OHOF’S STORY THROUGH ITS PEOPLE NEW RELEASES OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME PUBLISHING They Called Him Coach, Faye O’Dell: The Oklahoma State Fair: The Journey of a Marine, A History The Influence of a Man BY BOB BURKE BY MARY SUSAN O’DELL CONWAY & GINI MOORE CAMPBELL What is it about the life of one man that can influence so many? From the For more than 100 years the Oklahoma State Fair has been providing turbulent 1960s when God and patriotism were not a popular subject and something for every visitor that passes through its gates. While some head to racial tensions were high, Ollie Faye O’Dell, this man they called “Coach,” the Midway for the ride of a lifetime or to Food Row for an Indian Taco, others transcended the times. He adapted, but never wavered in his principles, explore the newest models the automobile industry has to offer or the latest regardless of the situation. O’Dell’s fairness, love, and concern for his family, in farm equipment and machinery. Exhibition buildings offer everything from the men he served with, and the youth of Oklahoma allowed him to make an hot tubs and storage sheds to clothing and Made In Oklahoma products. The immeasurable impact on the lives of many. arena hosts bull and bronc riding, along with Disney On Ice. And its equine Growing up, O’Dell experienced great loss. Yet his compassion allowed facilities have earned it the title of “Horse Show Capital of the World.” him to put others above himself. He learned how mentorship, discipline, and The OKC Fairgrounds is much more than a mecca for entertainment, it commitment can chart one’s course. Throughout his life the sport of boxing is an economic powerhouse, attracting over two million visitors annually served him well—it instilled confidence, taught discipline, and was a conduit and providing an influx of more than $325 million. In addition to putting to reach others. Oklahomans to work, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, and other local As a U. S. Marine, O’Dell bravely served his country and comrades during attractions benefit greatly by this 21st Century Tourism Destination. World War II and Korea before returning home and starting his coaching and The Oklahoma State Fair and the OKC Fairgrounds continue to invest teaching careers. Lessons, relationships, and experiences had prepared him in those that call Oklahoma home. Annually, high school students earn to make a lifelong impact on the young lives he would mentor through these scholarships to continue their education and teachers are provided with roles. The experiences with these young men and women, combined with those resources to supplement their efforts in the classroom. With a commitment of his earlier life, provided inspiration to the many audiences O’Dell spoke to to growth and expansion, the physical landscape of the OKC Fairgrounds spanning more than 40 years, including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. will continue to evolve and with that comes countless new opportunities for The life of Ollie Faye O’Dell continues to influence and serve as an Oklahomans of all ages. example . . . an example of the vast impact one person can have. The Beaux Arts Ball: The First 75 Years More Than A Store: BY BOB BURKE & AIMEE HARLOW A History of The Beaux Arts Society was born from the need to sustain the Oklahoma Goodwill Industries Art Center, known today as the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Although of Central Oklahoma prominent families and art enthusiasts made possible the purchase of art and BY JIM PRIEST & BOB BURKE provided funds to attract traveling artists, there was no means to maintain the facility itself. Goodwill Industries was founded in 1902 in Boston, Massachusetts, by That all changed in 1945 when Eleanor Kirkpatrick suggested an annual Methodist minister and social innovator Edgar J. Helms. In 1935, Oklahoma costume ball to raise much-needed funds and create broad publicity for the City publisher E.K. Gaylord heard about the success of Goodwill branches Oklahoma Art Center. Aware of the brilliantly staged Beaux Arts Balls that to enhance people’s dignity and quality of life by strengthening their began in France in the 17th Century and were presided over by Kings and communities, eliminating their barriers to opportunity, and helping them reach Queens, Kirkpatrick said, “Beaux Arts Balls are about tradition and families their full potential through learning and the power of work. Gaylord sent a and supporting the quality of life in our community.” reporter, Edith Johnson, to visit Goodwill programs in other states. Following Held at Oklahoma City’s Municipal Auditorium, seventy-five years later, her return, the Central Oklahoma branch of Goodwill Industries was founded. the Beaux Arts Society and the Beaux Arts Ball continue to honor “tradition,” Eighty-five years later, Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma employed “family,” and “supporting the quality of life in our community.” With world 700 people, provided 12,030 services, and managed 25 retail stores and renowned artists and a vast array of mediums, including Dale Chihuly’s 55- 17 donation centers. The thousands of men and women who have been foot Eleanor Blake Kirkpatrick Memorial Tower glass sculpture, the Beaux Arts provided training and job placement are testament to the fact that… Collection at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art is one of the most admired in GOODWILL INDUSTRIES IS MORE THAN A STORE. the country. 61 35