Sunday, November 18, 2007

Happy Birthday Oklahoma!!

100 years of statehood!
November 16, 2007.­
What a fun celebration. 100 years of Statehood. They did a little re-­enactment in Guthrie -­ reading Teddy Roosevelt's Proclamation -­ signed at 9 am with the quill of an eagle feather on Nov 16th 1907.­ "Oklahoma is now a state!" he said, with the final flourish of his pen.­ We got the official word that Oklahoma had become a state by telegram at 916 am and upon receiving, an Oklahoman went outside and shot a gun off in announcement to the 30,000 people gathered near the capitol.­ How cool, huh?! Then there was a pretend (oh sorry, "ceremonial") wedding of Miss Indian Territory and Mr.­ Oklahoma territory -­ and then THREE HOURS of speeches -­ including the hour long speech by the first governor, Governor Haskell (Less fun, huh) and a speech by other reperesentatives and one of the last boomers.­ (Isn't it awesome our state celebrates cheating?!) They had shortened versions today -­ that I watched from my bed as I studied Opiods Drugs.­ (studied -­ not took.­) :) So there you have it -­ a bit of history.­ For those not here, the weather is a bit chilly (though three days ago I wanted to go swimming) and the wind has been especially strong.­ I thought it was fitting that the wind was ripping through the man's hair and papers as he read the President's Proclamation in an Oklahoman accent.­ A few people lost their places as the wind blustered their pages around, sweeping down the plains and all.­ So, my great, great grandpa helped with the Oklahoma Constitutional convention -­ and had to ride by horseback home for several hours when my great grandmother (whom I am named after -­ Emlyn) was born.­ Ah.... What a great state - with a great state song.

Anyways -­ eat some birthday cake or something in celebration.­ :) Just in case you needed an extra reason to eat sweets.­

1 comment:

Nate and Jen Poulson said...

I knew I liked Oklahoma for a reason. We share a Birthday. Obviously I'm WAYYYY younger than her!!! (Or Him??)
You are so beautiful!
When we are both out of residency and can a. afford to go on vacation and b. hire someone to watch our kids (cause you'll have had tons by then!!!) we'll get the 4 of us back together for an awesome trip somewhere!
Love you and congrats again!