Volume 12 , Issue 37

NW Okie's Ramblings

Where has the month of September gone. I know it is only reaching mid-way, but why do the days past so quickly?

Only a little over a week plus a few days until Northwestern OSU has their Fall Homecoming 2010. How many homecoming does this make for NWOSU (a.k.a NTN, NSTC, NSC)? 1899? I have lost track, but know that I have run across the first homecoming somewhere in my notes and research. Maybe someone out there reading this could enlighten all us Northwest Oklahomans.

In less than two weeks we will be stomp, clapping to the school bands marching around the Alva downtown square. The YouTube video was taken 1 November 2008 of the marching bands.



According to our research on Northwestern, in Volume II, Issue 81, dated 21 October 2000, titled "A Homecoming Mystery Bands, Floats & Celebrations," a celebration with floats in a great parade was being planned as far back as 1 July 1899. Was this the first homecoming? July 1, 1899 -- The work on the building of the famous Castle on the Hill had so advanced that a committee began the preparations for laying the corner stone under the main tower in front. The program consisted of the usual ceremonies, led by the Masons. Governor Barnes and several other territorial officers, and Grand Master E. M. Bamford were present. President Ament introduced Governor Barnes as the first speaker. He was followed by Judge McAtee, S. L. Johnson and Hon. Temple Houston.

The following is a list of articles that were placed within the corner stone -- Roll of officers and members of the grand lodge and local lodge A. F. & A. M.; same of the Alva Commercial Club; same of the legislature 1897; copies of the Alva Pioneer, Courier, Review and Cleo Cheiftain; copy of program of the day's exercises and names of President Ament, Miss Bosworth and Mrs. DeLisle.

The day was one of general celebration, the businesses of the town being represented by floats in a great parade. The crowd present was guessed at 4000 to 6000. Some More Normal History can be found on our website at this link Northwestern Normal School, 1895-1935 - beginning & conception

Barry Kelsey remembers, "We used to call it Northwestern State Teachers College. When my Grandfather went there it was called something like Northwestern Normal School."

Monet Monfort Lion says, "Yes, I believe it started out as Northwestern Normal School. I have many photos of The Castle on the Hill and a painted plate depiction made for Monfort Drug Store's China department! Rod reminds us that, "The original title of the institution was Northwestern Territorial Normal School, founded in 1897, 10 years before Oklahoma's statehood."

Marvin Henry says, "There are probably others who remember attending NSC while still in elementary school and jr high school. During the time Washington School was being rebuilt, about 1945, my 3rd grade class was held in the upstairs, first room on the left in what was known as Horace Mann building, now the education building. Junior High, 7th & 8th grade was on the second floor of the Horace Mann building. Industrial Arts (Shop for the boys) ground floor and Home Ec (girls) second floor of the Fine Arts building."

Off the subject of NWOSU and onto our family genealogy that I have at MyHeritage.com - Wagner genealogy, the subscription runs out around October 10, 2010, and I have decided not to renew that genealogy site. BUT it will not be a loss, because I have that information over at my Ancestry.com family genealogy for the Warwick, McGill, Paris, Conover, Hurt and Wagner families.

Until November 21, 2010 our Paris-McGill-Warwick family genealogy will still be up for awhile at MyHeritage for the Paris-Conover-Hurt-Warwick-Gwin-McGill-Wagner Family. I may or may not renew this site in November, 2010, because a more updated version is over at my Ancestry.com genealogy site. We shall see!

David, the two Pugs and myself are going to try to make it back for Northwestern's Homecoming. While there we need to check out our new little 2010 filly, black and white paint horse that grazes with her momma paint horse at Clark's East Farm, in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma. I hear it is a beauty!

Happy and Best Wishes to your September and Northwestern Homecoming 2010!   |  View or Add Comments (0 Comments)   |   Receive updates ( subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

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