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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…

THE SARATOGA HOME IN CHELSEA

his story was written by Barbra Pool for the Claremore Museum of History Built in 1912, it’s claimed that this Sears Saratoga was the very first Sears kit home in the state of Oklahoma. And this was a mere five years after Oklahoma became…

THE LANTOW LANDMARK

This story appeared in the August 26, 2006 Claremore Progress by Larry Larkin. "Lantow Field, Home of the Claremore Zebras." These are the words on the metal sign at the entrance of the high school football stadium. Listen to the sounds of the gentle winds…

Maggie Fry – What’s it Worth?

This story was written by Keith Austin, as part of a series – Cherokee Matters, Volume 15 and was shared with the Claremore Museum of History on March 4, 2023. She was in her ninety-forth year the first time I met her. She was a…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…