The killing of PJ Dore as he stood talking to friends in front of the Westville, Oklahoma Post Office in 1914 was the result of a clash of cultures, a part of the history of the American West. As seen through the on-going debate of the Frontier Thesis, the story, which has taken on the stuff of local legend, illustrates two opposing views of the American West. Listen in!
With no formal education and speaking only his native tongue, Sequoyah developed his Talking Leaves, the writing system he developed for the Cherokees. Although he died over 180 years ago, recent events pertaining to the language have a direct link to the Cherokee genius! Hear the story, click the link below!
There’s a renewed interest in Fort Smith, Arkansas’ famous Hamgin’ Judge, Isaac Parker. He wasn’t just the “Law West of Fort Smith.” Before his time as a dispenser of frontier justice, he was a Congressman with a progressive streak. Learn ore about his fascinating life before his tenure at Court!
Will Rogers, Oklahoma’s favorite son, worked his way from failed rancher to Wild West show performer to the highest paid performer in Hollywood. His homespun philosophy won him favor with Presidents and the common man.
But this story centers on a gun, a Colt 32.20, that was shipped to Muskogee, Indian Territory in 1904. Could it be the gun in Will’s holster pictured above? The Humber family story suggests that it could very well be…but it’s also so much more.
One of the most-heard comments at showings of his work by Indian artist Bobby C. Martin is “But you don’t look Indian…” The theme of much of Bobby’s work centers around the subject of Indian identity – in fact, his last show took it’s title from that often repeated phrase.
Our conversation took place just a day or so after a national news story, involving Senator Elizabeth Warren and President Trump, ignited a debate about…Indian-ness.
Listen as Bobby describes his rediscovery of a Native American identity that was never really lost and what it means in the broader American culture of the 21st century.
Within the Realm 