Now begins a new monthly feature for The Lost Ogle in which we dive into the past, fight through our collective repressed memories, and recall the fine historical events that led to our state becoming what it is today. It's called "This Month in Oklahoma History."
-
Feb. 1, 2011:
Blizzard Slams State, Sets Records
A record-setting blizzard drops over a foot of snow on the state, crippling roads and utility networks. OG&E workers restore power to Edmond and Jenks customers within minutes; residents in rural McCurtain County are still waiting to be added to the grid for the first time.
In response to the disaster, Department of Transportation officials deploy both of the state's salt and sand trucks. Also, that asshat co-worker who just moved from Boston brags that he's the only one who can drive in this.
-
Feb. 2, 1957:
Pawhuska hosts first and last Groundhog Day celebration
In effort to boost the town's image and increase tourism, the city of Pawhuska hosted their first, and last, groundhog day celebration.
"Pawhuska Pete," the diminutive hedgehog that was captured in nearby Bartlesville, saws his shadow, marking both six more weeks of winter. He was then served up for dinner at the Pawhuska Elks Lodge annual jubilee.
-
Feb. 14, 1997:
For the first time in 65 years, the phrase "Let's Go to Bricktown for Valentine's Day" is not uttered in a sleazy voice.
Noting that the blossoming entertainment district had several delicious dining options, Edmond man Steve Kershaw suggested the he and his wife, Linda, visit Bricktown for Valentine's Day.
"In the past, my late night visits to Bricktown usually involved prostitutes or shady drug deals. It feels good to take my wife to this historic, growing entertainment district for a nice night out."
After arriving, the couple settled upon a dinner at the Spaghetti Warehouse.
"It was lovely. The set us in the trolley. It felt very authentic."
-
Feb 19, 1989:
First reported Weather Dong by Mike Morgan
KOCO Channel 5 Meteorologist Mike Morgan became the first weatherman in Oklahoma to be assaulted by a weather dong. It occurred while trying to illustrate a coming band of freezing rain east along the I-40 corridor.
"It was truly revolutionary," Mike said at a luncheon at the National Weather Service. "As it was forming, I knew we were witnessing something revolutionary. That weather dong saved many lives that day."
-
Feb. 21, 1861: A Seer Ahead of His Time
In his regular "My Two Coppers" column in the Choctaw tribal newspaper Bishinik, tribal council member Kellyogloma predicts that the upcoming Civil War will end with Oklahoma native tribes "strong, independent and undisturbed" by whites and that in the future, "residents of this region will have no concern whatsoever as to which person occupies the White House."
He also predicted that the then-new flag of the Confederate States of America "will find neither purchase nor popularity within our territory, for we have no connection with the Southern States."
-
Feb 23, 2011: State employee buys $1,445 Blue Spa Cover for Governor's Mansion Hot Tub
Sadly, that one is real.
-
Badger is TLO's resident fake news satirist. He's a native of Green Country, resident of Moore and a Certified Oklahoma History Instructor. During his career as a journalist, he won four awards from the Oklahoma Press Association who must have been, as he put it, "high enough to go duck hunting with a rake" when they made their decision.
