March 19, 1937
Osage County News
Microfilm Roll: MN00312
On this day in Osage country, an article was published describing First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s visit to the Osage Nation in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
According to the article, Eleanor Roosevelt was the first wife of a United States president to ever visit the Osage Nation. The Osages were so thrilled about her visit to Osage country that businesses and schools were closed for a two hour block so that all could witness her arrival.
The First Lady was greeted in Barnsdall by Chief Lookout, his wife, and several other prominent members of the tribe. The roads were filled with spectators as the cavalcade made its way to Pawhuska, and “in the middle of town the procession was halted so enthusiastic was the acclaim.” Upon arrival to Pawhuska, the First Lady’s cavalcade was greeted by two prominent tribal members, the chief’s son-in-law and Pa-se-to-pah, who escorted Mrs. Roosevelt to her destination at the “Indian village.” Both men, of course, were on horseback and dressed in full regalia.
When Mrs. Roosevelt and her procession arrived at the “Indian village,” she was led to the location of a beautiful ceremony that the Osages prepared for their special guest. The ceremony began with a warm greeting and introduction given by Chief Lookout in the Wa-Zha-Zhe language. After the speech, a variety of vibrant, traditional Osage dances took place, including a flag dance, friendship dance, and a war dance. Gifts bestowed upon the First Lady included, but were not limited to, a “vivid red blanket…the gift of friendship,” and a special cake made by the Chief’s wife in honor of the Roosevelt’s wedding anniversary which took place just days prior to her arrival. The article concludes with Mrs. Roosevelt’s profuse gratitude for the Osages’ hospitality. Just a few years later she returned for a second visit to the Osage Nation.
On January 6, 2017, beloved tribal member, Charles Red Corn, described his memories of the First Lady’s second visit to Pawhuska in his monthly column in the Osage News. Red Corn recalls the second visit occurring around the mid-1940s, when he was just seven years old. He remembers his mother making him and his siblings dress in their “finest clothes.” This ceremony took place, “between Chief Fred Lookout’s house and his son…Henry Lookout’s home.” A feast was held for the First Lady, food that Red Corn recalls, “thinking [it] had to be the best food [he] had ever tasted.” The dinner began with a prayer, and after “devour[ing] the food,” Red Corn says that he, along with several other boys, ran off to play in a nearby field.
Morgan M. Guzman
“Mrs. Roosevelt makes Visit to Osages, Pawhuska.” Osage County News. March 19, 1937, p. 1 & 8. Microfilm roll number MN00312. Sequoyah National Research Center, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Further Reading
Red Corn, Charles. “Royalty meets Royalty.” Osage News. http://www.osagenews.org/en/article/2017/01/06/royalty-meets-royalty/ (date accessed March 30, 2018)
Source File(s)
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