Davidson Friendship Quilt

Mrs. Frances Goodknight examines quilt from the Davidson area that was recently given to the Pioneer Townsite.

Davidson Friendship Quilt Donated to Museum

The Tillman County Historical Society has a broad collection of quilts from the area’s past, most of which are on display at the Pioneer Townsite Museum.

A recent donation to the historical society from Maryla Blanco of Oklahoma City is a friendship quilt from the Davidson area.The quilt originally belonged to Blanco's grandparents, Wendell and Marie Hall, who were teachers in Davidson.

The quilt, probably from the 1920s or ‘30s, is made of pink and white cotton and bears 22 names – all residents of the Davidson area. It isn’t known, though, if the quilt was made by a church group, club group, or community group.

Names stitched onto the quilt are as follows:

   Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Aldridge

   Mrs. Carruth

   Mrs. Campbell

   Beulah

   Mrs. Donahoo

   Mrs. Buster Wright

   Mrs. Mike Daniels

   Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sparks

   Mrs. Wall

   Mrs. W. A. Dickerson/Leta Mae/Julia

   Mr. Gillum and Tostie (sp)

   Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Dobson

   Mr. and Mrs. H. E. McKinney

   Mr. and Mrs. Dee Tidwell and F. M.

   Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Stout

   Mr. and Mrs.  Edd Bell

   Mrs. Hollers

   Leslie, Ruby and W. E.

   Mr. and Mrs. G. H. McAlister

   Mr. and Mrs. Umbria Butler

   Mrs. Smith

   Mr. and Mrs. George Tidwell

Davidson was booming town

Sent to The Frederick Press and The Frederick Leader, November 21, 2011

Davidson School, 1916

1926 Davidson profiled in SWOGS Publication

The Southwest Oklahoma Genealogical Society recently mailed its fall 2011 issue of “Tree Tracers”, the quarterly SWOGS publication, to members of the organization.  As always, “Tree Tracers” contains a number of fascinating articles, reports and genealogical information, including a 1926 item from “The Frederick Leader” titled “Who’s Who in Davidson, Oklahoma.”

In 1926, the area that is Tillman County had been opened to settlement for only 25 years, but Davidson was a booming center of agriculture and business.

The 1926 piece contains a description of Davidson, as follows:

“Davidson, in the southwestern part of Tillman county, is just 13 miles from Frederick and 24 miles from Grandfield.

Simmons Gin in Davidson, 1916

“Davidson was founded in 1901 by Arthur and David McClure, brothers, who opened the first grocery store in town. Don Ross opened the first lumber yard, and T.H. Shive the first hardware store, which was managed by E.M. Napier. Mr. Schofield and Albert North opened the first bank and Mrs. Jack Willis built the first brick hotel about the year 1904.

“The population is 800, and in addition, Davidson is the trading center for an area of approximately 100 miles in diameter, and is in an agricultural section producing cotton and wheat. It has five gins and three grain elevators.

“The Davidson gins ginned 15,000 bales of cotton in 1925. Two Frisco trains daily serve this city. There were 207 carloads of freight shipped out during the past year and 670 carloads shipped into the town. The Frisco railway serves the town and State Highways Nos. 5 and 14 pass through it.

“Davidson has a fully accredited school and employs ten teachers, a new Baptist church recently completed at a cost of $20,000, Methodist church, Church of Christ, Latter Day Saints and Primitive Baptist, none of which has regular pastors.

“The city government consists of a board of trustees of which organization F.L. Hood is chairman, Joe Seay and C.J. Hudson, members; L.L. Wilson, clerk and J.H. McClure, treasurer. The fraternal organizations are limited to the Masons and Eastern Star, but they are active and have good memberships.

“Davidson has five cotton gins, two elevators, three dry goods stores, two hardware stores, one barber shop, style shop, tailor shop, drug store, variety store, bank, post office, Ford agency, privately owned light plant, three filling stations, two blacksmith shops, two cafes, rooming house, hotel, shoe shop, electric shop, bakery, picture show and Frisco depot. Natural gas has recently been installed."

The 1926 article “Who’s Who in Davidson, Oklahoma” went on to list names, credentials and background of 70 prominent Davidson residents.

The Southwest Oklahoma Genealogical Society meets monthly and is an outstanding resource for individuals who are interested in researching their family history.

Individual memberships in the SWOGS are $15 per year, or $18 for family memberships (two names).  Membership dues or inquiries can be sent to P.O. Box 148, Lawton, OK 73502-0148.

“Tree Tracers” is mailed to SWOGS members four times per year.

NOTE: The listing of "Who's Who in Davidson, Oklahoma, 1926" was printed in "Tillman County Chronicles" sent to local newspapers and posted online on September 29, 2011. For purposes of online-consistency, though, that listing has been arranged to follow this one.

The listing of people and information from the 1926 "Who's Who" can be found in the blog posting that follows this post.

-- JW

Threshing crew near Davidson, 1921

_ _ _

      Joe Wynn is a member of the Tilman County Historical Society’s board of directors

Who's Who in Davidson, 1926

Sent to The Frederick Leader and The Frederick Press, November 29, 2011

1926 Outstanding Davidson Citizens Listed

Last week this column referred to “Who’s Who in Davidson, 1926” as printed in The Frederick Leader that year and reprinted in a recent publication of the Southwest Oklahoma Genealogical Society.

The 1926 “Who’s Who” provided information about more than 70 people who were cited, including birth date and location, spouse and marriage date, children, occupation, church and organization, amount of land owned, etc.

Austin, O.J. – Manager Austin-Johnston Dry Goods; born Arkansas, December 24, 1886; educated Victory, Okla.; married Miss Grace Kiethley August 28, 1911; Davidson Community Club; Methodist church; Mason; four children, Louise, Mary Winifred, Warren and O.J., Jr.; in Tillman county 2 years; worked in clothing store at Altus 7 years.

Ballard, J.N. – Deputy sheriff; born Neeleville, Mo., 1883; educated Spring Creek, Ark.; married Miss deArmon 1905; deputy sheriff one term; to Oklahoma 1914; farmed six years; butcher business one year.

Bell, E.V. – Clerk Bell’s Cash Grocery; born Dallas Co., Tex., 1900; educated Oklahoma and Texas; married Miss Edna Rhinehart August 4, 192 [?]; Davidson Community Club; Christian church; one child, Mona Gale; in Tillman county 7 years; with Bell Cash Grocery 3 years.

Bell, C.W. – Manager Bell Cash Grocery; born Texas, 1877; educated Texas; married Miss Ella Parrott 1898; Davidson Community Club; Baptist church; six children, Everet, David, Kenneth, Vera, Opal and Ruth; in Tillman county 6 years.

Bryan, Joe C. – Manager and stockholder Massie-Bryan grocery; born Texas, 1897; educated Snyder high school, one year Oklahoma University; married Miss Gladys Estes July 8, 1922; Davidson Community Club; Methodist church; Mason; I.O.O.F.; two children, Wonda Joe and Sammy Joyce; manager in business 5 years; resident of Oklahoma since 1904; in service during World War; overseas 17 months, stationed old Mexico before going to France.

Burke, J.D. – Farmer; Midway farm; born Virginia, 1861; common school education; married Miss Emma A. Balfauer 1884; Methodist church; Mason; five children, Melvin L. Percy J., Alta G., Donald and Alice Lee; to Oklahoma 1900; owns half section of land.

Burk, G.B. – Manager light and power plant; born Virginia, 1887; educated Virginia and Illinois; married Miss Eula Qualls 1908; Davidson Community Club; Methodist church; Mason; three children, Elma, G.B., Jr.. and Gerald Lee; in Tillman county 11 years; with light and power company 8 years; railroad engineer on Frisco 8 years; garage business 1916 to 192

Burks, Hallie – Bookkeeper Hood Motor Co.; Ford agency; born Davidson, Okla. July 20, 1907; educated Davidson high school; Frederick Junior College; Baptist church; Eastern Star; with Hood Motor Co., since 1924.

Burks, W.B. – Farmer; born Bryson, Texas, June 25, 1881; educated Bryan public school; junior college of Kerrvine; married Miss Pearl Norwood September 20, 1905; county assessor 4 years; member board of education; Latter Day Saints church; Mason; nine children, Hallie, Raymond, Helen, Robert, Bernice, Jack, Willie Mae, W.B., Jr.. and Glynna Sue; in Tillman county since 1901.

Campbell, D.C. – Retired farmer; born Cleburne county, Tennessee, December 20, 1854; married Miss Lovina Pharp March 12, 1876; Universalist; W.O.W.; four children, Rosa Macaroy, Herman, Louise, Nettie (deceased), Coyne; in Tillman county since 1901; mercantile business 18 years.

S.F. Cannon – Manager telephone exchange; born Alabama, 1877; educated Alabama public schools; married Miss Lucille Holcomb January 8, 1920; Davidson Community Club; Baptist church; Mason; one child, Willie; in Tillman county since opening; manager telephone exchange 20 years.

Cassidy, Ed – Owner Free Bridge Filling Station, born White county, Illinois, August 9, 1902; educated Davidsion; to Oklahoma 1907; owns half section of land.

Collins, Harry A. – Member Palace drug store; born Alfalfa County, Okla, 1899; educated Jett high school; school of pharmacy at Oklahoma University; P.H.G. degree; Methodist church; Kappa Psi at Oklahoma University; played basketball winning four letters at Oklahoma University; vice-president of Pharmacy Association Oklahoma Uniiversity for one year.

Crowell, V.S. – Farmer; born Tennessee, 1874; common school education; married Miss Claudie Voorhies 1894; Baptist church; I.O.O.F.; three children, Rohan, Fred and Rayburn; to Tillman county 1917; owns 414 acres of land.

Davis, Earnest – Manager Cozy Café; born Louisiana, 1900; educated Louisiana; Davidson Community Club; Baptist church; in Tillman county six years.

Dickerson, J.A. – Farmer, born Texas, 1863; common school education; married Miss Fannie Dyer 1884; Davidson Community Club; Baptist church; Mason; fourteen children, Della, Willie, Edd, Charlie, Oscar, ou, Allie, gracie, Susie, Florence, Lillian, Velma, Bud and Leo; to Davidson 1906; owns 720 acres of land.

Donahoo, F.M. – Farmer; born Mattison county, Indiana, January 1, 1851; educated Shelbyville public schools; married Miss Maggie Moore 1878; inspector during opening; Methodist church; six children, M.W., T.P., J.W., Hazel, Ivie, Mabel and Goldie; to Oklahoma 1886; made race for claim but failed.

Edwards, Emmett – Manager Testerman Brothers ice house; born northern Oklahoma 1906; educated Mangum, Okla.; DeMolay.

Ferguson, C.D. – Farmer; born Texas, 1878; common school education; married Miss Jennie Hines 1902; Baptist church; three children, Ray, Mary Lucile and C.D.; to Tillman county 1903; owns half section of land.

Fox, Clarence – Manager Dascomb-Daniels Lumber Co.; born Grayson county, Texas, 1882; common school education; married Miss Rosa Dacus 1905; township register since 1917; Davidson Community Club; Baptist church; Mason; W.O.W.; four children, Ruhamah, Rollo G., Oma and Clarence, Jr.; to Davidson in 1902.

Fox, Oma – Clerk Dascomb-Daniels Lumber Co., born Davidson, Okla., November 16, 1908; educated Davidson high school; Baptist church; with lumber company since 1926.

Fox, R.G. – Proprietor Davidson Hotel; born Davidsion, Okla., January 1, 1907; educated Davidson public schools; married Miss Ethel Rogers September 21, 1925; Christian church; DeMolay; one child, Phyllis; in Tillman county 16 years; hotel business since August 1, 1926.

Fox, T.H. – Retired farmer; born Jackson county, Tennessee, November 27, 1857; married Miss Ida Griggs January 26, 1881; Methodist church; three children, Clarence, Joe and George; in Tillman county since opening.

Franklin, J.S. – Farmer; born Henry county, Missour 1860; common school education; married Miss Samanthe Cash 1885; Methodist church; Maosn; W.O.W.; four children, Pearl, Benjamin, Wayne and Rufus; to Tillman county 1905; owns three quarter sections of land.

Gilpatrick, J.D. – Retired farmer; born Overton county, Tennessee, August 2, 1867; educated Gainesboro, Jackson county, Tennessee public schools; married Miss Lizzie Beth Warren November 11, 1888; Church of Christ; two children, J.P. and Mamie Bell; in Tillman county since December 1901.

Gregg, Joe – Clerk Harper’s Grocery; born Bridgeport, Texas, 1901; educated Davidsion, Wichita, Kansas; took mechanical course; married Miss Floy Harper June 29, 1922; one child, Lonnie Lee; started business in 1926.

Hamrick, J.M. – Farmer; born Bell county, Texas, September, 1874; common school education; married Miss Bertie Kirby January 21, 1925; county commissioner of Tillman county; Methodist church; Mason; to Tillman county 1901; working 290 acres of land.

Hangerford (Hungerford), C.E. – Assistant manager Dascomb-Daniels Lumber Co.; born Cleveland county, Oklahoma, November 27, 1895; educated Walters; married Miss Dessie Don Booth March 21, 1920; president Young Business Men’s Club, Walters, 1923; American Legion; Mason; Methodist church; Knight of Pythias; M.W.A.; one child, James Edwin; in Tillman county two years; served in World War; with Badger Lumber Company, Walters, three years.

Harper, A.L. – Owner and manager Harper Cash Grocery; born Adair county, Missouri, 1870; educated McKinney, Texas; married Miss Sue Adkins 1896; Davidsion Community Club; two children, Autrey and Floy; resident of Oklahoma 17 years; farmed 11 years.

Harper, L.L. – Manager Harper and Johnson General Mercantile; born Kentucky, December 1880; educated Ardmore, Okla.; married Miss Maude McElroy 1903; mayor; Baptist church; Mason; four children, Mary (Johnson), Irene, Harold and Elsie Lourene; in business 11 years; city mayor 3 years; to Oklahoma 1895.

Hickerson, J.M. – Farmer; born Missouri, March 9, 1868; common school education; married Miss Mary R. Strean July 21, 1892; Church of Christ; eight children, Robert S., Grace O., W.E. Nora, Edna, Harold, Floyd and Earl; to Tillman county 1901; owns half section of land.

Hood, Fred L. – Owner Hood Motor Company; Ford sales and service; born Sevierville, Tennessee, June 28, 1887; educated Charlie, Texas; public schools, Lawton Business College; married Miss Mary Burnham January 2, 1910; president city board; Presbyterian church; Mason; two children, R.D. and Dorothy; in Tillman county since 1913; in Frederick 9 years in U.S. Civil Service; with Phipps Motor Co., Frederick, four years.

Hood, F.W. – Member Hood Motor company; Ford dealers; born Wichita Falls, Texas; September 25, 1891; educated Texas; married Miss Anna Johnston February 14, 1923; member Chamber of Commerce; American Legion; Presbyterian church; Mason; two children, Bettie Jean and Ila Mae; in Tillman county three years; served in World War; overseas one year.

Hudson, C.G. – Cashier First State Bank; born Yellville, Arkansas, August 14, 1894; educated Yellville high school; Edmond Central State Teachers’ College; married Miss Zula Tyson June 12, 1923; town board; secretary of Chamber of Commerce; American Legion; Methodist church; Mason; one child, Mary Ann; in Tillman county 12 years; taught school two years; in service during World War.

James, J.M. – Farmer; born Erath county, Texas; August 12, 1895; common school education; married Miss Amanda Cosgrove August 1, 1917; Baptist church; two children, Irene and Francis; to Tillman county 1901.

Jameson, J.P. – Farmer; born Searcy, Arkansas, January 1892; common school education; married Miss Pauline Glasco 1921; two children, Nettie Ruth and J.P.; owns farm.

Johnson, J.H. – Retired farmer; born June 6, 1851; educated Polk county, Pennsylvania; married Miss Jane Brookshaw October 10, 1872; Baptist church; Mason; seven children, (two deceased) Y.M., L.C., Myrtle Kennel, Dora Cunningham and Ida Brown; in Arkansas 18 years; to Oklahoma 1889; 20 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; been confined to bed nine years.

Johnson, Mrs. Ola – Proprietor Cozy Café; born Oklahoma, August 9, 1895; educated Davidson, Okla.; married Roy Johnson May 23, 1913; Baptist church; three children, Opal LaDoyt, Anneta and Doris Maxine; in café business 10 years.

Kadane, Jack – Manager Ritz Theatre; born Sapulpa, Oklahoma, August 7, 1908; educated Wichita Falls, Texas, high school; Presbyterian church; DeMolay; in Davidson since May 22, 1926.

Kemble, W.E. – Salesman Parson Brothers Monument company; born Tarrant county, Texas, 1893; common school education; business college of Bowie, Texas; married Miss Myrtle Johnston January, 1920; Baptist church; to Tillman county 1914; owns 80 acres land in Tillman county.

Martin, A.S. – Manager City Tailor Shop; born Alabama, 1892; educated Marietta, Oklahoma; Davidson Community Club; Methodist church; in Tillman County since 1907; in tailoring business since 1919; served in World War.

McAuley, J.F. – Owner and manager Davidson Hardware company; born West Port, Tennessee, September 12, 1872; educated Holliday, Tennessee, Normal School; married Miss Neely Pritchard August 26, 1897; member Chamber of Commerce; Baptist church; Knights of Pythias; W.O.W.; five children, Buna, Grady, Lovellin, Ben and John F.; in Tillman county 18 years; in Tillman Hardware of Frederick 16 years.

Norwood, J.G. – Owner and manager J.G. Norwood’s Dry Goods Store; born Rockdale, Texas, March 15, 1883; educated high school; married Miss Pearl Franklin June 23, 1910; member town board; president board of education; Methodist church; Mason; two children, Guy and Mary Joyce; in Davidson since August 31, 1903.

Parish, G.W. – Farmer; born Pickett, Tennesee, 1894; common school education; married Miss Alice McMahan December, 1914; Baptist church; two children Granvill and Geraldine; to Oklahoma 1913.

Parker, J.W. – Farmer; born Little Rock, Arkansas, January 29, 1869; educated Glasco Junction, Kentucky, and Walnut Hill, Kentucky; married Miss Dora Skinner June 25, 1899; Cotton Growers’ association; Latter Day Saints church; M.W.A.; three children, Valera, iral and Troy; in Tillman county since 1901; first Sunday school was organized in his father’s house.

Parker, R.J. – Retired farmer; born Hart county, Kentucky, May 17, 1840; educated Hart county, Kentucky; married Miss Mary Etta Owen march 28, 1867; Latter Day Saints church; one child, J.W.; in Tillman county since 1901; Civil War veteran.

Parris, J.B. – Farmer; born Pickett county Tennessee, March 15, 1885; common school education; married Miss Claudie Mae Hussey March 3, 1913; Church of Christ; I.O.O.F.; six children, Shemel, Edgar, Evelyn, Ruth, Sam and Josie Kate; to Tillman county 1907; owns 520 acres of land.

Rains, T.L. – Clerk J.G. Norwood; dry goods; born Missouri, November, 1872; educated Texas; married Miss Hutcherson 1909; Baptist church; Mason; resident of Oklahoma since 1907.

Reed, H.C. – Bookkeeper First State Bank; born Foss, Oklahoma, February 14, 1902; educated Davidson high school; Tyler Commercial College; married Miss Jasamine Finney July 4, 1923; Chamber of Commerce; Methodist church; one child, Anna Gale; in Tillman county since 1903; with bank six years.

Renfroe, Rev. B.F. – Preacher; born Montgomery, Alabama, November 25, 1860; educated Grimes county, Texas, public schools; married Miss M.A. Skinner January 18, 1883; Latter Day Saints church; M.W.A.; W.O.W.; seven children, Sally, Mattie, Clester, Amos, Cenis, Ibera and Roy; to Oklahoma 1901; organized first Sunday school in Davidson, preached first funeral sermon and performed first wedding ceremony; preached in dugouts in early days.

Robinson, J.E. – Manager Davidson Gin company; born Missouri, 1874; educated Texas public schools; married Miss Marion Tussy 1895; school trustee; Davidson Community Club; Methodist church; Knights of Pythias; three children Marie, David and Christine; in Tillman since 1920; with gin company two years.

Seay, Ray – Assistant pharmacist Palace Drug Store; born in Davidson, Oklahoma, March 14, 1905; educated Davidson high school, one year Oklahoma University; Methodist church; DeMolay.

Sparks, W.S. – Farmer; born Cherokee, Alabama, March 14, 1861; educated Cherokee county; married Miss Octavia Florence Sharp June 3, 1882; Baptist church; Mason 30 years; seven children, Nettie Waldrop, R.B., Myrtle Willingham, Alma West, Frank, Fred and Tommie; to Tillman county 1923.

Spraggins, J.H. – Farmer, born Dadeville, Alabama, February 14, 1867; educated Collins county, Texas; married Miss Etta Sterling April 17, 1891; Baptist church; W.O.W.; M.W.A.; ten children, Edna, Clyde, Gladys, Guy, Mrs. Claudia Coats, Timmie, Floyd, Fern, Don and Carlos; in Tillman county since 1902.

Stafford, E.B. – Yardman Dascomb-Daniels Lumber Company; born Abington, Illinois July 18, 1867; educated Lamont, Iowa, public schools; married Miss Louisa S. Gaultei June 14, 1896; Latter Day Saints church; five children, Ada Louise, Harriet Prudrick, Edna Mae, Helen Francis and Emily June; in Tillman county 19 years; with lumber business two years.

Stafford, Helen – Clerk Uncle Joe’s Variety Store; born Vernon, Texas, May 17, 1905; educated Davidson high school; Latter Day Saints church; member honor society; won county championship in basketball for five years; in Tillman County 18 years.

Tate, W.L. – Agent Frisco railway; born North Carolina, September 2, 1882; educated North Carolina; married Miss Maude Harris November 18, 1918; one child, Katherine; in Tillman county seven years; with Frisco eight years.

Taylor, J.C. – Member Hope & Taylor Gin; born Evening Shade, Arkansas, February 15, 1897; educated Evening Shade high school; married Miss Ruby Hodges December 24, 1925; American Legion; Methodist church; in Tillman County two months; served in World War; ten trips across transporting service.

Thomas, R.H. – Member Bell and Thomas Market and Grocery; born Cass county, Illinois, August 17, 1880; educated Lincoln county, Kansas; married Miss Laura Phipps December 24, 1902; school director 1907 to 1912; Methodist church; M.W.A.; five children, Lloyd, Cecil, Myrtle, Cora and Beula; to Tillman county 1902.

Thorn, W.H. – Owner W.H. Thorn Grocery; born Franklin Parish, Louisianna, October 20, 1887; educated Franklin, Louisiana; married Miss Lillie Melton December 15, 1912; constable four years, undersheriff eight years in Louisiana; Chamber of Commerce; Baptist church; 32^nd degree Mason; two children, Marshall and Leah; in Tillman county nine years.

Tyson, J.C. – Owner Uncle Joe’s Variety Store; born Harrison, Arkansas, January 19, 1898; educated Davidson high school; married Miss Meta E. McClure March 6, 1919; 32^nd degree Mason; one child, Joe Dean; in Tillman county 17 years; drug business four years.

White, N.J. – Farmer; born Montague county, Texas, October 1, 1889; common school education; married Miss Charlie Dugan January 21, 1912; Church of Christ; four children, Alvis, Raymond, Joe Dwight and N.J., Jr.; to Tillman county 1901; working 240 acres of land.

White, T.N. – Farmer, born Randolph county, Alabama, December 2, 1857; educated Montague county, Texas; married Miss Ada Woods March 7, 1886; Methodist church; W.O.W.; seven children, Willie, Bessie, Fred, N.J., Jessie Lee and Iona; in Tillman county since opening.

Wilson, Lloyd – Assistant Cashier First State Bank; born Alief, Texas, July 15, 1898; educated Davidson high school; married Miss Billie Howerton, Marh 19, 1919. Chamber of Commerce; Methodist church; Mason; in Tillman county 22 years; Ford agency from 1917 to 1921.

Wilson, Dr. R.E. – Physician and surgeon; born Arkansas, 1870; educated Southern Methodist University, graduated 1904; M.D. degree; married Miss Nora McLeroy 1920; one child, Lloyd; to Tillman county 1904; to Oklahoma 1889.

Wisda, J.A. – Mail carrier; born Defiance county, Ohio, August 9, 1877; college education; married Miss Geneva McPherson November 17, 1908; Catholic church; to Tillman county 1901; in Frederick 12 years; carrying mail since 1907.

Wolfe, J.A. – Farmer; born North Carolina, March, 1876; common school education; married Miss Minnie Robertson April 19, 1900; Presbyterian church; three children, Forrest, Lee and Mark; to Tillman county 1902; wheat raiser; owns 500 acres of land.

Wolfe, J.B. – Farmer; born North Carolina, October 14, 1874; common school education; married Miss Fannie Cavins 1900; Baptist church; six children, Harold, Beatrice, Zeta Mae, Zelma Lou, Hazel and Paul; to Tillman county 1906; owns 160 acres of land; cultivating 240 acres.

Wolfe, Kenneth – Student; born Davidson, Oklahoma 1906; educated Davidson high school; Baylor University, Waco, Texas; Oklahoma University; Baptist church; DeMolay; with Austin-Johnston five months.

Wright, W.E. – Farmer; born Tennessee, 1876; common school education; married Miss Lou Hutton 1899; Methodist church; eleven children, Lula Pearl, Alice, Harve, Edith, J.B. Buster, Fay, Lucile, Vennel and Merle; to Davidson 1901; owns section of land.

Telephone Book, 1931

Column sent to Frederick Leader and Frederick Press

January 12, 2010, January 19, 2010, and January 26, 2010

Add from 1931 telephone book.

1931 Telephone Book Reflects Life in County

The Tillman County Historical Society maintains a number of early documents in its permanent collection, including some residential directories and telephone books.

One such book is the Southwest Telephone Company’s telephone book from December 1931. The book contains telephone numbers for telephone “subscribers” in Frederick, Davidson, Hollister, Loveland, Manitou, and Manitou, but was only 22 pages in size – small by today’s standards because not every business or family had a telephone in 1931.

What’s more, in addition to telephone listings the 22 pages included advertising, a business directory, telephone policies, rates, and explanation and samples of long-distance charges.

Telephone numbers of that era varied in length and type. Most were two-, three-, or four-digit numbers. Others contained as many as seven numbers and letters.

For Frederick residents, telephone service cost $2.00 per month. Business costs were $3.50.

Costs for residents of area towns were as follows: Davidson and Hollister, $2.50 business, $1.50 residence; Loveland, $2.25 business, $1.75 residence; Manitou, $3.00 business, $2.00 residence.

Long distance telephone calls were always placed through operators and were not cheap.

Costs for long distance varied greatly, not only by distance of the call and time talked, but by type and time of the call.  A regular call from Frederick to Amarillo, Texas, for instance, cost $1.00 during the day, 80 cents during the evening after 7:00 p.m., and 55 cents at night between 8:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m.

Person-to-person calls to Amarillo cost $1.25, regardless of the time. All long distance calls were placed through an operator.

According to the directory, long distance calls could be placed to “almost any telephone in the United States, as well as to telephones in many cities in Canada, Cuba, Europe and Mexico.”

How should the telephone be answered in 1931? The directory provides the following instructions: “Time will be saved if you immediately give your number or name, as ‘6342’, ‘4-9013W’, or ‘Jones Department Store.’ This informs the person calling that the desired connection is established. Please answer the telephone promptly. Courtesy to the calling party requires it.”

Cover advertisers for the 1931 book were Gish Furniture and Undertaking Company (Dependable Ambulance Service), 111 North 11^th Street; First National Bank, Frederick (Capital, $100,000; Resources, $1,000,000, “A Friendly Bank”; McLellan Funeral Home (‘Superior Ambulance Service’, ‘To serve humanity better’), 9^th Street and Floral Avenue; Murrell Motor Co. (Chevrolet); M System Store (‘Groceries for Particular People’); The Security State Bank (‘Cordial, Friendly, Banking Service’), 201 West Grand; and Victory Service Station, Blanton and Fondren (Firestone tires and tubes).

Inside banner advertisers included the following: Morris Supreme Ham and Bacon, S.M. Briscoe salesman; Coca-Cola (Order by the case); Corner Drug Store; S&W Electric Company (Atwater Kent ‘Screen Grid’ radio and Brown Mule Battery service); Scott New and Second Hand Furniture and Hardware, 109 North 9^th Street; Spangler’s Tin Shop, Tinning and Roofing; Frederick Hardware Co.; and Frederick Clinic Hospital, 121 North 9^th Street (O.G. Bacon, MD, and Roy Fisher, BS and MD (Complete X-Ray equipment).

1931 Telephone Book

Listed Many County Businesses

     Not every Tillman County business had a telephone in 1931. Those businesses in Frederick, Davidson, Hollister, Loveland, and Manitou that DID have telephones were listed in the Southwest Telephone Company’s business directory.

    NOTE: Grandfield and Tipton were not included in the book’s listings.

This week, the column looks at some of the business categories from the 1931 directory. Most listings note business category, town (Frk, Dvd, Hol, Lvd, Mtu); address, building or general location; and simple-digit telephone number. It’s a pretty interesting look at the business world from 1931. This listing will continue in next week’s column.

1931 Business Listings

Apartments: Thurmond Rooms, 304 ½ W. Grand, Fdk 403; Wessel Apartments, 125 N. 11^th, Fdk 131

Associations: Chamber of Commerce, Fdk 320; Retail Merchants Assn, W. Grand, Fdk 211

Attorneys: Christian R.L., Eberlee Blg, Fdk 292; Hussey & Chaney, W. Grand, Fdk 657; Mounts & Chamberlain, Mounts Bldg, Fdk 270; Wilson & Roe, Commerce Bldg., Fdk 296

Automobile Business: Cooter Motor Co., 114 S. 10^th, Fdk 330; Ford Motor Co., S. 9^th, Fdk 307; Hood Motor Co., Dvd 33; Krause, A.H., W. Dahlia, Fdk 508; McNeely Motor Co., 117 S. 9^th, Fdk 586; Murrell Motor Co., 520 W. Grand, Fdk 584

Automobile Service Business: Motor Supply, 116 S. 9^th, Fdk 581

Bakers: Ansleys Bakery, 117 N. 10^th, Fdk 132; City Bakery, Dvd 115; Home Bakery, 108 N. 10^th, Fdk 21

Banks: Bank of Hollister, Hol 25; Bank of Manitou, Mtu 44; First Natl Bank, 200 W. Grand, Fdk 127; First State Bank, Dvd 7; Natl Bank of Commerce, 101 W. Grand, Fdk 11; Security State Bank, 201 W. Grand, Fdk 24

Barber Shops: City Barber Shop, W. Grand, Fdk 116; City Barber Shop, Mtu 43; Hotel Barber Shop, Main & Grand, Fdk 11; Sandersons Shop, E. Grand, Fdk 24

Battery Business: Davidson Battery & Electric Co., Dvd 117; Exide Batteries, Gene Pruitt Mgr, 316 W. Grand, Fdk 394; Frederick Battery & Electric, 308 W. Grand, Fdk 478; Kimes & Pruitt, 316 W. Grand, Fdk 394

Beauty Parlors: Mi Lady Beauty Shop, W. Grand, Fdk 130; Miss Frederick Beauty Shop, W. Grand, Fdk 395

Bottlers: Coca-Cola Co., 300 S. 9^th, Fdk 135

Building & Loan Associations: McHugh George, Wide-A-Wake Bldg, Fdk 466

Bus Stations: Union Bus Station, Fdk 15

Cafes: Campbell Café, 125 S. 9^th, Fdk 14; City Café, 108 N. Main, Fdk 700; Curtis Joe, W. Grand, Fdk 280; Liberty Café, 109 S. 9^th, Fdk 231; Lucky Seven Café, 108 S. 10^th, Fdk 52

Carpenter Business: Jones & Loftis, 206 S. 9^th, Fdk 709

Chiropractors: Hartwig Ora, 104 N. 10^th, Fdk 417; Mannon E. 113 ½ N. 10^th, Fdk 321; Wolfe C.C., 115 ½ S. 9^th, Fdk 35

Churches: Baptist Church, 215 N. 11^th, Fdk 619; Christian Church, 201 E. Gladstone, Fdk 609J; Methodist Church, E. Grand Ave., Fdk 243J; Presbyterian Church, N. 11^th, Fdk 430

Clinics: Frederick Clinic, 121 N. 9^th, Fdk 247

Clothing Business: Julia Shop, W. Grand, Fdk 165; Nuf-Sed Tailor Shop, W. Grand, Fdk 398; Orchid Shop, Inc., 216 W. Grand, Fdk 159

Confectioners: Candyland, Main & Grand, Fdk 315

Construction: Frederick Construction, 105 W. Grand, Fdk 199

Cotton Business: Roby Cotton Co., 119 S. 8^th, Fdk 582: Simmons Gin Co., Fdk 341

Cotton Compresses: Frederick Compresses, S. 4^th, Fdk 203; Traders Compress, Fdk 314

Cotton Ginners: Baker Gin Co., Mtu 20; Chickasha Gin Co., Mtu 41; Davidson Gin Co., Dvd 62; Farmers Co-operative, S. 7^th, Fdk 73; Farmers Co-operative Gin, Fdk 73; Farmer Gin Co., Dvd 65; Farmers Gin Co., Fdk 63; Farmers Gin Co., Mtu 50; Farmers Gin Co., Lvd 2; Farmers Gin Co., Hol 31; Frederick Seed Farm Gin, Fdk 88; Hollister Gin Co, Hol 39; Kilgore Gin, 6^th and Grand, Fdk 708; Mitchell gin Co, South 5^th, Fdk 230; Reed Gin Co., Dvd 140; Robinson Gin Co., Fdk 704; Simmons Gin Co., Dvd 57; Simmons Gin Co., W. Grand, Fdk 170; Tillman County Gin Co., Dvd 137; William & Fry Gin, S. 7^th, Fdk 310

Cotton Oil Mills: Frederick Oil Mill, S. 5^th, Fdk 95

Dentists: Ball C.B., SW Tel Co Bldg, Fdk 134; Longwell W.L., First Nat Bnk Bldg, Fdk 451; Rogers J.J., 402 ½ W. Grand, Fdk 348

Druggists: Corner Drug Co., 127 W. Grand, Fdk 9 & 10; Corner Drug Store, Lvd 3; Crescent Drug Co., 113 W. Grand, Fdk 16 & 238; Hollister Drug Co., Hol 12F2; Langston Drug Co., 205 W. Grand, Fdk 448; Miley Drug Co., Mtu 40; Place Drug Store, Dvd 40; Red Front Drug, 128 W. Grand, Fdk 2; Red Front Drug Co, 127 W. Grand, Fdk 3

Dry Good Business: Anthony C.R. Co, Fdk 258; Curreathers & Smith, 107 W. Grand, Fdk 65; Fair Store, Dvd 120; Liebman A Store, 219 W. Grand, Fdk 293; Norwood G.G., Dvd 1; Penney J.C., E. Grand Ave., Fdk 606; Stone, C.E. Co, Fdk 702; Strange Dry Goods, 108 W. Grand, Fdk 445; Thomas Slayton  & Brush, Dvd 138; Tylers Bootery, 304 W. Grand, Fdk 240

Electrical Equipment: Jack’s Electric Shop, 110 N. 10^th, Fdk 310

Express Companies: Amer. Railway Express, 310 W. Grand, Fdk 229

Feed Business: McFall Feed Store, 520 W. Grand, Fdk 67

Filling Stations: Bowman Service Station, 301 N. 1^st, Fdk 17; Burns Filling Station, Lvd 20; Cities Service Oil Co Filling Station, Fdk 750; City Service, 100 S. 8^th, Fdk 423; Coleman & West Filling Station, Dvd 31; Continental Oil Co., S. 9^th, Fdk 235; Eason Oil Co., 5^th & Grand, Fdk 183; Farmers Filling Station, 127 N. Main, Fdk 555; Frederick Ser Sta, 123 S. 8^th, Fdk 541; Golays Filling Station, Mtu 17; Hayter Serv Sta, Fdk 786; Hollister Service Station, Hol 24; Jackson Filling Station, Dvd 80; Kemp & Shouse Filling Station, W. Grand, Fdk 491; Lee Hi Service Station, 222 N. 15^th, Fdk 120; Magnolia Service Station, 13^th and Gladstone, Fdk 200; Marathon Service Station, 501 W. Grand, Fdk 698; Panhandle Ref Co No 2, 12^th & Grand, Fdk 580; Panhandle Refining Co No 3, W. Grand, Fdk 503; Phillips Petroleum Co., 216 N. 10^th, Fdk 666; Quick Service Filling Station, Dvd 91; Reasor Filling Station, Dvd 55; Rock Service Station, Mtu 54; Rock Service Sta, Fdk 808; Southside Service Co., 503 S. 15^th, Fdk 391; Star Service Station, 201 S. 9^th, Fdk 235; Star Service Station, Hol 28; Texas Oil Co., 200 S. 9^th, Fdk 441J; Victory Service Station, E. Grand, Fdk 547

Florists: Frederick Florist, 700 S. 12^th, Fdk 602

Funeral Directors: Gish Funeral Home, 205 N. 11^th, Fdk 91; McLellen Funeral Home, 122 N. 9^th, Fdk 121

Furniture Business: Duncan Furniture Co., 112 N. Main, Fdk 411; Frederick Furniture Co., N. Main, Fdk 277; Gish Furniture Co., 110 E. Grand, Fdk 91: Russell S.E. Store, 108 S. 9^th, Fdk 520: Scott Furniture Co., 109 N. 9^th, Fdk 601

Garages: Higgins Garage, 801 W. Grand, Fdk 47; Hollister Garage, Hol 21F2; Manitou Motor Co., Mtu 28; Prestidge & Newman, W. Grand, Fdk 378; Wade & Young Garage, 110 S. 8^th, Fdk 472

Gas Company: Community Gas Co., 119 N. 9^th, Fdk 290

Government Offices, City: Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, 10^th and Dahlia, Fdk 320; City Supt Office, High School Bldg, 200 S. 12th, Fdk 276; Retail Merchants Assn., Mount Bldg., Fdk 211

Grain Business: Cope & Brantly, Hol 22; Farmers Co-op Grain Co., 200 S. 7^th, Fdk 523; Northwestern Elevator Co., 300 S. 8^th, Fdk 480; Northwestern Elevator Co, Mtu 46

Grocers: Bell Bros Grocery, Dvd 14; Blue Front Groc., 115 N. 10^th, Fdk 174; Blue Front Groc No. 2, W. Grand, Fdk 306; Brannons Market, Mtu 42; Brittain B.G. Store, Hol 11; Brown Cash Groc, 118 S. 9^th, Fdk 84; Bryan J. W. Groc, Lvd 33; Glen J.G., 521 W. Dahlia, Fdk 418 Black; Gross & Son, W. Grand, Fdk 8 & 59; Harmison Groc, W. Grand, Fdk 189; Lauback Groc, Mtu 22; Lautherback Groc, Mtu 49; Litton Groc, Fdk 260; Loveland Cash Store, Lvd 25; M System Store, 119 W. Grand, Frd 18; Massie-Bryan Groc Co., Dvd 30; McElroy Groc, Dvd 16; Overton Frank Groc., 218 W. Grand; Payne Groc, W. Grand, Fdk 19; Piggly-Wiggly Market, 121 N. 10^th, Fdk 216; Raley Groc, W. Grand, Fdk 450 & 460; Sanitary Market, 100 N. 10^th, Fdk 54; Thorne W.H. Groc, Dvd 23; White House Groc, Fdk 34; Witts Store Groc, Fdk 71; Wooten Wholesale Groc, W. Calla, Fdk 486

Hotels: Hotel Frederick, Main & Grand, Fdk 800; New Campbell Hotel, 127 S. 9^th, Fdk 27

Ice Business: Southwestern Light and Power, 112 W. Astor, Fdk 222

Ice Cream Business: Southwest Utility Co., 120 W. Astor, Fdk 163

Insurance Business: Ames & McFall, Bank of Commerce Bldg., Fdk 195; Gamblin E.U., 108 N. 9^th, Fdk 39; Johnson J.C., 108 N. 9^th, Fdk 70; Mathis & Eady, 302 W. Gand, Fdk 193; McHugh George, Wide-a-Wake Bldg., Fdk 466; Meeks & Meeks, Meeks Bldg, Fdk 373; Moss & Emmons, 204 ½ W. Grand, Fdk 211

Jewelers: Dillingham C.H., 109 W. Grand, Fdk 64

Laundries: Frederick Laundry, 603 S. 10^th, Fdk 60

Lodges: Amer Legion, S. 10^th, Fdk 658; Masonic Hall, W. Grand, Fdk 137; Odd Fellows Hall, W. Grand, Fdk 85

Lumber Business: Caldwell Nuckles, 200 S. 8^th, Fdk 196; Cameron Lumber Co., 313 W. Grand, Fdk 26; Cameron Lumber Co., Mtu 36; Dascomb-Daniels, Hol 15: Dascomb-Daniels, Dvd 20Dascombe-Daniels, 201 N. 8^th, Fdk 30; Rounds & Porter, 226 S. 8^th, Fdk 610

Meat Business: Crow Meat Market, W. Grand, Fdk 495; Sanitary Market, 100 N. 10^th, Fdk 13; Waller Meat Market, Dvd 53; White House Market, 110 W. Grand, Fdk 36

Newspaper Business: Frederick Leader, 304 W. Grand, Fdk 66; Frederick Press, 117 N. 9^th, Fdk 22

Office Supply: Mary Ann Shop, 308 W. Grand, Fdk 141

Oil Companies: Consumers Oil Co., W. Grand, Fdk 8; Phillips Petroleum Co., Warehouse, Fdk 666J; Sinclair Oil Co., 1^st & Grand, Fdk 660; Transcontinental Oil Co., W. Grand, Fdk 698

Photographers: Porter G.E., 110 S. 9^th, Fdk 87

Physicians & Surgeons, M.D.: Bacon O.G., N. 9^th, Fdk 247; Caldwell Alvin B., Dvd 54; Fisher Roy, N. 9^th, Fdrk 247; Mackeller M.M., Lvd 21; Osborne J.D., 214 ½ W. Grand, Fdk 102; Reynolds J.C., 102 ½ W. Grand, Fdk 604; Wilson & Roberts, Dodson Bldg., Fdk 471

Piano Business: Culp Music Co., E. Grand Ave., Fdk 305

Plumbers: Shout Plumbing Shop, 318 W. Grand, Fdk 1; Zumwalt Plumbing Shop, 118 N. 9^th, Fdk 179

Printers: Peerless Printery, 110 N. 10^th, Fdk 295

Produce Business: Frederick Produce, 202 S. 8^th, Fdk 204; Knaust Produce, 112 N. 8^th, Fdk 133; Wilson & Co., 219 N. 8^th, Fdk 76

Radio Business (sales): S & W Radio and Electric Shop, 114 N. 10^th, Fdk 701

Railroad Companies: Frisco Railroad Co., Dvd 3; Frisco Railroad Co., Mtu 15; Frisco Railroad Co., Fdk 20; MK&T Railroad Co., Lvd 1; MK&T Railroad Co., Hol 23; MK&T Railroad Co., Fdk 62

Real Estate Business: Bates J.A., Mounts Bldg., 653; Copeland J.L., Fdk 86; Ray R.O. Real Estate & Loans, Fdk 190

Refrigerator Business: Norman C.K., N. 10^th, Fdk 138

Sand Business: Holloman A.H., W. Grand, Fdk 4002

Schools, Public: Colored School, Fdk 751; Davidson High School, Dvd 100; Frederick High School, 200 S. 12^th, Fdk 185; Hollister High School, Hol 48; Junior High School, 100 S. 12^th, Fdk 285; Loveland High School, Lvd 17; North Ward School, N. 12^th, Fdk 392; South Ward School, S. 12^th, Fdk 308; West Ward School, N. 3^rd, Fdk 347

Seed Business: Allen Seed Co., 118 N. 9^th, Fdk 245

Shoe Business: Tylers Booterie, 304 W. Grand, Fdk 240

Shoe Repairers: Quality Shoe Shop, 111 N. 9^th, Fdk 593

Tailors: Brandy’s Tailor Shop, 110 S. 9^th, Fdk 89; Hotel Tailor Shop, Fdk 500; Nuf Sed No 2, E. Grand, Fdk 500; Nuf-Sed Tailor Shop, 207 W. Grand, Fdk 528; Tiptop Tailor Shop, Dvd 76; Uptown Tailors, Grand, Fdk 94

Telegraph: Western Union, 106 N. 9^th, Fdk 43

Telephone: Southwest Telephone Co., 12000

Theatres: Grand Theatre, 113 W. Grand, Fdk 361: Midwest Theatre, Fdk 98; Ramona Theatre, 124 S. 9^th, Fdk 265; Ritz Theatre, Dvd 105

Tinners: Sprangler’s Tin Shop, 205 S. 8^th, Fdk 241

Tire Business: Night & Day Service Station, Fdk 786

Transfer Companies: Baird Roland Transfer Co., N. 9^th, Fdk 45; Stewart R.E., W. Grand, Fdk 248

Variety Stores: Tyson Variety Store, Dvd 153; Wide-A-Wake, 204 W. Grand, Fdk 250

Warehouses: The Texas Oil Co., W. Dahlia, Fdk 441

Welding: Cook Welding Shop, 213 S. 8^th, Fdk 399