Local History

We took a little trip into the "country" today. Weather was great. Today's proof that you're never to old to learn. For instance, I learned that Stilwell was not the first town in this area, that it was actually Mayes. and it was in an area around Dahlonegah. The town was known to be rather wild... anyway when the railroad came through the area, they decided to move closer to the railroad. Which became Stilwell.
This picture is in front of the old Flint Courthouse, this was supposed to house a spring, in case you can't tell its in the shape of an arrowhead. I thought it was cool, spring actually runs out from the bottom of this.
This is the old wagon road leading into what would've been the old town. I changed the photo to antique because I thought it looked cooler. (Bet this is a pretty spooky road at night, make a cool spook trail)

This is the old Flint Courthouse, est in 1841. I'm told it was preserved in the 70's, but nothing since. I believe its all owned by Cherokee Nation, so hopefully they'll maybe do a little work to keep the place standing. Some of the wood shingles are falling off. I thought it looked better in Black and White, although with the brown grass and no leaves on trees, the only color was the blue sky...
From what I'm told, Indian Outlaw Ned Christie was killed in or near his Fort in the Wauhillau area and they traveled by wagon and the Flint courthouse was as far as they got on the first day. They were enroute to Ft. Smith. He was strapped to a door then propped up against this door to have his picture taken. (He was deceased). He was accused of killing a US Marshal and for 4 or 5 years they hunted for Christie. He refused to be tried in court for fear that he wouldn't recieve a fair trail in the "white man's" court. Which during that time he probably wouldn't.
This is the inside, unfortunately one of the windows was busted out, basically it was a wooden shutter.
This is the floor inside, I tried to lighten the pic, so you could see the flat rock floor, I think it was probably a beautiful floor when it was done. Can you imagine how hard it would've been to build this by hand, carrying everything on a wagon. Rocks on the floor are pretty large. It would be a shame if they couldn't save this.

That's my history lesson for the day. I'm told there's a model of the old town, so as soon as I can get a pic of it. I'll post it as well as one of Ned Christie's old fort.

Chase

Getting my son out of the bath last night, he says mom, I love you even when you're mad at me, or sad. I love you when your happy and even when you're crying. I just love you all the time.
Yes, my son is a mama's boy. He's all boy though. If he even thinks a girl could play with it or there's a slight chance its a girl toy, he has a fit....
He's got quite an imagination, one day he's a Power Ranger, the next he's a Transformer.
Neither of us can wait for T-Ball to start.

Mom's Writing: Girls

Sheila & Angela

My girls are God's very special gift to me.

To me their the most beautiful things around.

One has hair and eyes of brown and a charm that

no one can match.

The other has blonde hair and blue eyes and a very

sweet smile. She's the one that's most loveable. She

usually loves everyone, and she can talk a mile a minute

asking lots and lots of questions.

Their as different as night and day. And I wouldn't have

them any other way.

Each is very special in their very own way. And I thank

God for them each and every day. no two girls could

ever be loved more.

June 15, 1984

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Sheila,

You were my baby for nine years. Sometimes you were all that kept me

alive. When things would get bad and I'd want to die, all you'd have to do

was give me a hug and say I love you mommy. And everything always seem

better.

You were so cute when you were small. Now you're growing up you get prettier

everyday, even if you don't think so.

Sometimes your hateful and make me so mad. But I still love you even when your bad.

I know its hard being a teenager, but someday you'll grow up and be a little angel. Ha Ha

I love you,

Mom








I understand how much she missed her mom. I wish I didn't. I have pushed back so many memories over the years because it hurt to much to think about her. I've forgotten so much. I know that if I'd only dealt with the pain at least I'd have the comfort of her memories. Instead I have guilt and relive her death in some way or another in my dreams. I can't seem to escape the pain. Life is about pain, it forms us into the person we are to become. How we deal with the pain shows our growth. It just takes a little longer for some of us to grow.

Mom's Writing: What is a Mother

A mother is so many different things, she's a cook, a housekeeper, a teacher, nurse and doctor when you're sick. She does so many things we usually take for granted until we are grown and have kids of our own. Then we can see how much she really did so we would have a decent home.
A mother can be your very best friend, you can tell her almost anything and know that she'll never repeat it.
She only gets rough when you do something wrong, because she wants you to grow up and be as perfect as any human can be. She will always love you no matter what you do. So always love your mother while you have her with you, because someday before you even realize it she'll be gone.
And when you look back on the past, you can say "mama knew I loved her because I showed her every day". So show her love and respect because a mother after all is a very special person who'll love you through all your years until the end of time.
June 10, 1984

Mom's Writing: Kids

Kids have feelings too!



Kids are sometimes a joy to have around.

Sometimes they try your patience beyond repair.

Sometimes they fight among themselves, but a

few minutes later playing together like nothing

ever happened.

Sometimes they cry for no reason at all.

They get on your nerves and you scream

and hollow. You just don't stop to realize

"Kids have feelings too."

So try a little patience and understanding.

And things will be better before you know it.

And just remember you were a kid once too.



June 11, 1984

Mom's Writing: Sweetheart

A sweetheart is more than a friend,
more than a lover.
Its someone who shares your joy
and your sorrows.
Its someone who makes you happy
no matter what it takes.
Its someone who gives you a hug,
when you don't even need it.
Whose kind and considerate, who
understands your bad moods as well
as the good.
Its someone who is with you all through
the night and all through the day, if not in
body, always in heart. who tries to show
their love in everyway.
And all this is what makes a very
special sweetheart.

June 12, 1984

Mom's writing: Grandma

Granny Bailey


When you'd walk into her house you'd know where to find her. She was usually in the kitchen, baking and talking to herself.


She was just a little woman only four foot eight feet. She had the strength of a woman twice her size and she wasn't afraid of anything, man or snakes.


She'd hear a noise outside and off she'd go, with a stick in her hand. She'd search all around the house, to make sure no one was around. I always felt safe when I stayed all night with her, cause I knew she'd take care of me all through the night.


June 13, 1984





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Grandma Pathkiller





She was always so sweet and gentle. She hardly ever said a word, except when somebody made her mad then she could really hollow.


I always sat beside her no matter where she sat, and she always combed my hair.


When she got sick and had to stay in bed, I'd come home from school and go straight to her room. And she'd smile and say "How was school today"?


When she died I really did miss her, it seemed she'd been the only friend I ever had.


It seems there are so many memories that included just her. After all she really was my very favorite Grandma and I still miss her too.





June 21, 1984