Years before there was an Oologah, the regal “White House on the Verdigris” stood proudly as a welcoming refuge and gathering place for the Cherokees. Preserving and expanding that legacy has been the work and pleasure of Debbie and Jim Williams.
He began his career with the Will Rogers Museum in 1988. The couple moved to the ranch in 1991 when he became foreman. Debbie works one day a week in the Will Rogers Museum gift shop.
“Even through lean budget times for the Museum and birthplace, Jim and Debbie can be found tending livestock, the garden and ranch buildings,” said Oologah Chamber leaders in presenting the couple with the Chamber’s Appreciation Award. “They always welcome guests with warm smiles and make folks feel right at home. The Chamber appreciates your paid and volunteer work in the Oologah community and at the birthplace,” they told the couple.
Jim and Debbie have three children and seven grandchildren (an eighth on the way).
They are charged with maintaining the ranch, house and barns as a working ranch in the tradition of the history of where Will was born Nov. 4, 1879 in a log-walled room.
The house is open to the public 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 365 days a year. Admission is by donation. A grass airstrip is on the west side of the ranch property, which features modern restrooms and recreation vehicle hookups.