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Thursday, April 7, 2011

4 Birthdays and a Funeral - The Preacher, A Farmer, America's Sweetheart, Maverick and A Cowboy Singer

The Preacher
Harold Jeff Baker
1918-1998
Saturday, April 2nd was my grandpa's birthday.  He would have been 93 years old.  The above photo was taken in the 1960's, but he always looked the same.  No matter if it was the 50's or the 90's he always looked the same age, seasoned.

The Preacher and his Lady
On the back of this photo it states:
Preaching at Oklahoma Indian Camp Meeting, 1965

Happy birthday Bake!!!


John Jackson Barham
April 7, 1890 - April 1, 1964

Today is John's birthday.  He was my grandma's father (my grandma pictured above).  You can read more about John here.


America's Sweetheart

Ms. Day turned 88 on April 3rd.  What a beautiful lady, wonderful actress, great singer and animal activist.  All of her movies are great.  I have an aunt Jeri who looks just like her.  You can click on her name of above to go to her official website.
  Ms. Day is not from Oklahoma. I just like her.  She did star with Gordon McRae in Starlift and McRae starred as Curly in the movie version of Oklahoma.  She also starred with Howard Keel in Calamity Jane and Mr. Keel starred as Curly in the Broadway production of Oklahoma.  So, that makes her an Okie twice removed.

Isn't she cute.  She was 40 years old when she made this fun movie with the wonderful, James Garner.
They also starred together in The Thrill of It All.


 Maverick
Today is James Garner's birthday.  He was born James Scott Bumgarner on April 7, 1928 in Norman, OK.  His father was a carpet layer.  His mother who was half Cherokee died when he was only 5 years old.  He didn't have an easy childhood.  You can read about it here.

As a child of the 1970's I loved the The Rockford Files.  Watching James Garner every week in action was great for any kid or adult.  He's so cool even when he played the grandpa in 8 Simple Rules.  In one episode of the show after returning from watching Bridget in a play he says, "it was worth missing The Rockford Files."  He would be cool even if he wasn't an Okie.  I just love him.

Sept 6, 1942 - March 31, 2011

We lost Mel McDaniel last week to cancer.  On Bam's Blog she announced that a public memorial for Mr. McDaniel is scheduled for April 13th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
McDaniel was born in Checotah but was raised in Okmulgee where he was known as the "Pride of Okmulgee".
He was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2006 along with Leon Russell.

This song is so Oklahoma. 
Remember if you have ever go to a Wednesday night testimony service you do not have to stand up and testify everything.  Some things are better left between you, God and your hairdresser.
Mel,
we will miss you.

Love,
Territory Mom

2 comments:

Susan said...

James Garner in his character on Maverick are one of my all-time favorites.

Territory Mom said...

Susan,
I know it was a great show. Thank heavens for reruns.