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

Season 4 04 April 2023 Hits: 1170

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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