Author Archives: kathousekelli70

Mississippi Bound

Posted on by kathousekelli70

A very productive last two and a half days! Sort of glad we did go back, sorry Elvis, would have loved to have hooked up with you again.

I managed to get a heap of sewing done, underskirt, fiddled with the over skirt and think I'm happy to progress on it now – those two are part of the 'Rose Trellis' I'm making for Helldorado Days but no pics on that until much later. I also had a visit with Tacky Jackie and now have started on her Victorian gown which will be gorgeous in Eggshell and Laurie Pink, a 'Vintage Rose' production. Corset, bodice and skirt tab trim cut out and now have corset for car project (hand sewing).

As I write here in the car after my shift of driving, we are stuck in some sort of traffic or roadwork congestion with a heap of trucks all jostling for position. We've had a good run til now and hope to be in Byhalia, Mississippi by 2.30. Hmm we'll see.

Smokin Guns at Rabbit Ridge commences tomorrow and will catch up with some old friends and make more I hope. Looking forward to it! Love this range.

Have a good one, and a great Memorial Day weekend to all our friends in US and to those at home in Aus, just have an awesome weekend anyway and Happy Birthday Tighan and Fleur Di Lee.

Kat xo

PS we are here, been to the range checked out the Posse lists, checked into Motel, having drinks, and having a laugh! Life is good!! Jack says ditto! Jinx!

 

Judge Parker’s Marshal’s, Fort Smith, AR

Posted on by kathousekelli70

So we whipped on over to Fort Smith, Arkansas last Sat to shoot the Judge Parker's Marshals club match on the Sunday. Was slightly chilly when we got there but we rattled around a few of the shops and settled in to the hotel.

After a good breakfast we went to the range and shot 6 stages with Naildriver, Ambler, Just Charlie, Trail Agent, Trooper Dick, CS Brady, Calloway, Spitoon Paul, Lefty and forgive me if I have forgotten anyone else (think there is a few). Obviously the Saturday is popular with a good turnout the day before but we had enough for a posse and shot anyway!

The sun came out and by the time we were finished shooting you could discard the slicker so we headed out to check out some of the sights. There are some beautiful buildings down Garrison St and we went down to the once popular (late 1800's popular) red-light district.

Miss Laura's, one of the more renowned houses of then Fort Smith's Front Street along the river, is now a tourist information centre with the building having been restored to look like it did in the very early 1900's.

It features some remaining stain glass panels in the entry and all the rest has been reproduced. There is reproduction furniture, and some actual pieces owned by Miss Laura, photos of some of the girls and two lovely ladies who will tell you all the history of the place.

Miss Laura bought the parlour in the district known as “The Row” for a princely sum of $3000, a loan that she repaid in 17months and sold it in 1911 for $47,000.

In 1910 it's said the golden years had passed and politicians were being pressured by the community to clean up Front Street. Some of the other brothels met 'a questionable freak accident' in the January, sending scantily clad ladies and their embarrassed customers into the street and the incident became known as “the night of the lingerie parade” (sounds like a good name for a saloon night!)

Fort Smith was known as “Hell on the Border” , on the edge of Indian Territory, and known for Judge Isaac C. Parker – the Hanging Judge. The present gallows is a reproduction as the original was destroyed after the last execution in 1896. Over 23 years it saw the execution of 86 men in 39 separate executions.

The barracks-courthouse jail, gallows, and courtroom were very interesting lots of information inside about some of the outlaws such as Belle Starr, Dalton and Younger gangs to name a few. Pearl Starr (Belles daughter) also had a brothel lit by a red star light surrounded by lit pearls.

We missed the Fort Smith Museum of History, it's closed Sundays and Mondays, little else to do then between here and Byahlia, Mississippi we headed back home for a couple of days. Next time we will head over on the Friday and catch the Museum and shoot Saturday.

Photos are on my phone so once transferred will add to FB. Check out the links for more info though!

http://www.oldfortgunclub.com/organized-shooting-sports/sass-cowboy-action-shooting/hell-on-the-border-2014/

http://www.fortsmith.org/things-to-do/

http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=1183

We'll be back!

Cheers Kat xo

 

History Centre Revisited

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Wednesday we went back to the History Centre to finish off the Space exhibition, the Allan Houser exhibition and the Red River Journey outside.

Before we got back round to the History Centre we made a short stop at the Veterans Memorial. Located outside the Oklahoman Historical Society building and opposite the State Capitol is a tasteful and amazing memorial to the Oklahoman veterans who have participated in various wars over the years.

Approximately 7800 Oklahomans died in World War II alone. Here those from World Wars I, II, Korea, Vietnam etc are recognised for their service and gave their lives in the process.

The bronze statue at the centre front is amazing in It's detail and the 4 panels, well the photos do not do them justice at all, the detail is incredible.

And of course as we see in Australia and most other War Memorials, the eternal flame.

Don't actually think you can see the flame in the sunlight.

From there we moved on to the History Centre to finish it off. Remember in the first part I mentioned the two Indians (bronze statue at the entrance?) it is called 'Unconquered' made by Allan Houser in 1994.

Inside, it was over to the Space section where Oklahomans are recognised for their contributions to space exploration. Did you know Wiley Post invented the pressurised flight suit?

Here are drawings of the suit.

There were plenty of other pieces of memorabilia like actual Oklahoma flags that went into space, letters from Apollo 13 era from both those in space to those in the control rooms, the actual consoles etc. Rest of the pics will be on Facebook.

We then visited the Allan Houser exhibition, a room full of sculptures and watercolour paintings. What I would describe as colourful, simplistic yet detailed in their nature. They were just gorgeous, different to a Pro Hart, simple/detail but a muted story told. Probably an artist maybe will get what I'm trying to say.

The Red River Journey is an outside exhibition with plaques relating to early history and progression along the Red River, botanical gardens abundant with native plants, trees etc from Oklahoma and the odd statue.

The Red River is what forms the border between Oklahoma and Texas if you didn't know. AND true meridian was found in 1930 after many years of the meridian being back and forth, which is the western side of the state along the panhandle.

Too many photos for blog, will post them on Facebook after I do some collage editing.

Cheers!

Kat xo

 

OK State Capitol and History Centre cont…

Posted on by kathousekelli70

So it's been almost a week since we went to the State Capitol building and the History Centre and I haven't reported back on the History Centre!

Sooo…..after visiting the Tribal Flag Plaza we walked over to the History Centre to see what was within.

Outside both the Capitol and the History Centre are a series of flag poles, 14 in fact, with plaques that recognise each of the flags of Oklahoma before it became the flag it is today. The ones at the State Capitol weren't flying so we were happy to see them all flying when we got to the next stop.

There is also an area recognising the Oil Pioneers as well but we didn't really explore this part as it was a warm day and wanted to get inside in the air con!

At the entrance to the History Centre is a magnificent bronze statue of 2 indian warriors and I must confess I did not get the details of this statue.

We walked in passing the Museum Store and Governor Mary Fallin, first female governor and the 27th governor of the state of Oklahoma. Here was a politician experience like I've not often seen or heard of in Australia. The kids visiting the museum ran up to her straight away and politely asked questions and if they could have their photo taken with her. She listened to each one and then asked her secretary or PA guy to take a photo as well. She had been there for a fairly large function, there was no masses of press hanging around and bumping the kids out of the way and he took photos on his camera, the kids cameras, iPhones etc and the. She talked more with them and their carers before leaving. I was a little amazed to say the least.

Moving into the main foyer is the 'Winnie Mae' hanging up in all her glory. A Locheed Vega single wing aircraft of Wiley Post, achieving his first win in the National Air Race Derby from Los Angeles to Chicago in 1930.

Moving into the museum there is so much to see!! We aren't even finished it yet!

There is 'Oklahoma at the Movies', 'Steamboat Heroine 1838', 'African Americans', 'Military', 'Civil War', 'Oil and Gas', 'Land Run' (and lots more over time), 'Century Chest', 'We Are Who We Are American Indians in Oklahoma', 'Oklahomans and Space' and there is also an outdoor 'Red River Journey'.

In short this museum honours the many people from film and music industry, space, adventure, and native Americans in short, that came from Oklahoma.

So I'm not going to show you some pics as I've got new ideas for costume from a couple of the exhibits for both Jack and I. Sorry folks!

BUT some of the notable characters from Oklahoma? Tom Mix, James Garner, Vera Miles, Joan Crawford, Will Rogers, Alan Ladd, Tony Randall, Chuck Norris, Gary Busey, Brad Pitt, Ed Harris and of course Gene Autry to name but a few (and they are only the ones that I know about prior to visiting, there are so many more great people!!)

I have to feature this bit just for the shirt alone! The Miller Bros, 101 Ranch a large cattle ranch back before statehood in Indian Territory of Oklahoma near modern day Ponca City in 1893. It was the birthplace of the 101 Ranch Wild West Show not only featuring the Miller Bros but others like Lillian Smith, Tom Mix, an elderly Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill.

This stage coach was used as part of the Wild West Shows.

Here is the shirt in question, I feel I will be making a replica at some stage!! it's embroidered, it's fringed and blinged up!

I think my new word is 'dandified' a word or term used by Gene Autry to describe his clothing.

And of course where would we be without Rodgers and Hammerstein's, Oklahoma! Made in 1955.

Now quickly touching on the Steamboat Heroine – a steamboat, 136 feet long, paddled its way up the Red River laden with supplies for US Army stationed at Ft Towson in the Choctaw nation. It hit a submerged log and sank just before reaching its destination in 1838.

It is one of the oldest steamboats to be found, a single piston dual paddlewheel boat, the wreckage was uncovered in a 1999 flood and took around 5 years to recover and restore some of it and collect many personal artefacts from the wreck.

I checked out Kevin Durants size 17 basketball shoes and jersey – Go Thunder! Yes I am following the OK team. Why not?!

There is so so much to be seen in this Museum, I will add more pics on Facebook.

There is lots about Land Run which I love to read about, the Civil War which Jack loves too, way too much to be going on about here but it was another fantastic experience. There is much about outlaws and famous outlaw couples, prohibition as well.

The Century Chest was quite unique and interesting to see. It was a large copper chest that was placed in the floor of the First Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City on April 22, 1913. It was dug up and opened April 22, 2013.

Here is the chest.

The skyline 1913 and 2013. The earlier picture found in the Century chest along with letters, items, shoes, etc

Anyway, as I sit in my recliner writing and pouring through the some 418 photos taken this day, I really must get back to the sewing machine.

We will be returning to the History Centre on Wednesday to finish two other sections so I will cover the Native American area in that one.

Stay tuned!

Kat xo

 

 

What’s Under Your Dress?

Posted on by kathousekelli70

I can't help it but wear the appropriate undergarments when dressing in my Victorian gowns. You just can't do it any other way!

I first learnt from 'Clancy' (First lady I shot with, my friend, a Margarita Sista and my one and only Redneck Sista) about what goes into dressing like a lady, I have since experimented with different patterns etc for my gowns and am getting to find the ones I really like.

I've used a Laughing Moon pattern, a Buckaroo Bobbins pattern and now have tried the Truly Victorian undergarments pattern. I really like this one even though I made mine fairly plain compared to my Buckaroo Bobbins set, they feel really comfortable and I like the little capped sleeve look.

This is the Buckaroo Bobbins ones, yes I use them to shoot in too and have cream, navy and the white set for under gowns also has embroidery done on them as well. These ones have the gusset stitched up though for shooting!!

I decided that I wanted to learn more, you can never get too many tips right? So I found this amazing website Historical Sewing by Jennifer Rosbrugh.

I have learnt some nifty little tips for trim, the ever elusive how much do I need when making ruffles – very handy, and then other things it was like, yep, I do that already and could just crack on with what needed to be done.

I am looking forward to going through the making of hats though!

Any way a bit side tracked there, here are the current version using TV patterns, undergarments, imperial tournure and petticoat.

So now “Kat the 2nd” is ready for the next gown in the making!

Have other orders to fill before that, soon, very soon you will see them in the making ready for Helldorado Days!

Kat xo

For more information about above mentioned sites, patterns etc click on the links below.

http://historicalsewing.com/category/sewing-tips

https://www.trulyvictorian.com/xcart/shop_closed.html

http://www.buckaroobobbins.com

http://www.lafnmoon.com

 

OK State Capitol and History Centre

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Today we went to the State Capitol Building and then onto the Oklahoma History Centre. A full day, reckon we walked 6kms (almost 9miles at a guess) at least!

I love the architecture of a lot of buildings here and this fits that category! Of course everything is detailed and big, but I love it.

The walk leading up to the Capitol is paved with remembrance bricks, a time capsule to be opened in 2075 and paved stars like the common seal. Each star paving has a little bit of Oklahoma history in it. I didn't take photos of all of them but the ones we really liked the history of and of course I had to include the one that says 'the play Oklahoma first opens on Broadway 1943'!!

And a stone replica/monument of the Great Seal.


Oklahoma's name was suggested by a gentleman 'Chief Allen Wright' (real name Kilohote, emigrated with family from Mississippi in 1833-34 prior to the Trail of Tears) of the Choctaw Nation, for the new US Territory created following the Civil War. The Choctaw words “Okla” meaning people, and “Homa” meaning red – or the Territory of Red People.

This is Chief Allen Wright aka Kilihote.

The State Capitol building houses the most gorgeous pieces of art I have seen for some time, Michaelangelo eat your heart out, the paintings in the four corners of the domed building are truly amazing, marble floors and stair cases everywhere.

Now there is one piece that at first took me aback as it wasn't in keeping with all the other beautiful “traditional style” paintings we had seen. It's called Beyond The Centennial, the Artist, Carlos Tello. It adorns the end wall in the Hall of Governors and represents 17 pieces of Oklahoma history and future history. Very clever and it is gorgeous colours.

This is the Governors hall, you can just see the painting at the end.

….and this is the mural.

You can walk anywhere through the building and see Senators and their staff going about their business, very accessible. Looks like you can make an appointment and go see them anytime, all in one place. The Senate and House of Reps rooms, well just their entry's are magnificent as you will see in some of the photos.

The Governor and the Lieutenant Governor offices.

The Senate Chamber

The House of Representatives

In the marble floor is the Oklahoma Common Seal and above you can see the grandeur of the dome which was only added some 85 years after!

There were all sorts of interesting paintings about influential people in the state, the plains and areas surrounding and of course cowboys and cowgirls.

This is Jack standing beside a copy bronze of the one mounted on the top of the Capitol. The Indian warrior carrying an Osage shield.

The final and current state flag was adopted by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Martin Trapp on March 25, 1925.

A young Shawnee native, Louise Fluke, an art student, designed the flag choosing the sky blue background to represent loyalty and devotion. The rawhide shield decorated with 6 crosses to symbolise stars, representing warfare when justified. The lower half fringed with 7 eagle feathers. A peace pipe and crossed olive branch, representing a love of peace by a united people. This is her original entry into the flag competition in 1925.

Outside at the back of the State Capitol building you will find a bronze statue called 'Spirit of the Wind' in an area which opens out onto beautiful lawn, with paths that lead you to the Tribal Flag Plaza. Here each tribe has a flag erected in honour of the Native Americans.

So there you have a tiny piece of history and view into the Oklahoma State Capitol building.

After taking over 400 hundred photos today they won't all be on here or Facebook but will definitely post some more there!

I'm calling it a night, will give you some info regarding the Oklahoma History Centre tomorrow.

Night! Kat xo

 

Arcadia, Route 66

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Thought I would do quick little burst of history seeing as we travel this short stretch of historic highway every time we go out to the range.

To get to the OKC Gun Club and the Territorial Marshal's we actually travel on the Route 66 passing legendary points such as 'Pop's' and 'Arcadia Round Barn' and also a marker signifying Washington Irvings Camp.

Today on our way back from the club picnic (and I mean the whole club, all disciplines – like we've never seen before!) and being such a beautiful day we stopped and read the marker.

Near this particular marker in 1832 Washington Irving and a troop of US Rangers were camped. Apparently hunting wild horses and was written in his book “Ringing the Wild Horse” where he describes the event.

(Photo from website, I didn't get to take a picture)

Next to the Round Barn. Was built in 1898, the owners William and Myra Odor. It is 60 feet in diameter and 45 feet high, the only true round barn as most are hexagonal or octagonal. Originally planned as a barn for livestock and hay, Mr Odor's fellow workers convinced him to upgrade the upper floor to be used for dances etc. Obviously it decayed over time and in 1992 it was a project of restoration for a retired builder named Luther “Luke” Robison.

We couldn't go upstairs today to check out the inside of the roof as there was a private function.

Then we past Pop's with its iconic soda pop bottle out front. I will have to wait until a Tuesday night skeet night at the range before I can get a night time picture of it lit up in all it's neon glory!

Oh and it's half price burgers Tuesdays as well! Yay!

For more info about Arcadia and it's historic landmarks click on the links below.

http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM7F7V_Washington_Irvings_Camp_Arcadia_OK

http://www.arcadiaroundbarn.com/Round_Barn_Website/HISTORY.html

http://route66.com/38.0.html

Cheers Jack n Kat xo

 

Cooking Expo

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Last night we had four wonderful friends over for dinner. Nothing much out of the ordinary you might say BUT I'm still trying to work out a fancy oven and all.

Not one to do things by halves, although keeping it fairly simple, I decided cake would need to be had with coffee after dinner.

Inspired by my daughters new Kitchen Maid and knowing that mine is packed in storage 😦 I thought I would see how my Ninja would tackle the job – having only been used for Margarita slushies prior to this.

Having got everything organised it was time to give it a whirl and see if it would mix effectively and whola! It did! Ha ha ha, who needs a kitchen maid now! (She says with an evil laugh)

Now to test the oven, thank goodness it has a timer on it as I get distracted easily and could have forgotten about it when doing a heap of things at once. This timer doesn't let you forget either it will just keep beeping until you get there to turn it off. (Maybe I had that before but hadn't used it?!)

Now I had to disappoint Melody when she asked about how I 'made' the icing…..I didn't! It was a Betty Crocker one, whip it up a bit and spread it on. Must say it did taste pretty damn good and one could be forgiven to think it was home made. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on and it's done!

So you may ask, what the hell did you have for the rest of the dinner? Ummm forgot to get pics of everything laid out and with guests enjoying it. We had chicken involtini (can't get veal here so had to improvise) – chicken with eggplant and capsicum/red peppers rolled up in it, seasoned sweet potato, corn, peas, dinner rolls. Chicken turned out perfect, sweet potato could have been a little crisper but all in all it worked!

It was a perfect clear evening, just divine, great company and look forward to many more.

Happy cooking (and eating!) Kat xo

 

The “99’s” – Women Pilots

Posted on by kathousekelli70

For all young and not so young women who may have ever been inclined to become a pilot, then this Museum is a must see when you visit Oklahoma! This blog especially for you my 'Royal Australian Airforce Pilot to be' Miss Curstin Prentice.

This museum located at the Will Rogers Airport houses the largest collection of artefacts and material dedicated to women pilots not only in the USA but makes mention of other women being the first in their country and yes Australia is featured with our very own Millicent Bryant and the more famous Nancy Bird-Walton.

The wall of wings is beautiful the floor has the representative mark of the “99's” pin (minus the propellor) and the stained glass detail done like clouds is a gorgeous dedication.

There is a lot on Amelia Earhart, WWII WASP, the “Powder Puff Derby” and much much more.

In 1911, Harriet Quimby became the first ever licensed woman pilot in the USA and was well known for her cameo like appearance and her purple satin flying suits. She became known as the 'Dresden China Aviatrix'.

The “99's” were founded in 1929. The name of the organisation came about from the number of licensed women pilots who first joined as a group. (Therefore an original 99 women out of 129 then registered women pilots?) others joined the club as they became registered.

They created a gorgeous pin as well that was made by Tiffany's no less, with an order of 25 minimum they could get gold plated ones without diamonds for $3 and with diamonds for $6 each 'if the ladies were in a spending mood'!

The first air race derby participated in took a total of 9 days. It was dubbed the “Powder Puff Derby” by Will Rogers, obviously known to be humorous, is said to have caught the ladies looking in their compact mirrors prior to the race. 20 women participated, some finished, some were lost due to illnesses, engine difficulties and even a death from carbon monoxide poisoning. (Marvel Mosson if I'm correct)

They flew from Santa Monica in California ending in Cleveland, Ohio.

A few of the women went on to design appropriate women's flying clothing, like flying suits, jackets and luggage (Amelia Earhart) and the “Foltz-Up” (Edith Foltz), a skirt that folded up into a tunic top whilst flying and then could be quickly converted back to a skirt over your britches when you disembarked from the plane!

There was so much more that I will put the rest of the photos in an album on Facebook. If you are interested in finding more about the Museum or the 99's click on the links below.
http://www.museumofwomenpilots.com
http://www.ninety-nines.org