B.A. Decks the Halls
CELEBRATING HISTORY: The Broken Arrow Historical Society will hold the “Deck the Halls” Holiday Home Tour and Car Show Nov. 29. Guests will have the opportunity to tour homes that tell a story from the past.
The Broken Arrow Historical Society is revving its engines for a combination car show and home tour over the Thanksgiving weekend. A 1930 Ford Coupe Ragtop Model A, a 1924 Model T, and a 1930 Model A Ford Phaeton Touring Car will grace the driveways of the homes on this year’s tour, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 29 from 1 to 5 pm. Proceeds will benefit the museum endowment fund.
The home of Tracey Mark Hunsecker is a featured home on the tour. Hunsecker was a leading influence in Broken Arrow, listed on many committees to bring to the city new businesses, save established businesses and to promote education and anything else good for the community. During the Great Depression, Hunsecker helped out many struggling families by carrying a credit balance until they were “back in the black.”
One of his sons, Ralph, grew up to be a star of Broadway and Hollywood musicals. He was a singer, lyricist, vocal arranger, and playwright and produced songs for such shows as “Meet Me in St. Louis” and “Best Foot Forward”. Probably his most recognizable piece is “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” which he co-wrote with Hugh Martin.
A second home on the tour is the W. N. and Ida Knight Williams home. Williams was a pioneer of Broken Arrow’s early days. He operated a real estate agency and an insurance company. He founded Broken Arrow Savings and Loan and was a director of Arkansas Valley State Bank among many of his accomplishments.
The Williams had established a small settlement known as Elam before the Broken Arrow town site had been selected for the Katy Railroad. Once they realized they would not be connected to the new railroad spur, they put the house, store, and gin on skids and moved them to Broken Arrow.
The home tour and car show tickets are on sale at the Historical Society Museum, 400 S Main. Museum hours are 10 to 4 Tuesday through Friday and 10 to 2 Saturday. Admission to the home tour will include admission to the museum where more vintage cars will be displayed. Call (918) 258-2616 for more information.
Updated 11-23-2009
Back to Top
