The Abernathy Boys Story Still Keeps Riding Along….



Of course one of Frederick’s and Tillman County’s Claim to Fame is being the “Home of the Abernathy Boys”. I know some people may feel like we use that promotion too much, and frankly are tired of hearing about the Boys. However, there are many people in Oklahoma and across the nation who haven’t even heard about he Boys, and when they learn about them, want to know more!!

Case in point, there has been several Abernathy Boy relatives that have called me about the upcoming Crossroads Ranch Trail Ride and Chuckwagon Dinner (Saturday, June 6th) and our plans for the celebration of the Centennial of the Boys ride next year.

In addition, Larry Lewis, an Oklahoma City attorney, has written a book entitled "Struggles in a New State: The 1910 Journey of the Abernathy Boys as a Framework of the Political Issues and Societal Changes in Oklahoma". He was the speaker for the annual meeting of the Tillman County Historical Society just last month. The book should be printed in May, and the Historical Society may have copies available, we will keep you posted!

Our Historical Society is not the only one interested in the Abernathy Boys. The Stephens County Historical Society recently had Frederick’s own Barbara Redmond speak about the Abernathy Boys at their annual meeting last week in Duncan.

Our neighbors to the west are featuring the Boys at their annual meeting. The Western Trail Historical Society, who helps to support the Museum of the Western Prairie in Altus, will be showing the Oklahoma-produced movie The Grand Ride of the Abernathy Boys as part of their annual meeting. The showing will take place on Thursday, April 23rd at 7 PM at the Altus Christian Fellowship facility located at 107 N. Hudson in Altus, formerly the site of the Plaza Theater. The movie has been billed as the story of America, of the new state of Oklahoma, of two boys, and an adventure. As you may recall, this movie was an Oklahoma Centennial Project, and had it’s premiere in Oklahoma City in 2007. The producers of the movie, Shawnee Brittan and Joanna Champlin will introduce the movie and also be on hand for questions following the movie. There is no charge for the movie, which comes complete with popcorn and sodas in the wonderfully restored Plaza Theater! The board of the Western Trail Historical Society has been in touch with the Chamber office, and all Tillman County residents have a special invitation to come attend. In addition, they have asked the Tillman County Historical Society to have a special table set up to help promote the Pioneer Townsite Museum, the Abernathy Boys exhibit, and the Crossroads Ranch Trail Ride and Chuckwagon Dinner.

We hope everyone will take advantage of this special showing and help promote Frederick and all it has to offer!