Happy birthday to my home state, right next door to Arkansas. Theodore Roosevelt was President when a brand new state, Oklahoma, was added to the United States of America. On November 16, 1907, Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory became one state, the 46th state, joining the Union. It’s a state of prairies, oil fields, cattle ranches, wooded hills and clear streams and a fascinating history. Its wildlife ranges from buffalo to mountain lions, deer–a lot of deer– and many other animals. It is home to more than three million people. Its energy, optimism, and “can do” attitude is alive and well. Indeed, it is a great state.
Oklahoma city skyline at dusk with the 844 foot/ 52 floor Devon Tower to the right.
This morning, the sun shines on brown leaves here in Arkansas that were vibrant and colorful only a few days ago. Wind has taken a lot of them off the trees and they carpet my yard. I’m going to have them mulched, but right now, its kind of nice to see them lying there, blanketing the ground. They are a lot of fun for youngsters who like to rake up leafy mountains then jump into the middle of them.
The French House, Tahlequah
Thanksgiving will soon be here with plenty of food and family gathering around the table. I have many, many things for which I’m thankful, but at the top of the list, out-weighing all others, is people. My family, my friends, love and freedom. We are a blessed people and a blessed Nation.
Coincidentally, on my desk at the Katie Murdoch Genealogy & AR History room, I have a book that I plan on doing an article on: “Around Tahlequah Council Fires” by T.L. Ballenger. It is interesting that both Dardanelle, AR, and Tahlequah had Council Oak meetings regarding the treaties of the 1830’s. Thank you. Write on. Lori
Thank you, Lori. That is so interesting. I remember Dr. Ballenger. I once interviewed his wife when I did an article for The Tahlequah Daily Press about the French House, the house pictured in my post. That was Mrs. Ballenger’s childhood home.