Longtime Will Rogers’ fan earns honor
Dale Long made his first visit to Will Rogers Memorial as a child on a family trip. He later made the trek with his Nowata grade school class.
He couldn’t have imagined then he would someday live within a mile (as the crow flies) from the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch. He would not have imagined he would someday be picked for the Oologah Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Will Rogers Award.
The retired Oologah teacher received the honor at the Chamber’s annual banquet.
Long and his wife, Donna, moved to Rogers County in 1967. After teaching in Claremore and Inola, he joined the staff at Oologah, where he retired.
Whether serving up rattlesnake steaks or talking aeronautics when it wasn’t a popular subject, Dale Long has left his mark on many, especially Oologah students.
In the heyday of Okeene Rattlesnake Hunts, Long was one of the top “hunters” and used his experiences in the science classroom. He would serve rattlesnake to his Oologah students and faculty and administrators. He was a hands-on science teacher. That was likely responsible for his selection as Oklahoma “Teacher of the Year.”
His passion was outdoor activities and he taught nature and outdoor activities in the classroom as well as serving on the staff of Carolyn Estes Girl Scout Day Camp as a nature instructor.
“He is an avid Chamber volunteer,” said Estes, former Chamber president and Scout leader, “whatever is needed, he is there.”
When family and friends visit, the Longs always head for the Birthplace Ranch. It is where they have taken grandchildren to introduce them to the baby goats, burros, horses and Longhorn cattle.
A few years back, some of Long’s former classmates from Northeastern State University, where he graduated in 1961, put together a “loosely knit” group they call “Nifty Fifties.” During one of their regular get-togethers, Long treated them to a visit of historic downtown Oologah and Wanda Sanders’ reclaimed buildings and the Birthplace Ranch.
“It is such a neat place,” he said. “The view is spectacular. You never know what to expect. I grew up knowing of Will Rogers. As I grow older and learn more about him, I respect him even more.
“To be chosen is quite an honor,” he said humbly.
His favorite boyhood memories of the Claremore Memorial are the Jo Mora dioramas.
“He is the epitome of a Will Rogers,” said Steve Gragert, Will Rogers Museums executive director, who was at the awards ceremony.
Also honored was Oologah senior Casey Howsden, who received the Spirit of Young Will Rogers Award.
Nominated by his teachers, Casey is “one of the unsung heroes at Oologah High School,” a nominator wrote, “always willing to help,” polite and respectful to peers or teachers, a leader “by example.”
He was described as a continual leader in the classroom and organizations, friendly and approachable, an excellent and motivated student.
Casey also plays football and baseball. He is the son of Joseph and Kimberly Howsden.