As we begin 2026, the Friends of the Ferguson Home want to thank the citizens of Oklahoma for their visits and support (our new motto is “Ferguson is Oklahoma”). We thank also the city of Watonga, the owner of the museum property, for their support of the Ferguson Home Museum.  During 2025, the Friends provided many cultural and educational activities. The Friends improved the property with renovations and maintenance.  Even as we begin activities in 2026, let us review progress in 2025.

January -March (Winter activities)

We began 2025 with a presentation by Michael Mays on Early Oklahoma Jails including our own 1893 jail at the museum.  In February, we celebrated African American Heritage month with Dr. Roger Hardaway.  The Noble House and Watonga Community Theatre performed a dinner theater fund raising event “Shootout at Bills Boarding House”.  In March, we celebrated Women’s History month with articles about three generations of Ferguson women, Elva Shartel Ferguson; her daughter-in-law Lucia Loomis Ferguson and great daughter-in-law, Elizabeth (Libby) Shanley Ferguson. Also in March, we began our fiscal year with T.B. Ferguson’s birthday celebration and fund raising event in collaboration with the Christian Church.

April-June (Spring)

In May, we celebrated National Preservation month with Dr. Kay Decker. She made recommendations for preserving and showcasing our great history.  In June, in collaboration with the American Legion and Boys/Girls State, we honored our nation’s flag. And we celebrated the centennial of the Oklahoma flag with Matthew Pearce, State Historian.  Third grade and ninth grade students toured the home, jail and cavalry facility.  In June, we conducted the annual Elva Ferguson Tea with a theme of hats after the Alice in Wonderland hatter.  There was food, live entertainment, a hat style show, and activities for children in collaboration with the First Baptist Church in Watonga.

October-December

October brought many activities at the Watonga Cheese Festival.  The Friends of the Ferguson participated in the parade.  Roy Espy designed a booth featuring Native American articles in the museum. He participated in a symposium featuring the Fergusons interaction with native Americans.  The First State Bank hosted a showing of Harvey “Bearshield” Russel’s carvings. The Friends participated in the Community Trunk or Treat and open house at Museum.

Ferguson Good Government Symposium

In November, the Friends sponsored the third Ferguson Good Government Symposium.  Seniors in High School from Watonga, Geary and Hydro-Eakley attended. They heard from elected officials about their jobs and volunteer opportunities for citizens. Elected officials who are serving on school boards, city councils, and county elected positions presented. State Representative Dobrinski and State Senator Jech presented state issues and Paige program opportunities. United States Representative Frank Lucas and U.S. Senators James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin provided videos from Washington in the afternoon.

Friends Collaborate with Plains Collective

In November, The Friends collaborated with the Plains Collective with presentations on art and literature, food and culture of the Cheyenne and Arapaho. Gordon Yellowman who is curating a show of Ledger art at the Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Dee Cordry, a noted author on Cheyenne history, presented information from his book “Children of White Thunder”. In December, The Plains Collective had presentations by Wilbur Bullcoming on the Symbols in the Cheyenne-Arapaho Flag. James Black demonstrated his exquisite drawings on Ledger paper. 

Holidays

December brought the Friends’ booth at the Watonga Bazaar and a first Breakfast with Santa in collaboration with the Noble House.  We collaborated with the Friends of the Ferguson Chapel with a trailer ride that stopped at the Ferguson Chapel and the Ferguson Museum. The lighting of the Holiday Tree at the Lions-Centennial Park was the starting point. Santa and Mrs. Claus hosted children/families on two weekends at the Museum. 

Capital Improvements 2025 financed by Friends of the Ferguson

And the Friends, in collaboration with the City of Watonga replaced three double windows on the third floor. The Friends contracted a painter to scrape, prime and paint the building and porches. We refurbished the fence, replaced a blown-down tree, and made improvements to the interior and gardens. 

Thank you to all who make the History of Watonga and Fergusons come alive.