Caddo- My Home Town

Town Council, 1911

These are the men who managed Caddo’s business in 1911:

May 5, 1911

New City Council

                The newly elected city council were sworn in Tuesday, composed of W. W. Boone, Ben Payne, Dr. C. T. McGregor, J. D. Freeny, and H. T. Chiles. Mr. Boone has been chosen chairman of the board and the committees are as follows:

Water- Freeny, Chiles, Payne

Finance and Auditing- Chiles, McGregor, Payne

Street and Light- Freeny, Chiles, Payne

Sanitary- Freeny, McGregor, Payne

They held their first meeting Wednesday night at which they elected J. L. Hendricks street and water commissioner, the two offices now being combined; elected W. F. Semple, city attorney, and J. F. J. Jeans night watchman, voting also to put in a timing system.

A permit was granted the Kenefick Home Independent Telephone Company to enter Caddo, which will give a cheaper rate for talking west of town.

J.E. Davis was employed to establish necessary grades for the streets and sidewalks and make a grade map of the town.

Here are the highlights of their accomplishments:

May

Ordered a general clean up of Caddo, including weed cutting.  

June

Ordinance 38, by McGregor

Required property owners to construct sidewalks. 5 ft. wide on Buffalo, Arkansas, and Main streets. 4 ft. wide on all other streets. If a homeowner failed to comply, the city could construct the sidewalk and then bill the owner along with their annual property taxes.

Ordinance 39, by Freeny

Created a “fire limit” district and required all buildings within it to be constructed of brick, rock, or stone. City could remove a structure built in violation. (If I’m reading the boundaries correctly it encompassed about two blocks north, south, east, and west of our current downtown block.)

Ordinance 40, by Payne

Declared that all future council meetings would be held in the City Hall on the second Wednesday of the month.

Ordinance 41, by Chiles

“An ordinance relating to automobiles requiring owners of automobiles to procure a number and to exhibit the same on the back of said automobile; requiring owners or operators to maintain a light on the front and on the rear of automobiles; regulating the speed of automobiles within the Town of Caddo; providing for a penalty ($1-$25 fine) for a violation thereof; repealing all ordinances in conflict therewith; and declaring an emergency.” (License plates were not issued by OK until 1915. Speed limit downtown was 10 mph and 15 mph in residential sections.)

“Section 3- it shall be unlawful for any person, either as owner, or as operator, of an automobile, to pass a street corner, a street crossing, or a culvert, within the town of Caddo, without sounding an alarm at least three times at a distance of fifty feet before reaching same.”

Ordinance 42, by McGregor

Required downtown business owners to install and maintain uniform awnings of substantial material. Removal for violations.

Ordinance 43 (just says introduced by the clerk)

Water Works proposal. This was a lengthy ordinance which was discussed at a special meeting, voted on section by sections and then set for a public vote. Passed.

The Caddo Herald

July 28, 1911

City Council

The Board of Trustees met Wednesday night attended to some unfinished business and passed three ordinances which are published in this issue.

One provided a tax on autos operated for hire; to resident auto owners the tax is nominal, while to transients the tax is $100 a year, or prohibitive. This is made necessary by foreign cars coming here during carnival time and operating in competition to home cars. The home cars stay here, pay taxes all the year, and buy their supplies here and are entitled to protection.

This protection policy might with profit be applied to other lines of business and The Herald commends this action of the board.

Another ordinance relates to the size of advertising signs and is needed legislation.

The third ordinance relates to a definition of fighting.

Ordinance 44, by Boone

No sign or devise used or advertisement could be constructed or maintained “at a point lower than eight feet from the grade of the sidewalk”.

Ordinance 45, by Boone

“An assault is any willful or unlawful attempt with force or violence to do a corporal hurt to another.”

JIm Crow Laws...

The following link is a reminder today of the restrictions and limitations placed on our ancestors. 

Jim Crow Laws

Rescued...

Durant Weekly News

February 9, 1945

Caddo Parents Hope Son Can Come Home

Hopes that their son Pvt. J. M. Lillard, one of the American war prisoners snatched from death on Luzon by a daring band of Rangers Wednesday, might get to come home soon, were expressed by Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Lillard, parents of the rescued soldier who lives near Caddo.

Lillard is the only Bryan County soldier yet reported to have been among the Americans rescued from the Jap prison camp in the Philippines.

Mr. and Mrs. Lillard, who farm east of Caddo, received word shortly after the fall of Corregidor that their son was among the Americans missing in the Bataan battle and they had received two cards from him during his imprisonment.

“We have been living and praying in hopes that a miracle like this would happen.” Mrs. Lillard said, “and we hope that he and the others will soon be sent home. We are expecting a letter from J. M. since he is back where he can write.”

Mr. and Mrs. Lillard have two other sons in the service, George Thomas, in a hospital in England after being wounded in Belgium, and William Avery, in the navy in the Southwest Pacific.

There is a possibility that William Avery is in the Philippines and that the two brothers may be reunited there.

Lillard will have three years accumulated pay at his disposal as soon as it can be paid him

Note: J.Mills Lillard was given a hero’s welcome when he arrived home on the bus in late March. He had been cared for by the army and flown to Ft. Sam Houston. His weight had been increased from 115 lbs. to 156 and he was in relatively good health and spirits. He was given a 90-day furlough. He later served in Korea. He died in Texas in 2003. He was 89.

George died in Texas in 2014 at the age of 91. William died in Oregon in 2005. He was 87.

Taking a Break

I'm finally at the library and able to let you know that I'm taking a break this week because our satellite is not working and we're waiting for a technician to visit and diagnose the problem. Hopefully I'll have lots of great stories to post by Monday. 

Mr. Crossett's Stand

The Caddo Herald

April 27, 1928

Endorses Stand of Guy A. Crossett

Tuesday, April 17^th, the Daily Oklahoma had this to say of the stand Guy A. Crossett takes on public matters in his race for State Senator from the Twentieth District:

“In announcing his candidacy for the state senate, Guy Crossett of Caddo presents a platform which declares among other things that he will not endorse any of his relatives for political appointments or resort to any subterfuge to increase the emolument of the office. He admits that he already knows what a state senator is paid and that he will expect not remuneration except that fixed by the constitution.

The Crossett promise concerning nepotism naturally appeals to those who are acquainted with the callous manner in which the state law against nepotism has been abused. Too often the election of a single citizen has been tantamount to the addition to the payroll of entire families. These careful provisions for numerous relatives have ranged all the way from gross indiscretion to near corruption.

Moreover, it is wholesome to have an avowed candidate take a pre-election stand against left-handed evasions of the constitution in the matter of salary increases. Oklahoma has had entirely too many treasury raids masquerading as stamp appropriations, provisions for “expenses” and self-serving interpretations of the 60-day limit on legislative sessions. Although the constitutional provision concerning the legislator’s per diem has never been changed, the legislator now receives considerably more money than he did ten years ago.

Prior to 1919 the legislator received $6 per day for sixty days and $2 a day thereafter. But the seventh legislature excluded Sunday from the 60-day count and by taking pay for Sunday just the same, made sixty days actually mean about sixty-nine days. The eleventh legislature went even further and excluded both Sundays and days when the body was not in session from the 60-day limit fixed by the constitution. Thus it is that the term “sixty days” has come to mean anything or nothing at all.

It is universally admitted that our legislators are underpaid and no one acquainted with the real conditions can deny that the constitution should provide for a more liberal remuneration. But the constitution has not been amended as yet and until it shall be amended any evasion of its definite mandate is open violation of the organic law of the state. “

 

The Caddo Herald

May 11, 1928

Crossett is for State Senator

Guy A. Crossett, editor of the Caddo Herald, announces for State Senator from the Twelfth district, composed of Bryan, Atoka, and Coal counties.

Mr. Crossett made this race four years ago and was defeated by a few votes. Conditions have changed somewhat in the intervening years and the prospects of his election are fairly certain.

Mr. Crossett has lived in Caddo since 1899. He is fairly familiar with the needs of the people of his district and state. He served as Clerk of the First and Third legislatures so he knows a little about legislative and governmental affairs. His work as editor has compelled him to keep abreast of the times and affairs of man.

During his twenty-nine years in the district Mr. Crossett has established a reputation and no platform at variance with that reputation would ring true.

Politically Mr. Crossett is a democrat and has always supported the ticket. He makes this brief statement as an outline of principles:

The Legislature should meet only as set out in the constitution.

I know what the pay is and I shall be content with it.

I will not endorse a relative of mine for a political position.

Foreign corporations should pay taxes commensurate with the protections and profit received in the state.

Taxes can be lowered by adjustment, economy, and proper administration.

Good roads should extend to farms as well as to towns.

Good schools are necessary to a free government. 4H and Vocational training should be encouraged.

Home ownership should be made possible in every county.

Co-operative buying and selling offer a means of economic marketing.

The Public Health department is doing splendid work in disease prevention. It should be strengthened as needed.

I do not think that all of our troubles can be cured by legislation, but if I am chosen senator the people of the district will have a senator in sympathy with their needs.

I believe in maintaining our schools to the greatest degree of excellence; the country schools as well as town schools and state schools.

I believe in the protection of life, the home, the children, and property.

I believe in the protection of game and fish, but I believe as experience teaches us, there should be changes in the law so that our people may have both sport and food with the least annoyance.

The Caddo Herald

July 20, 1928

Guy A. Crossett, editor of the Caddo Herald, is very much gratified that the people of Bryan, Atoka, and coal counties have received his candidacy for State Senator with much favor. He is receiving assurances of support from every precinct in the district, and from people in all walks of life. He has stated his principles along lines that should benefit his people. He believes in common honesty in government affairs, clean living, economy, lower taxes, roads to farms, state aid to schools, vocational extensions, supporting the democratic ticket, legislature meeting as prescribed by the constitution, protection of life, homes, children, property, and that residents shall be allowed to fish and hunt without annoyance. He has stated these principles throughout the district and has met with much favor. Mr. Crossett served two sessions in the legislature as a clerk and knows something about how laws are made and the state government conducted.

The fact that Mr. Crossett made the race four years ago, and lacked but a few votes of being elected, indicates how well he can run. This time he is assured of a much larger vote and is fairly certain of election. The unanimity with which his home folks declare for him is very gratifying and is a source of pride to Mr. Crossett.

 

Note: Mr. Crossett was defeated by John A. McDonald of Durant.

Campaign, 1928

Blacksmiths, Horseshoers, and Wagonmakers

The Blacksmiths, Horseshoers, and Wagonmakers Association of Oklahoma

 

1910

Met in Guthrie. No description. Just a brief mention in the "locals". 

November 25, 1910

(AD)

John Schenk

General Blacksmith and Woodworker

Horseshoeing a Specialty

I have leased the Peter Bloom shop and am prepared to take care of your wants in my line. Will appreciate your business.

 

 

1911

F.H. Harkness, OKC, secretary

 

1912

A.E. Myers, Enid, president

J.P. Nicholson, Kingfisher, vice-president

F.H. Harkness, OKC, secretary

 

1913

4,000 men eligible for membership

J.J. Cussack, vice-president of state association; treasurer of Muskogee branch

 

From Caddo Herald ad-

John Schenk, blacksmith

 

 

1914

W.S. Bradshaw, Mangum, president

W.R. Lantz, Muskogee, vice-president

T. Pomeroy, Bartlesville, secretary-treasurer

 

1915

W.S. Bradshaw, Mangum, president

R.H. Parks, Okmulgee, vice-president

James J. H. Reedy, Tulsa, secretary

 

1916

James J. H. Reedy, Tulsa, secretary

 

1917

Could not find a news item about the association.

 

The Caddo Herald

July 27, 1917

Boydstun Buys Shop

Last week a deal was consummated where A. E. Boydstun became the owner of the old John Schenk blacksmith shop near the Rowsey & Wilson gin. Mr. Boydstun will move into the new shop this week and will do business in the John Schenk stand. He will place an efficient workman in charge of the shop so that all kinds of work will be competently handled. He will be better prepared to give you the best service possible and invites you to come and give a trial.

 

The Coalgate Courier (Coalgate, OK)

November 28, 1918

The Blacksmiths, Horseshoers, and Wagonmakers Association of Oklahoma closed its tenth annual convention at Durant by selecting Oklahoma City as the next meeting place. The following officers were elected: W. A. Pursy, Durant, president; W. M. Kilius, Henryetta, vice-president; and A. R. Bradshaw, Okmulgee, secretary-treasurer.

The new executive board elected consists of J. H. McCurley, Bokchito; L. J. Schwartz, Caddo; and E. M. Blanton, Durant. The next annual meeting will be held November 17-18, 1919.

 

Great Soil...Great Farms

Caddo Herald

January 21, 1912

Caddo Crop Wins

W.H. Phelps*, who lives eight miles east of Caddo, has received notice from the State Board of Agriculture that among the prizes won by Oklahoma’s exhibit at the International Congress and Exhibition of Dry Farming held at Colorado Springs, Colo. last winter, the second prize for cotton and the third prize on oats were awarded the exhibit of Mr. Phelps.

When it is remembered that these prizes were taken in competition with the whole world, one realizes the honor bestowed on not only Mr. Phelps, but on Caddo soil and Bryan County.

The Herald is not romancing when it insists that the soil for farming around Caddo is the best in the world. All that is necessary to take the prizes is to en__ the lists. Another important thing is the intelligent use of the soil, which we believe Mr. Phelps has exercised to large degree.

*William Harvey Phelps

1865-1954

 

 

The Bennington Tribune

May 1, 1913

$1,511.00 Profit from 35 Acres

Bryan County Demonstration Farm by Far

The Best Average in the State

 

For the year 1912 the Bryan County Demonstration farm near Caddo, under the management of W. H. Phelps, made a net cash profit of $1,511.00 from thirty-five acres placed in cultivation, of which ten acres was planted to corn, fifteen acres to cotton, and ten to oats; and this is nearly twice the profit made on the second-best farm, as Love county comes second with a profit of $864.00.

The fact about the Bryan county farm and the other state demonstration farms is given in the quarterly report as issued this month and a separate page with tabulated reports is devoted to each demonstration farm.

The report on the Bryan county farm shows that the ten acres of corn yielded 500 bushels which sold for $250.00 and that all cost of seed, labor, including harvesting, amounted to $45.00, leaving a total net profit of $205, or $20.50 per acre.

The fifteen acres of cotton is reported as having yielded fifteen bales of lint cotton and 450 pounds of seed, which all together sold for $1,325.00 with a total cost of seed, labor, picking, and marketing of $375, leaving a net profit of $63.33 per acre.

The ten bushels planted to oats yielded 1,200 bushels, which sold for $480.00, with a total cost of seed and labor of $124.00, leaving a neat profit on the oats of $356.00 or $35.60 per acre.

The figures given here are official and as turned in to the state board by Mr. Phelps, who farmed those thirty-five acres according to scientific methods and kept a careful tab on his expenditures and receipts. The average net profit per acre on the three crops there shown is $39.81 per acre, which is a good return for the highest priced land in this or any other county in Oklahoma.

Then again, the fact Bryan county’s demonstration farm has far outdistanced the other similar farms of the state on average profit per acre, adds a little more argument to our statements made so often that this is the greatest agricultural county of Oklahoma. Durant Democrat

 

 

The Caddo Herald

October 3, 1913

Bryan county won an enviable reputation at the Oklahoma State Fair with a nice county exhibit. The credit for this is due to W. H. Phelps, H. T. Styron, and Tom B. Reed, all of Caddo, who gave much of their time and talent to get the exhibit together and in place. They made the products show off well, and could have done much better had they had the material with which to work. Next year a better exhibit will be placed because we will start work earlier. Durant furnished $100 of the expense money and Caddo furnished $80. The value of advertising is best secured by putting the exhibits where interested people may see it.  

 

Note: another article says the exhibit contained nearly two hundred samples, including cotton, corn, wheat, oats, alfalfa, peanuts, kaffir, milo, maize, sugar cane, figs, apples, peaches, pears, persimmons, castor beans, and more.

R. E. Washington

The Caddo Herald

August 8, 1919

R.E. Washington Dies

 

R. E. Washington died last Thursday at his home 3 miles southwest of Caddo. He was buried in Caddo Cemetery Saturday morning at 11 o’clock, Rev. Frank Naylor conducting the funeral service at the chapel.

Mr. Washington was 33 years of age, had lived in this country for a long time and was a respected citizen. He was taken with typhoid about two weeks ago, and though everything possible was done for him, he could not recover.

 

Locals, 1929

The Caddo Herald

June 14, 1929

 

Register at Boone and Styron’s.

N.Damie was in Caddo Tuesday.

Alton Pace is visiting Jack Dale at Atoka.

Hal Watkins was down from Atoka Friday night.

C.T. Johnson went to Dallas yesterday on Ford business.

Clifton Wood has returned from a visit to Amarillo, Texas.

Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Wood visited relatives in Hugo Sunday.

Don Allen of Chickasha is visiting the family of Mose Downing.

Miss Dorothy Evlyn Smith spent Sunday with relatives in Ada.

Tell your neighbors to be sure to register as Boone and Styron’s.  

Mr. and Mrs. Ross Bonner and children spent Sunday in Valiant.

Mrs. G. A. Crossett returned Sunday from a week’s visit to Ardmore.

Miss Mary ___ Styron of Konowa visited Miss Zuleika Boland Sunday.

Miss Ernestine Carroll spent the week end with homefolks in Idabel.

Mrs. Horace Sargent and children are visiting her sister in Ada this week.

Clifton Blanks of McAlester visited his parents Mr. and Mrs. Blanks Sunday.

Melvin Hale and Miss Vada Hale of Mead visited friends in Caddo Saturday.

J.E. Blanks left Sunday for Whitewright where he will work for several weeks.

H.F. Bassett, who is working at Seminole, spent Sunday at the home of Barney Wood.

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Barger are rejoicing over the arrival at their home Sunday of a fine boy.

Cold lunch meats, relishes, cakes, and pies at Meadow’s Grocery.

Mrs. W. L. Driver, from Honey Grove, Tex., is visiting Mrs. T. I. McGraw.

Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Huffman of Ada are visiting Mrs. A. P. Braudrick and family.

Mrs. Buddie Jones was here visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cobb Trout, Monday and Tuesday.

Mr. and Mrs. Morris Overstreet were here Sunday visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Overstreet.

Mr. and Mrs. J. A Wood and Mrs. Frankie Izard are spending the week with relatives in Coleman.

Miss Clyde Blanks left Sunday for an extended visit with relatives in McAlester and Oklahoma City.

Louis McClaskey and family from New Mexico, arrived Monday for a visit with relatives and old-time friends.