Roosevelt News

-- East Coast Edition –

 

-- Printed in Loving Memory of Wanda J. Jackson 1934 - 2011 –

 

News Center

Read old/current issues and send news or comments online at:

http://www.234enterprises.com/RooseveltNews/newscenter.htm

 

Editors:

E-mail: mmay@234enterprises.com

 Carolyn Niebruegge May                      Michael L. May

Vol. 1, Is. 26                                                                                      Jan. 13, 2012

 

 

From the Editor

 

I’ve always been taught to never talk about religion or politics if you have concerns about offending someone.  Well I’m prepared to “roll the dice” and get a few things off my chest--hopefully in a bipartisan manner.  Bottom line is I don’t like the current status of our country nor do I see anything on the horizon that’s going to make it change.  Regardless whether you voted for our president or not, if you’re happy with the current state of the nation, you’re obviously not paying attention.  In my opinion, four years of the current administration have done nothing to improve the situation that they obviously blame on the previous administration.  That’s nothing new.  That happens every time we have a change in administration.  So it’s not a Democratic or Republican thing.  It’s a “Washington State of Mind Thing.”  In my 31 years in the federal government I saw several administration changes and the common denominator for all was that with each change there was a complete revamping of the landscape in the upper levels of the government establishment, in general--all new political appointees for cabinet posts and their immediate support staff.  Who are these new arrivals on the “Washington scene”--those who played vital roles in getting the new president elected.  Their qualifications for the job--they provided more money and/or “leg work” to the campaign than their “campaigning peers.”  With the help of what you probably think of as “Washington Bureaucrats” -- who are actually hard working civil servants these new arrivals get a “crash course” in what the responsibilities are for their new jobs.  With this assistance they quickly become knowledgeable enough to speak “semi intelligently” when special interest groups come in (with more money) to request that their “needs” be properly addressed by the newly seated administration.  Are you starting to “get my drift?”  Money “buys” presidents and money buys policies. 

 

In retirement I have the opportunity to listen to more political pundits than I should and may, although possibly erroneously, believe more of what I hear than I should.  Whatever the case, here is what I believe.  The candidate, regardless of party, with the most money is going to win.  Given the fact that they all may have good intentions, once they enter the confines of “the puzzle palace on the Potomac” those “good intentions” get checked at the door to the White House and only those revered important by their supports and accompanied by money will move forward--regardless of their worth.  With the history of such a system, “change” in Washington is near impossible.

 

If you are a supporter of the party not currently in power, I hope you are more comfortable with the field of candidates than I am.  Again, unfortunately, the candidate with the most money will win and challenge the current president.  If the president is re-elected (has more money), don’t expect four more years of anything new and different.  Additionally, if he doesn’t win and we get someone from another party, again don’t expect any more.  Sorry, unfortunately that’s my take on it. 

 

The previous is the express opinion of this editor and subscribing to my beliefs accompanied by a dollar and a half will buy you a cup of coffee almost anywhere other than Starbucks.

 

God, please continue to bless America.  We so desperately need it.

 

mlm

 

 

Content Contributors for the Week

 

Charles Curtis, Class of 1965

All those who sent messages to the Email “Bag”

 

Thank you all!

 

 

Remembering…

 

I have again gone through the box Lena (Kenimer) Harris, Class of 1951, shared with us.  I have found lots of interesting things in copies of The Bronc, the Roosevelt School Newspaper of that era.  It was published the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.  From time to time, I plan to include articles from those papers as I think they tell a real story of how things have changed the last 60 years.  The following article on the Roosevelt FFA chapter really caught my attention as I always marvel at the changes in farming and agriculture since I was a child growing up on the farm.  This article appeared in The Bronc during the 1947-1948 school year.  cmn

 

F.F.A.

 

The first of last year the FFA Chapter bought an army ambulance and trailer which brought our bank account down to rock bottom.  Besides this we bought a 50 gallon cattle sprayer with which we sprayed around 5,000 head of cattle.  With the proceeds we paid out a $125 banquet debt and the sprayer.  We purchased $50 worth of library books, paid for painting our classroom and shop, gave a picnic for the FHA girls and subscribed for some magazines.  Also, we purchased a new International pick-up for $1865 and a new 150 gallon sprayer for $55 which we intend to use for the welfare of our community.

 

To help pay for these two assets we have purchased a $350 saddle-horse to sell chances on.  We will spray cattle this summer to pay on our note.

 

The member of our Chapter have practiced terracing on our neighborhood farms, and helped dehorn and castrate farmers’ cattle where help has been short.  It gives us an opportunity to learn by doing.

 

Our Roosevelt vicinity is interested in steer feeding because we have had the Grand Champion Steer at the County Fair for the last two years.  These calves were fed by Donald Simmons who is an active member in FFA.  We also had Reserve Grand Champion Steer this year, fed by Pat Moore.  This calf was sold at the County sale to the Hobart Chamber of Commerce for 36 cents a pound.  We are also progressive in livestock judging.  Our judging team consisting of Charles May, Cecil Everhart, and Stanly Davis won 3rd at the Oklahoma State Fair in September, out of 75 teams entered.  In the March show in Oklahoma City, we placed 12th, which was very good for the number entered.  The members of the team were Donald Simmons, David Rule, and Leon Ragsdale.

 

This year our Chapter officers selected to give a formal initiation of green hands to our organization for all the schools of the Southwest District of Oklahoma.  This required plenty of effort but the results were worth the experience they got through presenting programs of this kind.

 

The Chapter officials are Charles May—President; Pat Moore—Vice-President; Billy Hill—Reporter; Bob Sheets—Secretary; Donald Simmons—Treasurer.

 

Donald Simmons and Pat Moore will be asked to make a radio appearance on KTJS Hobart at 12:45 Thursday, March 30, 1948.  This program will refer to their show winnings in the Hobart Fat Stock Show at which Donald had Grand Campion Steer and Pat had Reserve Champion.

 

 

Thoughts from the Squirrel Lair

 

Ten Thoughts to Ponder this Year!

 

Number 10  

Life is sexually transmitted.

 

Number 9  

Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die .

 

Number 8  

Life is not the way it's supposed to be.. It's the way it is.......

 

Number 7

Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks, months, maybe years .

 

Number 6

Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospitals, dying of nothing.

 

Number 5

All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism .

 

Number 4

Why does a slight tax increase cost you $800.00, and a substantial tax cut saves you $30.00?

 

Number 3

In the 60's, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.

 

Number 2

Life is like a jar of Jalapeno peppers--what you do today, might burn your bottom tomorrow.

 

And The Number 1 Thought

Don't worry about old age - it doesn't last that long.    

 

 

Alumni Website

 

We have renewed the account that Wanda Jackson had set up at the photo sharing website, picturetrail.com for the Roosevelt Alumni:  http://www.picturetrail.com/rooseveltalumni.  She had posted many pictures from past reunions, class panels, and old schools buildings along with write ups about them.  We thought you might find these interesting if you haven’t visited this site in the past.

 

 

Interesting Tidbits

 

Junior Curtis sent us this story and said he didn’t know if it was true but found it interesting.  I did some checking and found that this is pretty much how the tradition was started in the United States.  cnm

 

The story of eating black eyed peas on New Year's Day
 
The story of THE BLACK EYED PEA being considered good luck relates directly back to Sherman's Bloody March to the Sea in late 1864. It was called The Savannah Campaign and was lead by Major General William T. Sherman. The Civil War campaign began on 11/15/1864 when Sherman's troops marched from the captured city of Atlanta, Georgia, and ended at the port of Savannah on12/22/1864.  When the smoke cleared, the southerners who had survived the onslaught came out of hiding. They found that the blue belly aggressors that had looted and stolen everything of value and everything you could eat including all livestock, death and destruction were everywhere. While in hiding, few had enough to eat, and starvation was now upon the survivors. There was no international aid, no Red Cross meal trucks. The Northern army had taken everything they could carry and eaten everything they could eat. But they couldn't take it all. The devastated people of the south found for some unknown reason that Sherman's blood thirsty troops had left silos full of black eyed peas. At the time in the north, the lowly black eyed pea was only used to feed stock. The northern troops saw it as the thing of least value. Taking grain for their horses and livestock and other crops to feed themselves, they just couldn't take everything. So they left the black eyed peas in great quantities assuming it would be of no use to the survivors, since all the livestock it could feed had either been taken or eaten.  Southerners awoke to face a new year in this devastation and were facing massive starvation if not for the good luck of having the black eyed peas to eat. From New Years Day 1866 forward, the tradition grew to eat black eyed peas on New Year's Day for good luck."

 

 

Birthdays and Anniversaries

 

We have compiled all of the birthday and anniversary information we could from Wanda’s files.  We are sure we are missing some.  Please send us the birthdays and anniversaries for your family and friends so that we can have as complete as list as possible.  We are going to start with what we have from Wanda’s files so if we miss you, please send us the information so we have it for the news next year.  In addition, should any of the birthdays we list be wrong, also please let us know.

 

Happy Birthday To:

 

January 13 – Leon Chain
January 13 – Kyli Ellison  
January 14 – Jill Harmon
January 14 – Sharon Raasch
January 14 – Leslie Smith
January 14 – Lauren (Thurmond) Wilson
January 14 – Dante Smith (Jerry’s son)
January 14 – Eusebio Alonzo, Class of 1977
January 15 – Cotton Talley Mathis, Class of 1948
January 15 – Jack Whitson, Class of 1953

January 16 – Carolyn (Wiser) Melton, Class of 1967
January 19 – Laira Downen
January 19 – Lakin Sage Cole (Gary)
January 19 – Kruz Kendall Lile
January 19 – Jackie Felter

 

 

Humor

 

Bottle of Wine (Women will love this.)

 

A woman and a man are involved in a car accident on a snowy, cold Monday morning; it’s a bad one.  Both of their cars are totally demolished, but amazingly neither of them is hurt.  God works in mysterious ways.

 

After they crawl out of their cars, the man is yelling about women drivers.

 

The woman says, “so, you’re a man.  That’s interesting.  I’m a woman.  Wow, just look at our cars!  There’s nothing left, but we’re unhurt.  This must be a sign from God that we should be friends and live in peace for the rest of our days.”

 

Flattered, the man replies, “Oh, yes.  I agree completely, this must be a sign from God!  But you’re still at fault…women shouldn’t be allowed to drive.”

 

The woman continues, “And look at this, here’s another miracle.  My car is completely demolished but this bottle of wine didn’t break.  Surely God wants us to drink this wine and celebrate our good fortune.”  She hands the bottle to the man.

 

The man nods his head in agreement, opens it and drinks half the bottle and then hands it back to the woman.  The woman takes the bottle, puts the cap back on and hands it back to the man.

 

The man asks, “Aren’t you having any?   The woman replies, “No.  I think I’ll just wait for the police.”

 

MORAL OF THE STORY:

 

Women are clever, evil b------.  Don’t mess with them.

 

 

From the Email “Bag”

 

January 5, 2012

 

I want to thank you for the Democrat Chief's link. I was taking a free peek and came upon an article in the sports memories section about my Mom Kemmie Evatt scoring 25 points in a game that Hobart won over Cordell 35 to 20 back in 1932.

 

Thanks again.

 

Kenny Hebensperger

Class of 1956

 

********

 

January 6, 2012

 

Seldom have I had as memorable a day as when my boyfriend, Mike Shklar, and I popped in on your folks back in the summer of 1990 just so I could introduce and show him off to some of my kin.  Your mom and dad were the perfect hosts of unexpected visitors they barely knew, but they were kind and quickly pulled out the photo albums so we could see a whole bunch of Mays as well as the days they and my parents (Ab and Laverne [May] Johnson) had survived and enjoyed.  The absolute best part was when your dad invited Mike and me to go with them to feed the sisters' fish.  I still don't recall who the sisters were, but the fish certainly knew who your folks were - at least his pickup, like you said.  The water came to a veritable boil at his approach with the Purina fish chow.  And, yes, that was the day that Mike proposed to me.  A wonderful day for us all.

 

Thanks for the memories, Cousin Mike.

 

Jonna (Johnson) Shklar

 

********

 

January 6, 2012

 

Thanks for writing about your Dad.  I enjoyed reading about him.  We lived right by the rodeo pen so we could sit in the front yard and watch the rodeo.  A lot of people came over to watch it with us, like Mrs. Dodd and family.  

 

Bonnie (Pollard) Phillips, Class of 1964

 

********

 

January 6, 2012

 

Mike, I loved your story about your dad. I knew him when I saw him, but I didn't know him.  I think I saw him most in the domino hall watching, Glen, Floyd, Olen Reid and the fourth player was either Hugh Stoops, or Lige Smith.  As I sit here typing this, I can see all of these fine gentlemen playing pitch.  I loved the way Floyd would laugh, while sucking on that pipe.  But to be honest here, I liked being near the May brothers and Olen Reid.  Those three were always laughing and joking around.  Now about Hugh and Lige.  I think their underwear was to tight.  Never saw either one smile as I recall.  One day they needed another player for pitch.  Floyd asked me if I knew how and I told him I was learning but not good.  Floyd said fine I got a partner, so here is the lineup—me and partner Floyd May and Olen Reid and partner Lige Smith.  Lige made a bid of 4 or 5 and got it.  He hit my hand perfect.  As I recall here is that hand.  Lige led the ace got one from Floyd, got a joker from Olen, and I gave him the deuce which made him move a little in his seat.  Then he came back with the king, Floyd gave him another low spade, Olen was out, and I gave him a low spade.  He came out with the queen, Floyd was out now, and Olen was out, and I gave him another low spade.  So he was needing a jack to make his bid, since I put the low on him.  So he was coming after me now.  He led the main jack hoping to catch a joker or off jack but he got another low spade.  Now he is really moving in that seat and Floyd was loving it and Olen was in shock.  So I guess he had bid 4.  He had high, one joker and the joker he had in his hand.  So he is thinking I need to have game to make his 4.  He threw out his low joker, don’t recall what Floyd or Olen threw and when it came around to me I threw the off jack.  I know false teeth dropped all around that table.  Lige wanted to see if I played a trump each time and I had.  Floyd was laughing so hard, Olen was in shock and as for me I was wondering what I had done.  Lige got so mad that he didn't say a word and walked out.  Got to love those pitch games in the hall.

 

Jerry Hayslip, Class of 1964

 

********

 

The Gaidaroff family: Oscar, Winnell (Stanley) Gaidaroff (Class of 1939), and daughters Betty (Gaidaroff) Morgan (Class of 1959) and Linda (Gaidaroff) Clark were neighbors to the Rutledge and Kenimer families Northwest of Roosevelt until the late 50’s or early 60’s before moving to the Gainesville, TX, area.  mlm

 

January 8, 2012

 

I was saddened to hear about the passing of Lena Kenimer Harris' daughter.  Mother would like to send a card to Lena but I do not know her address or email.  If you have either I would appreciate letting me know.

 

I so enjoy reading the newsletter.  There are so many people I do not remember (or never knew) but I enjoy the news about the ones I do recall.  I especially have enjoyed the "Remembering" section about your Mom and Dad, brings back so many good thoughts of our families as we were growing up.

 

Linda Gaidaroff Clark

 

********

 

January 9, 2012

 

Michael, I am Jack Smith and was born in Roosevelt, ok. I do enjoy the information that you compile on our Hometown. ER and Susan Smith were my aunt and uncle. Eric Smith, Bill Smith, and Rex were uncles also. I do appreciate all of the work that you do to keep us “Okies” informed. Thanks again.

 

Jack B. Smith

 

 

Obituaries

 

Walter Harrison Jackson, Jr., 86 (Class of 1942)

http://www.edmondsun.com/obituaries/x1666062177/Walter-Harrison-Jackson-Jr

 

Useful Links:

 

Becker Funeral Home of Snyder, OK

http://www.beckerfuneral.com/?page=snyder

 

Ray and Martha’s Funeral Home of Hobart, Mt. View, and Carnegie, OK

http://rayandmarthas.com/

 

Roosevelt Cemetery Layout

http://www.234enterprises.com/Roosevelt%20Cemetery%20Layout.htm

 

Roosevelt Cemetery Markers (Picture Trail)

http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/listing/user/rooseveltcemetery

 

Roosevelt Cemetery on Find A Grave

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=99397&CScn=roosevelt&CScntry=4&CSst=38

 

Hobart Rose Cemetery on Find A Grave

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=99399&CScn=Hobart+Rose&CScntry=4&CSst=38

 

Hobart Resurrection (Catholic) Cemetery on Find A Grave

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2246374&CScn=Resurrection&CScntry=4&CSst=38

 

Mountain Park Cemetery on Find A Grave

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=99042&CScn=Mountain+Park&CScntry=4&CSst=38

 

Snyder Fairlawn Cemetery on Find A Grave

 

 

News Center -- Always Available Online

 

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Email Addresses

 

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