It was about to become the middle of the day in March, in the town of Claremore, I.T.. There was a light crowd, standing on the Frisco rail stop, each person waiting on the train looking for that one thing or that one person who would keep their lives rolling along with the times. 1894, a clear day, still cool enough for long sleeves, but for most just a little bit warm for coats.
On the left hand side was Clive Ussler, looking at the camera, posed on the other side of the tracks, peering through the smoke of his nickel cigar, and standing, leaning against the passenger/freight building, keeping the scales between he and the rest, waiting just to see what was coming.
To his left was Fred Butler, he worked for the lumber yard, they were expecting a small wooden box of an off-size nail and washer, for Clyde Stover, the blacksmith, to be able to finish the counter inside the store.
Standing tall and proud and covered by his faux silk vest, his one silk tie and his black trousers, topped with his hat with the brim turned down is young Mr. Burns II, the second generation Casket maker for Claremore, coming to pick up his cast handles for the up-scale coffins he and his father build over on Wichita street.
Standing next to him is little Caroline and Felix Hunter, there to pick up Mrs. Birdsong Hunter, who had traveled for about three days to Vinita, to see to her mother, leaving Felix to care for Caroline and dress her all pretty.
The next four are the Tyner boys, Lawrence, Bill (Reckless), Sam, and younger brother (Good) Ben, just waiting on their father to arrive from working the deals with the Kansas haulers .
Banker Mr. Jonathon Cathern is striking in his black vest and black trousers and boots, along with his black hat and long beard down the front of his face. He is propped on his rightful cane that keeps him walking these unpaved streets, right down 2nd Street to Catalayah Avenue. At the heighth of fashion he represents the fine upgraded stock of Claremore, I.T..
Robert Smithe and Robert Jones (both names there is some question about), are waiting for another Robert they won't talk about.
Carl Patchifer and Andrew Means round out the greeters, and Andy is holding on to one of the twin calves of his Brahma, that he owes to his Sapulpa brother Clarence, that will be put on the train and pay off his debt.
Nine square blocks of Claremore, built and ready for growth, the roads are mostly level, gravel and dirt for good road bed. There are "three cisterns, a hide shop, three hotels, and most all the men are gentleman. "
Ralph Peck
1894 in Claremore IT
Photo by Richard Crabtree
Claremore Oklahoma
(All speculation and fiction about the people on the deck, just a nice way to remember what we cannot)
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