|
Hank the Cow Dog unveiling to lnleash a great time Saturday |
|
Friday, 23 May 2008 |
By HEATHER AVEY
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
"Don't take Noth'n Fer Granite" are the famous words from "Hank the Cowdog" and a monument in his honor will finish up the beautification of downtown Forgan, Okla. The monument will be dedicated in the memory of Debbie Hodges, a former resident of Forgan.
Hodges, the daughter of Sonny and Emma Lou Hodges, grew up in Forgan and attended college in Alva, Okla. She passed away at age 22 from complications during a surgery to correct her lifelong heart disorder.
When Alva Monument was contacted about a stone, owner Buddy Sams expressed a sentimental attachment to Forgan because of his friend, Debbie Hodges. Sams offered to donate the monument in her memory and with the help of the citizens of Forgan they were able to get a larger stone.
"We are especially thankful to Mr. Sams for donating the biggest portion of the monument. Hodge's mother, Emma Lou, alongside Hank's owner, Billie Mayo, will be unveiling the five foot tall by four feet wide monument with a large picture of "Hank the Cowdog," the history behind his fame and in loving memory of Debbie Hodges depicted on the stone," Sheryl Martin Hall, of Forgan, said.
"Hank the Cowdog" is a children's book series of tales of bravery, mischief and morals.
The lively character in the books, was inspired by a real cowdog named Hank who lived and worked on the YL Ranch of rural Forgan.
Hank worked for a time alongside a ranch hand, now a well known author, John R. Erickson and the beloved pet of long-time rural Forgan residents Mark and Billie Mayo.
The ceremony will take place on Main Street in Forgan on Saturday, May 24 at 11 a.m. There will be a hamburger feed about noon and a craft show in the community building at the park. They will also have a special performance from Erickson. "Hank the Cowdog" books and t-shirts will be available with Erickson there for book signing.
The plan for the monument has been in the works for the past five years. The fundraising for this project also includes a welcoming sigh at each end of town. According to Hall, a generous donation was given by Graig Downing of Downing's Market in Beaver, Okla. and from many of the citizens of Forgan, even some as far as California.
|
|
Last Updated ( Monday, 26 May 2008 )
|
