Voices of claremore – MoH

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The museum is open 10am-5pm 7 Days a week

121 N Weenonah Ave, Claremore, OK 74017

Admission Is Free But Donations Are Welcomed

RAY AKIN

Long time resident, local businessman and Claremore Mayor Biography Ray Akin III was born on January 15, 1950 to parents Raymond Payton Akin and Muriel Peggy Bibby. Ray graduated from Claremore High School in 1968. As a child, Ray had a paper route that covered most of downtown Claremore and became friends with all of the local business owners of the day. Following high school, Ray attended NSU and graduated in 1973 with a degree in business. He later attended OBU and obtained a degree in Health Management in 1975, an MBA from Oral Robers University in 1977 and then a degree from Oklahoma State University in University Studies in 2016. While at OSU, Ray earned recognition for a short story he wrote entitled, “The Death of a Gun.” Ray took over ownership of the family business, Akin Plumbing in 1978. From 1995 to 1998, Ray served as Claremore’s Mayor. He successfully ran the business for 37 years before retiring and selling the business in 2015. In 2019, he published a novel entitled “Joeball”. Ray has happily married to Carol Jane Marshall for 52 years. They have two children, Payt and Joe. Ray stays

BILL SCARTH

Claremore attorney Biography Following a law career spanning five decades, local trial attorney Bill Scarth earned numerous awards and recognitions, including Oklahoma Magazine’s Top Attorneys in Oklahoma from 2006-2012. Focused mostly on family law and appellate, he received an AV rating by the LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review for ethical standards

Coach Bear Jensen

Claremore’s all time winningest football coach. Biography Lester “Bear” Jensen was born on September 29, 1924 in Weaubleau, MO to Loren and Veda Jensen. Bear graduated from Norman High School in 1945. During his time at Norman High, he played for the 1943 football state championship team, the 1945 basketball

LARRY LARKIN

Journalist, retired US Postal Service employee and local sports history expert Biography Larry Larkin is a 1965 graduate of Claremore High School, his family having moved from Tulsa to Claremore in 1963. He was born to parents Bill and Lois Larkin. An long time admirer of U.S. history since the

MARY SNODDY

One of three in the first graduating class at Claremore High School following integration and Oklahoma Department of Human Services employee Biography Ms. Mary Alice (Brown) Snoddy was born in 1938. She graduated in 1956 from Claremore High School as part of the first class following integration. She was one

Ronald Johnson

First Oklahoma Highway Patrol Black trooper Biography Claremore’s own Ronnie L. Johnson was the first Oklahoma Highway Patrol Black trooper. Lieutenant Johnson was a trailblazer who led the way for countless other African American troopers to serve with distinction. The law enforcement community and the entire state of Oklahoma owe

LILLIE WARNER

Lifetime nurse and hospital volunteer Biography When Lillie Ada Thompson was born on September 8, 1891. Her father, William, was 33, and her mother, Mary Elizabeth Riggs , was 30. She married Charles Henry Warner on July 26, 1909, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. They had two children during their marriage. She

FRANK MOBRA & JOHN SMITH

Long time Claremore Football Coaches Biography Frank Mobra and John Smith sit down for a lively walk down memory from their perspectives as legendary coaches for Claremore Public Schools. Frank Mobra was a man of character, integrity and one who did things the right way – whether coaching, teaching or

PATTI PAGE

Biography Born Clara Ann Fowler on November 8, 1927 in Claremore, Oklahoma, Patti Page became a pop music legend, selling in excess of 100 million records over a career that spanned seven decades. From humble beginnings as one of eleven children born to a railroad foreman and a mother who

Wayne McCombs

Museum Director, Radio Broadcaster and Local Sports Historian Biography Wayne McCombs’ family moved to a farm south of Claremore in 1958. In the ninth grade he began working at the local radio station, KWPR. The station was a 500 watt, AM daytime station at the 1270 frequency. During his years

PAUL PIXLEY

Local businessman and community supporter Biography Paul Pixley was born in 1950 to parents Warren and Pat Pixley. The eldest of five children, Paul has been involved with the Pixley Lumber family owned business since 1972. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board and CEO. Paul graduated from

Jesse Lingenfelter

Business woman, wife and mother. A pioneering Claremore business owner’s wife. Biography Born December 11, 1914 in Perkins, Oklahoma to Robert and Ethel (Hedrick) Webb, Jessie was reared and educated in Pryor, Oklahoma. She graduated with the class of 1933, and in 1934 Jessie married Ralph Lingenfelter. The couple made

Carrie Dickerson

Black Fox Nuclear Plant Protester An unlikely activist, she educated herself about nuclear energy and risked everything to stop the Black Fox Plant. When Carrie Dickerson first saw a newspaper headline about the electric company’s plans to build a nuclear power plant near her home in Inola, Oklahoma, she knew

ANDY HOGAN

Long time educator and former Will Rogers Memorial employee Biography Life has changed for Andy Hogan, an educator more than 30 years. After retiring as an elementary school principal, he says his interests are long distance running, bow hunting and anything to do with Will Rogers. He relates personally to

Frank Robson

As a champion for Public Education, Frank C. Robson founded the Claremore Public Schools Foundation and has encouraged the formation and growth of school foundations statewide. A longtime supporter of Claremore Public Schools, Frank and his wife Ludmilla gave $8 million to help construct a performing arts center for the district and another $3 million toward an endowment for staffing and maintenance of the facility.

The owner of Robson Properties, Frank is a member and past chairman of the Board of Directors for RCB Bank. He is also involved in cattle ranching for beef production. His many civic duties include serving on the executive board of Boy Scouts of America Indian Nations Council. Robson was presented the OSU Graduate of Distinction Award and has been inducted into the OSU Alumni Association Hall of Fame.

NORMA HADDAD EAGLETON

A pioneering public official and true servant to her community and fellow citizens. Biography Norma. Eagleton is known for many accomplishments including first female Tulsa city commissioner and Oklahoma corporation commissioner. Norma was the first woman elected to a voting position on the Tulsa City Commission when in 1976 she

Main street claremore 1950-1970

Lifetime Claremore Resident, Businessman, and Historian Rob Melton reflects on growing up with a bustling Main Street spanning 1950’s to the 1970’s.

Tom Pool

A local educator whose love for history ultimately led him to serving in local government. Biography Tom Pool’s life in Claremore began with his family’s move here when he was in the fifth grade. He went on to graduate from Claremore High School where he was named captain of the

Keith Ballard

Grace, class, and dignity – those are three qualities this dedicated educator strove for each day as he battled through ALS at the end of his life. Dr. Keith Ballard’s education career started in Coweta, Oklahoma in 1972. Two years later Keith moved to Oologah, Oklahoma where he was a

how Ne-Mar Shopping center came to be

Gerome Riley

Hall of Fame Athlete, Business man and local Black historian Biography Gerome Riley was born October 18, 1934in Chelsea, Oklahoma to Sylvester and Georgie Riley. Gerome was reared and educated in Chelsea at Paul Lawrence Dunbar School through the 8th grade, prior to transferring to Lincoln School in 1949. He

TAD JONES

State representative and Will Rogers Memorial Museum Director Biography Tad was raised in Claremore, Oklahoma and graduated from Oologah High School. He went to Westside Elementary in Claremore and Oologah for Middle and High School. He played football, basketball and baseball for Oologah. After high school, he attended the University

JIM TANNER

Long time resident and local attorney Biography Jim Tanner was born in 1946 to Elmo and Jean Tanner. Jean’s family moved to Claremore in 1903. Her grandparents built Ward Rooms, which still stands on the northwest corner of Will Rogers Boulevard and Muskogee. Jean’s mother, Mrs. Maude DuPriest, was a

DR. LARRY RICE

RSU President Biography Dr. Larry Rice – a lifelong educator, administrator at the University of Tulsa and former member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives serves as President at Rogers State University. An Oklahoma native, Rice has over 40 years of experience in higher education. Rice began his academic career

Curtis Rohr

A fifth generation Cherokee whose ancestors came here on the Trail of Tears. Biography Curtis Rohr’s life and family history belong to the town of Verdigris as much as they belong to the man. Rohr is a fifth generation Cherokee, whose ancestors came here on the Trail of Tears.

ALICE FARBRO

Pioneer family member and long time resident of Claremore Biography Alice Cline Farbro was born on December 17, 1929, the year of the big depression. When the stock market fell, people committed suicide, and many Oklahomans left the state of Oklahoma to try to find work and a way to

ALGER FLOOD

Claremore High School Coach and Educator Biography Born 1949 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma Alger Flood graduated from Okmulgee high school in 1967. He made All state in football and was selected as lineman of the year by the Tulsa world. Alger received a full scholarship to The University of Oklahoma. Alger

JOHN BURROWS

Claremore insurance businessman and community servant Biography The son of John Henry and Alice Mae (Donnell) Burrows, John Burrows was born April 10, 1928, in Dallas, Texas. John graduated from Claremore High School in 1945, and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during WWII in the South Pacific.

Noah Grimett

Claremore High School Teacher and Coach Biography Noah Grimett graduated from Claremore High School in 2018. He earned an Associates Degree in Arts at Seminole State University. He is now in his last year at RSU where he will earn a BA in Communications in Radio and Television. Noah’s entire family

JOANNE GREEN

Long time Claremore businesswoman and ordained minister Biography Joanne Green was born in 1950 in Claremore at the old Franklin Hospital to Junus and Gussie Bentley. She was raised with 5 siblings on a farm north of Claremore near the Round Mound. Joanne was the last and only

DAN SMART

Claremore resident, pharmacist and son of Ernie and Jessie Lou Smart Biography Dan Smart was born January 3,1955 to Ernie Jr. and Jessie Lou Lane Smart in Claremore. He is the youngest of two sons. Dan graduated from Claremore High School in 1973. Dan is married to Debra Stuckey –

RAY AKIN

Long time resident, local businessman and Claremore Mayor Biography Ray Akin III was born on January 15, 1950 to parents Raymond Payton Akin and Muriel Peggy Bibby. Ray graduated from Claremore High School in 1968. As a child, Ray had a paper route that covered most of downtown Claremore

JOHN CARY

Local Attorney and Long time Claremore and Rogers County Historian Biography John Cary is an attorney and community volunteer. John and his wife, Bobbie, have lived in Claremore since 1984. They have 2 children, Patrick and Elizabeth. He grew up in a small town in southeastern Illinois and received a

DON CRUTCHFIELD & JACK MAYBERRY

Biography – Don Crutchfield Don Crutchfield was born and raised in Claremore, Oklahoma. He was the only son of Joseph and Opal Crutchfield. He went to Claremore Public Schools and graduated from Claremore High School in 1945. As a child, he loved and admired his parents and aspired to be

DAVE FAULKNER

Pioneer Claremore family member and long time owner of Rogers County Abstract Biography Dave Faulkner was born December 1, 1951 in the Franklin Hospital in Claremore. Born into a family with a long history of public service, he also shares a family name. His great-grandfather, Dave M. Faulkner served on

Wilbur Corley

Long time pioneer Claremore family and upholsterer Biography Born May 12, 1934 in Claremore, Oklahoma to his parents Earl and Edna Corley, Wilber was reared and educated in Claremore Public Schools. His grandparents originally moved to Claremore from Cassville, Missouri and set up a blacksmith shop as one of Claremore’s

SCOTT WALTON

Law enforcement professional and Rogers County Sheriff Biography Scott Walton was elected as Rogers County Sheriff in November of 2008. He was raised in Rogers County, a proud member of the Cherokee nation, and a fifth generation Oklahoma native. He graduated from Claremore High School and went on to attend

DEWEY “BUCK” JOHNSON

Former Claremore Chief of Police and Rogers County Sheriff Biography Dewey “Buck” Johnson was born on July 22, 1931 in Peachtree, North Carolina. The Johnson and Lamb families returned to their roots in Oklahoma when Buck was 5 years old. Buck was an outstanding athlete at Claremore High School lettering

Gerome Riley – HIstorian, Semi-Pro Baseball Player

Biography Born near Chelsea, Oklahoma, Gerome Riley attended a rural all-black school through the Eighth grade. And because of segregation he had to choose between going to Claremore, Nowata, or Vinita for high school. He selected Claremore Lincoln and became a member of Claremore’s only boys’ basketball state championship team

JOHN COCKRUM

Claremore graduate, Educator and Pearl Harbor survivor Biography John Andrew Cockrum is a “once in a lifetime educator” – the embodiment of what an educator should be. In the course of his tenure as Sapulpa Junior High and Sapulpa Senior High principal, he was mediator, mentor, disciplinarian, counselor, and strident

Stratton Taylor

Local lawyer, State Representative and Pro Tem Leader Biography Senator Stratton Taylor is the youngest of four in his family by 13 years, and was the first of his siblings to be born in a house with electricity and running water. His love for education and politics can be traced

ROB MELTON

Many decade family car dealership owner and Claremore historian Biography Rob Melton is a progressive Claremore businessman who has grown his family dealership into its fifth generation. His love of cars, combined with his business acumen, has enabled him to streamline the auto buying process and pioneer many market firsts

Darnell Jones

Federal judge on senior status with the US District Court Biography Born in Claremore, Oklahoma, Judge Darnell Jones received an Artium Baccalaureus degree in French from Southwestern College in 1972, and a Juris Doctor from the American University Washington College of Law in 1975. He served in the Defender Association

BETTY OLDHAM

Lifetime nurse and hospital volunteer Biography Betty Ruth Brown Oldham was born on June 17, 1932, at the Brown farm 13 miles northwest of Buffalo, Oklahoma. She was the second child out of six children born to Halbert and Nadean Brown. Betty has 4 brothers and 1 sister. Betty graduated

JOHN & JUNE SMITH

Claremore Coach and CPS employees; Long time First Baptist Church members Biography John Smith was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on May 11, 1932, to Ada Gazelle and John Hartley Smith. He and his mother moved to Claremore after his father’s passing when he was two. An old feed store was

DONNA FROMAN

Long time Claremore business woman and community service volunteer Biography Donna Froman was born in 1942 at home in Sequoyah, Oklahoma. Born into a family with a long history in Northeast Oklahoma. Her parents were Albert Casto Knight and Edith Gravitt Knight. Donna graduated from Sequoyah High School in1960, where

Lucious Selmon

Biography Former Claremore High School Assistant Football and Wrestling Coach and teacher of Current Events and United States History. He is the son of All American Lucious Selmon of the infamous Selmon brothers who played on the OU National Championship teams. Lucious was born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma.

Pat (P.S.) Gordon

World renowned artist and painter Biography Patrick (p.s.) Gordon is a world renowned artist and painter. He was born to pioneer Claremore parents, Janelle and Jack Gordon at the Franklin Hospital in 1953, and was delivered by his uncle, Dr. Minor Gordon. His. aunt, Elizabeth Gordon was Claremore’s first female

Pat Reeder

Journalist – Long time Claremore Progress writer and Will Rogers Memorial Public Relations Director Biography Born and raised on a rocky hillside of her father’s Cherokee allotment, overlooking the Verdigris River bottom, northeast of Nowata Oklahoma, Patty Reeder was the daughter of Jim and Juanita Shaw Riley. Except for a

Coke Meyer

Great Niece of Will Rogers Doris “Coke” Meyer speaks about her great-uncle, Will Rogers, Oklahoma’s favorite son. Oklahoma’s favorite son used to say “My ancestors didn’t come over on the Mayflower, but they met the boat.” Will Rogers who had a rich Cherokee heritage, was born in Indian Territory in

MELINDA KNIGHT

Dot’s Café owner and long time resident Biography Melinda Kay Washom Knight was born July 26, 1955 to Robert and Dorothy Washom. She was born on the family farm in Claremore, Oklahoma where she was still living until the flood of 2019. Robert was a framing contractor and farmer and