Ferguson Features

In April, the Ferguson Feature, as part of Alcohol Awareness Month, examined the impact of the Fergusons on the control of alcohol in Oklahoma Territory, the “Dry Bones Law” promoted by the son of T.B. and Elva Ferguson, Walter Ferguson, as he served in the Oklahoma Senate, and the role of the 9th and 10th Cavalry in controlling alcohol in the 1880s among bootleggers who were illegally selling to Native Americans. The calvary shelter on the grounds of Ferguson Home Museum likely sheltered these Buffalo Soldiers on their patrols between Ft. Sill, Ft. Reno and Ft. Supply.

The Friends of the Ferguson are promoting an active educational agenda. This week, Janine Espy and coworkers have a Ferguson Tea planned for 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 at the First Baptist Church. The live entertainment, delicious food, fashion show of early 19th century clothing and present fashions, and silent auction capped with delicious tea and coffee are not to be missed.

The Friends of the Ferguson continue to enroll new members (presently 78) and raise funds for restoration of the 123-year-old, Victorian style, landmark home. Estimates on improving water run off the roof, scraping, power washing, priming and painting the siding, and refurbishing 35 windows in the threestory structure are being obtained. Improving the stability under the bay windows on the south and replacement of the curved banisters on the porch and balcony will improve the beauty and safety of the home. Presently, there are $7,500 of funds waiting to be matched. Your generous donation will be doubled through these matching funds. We are also applying for grants through local industries such as oil/gas, wind, service stations, farm supply stores, etc. Thank you to all who have already donated to this 501(c)(3) organization.

One mission of the Friends of the Ferguson is education on and promotion of the culture and values of territorial and early statehood Oklahoma. In May, three classes of Watonga third graders will visit the museum and observe “how it was done” at the turn of the 19th century. Past demonstrations of spinning, soap making, cooking with cedar wood traded for subscriptions, early newspaper printing, games and other demonstration have been interested students.

In June, there will be a Flag Day Celebration. We hope to have an example of the Territorial and early Oklahoma flags. A 46star flag representing the U.S. in 1907 when Oklahoma became a state would be of great value to the museum as the Fergusons worked tirelessly to promote statehood.