The Western Oklahoma Historical Society’s Board of Directors met for their regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 28th, at 11 a.m., in Elk City’s Western Technology Center. The meeting was called to order by president Linda Long, and the invocation was given by Doug Haught, followed by the approval of March’s minutes.
The treasurer’s report was given by Beverly Jordan and approved by the board. Long continued to ask for the committee reports.
The first report was given by Jim Coffey on the Farm and Ranch Museum. He said that the windmills will be put up as soon as he can locate the person that will be helping with the project.
Randy Haggard said that there was not anything to report on the blacksmith shop, which was followed by the Flea Market report, given by Jordan. She said that she will be getting the flyers printed and will be sending them out. She also noted that she has had interest in people changing booth locations. Additionally, she has been posting the event on different Facebook pages.
The membership report was given by Cindy Wood. She said that there were two new members, one from Alabama and one from Anadarko. These two memberships were the result of a post on Facebook. She added that they are up to 90 members.
Judy Haught gave the Archive’s report. She said that there were three board members who went to Delhi to see the school and other parts of the town. Haught went on to show a film about the museum, and other photographs that are on the website.
Haught is putting together a list of information about the general history of Western Oklahoma and asked the board if anyone knew of books or other information about the area. Mike Blevins said that he will be forwarding information about the community of Sweetwater in the near future.
Donnie Jordan gave the report on the Education Building and the artists that have an exhibit in the building. He also said that the rodeo committee was pleased with the Beutler Rodeo Chutes display. They are working on the sound bites that will be added to the display.
Haggard reported on the museum commission. He said that they are working on maintenance of the buildings. During the month of March, they had 1800 visitors, and the gift shop sold approximately $5000 worth of merchandise to visitors coming through the museum. He also suggested making a walkway from the bucking chutes to connect to the caboose.
Curator, Anna Wray, reported that roofers will be completing one building and then moving to the Farm and Ranch Museum and Opera House. She also said that the baseball exhibit on display in the Arrowhead Center has been well received. In addition, she said that the new budget had been approved that had an additional $20,000 to for maintenance.
It was also noted by Donnie Jordan that the Rodeo Committee donated $1500 to the chutes project. The board then discussed the need for file cabinets and where they should be kept.
There was no old business, nor any new business presented at the meeting. The meeting was adjourned by Long. The next meeting will take place the fourth Tuesday in May due to the Memorial Day holiday.
