MATCHBOOKS From Kingfisher

Three matchbooks given away as "premiums" by three Kingfisher County businesses.

The standard 20-count, 1.5" matchbooks promoted KB&T Bank (Kingfisher Bank & Trust Co.); PNB (Peoples National Bank), and Farm Bureau Insurance (and agents Bill Jones of Hennessey and Keith Shipley of Kingfisher).

The matchbooks were donated to KCHR by Kurt Kaya of Kingfisher.

Have more Kingfisher County matchbooks? Share them at KingCoHistory@yahoo.com

ACCOUNT BOOK - Peoples National Bank, Kingfisher

This little pocket book/account book was a giveaway (or "premium") to customers of Peoples National Bank of Kingfisher, OK. Printed by Kingfisher Office Supply, the book measures 2.5" wide by 4" tall, and contains 24 lined pages. The brown grain faux-leather cover is embossed (front only) with border detailing and an image of the bank building and the name "The Peoples National Bank - Kingfisher, Okla."

This particular book was unused and still has several semi-uncut pages.

Donated to KingCoHistory by Kurt Kaya of Kingfisher.

Do you have any other Peoples National Bank items? Share them at KingCoHistory@yahoo.com

Kingfisher '89er John Wesley Mick

John Wesley Mick

One of the original 1889 settlers of Kingfisher, Oklahoma Territory.

Photo c.1928

George Thomas Wilson of New York City has sent several photos to KCHR. He is the grandson of Thomas Atlee Wilson and Addie Belle Beck. (Addie will be seen in photos of a subsequent post)

George is the great-grandson of two original 1889 Land Run settlers of Kingfisher: John Wesley Mick and Henry Clay Wilson.

Penny Bank - First National Bank of Kingfisher, c.1920

This little Liberty Bell replica penny bank was a token by the First National Bank in Kingfisher, OK.

This bank has been in the Raymond Rieswig Family as long as he can remember, and he was born in 1926. He found a little history on the First National Bank...

Abraham Jefferson Seay (Second Governor of Oklahoma Territory 1892-93) after leaving office, made his home in Kingfisher, and on November 23,1899, he organized the Central State Bank of Kingfisher. Later the bank’s name was changed to First National Bank of Kingfisher. On October 26, 1904, The bank was taken over by the Kingfisher National Bank of Kingfisher. Despite that take over, Seay remained his position as bank president.

~ CLICK IMAGES TO SEE LARGER VERSIONS ~

This "Liberty Bell" bank measures 3.5" in diameter and about 4" in height. Weight is 8.9 ounces. It features a real wood bell yoke with brass fittings. The First National Bank plaque appears to be copper, while the bell itself is a lightweight steel.

The coin feed is located in the base of the bank, and utilizes a ball-bearing check-valve system to keep coins from falling out the slot (see image of base). A small lock is operated by a key, which is still with this particular example. When unlocked, the entire 3.5" base is removed from the bell.

Patented Feb. 18, 1919, the bell bank was apparently a product of "The Bankers Savings Credit System Co." of Cleveland, Ohio (see image of base). Hence, the bank came into the Rieswig family after 1919.

Photos by KingCoHistory.

Item is owned by Raymond Rieswig, Kingfisher, Okla.

KCHR is looking for more information on First National Bank of Kingfisher, or their promotional use of the Liberty Bell Banks. Please contact us if you have details! KingCoHistory@yahoo.com

Kingfisher Ashtrays - People's National Bank & Solomon Abstract

These two ashtrays were likely "freebies" given out by the businesses to their customers.

• People's National Bank (now RoseRock Bank, 2009), 3.5" clear glass ashtray, date unknown.
• Solomon Abstract Agency, 6" translucent brown-green ashtray with gold detail, date unkown.

Do you have any other information on these ashtrays? Do you have ashtrays from other Kingfisher County businesses? Let us know! KingCoHistory@yahoo.com

Donated to KingCoHistory by Kurt Kaya, Kingfisher.
Donated to Chisholm Trail Museum by KingCoHistory.

Seay Mansion - Kingfisher, OK (Queen Anne Style)

The Governor A.J. Seay Mansion in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, is known as "Horizon Hill," due to its being situated on the highest point in town, and from that point, one could see the horizon line in every direction.

Built in 1892, the home is of the "Queen Anne" architectural style. This also fits into the "Victorian" era and style of home building. It is associated with sometimes over-the-top features such as ornate turrets, railing, ornamentation, gables, porches and the like.

"Horizon Hill," according to photographs from the time it was built, was never decorated with the "gingerbread" like many of its contemporaries. Its most extravagant feature was the three-story turret.

For years, friends of the mansion have tried in vain to locate original floor plans for the home, or information on "sister houses" elsewhere in the country. Until recently, none had ever been found, leading some to surmise that Seay's abode was one-of-a-kind...perhaps designed by the man himself, or custom-built to suit his whims.

However, the world has become a smaller place with the availability of the Internet, and searching for Queen Anne style "Horizon Hill" look-a-likes is becoming easier. Two examples have just been located which have many similarities to Kingfisher's landmark.

One is located in Saratoga, New York. The turret is different, but many other features are strikingly similar. The front porch entrance, carriage run, third floor windows, and second floor "balcony" are all tell-tale signs that Seay's home may not be as unique as once thought.

Another similar home, the location of which has not yet been determined, is a bit different on the first floor, but still appears to have a carriage run on one side. The tower roof is practically a twin to "Horizon Hill's," and the second floor balcony area is also quite similar. The third floor windows are altered a bit, but not enough to keep these two homes from being quite-obviously related.

The one major difference between the recently-discovered homes and "Horizon Hill" is the porch which wraps around the first floor of the turret in the two "new" examples. Seay's home does not have this feature, but does have porches on its north, east and south sides. One can easily imagine it having a wrap-around like these other two. Perhaps Seay just didn't much like the idea.

PHOTOS: (1 - B&W) Seay Mansion in Kingfisher, OK. (2 - Pointed turret roof) Queen Anne style home in Saratoga, NY. (3 - white house) Queen Anne style home, location unknown.
[NOTE: Do you know of other "sister homes" to the Seay Mansion? Please send them our way, along with any information possible. KingCoHistory@yahoo.com]

COLUMBIA, OK - Postcard 1908

Postcard mailed from Columbia, OK in 1908. The town, located in northeast Kingfisher County, is now completely non-existent, with no trace of the former townsite remaining. Only a few old-timers can still point out where the Odd Fellows Hall once stood. The town failed soon after the Rock Island Railroad installed a north-south line several miles east of Columbia. Had the route gone through Columbia, the town would likely have flourished.

(Image captured from Ebay auction originating in New Hampshire, July, 2009 / Not purchased)

Do you have a postcard or other artifact from Columbia, Oklahoma? Let us know! KingCoHistory@yahoo.com

OKARCHE, OK - Depot Postcard

Postcard featuring the old depot at Okarche in 1982. This structure served the Chicago, Rock Island and Santa Fe Railroad.

(Image captured from Ebay auction originating in Perryville, Maryland, July 6, 2009)

Do you have a better version of this image or more information? Please let us know! KingCoHistory@yahoo.com

Kingfisher - Wickmiller Drug Tile

This commemorative ceramic tile was offered on Ebay in March, 2009 by a seller in Edmond, OK.

The seller's description read thus:
Ceramic tile, approximately 6 X 6 in., 1/4 in. thick, with image drawn from photograph of C. P. Wickmiller's Drug Store in Kingfisher, Oklahoma Territory. New condition. Cork backing. Issued in 2005 as a special collector's edition by the Oklahoma Pharmacists Association, available only to members.

This item was not purchased by KingCoHistory, image capture only.

Do you have further information on this item? Email to KingCoHistory@yahoo.com

Oscar's Café, Hennessey, Okla.

This postcard features Oscar's Café in Hennessey, Oklahoma. The restaurant is no longer in operation. Information or other photos on this business should be directed to KingCoHistory@yahoo.com.

This particular postcard was an Ebay Auction in March, 2009 by a seller in Depoe Bay, Oregon. Card was not purchased by KingCoHistory. Image captured only.

Dinkler Drug Store, Hennessey, OK

Pictured here is an image from an Ebay auction listing of February 19, 2009. The listing read as follows:

Ceramic tile, approximately 6 X 6 in., 1/4 in. thick, with image drawn from nineteenth century photograph of Dinkler's Drug Store in Hennessey, Oklahoma Territory. New condition. Cork backing has short biography of Dinkler and his drug store. Issued in 2006 as a special collector's edition by the Oklahoma Pharmacists Association, available only to members.

Item was being sold from Edmond, Okla.

Do you have one of these tiles or other Dinkler memorabilia? Send images and stories to KingCoHistory@yahoo.com

Pappe Motel - Kingfisher, Okla.

PAPPE MOTEL -

Here are the last photos ever taken of the former Pappe Motel in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, just prior to its demolition in 2007. The building was recognizable due to its roughly 45-degree angled construction in relation to Main Street (U.S.) 81 at its east end. The top image is the very pointy southeast corner of the old motel, which was only about 30 feet from the highway. The bottom image is from the opposite (square) end of the building, looking east.

Also included is a Google Earth satellite image of the building when it was still standing. This has been provided so that the building's shape in relation to the neighboring highway can be best understood.

The building had been abandoned for years and originally consisted of other structures. The motel has been known previously as the "Pappe Tourist Cabins," and "Pappe Travel Court," a collection of quaint tourist bungalows. A photo postcard from 1940 is seen here, showing the property as "Pappe's Tourist Cabins."

According to Kingfisher Historian John Gilmour, the building was originally longer, but was modified and shortened due to a change in the width of Main Street (US Highway 81). He also tells why the building was set at the odd angle: Kingfisher Creek originally ran to the southwest side of the property, but was altered to run farther to the west.

Do you have other photos or history on this location? Email it to KingCoHistory@yahoo.com.

Photos by Jeremy A. Ingle, KingCoHistory

Postcard: KCHR Collection

Updated 12-11-2009

Sooner Motel - Hennessey, Okla.

Pictured here is a postcard of the long-gone Sooner Motel in downtown Hennessey, Oklahoma. It was located at the north end of Main Street (U.S. 81). Anyone with a history on this motel or a clearer photo is welcome to submit it to KingCoHistory@yahoo.com.

Image captured from Ebay auction listing, Feb. 17, 2009. Card was being sold from Neosho, Missouri.

KINGFISHER,OK DEPOT

Pictured here, in its declining years, is the Kingfisher Rock Island railroad depot. The building no longer exists.

This image is from a postcard which was offered up for auction on Ebay in February, 2009 by a seller in Perryville, Maryland. The card was not purchased by KingCoHistory.

Further information on the Kingfisher Depot is welcomed for this post.

PLANNED PROJECT: Immanuel Baptist Church, Loyal

The Immanuel Baptist Church at Loyal in west-central Kingfisher County is planning to build a new building to house classrooms, restrooms, pastor's study, fellowship hall and kitchen, all at a cost of $225,000. The "old" building, constructed in 1935, will continue in use as the sanctuary.

Pictured here are a sketch of how the new building will look, and a January, 2009 view of the existing 1935 sanctuary building.

Photos courtesy Kathy Dillard, church member.
Story on this project appeared in the Sunday, Feb. 1, 2009 issue of the Kingfisher Times & Free Press.

MIZE, John D. - Kingfisher County Citizen

John D. Mize, sheriff of Kingfisher County in 1923. Great uncle of former county resident Bill Moran, now of San Diego, Texas. Photos here are of Mize in his WWI uniform and of Mize's office in Kingfisher County Courthouse (No. 3: 1901-1959). More information on Mize will be added as sumbitted.

Photo courtesy Bill Moran, San Diego, Texas

District 67 Oak Valley School - 1943 or ’44

Snapshot of eastern Kingfisher County school known as District 67 Oak Valley. It was located in Section 23 Township 17N (Excelsior) Range 5W. The image is believed to be about 1943 or 1944.

There were 120 original school districts in Kingfisher County, with school houses spaced an average of 3.5 miles apart. Only five districts remain in 2009.

Photo courtesy Bill Moran, San Diego, Texas

Dover High School Teachers

A group of teachers at Dover High School. Date unknown.

Photo courtesy Bill Moran, San Diego, Texas

Neighboring History - Lovell Church

This historic church is located just across Kingfisher County's eastern line into Logan County, in the town of Lovell. This particular photo was taken in 1987. More information on this church will be added as it is submitted.

Photo courtesy Bill Moran, San Diego, Texas

Kingfisher Historical Markers

In November, 2008, members of "Kingfisher Trails" installed six new historical markers around downtown Kingfisher, Okla. The text was compiled and written by Kurt Kaya and the markers were designed by John Gooden, both of Kingfisher.

Markers and their locations included:
"People's National Bank," 320 N. Main St.

"T.G.&.Y.," 218 N. Main

"Bracken Building, Downtown Hospital," 120 N. Main

"Oklahoma's Pioneering Undertaker," 123 E. Broadway

"Kingfisher Chamber of Commerce," 123 W. Miles

"Pappe Building / Grand Opera House," 202 N. Main

"Kingfisher Bank & Trust" Patriotic Drum Bank

This little brass-colored drum coin bank was made available as a premium to customers of Kingfisher Bank and Trust Company of Kingfisher, Okla. Date unknown. Dimensions are 4 inches high with a diameter of 3.5 inches.

(From Ebay Auction posting, Oct. 2008 by seller in Tulsa, Okla.)

Hennessey, OK - Depot Postcard, 1965

Picture postcard featuring the Hennessey, Oklahoma railroad depot in 1965. This building served the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railway.

From Ebay auction listing.
Location: Perryville, Maryland.

Christian Endeavor Temperance Badge 1904

This momento comes from the Christian Endeavor Convention and its 14th Annual Territorial Convention in Kingfisher, Okla., May 27-29, 1904, as indicated on the back side. It is described as a celluloid disc, measuring 2.5" in height (including the brass fleur-de-lis emblem pin). The disc itself is approximately 1.5" in diameter.

(Image from Ebay auction posting by seller in Lebanon, Kentucky)

Kingfisher Police Patch

Police patch from the Kingfisher, Okla., city police department. This particular patch is no longer used.

(From Ebay Auction posting)

PLANNED PROJECT: Kingfisher Welcome Center

A project primarily headed by Kingfisher artist John Gooden, the Kingfisher [Tourist] Welcome Center will be located on the northeast corner of the intersection of U.S. Highway 81 and State Highway 33 in Kingfisher. Gooden has already completed the massive bronze statue of trailblazer Jesse Chisholm and landscaping has been under way.
In 2006, Gooden unveiled an architect's rendition of the planned welcome center, (bottom right) but in September 2008, a new version has appeared (top), which conjures a vision of the county's grand 1901 courthouse, though in smaller scale.

Kingfisher First Baptist Church: "The ConneXtion"

KINGFISHER FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH has completed construction in its newest building, dubbed the "ConneXtion," on their 13th Street property in west Kingfisher. The finished structure ended up looking pretty much as it was first presented in the Kingfisher Times & Free Press in Sept. 17, 2008. Groundbreaking was held Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 with an open house celebration date of Sunday, August 30, 2009.

Pictured are the original architect's rendition of the building, and the actual completed structure, Aug. 25, 2009

ORIGINAL STORY:

KINGFISHER FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH is beginning construction on its new building, a 15,000 square-foot multipurpose center featuring a gymnasium, worship center for capacity of 125 people, 10 classrooms and a commons area. The project is expected to cost $1,900,000.00 and will be located at the church's existing South 13th Street property. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008. (Architect's rendition pictured; featured in the Sept. 17, 2008 issue of the Kingfisher Times & Free Press)

Kingfisher County Courthouse (No. 3: 1901-1959)

KINGFISHER COUNTY has had four "official" courthouses since settlement here in the Land Run of 1889. The most famous of the bunch was courthouse No. 3, which was built beginning with the laying of the cornerstone in October, 1901. The grand building was used until 1959 when it was demolished to make way for a "more modern" structure.
This yellowed print of Kingfisher County's "Old Lady" was purchased on Ebay in mid-2008 and is now in the collection of KCHR. Its age and origin are uncertain, but it appears to have been clipped from a larger piece. As is, it measures 6"x3" and was glued to a backing board before KCHR purchased it.

Hennessey, OK - First National Bank postcard (1909)

Another colorful postcard featuring the First National Bank building in Hennessey, from 1909.

(Image from Ebay auction posting)

~ THE HISTORIAN'S CREED ~

~ The Historian's Creed ~

History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time.
It illumines reality, vitalizes memory,
provides guidance in daily life, and brings us tidings of antiquity.

The first law for the historian is that he shall never dare utter an untruth.
The second is the he shall suppress nothing that is true.
Moreover, there shall be no suspicion of partiality in his writings, or of malice.

~ Marcus Tillius Cicero ~
106 ~ 46 B.C.

Hennessey, OK - First National Bank postcard (1911)

A great Hennessey color postcard from 1911, featuring the old First National Bank building downtown. This German-made "Litho-Chrome" postcard was purchased in 2008 by KCHR.

We are always on the lookout for Hennessey postcards, pictures and memorabilia to add to our files. If you have images you'd like to share, send them, along with a description, to KingCoHistory@yahoo.com. Be sure to include the subject line "KFR Historical Item," even if it is for a town or community other than Kingfisher.

People's National Bank encased penny (1965)

This aluminum-encased 1965 Lincoln Penny was given as a premium to patrons of The Peoples National Bank in Kingfisher, presumably in 1965. The front of the coin (right) has the penny surrounded by a horseshoe design with the words "Keep me and you will have good luck." A four-leaf clover rests below. The reverse side reads "The Peoples National Bank; Dependable banking since 1891; Kingfisher, Okla."
This item was purchased on Ebay in mid-2008 by KCHR.

Pioneers of Kingfisher County, Vol. II

As an official Oklahoma Centennial project, the Chisholm Trail Museum in Kingfisher, OK compiled a second volume to their popular 1976 local history book "Pioneers of Kingfisher County." Appropriately, the new volume was called "Pioneers of Kingfisher County, Vol. II."

Those of us working on this book, beginning in 2005, devoted a great deal of our otherwise "free-time" to collect, organize and compile county family stories so that the people of today and the generations of tomorrow will have this research tool available. Although Vol. II comes 31 years after Vol. I, we don't want to wait that long for a Vol. III and hope to be able to compile it at least before 2017.

This 429-page hard-bound book is available at the Chisholm Trail Museum, 605 Zellers Ave., Kingfisher, OK. Cost: $60 (plus tax).

Visit the official Chisholm Trail Museum website: www.ChisholmAndSeay.com

KT&FP Oklahoma State Centennial Edition (2007)

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Oklahoma's statehood (Nov. 16, 1907), the Kingfisher Times & Free Press newspaper published the "Oklahoma State Centennial Edition." This full-color 208-page paper-back features local historical tidbids, family stories and advertising for the first 100 years of Oklahoma (1907-2007) along with some "back-story" of the years before statehood. Kingfisher County 120 early-day school districts are covered, as well as a cluster of family Centennial Farms, historical markers, and county and city maps. This book is still available in the Times & Free Press office at 323 N. Main in Kingfisher. Cost: $20. (Phone: 405-375-3220)

OKARCHE, OK - Police Patch

An Okarche, OK Police Department patch, date unknown.

The name of this southern-most Kingfisher County town is derived from three different words. "OK-lahoma, AR-apaho and CHE-yenne"

Okarche stradles the southern border of Kingfisher County and the northern border of Canadian County.

(Image from E-bay Auction Posting)