LawtonSpring2022

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4 lawton living magazine Contents On the Cover 12 ENGRAINED As a lifelong learner, Dr. Don Phillips continues to discover beauty and character in the world around him. 34 22 ARMY OF HOPE The Salvation Army & Boys and Girls Club of Lawton welcome new captains, Jake and Liz Law. 30 HOMETOWN GRADUATES Take a look at a fewof themany area high school and collegegraduates. Join us incongratulating themwithprayers&wellwishes in their futureendeavors. HOMETOWNWEDDED BLISS Announcing the marriage of Colleen Gaasbeck and Austin Turner. 44 BUFFALO SOLDIERS “WE CAN, WEWILL, READY AND FORWARD” The Lawton Fort Sill Chapter of the 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry are preserving history and serving the community. HOMETOWN COOKIN’ Try this delicious recipe for all your upcoming get togethers. 41

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6 lawton living magazine Contents 60 HOUSES TELL STORIES The Mattie Beal House preserves Lawton’s history 48 LIFE READY A look at the new educational hub that is provided to Lawton’s high school students and engaging the community. 20, 66, 78 HOMETOWNHAPPENINGS TRAVEL GUIDE This year, take a drive to some surrounding towns and don’t be surprised if you feel a world away. 62 BIRD’S EYE VIEW For those seeking a unique getaway, the Birdhouse Cottages are not only a heartwarmingwork of art, but also the work of a local couple with a heartwarming story. 70

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10 lawton living magazine Lawton Living Magazine© is published semi-annually by Hometown Living, LLC. hometownmedia.group 502 NMain Street PMB 116 | Weatherford, TX 76086 817.599.6167 | PROUDLY PRINTED IN THE USA All rights reserved. Copies or reproduction of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without expressed written authorization from the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising is subject to omission, errors, and other changes without notice. WRITERS Ellen Slater Rebecca Sanchez Connie Lewis Leonard Susan Turner Avery Pullin PHOTOGRAPHERS The Shutter Sisters Glenn Archer Photography CREATIVE | DESIGN Susan Avery, Lead Robin Harrison, CG2 CLIENT RELATIONS Lindsey Kruger content@hometown-living.com PUBLISHERS Matt&Heather Martin matt@hometown-living.com Casey & Trisha Perkins casey@hometown-living.com DIGITALMARKETING Tia Minzoni ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Bobbie Fulks PROGRAMLEADER Ashly Caffee OPERATIONS LEADER Amy Shippy Matt Martin Have you ever felt stuck in a rut and you didn’t know how to get out? Is it possible that the answer could be simplified through one word? It has been my experience that success doesn’t just happen on its own. Success follows growth! There is no substitute for growth and the importance of continuously pursuing it with intentionality. Whether it’s personal, professional, or financial, growth is imperative to achievemaximumresults. James Penny said, “Growth does not happen bymere chance, but only by intentional forces working together.” We are fast at work here at HometownMedia Group/LawtonLiving pursuing growth and stress testing our systems for efficiency by looking forways to improve. Specifically, with the help of our newDigital Branch. Have you ever considered digital or printmarketing? Both have proven results we would love to discuss. We are looking to grow our Lawton Living teamand have openings for Sales Executives in the Southwest Oklahoma region. Give us a call to learn more 325-668-6662. Do you want to see your name in print? As always we want to use local writers and photographers so reach out today to learnmore. Focusing on pushing yourself to lean into resistance and pursue the best possible outcome in your circumstance is a great way to ensure your success. I like to think ofmy growthplan as buckets. Eachbucket represents an area in my life that is important to me. Things like family, finance, work, physical fitness and spirituality are all “buckets” that I want to make sure I add to every day! The world is taking from our buckets all the time through distractions that are inevitable. The only true way to circumvent your bucket from becoming empty is by pouring into each one on a consistent basis. I have had times in my life when I felt like I was “stuck in a rut” and thankfully I have surrounded myself with people that are very driven and have encouraged me during those times to double down onmy efforts of working towards becoming the best version of myself in ALL areas of my life. Matt, Heather, Gatlyn (10), Georgia Lee (7) & Guy David (3) Martin Diane Lundgren, has prayed this over our family {based onProverbs 3:1-10} through the years & I want to share it with you. Our Prayer for you in 2022 & always… O Lord, I pray that neither I nor my children and grandchildren would forget Your teaching. But let our hearts keep Your commandments, for length of days and years of life, and peace that will be added to us. Do not let kindness and truth leave us, bind them around our neck, write them on the tablet of our hearts. So we will find favor and good repute in Your sight, O God, and bring glory to You before man. May we trust in the Lord with our whole heart and not lean on our own understanding. In all of our ways may we acknowledge Him, so He will make our paths straight. Let us not be wise in our own eyes but fear the Lord and turn away from sin and evil. That this would be healing to our body and refreshing to our bones. May we honor Thee, O Lord, from the wealth that is Yours and from the first of all our produce that You provide us. In Jesus’ Name we Pray. Amen Wishing you lots of laughs in 2022, Publisher’s Note ON THE COVER Graduate, Barbara Monessy photo by The Shutter Sisters

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Engrained... AS A LIFELONG LEARNER, DR. DON PHILLIPS CONTINUES TODISCOVER BEAUTY ANDCHARACTER INTHEWORLD AROUNDHIM. WRITTEN BY SUSAN TURNER | PHOTOS BY GLEN ARCHER PHOTOGRAPHY Having devoted his life to teaching, specifically in the field of technical education, Dr. Don Phillips of Lawton, remains keenly engaged in the study of life. At the age of 89, a timewhenmost people have long closed the book on acquiring newskills, Dr. Phillips enjoys a hobby begun in his early 80s. From the unmatched beauty of natural wood, heproduces amazingworks of art throughaprocess knownas “turningbowls”. Hefinds blessing not only in thehours spent craftingone-of-a-kindpieces, but in the generous sharingwithothers the finishedwork of his hands. Dr. Phillips graduated from high school in Haskell, Oklahoma in 1950. Having joined the National Guard as a junior, he spent the next two years after graduation on guard tour that included travels to Japan and Korea. In 1952 he enrolled at Oklahoma State University. “I was in Future Farmers of America inhigh school,” he says. “I learned a great deal throughFFA, not only in production agriculture, but in leadership. We made trips to the OSU campus through those activities, and that experience iswhat drewme toOSU.” Donenjoyedmanybenefits inattending 12 lawton living magazine

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14 lawton living magazine OSU, but says thebestwasmeetinghiswife, Retha. They would spend the next 63 years building a life together. Don earned a degree in Industrial Arts Education from OSU, a course of curriculumwhere he first learned the process of “turning”. Upon graduation in 1956, Donwent to Tulsa where he worked in aircraft design. He laid his woodworking aside, not knowing almost 30yearswould pass before he picked it up again. In 1962, Donstarted teachingdesigndrafting inhigh school. From1964-1979hewasapart-timeandthena fulltime faculty member at OSU, teaching in the College of Education. His assignment was preparing teachers to be instructors in technical schools. It was here that the foundational experiences of his life and his personal calling merged into one. “I devoted my life to technical education.” Don later acceptedapositionat CameronUniversity inLawtonwhere he retired asAssociate Provost in 1998. To this day, pride inhis CameronAggies remains strong. “Cameron has such an interesting history. There are peoplefromallovertheworldwhohavecometoCameron and benefited from its educational opportunities.” CAMERON HAS SUCH AN INTERESTING HISTORY. THERE ARE PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD WHO HAVE COME TO CAMERON AND BENEFITED FROM ITS EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES.” “

15 Inhis early 80s, Don’s interest inwoodworkingwas piqued while visiting his sister in Gainesville, Texas. Her husband enjoyed woodworking, and Don decided itwas time to take it up, again. “CameronUniversityhad a wood shop in the early 1920s,” he recalls. “When the wood shop closed, a friend of mine bought the lathe. He set it aside, and it stayed in an alley for some time. I bought it from him, got it back in shape and sat it up inmy garage. Fortunately, Retha did not mind the dust. When I first started, I ordered wood from Iowa, and I made Christmas ornaments. When I started turning bowls, and my friends found out, I would get up in the morning andfindwood onmy front porch. I don’t think I have ever purchasedwood for bowls.” A genuine humility comes across from Don, “I am not really good at turning,” he says. “A good turner does very little sanding, as I do.” Generous with his time and his talent, Don shares his skill with others. “I taught my oldest son and two or three others to turn bowls. I started a young man at the age of 14, and through the yearshehas really gottengoodat it.” I asked if he sought out certainwoods for his bowl projects. “I just look for a piece of wood. Mesquite is my favorite for how it turns and how it turns out when finished. I tell my students toplan their bowls, but I don’t do that. I amnot anartist; I am a technician. I just let the wood turn and let the bowl take its own shape and colors. It is amazing what you can do and what you find. If there is a flaw, I fill the space with other material that hopefully becomes part of the uniqueness and the appeal.” Don’s talents as a craftsman are not limited to turning bowls. “I have made several small pieces of furniture and trimmed houses,” he says. “I re-did every WHEN I STARTED TURNING BOWLS, AND MY FRIENDS FOUND OUT, I WOULD GET UP IN THE MORNING AND FIND WOOD ON MY FRONT PORCH. I DON’T THINK I HAVE EVER PURCHASED WOOD FOR BOWLS.” “

housewe ever lived in. My childrenwere raised on saw dust.” Agreat sense of humor is amonghismany gifts. “I triedfishing, but Iwasmore interested in catching than in fishing.” One of Don’s great gifts to others in his advanced years is his enduring patience with, and appreciation of, youngpeopleheencounters. As a stewardof the good healthwithwhichhehasbeenblessed,hestepsoutevery dayonawalk that keepshimstrongandhealthy. Onthat route, heoccasionallyencounterspeoplemuchyounger, but as he says, often wiser. “A lot of the things I have learned in life I learned from kids.” His heart for kids and for lending ahand to those aroundhimis evident in his accounting of one of themostmemorablemoments of his teaching career. “I had a student at Cameron that started college in her 40s. She drove 60 miles to attend class. I made it a point to call on each of my students daily, and she was scared to death to speak in class. She gradually overcame this, and we became good friends. I admired her a great deal for what she accomplished. She later joined the Cameron faculty, and we worked together for some time.” There are many parallels to the finer points of turning bowls and the finer points of helping a fellow traveler along the way, both occupations to which Don Phillips has devoted his life. Each of these endeavors takes a precious commodity—time, and the smallest attention to detail canmake a big difference. It can take years for a hardwood to produce the grains that make a bowl lovely andunique, as it does for a life to achieve its full fruition. The goal of each is ultimately to become appreciated both for natural formand function. Dr. Don Phillips was born in eastern Oklahoma. Raised on a 40-acre tenant farm that produced a Depression-era living for a family of eleven children, he was shaped by the circumstances life presented. It was natural that he grasped early on the concept that the best place to find a helping hand was at the end of his arm. Blessed with resourceful, self-reliant parents, he grew up knowing that one’s hands have the ability not only to sow life sustaining seed, but also to reap a hundred-fold life’s blessings of purpose, creativity and the sharing of giftswithour fellowman.Whether inhis family, his life’s vocation as a teacher, his avocation as a wood crafter or through insightful conversations with neighborhood children encountered on his daily walk, Dr. Phillips finds inspirationand fulfillment that define ‘a life well-lived.’ † THERE ARE MANY PARALLELS TO THE FINER POINTS OF TURNING BOWLS AND THE FINER POINTS OF HELPING A FELLOW TRAVELER ALONG THE WAY, BOTH OCCUPATIONS TO WHICH DON PHILLIPS HAS DEVOTED HIS LIFE.

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18 lawton living magazine Hilliary Estates 15 minutes from Lawton 14 miles from Comanche County Memorial Hospital Elgin Public Schools • Fiber Internet • Natural Gas Call Dustin at (580) 574-1271 for more info Lots starting at $52,000 Homes ranging from 3,500 to 7,500sqft CUSTOM HOMES in Comanche County Beautiful

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20 lawton living magazine hometown | happenings unior League of Lawton partnered with Chick-fil-A to read to Pre-K through 1st grade students at Pat Henry Elementary on March 2, 2022, for Read Across America Day. The students enjoyed a book about a super cow and met Chickfil-A’s cow. Chick-fil-A also provided cookies for all the students and Junior League provided books for every student to take home. One of Junior League’s impact areas is advancing childhood education, and this was a wonderful event for all involved! READ ACROSS America DAY

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22 lawton living magazine Army Officers Captains Jake and Liz Law

23 hometown living at its best Salvation Army Officers, Captains Jake and Liz Law, were thrilled with their latest assignment as it brings themback to their home state of Oklahoma. The couple both grew up in the Broken Arrow/Tulsa area. In fact, Jake was working at the Broken Arrow Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club when he and Liz met in 1999. “After meeting Jake and seeing the great work The Salvation Army/ Boys Club was doing I began volunteering there in 2000,” said Liz. “ The next year, I was hired on as a full-time receptionist and administrative assistant.” Fast forward 15 years and two children later, and the couple felt theyweren’t doing everything Godwanted them to. “It was at this point that we heard our calling to attend Seminary School in Georgia,” explains Liz. “We picked up andmoved to Atlanta where the Evangeline Booth College is located.” All Salvation Army officers are also ordained ministers who attend the Atlanta ARMY OF Written by ELLEN S LATER Photos by GLEN ARCHER PHOTOGRAPHY Hope The Salvation Army & Boys and Girls Club of Lawton welcome new captains, Jake and Liz Law.

24 lawton living magazine lived on campus with their children, Jaylyn and Easton. “The college is located in the center of Atlanta which is actually one of the poorest parts of town,” said Jake. “We didn’t have to go far to help those inneed. Our years in Atlanta prepared us for the future with a lot of hands-on training.” After completing seminary school, Jake and Liz served as officers first inWilson, North Carolina and next in Gaffney, South Carolina. They were re-assigned to Lawton last summer. According to Jake, the local organization helps the neediest in the county by providing a Boys and Girls Club, a soup kitchen, shelter, Family Thrift Store and a church (corps). The Boys and Girls Club School aged children can attend Summer Day Camp, the After School Program, and participate in sports activities which run seasonally throughout the year. During summer camp, youngsters take field trips to area attractions. “The kids also get physical activity through sports and games, participate in arts and crafts, a reading program. and achieve community service,” saidLiz. “Last summer, our attendance averagedabout 60-80childreneachday.”Onceschool begins, theorganizationprovidesafter During summer camp, youngsters take field trips to area attractions. “The kids also get physical activity through sports and games, participate in arts and crafts, a reading program. and achieve community service.”

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27 hometown living at its best school care for youngsters 5-12 years old. Older students participate in the Counselors in Training program where they’re taught everyday skills such as how to set a budget, along with how to fellowship with younger children, andaccomplishcommunity service. “We’re excited about our youth programs this year,” said Liz. “We’re in the process of hiring a newBoys and Girls Club Director.” Housing for the Homeless The Salvation Army’s mission statement reads in part: “We help cure hunger and homelessness for people of all ages as well as individuals and families who may be down on their luck. In addition to addressing the immediate symptoms of food insecurity, our programs are designed to help identify and treat its root cause. Thisholisticapproachthat focuses on the physical, mental and spiritual needs of each person helps move many to heal.” To that end, theLawtonShelter consists of 40 beds housed in the Men’s, Women’s and Family dorms. The shelter is open 365 days per year and dinner is served each evening at 6 p.m. Those housed in the shelter meet with a social services caseworker who works oneon-one with clients to provide such things as job training, and resume updates. “One of the new programs we’re excited to begin here is ‘BridgesOut of Poverty’ ,” saidJake. “We’vehad success with this program at other locations throughout the country.” Soup Kitchen Both the Shelter and Soup Kitchen are headed up by Director James Belville and are staffed almost entirely by volunteers from local churches and other organizations, such as the Women’s Auxiliary. Volunteers at the soup kitchen provide hot meals every evening, all year-round. “In the past we’ve had great support fromthe students and staff at Cameron University,” said Jake. “Students volunteer at the shelter and soup kitchen as a way to complete their senior internship programs.” Volunteers at the soupkitchen provide hotmeals every evening all year-round. “In the past, we’ve had great support fromthe students and staffat CameronUniversity,”

28 lawton living magazine Thrift Store The Thrift Store sells everything from clothing, to furniture, to dishes, and decorations. “We receive donations from generous members of our community, our volunteers sort through and price the items, which we then sell at very discounted prices,” states Liz. “Every penny wemake at the Thrift Store, we put right back into our shelter, soup kitchen and pantry.” Worship Services Church services are held every Sunday at the Corps (church) located on The Salvation Army Campus at 1306 S.W. E Avenue in Lawton. Breakfast is provided before worship service and lunch is served immediately after. “Ministering to our clients is a huge part of our responsibility as pastors,” said Liz. “One of my favorite aspects of this job is fellowshipping with the brokenhearted people who come in here. Listening to them, prayingwith themand assisting themas they’re trying to get back on their feet. It’s very rewarding to be able to give themhope.”AndJakeagrees. “Whenyou’reapastor/officer, youwear many hats. Some days I’mcalled to pick up kids at school and get themhere for our after- school program, other days I’mtrackingdownpropane for the shelter/soup kitchen,” he laughs. “It’s always anadventure.We felt so at home our first night in Lawton. We’re looking forward to the future here. † For more information or to volunteer at The Salvation Army call the office at 580-355-1802. “Every pennywemake at the Thrift Store, we put right back into our shelter, soup kitchen and pantry.” store

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30 lawton living magazine Take a look at a few of the many area high school and college graduates. Join us in congratulating them with prayers & well wishes for their future endeavors. Contact our office for information on being featured in our next Hometown Graduates spotlight. Email: content@hometown-living.com 1 Hometown Graduates 3 5 7 6 2 4

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34 lawton living magazine frican Americans fought with bravery and honor in all of America’s military engagements. During the Civil War, more than 180,000 African Americans wore the Union Army blue. Another 30,000 served in the Navy, and 200,000 served as workers on labor, engineering, hospital and othermilitary support projects. More than33,000of thesebrave soldiers gave their lives for the sakeof freedomand their country. Following theCivilWar, the39th Congressenacted“anAct to increaseandfix the MilitaryPeaceEstablishment of theUnitedStates.” This created the establishment of the 9th and 10th Calvary regiments and the 38th, 39th, 40th, and 41st US Infantry regiments to be composed of “coloredmen.” Inthespringandsummerof 1867, the9th and10th Calvaryunitsmovedtoremote outposts on the western frontier, fromMontana in the Northwest to Texas, New Mexico and Arizona in the Southwest. During more than two decades of intense engagements, thePlains Indians gave themthename “Buffalo Soldiers”—perhaps because their dark, curly hair resembled the fur of the buffalo or because their bravery and ferocity in battle reminded the Indians of the buffalo. Whatever the reason, the soldiers considered thename complimentary sincebuffalowerehighly revered by the Native peoples of the Great Plains. Eventually, the image of buffalo became part of the 10th Calvary’s regimental crest. Buffalo Soldiers “We can, we will, ready and forward” THE LAWTON FORT SILL CHAPTER OF THE 9TH AND 10TH HORSE CAVALRY ARE PRESERVING HISTORY AND SERVING THE COMMUNITY. A A Written By CONNIE LEWIS LEONARD Photos provided by THE LAWTON FORT SILL CHAPTER OF THE 9TH AND 10TH (HORSE) CAVALRY

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36 lawton living magazine Initially, theBuffaloSoldierswerecommanded bywhites.Despitetheirdedicationandloyalty, they experienced extreme racial prejudice within the Army establishment and at the hands of civilians. These attitudes restricted them to service west of theMississippi River. The Buffalo Soldiers supported westward expansion by protecting settlers, cattle herds and railroad crews. They built roads and guarded the USmail. CathayWilliams,whohadservedasacook for theUnionArmy, disguisedherself as amanand enlistedwith the Buffalo Soldiers under the name William Cathy. She served for two years until she became ill, and her true identity was discovered. Shewas dischargedwithout a pension. During the IndianWars, eighteenBuffaloSoldiers received the Medal of Honor, which paved the way for black The Buffalo Soldiers supported westward expansion by protecting settlers, cattle herds and railroad crews. They built roads and guarded the US mail.

37 hometown living at its best officers. HenryO. Flipper became thefirst AfricanAmerican to graduate from West Point Military Academy. Despite his accomplishments, he faced harassment, isolation and false accusations. Colonel Grierson and the Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry accompanied Major General Sheridan on January 8, 1869, when he staked out the Camp Wichita site, which later became Fort Sill. The Buffalo Soldiers constructed many stone buildings still in use surrounding the old post quadrangle at present day Fort Sill. After the IndianWars, troopers of the 9th and 10thRegiments fought inCubaparticipating in the Spanish-AmericanWar’s famous charge on Kettle andSanJuanHill. After Cuba, the 10th Calvary rode withGeneral JohnJ. Pershing inpursuit of Poncho Villa. By 1941, the two Cavalry regiments formed the 4th Cavalry Brigade. In 1942, the United States Army took the horses away from other Cavalry units. However, the Buffalo Soldiers kept their horses until 1944. African Americans continued meritorious serviceeventhoughtheArmywasnot fully integrated until after the Korean conflict. The 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association held ameeting in 1966, inKansas City, Missouri. A group of former cavalrymen got together to talk about their military heritage and unique military experiences. This group of veterans wanted to insure that information about the exploits and accomplishmentsof theoriginal blackcavalrymen wouldnot diewith them. The 9thand 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association was formed with annual reunions held at different locations throughout the nation.

38 lawton living magazine Lawton Chapter The 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association came to Lawton, Oklahoma in 1996 for their annual reunion. TheAssociationwanted tovisit the place that was one of the areas where the 10th Cavalry occupiedandbuilt apost. Inearly1997, severalmen decided to form a Chapter in Lawton. By October, the Lawton Fort Sill Chapter of the 9th and 10th (Horse)CavalryreceivedtheirCharter. Lawtonalso boasts the only Buffalo Soldier Statue in the state located intheBuffaloSoldiersHeritagePlazaat 2nd Street and Gore Boulevard. Theoriginalmembers that started thechapter inLawtonFort Sill areWallaceC.MooreSr.,Wilbur (Sam) Samuels, Tiger Gaines, and Herb Foster, just to name a few. The six Chapter Presidents are Wallace C. Moore Sr., first President, Fred Grey, Andre Q. Williams, Wilbur (Sam) Samuels, Robert L. McClain, and current President, Tony Washington. Robert L. McClain, former Chapter President, said, “The people of the Chapter becamemembers because we participate in many community serviceprojects, andourmission is topreserve the history and legacy of the Buffalo Soldier. I became amember so that I couldbepart of anorganization that is historical and keeps the history of themen that blazed a trail for me as a soldier in the United States Army.”

39 hometown living at its best 156th Annual Buffalo Soldier Reunion The Lawton Fort Sill Chapter of the 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry Association is proud and honored to host this year’s Annual Buffalo Soldier reunion with the theme ‘Guardian of the Plains’. Trooper Walter Brooks has done a fantastic job as the Chairperson. Festivitieswill beginonJuly 25th and go until July 30th, 2022. The agenda is loaded with many fun-filled events including: a Golf tournament on Fort Sill Golf Course, numerous informative workshops, a variety of meetings, the chapter presidents’ workshops, a general membershipmeeting and became members because we participate in many community service projects, and our mission is to preserve the history and legacy of the Buffalo Soldier. The people of the Chapter

the ladies auxiliarymeetingswill be held. Therewill also be a guided tour of Lawton/ Fort Sill and the museums located in Lawton and the Old Post quadrangle on post. On July 30th at 7 PM, there will be a black-tie banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn, and the invitation is extended to the public. The cost is $50 per person and will include a dinner and a guest speaker. All 34 Chapters are expected to be in attendance.” The public is invited to attend the reunion. For more information, contact Robert.mcclain50@yahoo.com. If you are interested in the Chapter visiting your school or organization to tell the story of the Buffalo Soldier from1866to1944, contact lawton_sill_buffalo_soldiers@ yahoo.com. They also provide a color guard for various groups in Lawton. † The Black, the Blue and the Gold Wr i t t en By WALLACE MOORE There was six regiments, these so called sons of Africa, who wore this blue and this gold. It is a shame that history has failed to properly record their gallant deeds but now at long last their story is being told. Maybe it was their curly black hair all covered with dust, that reminded the Indians of the hair of the buffalo. Maybe that’s why they call them the Buffalo Soldiers, anyway, that’s just the way the story goes. They served all across the American frontier, from Colorado all the way to old Mexico. Places like Leavenworth, Riley, Sill, David, Huachuca, not to forget Old Fort Concho. Just a bunch of American boys doing their jobs for a people, who mostly didn’t care. Their enemies were both red and white, danger for them could be found almost everywhere. They crossed their sabers with the war lances of every nomadic tribe in the West. Their enemies were numerous, but not one ever said that when they left the field of battle they were not given their very best. Eighteen enlisted men received the Congressional Medal of Honor by the end of the Spanish AmericanWar, and three had graduated fromWest Point on the Hudson Bay. They were just an experiment that was meant to last for five years, but in the end, they produced four regiments, two of infantry and two of Calvary, that came to stay. They may freeze to death in some long treacherous winter’s march, or they may die of thirst with their tongues swollen in the desert sun. But no matter what the trouble, be it outlaws or Indians, they always came on the run. They would be embarrassed if they knew that you thought of them as heroes, they only wanted to be thought of as men. They are gone now, just their ghost remain, we will never see their kind again. Lawton’s National Buffalo Soldiers 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association historian, Wallace Moore, is a writer and at times performer of Cowboy Poetry. He shared this poem from his book Ebony Horse Soldiers (2nd edition copyrighted in 2013), which is a compilation of poems focused on Buffalo Soldiers. 40 lawton living magazine

Ingredients: • 3 cups cold milk • 2 pkg. (4-serving size each) banana cream instant pudding mix • 1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided • 30 NILLA Wafers • 3 medium bananas, sliced Directions: 1. Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk for 2 minutes. or until well blended. Let stand 3 minutes. Gently stir in 1-1/2 cups of the whipped topping. 2. Place 15 of the wafers on bottom of 2-qt. serving bowl. Top with layers of half each of the bananas and pudding mixture. Repeat layers ending with pudding mixture. Cover with remaining whipped topping. 3. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator. PREP 15min | TOTAL TIME 1hr15min | SERVINGS 14 Banana Pudding 41 hometown living at its best hometown cookin’

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44 lawton living magazine The Wedding of COLLEEN GAASBECK & AUSTIN TURNER NOVEMBER13 , 2021 Their Story Colleen and Austin are long time residentsof Lawton/Fort Sill andCache. Whilehome inLawton on Christmas break, Coleen went out with friends to Red Dirt Reloaded Bar and Grill and that’s where their story begins. Austin happened to be out that same night with friends. Colleen could not believe that she had never met or heard of thishandsome, nice guy, even though theyhadmutual friends. They hit it off right away and continued dating while Colleen lived in Dallas and Austin finished up his degree at Cameron University.Whenthingsstartedgettingserious, Colleendecided tomovebacktoLawtonandtakea jobforLawtonPublicschools. Twoyears after theymet, Austinproposedat that samebar and grill with both his family and Colleen’s family in attendance. Colleen is the daughter of Colonel (Ret.) Paul and JoAnne Gaasbeck. Colleen spent her childhood living on Fort Sill, and on the west side of Lawton. She is a graduate of Eisenhower High School, University of Oklahoma, Boston University and most recently Cameron University. She is currently employed as an ESL teacher at Eisenhower High School. Austin is the son of Fabian and Cynthia Turner and is a graduateof CacheHighSchool andCameronUniversity. Austin is currently employed as a government civilian on Fort Sill. The couple traveled to St. Lucia for their honeymoon.

45 hometown living at its best Keeping it Local When Austin and Colleen got engaged, they both knew they wanted to keep their wedding local to Lawton.Withmany couples choosing wedding venues outside of Lawton, Colleen andAustin felt it was important to support the town they grew up in by using as many local vendors as possible. On November13, 2021, 185 guests joined the couple to celebrate their nuptials. Photographer: Epic Productions Bridal Portrait location: The Historic Mattie Beal Home Ceremony: First Baptist Church Officiant: Wesley Zimmerman Reception: Hilton Garden Inn Floral Arrangements: Scott’s House of Flowers, Jeremy Lohman Cakes: Delaney’s Soul Food & Cake Hair and Make-up: Native Roots Salon, owner Marina Peterson Tuxedo Rental: Crutcher’s Western Wear Personalized Gifts and Decor: Katie Couture, owner Katie Coughran Signage and Programs: JoAnne Gaasbeck, printed at Lawton UPS Store Limo Rental: Danny Morales Ceremony Music: Brayden Hatch Photobooth: Enchanted Mirror, operated by Erin Cox

Come for our cooked-to-order Breakfast with waffles, pancakes, French toast and much more! Open everyday 6am-10am. For Lunch you can enjoy our Soup and Salad Bar with Panini’s Open Monday-Friday 11am-2pm. Our restaurant offers a seasonal Dinner menu and nightly specials where our Chef can offer his culinary creations. Open everyday 4pm-10pm. Happy Hour or After Hours visit our full-service Bar and Lounge with patio seating. Open everyday 4pm-11pm. Come and experience the Hospitality in everything we do! We have 20,000 square feet of Convention Space including a beautiful Ballroom. Plan your next event with us and see how we can help you bring your event to the next level! Call 580.280.2106 to book a tour of our beautiful property. A stylish Hotel in the heart of Lawton-Fort Sill with 162 spacious rooms, fitness center, business center, on-site laundry, outdoor pool and spa. A complimentary shuttle service to and from the Lawton airport. 135 NW 2nd Street, Lawton, OK 73501 | 580.280.2100 | Lawton.hgi.com “Simply on Another Level”

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48 lawton living magazine A PLACE WHERE STUDENTS ARE SOARING, CLEARING THE WAY, AND RISING UP WRITTEN BY AVERY PULL IN / PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LRC A look at the new educational hub provided to Lawton’s high school students and the community. THIS PAGE: T'Jharrah Goynes of MHS working on an art project. OPPOSITE PAGE TOP LEFT Nakala Johnson of EHS works on an assignment for Photography class. TOP RIGHT Ben Lewis of EHS builds his own drone froma kit in the Renewable Energy class. BOTTOM Brooklynn Benight of MHS working on an art project. Life Ready THE CENTER

49 hometown living at its best Soaring into a New Opportunity In early 2021, Superintendent Kevin Hime and Mrs. Charlotte Oates found themselves immersed in conversation about Lawton Public School’s greatest need. They knew they needed to find a way to equalize the opportunities the district offered to students, and Mrs. Oates discussed the desire for a STEM center that could benefit the whole district. Immediately Mr. Hime knewthis combinationwouldbe awinning ticket for both Lawtonstudents and the community, andhe chargedMrs. Oates with getting started right away. Withineightmonths,Mrs. Oates andher teampulled togetherwhat has become a beacon of premier education in Oklahoma. Over the course of the first school year they were open (2021-2022), the Life Ready Center offered 21 classes complete with multiple centers of excellence: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), STEAM (STEM + Art), University, AP, and Career Tech. The 20222023 school year will see an additional 39 class offerings. Clearing the Way for Learning Students from each of Lawton’s three high schools attend the Life Ready Center for a portion of the day. However, even if a student takes a course at LRC, they still maintain their home campus. All sports and extracurricular activities are in conjunction with the home campus where they potentially compete against their classmates from the Life Ready Center. Mrs. Oates notes, “Whenweplay sports, we are all adversaries. In this building, all 3highschoolsmaybe inclass together, so they go fromcompetitors to companions.”

50 lawton living magazine While no students are permanently assigned to LRC, some teachersonlyholdclassesonthis campus. Onegreat benefit of having the Life Ready Center is to offer these high-level, high-skill courses for all Lawton students creating equality across the district. For example, the district may not be able to hire three full-time French teachers for eachof themaincampuses, but they canhire one French teacher who serves the entire district from LRC. This same designcanwork for thenumerous course offerings provided. For the 2022-2023 school year, the class list shows a range of courses from Introduction to Engineering to the Comanche Language. Students can take meteorology, AV Media, Floral Design, AP Government and Politics, Livestock Production, and somuchmore. For a complete list of courses, students can work with the counselor at their home campus. Rising Up with the Community WhilestudentsatLawtonPublicSchoolsbenefit from this new educational hub, the community is also invited tobe part of itsmanyofferings. The campus houses anart gallery, coffee bar, and dining hall. Communitymembers are welcome to tour the campus and eat lunch upon making a formal request through the front office. Throughout the year the LifeReadyCenter alsoplays host to a number of community events. For example, the Transition Fair allows Special Education students aged 18-21 a chance tomeetwithbusinesses inLawtonandfind ways they can be employed in the community. Groups One great benefit of having the Life Ready Center is to offer these high-level, high-skill courses for all Lawton students creating equality across the district. Mia Flores of MHS

51 hometown living at its best such as the Lion’s Clubs, Rotary Clubs, AMBUCS, and the Chamber of Commerce host meetings on the campus. With three available conference rooms, the community is invited to utilize this space. Even the National Math and Science Institute (NMSI) hasused the campus to trainmiddle schoolmath, science, and English teachers. NMSI has acknowledged that Lawton is on the leading edge with a facility of this magnitudestating theyarenot awareof anythingelse like it in other school districts. An agricultural mechanic shop will be built due to the generous support of theMcMahon Foundation. This type of community partnership is what makes Lawton PublicSchools theplacewhereequalityandexcellence in educationcan thrive. It is aplacewheredreams that form fromconversation canmorph into a center of excellence for Lawton’snearly 14,000 students. AplacewhereEagles soar,Wolverines clear theway, andHighlanders riseup. † THIS PAGE TOP Robert Edwards of EHS building his Mobi robot in Robotics class. BOTTOM LEFT Connor Avins of EHS builds a paper ball run in the Introduction to Engineering Design class. BOTTOM LEFT Mireya Alcala of LHS working on an assignment for Photography class. Life Ready THE CENTER

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54 lawton living magazine HOUSES TELL The Mattie Beal House preserves Lawton’s history Historic homes and buildings throughout Lawton all hold stories and memories inside. They have seen generations and eras go by, and it’s because of the citizens that they are preserved for the public to learn from and enjoy. An early photograph of the south side of theMattie Beal House. Mattie Beal, approximately 22 years old

55 hometown living at its best Houses tell stories. The Mattie Beal home reveals the story of a bold woman in a new territory. Living in a time when women historically didn’t have the means to make big decisions for themselves, she found herself suddenly with the opportunity to make choices. From that, she became a philanthropist and social activist in Lawton. Since its purchase by the LawtonHeritage Association, the Beal home has beenpreserving the story of Lawton’s origins. “It’s the only house of this kind that is open to the public,” says Yuri Schendel of the LHA. “There’s none anywhere in this area like it, so it is something people are proud of. It’s in the top places to visit in Lawton.” Not onlydoes it tell Beal’s story, but also that of citizenswhoappreciate theirhistory andwent to great lengths to preserve it. Coming from a Missouri family of 11 children, born in 1879, Beal was statistically destined for a limited life as a woman living on the edge of a new frontier. Instead, she was a woman who took chances, chased her goals and took a standon things important toher. She even strove to shareher assets ina Coming from a Missouri family of 11 children, born in 1879, Beal was statistically destined for a limited life as a woman living on the edge of a new frontier. Written by REBECCA SANCHEZ | Photos courtesy of THE MUSEUM OF THE GREAT PLAINS COLLECTION, unless otherwise noted. PHOTO BY TANYA GOODMAN

56 lawton living magazine waythatuplifted, educatedandempoweredothers. While livingwithherwidowedmother inWichita, Kansas, Beal was enthralled by a newspaper headline about a land claim lottery. Under the Homestead Act, single women, like her, were eligible to claimland. The determined, 21-year-old telephone operator seized upon the prospect and convinced her mother she was taking a train to OklahomaTerritory to register for the land lottery. In all, over 163,000 people registered. On July 29, 1901, Mattie Helen Beal’s ticket was the second drawnforLawtonarea land. Backhome inWichita, having returned towork, Beal was unaware of the good fortune until someone snapped her picture unexpectedly and toldher shewas awinner of 160 acres. Undeterredby the hot, dusty tent city activity of Lawton, she appeared at the land claimoffice to stake out a strategic plot. Homesteading required “proving up” one’s land, so Beal and her brother set about building a simple two-room house. Without pause, she began connecting to others in the community and heard pleas from land seekers who were ready to abandon the idea of being able to buy. Beal hired a lawyer andwrote to her government officials to properly divide up her claiminto sellable lots. Quickly shehad gone from employment as a telephone operator to owning valuable land. Itwasanupwardboostunattainable bymost single women at the turn of the century. Quickly Beal had gone from employment as a telephone operator to owning valuable land. It was an upward boost unattainable by most single women at the turn of the century. TOP: Mattie Beal Home, about a year after it was built. ABOVE: Mattie’s husband, Charles Payne, and 2 youngest daughters, Louisa andMartha Helen playing in the front yard ABOVE RIGHT: Mattie Beal on her front porch

57 hometown living at its best Original certificate/deed to the 160 acres Mattie Beal won in the land lottery dated October 12, 1902 Beal married Charles Payne whom she met while buying lumber. They sold the small house they had built after their marriage and proceeded with plans for a larger home. The new home was 3,580 square feet with 14 rooms, one of whichwas a ballroom. It had a commanding front approach with Corinthian columns and a clay tile roof in the neoclassical Greek Revival style. The stucco exterior was accented with sand from a Wichita Mountainscreek.Woodfloorsandagrandstaircase were installed. Amassivemarble fireplacemantle wasbrought overseas fromItaly. Intricate tilework was laid in the bathrooms. A copper lined toilet tank and Roman tub with its subsequently added faucet tell the tale of early plumbing. Over the next 30 years, much happened. Two of the Payne’s three daughters were born in the home. Beal continued to cultivate her community by donating her land for parks, a church and a school. Shehostedparties and joined a civic group

58 lawton living magazine aimed at improving sanitary conditions, roads, cemeteries and aiding neglected children. She even served in the Salvation Army. Mattie Beal passed away in 1931, and Payne sold the house. It changed ownership two more times until Ila Mae Allsman owned it from 1946 to 1965 and made significant changes to the property, even dividing the interior to be separate apartments during World War II. Eventually, she sold the home to Southwestern Hospital in 1965 who was going to use it as a dormitory for nurses and later raze it for a parking lot. Thehome fell intodisrepair andwasdamaged by vandals, but the idea of demolition spurred the community. Small campaigns, fundraisers and newspaper attention commenced. Lawton lamented its loss of the Paschal home and the Lawton City Hall building. “During the urban renewal era, many buildings were demolished,” says Schendel. “It was just luck that a few people that cared about preserving the symbol of early Lawton came together and were successful in saving thehome. It’s a treasure, and it’s something that I think needs to be preserved long after we’re gone.”Citizenssent lettersandmoneyevenwithout a formal funding campaignuntil onewas planned to try andbuy thehome. The LawtonConstitution was reporting updates on how much was raised, evennoting the $3.54 raisedby4thgrade students. Perhaps it pushed things forward because in 1973 the Lawton Heritage Association saved the home from the wrecking ball by finally purchasing it. Raising funds and awareness continued. In 1976, National Historical Register status was granted. Since opening to the public in 1980, it has beenaplacewhere thepublic comes to learnabout Beal continued to cultivate her community by donating her land for parks, a church and a school. LEFT: (left to right) Mattie Beal and daughters Lahoma, Louisa andMartha Helen ABOVE: An article about Mattie winning the land lottery, went all over the US, and prompted 500+men to send proposals.

59 hometown living at its best TOP LEFT, TOP RIGHT AND BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTOS BY TANYA GOODMAN

60 lawton living magazine history and to gather for celebrations. “Tome, history has always been really important,” says Abby Debaca of the LHA, “andthishouse issoimportantbecause it isoneof the only things left in the city of Lawton that depicts the early beginnings. My thought is that you have to know where you’ve been before you can move forward. It’s important to takewhat you’ve startedwith and build upon it. I think this house represents everything good about Lawton and howit began, and that’s really important forus tobeable to teachandsharewithyoungpeopleandoldpeoplealike.We have people fromall over the country, and theworld, that come and visit us.” Volunteers have dedicated time doing extensive renovations and serving as docents to visitors and school children. TheMattie Beal home is evidence of a strongwoman in a time whenwomen didn’t commonly have power and often didn’t exhibit such public strength. It also reminds everyone how much a community can do to grow and preserve its history. † I think this house represents everything good about Lawton and how it began, and that’s really important for us to be able to teach and share with young people and old people alike. ABOVE: Mattie Beal at approximately 50 years of age. The picture was taken shortly before her death. PHOTO BY TANYA GOODMAN

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