Items

• 2020-12-30

  Travelling in December 2020 and January 2021

  I remember first hearing about COVID-19 in January of 2020. There were concerning reports that Chinese authorities were wielding apartment doors shut to contain the virus, which was certainly a bad sign, and I was fairly certain that if those measures were being taken, the disease was a big deal. I followed the developments fairly closely from my parents' home in Oklahoma. In late March, around the time of my 21st birthday, I was working as a substitute teacher at the high school I graduated from. I was able to work one singular day before the virus shut down the school district. The next few months were full of changes. Uniformed National Guard personnel staffed vaccination centers, groceries were delivered directly to houses, and entire industries went work-from-home. By the time December rolled around, the initial panic had mostly died down, and many travel restrictions were lifted. I needed a break. I decided to catch a ride with a buddy of mine from Indiana who just so happened to have family here in Tulsa. I bought a plane ticket to facilitate my return trip. We have some mutual friends in Zionsville, a little suburb of Indianapolis, and we collectively decided that we wanted to have a New Years party. Here in suburban Oklahoma, many of the mask mandates had been dropped by this point, but it was still prudent to carry a mask in the somewhat rare event that a business owner preferred patrons cover their faces. It was much the same in Zionsville, but businesses in Indianapolis proper, in my experience, were much more strict. I understood that COVID-19 was a serious health risk, and that it was smart to wear a mask, but it was somewhat confusing to go from a place that seemed so carefree - and admittedly irresponsible - to a place that was still mandating face coverings. The party with my friends went well and many margaritas were consumed. It was a much-needed break. The locations with the strongest COVID restrictions were perhaps the airports. It made sense to me, since airline travel likely contributed a great deal to the initial spread of the disease. Regardless of reasonability, masks were worn the entire duration of the flight. The entire cabin smelled of sanitation wipes, and the airport felt somewhat emptier than I was used to. This was Indianapolis' airport. I had a layover in Dallas and that Airport felt much more lively, in that sort of carefree way I was accustomed to back in Oklahoma. Masks were still required on the plane itself. I landed back home late in the evening without too much excitement. It was nice to take my mask off when I got into my mom's car. Overall, the trip made me realize that different states and regions were treating the ongoing pandemic very differently. While New Years was a welcome break from the monotony of the initial quarantine year, the trip did raise questions about my state government's commitment to public health and safety.
• 
  2022-04-26

  An Unaffected Life

  I submitted my story above and I think its important to see, that yes, there were many lives affected in dramatic ways with the loss of loved ones. but some peoples lives were unaffected.
• 2020-06

  Fort Sill - Trainee

  While the pandemic had made digital communications and networking boom. Anything in the real world came to a screeching halt. I went into Fort Sill, Lawton Oklahoma for Advanced Individual Training (AIT) while had just begun to really put its foot into the door on US soil. Entering the facility we were immediately put in makeshift facilities specifically designed for incoming soldiers, they looked like 2-story mobile homes and each building contained roughly 60-80 troops per floor (can't remember exactly how many fit. but we were packed in there like sardines). We were originally told we would be in the facilities for 2 weeks before we would be allowed onto the rest of the base to begin training. 2 weeks, turned to 4, and that turned into 6 weeks. We weren't allowed to go outside other than to get an MRE and then go right back into our bays. We became so restless we would disassemble bunks and make makeshift pull-up bars, running up and down the hall in order to run miles. Eventually, we were released and allowed to continue training. Once we had actually begun AIT. We were immediately told that they were "overbooked" the facilities were forced to hold more soldiers than it was designed for due to outgoing flights being halted until an entire flight could be filled with military personal all going to the same location. Masks mandation was very hit or miss. Some days we would go by without them at all, others, we would be told to wear them the moment we got up, even wearing them during physical training, and while on the firing range shooting artillery.
• 
  2021-08-05

  How COVID Affected My Family

  COVID took a huge tole on my family. We were unable to have getting togethers for almost a year since my grandparents are older. This was hard for us because we have multiple get togethers in a year. Last August, both of my great grandparents tested positive with COVID. They both have many underlying health conditions that made their fight hard. My great grandma pulled through but my great grandpa did not. This was a very hard loss for my family because his passing was the first in our close family. The worst part about all of it was that they would not let any of us in the hospital to say goodbye. We had his funeral outside so all of my older relatives could attend and stay safe. COVID years were hard for my family and I am very glad we are finally on the other side of it.
• 
  2020-03-12

  The emails

  It's March 2020, a young freshmen college student is packed and ready to head to the airport for her one and only shot at study abroad for the next 4 years. As she lugs her suitcase down the stairs of her dorm she gets an email that she will never forget, the study abroad trip has been cancelled do to an outbreak of new viral disease in Berlin Germany. Disappointed she headed back upstairs to call her parents and let them know. She unpacks, and repacks from her home in Texas instead. Once home she receives another email from her school, classes will be online for 2 weeks after spring break due to this new viral disease going around. She's upset but settles in to doing class at home. Then comes another email. School will be online for the rest of her semester, move out from the dorms will be staggered over the next couple of weeks and return date to campus is unknown. She is upset and sad over the loss over the end of her freshmen year, but hopeful that this new disease will settle down and that life will be able to return to normal in the fall. Alas this was not true and the series of unfortunate emails just keep coming, email after email. She kept being disappointed and heart-broken over all the loss of memories and chances do to a virus. 2 year later, she now wonders will the emails ever stop?
• 
  2022-03-30

  The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Students

  At the beginning of the pandemic there was mass confusion and scares about what was to come of this new, unknown virus called SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19. Once widespread outbreaks were prevalent, everyone was sent home from work and schools. A lot of smaller businesses could no longer make rent and went out of business, and many people did not know how they were going to make ends meet. However, one of the most vital impacts, was on our students in upper elementary and above. Many public and private schools, from elementary to high school, did not make any school work necessary to be completed in Oklahoma, and as a result, created a gap in the knowledge needed for the continuation of schooling in the years to come. For freshmen college students, as I was at the time, if you were living on campus, in the dorm rooms and apartments, many of us were given notice that we had two weeks to move out unless we had extenuating circumstances. Additionally, all of our classes after spring break were moved online (in the best way possible) but often times were unsuitable to the in person experience. As a Microbiology Major enrolled in several different science classes with labs, it was nearly impossible to get the necessary experience to properly understand the laboratory material. As a result, this made it more difficult in the semesters to come to understand what was required of me, due to the lack of knowledge of materials I would have learned had I been able to attend my labs. Because of the severity of this virus and the rapid spread which sent everyone quarantining in their homes, we may see a lasting impact, not due to the viruses long-term side-effects, but due to our educational generations having a detrimental gap in proper school education.
• 2021-09-29

  Covid in Altus Oklahoma

  I wanted to share my personal experience of living through the COVID-19 Pandemic in Altus Oklahoma. While my experience probably looked very similar to others, I believe it is very important to always information share so everyone can have the complete picture. I am active duty Air Force, and was residing in Altus Oklahoma during the pandemic in 2020. Living on a military base, it is not very often that you have quiet hours or down time. However, during the height of the pandemic, the majority of the base shut down and went to minimum manning for almost 30 days. It was strange to see operations halt, and all non essential workers staying home with their families for the duration of the town shut down. Organizations went from in person working to relying on home desktop computers to get the mission done. During this time people were also limited on where they were allowed to travel, and people they were allowed to see. At one point, some people were not even allowed to go on walks outside, because they were not sure how the virus would spread and if it would be safe being close to others. As doctors and scientists started discovering the make up of the virus and how to mitigate against its effects, we started gaining more liberties back. Members were no longer confined to their homes, we were able to do outdoor activities near the base, and were allowed to travel to nearby towns for any essential items. Looking back on the situation that occurred a little over a year ago, it is hard to imagine and remember what it was like to be confined to our homes and not being able to engage in social gatherings. One thing that is pandemic has highlighted to me is that despite all the adversity the world has faced, we are still determined to get the mission done efficiently and effectively everyday. I would also like to highlight the importance of social connectedness and gatherings. During the isolation period of the pandemic, the majority of people suffered from lack of communication and not being able to connect with those around them. If this pandemic has taught us anything it should be to not take your health for granted and to value the time you have with loved ones, because you never know when it will be your last time together.
• 2021-09-29

  Covid in Altus Oklahoma

  When reflecting back on the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2019, it is strange to think the whole country was isolated from other people for an upwards of three months or more. I was residing in Altus Oklahoma during the pandemic and there was a point where no one was allowed to leave their homes to even enjoy the fresh outside air. With this, a lot of local organizations were shut down for months including Churches, local eatery's, stores, and even some grocery stores. While I know my story is similar to many others, I believe that it is important to share all experiences with the community. Sharing will create a complete picture of how the pandemic shaped our society today.
• 
  2021-04-23

  Difficulty set to hard

  This is based on my personal experiences. I started off 2020 by having just separated from my wife, such that we were both looking for divorce. This can lead to many difficulties even in a normal setting, but it took the normal difficulty of the things I was going through and turned it up a few notches. I started the year off without a job, car, or place to live. I was able to move in with my mom and take care of the housing situation temporarily by living in her front room. I then had to start looking for jobs. I found a job through a temp agency to get me back on my feet. Eventually, it became time for my to find a more permanent job better suited to the path forward I wanted in life. My last day of work at the temp job was right before spring break. I had planned on taking care of life things during spring break, before looking for another job shortly thereafter. There were no jobs. So many businesses closed during and after spring break, that the number of people desperate to get money for rent and necessities, took all available jobs almost instantly. I spent nearly 2 months looking for another job. Eventually I was forced to cave, simply because what should have been adequate amounts of money while looking for a job, was used up in the wait. I not only had to take another temp job, but the only ones available were jobs with a high rate of people leaving them. So I worked at one of the worst jobs I have had the displeasure of working. In that process, there was an instance of covid starting to spread through the factory. So this factory with over 1000 workers, made a mandatory covid test for it's workers, and sent us all home for a week. Anyone who's test came back positive, had their id rejected at the turnstyle when we resumed work. Unfortunately my body couldn't take the hours required for this job. And so I was forced to leave it also. And in doing so, I was no longer able to stay with my mother. So for the second time in a year, I was jobless and homeless. And this time, the root cause was covid. I went to stay with my aunt. But my grandmother and grandfather are particularly elderly and vulnerable, so everyone there was on high alert and wary about covid. So I was quarantined for an entire week to one room so that I would be able to be monitored for any symptoms. Shortly thereafter I was back on the hunt for a job that would help me progress forward in life. But yet again, even in a completely different area of Oklahoma, there weren't any jobs to be had. I was only able to push myself like that for a month before I looked for another solution. I had a friend, who would lend me his couch even on a permanent basis if needed. So I took him up on that offer. And I moved from Oklahoma to California. That drive was more or less the most impactful part of covid to me. I had seen the roads get empty on my way to/from work as people had stopped non-essential travel. But Oklahoma didn't have an enforced mask mandate. We could still go to the store, or pay for gas for our car, without being required to wear a mask. Many businesses still had indoor dining even. But in that trip, the realization of the impact of covid, hit me. It was at the only gas station for 20 miles in either direction in the mojave. I walked up to the door to go in and pay for gas. And for the first time that year, I saw a sign saying masks were required to enter. After that, every other location I stopped at was the same. There were no more places I could go without a mask. Covid, was having a real and significant impact on other things in the world than just jobs, and people's financial struggles. After having made it to California, in a particularly populated area with plenty of jobs, I was still unable to find a job for two months, simply because of how the rest of the year had gone for me. Simply by requiring a stable work history, I was no longer able to apply for most jobs. Finally I did get a job. I got one in the food industry. And the impact of covid hit hard there too. After having finished my training, and worked for about a week, the state mandate came that closed both our indoor dining. A month later, outdoor dining followed suit. We weren't allowed to take drinks back to add things we may have forgotten, and instead had to remake them entirely, because of covid safety precautions. I've had my temperature taken every single work day since I started, which was unheard of in times before covid. Twice, we've shut down the store because a partner tested positive for covid, and everyone that worked with them was placed in a mandatory two week quarantine. The impact is so strong, that the company is even providing 2 hours paid time for both doses of the vaccine, as incentive to get vaccinated. It's clear to see, covid has had an incredibly strong impact on life, and turned the difficulty level of many peoples lives up beyond manageable levels.
• 
  04/21/2021

  La Verne Ford Wimberly Oral History, 2021/04/21

  Mini oral history with La Verne Ford Wimberly from Tulsa, Oklahoma
• 
  2021-04-10

  Muscogee (Creek) Nation provides mobile COVID-19 vaccine units to help rural Oklahomans get shot

  The Muscogee Creek Nation began a campaign in Oklahoma to provide COVID-19 vaccines to rural residents. The mobile vehicles feature refrigeration units and enough room for three nurses to work on administering the vaccine, completing the paperwork, and entering the data to the online system. "I'm not aware of anyone else taking vaccine into communities via a mobile unit so we are really excited to be able to expand this service into our rural communities and we hope to increase vaccination rates because of it," said Shoneen Alexander-Ross, Chief Performance Officer with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Department of Health.
• 
  2021-03-16

  Plenty of Vaccines, but Not Enough Arms: A Warning Sign in Cherokee Nation

  As COVID-19 vaccine efforts are still going strong across the United States, the Cherokee Nation is struggling to get more members of the community vaccinated. Some of the hesitancy to get the vaccine stems from the memory of the government's medical malpractice the greatly affected indigenous people. Other members of the community have questions about the vaccine's side-effects and how it will affect their pre-existing conditions.
• 
  2021-02-19

  #JOTPYPhoto from Kelly Hoile McDaniel

  I’m a third grade public school teacher in a small town in Oklahoma. Here is my school yearbook photo for this year. This picture sums up how different this year is than any other year. #ruralvoices #covidteaches #k12
• 
  02/07/2021

  Jo Ann Richey Oral History, 2021/02/07

  This is an interview with Jo Ann Richey about her COVID-19 vaccination experience in January of 2021. She talks about how pandemic restrictions have affected her work and social life. She also speaks about where and how her vaccine was conducted. She includes personal insight into how she hopes the vaccines may change her life and society as whole in the future. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, HSE, for Arizona State University for the #RuralVoices and #VaccineStories collections
• 
  2020-01-28

  IMMY Labs offers POD to help distribute Oklahoma vaccinations

  IMMY Labs is a local company in my area that had previously offered free COVID testing to Oklahomans. Starting last week IMMY Labs created a POD at the Embassy Suites in Norman, Oklahoma. This offered senior citizens and healthcare workers the opportunity to receive the Pfizer vaccine and automatically sign up for the follow up vaccination. The POD is processing approximately 1200 people a day. Before many people in my area were driving up to 150 or more miles, roundtrip, to try to get vaccines. This has greatly improved availability for the elderly in my area.
• 
  2020-06-16

  Class of 2020 Celebrated by a Rural Community

  The rural community of Tuttle, Oklahoma honored their class of 2020 high graduates with a sign made out of a round bale of hay. The round bale was located just off of State Highway 37 next to the Tuttle Grain & Supply. As part of the creativity, the bale had a sign saying: "Class of 2020" with comments such as "Proud of You!" and "Congrats!" as well as "Great Job!" The sign then covered the face of the hay bale in the design of a large face mask. The community was acknowledging the circumstances that altered the 2020 senior year and graduation to be a smaller event.
• 
  2020-11-03

  Voting Lines Stretched Across Two Parking Lots

  On November 3, 2020 I took a photo of the voting line that was spread across the Legacy Bank and Library parking lots in Blanchard, Oklahoma. The small community has several voting precincts and this is just one of them. At one point it was mentioned that people were waiting up to three hours to vote at this voting location. The crowd appeared to be somewhat spaced apart and some were wearing masks. The pandemic affected how people stood near each other, which would've been normally much closer.
• 
  2020-07-10

  Summer Coin Shortage Still Going in November

  On July 10, 2020 the local bank had a sign displayed that warned of the coin shortage that was caused by the pandemic. Due to the shortage, local businesses were limited in the amount of coins they could request from the National Bank in Blanchard, Oklahoma. On July 24, 2020 we decided to do our part and cashed in all of our coins. This gave us some extra cash and gave the bank some extra rolls of coins to distribute to the local businesses. Signs at local fast food restaurants still display their signs on the coin shortage and occasionally cannot make exact change. For certain restaurants like Taco Bell, they were encouraging over the summer to donate the remaining change to a charity they would then distribute the money to. This is example of how the pandemic has changed our lives in unpredictable ways.
• 2020-10-12

  Corporate Mask Mandates Not Being Enforced in Oklahoma

  I live in Oklahoma and there is currently no statewide mask mandate, nor has there been one since the business shutdowns started in March. When businesses such as Walmart and Walgreens began mask requirements, I assumed this would be at least a barrier of protection for those of us that wear masks. In Oklahoma City and Norman, both nearby larger urban cities, there are city mask mandates. These seem to be somewhat enforced in the stores and very few people are seen not wearing a mask in those cities. In nearby, more rural areas, such as Newcastle. Walmart began store or corporate mask mandates that forced customers to wear a mask. The door's entry was blocked by a guided entry path that led shoppers past a store employee that handed out masks for those that did not have one. This seemed to be a fairly good deterrent for those that avoided masks. By July I was noticing that customers took masks, but then later threw them in the trash. Employees were not enforcing the masks and some customers were avoiding those that didn't wear masks. In September we entered the Newcastle, Oklahoma Walmart and noticed that the entry had changed and Walmart was no longer acknowledging people that did or did not wear masks. By the beginning of October, as COVID-19 cases were reaching high daily numbers in Oklahoma, Walmart customers in Newcastle were now increasingly shopping without masks. My girlfriend and I used to count the number of people that didn't wear masks, it was a mental note of whether things were improving or dissolving. Now, we count those that wear masks. The number that wear masks are consistently lower, than those without. We have been to Walmart more than once since first of October where we were two of less than ten shoppers that had masks. The numbers seem to be on the decline and Walmart is not enforcing its own requirements. The last time we needed products from Walmart, we decided to go to Walgreens in Newcastle instead since it was less crowded. There were only five to six other customers besides us in Walgreens, but we were the only two wearing masks.
• 
  2020-08-19

  Clinton P. Roberts Internship Portfolio

  The Journal of the Plague Year will become a lasting memory and not just because it is preserved inside of an archive. One of the most memorable aspects will be the way our internship class grew to become a team. As we all look back to our first weeks, little did we know the scope of pedagogy we would need to experience before arriving upon these final days. Dr. Kole gave us the support we needed, but wasn’t afraid to introduce us to the “rapid” nature of a rapid response archive. The conversations of “wearing hats” became common terminology to describe all of the evolving jobs this internship would entail. Some days we were scholars thinking deeply about the concerns of silences. Other days we felt more like roving reporters gathering stories as they were developing. Our “marketing hats” were often in use as we promoted our Calls for Submissions. Undoubtedly, there were days we were required to stack our hats four high. As fledgling public historians, we accomplished all of these things and we did it together as a team. The word “team” seems the most obvious description, but for our group the most fitting term is “family.” This moment has already come and gone, yet it’s preserved for those that look toward it. I felt the need to devote my individual time to preserving those things that were at propinquity. That being said, the “Rural Voices” collection is something near and dear to me. Near because I live in the community that inspired this collection. Dear because it’s so much more; it’s home. I created it because of this familiarity, a familiarity that was disrupted by COVID-19 and I experienced firsthand. Moving forward, future interns will have the opportunity to continue what I have started. This collection was never meant to have only one voice and is only a reflection of its first voice. Every rural community has a wealth of history occurring and with each passing moment those voices fade. The “Rural Voices” collection was, and should always remain, a direct response to that silence.
• 
  2020-04-11

  During Pandemic, Community Adapts "Reverse" Parade to Honor 90th Birthday in Memorable Way

  Local resident Genelle Richey retired in 2012, dedicating 62 years of her life to teaching the youth of Blanchard, Oklahoma. Since then, Mrs. Richey's status of being a local educator and mentor as only grown in appreciation. On April 11, 2020 during the peak of COVID-19 shutdowns, the community of Blanchard expressed its gratitude to Mrs. Richey by organizing hundreds of participants to drive past her in a "reverse" parade celebrating her 90th birthday. She and her family gathered on North Main Street to greet the cheerful crowd as they passed. The event was organized by her family and mostly through Facebook to preserve the surprise to Mrs. Richey herself. The event took place between 3:00 and 4:00 PM on that Saturday, April 11. The parade featured vehicles displaying signs and decorated "float" style trailers. The line of vehicles were led by Blanchard Police and Fire Departments. Parade vehicles dropped off birthday gifts and took photographs to preserve the special event. During an otherwise quiet and uneventful month of pandemic closures, the community of Blanchard resiliently came together to adapt a memorable day for a very special woman. Submitted for the #ruralvoices collection. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580.
• 
  2020-06-28

  COVID-19 Cancels the Oklahoma State Fair, Rural Attendee Tells Her Personal Story of Breaking Tradition.

  Sharon Annesley of Blanchard, Oklahoma tells the story of how the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the traditions of the Oklahoma State Fair. Her text document story chronicles how the State Fair changed over the years, but had never been canceled. She details how this will affect the local economy of vendors, agriculture, and local tourism. She also describes what a typical day for her and her husband would be at the fair and the long-standing tradition it has become to them. Text document authored by Sharon Annesley. The story is titled under the heading “COVID-19 CANCELS THE OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR” (June 28, 2020) The story features personally gathered information and accounts by Sharon Annesley. This document was hand-submitted in a physical form for submission to Clinton P. Roberts for the #ruralvoices collection. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580.
• 
  07/25/2020

  Phillip Hoile Oral History, 2020/07/25

  This is an interview of Phillip Hoile about the impacts that COVID-19 pandemic has on his job. He also speaks about questioning the information and why there's so much conflicting information in the media about COVID-19. Phillip offers his thoughts on why he and his family chose to take preventive measures such as masks and social distancing during COVID-19. He also talks about what it's like to live in a small community like Blanchard, Oklahoma instead of a larger city and the benefits it provides during a pandemic. He also explains the ways COVID-19 has altered his family plans and what he has done to create new activities to spend time with his granddaughter. Phillip offers advice about living through other crises, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, and his optimism that these things will eventually pass too.
• 
  2020-07-25

  Deborah Hoile Oral History, 2020/07/25

  This is an interview of Deborah Hoile about her day to day life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Deborah is retired and speaks about spending time taking care of her granddaughter. She offers her thoughts on the effects of the pandemic upon her community of Blanchard and ways that it has responded to COVID-19. Deborah also talks about the ways COVID-19 has affected seeing some of her children and grandchildren, as well as her thoughts about how the community of Blanchard could benefit from its current desire to watch over its more vulnerable population.
• 
  2020-07-06

  "COVID-19 Letter from the chief"

  "We are living in an unprecedented time, facing unprecedented challenges. Situations, details change daily, sometimes even hourly. I think it’s important that you know that our tribe is stable. We have always been a tribe known for paying its bills, taking care of our people, limiting our debt. Let me assure you that is still the Easter Shawnee Tribe, even in these turbulent times. Let me also assure you, your Business Committee, your Business Managers, your tribal employees and your Chief are working tirelessly to address these current challenges. Let me further assure you that with every decision we make, we are acutely concerned with how that decision impacts our tribal citizens. You, each one of you, you are our number one concern."
• 
  2020-07-17

  Getting Out Of Prison Sooner

  This NPR Planet Money podcasts discusses extremely long sentences, early release due to change in laws, particularly in Oklahoma, the cost of incarceration, and criminal justice reform from the ideal of physical conservatism. Plus a brief mention of early release due to the pandemic.
• 
  2020-03-24

  "Ponca Tribal Closure"

  "Based on the Ponca Resolution 19-03192020 for Declaring a State of Emergency Related to COVID-19 passed by the Ponca Tribal Business Committee on March 19th, 2020, All buildings will be closed until April 6th except Finance, Social Development Center, and The White Eagle Health Center. Most programs have already been working from home at this time. The safety of our employees and tribal members are taken seriously and admin leave is granted for all employees on leave."
• 
  2020-04

  Choctaw Nation Paper

  My dad sent me this paper from his tribe. I was worried that the tribe had been affected like some other tribes. But the papers really just had basic information about Covid-19 and hand-washing. It was a relief to see.
• 
  2020-06-12

  "Care Boxes For Native American Households"

  "The Housing Department COVID-19 Project is issuing applications for Care Boxes for Tribal Members. Heads of Households only should apply for each address if you live in one of the following counties:..."
• 
  2020-05-21

  "DELAWARE NATION TAKING EXTRA PRECAUTIONS WITH FREE COVID-19 ANTIBODY TESTING FOR TRIBAL OFFICE AND CASINO EMPLOYEES"

  "Due to the public health concerns of COVID-19, Delaware Nation is taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees who serve our casino patrons. Inside the Administration on Aging building within the Delaware Nation tribal complex, free antibody tests were voluntarily given to casino and tribal employees since the casinos and tribal offices are near reopening."
• 
  2020-06-16

  Judge rejects request to stop Tulsa Trump rally over coronavirus concerns

  Reopening has proved to be a double edged sword, as the economy slowly begins to recover while infection rates seem to rise congruently. President Trump had planned a rally in Tulsa, OK that has drawn backlash because of the current racial/policing issues present in the country, in addition to the health concerns that are present with a packed arena. The tweet summarizes the Politico article, which mentions the following: injunction to stop the rally until safety guidelines are put in place, rejection of the injunction, and the reassurance that all proper safety precautions will be taken into account for the proposed rally.
• 2020-06-11

  Don't stereotype. Ever.

  COVID-19, BLM Notes June 11, 2020 It's hard to put my thoughts in words. The news and social media are swirling in a constant maelstrom of things that seem like they should be false. Yet they're not. In the middle of the BLM and COVID-19 crisis, President Trump announced that he would be holding his first rally since Covid-19 in Tulsa Oklahoma. It will be on the anniversary of the massacre of the black community in Tulsa by the KKK. It also is a holiday marking the end of slavery in the US. This can go so wrong. 1968 Democratic Convention wrong. With semi-automatic weapons wrong. I'm sure supporters can make the argument that Trump is planning to make a speech that will help heal wounds. I hope that is the case. I sincerely doubt it. Even if it is, his administration has to understand the tinderbox they are laying fuel for. I simply don't understand. Additionally, COVID-19 cases are on the rise as states begin to reopen. So many people gathering for rallies and protests will up the ante even more. 😔😔 I'm angry about seeing my former law enforcement community painted with the same hostile brush that should be pointed at the bad cops and unions that protect them. It's damn tough to be a cop, even in a small community like mine. I still bear some scars. Cops are underpaid for the shit they have deal with. Mental health services may be offered if a department is large enough, but it would go on ones permanent record. Mental health is still stigmatized, so why would a cop want treatment for depression on their records? When Ron and I were dating, I had to undergo, on separate occasions, a herpes test and two AIDS tests. Imagine the fun that it is to tell my new boyfriend that kissing isn't allowed because I may have gotten herpes after giving mouth to mouth to someone I just cut down. (His response : If you have it, I already have it, so it doesn't matter. You marry a guy like that. I did). Then we had a another suicide. We didn't wear gloves back then. I'm sure we had them in the trunk but it would be wimpy to wear them. I got blood on my hands. Then the coroner found the suicide note. AIDS. I'm a nail biter. I had hang nails down to my knuckles. I went to Springfield for my tests because I didn't dare have it done in my community. AIDS was a very dirty word back then. I'm a chatterbox. The phlebotomist and I would be joking and laughing until they saw what the draw was for. A cold chill over took the room as they loudly triple gloved. Snap, snap, snap...... glaring at me. I was a junkie or a prostitute. Once I explained, they were so kind and emphatic. That's when I decided to try and treat everybody with kindness and respect. I don't know their back story and what led them to be in the position they are in. Be an asshole to me and I can be one right back but you get more peas with honey. Turns out, it wasn't AIDS. False positives were common back in the early days. Strangely enough, these aren't calls that bug me. That's what cop do. There's only one that eats at me and I'll unpack that some other time. I'm still processing the ghosts of that one. I bring them up because this is the kind of emotional crap cops deal with. Every single god damn day we clean up humanities mess. Yet there are people who want to vilify the entire law enforcement community, a community that includes people like me. I remember comforting a two year old toddler at another suicide. Mom thought the sitter would show up before the child woke up. She didn't. I'm holding this little girl who spent the morning putting popsicles on her dead diabetic mother's chest to get her to wake up. 36 years later I remember exactly where I standing, trying to comfort that poor child as I tried to process what was going on. So, as you shout to defund the police and tear down every single police agency that has ever represented you, think of me as a young adult from the age of 22 to 24, holding that child, wondering if I was going to die from AIDS, almost getting herpes from a corpse. I still had almost five years to go. I'm the people you are denigrating. I'm proud of the work I did. If you're looking for the bad, that's all you're going to see. Be cautious in the wording of any negative comments you might leave. I'm not much in the mood to keep my peas on my knife.
• 
  2020-06-14

  Preparing for the Public Again: Supplies Needed for Reopening Oklahoma Business in Phase 3 During COVID-19

  Starting June 1st, Oklahoma Governor Stitt's Phase 3 of Oklahoma's reopening began. The Richey Insurance Agency of Blanchard, Oklahoma has still not opened partly due to the company's employees being in the vulnerable categories. One of the other reasons is the difficulty in obtaining much needed cleaning supplies and the creation of new office protocols to maintain CDC suggested safety measures. Being a small independent business in a rural area, we are not given strict corporate or state regulations to enact. Instead, we are reliant on state and CDC information as well as our own ingenuity of how to best observe these suggestions. Some of the items that we've recently obtained include: plexiglass barriers for two desks, new easily cleanable office chairs, automated hand sanitizer stations, 70% isopropyl alcohol for spray bottles, bulk bottle of hand sanitizer, brightly colored tape for marking distancing locations on the floor, emergency masks, emergency gloves, and document exchange trays. All of these items are newly purchased and weren't necessary before COVID-19. The barriers will help maintain sanitary work spaces and create social distancing gaps. The chairs are especially important because they are replacing the previous cloth chairs. These new chairs' entire surface is either vinyl or metal, making it easier to clean after every customer. The social distancing rules will be a maximum of four customers in the office. This is approximately one third of its usual heavy customer points normally. All of these changes are based on a downward progression of COVID-19 cases to prevent our employees from unnecessary risk. Right now, three of the employees work from home and will continue until the office is officially open. Currently the new COVID-19 cases are on an upward trend in Oklahoma, with 225 new cases on Saturday June 12th, the single largest day since the beginning of the outbreak. With numbers like these, Phase 3 seems to be more of risk than we had planned. Much of the ramp up to open will be stalled until Oklahoma numbers show a significant decline. Personal story submitted for the #ruralvoices collection. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580.
• 
  2020-06-14

  Message of Hope Left on Control Box Near a Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Memorial

  On June 16th I took a picture of a message that is on a control box for the traffic light on Main Street in Blanchard, Oklahoma. The message is located near a memorial statue that was dedicated to Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Tony K. Burris for his valor during the Korean War. The message of hope was first spotted in early April when the lock downs of COVID-19 were well underway. The message of hope reminds the local residents that hard times have been witnessed before and like those times, "We Will Get By." The message is located on the North East corner of the intersection between State Highway 76 and U.S. Highway 62; many people drive past this prominent intersection daily. The message itself appears to be spray painted with a stencil. Since the message's arrival, no one has attempted to remove it - despite a strict city stance towards graffiti. This message seems to resonate with locals for the sheer fact that it has remained in its location past several public events in the general area that normally would've caused a reaction to have any other graffiti removed. The framing of the sign, the flag, and the statue in the same photograph really resonates with me. This is the way rural people see and feel the sense memory of past sacrifices, the resiliency that resides in hope.
• 
  2020-06-05

  A Daily Routine: Masks Go in the Washing Machine Before Entering the House

  The photograph depicts what the washing machine always looks like at my house in Oklahoma, multiple cloth masks inside. It has become our daily routine of placing our masks in the washing machine as soon as we get home from public places. Before we only used masks to go to the post office and grocery stores, the only two public places we went with other people there. Now that the June 1st Phase 3 of reopening Oklahoma has begun, we have noticed more and more people everywhere we go. As people are becoming more active and very few wears masks, we've begun having to take multiple masks with us everywhere to remain vigilant and have backups. Our daily routine now includes placing our masks in the washing machine as soon as we enter from the garage, before going further into the rest of the house. If we go somewhere that includes carrying lots of things that touch our clothes, then we will also throw our daily clothes in the washing machine immediately. On one occasion we came face-to-face with a person without a mask that was actively coughing without covering their mouth in the produce section. We skipped purchasing any produce that day and went straight home. On days like that, we would immediately wash whatever clothes we were wearing, to prevent spreading anything in to the house. Photographs like this are a constant reminder of how our daily routines were completely changed because of COVID-19.
• 
  2020-05-31

  Plexiglass Barriers Are Becoming the Norm for Businesses Re-Opening During COVID-19

  The photograph depicts two plexiglass barriers suspended over counters at a Domino gas station in Blanchard, Oklahoma. These barrier are suspended from wire chains connected to the ceiling. These barriers act as a "sneeze guard" much like similar system have placed in restaurants in the past. Much like CDC recommended social distancing, these barrier act to protect employees and customers while they stand closer than six feet for transactions. This particular barrier at Domino was installed specifically in response to COVID-19. Local businesses, such as Domino, Spencer's Grocery, Subway, and China House were just a few of thoes that had been observed with these plexiglass barriers installed since COVID-19. In addition, local state and federal government offices such as Gayla's Tag Agency and the Blanchard Post Office had made the transition to these plastic protective barriers as well. As many locations make the shift to re-opening, the plexiglass barrier has become a growing standard of how people do face-to-face business, even in rural communities. Personal story submitted for the Rural Voices collection. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580.
• 
  2020-05-31

  Internet Upgrade Occurs Just as COVID-19 Fears of Contact with Others and Staying at Home Heightens

  The sign depicts advertising to encourage people to sign up for Pioneer Telephone's Fiber Internet in Blanchard, Oklahoma. As a rural community, we had been waiting for fiber access for quite awhile. We are close enough to the Oklahoma City area to see the capability grow, but were too far away to benefit until recently. The local company Pioneer promoted the coming of the internet upgrade for the past year. I had already signed a contract to receive this upgrade in October of 2019, but by chance my neighborhood's service was ready until March 2nd just as COVID-19 concerns were starting to become more widespread. On March 25th state-wide restrictions put in place by Governor Stitt's executive order closed non-essential businesses, limited public gatherings to no more than 10 people, and enacted the "safer at home" protocol for those over 65 or with underlying medical conditions. During this time period I had restricted my exposure to just a few of my closest family in order to protect the older members. Pioneer called the last week of March to set a date, just as the biggest restrictions were occurring. I decided to move forward not realizing how the idea of a person entering my house would change my thoughts just a week later. The utility companies often send people to do work orders, which had never bothered me in the past. When Pioneer arrived on April 3rd to install the upgrade, I began to realize that this would feel very different. For the past month, we had postponed family nights, group dinners, and outings. During that time, we wouldn't dare answer the door for a sales person or go to grocery stores without a mask. The entire month was mostly just Kelly and I in my home with few outs beyond my work or my grandmother's house. The process was somewhat stressful because of how much the COVID-19 situation had changed since signing up for the service. When the man arrived, I noticed he was cautious about how he entered and the social distancing he kept from us. He did much of the organizing of his equipment in my driveway from his pickup. He was a contract worker for Pioneer and his helper was a young man of about eighteen. The two came inside, with the young man doing most of his work from my attic. This was the first time someone other than a few close family members had entered my house since the executive order. His distancing and professionalism helped alleviate many of the concerns. Once he left we used sanitizer wipes to clean door handles, just to be safe. The time he was in my house was cordial and friendly, but it was far from the normal way rural people would act in circumstances like this in the past. There were no handshakes which would've been a standard practice for many people in these encounters. This situation depicts the feelings of uncertainty and the changing of routine habits that occurred during COVID-19. Many of these changes were gradual, subconscious and only visible once we reflected upon them. Personal story submitted for the #ruralvoices collection. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580. #HST580 #ASU
• 
  2020-05-27

  New Beginnings Church Community Garden Started Amid COVID-19

  Sharon Annesley of Blanchard, Oklahoma tells the story of her rural church starting a community garden amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Her text document story chronicles how the church received the land and how they decided to create a garden that not only served their congregation but anyone in the community that wanted access. Sharon details what members contributed to the maintenance and what vegetables were growing there. She also articulates concerns that members expressed about potential food shortages and a garden's ability to address those concerns. Text document authored by Sharon Annesley, Member of New Beginnings Church - Blanchard. The story is titled under the heading "NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH COMMUNITY GARDEN STARTED AMID COVID-19" (May 27, 2020) The story features photographs of the church garden. Sharon Annesley hand-submitted the physical copy of this document for submission to Clinton P. Roberts for the #ruralvoices collection. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580.
• 
  2020-05-28

  New Beginnings Church - Adapting Church Services Amid COVID-19

  Sharon Annesley of Blanchard, Oklahoma tells the story of her rural church and how it adapted their services during COVID-19. Her text document story chronicles the ways they were affected and adapted to the pandemic. This includes transition to virtual church services and transitions back after Oklahoma's loosening of restrictions upon churches in May of 2020. The church eventually created separate services between two church locations to allow the elderly and high risk members to attend exclusively in a safer environment than the rest of the lower risk members. This text document is authored under the name "Sharon Annesley, Member of New Beginnings Church - Blanchard, Blanchard, Oklahoma." The story is titled under the heading "NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH - ADAPTING CHURCH SERVICES AMID COVID-19" (May 28, 2020) The story features a photograph of the church. Sharon Annesley hand-submitted the physical copy of this document to Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern, for submission into the #ruralvoices collection. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern.
• 
  2020-05-26

  Grandmother Grateful for Opportunity to Visit Husband's Grave for Memorial Day During COVID-19

  Jo Ann of Blanchard, Oklahoma visited her husband's grave on 05/26/2020. She was taken by her grandson and his girlfriend to visit his grave. Before the restrictions of COVID-19 set in March, Jo Ann had visited her husband's grave almost daily for over five years. Since the restrictions of the pandemic, she had only visited three times. She said she was very grateful to be able to spend some time with her husband who had been a veteran in the Korean War. Jo Ann said she was looking forward to this pandemic ending so she could resume her normal visits. Submitted for the #ruralvoices collection. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580.
• 
  05/28/2020

  Kelly McDaniel Oral History, 2020/05/28

  Interview with Kelly McDaniel of Blanchard, Oklahoma by Clinton P. Roberts on 05/27/2020. Kelly speaks about her experience of visiting a rural doctor's office during COVID-19. Kelly comments on the changes of procedures and the anxiety of possibly having COVID-19. Submitted for the #ruralvoices collection. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580.
• 
  2020-05-17

  Rural Oklahoma Church Members Attend Online Services During COVID-19

  Sharon and Dan Annesley of Blanchard, Oklahoma attend online services of New Beginnings Church. The Blanchard area church began offering Facebook Live streaming of their services starting 03/22/2020 and continued until 05/17/2020. Before March neither of them had ever attended an online church service, but it soon became a weekly routine during the COVID-19 restrictions. For nearly two months, Sharon and Dan attended the services each Sunday morning by driving to a local area for access to Wi-Fi and viewing on their laptop from the car. The photo captures the last time members Sharon and Dan attended online services before Oklahoma's COVID-19 restrictions were lifted for churches. Starting 05/24/2020, limited in-person services for New Beginnings Church reopened on 05/24/2020 as online streaming simultaneously will continue.
• 
  05/27/2020

  Kris McDaniel Oral History, 2020/05/27

  Interview of recent high graduate Kris McDaniel of Blanchard, Oklahoma by Clinton P. Roberts on 05/27/2020. Kris speaks about changes to his senior year of high school and the unique ways his rural town created a drive-through graduation ceremony due to COVID-19. Kris also speaks generally on what it was like to be a young person in high school, missing key moments due to the pandemic, and what he wants future people to know about this experience in this rural community. Submitted for the #ruralvoices collection. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580. #HST580 #ASU
• 
  05/21/2020

  Despite Purchase Limits, Shortages Persist in Important Disinfectant Categories at Walmart During COVID-19.

  Important disinfecting products such as Clorox wipes and Lysol remain in short supply, despite the limiting of one per customer at the Newcastle, Oklahoma Walmart. These products are important in the disinfecting of the COVID-19 virus for both homes and businesses. These products have been difficult to find since at least mid-March of 2020. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580. #HST580 #ASU
• 
  05/21/2020

  The UPS Store Limits Number of Customers Inside the Store to 3 to Observe CDC Social Distancing Guidelines

  The Norman, Oklahoma UPS Store has changed their policy customer capacity per CDC guidelines to encourage six foot social distancing. This particular store only allows in three customers at a time. On previous days there has been as many as ten people waiting in line inside while others use the mail box section or shop their shipping supplies. This limit of three customers is designed specifically for the six foot social distancing practice to be observed. Beyond the three customers, requires that people must wait in line along the sidewalk outside the business. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580. #HST580 #ASU
• 
  05/21/2020

  Walmart Uses Detailed Floor Signs to Alert Customers of Social Distancing Rules During COVID-19.

  Numerous floor signs depicting rules for social distancing were observed in the Newcastle, Oklahoma Walmart. Of these floor signs, four different designs were displayed. Each of these signs are focused on alerting customers and directing foot traffic to encourage social distancing during COVID-19. The long blue signs were placed along high foot traffic areas to remind customers of the 6 Foot Social Distancing rules. Other signs were displayed at the ends of aisles directing shoppers to enter (green) on designated ends and exit out (red - do not enter) on the other end. The traffic rules were displayed throughout the store. The smaller blue square signs mark social distancing areas in the checkout sections. This checkout floor signs designate stop points for shoppers to wait at, allowing six feet gaps between each customer. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580. #HST580 #ASU
• 
  05/18/2020

  Community Says Thank You to Local Healthcare Workers, First Responders, and Essential Workers Through Signs

  The local community of Blanchard, Oklahoma offers their gratitude to the local healthcare workers, first responders, and essential workers through thank you signs. These signs were spotted in front of dozens of locations including businesses, churches, homes, and even government offices. The collage only represents a selection of three that were of a different design. Personal story submitted for the #ruralvoices collection. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580.
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  05/18/2020

  Teddy Bear Hunt and Sidewalk Chalk Art Become Popular Outside Family Activities for Children During COVID-19

  Photograph collage shown is from Blanchard, Oklahoma where teddy bear hunts and sidewalk chalk art are popular activities for children to do with their families during COVID-19. The teddy bear hunt is nation-wide activity that was initially based off the book Going on a Bear Hunt by author Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury. Children are encouraged to spot teddy bears on walks with their families and participating houses place stuffed animals or drawings in their windows. Another similar activity that was easily spotted in the same neighborhoods in Blanchard, Oklahoma were detailed chalk art. Children draw pictures on the sidewalks in front of their homes or could view other home's artwork during family walks. Messages of hope or words of praise to essential workers for their dedications were seen as well. Each of the activities coincided with the rise of family-oriented outside walks that were becoming popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580.
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  05/18/2020

  Exclusive Hours for Senior Grocery Shoppers Help High Risk Group Avoid Large Crowds During COVID-19

  The photograph is of a grocery store sign in Blanchard, Oklahoma that has exclusive hours for senior citizens. Starting 03/18/2020 the grocery store, Spencer's Grocery, instituted a 6:30 to 8:00 AM seniors only (60+ years old) shopping period. This has been in practice ever since and offers those in the higher risk category a less crowded alternative way to shop for groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contributed by Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580.
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  05/18/2020

  Oklahoma Rural Schools Publish Newspaper to Creatively Reach Students Through Distance Learning Requirements

  The Oklahoma public schools in Dibble, Washington, and Lexington published five weekly newspapers that offered lessons for Pre-K through 12th grade students. This collaborative effort was organized by the three school district to offer distance learning while overcoming the lack of internet access to rural students. These papers were delivered for free to every student in each of the three school districts. Oklahoma public schools were ordered closed by Governor Stitt beginning March 25th and remained closed through the end of the school year. Dibble teacher Kelly McDaniel, a weekly contributor to the 2nd grade math and science section of the paper, provided the examples for the photograph. *Original text in "Creator" and "Contributor:" Clinton P. Roberts, curatorial intern for Arizona State University, HST 580