For most of the early years there were not only several grocery stores in the area, but people raised their own meat, grew their own vegetables, and produced their own eggs, milk, and butter. People shopped primarily for things they couldn’t make on their own farm.
Mr. Smith was visiting from Blue Dale Farm. This is a place I haven’t seen mentioned much, although in a summer issue of the paper Miss Katie Adams is also listed as being from there. You’ll also notice that the Pitchlyn item says the bride is Mrs. Smith’s daughter.
I’m curious as to why Mrs. Marple was selling out and will check some earlier issues for an obituary for her husband, or another life event that might have prompted the sale.
The Caddo Herald
November 7, 1913
Of Local Interest
The best flour in town at Freeny’s.
Miss Kate Nicolds was home from Durant Sunday.
Clean, fresh groceries- the kind you like- at Freeny’s.
W. H. Attaway was attending court in Durant Monday.
Mrs. W. W. Hibbard visited friends in Sherman last week.
Mrs. E. G. Baxter was in Denison last Saturday shopping.
I.Schaffer went to Dallas Saturday night, returning Monday.
Just received sewer pipe and tile. Rockwell Bros. & Co.
Ira L. Smith was here from Blue Dale Farm, on Route No. 1, Friday.
If its groceries you want we have it. Everything pure and good. Bass Co.
Miss Florence Benedict of Muskogee is visiting her aunt Mrs. F. P. Semple.
All fruits, butter, eggs, etc, kept in a dry cell refrigerator. M. F. Haralson.
Your old shoes made as good as new and a little better too at Z. T. Finley’s. All leather goods at Finley’s. Harness, saddles, strap pieces and shoe repairing.
For Sale- Land close to Caddo in five, ten, or fifteen acre blocks. Terms. J. R. Bryant
Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Manning spent Tuesday night with their sister, Mrs. Nicholson, in Durant.
Household goods for sale. All our household good including piano. Apply at home. Mrs. Verne Marple.
Must have it- your country produce. Highest prices paid for butter, eggs, and produce. Try me. M. F. Haralson.
R. C. Freeny and W. C. Hatcher were in from Freeny’s Chapel Sunday night to hear Rev. Roberts on Socialism.
Last Thursday night Miss Bonnie Jeans entertained a large number of young friends with a Halloween party at her home.
C. D. Robinson who is serving on the jury, came up from Durant Saturday. He has started work on a new home on his place southeast of Caddo.
New, clean groceries at Haralson’s. Stock just put up. No old goods. I would like a part of your trade. Free delivery. Phone us your wants.
For up-to-date business training, better salary, and sure position, attend Brown’s Practical Business College, Durant, Okla.
F. Manning had business in Kenefick Monday.
Carroll Franks was in Durant Tuesday night.
Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Petty were visitors to Kenefick Tuesday.
W. M. Smith was a business visitor in town Wednesday from McAlester.
Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Manning have moved to the Gragg property on West Buffalo Street, Mr. Manning having a position with H. G. Huffman.
This week G. B. Moran purchased the Travis property adjoining the home of W. F. Dodd on the east and will move into it soon. Prof. Frazier, who occupied the place, will today move into the Phillips house on McPherren Ave. near Buffalo Street.
Besides getting exactly what she wants, a woman who buys a Round Oak Chief Steel range, with cabinet or leg base, will get it at a reasonable price. It is made of Round Oak Special Iron- will not rust or corrode- is indestructible- will last a lifetime. The Phillips Co.
Rev. J. L. Tatum was in Tuesday and had his name enrolled among The Herald subscribers. He bought land in the Pleasant Hill community and is improving his property. He has an abundance of wood which he is selling on the ground at 25c per load poles.
Frank January this week completed a deal whereby he became the owner of 120 acres of the Morris land lying nearest Caddo. The consideration being $50 per acre. Mr. January knows the value of land and was not fooled in this. Land values around Caddo are increasing every year.
Rev. H. P. Huffman returned last week from attending the annual conference of the Holiness Church at Shawnee. He was stationed for next year at Woodward and this week removed with his family to that place. Rev. Antirm from Idabel was given charge of the churches here and at Durant.
Word came to Caddo Monday of the death of Rev. J. L. Keller at Shawnee, Sunday. He was taken with something lie ptomaine poison the Friday before. He will be remembered as the Baptist evangelist who held a meeting at Caddo last June. Those who knew him speak in highest terms of his character and life.
The incomparable Round Oak Steel Chief family range, with cabinet of leg base, does it s work perfectly, because it is a perfect range. Compare the workmanship with others. It is made of Round Oak Special Iron- will not rust or corrode-is indestructible- will last a lifetime. The Phillips Co.
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest L. Pitchlynn returned last Thursday from their honeymoon to Washington, D.C. They are making their home with Mrs. Pitchlynn’s mother, Mrs. Ira L. Smith for the present, but are preparing to build a home on their place soon. They have been receiving congratulations from their many friends since their return.
About the best refutation of the calamity howling of the socialist orator Saturday was the grinding of the mills, the hum of machinery, the noise of the saw and hammer, and the clatter of the busy wagons in town, on the streets, all at the same time. The man who desires to work has plenty of opportunity and when he is actively at work there is no room or grounds for calamity howling.
