Listener request this week! Join us as Jess walks us through part 1 of the death of Heather Rich.
Heather Rose Rich, a vivacious Waurika, Oklahoma high‑school sophomore and cheerleader’s body was found in Belknap Creek on October 10, 1996. Heather, known for her beauty, bubbly personality, and popularity, had been struggling with personal issues: family stress after her father’s severe workplace injury, self‑harm, eating‑disorder behaviors, experimentation with drugs, and the recent breakup with her boyfriend Randy Wood. She disappeared after a heated argument with her mother over an expensive phone bill; initial sheriff’s deputies dismissed the missing‑person report as a likely runaway case. As rumors about local drug activity and possible links to other troubled teens circulated, a rancher ultimately discovered Heather’s badly mutilated, gunshot‑wounded body in a backwater creek, and her father identified her by a gold heart‑shaped
This week’s episode is situated around Heather’s death against the backdrop of Waurika and the Red River country—a small, tight‑knit town with a lawless past and a present marked by limited outlets for youth, drug problems, and social divisions. Key suspects quickly include ex‑boyfriend Randy Wood, a quietly troubled football player from a poor family, and Josh Bagwell, a wealthy peer with whom Heather had flirted; both were absent or evasive around the time she vanished and became persons of interest in the community’s gossip. The discovery of Heather’s body galvanized searches, rumors, and an escalating investigation, and the promise of justice.
Listener discretion is advised this week.
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Happy Halloween! What better way to wrap up Spooky Season 2025 than with some haunting tales from Oklahoma’s most haunted town? And with Tiff at the reins, you know the spooks and kooks will keep your spine chill!
Guthrie, Oklahoma, was established almost overnight during the Land Run of 1889, transforming from a railroad station into a bustling city as tens of thousands of settlers staked claims. Designated as the capital of the Oklahoma Territory and later the first state capital upon statehood in 1907, Guthrie experienced a brief period of prominence before the capital was moved to Oklahoma City in 1910. This shift slowed the city's growth, inadvertently preserving its extensive collection of late 19th and early 20th-century architecture, leading to the establishment of the Guthrie Historic District, one of the largest urban historic districts in the nation.
Guthrie is often considered one of the most haunted cities in Oklahoma, with numerous ghost stories tied to its historic sites. Notable locations include the Santa Fe Depot, which served as a bustling railway hub and is now a private event center, and the Blue Belle Saloon, known for its colorful past and spectral inhabitants. The old Logan County Hospital, now converted into a senior living community, is also reputed to be haunted, with reports of ghostly apparitions and eerie occurrences. These sites, rich in history and folklore, attract visitors looking to explore their haunted legacies, especially during the Halloween season.
So wrap up our favorite time of the year with your favorite spooky and kooky cousins!
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Jess wraps up her look at Oklahoma during World War I in this week’s episode. It’s a treat (not a trick) because it includes a brief history of your favorite cousins’ ties to the Great War.
The University of Oklahoma experienced a significant transformation during World War I, with strong patriotic sentiments leading many students to consider joining the military. As a result, classrooms emptied, and the university formed a volunteer regiment, allowing male students to participate in military training while continuing their studies. The university actively equipped students for military service, with participation from various groups, including the creation of a regimental band and involvement from female students through the Red Cross.
Conversely, Cordell Christian College faced challenges due to its pacifist beliefs, leading to its eventual closure amid local council scrutiny and accusations of disloyalty. Despite some faculty and students participating in the war effort, the college's stance created conflict with patriotic citizens, ultimately resulting in harassment and investigations by local defense councils.
Meanwhile, Native Americans played a crucial role in the war, with many serving in the military and contributing to agricultural efforts to support the war. The war brought significant social changes, including increased employment opportunities for women and racial tensions, culminating in incidents of violence against African American soldiers returning home.
Come along with Jess and Tiff as we explore the years right after statehood, and how Oklahomans were showing that “Oklahoma Standard” before it was a thing!
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Oklahoma became a state in 1907…less than 10 short years later our nation was thrown into the very first World War. Where did that leave OK? What part did we play? This week Jess takes us through those beginning stages…or Part 1 of World War I Oklahoma.
Oklahoma's involvement in WWI evolved from initial aversion to enthusiastic participation due to economic pressures. The state experienced significant agricultural decline as European markets closed, leading to falling crop prices. As the U.S. prepared for war, Oklahoma began organizing for the draft, with high rates of registration despite initial resistance. The Green Corn Rebellion in 1917, driven by anti-draft sentiment among farmers, highlighted tensions within the state, leading to arrests and increased patriotism. Public sentiment shifted rapidly, with the government enforcing loyalty and suppressing dissent, further complicating the landscape for Oklahomans during the war. We wonder where all this was during OK History class…
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Tiff concludes her 2-parter this on one of OK’s worst bank robberies of all time…
On December 14, 1984, the Geronimo bank robbery and murder shocked the small town of Geronimo, Oklahoma, when 19-year-old Jay Wesley Neill, along with his boyfriend Robert Grady Johnson, committed heinous acts that resulted in the deaths of several bank employees and customers. Armed with a handgun and knife, Neill stabbed three female tellers, including a pregnant woman, and shot four customers, killing one. The duo fled with approximately $17,000 and was arrested three days later in San Francisco after using marked bills from the robbery. Both were convicted of murder and sentenced to death, with their appeals process taking seven years, during which unusual events, including competency trials and allegations of misconduct, unfolded.
As the legal proceedings continued, both men found themselves embroiled in a web of accusations and appeals. Neill, seeking to save his life, pleaded guilty while attempting to shift blame onto Johnson, leading to a renewed trial where he was again found guilty and sentenced to death. Johnson, who maintained his innocence, faced a trial with circumstantial evidence linking him to the crime but was ultimately convicted as well. The case raised significant questions about the influence of their sexual orientation in the judicial process, with some arguing that Neill's death sentence was affected by anti-gay bias. As of 2024, Johnson continues to file for new trials based on claims of withheld evidence, while the families of victims have also pursued civil actions against the bank for negligence regarding security measures.
Join us for the heartbreaking and tragic conclusion to one of Oklahoma’s darkest crimes.
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Clark County Prosecuting Attorney
Oklahoma’s Most Notorious Cases Volume 2 by Kent Frates
This week, Tiff tackles a truly savage and senseless case. A case that is still known as the deadliest bank robbery in recent Oklahoma history.
In part 1 of this two-parter, Tiff details the brutal Geronimo Bank Robbery on December 14, 1984, in Geronimo, Oklahoma, which resulted in the murders of four people and severe injuries to three others. The primary suspects were local men, Jay Wesley Neill (age 19) and Robert Grady Johnson (age 21), who were a couple facing severe financial hardship and were known to the small-town bank as "problem customers."
The attack began at 1:00 p.m. when Neill entered the First Bank of Chattanooga and held three female tellers hostage:
Kay Bruno (age 42, bank manager)
Jerri Bowles (age 19)
Joyce Mullenix (age 25 and six months pregnant)
While Neill was in the back room, several customers entered the bank. Neill took five customers hostage.
Ralph Zeller (age 33, farmer)
Bellen Robles (age 15) and her husband Reuben Robles (age 20) and their child Marie Robles (age 14-month-old baby)
Marilyn Roach (age 34, local restaurant owner)
The perpetrators fled by 1:30 p.m., leaving behind "a sea of bloody carnage."
Due to the severity, the FBI took jurisdiction. And the hunt for two men was on. Once the suspects were apprehended, all the strings started to unravel. The finger pointing started resulting in court room drama at its finest. Join us as we unwind the premeditation and planning that went into this heinous crime.
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Clark County Prosecuting Attorney
Oklahoma’s Most Notorious Cases Volume 2 by Kent Frates
Do you feel that tiny nip in the air? It must mean one thing…the start of SPOOKY SEASON! Jess will kick our favorite season off with a part 2 of the Spooks found at the University of Oklahoma.
The Donald W. Reynolds Performing Arts Center was originally built as The Auditorium in 1918. It is a historic building at the University of Oklahoma, but was later renamed Holmberg Hall in 1938 after Fredrick Holmberg, a key figure in the university's music program. In 2005, after a multimillion-dollar renovation, the building was renamed to honor Donald W. Reynolds and features Oklahoma's only European-style performance hall, hosting many famous visitors and significant university events. The center is home to ghost stories, particularly related to Professor Mildred Andrews Boggess, a prominent organist whose spirit is believed to linger, causing mysterious occurrences. Gittinger Hall, named after a notable history professor, is known for its ghostly secrets, including a "coffee-loving" spirit and unexplained sounds. The Delta Gamma Sorority House, on the OU campus, features a ghostly doll named Hannah, believed to embody the spirit of sisterhood, causing playful disturbances and pranks throughout the house.
We hope you cousins are ready for a spin-tingling good time!
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University of Oklahoma Website
This week Tiff dives in and discusses Oklahoma’s very own prima ballerina…Maria Tallchief.
Born Elizabeth Marie Tall Chief on January 24, 1925, on the Osage Indian Reservation in Oklahoma, Maria became not only Oklahoma’s, but also America's first major prima ballerina. She is celebrated for her dedication and pride in her heritage.
Rising from humble beginnings, she navigated dual cultural worlds, being trained rigorously by her ambitious mother, who ensured her daughters received artistic opportunities. Maria's ballet career flourished in Los Angeles under renowned instructors, leading her to join the prestigious Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in New York City. There, she gained recognition through her partnership with choreographer George Balanchine, who created roles specifically for her, showcasing her strength and technical prowess. Throughout her nearly two-decade tenure with the New York City Ballet, she became a key figure in American dance, known for iconic roles like the Firebird and the Sugar Plum Fairy. After retiring in 1966, she dedicated herself to teaching and preserving ballet, influencing future generations. Honored with numerous accolades, including a Kennedy Center Honor and the National Medal of Arts, Tallchief's legacy as a trailblazer and cultural icon continues to inspire dancers and audiences.
If you have an aspiring dancer, have them listen to this week’s story and dive in with us! Perhaps our next big prima ballerina is a CCOK fan!
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This week, Jess wraps up her second installment of Women on Death Row: Marilyn Kay Plantz. This story really feels like a textbook case, with all the betrayal, twists, turns, affairs, greed, and manipulation!
Marilyn Kay Plantz became discontent in her marriage to Jim Plantz, leading her to engage in an extramarital affair with 18-year-old William Bryson. Instead of seeking a divorce, she conspired with Bryson to murder her husband for the $300,000 life insurance payout. Jim's charred body was discovered in his burned pickup truck, and initially treated as a potential accident. However, the investigation revealed inconsistencies in Marilyn's behavior, such as her lack of emotional response to Jim's death and her swift attempt to claim the insurance money, which raised suspicions about her involvement. As detectives dug deeper, they uncovered Marilyn's affair and her previous comments about wishing Jim were dead, indicating premeditated intent.
Following the investigation, Marilyn and Bryson were arrested, with Bryson eventually confessing to the murder plot in detail. He implicated Marilyn as the mastermind behind the crime, revealing that she had orchestrated the murder with calculated precision. During the trial, the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence of Marilyn's manipulation and planning, while her defense argued she was not involved. Ultimately, both Marilyn and Bryson were found guilty of first-degree murder, and they received death sentences. Marilyn was executed by lethal injection on May 1, 2001, becoming the second woman executed in Oklahoma since 1907, while Bryson had been executed previously in 2000.
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We’re baaaaaaccckkkk!!
Welcome cousins to Season 4! We are so excited that you all are with us again this season!
We’re kicking off Season 4 with Jess’ second installment of “Women on Death Row”. This episode, part 1 of 2, covers Marilyn K Plantz.
Marilyn Kay Plantz, originally Marilyn Kay Sellers, was executed by lethal injection after spending 12 years on Oklahoma's Death Row. Born in 1960 into a modest, working-class family, Marilyn had a quiet upbringing that emphasized traditional roles for women. She married James "Jim" Plantz, her childhood sweetheart, at a young age, and they appeared to live a typical suburban life with their two children. However, underlying tensions began to surface as Marilyn grew increasingly dissatisfied with her domestic situation. Feeling emotionally isolated and unappreciated, she sought attention outside her marriage, which led to an affair with an 18-year-old named William Clifford Bryson.
This relationship quickly escalated from casual conversations to a deadly plan against Jim Plantz. Marilyn manipulated Bryson into believing her husband was abusive, fostering a scheme to stage Jim's death to collect on a life insurance policy. She involved Bryson's friend, Clinton McKimble, and together they plotted Jim's murder. On the night of August 26, 1988, after a brutal attack with a baseball bat, they attempted to set his body on fire in his truck. Following the murder, Marilyn helped cover up the crime and mislead investigators while her children remained asleep in the house. The tragic events ultimately led to her arrest and a trial that would reveal the shocking details of the crime.
Join us as we dive into how a church-going mother ended up on death row.
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Tiff is going to wrap Season 3 up with a banger of a creepy place…St. Vincent’s Home in Oklahoma City.
The property, often mistaken for an abandoned church, was once a hospital established in 1944 by the Catholic Brothers of Mercy. Initially intended to care for mentally and physically ill men and boys, the facility expanded over the years, adding more rooms and amenities. Its history includes a tragic incident in 1962 when a former nurse confessed to murdering patients, leading to the hospital's eventual closure. In 1968, the building was repurposed as a rehabilitation center for alcoholics and renamed The Main Artery, managed by Father Richard Frank Dolan until his unsolved murder in 1988.
Today, the property is private and strictly off-limits to the public due to safety concerns. Those who dare to visit report eerie experiences, such as cold sensations, strange noises, and sightings of shadows, reflecting its haunted reputation. Despite the risks, thrill-seekers and ghost hunters are drawn to the site, leading to increased security measures. The property remains a point of intrigue, with rumors of a demonic presence and ongoing paranormal investigations, but it is crucial to remember that entering the premises is illegal and dangerous.
And cousins, this ends Season 3! Thank you so much to all our friends, family, and fans! We couldn't and wouldn't do this without you. We hope you will stick around for season 4 when we can bring you even more kooky and spooky stuff in and around the great state of OK.
Again thanks for listening…
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This week, Jess tackles one of Oklahoma’ s many instances of the US Government going back on a treaty made with Native Tribes…
Chitto Harjo, also known as Crazy Snake, was born in 1846 into the Muscogee Creek Nation, which held onto important ceremonial roles even as other Native tribes faced significant changes due to U.S. policies. The Muscogee people, descendants of a rich culture that once thrived across the Southeastern United States, constructed impressive ceremonial complexes and formed a sophisticated political confederacy. However, in the early 19th century, U.S. Indian policy aimed to remove the Muscogee and other tribes from their ancestral lands. This led to a forced relocation, with many Muscogee settling in Indian Territory, where they established farms and a new governance structure. Harjo emerged as a prominent figure opposing land allotment policies that threatened tribal sovereignty and cultural identity, advocating for the restoration of traditional customs.
As tensions escalated in the late 19th century, Harjo led a faction known as the Snakes, which opposed the Dawes Commission's allotment system. Their resistance involved organizing a separate government and engaging in protests rooted in ancient Muscogee traditions. Despite initial successes, including establishing jurisdiction over a small area, Harjo's movement faced significant backlash from both tribal governments and U.S. authorities. The situation intensified with violent confrontations, ultimately leading to Harjo's arrest and imprisonment. Although he was never captured after his release, his life took a mysterious turn, with rumors of his death in various locations. Harjo's story exemplifies the broader resistance of the “Five Civilized Tribes” against U.S. encroachment and the struggle to maintain their identity and autonomy.
Join us this week as we examine Chitto Harjo and the Crazy Snake Uprising.
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When picturing the stomping grounds of serial killers Oklahoma doesn’t quite come to mind…right? Well, Tiff is going to trample right over that belief in this week’s episode!
The Oklahoma City Butcher is an unidentified serial killer responsible for the brutal murders of three young, unhoused Native American women—Cathy Lyn Shakelford, Arley Bell Killian, and Tina Marcia Sanders—between 1976 and 1986. All victims were subjected to brutal deaths at the hand of someone unknown. Cathy, 18, was found in an abandoned house, her mutilated body parts scattered, while Arley, 22, had her body parts discovered by children playing basketball. Tina, also 22, was found in a similar gruesome manner, indicating a pattern of violence against women from marginalized backgrounds. Despite investigations, including connections to notorious serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, the cases remain unsolved, highlighting the alarming rates of violence against Native American women, who are often overlooked in criminal reporting. The killer is believed to still be at large, prompting ongoing calls for information from the public.
This episode comes with listener discretion due the graphic deaths. Trigger warnings for various kinds of abuse as well.
If you have any information, please contact OSBI Cold Case Unit at cold.case@osbi.ok.gov or OKC Crime Stoppers at 405*235*7300…or you can visit their office or mail them a tip at 700 Colcord Dr, OKC, OK 73102 or contact Oklahoma City Police Department at 405-297-1180
Sources:
The Daily Oklahoman: April 17, 1986; November 30, 1993
Nothing says kooky and spooky like a jail, turned church, turned handicap home, turned cult headquarters! But Jess found just the place!
"Church Row" is located on Noble Avenue in Guthrie, OK. It features a series of houses of worship. Guthrie became a city, almost quite literally, overnight during the 1889 Land Run. This area also houses the notorious Black Jail, constructed in 1892, to manage the outlaws that plagued the region. Initially deemed "escape-proof," the jail, in fact, saw multiple successful escapes, including several notorious figures from the American Frontier. Over time, it transitioned from a federal prison to a church and later housed the controversial Samaritan Foundation cult, whose leader, Linda Greene, was linked to bizarre beliefs and the mysterious disappearance of her husband, Allen Ross. Following Greene's death, the jail has remained abandoned, attracting paranormal investigators who report strange occurrences, including ghost sightings and unexplained sounds, adding to its eerie legacy. Today, efforts are underway to restore the building, though its haunted history continues to intrigue and mystify.
Join us this week as we explore one of Oklahoma’s most well-known haunted towns!
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This week, Tiff dives into the story of a true Oklahoma legend.
Quannah Parker was the last great Comanche Chief, ruling over a vast territory that was originally Comanche land long before settlers arrived. The Comanche people thrived as skilled horsemen, becoming a powerful tribe after the introduction of horses by the Spanish. Quanah, born around 1845, was the son of Cynthia Ann Parker, a captive who was adopted by the Comanche after the Fort Parker Massacre. His mother struggled to adapt after being recaptured by Texas Rangers in 1860, ultimately dying in despair. Quanah became a respected leader among the Comanche, refusing to sign treaties that compromised their land. He led warriors in battles against U.S. forces but later adapted to reservation life, promoting education and self-sufficiency while maintaining ties with both Native and White communities. Known for his wealth and influence, he established the Native American Church and became a cultural figure, advocating for his people even as their lands were encroached upon. Quanah Parker passed away in 1911 and was buried with honors, leaving a legacy celebrated through various locations and events named in his honor. His life reflects the complex balance between traditional Comanche culture and the pressures of modernization.
Join your favorite cousins as we jump into the way-back machine, and explore a piece of Oklahoma’s Native history!
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This week, Jess will wrap up the bonkers ride that was the Roger Wheeler case!
The investigation into the murder of Roger Wheeler highlighted significant corruption within the Boston FBI and the involvement of the Winter Hill Gang, including notorious mobsters like Johnny Martorano, Whitey Bulger, and Stevie Flemmi. In 1994, sealed indictments for racketeering were issued against several gang members, leading to Martorano's arrest for an unrelated horse-racing charge. Upon learning that Bulger and Flemmi were FBI informants, Martorano agreed to cooperate with authorities, which set off a chain reaction of testimonies from other gang members. As the plot unfolded, Martorano and accomplice Joe McDonald meticulously planned Wheeler's murder, ultimately targeting him during a golf game at Southern Hills Country Club, in Tulsa, where Martorano shot Wheeler in a carefully orchestrated hit.
Following the murder, the fallout included the unraveling of the Winter Hill Gang and the exposure of FBI corruption. While several gang members, including Martorano and Flemmi, received deals in exchange for their testimonies, many felt justice was inadequately served, particularly for Wheeler's family. Bulger was ultimately captured in 2011 and sentenced to two life sentences after a trial that revealed his extensive criminal activities. His death in prison in 2018 brought some closure, but many in the community, including Detective Michael Huff, believed the impact of Wheeler's murder had lasting effects on Tulsa, emphasizing the broader implications of organized crime and corruption on society.
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In the complex landscape of organized crime, the murder of Roger Wheeler was orchestrated primarily by Johnny Martorano and involved significant players from the Winter Hill Gang, including Whitey Bulger. Martorano, known for his violent reputation and loyalty to the gang, ultimately accepted the contract. The motivations for his murders were often rooted in loyalty rather than financial gain; betrayal was met with lethal consequences. Meanwhile, the gang's connections to law enforcement, particularly through former FBI agent H. Paul Rico, complicated the investigation, as Rico had a history with Bulger and was suspected of corruption.
Tulsa Detective Michael Huff faced numerous challenges in the investigation, encountering resistance from the Boston FBI while pursuing leads on Wheeler's murder and its ties to World Jai Alai. Despite initial setbacks, including the suspicious death of John Callahan, Huff's persistence paid off over the years. Eventually, evidence accumulated against Bulger and his associates led to racketeering charges. This culminated in Johnny Martorano's decision to testify against Bulger, Flemmi, and corrupt FBI agents, revealing the intricate web of crime and betrayal. Martorano's confession highlighted Callahan's pivotal role in targeting Wheeler, ultimately shedding light on the motivations and dynamics within the criminal enterprise that led to Wheeler's assassination.
Organized crime...am I right? It’s time for Part 3 of Roger Wheeler’s tumultuous case!
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Last week, Jess started us down the rabbit hole that was Roger Wheeler’s unalving…The investigation into his death identified three potential motives: armed robbery, kidnapping/extortion, and the most likely scenario of a contract killing. The police quickly dismissed robbery since Wheeler had significant cash and credit cards still on him. The detectives at the scene, including Michael Huff, arrived amid heavy traffic to find Wheeler fatally shot in his Cadillac. Initial theories suggested that a robbery had gone wrong, but evidence soon indicated a professional hit: a single bullet wound, the calm demeanor of the killer, and the absence of fingerprints on the shell casings pointed to a calculated execution rather than a random crime. The detectives found links between Wheeler's murder and organized crime, particularly involving the Dixie Mafia and two suspects, Patrick Early and Dennis Bates Fletcher, known for their criminal connections.
As the investigation progressed, the focus shifted to the Winter Hill Gang, an Irish mob based in Boston with a long history of organized crime activities, including extortion and murder. Detective Huff traveled to Boston to gather information about potential connections between the gang and Wheeler's ownership of World Jai Alai. The gang, notorious under the leadership of James "Whitey" Bulger, was characterized by its ruthlessness and enforced loyalty through violence. Bulger's criminal rise mirrored that of his associate Stephen Flemmi, who was also an FBI informant, complicating the investigation further. Despite extensive efforts to connect the Winter Hill Gang to Wheeler's murder, leads continually turned cold, leaving the case shrouded in uncertainty.
Join us for part 2 of the Roger Wheeler case!
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This week Jess dips her toes into the world of organized crime…or does she?
Roger Wheeler, a prominent businessman in Tulsa, was unexpectedly murdered in 1981, sending shockwaves through the community. The assassination occurred in the parking lot of Southern Hills Country Club, with no clear motive or suspects at the time. It wasn't until 1997 that the truth emerged: the 16-year-old murderer linked to the notorious Winter Hill Gang from Boston. Wheeler, from Boston, had displayed entrepreneurial talent from a young age, eventually starting a successful anode manufacturing company and later acquiring Telex Corporation. Under his leadership, Telex grew into a competitive force in the electronics industry, challenging giants like IBM. However, Wheeler's aggressive business tactics and a significant antitrust lawsuit against IBM led to financial and legal turmoil for the company.
By 1978, Wheeler ventured into the gambling business by investing in World Jai Alai, a risky decision that ultimately proved fatal. He acquired World Jai Alai, despite warnings about mob connections. As he sought to rectify underperformance within the business, he became increasingly concerned for his safety, especially after the murder of a company cashier. Tragically, on May 27, 1981, Wheeler was shot in the head as he left the country club, leaving behind unanswered questions and a complex investigation into the motives behind his assassination.
Join your favorite cousins for part 1 of the kooky case of Roger Wheeler.
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The Murrell Home, located at 19479 E Murrell Rd, Park Hill, OK, is the only antebellum plantation house still standing in the state. Built in 1845 by George Michael Murrell, a wealthy white planter married to Minerva Ross, the home is one of the few surviving structures from the antebellum period in Cherokee lands. The Murrell family, allied with the influential Ross family, moved to Indian Territory around 1839. The plantation, originally named Hunter’s Home due to George's passion for fox hunting, features Greek Revival architecture and was equipped with modern amenities of the time, including living quarters for enslaved people, a barn, and a smokehouse. The home witnessed significant historical events, including troop movements during the Civil War, yet it survived relatively unscathed, unlike many local buildings.
In 1948, the state of Oklahoma acquired the house, which was designated a national historic landmark in 1974 and is now run by the Oklahoma Historical Society. The museum showcases life in the 1800s through living history demonstrations, allowing guests to experience chores, cooking, and crafting from that era. Additionally, the home is known for its haunted reputation, with numerous accounts of ghostly encounters, including sightings of Civil War soldiers and children playing. Paranormal activities reported include flickering lights, mysterious noises, and apparitions, such as a woman in an attic window and a shadowy girl in a plaid dress. Annual events like the May Day Celebration and Ghost Stories events attract visitors, making the Murrell Home a significant historical and cultural site within the Cherokee Nation.
Join Tiff as she takes us on a spine-tingling adventure to the early days of Indian Territory, where life was both humble and haunting…
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Ghost Stories from Murrell Home by Jennifer Sparks