Saturday, September 10, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Park Schedule For Harrah on PDF link
http://harrah-ok.gov/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/2011-ampbrochure-03032011a.pdf
Go here to see park Schedule ( Harrah Daze coming up this Saturday)
Go here to see park Schedule ( Harrah Daze coming up this Saturday)
History of Harrah
History of Harrah
Home of Tim Holt, Dale Robertson and The Waner Brothers (Paul "Big Poison" and Lloyd "Little Poison")"Harrah. Formerly Sweeney. In eastern Oklahoma County. Post office name changed to Harrah, December 22, 1898. Named for Frank Harrah, merchant and business leader." These words found in the book Oklahoma Place Names, state the facts. But what were the underlying factors which led to the establishment of this town and which enabled it to remain viable while many others have ceased to exist. The location and the circumstances provided many things to many seekers. As we look at some of the people and events that were involved, we begin to see how Harrah came about and survived.
In the early 1870s, when Louis Navarre came to the area on a hunting expedition, he found the river full of fish, the grass belly-deep on the horses, and the countryside full of deer, wild turkey, and wild hogs. Said his grandson, Robert J. Navarre, Jr., "I'm sure they though they had found the most wonderful place in the world. Louis definitely saw something of value, for he later returned to the area and, in 1889, established a residence. It is on a portion of Louis Navarre's property, which he later sold to Frank Harrah, that the initial townsite of Harrah was platted.
Pressure for the opening of "unoccupied" Indian land had grown steadily from the end of the Civil War. With the opening of the Unassigned Lands in 1889, the demand increased. Potential settlers saw a "new" territory, with an abundance of resources beckoning to the homesteader, the businessman, and the adventurer.
The lands of the Sac and Fox, Iowa, Potawatomi and Absentee Shawnee nations were opened on September 22, 1891. The newspapers touted the country as splendid farming land, with good crops of corn, wheat and cotton being grown; well watered and well timbered, white oak predominating on the uplands, and cottonwood and walnut along the creeks; having coal and oil reserves; and having plenty of turkey, quail, prairie chickens and other game. People crowded in, many agreeing with Louis Navarre, that this was "the most wonderful place in the world," and they spread the word.
In 1891, E. W. Sweeney purchased the northwest quarter of Section 25, Township 12N, Range 1E (NW1/4 S25-T12N-R1E), property which adjoins the current site of Harrah on the east. He started a business operating a ferry across the North Canadian River, and later built a wooden pontoon toll bridge. A 1930 map shows Sweeney Bridge as being located about 1/4 mile east of Harrah's current bridge crossing on Highway 62. Mr. Sweeney helped to improve communication and commerce by providing a means, other than by horseback, for crossing the North Canadian. He brought those on the two sides of the river together.
In 1892, a group of ten Polish families arrived from Marche, Arkansas. Discouraged by poor crop yields, they were looking for something better, and they found it in the fertile farmland of the North Canadian bottom. With hard work and determination, these families survived to form the nucleus of Harrah's Polish community, and they told others.
Small settlements, perhaps clustered around relay stations or post offices, began to appear in the area. "Cavett. In Oklahoma County, 2 miles southwest of Harrah. A post office from May 24, 1892, to October 27, 1898. It was named for James S. Cavett, early-day resident." On February 4, 1895, James F. Cavett was granted the patent to the NW1/4 of S34-T12N-R1E, which is the SE corner of the intersection of Luther Road and NE 10th Street. Local tales indicate that Cavett lay on the line of a stage coach route, and documentation of the time provides additional information. Oklahoma City's Daily Oklahoman, in 1894, contains advertisements for the Oklahoma & Tecumseh Stage Line: "The only mail route that runs through the Kickapoo Reservation. Good meal at relay stand. Runs daily except Sunday. Leaves Oklahoma City at 7:30 a.m., arrives at Tecumseh at 6 p.m.; leaves Tecumseh at 7 a.m., reaches Oklahoma City at 6 p.m. J. F. Cavett." Charles Mooney's book on the history of Pottawatomie County tells the story of Sarah Kennedy, of Dale, who, in 1895, defended her property against the encroachment of the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad. The story relates, "During the 'stand-off', the Cabbot Bros. Stagecoach came rumbling along the nearby trail en route from Choctaw City to Tecumseh."
"Pennington. Present Harrah, in Oklahoma County. Post office established March 13, 1894, and name changed to Sweeney, June 22, 1896." According to postal records dated March 30, 1896, the Pennington post office was located in the NW1/4 S25-T12N-R1E, 1/3 mile south of the North Canadian River, and 102 feet north of the Choctaw, Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad track. The postmaster was listed as J. A. Huskey, a businessman who later moved into Harrah and established a hotel and general mercantile store.
On May 23, 1895, the Kickapoo lands were opened. This land was referred to, in the talk at the time of the land opening, as the "tenderloin of the Oklahoma territory." The place which was to be called Harrah was located on the south side of the North Canadian River, with the Kickapoo land north of the river, and the Pottawatomie land south of the river. It was right in the middle of a land rush.
In April 1889, the Choctaw Coal and Railway Company had announced a plan for a railroad line to stretch from McAlester to the existing Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad line in Oklahoma City. In September 1894, The Choctaw Coal and Railway Company was sold and was reorganized under the name, Choctaw Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad company. Later that year, work was continuing to expand the line east from Oklahoma City and west from McAlester. On October 11, 1895, The Edmond Sun-Democrat announced that the Choctaw Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad was open for business from Wister to Fort Reno. This railroad passed through the community soon to be called Harrah, and that community now had people, excellent farm lands, a river crossing, established mail routes, enterprising businessmen, and the most up-to-date transportation. It had everything going for it, and was waiting for someone to recognize that fact and run with it.
"Sweeney. Present Harrah, in eastern Oklahoma County. Formerly Pennington. Name changed to Sweeney June 22, 1896, and post office name changed to Harrah December 22, 1898. Named for E. W. Sweeney, early-day settler." According to postal records dated February 13, 1899, the Sweeney post office was located in the NE1/4 S26-T12N-R1E. It was 1/2 mile south of the North Canadian River, and 380 feet south of the Choctaw Oklahoma and Gulf Railroad. The postmaster was listed as J. A. Huskey. It was almost time for something big to happen.
In April 1898, Louis and Julia Navarre sold to Frank Harrah the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 26, Township 12N, Range 1E and, on February 18, 1899, approximately 32 acres of this property was platted by Frank Harrah as the original townsite of Harrah. Harrah had been born.
HARRAH: Backward and Forward, published 1999, Harrah Historical Society.
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Thursday, September 1, 2011
A Few Ramdom expressions of those who have lived in Harrah
http://www.city-data.com/forum/oklahoma/221988-living-harrah.html
I like frank discussions like this to let people know what our community is like for new comers ..
I like frank discussions like this to let people know what our community is like for new comers ..
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Amazing History of Alexander Okema , born in Harrah Oklahoma -Titled- We Walk in Beauty -
Al Okemah, Kickapoo
Native name: KA—KEE—KE—TO-HA
Given name: Alexander Okemah
Date of birth: June 13, 1921
Place of birth: Harrah, Oklahoma
Tribe: Kickapoo
Maternal clan: Buffalo
Paternal clan: Bear
Year photograph was taken: 1993
"Being sent out at age five with a limited amount of jerky and water. First time a full day at age five. One day and one night at age six. Three days and two nights at age seven. Four days and three nights at age eight. Five days and four nights at age nine. At age ten, I went to accomplish my first edible "kill". You had to find your own water source. My generation was the last to go through this ritual. The clan marked the cheeks of the child to prevent anyone in the tribe from helping the trainee during the ordeal."
How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"I have been assimilated into the white man's culture. It is difficult to follow the old Indian ways. Travel and transportation of any kind is no longer by horse and wagon. Barter was a way of life. We lived off the land. Courtships, marriage, childbirth were community efforts. Building homes, growing crops and rituals were events in the lives of my parents and grandparents."
What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"I try to speak my language (Kickapoo) as much as I can. I was discouraged in trying to speak the language of my tribe when I was a youngster. I try to teach the new generation their tribal language. Keeping respect for the things in nature around me. Not to destroy animals for "sport". Only to take what is necessary to survive."
What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"I felt honored to be able to represent my tribe. At 82 years of age, I am one of the oldest members of my tribe."
What do you see for the future?
"I am afraid man is polluting his own nest. There is no future unless he learns to respect the land, animals and his fellow men!"
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0731783/bio
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0731783/bio
More Pertinent Information and History on Dale Robertson..
"Don't ever take a dramatic lesson," Rogers told him. "They will try to put your voice in a dinner jacket, and people like their hominy and grits in everyday clothes." Robertson took his advice and avoided acting classes.
Robertson was typecast in Western movies and TV shows when the genre was still America's favorite. He headlined two TV series, "Tales of Wells Fargo" (1957), in which he played the roving trouble-shooter Jim Hardie, and "Iron Horse" (1966), in which he won a railway in a poker game. He also served as one of the hosts, along with Ronald Reagan, of the syndicated series "Death Valley Days" (1952) during the 1960s. Robertson later appeared in the inaugural season of "Dynasty" (1981).
Robertson is a recipient of the Golden Boot Award in 1985, and was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers and the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. He is retired on a ranch near Oklahoma City, not far from his birthplace of Harrah.
IMDb Mini Biography By: Jon C. Hopwood
Robertson entered the U.S. Army during World War II. After stateside training he served as a tank commander in the 777th Tank Battalion in the North African campaign. He was standing in the hatch when his tank was hit by enemy fire. His tank crew were killed, but he was blown out of the hatch and survived with shrapnel wounds to his lower legs, the scars of which he still bears. Fully recovered, he went on to serve with the 322nd Combat Engineer Battalion during the European campaign. He was wounded a second time, this one in the right knee during a mortar attack. Again he made a complete recovery.
At the age of 17 he was attending Oklahoma Military College, and boxing in professional prize fights to earn money. Harry Cohn approached him after a fight in Wichita, Kansas and asked him to come out to Hollywood to play the role of Joe Bonaparte in a boxing picture called "Golden Boy." Robertson refused, saying he was in the middle of training 17 polo ponies, and could not leave his family at his age. William Holden eventually was cast in the Golden Boy (1939) role.
Inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1983.
More Pertinent Information and History on Dale Robertson..
Biography forDale Robertson (I) More at IMDbPro »
Date of Birth
14 July 1923, Harrah, Oklahoma, USABirth Name
Dayle Lymoine RobertsonHeight
6' (1.83 m)Mini Biography
Dale Robertson, the actor who made his name in television Westerns in the 1950s and '60s, was born on July 14, 1923, in Harrah, Oklahoma. After serving in a tank crew and in the combat engineers in North Africa and Europe during World War II, the twice-wounded Robertson started his acting career while still on active duty in the U.S. Army. While stationed at San Luis Obispo, California, had a photograph taken for his mother. A copy of the photo displayed in the photo shop window attracted movie scouts, and the six foot tall, 180-lb. Roberson soon was on his way to Hollywood. Will Rogers Jr., whose father is the most famous son of Oklahoma, told him to avoid formal training and keep his own persona"Don't ever take a dramatic lesson," Rogers told him. "They will try to put your voice in a dinner jacket, and people like their hominy and grits in everyday clothes." Robertson took his advice and avoided acting classes.
Robertson was typecast in Western movies and TV shows when the genre was still America's favorite. He headlined two TV series, "Tales of Wells Fargo" (1957), in which he played the roving trouble-shooter Jim Hardie, and "Iron Horse" (1966), in which he won a railway in a poker game. He also served as one of the hosts, along with Ronald Reagan, of the syndicated series "Death Valley Days" (1952) during the 1960s. Robertson later appeared in the inaugural season of "Dynasty" (1981).
Robertson is a recipient of the Golden Boot Award in 1985, and was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers and the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. He is retired on a ranch near Oklahoma City, not far from his birthplace of Harrah.
IMDb Mini Biography By: Jon C. Hopwood
Spouse
| Susan ? | (1980 - present?) |
| Lula Mae Harding | (13 November 1959 - 8 February 1977) (divorced) 1 child |
| Mary Murphy | (4 June 1956 - 4 September 1957) (annulled) |
| Frederica Jacqueline Wilson | (19 May 1951 - 4 June 1956) (divorced) 1 child |
| ? | (? - ?) (divorced) |
Trivia
According to an article on TV westerns in Time Magazine (March 30, 1959), Robertson stood 6 feet tall, weighed 180 lbs, and had chest-waist-hips measurements of 42-34-34Robertson entered the U.S. Army during World War II. After stateside training he served as a tank commander in the 777th Tank Battalion in the North African campaign. He was standing in the hatch when his tank was hit by enemy fire. His tank crew were killed, but he was blown out of the hatch and survived with shrapnel wounds to his lower legs, the scars of which he still bears. Fully recovered, he went on to serve with the 322nd Combat Engineer Battalion during the European campaign. He was wounded a second time, this one in the right knee during a mortar attack. Again he made a complete recovery.
At the age of 17 he was attending Oklahoma Military College, and boxing in professional prize fights to earn money. Harry Cohn approached him after a fight in Wichita, Kansas and asked him to come out to Hollywood to play the role of Joe Bonaparte in a boxing picture called "Golden Boy." Robertson refused, saying he was in the middle of training 17 polo ponies, and could not leave his family at his age. William Holden eventually was cast in the Golden Boy (1939) role.
Inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1983.
Where Are They Now
(October 2008) Now retired and currently living in OklahomaUpdate Page
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Matt Grice Wrestler from Harrah ,Oklahoma Currently Fighting in UFC last I saw..
http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Matt-Grice-14539
Matt Grice Wrestler from Harrah ,Oklahoma Currently Fighting in UFC last I saw..
Matt Grice Wrestler from Harrah ,Oklahoma Currently Fighting in UFC last I saw..
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