Community Coffee at the Ferguson

Quarterly Community Coffee Thursday, July 17, 2026

The Ferguson Home Museum hosted the Watonga Quarterly Community Coffee on July 16.  The Plains Collective sponsored the event.  The Plains Collective is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the History and Culture of plains Indians including the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. 

Michelle Mendenhall, President of the Friends of the Ferguson Home welcomed the group in the Ferguson back yard.  She introduced the new Site Director, Kristen Lockart.  Michelle recounted upcoming events for the Friends of the Ferguson including outdoor movies that are planned. She then introduced the speaker for the Plains Collective, Ramona Tall Bear.

Ramona Tall Bear mentioned that since November 2025, the Plains Collective has been meeting at the Ferguson Home monthly to present an artist and a speaker.  They participated in the 2025 Cheese Festival and plan to participate with exhibits and activities in the Pocket Park across from the Liberty Theatre on Main Street.  They also plan a Pow-Wow on the Sunday following the Cheese festival in October.  The Plains Collective has also sponsored a” Generational Trauma” Seminar.  The tribe is currently conducting out of door cooking and arts near Seiling as part of a tribal meeting.

Announcements from the Community

As usual, there was time for community members to mention activities.  Joe Bryan told about presentations sponsored by the Watonga Public Library in support of the National 250 Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  These include presentations by Joe on July 16 on “Elva Ferguson and the Sesquicentennial in Philadelphia”.  On July 23, Ramona Tallbear will talk about the Cheyenne and Arapaho in the Watonga area and on July 30 Dr. Dwight McGee will talk about African American History in Watonga.  All these events are at 12 noon in the Library Conference Room.

Teresa Bryan invited interested persons to the Senior Center for lunch M-F for $8.  The Oklahoma Home Community Education (OHCE) Club is sponsoring a 2-hour seminar on crafts in preparation for the County Fair at the end of August. 

Tara Bonhoff updated the Bikes and Bar B Q and that organizations help of a child with cancer.  A representative from Enid provided information on jobs for the disabled. 

Lisa Seitter updated on plans for the Cheese Festival.  Jennifer Gauer invited everyone to a walking activity on the new paved path at Roman Nose State Park at 7 AM.  

Quinton Roman Nose encouraged contact with State and local representatives to revitalize Roman Nose State Park.  Someone mentioned the Indian Cemetery and the number of Chiefs and others buried at the location.

The Coffee was well attended with the City Manager, Heads of the Airport, Parks, Code Enforcement, Assistant City Clerk and at least 2 City Councilpersons.

In addition to coffee, the group enjoyed home-made cinnamon rolls, treats from a bakery in El Reno, banana pudding and other treats.

The Community Coffee is supported by a committee of volunteers through City Hall

Joe P. Bryan, Secretary, Friends of the Ferguson