Tonkawa firsts...Today’s history lesson is from the McCarter Museum archives. On January 29, 1914 our Tonkawa News published an interesting list of town “firsts”.The 1st Barber Shop:The first barber shop was opened by Joe Hedrick in a little frame building which stood on a lot which now forms a part of the site of the Methodist Church.The 1st Saloon:The first building erected and completed on the townsite was “Short & Fats” Saloon. The saloon advertised “Produce taken in exchange for drinks” and it is said that they soon had to open up a produce store in connection with their saloon business. The 1st Sunday School:C.S. Reed built a two story frame on the corner of Main Street and Grand Ave. Mr. Reed operated a general merchandise store. The first Sunday school was organized and held the meeting there. It was a union organization, all denominations taking part.The 1st Newspaper:The first Newspaper was started by EJ Richard. It was in the back of his grocery store on the lot now occupied by the Midland hotel and the First National Bank. The men who succeeded Mr. Richard in the publication of the paper were Sam Ridenour, H.N. Chamber and Bob Belveal .The 1st Hardware Store:Cornelius Richards opened a hardware and variety store in a frame building where eventually Mrs. Myers millinery store was erected.The 1st Drug Store:The first drugstore was opened in a frame building on the corner which eventually became Freeman’s Owl drugstore . The original owner (didn’t state his name) sold to Joe Cuddy who then sold to Mr. Freeman.The 1st Doctor:The First doctor was Dr. McLean who had his office in the drugstore. This Dr. McLean should not be confused with the Dr. McLean who came later. The original Dr. McLean wore a long Burnside whiskers and he also owned and wore the first silk plug hat in Tonkawa.The 1st Blacksmith:The first blacksmith shop was opened by Joe Smith and Al Myse on a lot eventually occupied by Ira chambers auto garage and repair shop.The 1st school board:The first school board was comprised of Eli Blake, WW Gregory and TH Martin. The contractor for the first school building was Al Myse. One of the conditions of the contract was that the school board should have the privilege of working on the building at $1.50 a day and board themselves. The chimney was built by “Uncle Phil” who, on a ...
