Fort Reno Arbor Day, March 26, 2004
The last major planting of trees at Fort Reno occurred close to one hundred years ago. Most of those trees have been lost over the years. This spring, the public is invited to help "Re-Tree" Fort Reno with the planting of 750 lacebark elms. The tree planting will begin at 1:00 p.m. and continue until dusk. A sign with the names of donors will be unveiled at Fort Reno during the dedication ceremony scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. on the Fort Reno Parade Grounds Band Stand.
Heritage Conservation Network Workshop, May 29 to June 5, 2004
Heritage Conservation Network is partnering with Historic Fort Reno, Inc. and the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office to hold a week-long workshop during which preservation work will begin on the Guardhouse. The Guardhouse is a limestone masonry load-bearing structure with wooden windows. It was built in 1891 and many windows still have the bolts embedded that held the iron bars in place. The eight day training session will be led by Simon Herbert, Architectural Conservator.
Fort Reno Reunion, June 5, 2004
The 45th Fort Reno Reunion will be held at the Fort Reno Chapel on Sunday, June 5, 2004.A short business meeting will be held prior to the pot-luck lunch around noon.
All former residents or their descendants may attend the Fort Reno Reunion. The Reunion coordinator, Erma Jean Eason Higgins will mail a letter in April. In order to be placed on the mailing list, please send your name, mailing address, and phone number to the following address. All information will be forwarded to the reunion organizer.
Tombstone Tales, September 25, 2004
Public Performances
Historic Re-enactors portray individuals interred between 1874 and 1947 at the Post Cemetery at Fort Reno. The twelve individuals portrayed at each performance come from the list below. Each re-enactor is dressed in clothing appropriate to the time period. The characters tell descriptive tales about the events occurring during the life of the individual portrayed. Named the Best New Event in 1995 and the Best Event by the Governor's Conference on Tourism in 1998, the event is as fun as it is educational.
Spectators are divided into groups and are lead to each character throughout the cemetery by a Tour Guide. All groups will have the opportunity to hear the presentation by each of the twelve individuals portrayed at each performance.
Each Event Performance Will Feature 12 Individuals Selected From the Following List:
- Clark Young, a "Buffalo Soldier" of the 10th U.S. Cavalry who died in 1975
- William C. Beecham, of the 2nd U.S. Artillery who died in 1876
- Patrick Lynch, 4th U.S. Cavalry who died in 1878
- Frank Straud, 4th U.S. Cavalry who died in 1878
- Annie Mason, a refined woman from the East who died in 1879
- Chalk, an Arapaho Scout who died in 1881
- James Coleman, a "Buffalo Soldier" of the 9th U.S. Cavalry who died in 1884
- Viola Mucker, a young girl who died in 1890
- Susie Auten, a school teacher who is in an unknown grave who died in the 1890's
- Lizzie Glaser, the daughter of Commander of Company "B" 5th U.S. Cavalry who died in 1891
- Rev. Robert C. St. Clair, the circuit riding preacher who died in 1894
- William Blake, the outlaw known as Tulsa Jack in an unknown grave who died in 1895
- Tim O'Connel, a wagon team master who died in 1899
- Maria Wheeler, a young girl who died in 1900
- Edward Lee, a "Walk-a-Heap" of the 25th U.S. Infantry who died in 1903
- Moka Clark, Ben's Cheyenne wife who died in 1913
- Ben Clark, General Sheridan's favorite Scout who died in 1914
- Major Henry Weeks, the Fort Reno Commander who died in 1931
- Johannes Kunze, a German POW at the Tonkawa Camp who died in 1943
- Han Seifert, a German POW at the Fort Reno Camp who died in 1945
The camps that surround the cemetery are an accurate display of items used in the 1800's. The historic camps featured have included: Mountain Man, a '49er on the California Road, Howell's 11th Texas Light Artillery, Buffalo Hunter Camp, Cheyenne Camp, Cowboy Camp, and Chuckwagon Camp.
Public Showtimes
Saturday, September 25,2004 11:00 am & 2:00 pm
Food & Concessions
In the past, Non-profit groups set up historic camps and have provided food & drink items available for purchase. All sales at Historic Fort Reno benefit a non-profit group.
Event Admission Fee
- Adults (16 yrs and over): $10.00
- Youth (6 to 15 yrs): $5.00
- Children (5 and under): Free
*Advance Tickets may be purchased through the Fort Reno Visitor Center. Please specify number of tickets and showtime preference.
Educational Day Performances are scheduled the two days prior to the public event with the following performance schedule.
Educational Day Reservation Forms are mailed to schools ATTN: 4th, 5th, and 6th grade teachers the first of August.
Each performance is limited to 300 people.
Instructors are responsible for making reservations for the correct number of students and the invoices will be submitted to the school administrative offices indicating the number of reservations made by the instructor.
Admission must be paid at the gate with school purchase order or check for the total amount of the invoice.
Reservations must be made by contacting the Fort Reno Visitor Center at 405-262-3987 after August 1, 2004.
Reservation information needed included:
- Name of School
- Mailing Address
- Name of Contact
- Phone Number
- Total number of students and adults attending the performance
- Letters confirming the number of reservations, show time and invoice will be mailed on or before September 12, 2004.
German Memorial Service, November 14, 2004
Hosted by the German American Heritage Association the second annual memorial service will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Fort Reno Chapel and will conclude after the laying of a wreath at the Fort Reno POW Cemetery at 3:15 p.m.
Fort Reno Christmas, December 19, 2004
Fort Reno Christmas is held the Sunday afternoon before Christmas each year to celebrate the cultural traditions transplanted to the area form other parts of the world. The 2004 Fort Reno Christmas will mark the eighth year of the Fort Reno Visitor Center's presence at Historic Fort Reno.
