As I contemplate sixty years of my life, I realize that much time has spanned the globe and I have been involved in many events during this time period. My early remembrances of life on the farm, at Calumet, Oklahoma, the place of my birth, are very significant in the persona that I present today.
We, as a family, were involved with survival of everyday life. The animals took much of our time, since they were essential to the operation of the farm. My father, Lawrence Edmund Higdon, was very fond of horses, and had workhorses, which were used in the farming operation. My mother, Petranella Mary (Schaefer) Higdon, served as mother, chief cook, dish and clothes washer, soap maker, canner, gardener and caretaker of the chickens, was the stalwart of the household, along with my dad and the older siblings.
I used the title, BOX ELDER, because of the smooth bark of the box elder tree, which sat in the northeast corner of the front yard. That little tree, dwarfed by the giant elms and black walnut trees, was a great source of comfort in my early years. The blazing hot summers made one seek the succor of cooling shade and the smooth bark was easy on sunburned arms and legs. The branches, close to the ground, gave easy access to a fork to sit in. In early spring, the smell of lilac and currant bushes, as well as the blooms of peach, cherry and apple trees, permeated the pure air of the farm. This was a period devoid of chemicals and other products used today in farming operations.
The farmhouse, which was built in circa 1907, was a two-story structure, was located three and one half miles north of Calumet, Oklahoma. My grandfather, Robert Higdon and Mary Friel Higdon, came to Indian Territory in 1900. They came to Oklahoma from Adair, Iowa and took Patent Land (77 acres) one mile south and a half-mile east of the Higdon Corner. The original 77 acres was part of the drawing and was never developed by the original recipient. Since it was on the North Canadian river, which flooded frequently, I believe it was reclaimed, by Robert Higdon. I checked the records, at the Court House and he appeared to be the original owner. Robert and Mary did develop the property. They had a dugout and later built a house. They farmed the original property for seven years and sold the place for $3500.00. That is when they purchased and developed the Higdon Corner. This land, was originally Indian land, and had been purchased by an individual. They in turn purchased this property. They took out a 10-year note and built the house, barn, granary and silo. I understand the note was paid off by 1917. A storm cellar, milk house and brooder house made up the rest of the corner. I checked the archives at the Carnegie Library and found the information about production of wheat and row crops. Wheat crops usually made about $13.00 per acre. Row crops usually generated $ 25.00 per acre. Hence, row crops were planted because of better production. The basic heat and cooking were done with Black Jack, or Scrub Oak, which was cut from the east pasture. A gas stove was used for baking bread, because it was faster and more accurate.
The faith pursued by the family, was Roman Catholic. Prior to the building of St. Anthony’s, in Calumet, the family went to El Reno and Geary for church functions. Nell’s family were of German and Irish descendents. The Higdon’s were English, Irish and a trace of Indian. Robert Higdon came from Owensboro, Kentucky. He settled in Adair, Iowa. His brother Louis settled in Grinnel, Iowa. The family, at Calumet, recited the rosary, often. I think the appearance of the blessed Lady, at Lourdes and Fatima, were instrumental in this practice. Religious education, was conducted at our house, under the direction of Kathleen Mansfield. I think this was because of the location and accessibility of our place.
This will be dedicated to the Pioneer spirit of my forefathers, who by methodic, and antiquated methods forged a life, in a wild and sometime unforgiving land. Their ability to survive and achieve success leaves a legacy of spirit and character, that we carry with us, to this very day.
