I’m on my way to Little Rock – and the Oklahoma Historical Society is on the way… So I stopped here for a few hours. The last time I was here, the society was housed in an old building, was very crowded and they had really good stuff to help with my family research! They still do. However, they are now housed in a new building and research is truly a delight!
One of the reasons I came by here was to confirm that the Society has no tax records of interest to genealogists – other than a number of record categories found in the Indian Archives Division – all 1911 or before. Beyond that, I wanted to dig up some additional records that add to a family story wherein my grandmother had a young lady die in her bed of a botched abortion.
I had letter that showed that my grandmother lived in Oklahoma City as early as 1920 – so I took advantage of 
the wonderful city directory collection found at the historical society – and found her living there all the way down into the 1930s. She then moved to Norman, Oklahoma, home of the University of Oklahoma – Norman. I knew that the young lady, whose name was Marian Mills, had died in my grandmother’s duplex in Norman. I also knew the name of Marian’s boyfriend, who, thanks to the destruction of the evidence, and grandmother’s testimony, was acquitted of the murder charge that had been lodged against him. You see, I know the truth – which the jury did not.
I delved through the wonderful collection of college yearbooks found at the Historical Society, and found numerous items dealing with Marian and “he who shall not be named” in this blog. He was a member of a fraternity (the one where my grandmother just happened to be the cook), and Marian was a sorority member, as well as a beauty queen.
Before I wrap up this blog I want to mention that the Oklahoma Historical Society has an excellent library with many volumes from not only the state of Oklahoma, but books from all over the country. They also have computer stations with online access to the subscription databases that genealogists use on a daily basis. I highly recommend the library, and hope my readers get a chance to check it out soon. It’s a great place to do one’s genealogy.
The Oklahoma Historical Society is located at 2401 N. Laird Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73105. The hours are from 
10 to 5 Monday through Friday.
Thanks for the great “review,” Leland. It was great fun to have you in the house yesterday and to hear your grandmother’s story. I, of course, have questions. 🙂 See you in Little Rock.
p.s. We are also open 10-4:45 Saturdays.
I just want to say that I just found this site and I absolutely love it, because genealogy is one of my deep passions. I think knowing everything about where you come from and being proud of it is very important – thanks again.