Well, if you wondered where Henry Starr’s watering hole was back in his bank robbing heyday, the secret is finally out. It was at Stroud’s newest business, The Lazy J Saloon. The Cue & Brew was recently purchased by Jason and Melissa Moore where Jason served as the kitchen manager. They have renamed the establishment and are hoping locals will see it as a family-friendly eatery. They have a varied menu and one of my favorite items is their delicious hamburger. Jason and my brother Gary cooked together for David Clovis and the two worked together at Watco. The Lazy J also serves Dough Boyz pizza which is made just a bit east of us in Depew, OK. That business is owned by Kerry and Craig Hilbert. The inside of the Lazy J has been totally repainted giving it a facelift along with the smell of fresh paint. More lights have been added giving the dining area a brighter look. The Moores are planning on displaying some Starr history for locals and visitors to learn more of the lore of the double bank robbery which took place right here in Stroud in March of 1915.
Stroud’s 4th Avenue is coming alive with businesses of its own. On the north side of the street are two new businesses, Ace of Clubs Barber Shop and Kyle Anderson’s online furniture and estate sale business. Both have really spiffed up their part of the block. Kyle has lined the front of his business with white wrought iron outdoor furniture, flowers and flags and the barber shop has a large sign adorning their store front. Jackie Paige’s barber shop, Jack’s Clippers, is also located on this stretch of 4th Avenue on the east side. Jackie’s uncle, Albert Messer, owned and operated the barber shop for many years. As he was nearing retirement, he brought Jackie in to work alongside him so she could get to know his customers. After a couple of months, he did retire and turned the business over to Jackie. Albert’s father was a barber on Main Street for years. His name was Albert Messer, also, but he was known around town as Judge. Businesses located on the south side of the 4th Avenue are Stroud’s alteration shop, The Stitch and Sew, Judy Buckowski’s Dream Catcher Photography and Kim and Marilyn Wheeler’s Airbnb. It is great to see a variety of services and shops in our community.
I had the pleasure of meeting in the home of Stroud’s own former Miss Oklahoma Billi Kaye Smith Meacham with Billi Kaye, Aleta Smalley, Clara Hodgens and Jon Lowry and Lana Shaffer of One Cura. Billi Kaye is one of our alums and local celebrities and we decided we would meet with her and brainstorm about ideas and ways to help with Stroud’s revitalization efforts. While there, Billi Kaye gave me her evening gown and trophy from the Miss Oklahoma competition. She also gave me a copy of the reading she gave in her talent competition. The late beloved Stroud resident Hazel Standridge picked the reading for her. We hope to have these items on display soon for you to view at our visitor’s center on Main Street. It was fun to reminisce about her days growing up in Stroud. Many of you may remember her parents, Bill and Iwana Smith. Bill worked for Allied and Iwana purchased Schamp’s dress shop and renamed it Iwana’s. Billi Kaye currently resides in Oklahoma City with her husband, Tom Meacham.
It is hard to believe school will be starting next week. Teachers report to school on August 9th with students’ first day being August 12th. Don’t forget that next Wednesday morning, August 11th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Parkview Elementary is hosting “Parkview Meet the Teacher.” Stop by and meet your child’s 2021-22 schoolteacher.
Dunkin Theater has been remodeled and is now open again in Cushing, OK. H&S Theater is also open in Chandler, OK. We have two great theaters in our area to patronize so please visit them before making the drive to OKC or Tulsa.
Check out our local merchants for all your back-to-school needs. If you have something on your list that isn’t available in the store, ask and see if they can order for you.
Let’s keep our tax dollars local, if possible. Look at the city streets that are being improved with those monies. Have a great week and thank you for choosing to shop local………….first!