The Friends of the Ferguson Home will celebrate the 169th birthday of Thompson Benton (T.B.) Ferguson on Tuesday March 17 at 5:15 PM at the Watonga City Hall. Ferguson, a pioneering Republican publicist served as governor of Oklahoma Territory, along with his wife, Elva. Before the city council meeting at 6 PM, we will report recent programs and building enhancements to “This Old House…in Watonga”. Everyone is invited to attend and renew their membership..
March is Women’s History Month featuring Ellen Shaw
March continues with Women’s History Month. Ellen Shaw, 1910-1997, drove the founding and early success of the Ferguson Home Museum. I had the pleasure of knowing the Shaws (Max and Ellen) as they ran the lumberyard a few blocks south of the Ferguson on Weigle Ave.
Mother’s Self Culture Club Obtain property through trials and persistance
Mrs. Shaw was a member of the Mothers Self Culture Club as was Mrs. Ferguson. When Mrs. Ferguson died in 1947, the 1901 home sold and turned into a duplex. In 1967, the home was for sale. Mrs. Shaw, then President of the Mothers Self Culture Club proposed the club buy the property and turn it into a museum. The club raised funds, but not nearly enough to buy the property. Some 16 businessmen signed a note for $9000 to purchase the property. Mrs. Shaw contacted Lady Bird Johnson in Washington who liked the idea. Two officials from the Housing and Urban Development in Dallas visited, but regulations prohibited federal funds to a privately owned property. The City of Watonga then bought the property, but HUD was not satisfied with the transfer.
State Senator Boecher and Representative Gooden obtain State funding
The Club contacted the area’s state Senator Boecher and state Representative Gooden. They secured $15,000 from the legislature in 1969 and the City transferred the property to the State of Oklahoma. In 1970, the legislature provided an additional $10,000, but still less than bids. Mrs. Shaw agreed to oversee the project, and the legislature appropriated a third $10,000 in 1971. Work began with construction overseen by Carlisle Rice. Period woodwork was donated from a home in Geary. Workers restored the porch and balcony. Area residents donated pre-1921 items.
Museum opens in 1972 and becomes one of Oklahoma’s most visited museums
In October 1972, the museum opened during the Watonga Cheese Festival.
In 1976, the State installed storm windows which helped tremendously with cold and dust. In the first 15 years as a museum, Shaw writes in her book “This Old House in Watonga”, 51,352 persons visited the museum including 9th graders, clubs, businesses, churches, schools and friends from around the state, country and foreign countries .
Unique Stacked Wood Blaine County/Watonga Jail and 1880s Cavalry facility are moved to property
The Pettis family donated the 1893 stacked-wood jail. County fathers moved the cavalry station on the Wolsey property on the North Canadian River to the property. The the 1972 National Registry of Historic places includes all three structures.
Many thanks to Mrs. Ellen Shaw (and to Max too), and the “Club” for saving this important historical tourist site.
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