A look back at the moments, milestones, and turning points in Oklahoma holiday history:
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FAMOUS
Oklahoma Christmas
MILESTONES
A look back at the moments, milestones, and turning points in Oklahoma holiday history:
• In the 19th Century, settlers and missionaries in Native American territory used native blackjack or oak trees instead of pine and decorated them with popcorn strings, cotton, berry garlands and candles.
• In the 1800s, German immigrants brought to the U. S. the tradition of discharging firearms to dispel evil spirits before the holiday, a tradition practiced in Oklahoma as well. El Reno began re-enacting that tradition in 1988 and continues to do so today.
• On February 11, 1893 Mistletoe become Oklahoma’ s official floral emblem for reasons that had nothing to do with Christmas.
• In 1937, Oklahoma established the Santa Claus Commission, which is a state agency that ensures children in state care or institutional placement receive a Christmas gift. The agency still operates today through the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs and is funded through private donations.
• Born in Broken Arrow, Ralph Blane co-wrote the holiday classic“ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in 1943.
• In 1953, 10-year-old Oklahoma native Gayla Peevey sang the novelty hit“ I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” which inspired a local fundraiser that bought a real baby hippo named Matilda to the Oklahoma City Zoo. The tune is still widely played on radio stations each December.
• The BC Clark Jewelers anniversary jingle first aired in 1956 and has played every year ahead of Christmas ever since, becoming a beloved classic across the state. It is considered one of the longest continuously running commercials in U. S. history.
• Hunter’ s Home, located at 19479 E. Murrell Home Rd. in Park Hill, is the only remaining pre – Civil War plantation home in Oklahoma, and every December, Oklahoma residents can experience what Christmas was like in the 1800s.
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