Author: Beth Case

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma:  

In 1985, Nettie White was approached by Enoch Kelly Haney, State Representative about creating a quilt of the Oklahoma state flower, the Gaillardia, sometimes known as Indian Blanket. Haney wanted a quilt that would represent the state flower and honor Oklahoma’s Native American heritage. White was at the time teaching Home Economics at Konawa High School. White agreed to the project and began work on the quilt in 1986. She finished it in just three months.

White’s quilt was removed and stored for the historic renovations of the Oklahoma State Capitol that took place from 2015-2022. The quilt has recently been re-hung and currently hangs near the visitor entrance at the state capitol. White used her scrapbook to relate the history of the quilt to the historians and preservationists at the Capitol so that they could create a narrative that would soon accompany the quilt display.

Recently, White and friends, all residents of Epworth Villa took a tour of the state capitol. She was able to show the group her quilt and relay the origins of the quilt.

The quilt is a postage stamp quilt with 3,000 pieces. White noted that the five primary colors in the center of the flower represent the Five Civilized Tribes. The border is the Seminole pumpkin blossom and is hand quilted while the rest of the quilt was machine quilted. White had to make a graph of the quilt to ensure the colors were correct.

White said that she was honored to be chosen to create the quilt. In addition to the quilt, White also created a scrapbook that documents the process of its creation. The scrapbook includes photographs, newspaper clippings, and handwritten notes. It is a treasure trove of information about the quilt and its creator.

The Gaillardia quilt is a beautiful and intricate work of art that is a testament to White’s skill and creativity. It is a fitting tribute to the state flower and a reminder of the importance of preserving Oklahoma’s heritage.

Representative Haney’s passion for Native American culture and traditions is also evident in his art. He created The Guardian bronze statue that sits prominently on the Capitol dome. He used his own family members as models for the 17-foot statue. Haney’s own grandfather was chief of the Seminole Tribe in the 1940s.

White’s quilt and Haney’s statue are reminders of the importance of the power of art to connect people to their heritage. They are treasures that will be enjoyed by generations to come.

You can also hear more of White’s story here: https://youtu.be/nfwRvaFUMgg?si=YBty38_LhlvO8ATQ

Recently, residents took a tour of the Oklahoma State Capitol building. They took in all the renovations that were completed in 2022. On the second floor in the Hall of Governors, Resident Mona Mae Waymire took a moment to pose by the bust of her father, Governor Raymond Gary.

Gary served the state as the 15th Governor from 1955-1959. He can be credited for peacefully integrating Oklahoma Schools, thus complying with the Supreme Court’s decision in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case. Gary also abolished segregated bathrooms and drinking fountains in all state buildings and segregation in the National Guard and Crime Bureau.

Gary also accomplished his goal of growing industry in the state and building roads. He will be remembered for creating the Department of Commerce and Industry and building 4,000 miles of highways which helped boost the economy.

To read more about Mona’s father you can head to the Oklahoma Historical Society’s website.

This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

School has started! This summer has gone by so fast, but with the much earlier starting dates than what I remember (usually after Labor Day), there really isn’t much summer, as we used to have it.

I have been very impressed with the love and support that Epworth Villa and the residents have directed to our neighbor to the south, Scissortail Elementary School. This school has nineteen classrooms full of young minds eager to learn the subjects offered, and they are further enhanced by the inter-generational contact with our residents.

We have had residents and staff there to greet the students and parents as they arrive for the new school year. Residents go to the individual classrooms and read to the students and answer endless questions. Epworth Villa furnished snacks for the teachers during work week, provided backpack tags and water bottles with the school logo for all students and staff, and made back-to-school blessing cards for all staff.

As much as we love them, the Scissortail students and staff love us right back. They are already planning to participate in activities at Epworth Villa this year in many ways, from sharing student presentations with residents in Assisted Living and Long-Term Care, to having a costume parade at Halloween, to joining us in the Alzheimer’s Walk.

With the Mission Celebration and Fun Walk last May, the students participated in walking around our lake and enjoying ice cream treats. The money that was raised allowed us to give approximately $111 to each classroom, to purchase permanent books for that class’s library, and to allow students to participate in Book Fair who otherwise would not be able.

The fun Block Party that we had on August 11, raised money for school supplies. Our Religious Life Committee also gave additional money for the beginning of school initiatives.

God, and hard work, have blessed our residents to be financially able to help in this manner at the school. God loves all the children, as do we. Bless you all for being so generous with your time and resources. God Bless all the children and the teachers, as these precious children are our future.