Amplified Oklahoma

In Choctaw County, Oklahoma, you'll find the town of Hugo. Since the 1940s, Hugo has served as the winter quarters for several tent circuses that continue to travel from town to town, amazing children and adults alike. Under the big top, performers showcase their artistry and spend hours practicing and honing their craft. This month on Amplified Oklahoma, we're learning more about some of the artists who bring the circus to life. From the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program's archives, we'll listen to interview excerpts with performers Lucy Loyal, Dolly Pirtle, and Mary Rawls. Also joining us are two Oklahoma State University faculty members, Lee Brasuell and Henry Segerman, who created a new circus apparatus as part of their research. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: https://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-23-circus-performers

This month, we're looking back on the history of Attucks School in Craig County. Built in 1916, Attucks served African American students in Vinita, a city located in northeastern Oklahoma, through the mid-1950s. Deeply rooted in the African American community, the school and its teachers provided students and their families with support in many different ways. Even today, its impact can be seen in the memories of alumni near and far, with many returning for the school's biennial reunions. In this episode, we'll hear excerpts from the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program's archives featuring Attucks alums Arlene Kirkendoll, Charles Kirkendoll, Lois Hunt West, Robert Ramsey Jr, Okla Hicks, and Mary Crawford. Later, we'll sit down with Kathleen Duchamp, the director of the Eastern Trails Museum in Vinita to learn more about the history and importance of Attucks School. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: https://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-22-attucks-school

This month on Amplified Oklahoma, we're examining the influence of Cheyenne artist Dick West on the lives of two women who began their careers at a time when there was rarely a recognized professional Native woman artist. From the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program's archives, we'll hear interview excerpts from Sharron Ahtone Harjo and Joan Hill, two artists who share Bacone College as their alma mater and who studied under West. Later, we'll sit down with Dick West Jr. to learn more about his father's legacy in the revival of the Bacone College art department through the advancement of Indian artists. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: https://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-21-dick-west%E2%80%99s-impact-on-native-art

The Korean War is often referred to as the "Forgotten War" because it came so soon after World War II, involved fewer American troops, and was fought in a much smaller area. While 16 million Americans served in the Second World War, the Korean War included approximately one-third that many, and while World War II involved a worldwide theater, the Korean War was contained to the Korean Peninsula. This month on Amplified Oklahoma, we review the long-lasting effects the Korean War had on its soldiers, and consider today's lessons learned from yesterday's war. We'll hear interview excerpts from Bill Gotcher and Gene Slocum from the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program's archives, followed by a discussion with Dr. John Kinder from Oklahoma State University's History Department to learn more about war's effects on US culture and society. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: https://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-20-if-only-there-were-a-pill-we-could-give-people

Opened in 1884, Chilocco Indian School was one of the largest federally-funded boarding schools for Native American youth in the country. Located twenty miles north of Ponca City, Oklahoma, the school offered a half academic / half vocational curriculum, focused on assimilating Native students into the dominant culture. Like most boarding schools, Chilocco went through different phases of development, reflecting changes in the federal policy towards Native Americans. These changes were often prompted by the efforts of Native educators, community workers and activists, and shifting attitudes within the larger society. Throughout these shifts, however, the school's status as a National Guard center as well as boarding school made it unique. This month on Amplified Oklahoma, we're focusing on military veterans who attended the school. We'll hear interview excerpts with Wes Studi and Charles LeClair from the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program's archives. Later, former superintendent Jim Baker shares more about his involvement with alumni, especially in preserving the history of the school. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: https://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-19-chilocco-military-veterans

Cold weather, football games and pumpkin patches are things to look forward to in October. But most of all, we have Halloween, spooky ghost stories and cemeteries to explore. In this episode of Amplified Oklahoma, we're delving underground in the Oklahoma towns of Hugo and Okeene. We'll hear oral history interview excerpts from Barbara Miller Byrd featuring a unique resting place for circus workers and Anthony Felder shares a local legend. Later, we'll sit down with Dr. Alyson Greiner from the OSU Department of Geography to learn more about necrogeography. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: https://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-18-cemeteries

Frank "Pistol Pete" Eaton was a true cowboy, the epitome of the Old West with a colorful past. He also happens to be the man Oklahoma State University's mascot is modeled after. This episode of Amplified Oklahoma is all about Pistol Pete and the students who bring the legend to life. From the oral history archives, we'll hear from two former mascots, Bill F. Smith and Phil Glasgow. Later, OSU Pom Coach and Spirit Coordinator Beki Jackson and current mascot Kyle Foreman share more about what it takes to become Pistol Pete. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: https://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-17-pistol-pete

The Oklahoma State University campus during the 1950s was a very different place than it is today. Hideaway was just getting its start, the Edmon Low library was brand new to the campus skyline, and, strangely enough, an alligator lived in Theta Pond. This episode of Amplified Oklahoma is all about Alligator Sam of Theta Pond. We'll hear three oral history interview excerpts about Sam from Norma Crane, Robin Duncan Robertson, and Richard Dermer. Later, Mike Nelson, Craig Barnes, and Jennifer Sanders from OSU Landscape Services tells us more about the campus landmark. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-16-sam-the-alligator

While Phi Beta Kappa is known as a prestigious academic honor society throughout the United States, it is relatively new to Oklahoma State University. After several attempts, a chapter was finally installed at OSU in 2013. This episode of Amplified Oklahoma features oral history interview excerpts with OSU faculty members Dr. Perry Gethner and Dr. Robert Miller as they describe the trials and tribulations in the process of establishing the Gamma of Oklahoma chapter at Oklahoma State University. Later, we'll sit down with Dr. Charles Abramson to talk more about OSU's chapter, as well as the resulting oral history project. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-15-phi-beta-kappa

Women were once heavily outnumbered in the law school classroom. Upon graduation, many faced challenges in securing and maintaining employment. While the legal landscape is much different today, this episode of Amplified Oklahoma looks back on some of the early adversity women faced in the profession. We'll hear oral history interview excerpts from Judge Stephanie Kulp Seymour who serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit along with former Oklahoma County District Court Judge Nancy Coats-Ashley. Author and retired lawyer Patsy Trotter also joins us to talk more about the history of Oklahoma women and the law. Amplified Oklahoma is a production of the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program at the Oklahoma State University Library. Show notes: http://library.okstate.edu/news/podcast/episode-14-women-in-the-legal-profession