Volume 9 , Issue 45

November 1907 - Statehood Inauguration Plans

On November 7, 1907, The Daily Oklahoman reported on this article, with frontpage headlines that read: Elaborate Preparations Are Made For First Inauguration.

Guthrie, Okla., Nov. 6, 1907 -- The ceremonies for the inauguration of Charles N. Haskell as the first state governor of Oklahoma, on November 16, the day on which the proclamation of statehood is to be signed by President Roosevelt will be made one of the greatest events in the history of the territory, according to the plans of the executive committee of the inaugural committee which met at the Hotel Lone here tonight. Thousands of people will gather on that day to see the new governor take the oath of office which will be administered by Leslie Gordon Niblack, editor of the Guthrie Leader, immediately following the receipt of the proclamation fro WAshington by telegraph. The proclamation will be read by Secretary of State Charles Filson, who will be escorted to the platform by C. G. Jones of Oklahoma city, representative-elect.

Beginning with a grand parade in which a thousand of the National Guard of Oklahoma and Indian Territory will march, and closing at night with a ball at the city hall auditorium, the day's events will furnish continuous entertainment for the visitors. Governor Haskell will make his address immediately following the reading of the statehood proclamation. The procession will then march to Electric park, where the symbolical wedding ceremony of Oklahoma and Miss Indian Territory will be preformed, the two being united by a minister. Congressman McGuire has been chosen to represent Oklahoma and in a short speech will propose to Miss Indian Territory, who will be represented by a fullblood Indian orator, upon whom the committee has not yet decided.

Immediately following the symbolical marriage of the two territories, a public reception will be tendered Governor Haskell in the pavillion. A barbecue dinner will be served at the park.

The governors of the five civilized tribes have been sent personal invitations by the executive committee to attend the ceremonies and to be the guests of the city during the time they are here. A special carriage will be given them in the parade.< br>
The following committees have been named by the inaugural committee:

Statehood proclamation -- c. G. Jones of Oklahoma City, representative-elect form Oklahoma County, chairman; Harper S. Cunningham of Guthrie, state senator-elect from the Eleventh district; W. N. Redwine of McAlester, state senator-elect from the twenty-fifth district; J. L. Langston of Oklahoma City, secretary of the Federation of Labor; J. T. Conner of Canadina, I. T.; Dr. John Threadgill of Oklahoma City, department commander of the United Confederate Veterans of Oklahoma; W. N. Harmaday of Lawton, commander-inp-cief of the Grand Army of the Republic; Karl Rohannason of Muskogee, senior warden commander of the Spanish-American war veterans; William H. Murray, ex-president of the constitutional assembly and representative-elect from Johnston county; B. S. McGuire of Pawnee, congressman-elect from the First district; C. D. Carter of Ardmore, congressman-elect from the Fourth district; J. S. Murray of Shawnee, secretary of the Farmers' Union association; Tom Wylie of Muskogee, I. T.; S. O. Daws of Shawnee, ex-president of the Federation of labor.

Publicity committee -- Omar K. Benedict of Oklahoma City, chairman, president of the New State Press association, and all members of the association.

Ball committee -- Major H. W. Pentecost, chairman, Leslie Niblack, Dr. J. W. Duke, Galen Crow, and Frank Lucas.

Executive -- Frank Dale, chairman, Leslie Niblack, J. W. McNeal, Alva J. Niles, and Galen Crow, with Orville T. Smith as secretary.

Public comfort -- Felix Adler, chairman, Frank Hindman, and J. Frank Laux.

Parade -- Colonel Roy b. Hoffman of Chandler, chairman, three assistants from each of the territories to be named by him.

Finance -- L. N. Beadles, chairman, F. H. Greer, I. R. levy, F. O. Luiz, and Harry Gray.

Transportation -- J. D. Burke, chairman, N. N. Cochrell, Santa Fe agent; C. B. Holmes, Missouri, Kansas and Texas agent; Al Hixon, Fort Smith and Western agent; and J. J. Cobb, Rock Island agent.

Barbecue -- W. K. Farmer of Muskogee and C. D. Sleeper of Wagoner county, who will be assisted by the muskogee county Democratic club.
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