The Century Chest Collection

"Long Ago," poem by Luella C. Holzapfel, 1913

(Transcribed from the original)

"Long Ago"

Listen let me tell about it,
Tell you so you cannot doubt it,
How they came, - our heroes came –
LONG AGO.

How in April, Eighty-Nine,
Brave men gladly stood in line,
Just to hear the bugle sound,
Then to run in with a bound –
LONG AGO.

But with strong indomitable will
Guided by a wondrous skill,
Ship of state was launched, - a task,
Great as any one could ask –
LONG AGO.

Woman came the days to brighten,
With her gentle smile to lighten,
And a courage, none could frighten –
LONG AGO.

With her image ever neat,
And her way so staid and sweet,
Men, could then more nobly fight,
For new homes, for God and right –
LONG AGO.

Soon, was Earth bedecked with flowers,
Simple kindness filled the hours,
Soon, in homes, the children played –
LONG AGO.

Women true of Eighty-Nine,
Yours the sphere that men resign;
Coming ages will aver,
Your our city builders were –
LONG AGO.

Dedicated to the Women of Eighty-Nine by
Luella C. Holzapfel

JOHN S. KERFOOT
PRES. APRILIS FIESTA CO.

O. A. MITSCHER
PRES. 90ERS ASSOCIATION

MRS. FRED SUTTON
PRES WOMEN OF 89

MRS. W. R. CLEMENT, 89ERS
DESIGNER OF THE
OKLAHOMA STATE FLAG