This week’s Ferguson Feature is the Thanksgiving proclamation T.B. Ferguson made in 1902 while he was Territorial Governor. The original is housed in the Library of Congress,

“Providence has bestowed upon the citizens of Oklahoma many blessings during the year which is now drawing to a close. Our fields have brought forth plentifully and our harvests have been abundant.

All legitimate lines of commerce in our Territory have brought good results. The golden sunlight of Prosperity has fallen upon all alike.

Citizens of our beloved commonwealth have much to be proud of and much to be thankful for, and it is with one accord that the people hail with joyful anticipation that the day in the not distant future when a change shall be wrought upon the banner of our great republic, and when upon that field of blue shall be seen another star, and that star shall represent our beautiful Oklahoma, sun kissed “Land of the Fair God.”

In conformity with established custom and in harmony with the proclamation of the President of the United States, I recommend that Thursday, November 27th, 1902 be observed as a day set apart for devotion and thanksgiving, and in this manner manifest our gratitude to the Author of all good gifts for the moral, intellectual and material blessings so lavishly bestowed during the past, and for the rich promise and glorious prophesy of the future.

Done at Guthrie, Oklahoma, this 11th day of November, 1902.”

And after Thanksgiving, visit the Ferguson Home on Dec. 2 for a demonstration of native American art with the Plains Collective.  On Dec. 5, attend the lighting of the tree at the Lions-Centennial Park and ride the wagon past the 1906 Court House, Ferguson Chapel and Home. On Dec. 6, visit the Ferguson Booth at the Holiday Bazaar at the Fair grounds.  Also, on Dec. 6, attend the Ferguson Breakfast with Santa at the Noble House at 10 AM.  On Dec. 12-14 and 19-21, visit Santa with photos at the Ferguson Home.

Originally published in The Watonga Republican Nov. 28, 2025