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All things Kooky and Spooky in the Sooner (or Cowboy) state! Native Oklahomans and cousins, Jess and Tiff, explore all the dark history, paranormal, and true crime in their home state.
Copyright: © Curious Cousins OK
As Oklahomans, we are familiar with the stories of how the various Native people came to live and be associated with our state. In most cases, ok, probably all, the government swore peace and other provisions through various treaties with Native tribes. Today’s story is one of those. Enter Chief Black Kettle of the Southern Cheyenne. Famous for stressing the importance of peace, and finding ways to live harmoniously with the ever growing population of white settlers, Black Kettle sought out ways to be nonviolent. Unfortunately, after several lies and broken treaties, many of his tribe members were frustrated. To gain the upper hand, and more land, and to simply rid the area of Natives, a one, Colonel George Custard would enter the scene, leading to one of Indian Territories deadliest battles; the Washita Massacre. Jess tells of the stories of a brave and peace-loving chief, simply trying to do what’s best for his people, all while battling an ambitious American government.
Sources:
“Little Known Tales in Oklahoma History” by Alton Pryor
“It Happened In Oklahoma” by Robert L. Dorman
Battle of the Washita
Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, Oklahoma
https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ok-washitabattlefield/
Washita Battlefield
https://www.nps.gov/waba/learn/historyculture/index.htm
Black Kettle
https://history.denverlibrary.org/colorado-biographies/black-kettle-1807-1868
Biography of Black Kettle
https://www.nps.gov/sand/learn/historyculture/black-kettle-biography.htm
This week, your favorite cousins bring you a doozy of a case. It is little known, but it was brought to light by a relative of the victim and perpetrator…The Oklahoma Cannibal. Yes, you read that correctly. Tiff dives into the disturbing case of Gregory Canatis. Was he suffering from a mental health break? Did he simply snap one day? This case is still very obscure, but extremely complex. For years the family has wondered what happened to Uncle Ted. And why did Cousin Greg do what he did? Give us your thoughts on the case….master manipulator or victim of undiagnosed and uncared for mental health disorder?
Listener discretion is VEHEMENTLY advised.
Sources
The Oklahoma Cannibal by The True Crime Blog
The Daily Oklahoman
Tulsa World
Now that autumn is winding down and winter is amping up, it’s time to get cozy and comfy…and listen to some ghost stories! This week, your favorite cousins tell you about the dark history and spirits associated with both the Wheelock Academy/Missions in Millerton and the Belle Isle in Oklahoma City.
Like many Native American schools during the late 1800s and early 1900s, Wheelock started out with good intentions, but ended with several accounts of mental, physical, and emotional abuse. With this being done on children, you can only imagine the energies that remain around the campus.
Oklahoma City is home to many long-forgotten sites. Belle Isle seems to be one of the biggest sites of former glory in our capital city. Belle Isle started as a way to power our turn of the century streetcars, but ended up being the center of entertainment for those living and working in the city in the early 1900s. At its height in the 1920s, Belle Isle boasted not only the powerplant, but a lake, amusement park, restaurants, and numerous other pleasurable enjoyments for folks. However, when coal power was replaced with electricity and gasoline, the Belle Isle fell into disrepair. Numerous tragedies befell the area, which provides for several generations of ghouls and ghosts.
So snuggle up! The chills may not only come from the colder weather…
Sources:
Haunted Oklahoma by Jeff Provine
Weird Oklahoma by Wesley Treat
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma by Donovin Arleigh Sprague
Wheelock Mission and Academy from Oklahoma Historical Society at okhistory.org
Wheelock Academy Historic Site from Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Cultural Services
Wikipedia
Wheelock Mission from Haunted Places.org
Meet 11 Ghosts From Oklahoma and Their Bone-Chilling Stories from OnlyInYourState.com
Wheelock Mission in Oklahoma from ahauntedplace.com
Wheelock Mission - Real Haunts in Millerton, OK from OklahomaHauntedHouses.com
Ghosts & Legends of OK by Mike Ricksecker
Haunted OKC by Jeff Provine & Tanya McCoy
Belle Isle Park by Metropolitan Library https://www.metrolibrary.org/archives/essay/2019/07/belle-isle-park
Belle Isle Park by City of OKC https://www.okc.gov/departments/parks-recreation/parks-trails/ward-2-parks/belle-isle-park
Most Haunted Places in OKC by Haunted Rooms America https://www.hauntedrooms.com/oklahoma/okc/haunted-places
The Daily Oklahoman
Part 2 of the Dust Bowl is out now! Your favorite cousins wrap up their deep dive into one of our state’s biggest natural disasters…although…was it really natural? You be the judge!
The Dust Bowl not only literally reshaped parts of our landscape, but it also reshaped cultural regions around the US. Many “Okie” influences can still be found in parts of California.
So while digesting your turkey and all the “fixins” let your two favorite cousins wrap up a story for you…and share us with all your loved ones!
Sources:
“The Dirty Thirties: A History of the Dust Bowl” by Howard Brinkley
“Little Known Tales in Oklahoma History” by Alton Pryor
“The Dust Bowl” from the National Drought Mitigation Center: University of Nebraska, www.drought.unl.edu
“Dust Bowl” from Oklahoma Historical Society at okhistory.org
Wikipedia: The Dust Bowl https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_Bowl
“It happened in Oklahoma” by Rober L Dorman
“Main Street Oklahoma” edited by Linda W Reese and Patricia Loughlin
Small Business Shout-outs:
Back on schedule for your favorite two cousins! This week, Jess and Tiff cover part 1 of an historical look at the Dust Bowl. Jess covers the geographic history of the region affected by the Dust Bowl as well as the actual storms and drought. Tiff takes a look at the decisions that went into the great migration, and how the government tried to provide relief. Check out some of our really great resources to find out more info regarding one of the darkest times in American and Oklahoman history.
Sources:
“The Dirty Thirties: A History of the Dust Bowl” by Howard Brinkley
“Little Known Tales in Oklahoma History” by Alton Pryor
“The Dust Bowl” from the National Drought Mitigation Center: University of Nebraska, www.drought.unl.edu
“Dust Bowl” from Oklahoma Historical Society at okhistory.org
Wikipedia: The Dust Bowl https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_Bowl
“It happened in Oklahoma” by Rober L Dorman
“Main Street Oklahoma” edited by Linda W Reese and Patricia Loughlin
We are taking a break from our regular programming to bring you this special episode your favorite cousins participated in last Spring.
Jess and Tiff met up with Raven and Mandy from Sirens: A Southern True Crime Podcast, and author of Hell in the Heartland, Jax Miller. In a roundtable discussion, your favorite cousins and their podcasting sisters discuss the purpose of ethically reporting true crime cases. Jax Miller gives her insight when doing research for books based off true crime cases. Please enjoy our roundtable discussion. Please feel free to leave a message with your own thoughts and opinions.
Sources:
As the spooky season winds down, your favorite cousins bring you a tale of their most recent spooky and kooky adventure…Paranormal Investigating at Lindley Hospital in Duncan.
If you remember, Jess and Tiff went on their first paranormal investigation back on Friday, October 13. Guided by the folks at Haunted Oklahoma, they were treated to the thrills, chills, and spirits at Lindley Hospital and Clinic. From a feisty male spirit, to possibly two children, lots of bumps and creaks, and even a scream, Jess and Tiff were given an experience they won’t soon forget!
Please check out our new friends/cousins over at Haunted Oklahoma (and set up your next paranormal investigation trip), Paranormal Wasteland, and Spooky Okie!
Sources:
This week, Jess concludes our 4 parter over the mysterious, tragic, and brutal death of little Phyllis Jean Warren. After a forced confession, botched evidence, and a public defender with something to prove, the case quickly starts to unravel. Listen along as Jess outlines the pretrial and actual trial drama of Buster Youngwolfe. And let us know what your thoughts and theories are regarding this gruesome crime!
Listener discretion is advised.
When
Sources:
“Oklahoma’s Atticus: An Innocent Man and the Lawyer Who Fought for Him”, by Hunter Howe Cates
“Oklahoma’s Atticus: One Lawyer’s Fight for Justice in New Book” by James D. Watts Jr. Nov 17, 2019, Tulsa World
“Family Ties: Oklahoma’s Atticus is a Tale of Two Tulsas” by Jezy J. Gray Nov 6, 2019 updated June 5, 2020.
Well cousins, Jess’s 3 parter has now turned into a 4 parter! This week, part 3 will go over the investigation…if you want to call it that. Law enforcement zeroed in on one particular individual, and like a tale as old as time, sought only to get the answers they believed…all without taking evidence into consideration. Listen now as Jess describes police work that almost mimics other famous cases like West Memphis Three or even the Girl Scout Murders.
Listener discretion is advised.
When
Sources:
“Oklahoma’s Atticus: An Innocent Man and the Lawyer Who Fought for Him”, by Hunter Howe Cates
“Oklahoma’s Atticus: One Lawyer’s Fight for Justice in New Book” by James D. Watts Jr. Nov 17, 2019, Tulsa World
“Family Ties: Oklahoma’s Atticus is a Tale of Two Tulsas” by Jezy J. Gray Nov 6, 2019 updated June 5, 2020.
On another day, much like today (Friday the 13th), one mother’s nightmare was awaiting her when she awoke. Phyllis Jean Warren was missing, her bed never being slept in the night before. After a slow to start search effort got underway, Phyllis’s case quickly escalated to a missing person’s case that gripped Tulsa County. But law enforcement had their eyes on one guy in particular; family friend, Buster Youngwolf. Jess takes us through the maze that was the search for little Phyllis. In this second part, the search efforts seemed well focused and determined one minute, and the next, lackluster and minimal at best. So strap in! This bumpy ride just keeps hitting those “pot holes”.
Listener discretion is advised.
When
Sources:
“Oklahoma’s Atticus: An Innocent Man and the Lawyer Who Fought for Him”, by Hunter Howe Cates
“Oklahoma’s Atticus: One Lawyer’s Fight for Justice in New Book” by James D. Watts Jr. Nov 17, 2019, Tulsa World
“Family Ties: Oklahoma’s Atticus is a Tale of Two Tulsas” by Jezy J. Gray Nov 6, 2019 updated June 5, 2020.
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