Season 4, Episode 6: “Lance Ware (Kiowa), Wild Land Firefighter on the Ware Legacy”

I grew up in Hog Creek, which is approximately 5 mile west of Anadarko, Oklahoma. This is a virtually unknown historical place to the general public, but to the locals, it’s filled with Kiowa history. Among many of those in the area whose ancestors roamed these lands is a well-known, tight-knit and beloved family - the Wares.

In this episode, I had a casual visit with our family friend, Lance Ware (Kiowa) and we enjoyed discussing:

• His work as a wild land firefighter, working amongst several tribes
• Ware’s Chapel and cemetery
• How Lance is one of 11 children
• His experience with fancy dancing
• The singing and drumming of the Oh ho ma
• The Ware family today, and those we’ve lost
• Natives in Hollywood, including Leonard Nimoy who played a Chief (true story!)
• His dad, Lehman Ware’s archery skills and how he may or may not have practiced in the house

We also talked about the American Indian Expo, Anadarko, Oklahoma:

• 1950 video of the Expo in 1950 (Oklahoma Historical Society): https://tinyurl.com/3ens63k9
• I hear the Expo will take place on August 2-5, 2023. I’ll be there, will you? Be sure to follow the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/AmericianIndianExposition
• By the way, Lance was one of the mud men one year!

This time that Lance and I had together is an example of the preservation that can be done in any family - talking about growing up, the things that went on in the town, interesting and entertaining family stories, and so on. I encourage you to turn on your recorder sometime and capture these casual conversations with your family too!

In memory of Lehman Keith Ware, February 1941-2017 and Carol Jean Ware, March 1941-2023

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