The Century Chest Collection
Overholser Family Package - documents, photos, and letters
(Transcribed from the original)
HENRY OVERHOLSER
AN APPRECIATION
MEMORANDUM
This Sketch is intended for the Descendants of Henry Ione Overholser only child of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Overholser, who at this writing is a little girl eight years of age.
HENRY OVERHOLSER BY ANGELO C. SCOTT.
The story of the settlement and growth of Oklahoma roads like a romance; and there is a name in it which was so essential a part of the drama that it can never be omitted from any adequate recital of the pioneer days of our Commonwealth. That name is HENRY OVERHOLSER.
Mr. Overholser's courage and sacrifice, his wisdom and insight, and his genius for public and social service have been largely instrumental in laying the foundation of the prosperity we are now enjoying; they have contributed step by step, to the position of material development we have now attained. Indeed, the writer of this sketch - Mr. Overholser's friend for nearly a quarter of a century – has long regarded him our foremost citizen, sagacious, keenly discriminative, sound of judgment, possessing almost unerring power to read men and their motives, a positive character, a master mind. All these qualities make him a natural leader of men, from the beginning his leadership has been accepted unquestioningly.
As in business and in politics, so also has Mr. Overholser been in the forefront socially, drawing around him the best and most gifted for his closest friends, yet in feeling altogether democratic, in that his heart is ever large and kind to all who need his help; a help given with instant generosity, whether of money, advice or sympathy.
Since this sketch is intended for his descendants, who may well have pride in their ancestry, it will not be out of taste to state that his handsome and distinguished appearance would make him a marked man in any assembly.
It is inevitable that so highly endowed a personality should make Henry Overholser the one man whose influence is most closely and indelibly impressed upon Oklahoma City today. He is one of the very few men who came to Oklahoma on the eventful Twenty-Second of April, 1889, with a considerable sum of money. At that time Mr. Overholser possessed a snug fortune accumulated in a business career, upon which he entered when a lad of sixteen, in mercantile and real estate lines in Ohio and later in Wisconsin.
He arrived in Oklahoma bringing with him ten carloads of lumber, and when others were driving tent stakes, he was erecting substantial two-story frame structures; and this is symbolical of the subsequent twenty years of his career as chief city builder. When others had reached the wooden state, he was at work on a three-story brick block. When the families of the pioneers came and the town needed other forms of amusement than faro and roulette, he built an opera house which for years remained the most pretentious one in the new Territory. When the time was ripe for a theatre, Mr. Overholser built it – a fine example of the modern playhouse in whose comfort and convenience, visiting actors and actresses delight. Among those who have been presented to the public in the "Overholser Theatre" are, Sara Bernhardt, Olga Nethersole, Nazimova, Maude Adams, David Warfield, Walker Whiteside; and such world musicians as Walter Damrosch, with his New York Symphony Orchestra, Emma Eames, Nordica, Schumann-Heinck, Gorgorza, Bonci, Kubelik, Maude Powell. Is it any wonder that the cultivated people of Oklahoma City gathered here from all sections of our country, regard Mr. Overholser as a benefactor?
In his building operations, always his vision has been large, and always he has built with an eye single to the city's interests. Constantly he built more and larger than his own interest demanded in order to stimulate others. Even when he erected his palatial home, he said his chief purpose was to stimulate others to strive to outdo him.
In regard to civic betterment, Mr. Overholser's daring determination, his tenacity, and his persevering industry have accomplished truly wonderful things. He is, in the fullest sense, the "public – spirited" man; and that is one of his chiefest standards of judging other men – "Is he public – spirited?" It was he who organized the forces which gave to Oklahoma City the first water-works system in the Territory, it was he who headed the committee for procuring funds to secure the Choctaw railroad, now a part of the Rock Island system, and in procuring the Frisco, he also took a leading part; he has been in the thick of all the Capitol fights, whose final issue has been to locate the seat of government permanently in the city, he has served so well.
An incident characteristic of his business daring, and incidentally, of his fine sense of humor, occurred during the financial panic of 1893, when a run on the First National Bank was started, and the $250,000 of deposits were being rapidly withdrawn. The public welfare demanded that the bank be saved, and Mr. Overholser came to the rescue. He hurried to Guthrie, then the seat of the Territorial government, and gathered every dollar the Territorial treasurer, whose bondsman he was, had and returned with it, and also with numerous coin sacks filled with iron washers. Then the half dozen men, headed by Mr. Overholser, edged their way ostentatiously through the crowd carrying heavy coin sacks and bales of currency, the clamoring crowd melted away, and the bank was saved.
Perhaps his crowning achievement has been the successful resuscitation [1] of the State Fair after it had almost collapsed in other hands and his building it up into a great business enterprise and an incalculable public benefit. Mr. Overholser's private fortune has stood back of it from the moment he took it in hand, and it was his unremitting attention and great administrative ability that so thoroughly put it on its feet and made it the great institution it now is. His close application to the interests of the State Fair necessitated rest and change, and accordingly he and his wife and little daughter traveled extensively in Europe in 1911.
In October, 1889, Mr. Overholser married Anna Ione Murphy, a beautiful girl, the daughter of Samuel and Delilah Floyd Murphy. Delilah Floyd was the cousin of John Buchanan Floyd, Governor of Virginia 1850-3 and Secretary of War under President Buchanan. Through both branches of her family Mrs. Overholser is connected with officers and patriots of the Revolution. She has always been a society leader in Oklahoma City. Possessing high and definite social ideals, she is, when she chooses to be, a social arbiter. The home, at the corner of Fifteenth and Hudson streets, has been the scene of many brilliant gatherings and many distinguished guests from time to time have enjoyed its hospitality. Mrs. Overholser is the founder of the F. F. O. Club, a member of the governing board of the Modern Classics Club, and prominently identified with many other clubs of a social or philanthropic nature.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Overholser; a son, who died in infancy, and their daughter, Henry Ione Overholser, now a winsome and lovely child aged eight. If it is given to her to live out her allotted time, there will be those living in 2013 who will recall her. This sketch does not presume to be a prophecy, but it is safe to say, judging from many incidents which indicate an unusually stable and well-balanced character, that she will worthily bear the name she has inherited, an inheritance which should be an inspiration to the strong men and fair women who will be her fortunate descendants, and to whom the personality of the founder of the family, Henry Overholser, master builder, publicist, foremost citizen, and loyal friend, may well be the incentive to noble living.
Angelo C. Scott
April 22, 1913.
[Photograph] Henry Overholser [1911] Aged 66.
[raised emblem/crest on cover of notebook]
[Photograph] Henry Overholser Aged 42 1891
[Photograph, standing up] Mrs. Henry Overholser Aged 43 and Henry Ione Overholser 1913 Aged 8
[Photograph, sitting in chair] Mrs. Henry Overholser and Henry Ione Overholser Aged 43 and Aged 8, 1913
[Photograph] Mrs. Henry Overholser Aged 37 1907
[Faded Photograph] Henry Ione Overholser Aged 17 months Ashland Wis.
[Photograph] Henry Ione Overholser Aged 9 months 1905.
[Photograph] Henry Ione Overholser. Aged 4 months, July, 1905.
[Poem, with faded photograph of Henry Ione Overholser in the background]
The Slumber Boat
By
Alice C. D. Riley.
Baby's boat the silver moon. Sailing in the sky.
Sailing o'er the sea of sleep, while the clouds float by.
Sail baby sail, Out upon that sea,
Only don't forget to sail, Back again to me.
Baby's fishing for a dream. Fishing near and far.
Her line a silver moonbeam is, Her boat a silver star.
Sail baby sail, Out upon that sea,
Only don't forget to sail, Back again to me.
Set to music by
Jessie L. Gaynor.
[Photograph] Henry Ione Overholser and Fisher Ames, Chautauqua, New York, July, 1910.
[Photograph on same page as above] Three Contented Little Ones, Henry Ione Overholser, Mary Ellen Mellon and –
Colorado Sanitarium, Boulder, Colorado, August 20th, 1909.
[Photograph] Henry Ione Overholser Aged 18 months, Ashland Wis.
[Photograph] Henry Ione Overholser Aged 5. At Home, Oklahoma City. 1910.
[Photograph on same page as above] Henry Ione Overholser Aged 6, 1911. The Royal Links Hotel. Cromer, England. On the North Sea.
[Faded handwriting on the backside of above photo] The Royal Links Hotel Cromer England Aug. 1911. Two block from the North Sea. Henry Ione Age 6 years.
[Photograph] Samuel Murphy father of Mrs H. Overholser, Grandfather of Henry Ione Overholser, [Taken 1866]
Memorandum.
If there should be no Descendants of
Henry Ione Overholser
in 2013,
This Book shall become the Property of
the Descendants of
Hazel Murphy,
who is soon to become the Wife of
Guy Kimball.
Mrs. Henry Overholser
[Anna Murphy Overholser]
[Photograph] Hazel Murphy, Aged 13. Daughter of Samuel & Louise Berry Murphy. Sister of Mrs. Henry Overholser. [Taken in 1905.]
[Photograph] Home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Overholser, 405 West 15th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
[Photograph] First Christmas Tree for Henry Ione Overholser. [In the Blue Drawing Room.]
[Newspaper article]
A Christmas tree party was given by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Overholser Christmas eve at their handsome home on West Fifteenth street, for their dainty little daughter, Henry Ione. The big tree stood in the back drawing room, and was strung with tiny electric globes in varied shades which disclosed beautiful gifts and many glittering ornaments, snow balls, and silver pendants on its fragrant green boughs. Not alone the gifts bestowed upon the young hostess and her little friends by Mr. and Mrs. Overholser, were distributed, but the parents of the young people brought their gifts to them and hung them on the tree, until the big boughs were weighted down with with (sic) a glorious burden. All the parents accompanied their children and seemed to enjoy the affair fully as much as the youngsters. After a delightful Santa Claus had dismantled the tree there was a "fish pond" from which each earger (sic) guest was twice allowed to draw a prize, one being a pink sack of candy, and the other a toy. Little Henry Ione's guests on this occasion were Charles and Ben Allen Ames, Budge Flynn, Sammie Griffith, Charles Vose, Fisher Ames, Edward H. Cooke, Jr. Ada Sohlberg, Mary Mellon, Bland Sohlberg, Mary Overholser, Rebecca Iamb, Elizabeth Ames, Robert Given, Marguerite Vose, Evaline Conger, Marguerite Crawford, Marguerite Pettee, Streeter Flynn, Helen Pettee, Elizabeth Pope and Hazel Murphy.
[End of article]
Christmas Eve, 1907
[Newspaper article]
March Parties 1910
To honor the fifth birthday of her little daughter, Henry Ione, Mrs. Henry Overholser entertained Saturday afternoon at her home in West Fifteenth street. The formost (sic) feature of the afternoon's amusement was the Easter egg hunt. All of the decorations were suggestive of the Easter season, and at the table in the dining-room the little guests were seated. The center decoration was an immense "Jack Horner" pie, from which radiated long streamers of pink ribbons, to each place, and at the end of which were attached place cards on which were written appropriate little verses for the guests. Easter suggestions were carried out in the luncheon, and Easter bunnies were given as favors. At the conclusion of the luncheon a signal was given for the guests to pull the ribbons extending from the center and the pie opening revealed all kinds of gifts for the little ones. Those present were Misses Margaret Vose. Sue Salmon, Dorothy Stone, Anna Kathryn Laird, Bland and Ada Sohlberg, Mary Ellen Mellon, Genevieve Everest, Margaret Crawford, Locky Edwards, Evalyn Conger, Jeannette Sparrow, Mary and Vera Baird, Elizabeth Pope, Rebecca Lamb, Jeannette Dalmar, Lorraine Housel, Elouise Housel, Vivian Turner, Helen Pettee, Mary Overholser, Masters Fisher and Charles Ames, Edward Cooke, Leon Gerson, Richard Edwards, Phillip and James Blackwelder, Robert Given, Dudley Turner, Charles Vose, Samuel Griffith and John and Robert Edwards.
[End of article]
Henry Ione Overholser was born on Monday, March 13th, 1905.
[Newspaper article and photograph]
Interesting Little Daughter of Society Leader
Henry Ione Overholser
Whose fifth birthday was celebrated Saturday with one of the most beautiful children's parties ever given in the city. She is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Overholser.
[End of article]
[Photograph] The Overholser Theatre. Built by Henry Overholser, 1904.
[Newspaper article]
CENTURY CHEST PLAN IS UNIQUE
Ceremony of Burial Tuesday
Evening, April 22, Will be
of Historic Interest.
WILL EXHIBIT CONTENTS
A unique ceremonial which will go down in future history will be the burial of the Century Chest in the First Lutheran church Tuesday evening, April 22, the program for which has just been completed, and most interesting of all to those fortunate enough to witness the ceremony is the fact that this program will be reproduced exactly as given on this date on April 22, 2013 when the chest is exhumed from its hundred year's sleep and its contents exhibited to futurity.
The plan, which originated in the fertile brain of Mrs. George Shohlberg, has been carried out as first planned, but with the addition of many details that have added greatly to the enthusiasm with which it has been received on all sides, until it has become necessary to exclude many articles offered because of lack of space.
The idea of making it a record of the beginning of the state, and something of a memorial to those people and incidents that contributed so much to the upbuilding of Oklahoma, has been the first consideration, and all of these articles so full of historical value will be exhibited to the public in the windows of the different stores in the business district Tuesday.
In the window of "That Man Stone" will be present day pictures with panoramic views of the city, the pictures taken a week ago of the '89ers, Quanah Parker's Indian band and a map of the city when it was ten months old. In Watton's window will be reproductions of old photograph's of early day pictures and characters including one of Sequoyah, the Cadmus of the Indians.
Kerr's, Brock's and Mellon's will have the hat, dress and shoes that are to be inclosed as samples of the present day fashions; at Frederickson and Kroh's the phonograph and copies of musical compositions of Mrs. John Shartel, Mrs. Frederick Owen, Mrs. Parks Bennett, Rowland D. Williams, Arthur Price Quinn, Gerald Mraz, C. Barthold Macklin and Edwin Vaile McIntyre; at Westfall's some interesting old paper and posters, as well as the pen with which President McKinley signed the Free Homes bill. Myser's will have the historic quilt with the names of all the signers in the book, and also the contract with the Rutland, Vt., bank with which five prominent citizens have deposited $25 at compound interest for one hundred years. This bank is almost a hundred years old, and is unique in that it is owned by the depositors.
Artists will be represented by paintings from Misses Martha Avey, Nellie Shepherd, Virginia Worley and Prof. P. Gimeno, and poets by Miss Ina Gainer and Miss Louisa M. Brooks.
One of the newest ideas is the prophecies of the future written by Bishop Francis Key Brooke for the church, Prof. W. A. Brandenburg for education, A. P. Crockett for the law, Dr. Lea Riely for medicine, Frank Johnson for banking, Roy Stafford for journalism and Mrs. D. A. McDougal for the Woman's Clubs. Messages from all the prominent clubs and organizations to their successors in 2013 will be inclosed (sic), as well as many personal messages from private citizens to their descendants.
The seating capacity of the church will no doubt be taxed to its capacity of 400 on the night of the burial and the program rendered will be as follows:
Processional.
Invocation, Rev. Newton D. Royer, D. D., pastor.
Anthem, "The Lord Is My Shepher," Rowland D. Williams, the choir.
Phonographic record of the anthem.
Address in behalf of the state of Oklahoma, Gov. Lee Cruce.
Baritone solo, "Bedoun Love Song," Pinsuti; Merle K. Bennett.
Phonographic record of the solo.
Address in behalf of the city of Oklahoma, Mayor Whit M. Grant.
Soprano solo, "With Verdure Clad," from Haydn's Creation; Mrs. Charles B. Ames.
Phonographic record of the solo.
Address in behalf of the pioneers, Dr. Angelo C. Scott, '89er.
Contralto solo, "Rest in the Lord," from Elijah, Mendelssohn; Mrs. Walter B. Moore.
Acceptance of the custodianship of the Century Chest by the church.
Anthem, "Hallelujah," Pontius; the choir.
Recessional.
Continuation of the exercises in the Sunday school room.
Prayer over the chest, Rev. M. F. Cowden of the Ministerial Alliance.
Ceremony of sealing, Governor Cruce, Mayor Grant and Rev. Royer.
Benediction by the pastor.
[Postcard] The Baum Building. Oklahoma City.
[Postcard] Baum Building 1913. THE RUSH HOUR CORNER GRAND & ROBINSON STS., OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. 1979
NINETY-NINE YEAR LEASE
MADE BY HENRY OVERHOLSER AND ANNA OVERHOLSER
TO M. J. BAUM
THIS INDENTURE, made and entered into this 1st day of January, A.D. 1909, between H. OVERHOLSER, and ANNA OVERHOLSER, his wife, of Oklahoma City, County of Oklahoma, State of Oklahoma, Parties of the First Part, (hereinafter designated lessors) and M. J. BAUM, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, Party of the Second Part (hereinafter designated lessee),
Witnesseth:
FIRST: The first parties hereto, the lessors, in consideration of the rents hereinafter reserved and of the covenants and agreements herein expressed on the part of the second party, the lessee, to be kept, performed and fulfilled, have demised and leased, and by these presents do demise and lease, unto the lessee, all the following described premises situated and being in the city of Oklahoma City, County of Oklahoma, and State of Oklahoma, to-wit:
Lots Twenty-one (21) and Twenty-two (22) in Block Twenty-three (23), according to the official plat of said city.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above described premises, with the rights, privileges, easements and appurtenances thereunto attaching and belonging, unto the lessee for and during the term of Ninety-nine (99) years from and after the first (1st) day of January in the year of our Lord, One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Nine (A. D. 1909); that is to say, from the first (1st) day of January in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Nine, (A. D. 1909), for and during and until the thirty-first (31st) day of December, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Seven (A. D. 2007), paying rent therefor, and yielding possession thereof as hereinafter provided.
SECOND: The lessee, in consideration of the leasing of the premises aforesaid of the lessors to him, the lessee, does hereby covenant and agree to and with the lessors to pay rent as follows:
THE LESSEE COVENANTS AND AGREES to pay the lessors as rent for said demised premises during the said demised term of ninety-nine years, the yearly rent or sum of Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and no-100 Dollars ($7,200.00), without any deduction or abatement whatever, which rental shall be paid monthly in advance, in twelve installments of Six Hundred Dollars ($600) each, on the first day of each month; and all of said payments during said demised term shall be paid in such place in the city of Oklahoma City, in the State of Oklahoma, as the lessors may from time to time previously designate in writing, and in default of such designation, then at said demised premises.
And it is further stipulated and agreed that all rent reserved and agreed to be paid under this lease shall be paid in standard gold coin of the United States of America, of the present weight and fineness, or in its equivalent, in other legal tender money of the United States. And no acceptance by the lessors of any currency, checks, coin, money or value except that hereinbefore specified in payment of any rent or sum due under this lease at any time shall be construed to be a waiver on the part of the lessors of the right to demand payment as hereinbefore specified.
THIRD: As a further consideration for the leasing and demising aforesaid, the said lessee further covenants, promises and agrees to bear, pay and discharge, in addition to the said rent reserved, all rates, taxes, charges for revenue and otherwise, assessments and levies, general and special, ordinary and extraordinary of every name, nature and kind whatsoever, including water rates and paving installments maturing after January 1, 1909, which may be taxed, charged, assessed, levied or imposed upon said premises, or upon any and all buildings and improvements thereon, and all which may be assessed, levied or imposed upon the leasehold estate hereby created and upon the reversionary estate in said premises during the term hereby granted, and so long thereafter as said lessee, his successors and assigns, shall occupy said demised premises. And it is further understood, covenanted and agreed by and between the parties hereto, that the first annual tax to be paid by the lessee shall be that for the year One Thousand Nine Hundred and Nine (A. D. 1909), and the last that for the year Two Thousand and Seven (A. D. 2007), and the lessee further covenants and agrees to obtain and deliver to the said lessors duplicate tax receipts of all taxes and assessments paid on said premises or every kind and nature whatsoever; and all such taxes and such receipts shall be paid and made out in the name of the lessors, or their heirs, executors, administrators or assigns; and that the said duplicate tax receipts shall be sent by mail to said lessors, or one of them, on or before the first day of the tax sale for the year in which such taxes are payable of each and every year during the said demised term for all taxes and assessments for the year preceding; PROVIDED, however, that this lease shall not be construed as to require the lessee to pay any income tax which may be charged against the lessors after the payment by the lessee to the lessors of the rent herein reserved nor shall this lease be so construed as to require the lessee to pay and inheritance tax or transfer tax which may at any time be assessed against said property on account of the death or transfer of the lessors or any of them.
FOURTH: The lessee further covenants and agrees to and with the lessors to erect, finish and complete at his own expense upon the said demised premises, a modern building, constructed of brick, concrete or steel, not less than three (3) stories high, in addition to the basement, which said building shall cover the lots aforesaid, subject to such off-sets as may be necessary for light and air, and shall be of sufficient strength and dimensions as to support six stories above the basement. Said building shall be constructed in a good and suitable manner, and shall be free from all mechanic's liens, and free from any and all claims liable to ripen into mechanic's liens; and shall be well lighted in front and rear, and shall cost not less than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), and shall be constructed in accordance with the building ordinances of the City of Oklahoma City. The lessee further agrees to save the lessors harmless from any damage to the owners of adjoining lots, or other persons, by reason of the erection of any improvements on said demised premises, arising from any neglect or omission of the lessee, or any person acting by, through or under him. The lessee further agrees to commence work on said building within one (1) year from the date of this instrument, and to complete the same thereafter with reasonable expedition. In constructing said building, the lessee shall have the authority to make a party wall contract with the owner of the adjoining lot.
It is further covenanted, stipulated and agreed by and between the parties hereto that the said lessee shall have no right to tear down, demolish or injure the vuilding (sic) now upon the leased premises until he shall have first deposited with the American National Bank of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the sum of $25,000.00 to be paid out by said bank only in payment of labor and material going into the construction of a new building upon said premises as provided in this lease. All material in the building now upon said lots shall be the property of the lessee.
FIFTH: It is hereby covenanted, stipulated, and agreed by and between the parties hereto, that there shall, during the said demised term, be no mechanic's liens upon any buildings or improvements which may at any time be put upon or be upon said demised premises, and that in case of any mechanic's liens, the lessee must pay off the same; and that if default in payment thereof shall continue for thirty (30) days after written notice, said lessors shall have the right and privilege, at their option, to pay off the same or any portion of the same, and amount so paid, including expenses shall, at the option of the said lessors, be so much additional rent due from said lessee at the next rent day after any such payment with interest thereon at the rate of seven (7) per cent per annum; or the lessors amy (sic), at their option (and the right and privilege to them os (sic) hereby expressly given and granted), if said default continues for a period of two (2) months after the installment of rent becomes due, to declare this lease terminated, and upon determination of this lease, at the option of the lessors, on account of any mechanics' lien as aforesaid, all buildings and improvements upon said premises are hereby declared to be and become immediately forfeited to the lessors without any conpensation (sic) whatever to the lessee, and the lessors shall have the full right and privilege (which right and privilege is hereby expressly given and granted) to enter upon said demised premises and demand possession of all buildings and improvements thereon. It is further agreed and notice is hereby given, that no mechanics' lien or other liens shall, in any way, manner or degree, affect the claim of the lessors on such buildings or attach to their rights in said premises.
SIXTH: And the lessee does covenant and agree to and with the lessors, that he, the lessee, will keep insured against loss by fire, lightning and tornado during said demised term, any and all buildings or improvements that may be built or placed upon said premises, in good and responsible company or companies, as may be approved by the lessors, to an amount of not less than forty thousand dollars ($40,000) are to be assigned to, and in case of loss be made payable to, the said lessors, as their interest may appear, the same to be held by the said lessors, as additional security for the amount of rent and the rebuilding herein provided for; and in case said buildings or improvements shall at any time or times be destroyed or injured by fire or other casualties during the said demised term, then and in that event, all sums which may be collected from the insurance companies under the policies deposited with the lessors as herein provided, shall be paid over, by such insurance companies, to some trust company or bank to be named by the lessee, and whose financial responsibility shall be satisfactory to the lessors, who shall hold same at lessee's risk, and after being so collected by such trust companu (sic) or bank, collecting and holding said sums, shall pay to the said lessee, upon proper architect's certificates, so much of the said insurance money as may be received by reason of such loss or destruction, in such sum or sums as may be necessary to pay for rebuilding as herein provided; and at the time when such insurance money is paid by said trust company or bank, the lessee shall expend on work done upon or materials furnished for the restoration, repair or erection of any new building, an amount of money derived by the lessee from sources other than said insurance money paid as aforesaid equal to half the amount of said portion so paid. And it is further agreed that any and all moneys which said trust company or bank shall receive or any loss or destruction of the said building or improvements is hereby constituted a trust fund, to be used for the rebuilding of the building and improvements upon the said premises as herein provided for. And it is further agreed that said insurance fund shall be used towards rebuilding the buildings and improvements upon the said premises as herein provided for; but this is expressly understood and agreed that this provision shall not prejudice the provisions in this lease contained, that said insurance money shall stand as additional security for the rent herein provided for. And it is further understood and agreed that the said lessors shall not be responsible for the collection or non-collection of any insurance money in any event, and that said trust company or bank shall be selected at the risk of the lessee.
And the said lessee covenants and agrees that if said buildings and improvements or any part thereof, shall at any time or times during the continuance of said term, be destroyed or damaged by fire or other casualty, and as aften (sic) as any building or improvements on said premises shall be destroyed or damaged by fire or other casualty, said lessee shall rebuild and repair the same, the construction so rebuilt and repaired to be of the value of not less than Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00), and have the same rebuilt and ready for occupancy within a reasonable time from such loss or destruction, at his own expense, "Provided: That in case said buildings shall be destroyed or damaged so near the end of said term that there shall not be ample time (which term shall not exceed twenty-four months) to rebuild or repair the same before the end of said term, then the insurance money on said buildings shall belong to and be paid to said lessee, except so much thereof as shall be equal to the sum due and to become due to the said lessors, under the terms of this lease, which amount, if any, shall be paid to said lessors, and in such case the failure to rebuild or repair shall not cause a forfeiture of said leasehold interest", and it is covenanted and agreed that all and every sum or sums of money which shall be recovered or received by said lessee for and in respect of said insurance upon said building or buildings shall be laid out and expended by him in rebuilding or repairing said buildings or such parts thereof as shall be damaged as aforesaid, and in case the lessee shall not have used or expended the insurance money on said premises as herein provided, it shall be lawful for the lessors to declare such term ended and into said premises to re-enter as hereinbefore provided, and any part of any building or buildings on said premises shall at once be forefeited (sic) to said lessors, and no compensation therefor (sic) shall be allowed to said lessee; and any balance of insurance money remaining in the hands of the said trust company or bank, at the election or option of the lessors, be forfeited to them as liquidated and ascertained damages, and not as a penalty or penal sum or in the nature thereof; but is understood and agreed in case of a fulfillment by said lessee of his covenants in this lease, any surplus or any and all insurance moneys after the use of the same for the purpose provided in this lease, shall belong to and be paid over to said lessor. And in case the lessee shall neglect to insure and keep insured the buildings and improvements on said premises, the lessors may, at their election, procure and renew such insurance and add the amount paid therefore to the installment of rent next thereafter falling due under this lease, together with interest thereon at the rate of seven per cent per annum.
SEVENTH: Said lessee hereby further covenants and agrees that the said premises and buildings, which may at any time be thereon shall, during the said demised term, be used only and exclusively for proper and legitimate purposes. And it is expressly covenanted between the parties hereto that the said lessee will not use or suffer or permit any person to use in any manner whatsoever the said demised premises, or any building or improvements thereon, nor any portion thereof, for any purpose calculated to injure the reputation of the premises or of the neighboring property, nor for any purpose or use in violation of the laws of the United States, or of the state of Oklahoma, or of the ordinances of the City of Oklahoma City; or for any immoral or unlawful purposes whatever, or for any trade, business, occupation or vocation whatever, which may be in any wise disreputable or immoral, and that said lessee will, at his own proper cost and charges keep the buildings which may be situated on said premises and all the appurtances (sic) thereunto belonging, and the sidewalks, steps and excavations under the sidewalks, in a good, safe and secure condition, and any alley or alleys adjoining said premises in a clean and safe condition, ans (sic) will conform to all municipal ordinances of laws, and all other ordinances and laws affecting said premises, and the sidewalks, streets, and alleys in front of and around said premises, and that it will keep and save the lessors forever harmless from any penalty or damage or charges imposed for any violation of any of said laws, whether occasioned by neglect of said lessee or be the tenants of said premises holding under him, and that said lessee will indemnify and save and keep harmless the lessors against and from any loss, cost, damage and expense arising out of any accident or other occurrence causing injury to any person or property whomsoever or whatsoever, and due directly or indirectly to the use of the premises, or any part thereof, by the said lessee or any person or persons holding under him, and will indemnify and save harmless the lessors from any claim for damages or penalty arising from the sale or giving away of any intoxicating liquors on or about the said premises, and against and from any loss, cost, damages or expense, arising out of any failure of the lessee in any repsect (sic) to comply with the requirements and provisions of this lease binding upon him, the lessee.
EIGHTH: Said lessee further covenants and agrees that he will not assign this lease except by way of mortgage until he shall have completed and paid for the building on the said demised premises of the character and within the time hereinbefore specified.
The lessee may, when there is a building erected which shall conform to the requirements of this lease and free from mechanics' liens and the possibility thereof, and similar claims, sell or assign his interest in said leased premises and the buildings thereon, provided that all rents, taxes, assessments, insurance and other charges of every kind shall be paid to the date of such assignment, and all covenants and agreements herein contained to be kept and performed by the lessee shall be fully complied with at the date of such assignment or conveyance; and further provided, that in case of such sale or assignment of the said lease, the same shall be evidenced in writing, duly executed and acknowledged by the assignee, and duly recorded in the Recorder's Office of Oklahoma County and State of Oklahoma, whereupon and whereby the assignee shall expressly accept and assume all the terms and covenants in this agreement contained to be kept and performed by the lessee, and will comply with and be bound by them; and the said lessee covenants and agrees that he will not make any assignment of this lease, except in the manner and upon the conditions as above set forth, and it is agreed and notice is hereby given that any assignment of the said lease, leasehold interest or buildings upon said property not in struct (sic) conformity to these provisions, shall be absolutely null and void.
Said assignee, and succeeding assignees, shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as to future assignments, and the lessee herein so assigning and conveying shall thereby then be forever released and discharged from this lease and from the agreements and covenants in this lease contained, providing said assignments shall have been made to carry into effect an absolute and bona fide sale of said lessee's interest in said premises.
No building erected under the provisions of this lease upon said premises shall be removed or torn down without the consent in writing of the said lessors.
It is agreed, however, that in the event the lessee prior to the erection of said building shall desire to assign said lease, he may do so; upon condition, however, that his personal liability shall not be extinguished by virtue of said assignment, until the building is completed upon said premises in accordance with the terms and conditions of this agreement.
NINTH: It is expressly agreed by and between the parties hereto, that any installment of rent accruing under the provisions of this lease which shall not be paid when due shall bear interest at the rate of seven per cent per annum from the date when the same was payable by the terms of this lease until the same shall be paid by the said lessee.
TENTH: It is hereby further covenanted, stipulated and agreed by and between the parties hereto that the lessors shall, at their option, have the right at all times during said demised term to pay any rates, taxes, assessments, water rates or other charges upon said premises and reversionary interest therein remaining unpaid after the same have become due and payable, and to pay, cancel and clear off all tax sales, liens, charges and claims upon or against said demised premises or reversionary interest therein, and to redeem said premises from the same, or any of them, from time to time, and the amount paid, including reasonable expenses, shall be so much additional rent due from the lessee at the next rent day after any such payment, with interest thereon at the rate of seven per cent per annum from, the date of the payment thereof by the said lessees to the said lessors.
And it is further provided that if the lessors, at their option, shall advance or pay any such rates, taxes, assessments, water rates, or other charges, or pay, cancel and clear off any tax sales, liens or charges and claims upon and against said demised premises, or the reversionary interest therein, it shall not be obligatory upon the lessors to inquire into the validity of any such rate tax or assessment, or any other charge, or any such tax sale. However, if the lessee shall desire to contest the validity of any tax, assessment or rate, and shall notify the lessors in writing of his intention so to do, within thirty (30) days after such tax, assessment or rate, if valid and uncontested would become due and payable, and shall not suffer any judgment or decree for the payment of such tax, assessment or rate, or any part thereof, to remain unsatisfied for a longer period of time than ten (10) days, unless pending on appeal, the lessors shall not have the right to advance money for the payment thereof. And if the lessee shall desire to contest the validity of any alleged mechanic's lien, or other charge, and shall notify the lessors in writing of his intention so to do, and shall not suffer the same to attach the said premises without defending or forcing the same to a final decree or judgment to remain unsatisfied for a longer period than ten (10) days, unless pending on appeal, the lessors, after such notification, shall not have the right to advance money in payment os (sic) such lien or charge.
ELEVENTH: And it is further understood, covenanted and agreed by and between the parties hereto that in case, at any time, default shall be made by the lessee in the payment of any of the rent herein provided for upon the day the same becomes due or payable, and such default shall continue sixty (60) days (after notice thereof in writing by the lessors, or their agents, or attorneys, to said lessee), or in case any default in relation to liens as hereinbefore provided shall continue sixty (60) days after written notice, or if the lessee shall fail to pay any of the rates, taxes or assessments herein provided for to be paid by him, within the time herein provided for or in case of the sale or forfeiture of said demised premises, or any part thereof, during said demised term, for the non-payment of any tax, rate or assessment, or in case the lessee shall fail to keep insured any building or buildings or improvements which may at any time hereafter be upon the said premises as herein provided for, or fail to spend insurance money as herein provided for, or fail to rebuild as herein provided, or if he shall fail in any of the covenants of this lease by him to be kept or performed, then in any or either of such events, it shall and may be lawful for the lessors, at their election, at or after the expiration of sixty (60) days previous notice in writing to declare said demised term ended, and enter said demised premises, and the buildings and improvements situated thereon, or any part thereof, either with or without process of law, to re-enter, the said lessee hereby waiving any demand for possession of the demised premises, and the buildings and improvements then situated thereon. And the lessee covenants and agrees upon the termination of said demised term at such election of said lessor or in any other way, he, the lessee, will surrender and deliver up said above described premises and property peaceably to said lessors, their agents or attorneys, immediately upon the termination of said demised term, and if said lessee, his agenst (sic), attorneys and tenants shall hold the said premises or any part thereof one day after the same should be surrendered according to the terms of this lease, they shall be deemed guilty of forcible detainer of said premises under the statute, and shall be subject to evection and removal, forcibly or otherwise, with or without process of law.
It is further expressly provided that the said lessors shall not at any time enforce any forfeiture herein provided in the event of the existence of a mortgage executed by the lessee upon his interest in said premises, without previously giving the mortgagee herein named, at his post-office address therein expressed, thirty (30) days previous notice of said forfeiture, provided however that unless said mortgage is recorded upon the records of said county, and the post-office address of the mortgagee therein stated, no notice shall be required to be given to said mortgagee.
TWELFTH: It is further covenanted and agreed by and between the parties hereto that in the event of the determination of this lease, at any time before the expiration of said demised term of ninety-nine (99) years, for the breach of any of the covenants herein contained, then, in such case, all buildings, fixtures and improvements then situated on said demised premises shall be forfeited to said lessors and become their property, and no compensation therefor shall be allowed or paid to said lessee.
THIRTEENTH: It is mutually covenanted and agreed that the various rights, powers, options, elections, appointments and remedies of the lessors contained in this lease shall be construed as cumulative and no one of them as exclusive of the other, or exclusive of any rights or priorities allowed by law.
FOURTEENTH: And it is further understood, and agreed by and between the parties hereto, that the right given in this lease to the said lessors to collect the rent that may be due under the terms of this lease by any proceedings under the same, or the right herein given the lessors to collect any additional rents, moneys or payments due under the term of this lease by any proceedings under the same, or the right herein given the lessor to enforce any of the terms or provisions of this lease shall not in any way affect the right of such lessors to declare this lease void and the term hereby created ended, as herein provided, when default is made in the payment of said rent or when default is made by the lessee in any of the terms and provisions of this lease.
FIFTEENTH: And it is mutually covenanted and agreed by and between the parties hereto that in case the lessors, or either of the, shall without any fault on their part, be made party to any litigation commenced by or against the lessee, then the lessee shall pay all costs and attorney's fees incurred by or against the lessors or either of them by or in connection with such litigation, and the lessee shall and will also pay all costs and attorney's fees incurred by or against them, the said lessors, or either of them, in enforcing the covenents (sic), agreements, terms and provisions of this lease; and that all such costs and attorney's fees if paid by the lessors, or either of them, and the rent reserved in this lease, and all taxes and assessments, and the payment of all moneys provided in this lease to be made to the lessors, shall be and they are hereby declared to be a first lien upon all buildings and improvements placed upon said demised premises at any time during the term of this lease, and upon the leasehold estate hereby created, and upon the rents of all buildings and improvements situated on said premises at any time during said term.
SIXTEENTH: And it is further agreed as a condition of this lease, that in every case where, in the opinion of the lessors, or under the conditions of this lease, it shall be deemed necessary for the interests of the lessors to serve a notice or demand on the lessee concerning this lease, or any of the conditions or provisions thereof, it shall be a sufficient service of such notice, demand or declaration, to leave a copy thereof at the place of business of said lessee at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, or by posting the same on the front of any building then on said premises.
SEVENTEENTH: It is covenanted and agreed that no waiver of a breach of any of the covenants of this lease shall be construed to be a waiver of any succeeding breach of the same covenant.
EIGHTEENTH: It is further covenanted and agreed that unless the respective parties herein shall have agreed in writing ninety (90) days before the thirtieth day of June A. D. 2007 providing this lease is not sooner determined in any of the ways herein provided, upon the actual cash value of any and all buildings and any and all improvements that are situated and standing upon said premises (exclusive of and not including the value of the land or ground), than an appraisal shall be made of the then actual cash value of any and all buildings or buildings, and any and all improvements that are situated and standing upon the premises, exclusive of and not including the value of the land or ground at the time of the appraisal, said appraisal to be made by three disinterested freeholders in the city of Oklahoma City owning land in fee in that part of the said city and not related to any of the parties in interest by consanguinity or affinity, who shall be selected in the following manner, that is to say: The lessee shall select one appraiser and notify the lessors in writing of the person so chosen, and the lessors shall thereupon, or within ten (10) days thereafter, choose one appraiser and notify the lessee in writing of the person chosen, and the two persons so chosen shall, within ten days thereafter, choose a third appraiser, and the three appraisers so chosen, or any two of them, shall proceed forthwith to appraise the actual cash value of any and all building or buildings and improvements aforesaid, exclusive of and not including the value of the land or ground at the time of the appraisement so made, and the said appraisers in making said appraisals shall take into consideration the adaptability of the said building, and improvements, to the said premises, and whether the buildings have at any time been used for a purpose likely to weaken or injure them beyond ordinary wear and tear, and deterioration, and shall within ten days thereafter notify in writing the lessors and lessee of the appraisal so made by them, and the decision of the said appraisers, or any two of them, shall be final and binding. And in case of the refusal of either of the parties hereto to appoint an appraiser as herein provided, or in case of death, inability, neglect or refusal to act of either of the appraisers so appointed by the said parties hereto, or the third appraiser appointed by the said appraisers chosen by the parties hereto, as herein provided, or in case the appraisers appointed by the said parties hereto shall neglect or refuse to appoint or be unable to agree upon a third appraiser as hereinbefore provided, or in case the three appraisers so appointed, or any two of them, shall be unable to agree upon an appraisement as hereinbefore provided, then, in that case, either of the said parties hereto or the party or parties who shall succeed to the interest of the said parties hereto under the terms of this lease, shall have the right to apply to any judge of any court of record having chancery jurisdiction within the said county of Oklahoma for the appointment of three appraisers, and any such judge, to whom such application shall have been so made, shall, upon satisfactory evidence being furnished that due notice of such application has been given to the other party in interest, have the power to appoint three appraisers of like qualifications as hereinbefore provided, who shall have the same qualifications, powers and duties as though they had been selected as hereinbefore provided.
And it is hereby understood, covenanted and agreed that no appraisal shall be invalid by reason of not being made within the time provided by this lease, and that the appraised value shall in no case exceed what it would then cost to erect and complete such buildings and improvements less the then depreciation thereof occasioned by wear and tear, age and decay.
And the said lessors covenant and agree to purchase on the said 31st day of December in the year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Seven, unless this lease is sooner determined, in any of the ways herein provided, the said buildings and improvements situated and standing upon said premises, exclusive of and not including the value of the ground, at their actual cash value so agreed upon or determined as aforesaid; said purchase money to be payable one quarter in cash, and the balance in one year from the 31st day of December, 2007, with interest thereon at the rate of seven per cent per annum, said deferred payments to be secured by first mortgage on said premises and improvements or by such other securities that may be satisfactory to the said lessee, or if the said lessors so desire they may pay the entire sum of said purchase money in cash.
And the said lessee covenants and agrees that at the time and on the day of said purchase, to-wit: upon the 31st day of December, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Seven, at 12 o'clock noon, it will convey all of said building and improvements to the said lessors, by a good and sufficient deed of conveyance, and will immediately surrender, yield and deliver up peaceably said described premises in as good condition as when the same were entered upon by the said lessee, and any and all buildings and improvements thereon in a good and perfect condition ordinary wear and tear, depreciation, and decay excepted. It being, however, fully understood and agreed by and between the parties hereto that it is a condition of this lease that all buildings and improvements and fixtures upon the said premises at the termination of the said demised term, providing this lease is not sooner determined, shall, at and from the date of the expiration of said demised term revert to and become the exclusive property of and be vested in the said lessors without any such deed of conveyance from the said lessee to the lessors, but this condition is not to be understood or so construed as to waive the right of the lessee of the payment to him of the actual cash value of the said improvements upon the said premises, to be ascertained and determined as aforesaid; and it is further understood and agreed that in the event that the value of the buildings shall not have been agreed upon or ascertained prior to the expiration of said demised term, then, and in such case, said lessee shall have a first and valid lien upon said premises for the amount of such value, notwithstanding the surrender of the possession thereof to the said lessors as above provided, or the reversion of all buildings, improvements and fixtures upon said premises, and their becoming the exclusive property of and being vested in said lessors; and the amount of such cash value, with interest thereon, at the rate of seven per cent per annum from date of the determination of the said demised term shall be paid or secured as above provided as soon as the amount thereof shall be ascertained or determined, and said ascertained value also shall be a lien on said premises until so paid or secured, and in default thereof said lessee may enforce its lien therefor on said premises in chancery.
NINETEENTH: It is mutually covenanted and agreed by and between said parties hereto, that each of the expressions, phrases, terms, conditions, provisions, stipulations, admissions, promises, agreements, requirements, and obligations of this lease shall extend to and bind or inure to the benefit of as the case may require, not only the parties hereto, but each and every successors, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns of the respective parties of the first and second part hereto; and wherever in this lease a reference to either of the parties hereto is made, such reference shall be deemed to include, wherever applicable, also a reference to the successors, heirs, legal representatives and assigns of such party, the same as if in every case expressed, and all the conditions and covenants contained in this lease shall be construed as covenants running with the land.
And Anna Overholser, the wife of H. Overholser, the lessor, joins in this lease for the sole purpose of evidencing her consent to its execution, and releasing her rights in said premises as against said lease.
STATE OF OKLAHOMA )
: SS
OKLAHOMA COUNTY )
Before me, the undersigned a notary public in and for said county and state, on this 1st day of January, 1909, personally appeared H. Overholser and Anna Overholser, his wife, to me known to be the identical persons who executed the above and foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that they executed the same as their free and voluntary act and deed and for the uses and purposes therein expressed.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal the day and year last above written.
NEWTON AVEY
Notary Public
My Commission expires March 9, 1910
STATE OF OKLAHOMA )
: SS
OKLAHOMA COUNTY )
Before me, the undersigned, a notary public in and for said county and state, on this 1st day of January, 1909, personally appeared M. J. Baum, to me known to be the identical person who executed the above and foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same as his free and voluntary act and deed and for the uses and purposes therein expressed.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my notarial seal the day and year last above written.
Newton Avey,
Notary Public
My Commission expires March 9, 1910
[Newspaper article]
The Daily Oklahoman February 19th, 1913.
Intimations
The F. F. O. club tea to be given on Wednesday afternoon from 3 until 6 o'clock at the magnificent home of the vice president, Mrs. Henry Overholser, who graciously opens it for this event, will doubtless bring together the largest and most fashionable gathering of the week. The wives of the legislators are to be special guests and a general response is expected from the favored 500 fortunate enough to receive invitations.
In the receiving line will be Mrs. T. M. Richardson, president of the club, Mrs. Overholser, the vice president, both of whom have held their offices since the organization of the society; Mrs. Oscar D. Halsell, secretary, and Mrs. Frank J. Wikoff, treasurer. Groups of other members of the club will receive in the parlors, library and dining room. The event is to be rather informal in character and the library will be so arranged as to offer comfortable resting places for those who wish to linger and enjoy the entire afternoon. A charming musical program is being arranged and the names of Mrs. R. Parks Bennett, Mrs. Edmond S. Ferguson and Mrs. J. A. Reck are sufficient to guarantee its artistic character and to make comment thereupon superfluous. The committee in charge is also expecting to add a violin solo by one of the best musicians in this state.
The object of this tea is the creation of a fund which the F. F. O. club will hand in part to Mr. Simpson Allen, financial agent and general manager of the Holmes Home of Redeeming Love, situated northwest of the city, for the purpose of completing the Old Ladies' home, which is to be constructed adjoining the Rescue home. The club purposes to furnish in this home one, two or three rooms wherein it will maintain, two, four or six old ladies who find themselves homeless and helpless in their declining years. Other women's organizations have signified their desire to join the F. F. O. club in this charitable enterprise, and an even greater number of rooms may be furnished by the women of this city.
The club has long cherished the hope of building an old ladies' home of its own. The need for an institution of this kind is so imminent, however, that the members, believing it best to do the thing their hands find to do at this time without further waiting in order to accomplish a greater thing, have decided to add a portion of their funds to those of Mr. Allen and see the home finished without further delay. There are several old ladies now finding shelter in the Rescue home who feel it a mortification to be so situated. Old ladies without money or friends are drifting into the city from time to time without a place to lay their hoary heads, and the authorities are frequently nonplussed in their efforts to meet the necessities of such painful situations.
Oklahoma has been a young people's country. Many who came here in the best years of their manhood and womanhood are growing old, and the time has come when Oklahoma City as well as other cities of its size farther east or west must take thought and make provision for its elderly and indigent women who are without protection.
[Newspaper article on same page as above]
VICE PRESIDENT F. F. O.
[Photograph] Mrs. Henry Overholser,
Who will open her beautiful home at the corner of Fifteenth and Hudson Avenue for the F. F. O. club's tea Wednesday afternoon of this week. It was in her home that the First Families of Oklahoma met for organization, October 9, 1908. Mrs. Overholser, herself and '89er, called them together and formed the club which is one of the most powerful in its influence and certainly one of the most energetic in its efforts to distribute charity in this city.
HISTORY
OF
"F. F. O." CLUB
(FIRST FAMILIES OF OKLAHOMA)
On invitation of Mrs. Henry Overholser October 9, 1908 there was organized a society to be known as the "F. F. O" Club or the "First Families Of Oklahoma".
The object of the organization was to perpetuate the memory of the women of the pioneer days and also to aid in charitable work.
The following officers were elected;
Mrs. T. M. Richardson, President
Mrs. Henry Overholser, Vice President
Mrs. Daisy Pettee, Secretary and Treasurer
Mrs. Hattie Dunn Butts, Historian
with the following charter members;
Mrs. T. M. Richardson, June 27, '89
Residence 200 W. Sixth
Mrs. Henry Overholser, June 3, '89
Residence 405 W. Fifteenth
Mrs. Wm. J. Pettee, May 23, '89
Residence 700 W. Sixteenth
Mrs. George Spencer, October 28, '89
Residence 314 N. Walnut
Mrs. Sarah E. Walker June 28, '89
Residence 315 W. 12th
Miss Byrd Walker Nov. 14, '89
Residence 511 W. 12th
Mrs. Eva Walker Purdum, Nov. 14, '89
Residence Chickasha, Okla.
Mrs. T. M. Upshaw, Aug. 28, '89
Residence 125 W. Tenth St.
Miss Mary Upshaw, Aug. 28, '89
Residence Glendora, Miss.
Miss Blanche Upshaw Aug. 28, '89
Residence 125 W. Tenth St.
Mrs. Miriam Richardson Dumar, June 27, '89
Residence 1016 W. 19th
Mrs. Georgia Wolfe, Nov. 15, '89
Residence 433 W. 11th
Mrs. Freeman Givens, Oct. 8 '89
Residence 1005 W. 17th
Mrs. Dennis Flynn, June 8, '89
Residence Washington, D. C.
Mrs. Rebecca Beaty, March 19, '89
Residence 911 W. 18th
Mrs. Hattie Dunn Butts Oct. 9, '89
At the next regular meeting, the organization was made permanent. The office of Secretary and Treasurer was divided and Mrs. George Spencer was elected Treasurer. Mrs. Upshaw and Mrs. Walker were elected to the Board of Managers.
December 1, 1908, the names of Mesdames Rolater, Stiles, Nettie Wheeler Chappel Jones, Mary McClure, Sutton and Halsell were presented by the Board of Managers and duly elected to membership. Mesdames Beaty, Walker and Sutton were appointed a committee to look after the needs of the Poor Farm.
January 5, 1909, Mrs. Beaty seconded by Mrs. Upshaw, made the following motion 'That the Club establish a permanent scholarship in Epworth University, the beneficiary, if possible, to be a child of a pioneer family" Unanimously carried.
Mrs. Walker and Mrs. Beaty reported baskets of eatables and turkeys sent to the poor farm Christmas. Mrs. Sutton was instructed to see if a member of the Couch family could be made a beneficiary of the University scholarship. Mrs. Colcord was elected to membership. Mrs. Walker elected Historian to fill vacancy by the removal of Mrs. Hattie Dunn Bentley from the city. Mrs. Halsell elected to take Mrs. Walkers place on Board of Managers.
February 2, 1909, Club endorsed movement to erect a monument to the memory of Capt. Couch. Mrs. Mitscher elected a member.
March 2, 1909, A loan of $10.00 given Mrs. Kohler to assist in publishing a souvenier (sic) edition and later the loan was made a gift.
May 4, 1909, decided to take part in the celebration of the opening of 1889 both in the parade and banquet. Mrs. Overholser made a motion which carried that the membership be limited to twenty-five. Election of officers followed-all present officers being re-elected. The Club then adjourned until October 1909.
October 12, 1909, Mrs. Sutton's resignation accepted and Mrs. E. L. Fulton elected to membership. Scholarship fund discussed. No one was found eligible among the families of the pioneers, the club decided to give it to some worthy person, Mrs. Richardson to have the matter in charge. Decided to furnish Christmas gifts to the Orphans' Home with Mrs. Upshaw and Mrs. Halsell in charge. Mrs. Halsell reported literature sent to the Provident Association.
November 2, 1909, Decided to bestow the scholarship on Mr. Jordan, a worthy young man recommended by Mr. A. C. Scott. Voted to give a benefit Tea for the Y. W. C. A. at Mrs. Colcords on December 2d.
At a special meeting November 16th, Mrs. Wand and Peyton elected to membership.
December 7, 1909, reported $90.00 from the Benefit Tea and was voted to be given to the Y. W. C. A. Mrs. Mitscher resignation accepted. By-laws amended and associate membership created. On motion Mrs. Stiles and Mrs. Bentley were transferred to that list.
February 13, 1910, Tuition and extra expense voted given to Mr. Jordan, amounting to $20.00.
March 8, 1910 stands out as a Red Letter Day as at that meeting our President, Mrs. Richardson, inaugurated the movement for establishing an Old Ladies' Home to be known as the F. F. O. Home, ground to be secured at once and to begin to work out the fulfilling of this splendid project. Mrs. Overholser made a motion that we establish a "Dollar Day" each member taking a dollar, making it earn as much as possible and, in poetry, telling how she made it grow. Motion carried to make the November meeting that day.
May 10, 1910, the last meeting of the year, all officers were re-elected. Received for the 'Old Ladies' Home" fund $51.85.
Nothing of importance at the first meeting October 4, 1910 at Mrs. Colcord's home.
November 1, 1910, Mrs. Wykoff elected a member. Tuition of student paid and plans for Home discussed.
December 6, 1910, Mrs. Gabriel Wright elected associate member. Mrs. Eva Walker Purdum placed on associate list. Mr. Putnam promised site for the Home.
March 7, 1911, Voted to have a Tea at Mrs. Richardson's in April to replenish fund for the Old Ladies' Home, our President having graciously offered her home for the purpose, asking to bear the burden of expense for the Tea.
April 5, 1911, Mrs. Witten and Mrs. Clegern were elected associate members. $150.00 was realized from the Tea given at the home of Mrs. Richardson.
May 2, 1911, Mrs. J. E. Crawford elected a member. Mrs. Walker endorsed as a member of Library Board. Decided to procure a Charter. Mrs. Fulton to have the matter in charge.
October 17, 1911, A loan of $200 bearing 8% interest of the funds of the Club was made. Voted to give wedding gift to Miss Mary Upshaw, the club's first bride. Flowers sent to Mrs. Colcord and Mr. Overholser.
November 7, 1911 Thanks given Mr. Fulton for preparing Charter.
December 5, 1911 Mrs. Clegern having returned to the city was transferred to an active member. Mrs. Harrah and Mrs. Shear elected members.
January 9, 1912, Mrs. Richardson, our loved President, gave us a cordial New Years greeting. Mrs. Wykoff told of the Christmas distribution of ten baskets of provisions, seventeen boys and girls furnished with hose and eight pairs of shoes. Trustees to serve as the Board of Managers for first year for Old Ladies' Home as required by the Charter, were elected: Mesdames Richardson, Overholser, Spencer, Pettee, Walker, Halsell and Upshaw.
February 6, 1912, Shoes were given to needy child, amount $1.19
March 5, 1912, voted to give $5.00 to assist in paying taxes for an old lady.
April 2, 1912, decided to give Luncheon on April 22d for members and their families.
May 7, 1912. Note of $200 and interest ($16.00) due May 31st was ordered reloaned with good personal security. Election of officers followed.
Mrs. Richardson, President
Mrs. Overholser, Vice President
Mrs. Halsell, Secretary
Mrs. Wykoff, Treasurer
Mrs. Walker, Historian
Mrs. Upshaw and Spencer, Executive Board
October 8, 1912, Mrs. S. E. Knox offered a site for Home which will be considered. Mr. Allen of the Home of Redeeming Love has asked our co-operation in working out the problem of an Old Ladies' Home.
November 5, 1912, committee appointed to investigate Mr. Allen's proposition. Thanksgiving offerings were received.
December 3, 1912. No definite action was taken in regard to furnishing a room in the Allen Home. $16.00 was donated by members for Christmas charity,
January 14, 1913, met with Mrs. Johnson. No business of importance. Decided to present Byrd Walker, the second Club bride with a dozen silver spoons.
February 7, 1913, decided to give a Benefit Tea at the home of Mrs. Overholser for a gift to Mr. Allen for furnishing the Old Ladies' Home he is interested in. Voted to take space in the Century Chest the English Lutheran Church is planning and arrange a short sketch of the Club with names of members. At the Tea at Mrs. Overholser's $104.00 was realized which is at the disposal of the Club.
To The Members of the F. F. O. Club of 2013, we wish to send greeting of love and good will. The work we have planned we expect to be carried on by you as descendants of us, who have hewed the way and made the paths easy for your feet to tread. We have builded as well as we knew and into your keeping we commit this work The call of want and the piteous wail of sorrow has ever had a ready response from the F. F. O. Club of 1913 and may the future ages have cause to bless and honor this noble band of women,
Respectfully submitted,
April 22, 1913.
Historian
Present Roster of Active Members: -
Mrs. T. M. Richardson
Mrs. H. Overholser
Mrs. Wm. J. Pettee
Mrs. George Spencer
Mrs. Sarah E. Walker
Mrs. T. M. Upshaw
Mrs. Mary Upshaw Jones
Miss Blanche Upshaw
Mrs. Byrd Walker Bottoms
Mrs. Freeman Givens
Mrs. Dennis Flynn
Mrs. Rebecca Beaty
Mrs. J. B. Rolater
Mrs. E. L. Fulton
Mrs. Hattie Clegern
Mrs. Nettie Wheeler Chappel Jones
Mrs. Mary McClure
Mrs. O. D. Halsell
Mrs. Frank J. Wikoff
Mrs. J. E. Crawford
Mrs. John Wand
Mrs. Chas. Colcord
Mrs. L. E. Johnson
Mrs. Frank Harrah
Mrs. Byron Shear
Associate Members
Mrs. Margaret Stiles, 132 W. 4th St, City
Mrs. Georgia Wolfe, 433 W. 11th, City
Mrs. Eva Walker Purdum, 707 Iowa St, Chickasha
Mrs. W. W. Witten, Okmulgee, Okla.
Mrs. Frederick Hawley, Tulsa, Okla.
Mrs. Z Gabriel Wright, Tulsa, Okla.
Mrs. Hattie Dunn Bentley, City.