Bill Tilghman, born on July 4, 1854, had an intriguing life as a quintessential Old West Cowboy and Lawman. Tilghman started his journey as a buffalo hunter at the age of 16, becoming known for his exceptional shooting skills with a Sharps rifle. Throughout his time as a buffalo hunter, he befriended notable figures like Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson, but also engaged in illegal activities such as stealing horses from Native American tribes. Despite this, Tilghman transitioned into law enforcement in Dodge City, Kansas, working alongside figures like the Earps and Mastersons.

Tilghman's lawman career further blossomed when he became part of "The Three Guardsmen," renowned for their pursuit of outlaws in the Indian Territory. His most notable arrest of Bill Doolin in 1895 solidified his status as a national hero. As time progressed, Tilghman's life took unexpected turns, including a foray into Hollywood with the production of "The Passing of the Oklahoma Outlaws." However, tragedy struck in 1924 when Tilghman was fatally shot in Cromwell, Oklahoma, by U.S. Prohibition Officer Wiley Lynn. Despite Lynn's controversial acquittal in court, Tilghman's legacy lives on through the Bill Tilghman Award, recognizing individuals who uphold the highest standards of law enforcement in Oklahoma.

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Oklahoma Historical Society - The Three Guardsmen

Two of Oklahoma’s most notable and earliest theaters are The Constantine Theater and The Poncan Theatre. Both were early halls for entertainment in Oklahoma. As we return from our 2 weeks off, Tiff dives right into the spooky tales of these historic theaters.  

The Constantine is found in Pawhuska, and is the second oldest theater in Oklahoma. It traces its history to pre-statehood, as well as, participated in many events such as plays, movies, vaudeville, and even oil lease auctions. Touted as being the “finest opera house in the southwest”, Pawhuska built a facility it could be proud of. Yet, over the years, hard times befell it. Eventually, it became abandoned until the fine folks of Pawhuska decided it needed saving. Almost 40 years later, The Constantine is a venue that once again hosts an array of activities…including the spooky type. From turn of the century actors to former managers and a secret tunnel, The Constantine boasts not only the history, but perhaps, the talent, to make things go BUMP anytime!

Just about 45 minutes west is a theater straight out of the roaring 20s! The Poncan Theatre, at its opening in 1927, boasted 1,200 seats! Acts from around the country could be seen there, including Will Rogers, Ethel Barrymore, and more recently, Blake Shelton! Like many theaters of its time, The Poncan experienced its ups and downs. But today, it continues as a working theater, one you can catch a movie on almost every day of the week. But beware, that might not be all that you catch…spirits are said to reach out and let you know that they are nearby. Maybe they just want to share the popcorn?  

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The Battle of Honey Springs, fought on July 17, 1863, was a significant event during the American Civil War in Indian Territory, now present-day Oklahoma. Jess takes a look at this historic battle in this week’s history episode. The battle took place on a rural countryside near Checotah and was the largest and most decisive conflict in the region during the war. It marked a key moment in the conflict between Union and Confederate forces in the area. The engagement, lasting four hours, resulted in the Union forces, including Black soldiers from the First Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment, emerging victorious over the Confederates under Brigadier General Douglas H. Cooper.

The aftermath of the Battle of Honey Springs saw significant impacts on the region. The engagement reflected the diverse composition of the soldiers involved, with Black, Native American, Hispanic troops, and enhanced the legacy of the significance of the fight in ending slavery for many. In more recent times, efforts to commemorate and preserve the historic battlefield have culminated in the establishment of the Honey Springs Battlefield Park, including a visitor center with state-of-the-art exhibits detailing the events of the battle. This significant site serves as a reminder of the pivotal role played by the region in the Civil War and its lasting impact on the communities involved.

Honey Springs Battlefield Park is opened Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m and located 423159 E 1030 Road in Checotah. Check out their website for more info!

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This week Tiff wraps up the gruesome and horrific life of crime of one Franklin Delano Floyd. Last week, we left off where Franklin was awaiting trial on a burglary and assault case out of OKC. But what Franklin does while released is the true stuff of nightmares. September 12, 1994 would be a day many students at Indian Meridian Elementary School in Choctaw remember to this day. That is the day that Floyd waltzed into the school and kidnapped, not only the school principal, James Davis, but also Floyd’s “son” Anthony Michael Hughes. Even though Principal Davis would be found alive, Michael would never be seen, dead or alive, again. You read that right…Michael has never been found. 

But that is only the tip of this episode’s iceberg. When the truck Floyd stole from Principal Davis that day in September is auctioned off, authorities receive a very peculiar phone call…It seems Floyd abandoned the truck without cleaning out some pretty convincing evidence. Meanwhile, while unusual and disturbing photos are being investigated in Kansas and Oklahoma, the skeletal remains of Cheryl Ann Commesso were discovered on the side of a highway in Florida. What could these two stories possibly have in common, you ask? Commesso was a known coworker and friend of Floyd’s deceased wife and Michael’s mother, Tonya Hughes…aka Sharon Marshall…aka Suzanne Sevakis. 

As this knot of lies, abuse, crime, and evasion from police starts to unravel so does the truth behind just who Tonya is, and how depraved Franklin was. 

Listener Discretion is advised. This is part 2 of a 2 parter over Franklin Delano Floyd. 

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If you’ve watched Netflix's documentary “Girl in the Picture” (2022), you will be familiar with this week’s true crime dive. But do you really know the Oklahoma connections to this story? Franklin Delano Floyd may have a presidential sounding name, but he certainly didn’t have the charm and qualities to go with it. Stemming from a ROUGH childhood, Floyd made multiple life choices that were, well, bad. In part 1, Tiff dives into Franklin Floyd’s troubled past before he really left his mark in Oklahoma’s dark history. 

Listener Discretion is advised. This is part 1 of a 2 parter over Franklin Delano Floyd. 

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This season seems to be all about the school spooks! Jess jumps back into looking for ghosts and haunting tales, but this time, she stops in at the University of Oklahoma. From dog burials in the football field, to a rolling skating spirit in the old infirmary, OU doesn’t disappoint when it comes to keeping it kooky and spooky! As one of the three universities necessary for statehood (UCO, OSU, and OU), its rich tradition is due to its rich, and long history.  

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With the recent tragedy in Baltimore, Maryland involving the Francis Scott Key Bridge, it reminded Tiff of a similar tragedy here in Oklahoma back in 2002…

The morning of Sunday, May 26, 2002, started as a normal day for many, until a tragic bridge collapse on the i40 bridge over the Arkansas River in Webbers Falls, OK shocked everyone. The accident resulted in 14 fatalities, 5 injuries, and extensive damage, with an estimated $30.1 million in losses. The collapse, caused by the captain's loss of consciousness possibly due to an abnormal heart rhythm, had far-reaching impacts, affecting families, communities, and leading to emergency response efforts involving multiple agencies, volunteers, and fishermen. Recovery and reconstruction efforts were swift, showcasing the Oklahoma spirit of unity. 

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Most 21st birthdays are celebrated with fun filled evenings of pub crawls and fun times. At 21, most of us were more worried about where everyone was going Thursday night. No one plans for their 21st birthday to be their last birthday. But for one coed, that’s exactly what it was. Tracey Diane Neilson, born on January 5, 1960, was a woman known for her vibrant personality. She excelled in academics and sports, and exhibited a passion for life. She went on to join Pi Beta Phi Sorority at Oklahoma State University, where she met her future husband, Jeff Neilson, a pre-med student. They married in July 1980, and moved to Moore so Jeff could attend medical school; Tracey transferred to the University of Oklahoma. In the newlyweds’ apartment, on her 21st birthday, January 5, 1981, Tracey was found horrifically stabbed over 20 times. Despite extensive investigations by authorities, including a task force and technological advancements years later, her killer and motive remained elusive. Details emerged about YEARS LATER, but no conclusive leads were generated. Jeff Neilson and Tracey's family continued to seek closure, offering various rewards over the years for any information leading to the apprehension of her murderer. 

Jess’ case this week is an unsolved, cold case. For any information regarding Tracey Neilson's murder, contact the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation at 800-522-8017 or email [email protected].

Sources:

https://oklahomacoldcases.org/tracey-neilson/

https://www.koco.com/article/sister-osbi-continue-to-have-hope-in-solving-40-year-cold-case-of-slain-woman/35172339

https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/cold-case-spotlight/could-missing-key-chain-be-key-solving-travey-neilsons-murder-n394676

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/65142250/tracey-diane-neilson

https://morbidology.com/who-killed-tracey-neilson/

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/columns/2015/07/10/osbi-officials-release-evidence-in-34-year-old-moore-homicide/60735812007/

https://medium.com/@jennbaxter_69070/the-horrific-murder-of-tracey-neilson-46c2e27f0040

Are you a fan of mysterious creatures that may or may not exist? I’m talking, one in the company of wendigos, Moth Man, and BigFoot? Then Tiff has a story for you! The mysterious Pale Crawlers are mystifying entities that emerge at night. These humanoid creatures are thin, pale, and possess sharp claws, long limbs, and large black eyes, appearing fast, stealthy, and smart. They are commonly found in dark and eerie places, especially where evil activities occur, seeking shelter in shadows or dark areas to avoid sunlight that burns their pale skin. Pale Crawlers are known to mimic voices, access memories, and feed off fear, with abilities to camouflage, jump to great heights, and even manipulate thoughts. People encountering them often experience fear, obsession, and nightmares afterward, believing the creatures attach themselves like parasites to their souls. Escaping or combating them is challenging, requiring avoidance of interaction, prayers, and extreme measures like headshots with firearms. So before you decide on a late night stroll, take heed to the many sightings around our state, and decide if that midnight walk is worth it or not…

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It is a bold statement to say that one woman changed the course of rodeo history in Oklahoma, but if anyone fits that description, it is Lucille Mulhall.

Lucille Mulhall, born in 1885, grew up on a ranch in Oklahoma, showing remarkable talent in riding horses and roping at a very young age. Despite her desire to focus on ranch work, her mother insisted she attend school. Lucille's skills with horses and roping led to her becoming a renowned cowgirl, excelling in competitions and eventually performing in Wild West shows alongside notable figures like Will Rogers and Tom Mix. She even gained national attention when Theodore Roosevelt invited her to his inaugural parade.

As Lucille's career blossomed, she traveled extensively, winning competitions and gaining recognition as a skilled horsewoman. She faced challenges, including a decline in her career due to a controversial incident in a Chicago show. Despite setbacks, she continued to break barriers for women in rodeo, establishing herself as a pioneer in the sport and opening doors for future female competitors. So saddle up with Jess as she brings us the remarkable, glass-ceiling shattering COWGIRL Lucille Mulhall!

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