Caddo- My Home Town

Corn Carnival, 1916

 

Sometimes we read things from the old papers with very little attention to actual content and detail. Oh, we think we understand the history of our community and we are amused by things like the mention of the “iceless refrigerator”, but I want you to read this and give it some serious thought for a moment. It should be even more meaningful to anyone who has worked on our recent Heritage Day celebrations. I’m not questioning Mr. Crossett’s math, and you know I’m his #1 fan, so I’d just like for you to imagine Caddo with about five thousand people wandering around each day for three days. (If you have serious doubts about numerical accuracy, I’ll let you think about this with half of that number in mind.)  Food, water, shelter, parking, bathrooms, livestock containment, feeding the livestock, first aid???? How in the world did they do all of that? (The photo is 1912, the only crowd shot we have. I zoomed in on part of it.)  

 
 

The Caddo Herald

August 25, 1916

Carnival was a Grand Success

From very standpoint the Eighth Annual Caddo Corn Carnival was a success.

The weather man first favored us with hot, dry and dusty weather so people could come to Caddo.

The attendance was large every day. Fully fifteen thousand people visited the Carnival during the three days. They came from everywhere: Bryan county towns were more largely represented than any other, though many people came from a distance. The road to Durant was alive at all time with wagons, buggies, autos, and horses. The same may be said of the roads to Bennington, Bokchito, and Kenefick. Quite a number came from Denison, Sherman, Coalgate, and Atoka. Then from the country intervening came large crowds who came to have a good time and they had it. There was amusement enough for all.

To the only feature for which an admission was charged- the roping- there were sold something over five thousand tickets. This gives an idea of the attendance; for only a small per cent of the crowd attended this feature. The remaining features of the Carnival were free. Six thousand people saw the fireworks display.

And through it all there was no disturbance. People came to have fun, and they behaved themselves. Very little drinking went on – no fights. People were in a good humor. It is to the credit of Oklahoma that such a large crowd could assemble and have so little disturbance.

The parade came off Thursday noon as planned- and it was in keeping with the reputation that Caddo has made all along. It was magnificent. The decorations were pretty and in good taste. The judges had considerable difficulty in arriving at decisions because of the uniform class to all the decorated vehicles.

The auto of Boone & Styrons received first prize and that of the Civic Club second. The buggy of the Woman’s Club first.

The agricultural exhibits were not as large as in former years, but in quality they surpassed anything yet had.

John M. White, District agent U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, assisted Mr. Fash in judging the agricultural exhibits. Mr. White says that he was agreeably surprised to find such exhibits both in quality and quantity. Mr. White used the latest scorecard in judging the corn and according to his opinion some of the samples would be a credit to the National Corn Show.

Miss McPheeters form the Domestic Science Dept. of the A. & M. College assisted Mrs. Fash in conducting demonstrations with the fireless cooker and iceless refrigerator.

Mr. Louis Brannin, county agent of McAlester, Okla. judged the livestock. Mr. Brannin is a Texas man and a graduate of the A. & M. College, specializing in livestock.

The livestock exhibit was had just one day Saturday and there were many fine animals here.

While an amount of interest was taken in the farm and livestock exhibits, (it was) not as much as should have been exercised. The people seemed to come for amusement rather than instruction- but those who took advantage of seeing these things and who brought exhibits are better off for the effort than they would have been had they neglected it.

The boys and girls clubs showed a wonderful work. Their exhibits were something to be proud of and these boys and girls in the future will be the mainstay of the country. They should be encouraged in these efforts to succeed.

Locals, 1925

The Caddo Herald

April 17, 1925

Of Local Interest

Few more garden seed and plants at Hancock’s.

Fresh meat at Hancock’s is cheaper than salt meat.

Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Robinson were in Durant Tuesday.

Mrs. C. D. Dale visited Durant Tuesday afternoon.

Guy G. Crossett was at home Sunday from Ada visiting homefolks.

Miss O’Dessa Faudree spent Monday evening with friends in Atoka.

For picnics and fishing parties we are prime outfitters. Hancock Grocery

Bennet Cotton Seed- A few bushels for sale. See G. A. Crossett

Please have your laundry on the porch by 9 o’clock each Tuesday. H. V. Westmoreland,  agent.

Mrs. R. C. Freeny is attending Grand Chapter of the O. E. S. at Guthrie this week.

James Boone came home last weekend from O. U. to visit relatives and friends.

Miss Maudie Pierson, Normal student, spend last weekend here with homefolks.

Miss Virginia Richey, teacher in Tuskahoma schools spent Easter with homefolks.

Miss Kate Riddle of Oklahoma City spent last weekend here with friends and relatives.

For Sale- an Estey piano and a Victor talking machine. Both in first class condition. Mrs. I. Schaffer

Miss Ruth Bloom and Mrs. Della Mumpower of Caney were shopping in Caddo Monday.

When you think of the table comforts think of Hancock. That is where the tables are supplied.

Hancock keeps everything sanitary in his meat market. You may be sure of the best. Phone 12.

Hancock solves the problem of the quick home lunch. All sorts of prepared meats, cheese, etc.

Miss Clovis Wright has returned from the Durant Hospital where she was operated upon for appendicitis.

Mrs. W. E. McIntosh and children spent the weekend in Durant visiting her brother, Morris Overstreet.

Miss Jewell Smith of Kenefick was at The Herald office last Saturday having some visiting cards printed.

Mrs. W. T. Smith has returned from a stay of several months in Arizona and will spend the summer in Caddo.  

Remember the dead. Let me sell you a nice monument. Prices reasonable. See H. V. Westmoreland.

Their many friends are glad of the return of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Glasscock to Caddo to make their home.

Misses Nell Sargent, Luda Mae Ware, Magedgil (sic) Braudrick, and Dorothy Evelyn Smith visited in Durant Friday.

Mr. B. E. Williams has bought the Schaffer residence formerly occupied by Roy Riddels and is moving into it.

Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Fryer and children have moved back to Caddo after several months’ residence in West Tex.

Mrs. Jno. Hogan and children spent last week in High, Texas visiting Mrs. Hogan’s daughter, Mrs. Preston Snell.

Miss Lillie Craghead and Miss Ruby Craghead were here last weekend from Oklahoma City visiting relatives and friends. Lillie is attending business college.

W. A. Jones was in Durant and Bokchito Wednesday. He is preparing to add staple groceries to their dry goods line. Something will be said about it next week.

Lonnie Young has returned from the hospital for disabled soldiers in Baltimore, Maryland, where he has been taking eye treatments. The sight of his right eye is gone completely.

Mr. and Mrs. I. M. Worthen and son left Sunday morning for Colorado to make their home. These excellent people have many friends, made while here, who will wish them well.

W. L. Guthrie has placed a Frigidaire ice cream cooler in his store. This machine not only keeps the ice box cool, but does it without any ice. In fact, pans of water are put inside the box and very soon are frozen into ice which is used in making cooling drinks at his fountain.  

Messers M. C. Mhoon, Harry c. Frye, Gus Pool, C. P. Streetman, W. M. Warmack, J. J. Cheney, F. J. Oliver, Jr., and J. Walter Mills of Durant, D. J. Smith of Ft. Townson, and R. W. Harison and J. M. Miller of Kenefick attended the meeting of Caddo Lodge No. 3, A. F. & M. Tuesday night.

 

 

 

 

Minerva Boydstun, 1926

The Caddo Herald

August  6, 1926

Mrs. Tom Boydstun Dies

Mrs. Minerva Allon Massengill Boydstun, the beloved wife of Thomas H. Boydstun, passed from this life at her home in Caddo August 1, 1926 at 8:15. The funeral, which was attended by an immense crowd, was conducted Monday afternoon by Rev. H. T. Wiles at the Baptist Church of which the deceased was a member, and the remains were buried in the Caddo Cemetery.

Miss Minerva Allon Massengill was born June 10, 1878, 53 years ago in Lamar County, Texas and was married December 25, 1890 to Thomas H. Boydstun. To this union was born 10 children, 7 of whom are now living and were with their mother at the time of her death.

Mrs. Boydstun leaves to mourn her death: husband, Thomas H. Boydstun of Caddo; 7 children, Howard Boydstun of Caddo, Harden Boydstun of commerce, Texas, Mrs. A. S. Hill of Broxton, Texas, Mrs. B. H. Smith of Denoya, Okla., Houston Boydstun of Caddo, Miss Delene Boydstun of Caddo, Howell Boydstun of Caddo; three sisters, Mrs. A. J. Wideman of Denison, Texas, Mrs. M. E. Pherigo of Caddo, Mrs. R. B. Boydstun of Caddo; one brother, Mr. J. S. Wideman, Dallas, Texas; step-father, Mr. J. R. Wideman, Caddo; eleven grandchildren, together with a great host of very close friends.

Mrs. Boydstun professed faith in Christ when a girl and united with the Baptist Church. During her illness when she was unable to attend church she always took a great delight in testifying to the saving power of Christ and of the presence of His abiding love.

Mrs. Boydstun- a good wife, a Godly mother and friend- has been called from our midst. She had lived in this community for more than thirty-five years and truly many have been exalted by her noble companionship and her simple faith in Christ. But tho we mourn for her, we may rejoice in happy contemplation that she has now entered into a nobler and more infinite companionship with our God and Christ, Who died for us all upon a cross made fiery with His blood. Her departure is but a return to that heavenly home where all who trust Jesus will sometime live.

True, the sacred bonds of relatives and friends have been broken, here upon this earth, but we have the blessed promise from the great God of the universe that all who know this Savior of men and know him to the salvation of their souls shall renew these sacred bonds upon the other shore. We weep and yet rejoice for we feel that the sunset of Mrs. Boydstun’s noble life marks the beginning of a journey that shall end in a beautiful rising of greater splendor that moves on and on through a never ending day.

 

So death is not the end,

There is no end, all is Eternity.

Loved ones and friends, cease to languish,

O’re the grave of those you love.

Pain and death, night and anguish,

Enter not the world above.

Mrs. Boydstun, she has left us,

And this loss we deeply feel.

But ‘tis God that has bereft us,

He will all our sorrow heal.

A FRIEND

Caddo High 1949

The last name on the list, Bobby Simmons, is my dad.

The Caddo Herald

April 1, 1949

Caddo High Times

The students are all “a dither” over the coming events of the next few days. Track meet at Durant is Thursday and Friday. All participants in the curricular events will go Thursday. Those participating in the field events will go Friday. The F. H. A. girls expect to go to Oklahoma City Friday.

The Teachers of the Caddo schools met at the high school building Monday afternoon to make plans for the coming of the various schools to Caddo during the track meet for the grades April 14. Approximately fifty schools have entered this meet.

Rumors are afloat that the paint has arrived for re-decorating the high school building. We hope to get the work done by the time the grade track meet starts.

The sophomore class had charge of the assembly program Friday, March 25. Sibye Kee acted as master ceremonies in introducing the program. Ida Sue McGrew read the scriptures. Samuel Edmonds led the assembly in the Lord’s Prayer. The high school girls’ quartet sang. Ida Sue McGrew and Clara Calhoun played a duet. They presented a Spanish play, Los Golosos. The most unusual thing about this was the huge knife, wielded so efficiently by Randal Prentice and Don Hamilton. We were not right sure but that someone might be “cut to Pieces” before it ended. Other characters in the play were Wennona Armstrong, Wanda Welch, Orel J. Joines and Houston Vernon.

The play, “Hypnotizing Uncle Tauvy” was truly a comedy and brought many laughs.

 Mr. Sawyers presented an award for Oral Interpretation of poetry to Martha Sue Fox. Martha Sue won third place in the invitational meet at Durant. Mrs. Austin commented on the work done by the speech department at this meet. Their play rated good and Ida Sue McGrew followed Martha Sue in placing fourth place.

A very interesting assembly program we say. Mrs. Austin had charge of this.

The school of Limestone Gap, under the sponsorship of Mrs. Bernice Studebaker, presented a Negro minstrel Monday evening, March 28. The proceeds were for the benefit of the Caddo band.

“Pop” Gecks started the show off. There was not a dull moment from start to finish. The show was played to a very responsive audience. The highlight of the evening was the song sung by Mrs. Studebaker, “The Italian Street Song”. We certainly appreciate Limestone Gap giving of her talent and time in coming so far to give us an interesting program.

Mrs. Ellett and her seniors thought the elements had conspired against them when they went to Durant last Friday on Senior Day. How it rained! They left Caddo at nine o’clock; upon reaching the college they were directed to the library where they registered. The first thing on the program was recreation hour in the women’s gym, followed by a concert in the men’s gym. Lunch followed this. The operetta, “The Gondoliers”, was presented by the college in the auditorium. They reported this to be one of the most interesting plays they have ever witnessed.
Those attending the Senior Day program were: Velma Briggs, Joe Charles McGrew, Latrell Corbett, Jack Hill, Scotty Lou Jones, Cecil Emerson, Tommy Joe Troxell, Weldon Goodin, Betty Reese, John Prough, Patsy O’Hern, Glendel Rains, Wilma Jean Clark, Wendell Hale, Melba Moran, Howard Cochran, Floydene Morgan, Ralph Fox, and Bobby Simmons.

Two from 1940

Ironic that both of these were on my request list for this month, and both were on the same page.

The Caddo Herald

May 31, 1940

Aged Pioneer Died Sunday Morning

Thomas Thornton, aged 86, prominent farmer who lived at the Vic Thornton place west of town, died Sunday.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon in Caddo at the Catholic Church, Father Patrick of Denison officiating. Burial by Holmes.

Deceased is survived by four sons, Victor, Thomas, Shannon, of Caddo, and Emmet, Yukon.  Two daughters, Mrs. Mary Leverett, Texas City, and Mrs. Carrie Russell, Lamarque, Texas.

Mr. Thornton came to this country 24 years ago from Alabama and engaged in farming.

 

The Caddo Herald

May 31, 1940

Thomas Lee Jones is Killed in Fall from Edmund Oil Derrick

Thomas Lee Jones was killed about 3 o’clock Wednesday afternoon when he fell from a 60-foot oil derrick he was helping to erect near Edmund.

Thomas was known as Jack, is a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. (Bill) Jones  of Caddo, was 38 years of age, married, leaving a wife and four children.

He was raised near Caddo.

Funeral arrangements are at present indefinite, but the burial probably will take place in Caddo Cemetery this Friday afternoon at 4 o’clock.

He was employed by the Pure Oil Co., lived in Oklahoma City and soon would have been sent to the Cumberland field.

The community extends its sympathy to the family. 

 

June 7, 1940

Card of Thanks

We sincerely thank the many friends and neighbors who ministered to us during our sadness and death of our husband, father, son and brother, T. L. Jones.

Mrs. T. L. Jones and family

J. W. Jones and family

News Bits

Little Bits

Today I’m posting some little bits of news and some tiny obituaries that are tucked in between the major items of the day. Most didn’t even have titles or headlines. Many of these are difficult for historians and genealogists to locate.

February 27, 1925

Twenty years ago Mrs. Peter Bloom died at the family home. I. H. Meadows died at his home near Matoy. He was the father of H. I. Meadows, now of Caddo. Earl Allen and Miss Leonora Bouchard were married in Coalgate.

June 13, 1914

W. A. Lewis Dead

While seated at the breakfast table Tuesday morning at 6:30 o’clock, surrounded by his family, Hon. W. A. Lewis of Bokchito fell dead from heart failure. Previous to this sudden attack Mr. Lewis had supposedly been in good health, attending the duties at his office Monday afternoon. Tuesday morning he arose as usual apparently in the best of health and spirits, went into the breakfast room, sat down to the table, when he was attacked and soon expired.

Mr. Lewis was one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Bokchito and community and was well known all over Bryan County. 

August 25, 1916

Notice to the Public

Hereafter I will not be responsible for any goods bought in any name except upon written order signed by me. This applies to repairs, etc. for farm tools, etc. of any nature whatever. Mrs. P. W. Howe 

August 12, 1921

Old Timers Pass Away

Last week at Corpus Christi Paul Seldner died at the age of 82. The remains were brought to Caddo and buried here Sunday. Mr. Seldner married a daughter of Solomon Goforth, was one of the early settlers here, having property near Blue and in Durant. He moved several years ago to South Texas in hope of a benefit to his health.

Sunday night at his home south of Colbert, Uncle Dan Collins died after several years’ illness. He was born in Kentucky, but came to this court 64 years ago where he became a citizen of the Choctaw nation, reared a family and was highly respected by all who knew him. The funeral occurred at Colbert, Monday, attended by a large number of people. 

February 3, 1925

Grandma Haddock died last Friday at the home of her son, Joe Haddock, on the Nettleton place three miles west of town. Remains were buried in Caddo Cemetery Sunday afternoon. A large number of neighbors and friends paid respect to this good woman who was loved by all who knew her 

October 26, 1928

Walter Russell is Dead

News has come to Caddo that Walter Russell died at Danville, Ill. September 9. Deceased was well known to the older citizens of this country, having been raised here. He was 51 years of age and a member of the Caddo W. O. W.

July 27, 1928

Swift-Leppla

Word has been received in Caddo that Mr. Bud (?) Swift and Miss Clara Leppla were united in marriage at Nashua, Ia. on July 14^th. Mrs. Swift is the son of M. D. Swift of Caddo and spent the earlier part of his life here. Mrs. Swift is a fine young woman of the city in which they were married. They will be at home in St. Paul, Minn., where he is now employed. Their many friends are extending them heartiest congratulations.

June 7, 1929

The Caddo National bank, located at Caddo, in the State of Oklahoma, is closing its affairs. All note holders and other creditors for the Association are therefore hereby notified to present the notes and other claims for payment. Dated April 2, 1929, W. N. Green, President.

March 25, 1932

T. J. Bennett Dies

T. J. Bennett, aged 76 years, died Tuesday at the home of his son, Dr. H. G. Bennett, at Stillwater, after a stroke of heart trouble last Thursday. The remains were brought to Durant and buried there, the funeral being conducted by Rev. R. C. Miller, pastor of the Baptist Church. Mr. Bennett was 76 years of age and had made his home with his son many years.

 

 

 

 

 

Education

We’re pausing for a “commercial break” this morning.

The Caddo Education Foundation was formed quite a few years ago and is a group near and dear to my heart for several reasons. I received a small scholarship from them when I decided to return to school. It wasn’t the amount of money that was important, although the check helped pay for those shiny new text books with the price tags that almost made me faint. It was the “pat on the back”, the support, the encouragement, and the enthusiasm of the group that I appreciated. That check said, “We believe in you. We know you can do this!” I think I was their first older, “returning” student to receive help and I was thrilled that they had even considered me.

I also remember joining the group in the late nineties and helping to choose other scholarship recipients. It was an honor to read their qualifications and essays and to know that Caddo had produced such worthy students.

The Education Foundation continues to give scholarships to Caddo graduates each year, and like any such group, they need a little help.

Caddo Alumni can donate to the Foundation to assure that future students continue to have opportunities for a better life.

Anyone can donate in someone’s memory. That could be for one of your ancestors who was a Caddo graduate, or just a family memory who believed in supporting education.

You can donate money instead of buying flowers for a funeral. Someone did that when my mother died and a letter was sent to our family to let us know who had made the donation. Our family cherishes the memory that we were part of a scholarship given out that year.

This year the group plans to award 11 scholarships. Two are funded by the Amanda Whorton Scholarship fund, and one by the Gena Stanley Scholarship fund, which the Choctaw Nation started.

You can make donations to Caddo Education Foundation P O Box 82, Caddo, OK 74729 or mail them to Shamrock Bank P O Box 108, Caddo. If you are a local bank customer just stop by and tell them you want to make a donation.  They will be happy to take care of it. And let me just say a word about donations. If you feel that you don’t have much money to spare just think of $5 multiplied by 100 people who also don’t have much money to spare. You aren’t doing this alone, and together we can make a big difference!

The Education Foundation will be having a meeting next month to discuss scholarships, funding, and future plans. If you have a junior or senior in school, you need to be there. If you are interested in education, you need to be there. The meeting will be April 4th at 7:00 in the school cafeteria. I’ll save you a seat!!

 

Baylor University

The Caddo Herald

June 25, 1926

Three from Caddo in Baylor

It is unusual that any small town outside of the state sends three students to Baylor University. There are three students in Baylor University who have lived in Caddo, Oklahoma.

These students are Howard Hertzog, Miss Jack Mugg, and Pat Howe. Mr. Hertzog is a star player on the Golden Bears of Baylor University. He played guard on two teams that won the championship of the Southwest.

Miss Mugg, a sophomore in the university, was selected as one of the beauties of the freshman class last year. She is also active in dramatic work, being a member of the Little Theatre of Baylor.

Mr. Howe, a junior in the Baylor Law School did most of his pre-law work in the department of journalism. He is at present director of the publicity of Baylor University.

Each of the three Caddoites are very popular students and active in all of the affairs of the university.

New Book

 

The Colbert Times 1917-18 and The Kenefick Dispatch 1914-19,

abstracted by Rozell Sangster Thomas

I just purchased this new book from the Bryan County Genealogy Library & Archives. I’m always happy to add to my library of Bryan County information! This book is $20 and can be ordered from the library by writing to P.O. Box 153, Calera, OK 74730 or calling 580-434-5848. Add $3.50 for postage.

Evelyn Baxter

The Caddo Herald

January 24, 1930

First Woman Seeks Bryan County Office

Miss Evelyn Baxter announces this week for tax assessor of Bryan County, subject to the democratic primary July 29^th.

This is the first instance in the history of Bryan County that a woman has sought office and the novelty of the idea is quite agreeable.

Evelyn Baxter also is the first person so far as we know who was born in Bryan County to so seek office. She was born near Caddo twenty-one years ago, got her schooling in the district and at Caddo, and for the past four years has worked as a clerk in the treasurer’s office in Durant having charge of tax collections. Her work has made her one of the most useful deputies in the courthouse. She knows her vegetables we might say.

In seeking to be tax assessor, Miss Baxter is seeking for a chief place, the work of which she has a thorough knowledge of.

People who have had business with her office have always found her courteous, accommodating, and helpful. If she is chosen as assessor she will continue that policy, believing that the people have a right to courteous and helpful treatment when they have business at the courthouse.

She asks that you think this over and she will try to see all the voters before election.

 

Note: My new book, “Fat Men and Fabulous Ladies, The Founding Families of Caddo, Oklahoma, vol. 1” is going to the indexer tomorrow and will be available soon!