by Michael Garner, docent - OCHS
May 7, 2012 - Pawhuska, Oklahoma
This week marked an historic moment at the Osage County Historical Society (OCHS) Museum in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
A reprint of the "Triumphs of Women 1911 - 1935 Cookbook" was presented to the Museum by Dale Kiser, a former Pawhuska resident.
It was the fulfillment of a project of over 8 years for Mr. Kiser. "My grandmother Irene Edmonson (Lightener) held on to this cookbook all these years. I've been exploring getting it reprinted for years," said Dale.
The names of all the original contributors are included as well as the historic advertisements that were in the original cookbook.
Shown in the photograph above is: (left to right) Barbara Pease, Manager OCHS Museum; Dale Kiser, Editor and Contributor; and Kathy Swan, Vice President of the Board of Directors, OCHS.
Kathy was also involved in getting this cookbook ready for print.
For the most part, this cookbook is a reprint of a 1920s fundraiser by the Pawhuska Women’s Club whose recipes comprised the book. It was considered a great honor and source of pride for a Club member’s recipe to appear in print.
The first edition of TRIUMPH’S OF WOMEN was published in 1925. The second edition was printed in 1929.
The Pawhuska Women’s Club was the forerunner of the GFWC HEEKO Club. It was formed in 1911 by 20 progressive minded women. Three units (divisions) of interest quickly grew to thirteen with 126 paid members. Annual dues were $1. Coupled with proceeds from TRIUMPH’S OF WOMEN, these amazing pioneers amassed an impressive list of accomplishments.
The first recorded project was a downtown fountain for dogs and horses – a much needed and vital community project. Not inclusive, other projects targeted Pawhuska’s educational system with sewing machines for the high school, hot and cold showers for PHS football players, playground equipment, and Pawhuska’s 1st Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
In addition, the Women’s Club provided public restrooms and promoted installation of tables and ovens for public parks, assisted with Red Cross recruiting – 130 signed up; spearheaded Christmas Gifts for the unfortunates, monies for World War I, and purchased property for Club House Meetings. The Women’s Club began the Pawhuska City Library – acquiring books and providing a librarian’s salary. In 1937, the Women’s Club formally donated its property and assets to the Library.
For 25 years, the Women’s Club was a productive and vital contributor to the formation of Pawhuska. When the Pawhuska Women’s Club disbanded in 1935, its pioneer spirit continued through one unit, the GFWC HEEKO Club. HEEKO is a Native American word that means “Learning” which tied in with this unit’s initial goal of self improvement and study. In 1915, GFWC HEEKO redirected its goals to civic and community welfare.
GFWC HEEKO started the Osage County Historical Society Museum in 1963 and was instrumental in starting the Pawhuska City Hospital and Senior Citizens Center (Young in Heart Center).
TRIUMPH’S OF WOMEN Cookbook is a rare and prized link to a glorious past.
Thanks to Dale Kiser, the GFWC HEEKO Club is making available a reprint of the Pawhuska Woman's Club cookbook originally published in the 1920's. You can get your copy at the Osage County Historical Society Museum for $19.95. The proceeds will benefit the GFWC HEEKO club. The recipes and the memories will benefit you!
