Caddo- My Home Town

1918

From the Colbert Times, August 23, 1918

1922

1883

The Indian Journal

January 18, 1883

Caddo’s Doin’s

Caddo, I. T., January 10^th

Died- At Paris, Texas on the 24^th of December, 1882, Mr. John Curtis, son of Mrs. Wilson Jones.

Married- On Sunday, the 14^th of January, Mr. Dave Pearce to Mrs. Permilia Folsom, all of Caddo.

Mrs. Powers gave a pleasant little “candy pull” on Friday evening, January 12.

The “Don’t Drink Whiskey” society will have a meeting this week. Join boys.

There will be a “Saint Jacob’s Ladder” exhibition at the Congregational Church, Friday evening, January 19.

Business is kind o’ dull now, owing to the bad weather. SNIBS

Music Club

Caddo Herald

October 18, 1901

Music Club Meets

            A called meeting of the Caddo Music and Culture Club was held at the home of Mrs. Barlow Roberts last Thursday afternoon with a goodly number of members present. The resignations of Mrs. LeFlore as treasurer and Miss Mamye Lawrence as librarian were received, and Mrs. Dr. H. R. Rappolee was elected treasures; Mrs. S. J. Homer was elected librarian for the music department, and Miss Frances Lyle, librarian for the art department. The libraries to be kept at the respective homes of the officers until the club rooms are secured, which the clubs hopes to have in the very near future.

            Mrs. Ed Walter presented the club with a year’s subscriptions to an art journal.

            The club adopted for a motto: “We pave the way to broader fields.” Club flower, violet. Club color, purple.

            It was agreed that the club join the Federation of clubs of the Indian Territory and Oklahoma.

            The club will subscribe for “Revies of Reviews”.

            The club is anxious for a library and will give an entertainment in the near future for that purpose. Local and visiting talent will be used.

            Mrs. C. A. Bilbo was elected club historian.

            Adjourned to meet with Mrs. Barlow Roberts October 19.

May 7, 1902

M. L. and A. Notes (Music, Literary, and Arts)

            The Music Club met last Saturday with Mrs. Roberts, as, owing to the death of Mrs. Bilbo’s grandmother, she was unable to entertain them. Twenty members were in attendance, a good program was rendered, and papers read on the coming meeting in May at Los Angeles, Cal. Of the Women’s Club of America. Since joining the Federation, we are entitled to one delegate to represent the M. L. and A. Club and hope to send one.

            The club wishes to thank Mr. Dunlap for his kindness in allowing then to use his building for ____ (tear in newspaper) Tea. The location and ____ had a great deal to with ____ this entertainment a success.

            The Club ____ meeting with Mrs. Roberts ___ a charming hostess and Mrs. Hunter, an efficient leader.

Other Notes

Program for March (error?) 15, 1902

American History, continued.

Response to roll call, Quotations from William Cullen Bryant.

Leader, Mrs. E. W. Monroe

Music, Mrs. Maddox

Causes and beginning of the Revolution, Mrs. E. W. Monroe

The War of Independence, Mrs. J. Harris

The last year of the war, Miss Ida Wallace

The critical period, Miss Lyle

Music, Mrs. Edna Hogue

Hostess, Mrs. Walters

 

Note: Mrs. Edward Walters went to Los Angeles. She was accompanied by Mrs. T. W. Hunter.

History from Mr. Crossett

Durant Weekly News

May 11, 1928

Antiquities of Bryan County

By Guy A. Crossett

                Forbis Manning of Caddo, has spent all his young life practically in Bryan County. Born at Tishomingo 57 year ago, he moved to Caddo with his parents, Dr. and Mrs. T. J. Manning about the time of the coming of the M. K. & T. in 1871, perhaps a  few years afterward.

                He was educated at Jones Academy and at neighborhood schools of the time, taking some work in Caddo private schools. He has followed various avocations: farming, stock raising, sherffing, and a now extinct business- livery stable. In his time the livery stable flourished and made good money. Horses, carriages, and feed were cheap and buggies in demand. At the early age of which I am writing, there were thousands of horses running wild on the prairies near Caddo. A horse was good to carry a person, but brought little money. He tells of one man who sold a dandy wild horse for a gallon of whisky- and a gallon of whiskey in those day was worth only $3. But the new buyer was never able to catch his wild horse.

                Cheap in price though horses were, the cattle or horse thief was an outlaw, and more severe punishment was inflicted for this crime than for murder. It was necessary, because at that early day sure and severe punishment was all the protection the people had for their property. No fences, no law officers, few courts and vast distances between houses

                The Manning brand was 23. All horses bearing that brand belonged to the Manning family. The Boydstun brand was 33. In the early days these brands had many horses- perhaps thousands. None of the family ever saw all of their horses. They ran wild.

                Joel Nail, with the diamond F brand, lived on Blue, eight miles west of Caddo and he, too, had a world of horses. It was he who built the first wire fence on the prairie. He fenced six miles of Twelve-mile Prairie with wire, and to test it, had his cowboys drive the horses and mares toward the fence to see if it would hold the horses. It did.

Vanishing Trades

                Besides the livery stable there has almost vanished another trade- that of saddle maker. Few people ride saddle horses anymore. The hardware and harness stores now seldom sell a saddle, yet when Manning was in his youth the saddle maker flourished with a good business. The cow man thought more of his saddle and pony than he did of his home.

                The stage coach driver, once a flourishing trade, is now gone the way of all the earth. The old Chisholm Trail that went west of Durant by Kiersey to Robbers Roost to the western frontier is but a memory, but many men now living remember the Trail Carriage Point, near Kiersey was a noted relay station. Then Robbers Roost was a U. S. Post Office. The place takes its name from the fact that it was the rendezvous of a gang of robbers that flourished during that period.

                The call of the points along that route was not such as to reassure timid passengers. First was Robbers Roost, then Devil’s Den, last Sulphur. The sequence is suggestive. Tales are told of how those highwaymen would scorn to use the gun on victims, but would use a lariat, thrown about the neck of the victim, and then drag him to death.

Crooked Roads

                That road and others of that time followed no straight lines. It was decidedly crooked. The one from Caddo to Fort Sill went in a westerly direction to Nail’s Crossing, then by Emet, Tishomingo, Davis, Whitehead, Duncan, to its end. There were not bridges. The roads hunted natural fords. Also, these roads avoided trees. Such a thing as cutting down trees to make a road straight did not comport with the spirit of the times. Better to wind around a tree than cut it down. Likewise, no banks on streams were cut down. The road just ran along following least resistance until a likely natural crossing was found; quite different then to our numerous straight roads on section lines and countless bridges and culverts. If a team got stuck in the mud in those days, more teams were hitched on until the load was pulled out. Time and distance apparently meant little in those days.

Pashofa Dances

                The Pashofa Dance was a Choctaw ceremony used to cure diseases of the sick. It was performed by the Medicine men who came in response to the call of the family. In this dance the neighbors all came, for it was an occasion of a big feed. The women folk made Pashofa by mixing corn and cubes of pork. These were cooked in a large pot in the yard and the individuals fed themselves with huge crude wooden spoons, lacking better utensils. Between gorging on the toothsome morsels, they performed rhythmic gyrations to the tune of beaten tom toms.

                Meantime a rope had been stretched outside the house wherein the sick lay, so that persons could not come within the sacred precincts of the medicine men, who, dressed in garments calculated to frighten any spirit or human, performed various rites and gyrations before the stricken one. It was believed that if one of the neighbors came within the rope, the disease of the person would enter the bold adventurers who spurned the admonition to stay out. The spirit of disease was called Shulop.

                After many hours, perhaps, of his medicine-making, the doctor man would fill his mouth with a fluid of his own concoction, which he would spew over the face and form of the sick.

                These Pashofa dances lasted usually as long as the Pashofa held out. Lacking a prospect of food, the neighbors gradually drifted away.

                Manning tells of one time when he was bout 14 years of age, he went to see a sick boy friend. The Pashofa dance was in full swing when he got there. In his zeal for the welfare of his friend he disregarded the dividing rope, crawled under it, and entered the room as the medicine man was spewing the water in the face of his friend. The medicine man grabbed Manning by his scanty garments and threw him out on the ground, much to Manning’s’ chagrin and the amusement of the spectators. The Shulop, however, never entered Manning.

Hard Money

                Frank Mugler is another citizen who has lived in Bryan County all of his life. He tells of times when he wore his pockets out carrying money in them. Not many of us now are so circumstanced. But in those days checks were not popular with the natives. Nor had they much confidence in greenbacks, for the Civil War had but recently passed and the Confederate currency had become worthless. Time was required to restore confidence in Uncle Sam’s paper money. So to buy cattle or other products the buyer must needs carry hard money with him- gold and silver. Frank carried his in a canvas shot sack. He still has one of those old money sacks. There is said to be now much gold buried in places in the Choctaw nation by people who thus turned their cattle into gold.

                Manning’s father always carried his money in his boot legs and when upon retiring he removed his boots, left the money in the boots. In those days of few banks, and far between, the inhabitants must have a medium of exchange, so these were their ways. Strange to us now, but prevalent and necessary, so those were their ways.

                As I talk to these old timers, these men who stand between two civilizations, who have lived in days that are full of history, I am nonplussed that the human family so readily adapts itself to any condition. Stern necessity has compelled them to hard living. New inventions have dulled the senses of the newer, so that no such hardy race is now being produced. What once was done by strenuous manpower, is now done by gasoline and electricity, for mankind has harnessed the elements and made slave of the laws of nature- a different thing to human slavery.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, 1905

Perfect Attendance

This is from the Seminole Producer, May 24, 1944.

Caddo Little League

Durant Weekly News

May 18, 1956

Caddo Organizes Boys’ Pony, Little Leagues

By Farrell Oden

            Caddo. It’s springtime and one can tell by the busy putt-putt of lawn mowers and the quick snip-snip of hedge clippers that the dreary winter days have passed for another year. But folks in Caddo have a new herald to the birth of spring this year in the sharp crack of a bat as it is swung lustily against a speeding baseball, the dull whack of a hard-thrown ball against a baseman’s glove or a catcher’s mitt and the encouraging shouts of one teammate to another.

            Baseball came to Caddo with the warm spring days, and local residents have made up their minds that baseball and spring will always be synonymous to them.

            It al started in the real tradition of America’s favorite game. The boys in town started throwing an old ball to each other in a game of catch, then came gloves, baseball caps, and a brand-new ball or two.

            A few grown-ups started sharing the fun with the boys and the cluster of boys grew until there were enough to form a team. The cry of “baseball” rallied still more boys and soon the group was large enough to be divided into two teams, the older boys forming one team and the younger boys forming another. The adults got their heads together and agreed that baseball can be a dangerous game without proper equipment, so a call for contributions toward baseball equipment went out to the community.

Each Team Equipped

            Merchants and individuals responded so quickly and generously that within a week each team was equipped with catcher’s mask and mitt, breast protector, shin guards, baseballs, and bats. With their shiny new equipment as evidence of the community’s interest in their activity, the boys began to “get into the game” with even greater fervor. Contributions continued to pour in from interested persons and the talk of uniforms got started. Within an amazingly short period of time, 30 uniforms (15 for each team) were ordered. A display of the uniforms was set up in the First State bank, and residents of the community entering the bank on business began to hand the cashier, LeeRoy Ammons, cash and checks to be deposited in the special account set up for the baseball activities.

            Clubs and organizations such as the American Legion, the IOOF, the Carrol’s Chapel Home Demonstration Club, and the Caddo Civic and Cemetery Club brought up the matter in business meetings and contributed generously to the fund. In all, approximately $300 has been contributed to the baseball fund, and while more contributions are yet needed, the folks of Caddo intend for their boys to be suited out in brand-new uniforms for the first practice game of the season at Antlers Thursday evening, May 17.

            But generous gifts were not the only requirements for the building up of Little League and Pony League baseball teams in Caddo. No team is complete without a manager and it takes a lot of time, hard work, and patience to properly manage a team composed of boys who literally bristle with energy. Even so, the Caddo teams not only have managers, but assistant managers as well. Roy Lacy, a local rancher, and Orman Womble, owner and manager of the Rex theatre, work together as co-managers of the Little League, while Clark Baker pilots the Pony League with the assistance of Roy Combrink. Both Baker and Combrink are high school students who are just completing their junior courses, but their knowledge of baseball and their ability as managers will make theirs a winning team.

Boys Practice Regularly

            And, of course, managers must have players and the boys of Caddo are working hard in response to the community’s interest in them. They give several hours a week in rigorous practice under the guiding hands of the managers, and then voluntarily spend additional hours improving their throwing and catching ability. Every boy is working hard to earn the right to be a “regular” and the competition for these honors increases as the “workouts” continue.

            To ensure the permanency of the Little League and Pony League baseball teams of Caddo, each civic club, lodge, and social organization within the community is being invited to elect or appoint a representative to serve on a board of directors which will be composed of the representatives of the various clubs, lodges, and organizations. The board of directors is fully organized.

Community is Proud

            Why the interest in baseball at Caddo? Well, the community is proud of its youngsters and although it is a small town, the residents feel it is their responsibly to offer growing boys an opportunity to develop in body and character into useful citizens, good leaders, and fine men. And, as one man put it, “There is always the possibility that one of our boys will make the big leagues and it will be worth all our efforts to know that we will have had a part in helping him reach the top”.

For a list of major league players born in Oklahoma, click here: Oklahoma Baseball Players

Durant Daily Democrat

June 3, 1956

Caddo vs. Colbert

Area Loop to Begin League Action Soon

            Caddo- Caddo’s Little League and Pony League teams’ board of directors met last week to formulate plans in preparation for the first home game, June 9 with Colbert.

            Permanent officers were elected with C. C. Calhoun chosen as board chairman, Floyd Taylor, vice chairman, Mrs. Roy L. Cochran, secretary, and LeeRoy Ammons, treasurer. Orman Womble, with the assistance of Roy Lacey, will manage the teams.

            Each civic organization that aided in financing the ball teams is entitled to a director on the board. Those present and representing various organizations were Mark Davis and Keith Benefield, Post No. 218; B. W. McGee, IOOF; Mrs. Pinkney Williams, OES; Floyd Taylor, City Council; Mrs. Clifton Dugan, Caddo Home Demonstration Club; C. C. Calhoun, Masonic Lodge; Mrs. Roy L. Cochran, Civic and Cemetery Club; Mrs. E. A. Hicks, Women’s’ Music and Literary Club; and Orman Womble, team manager.

            A meeting was set for June 5 at 8pm in the community building of the parents and all others interested in Little and Pony Leagues. The meeting was called in order to arrange for transportation of payer and for the necessary work on the diamond.

Little League, 1956

Durant Weekly News

May 18, 1956

Area Towns Organize Kid’s Baseball Loops

            Six area towns have recently organized both Pony League and Little League baseball teams and will begin play June 7. The six towns with teams are Antlers, Atoka, Colbert, Caddo, Bokchito, and Boswell.

            On hand at the first meeting at Caddo to discuss plans for organization of the leagues were Jim F. Adams and Lester L. Thompson of Colbert, Albert Tidwell of Bokchito, Dr. Carl H. Skinner of Antlers, and Roy Lacey, Orman Womble, and Farrell Odom of Caddo. The group quickly agreed that the organization of a league was in order and Farrell Odom, Caddo, was elected as temporary chairman for the election of league officers. Dr. Carl H. Skinner of Antlers was elected chairman of the league, and LeeRoy Ammons, Caddo, was named secretary.

            Those present at the organization meeting agreed that the league should be limited to six teams and voted to admit Boswell and Atoka, who, although not represented, had shown interest in the league by their written response to an invitation to be represented at the meeting.

            Official league games for the six teams will begin on June 7 when Antlers will host Colbert in a night game, while Caddo will host Colbert on June 9 for an afternoon game, Boswell will host Atoka during the same week. The playing schedule calls for ten weeks of play, during which time each team will host the other teams in both night and afternoon games. The schedule which is being rechecked for possible “bugs” will be made public toward the end of next week.

            The meeting at Caddo was a momentous one in that it represented the first of its kind for the small towns of this area. Dr. Skinner, in accepting the position of chairman of the newly organized league, voiced the sentiment that “this is the start of something really big for the boys of Southeastern Oklahoma”. He further complimented the group for establishing the policy of making sportsmanship and character building their primary interests. “This is what makes baseball the great game that it is and it can continue to be great game so long as it is played diligently, honestly, and in all fairness”.

            In attempting to name the new league, the group agreed to a contest in which any boy of this area, 14 years of age and younger, might enter a name. The Durant Democrat, wishing to show its interest in the new league, volunteered to furnish the prize of $5. All names should be submitted to the secretary of the league, LeeRoy Ammons, First State Bank, Caddo, by June 1.