Author: theactivehistorian

• Western History

  Breaking Trail: Pawnee Bill

  

  Gordon William Lillie was born on February 14, 1860 in Bloomington, Illinois to Newton and Susan Conant Lillie. The family of six eventually moved to Wellington, Kansas. Gordon started doing some work in Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). After working as a cowboy and trapper he began teaching at the Pawnee…

  February 21, 2026
• Oklahoma Things

  Civic Center: OKC

  

  Hey, Friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I want to show you the historic Municipal Building in Oklahoma City which is called the Civic Center today. Let’s get started! “Oklahoma City’s municipal auditorium will be one of the finest in the country.” -Morrison B. Cunningham, OKC Assistant City Manager…

  February 16, 2026
• Oklahoma Things

  History of Oklahoma City City Hall: OKC

  

  Hey, Friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I want to show you the historic Municipal Building in Oklahoma City which now houses Oklahoma City City Hall. Let’s get started! History Oklahoma City City Hall was part of a larger project in OKC collectively known as the “Civic Center” in…

  February 13, 2026
• Oklahoma Things

  The Maney Home: OKC

  

  Hey, Friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I want to tell you the story of the historic Maney Home in Oklahoma City. Let’s get started! Who was J.W. Maney? James William “J.W.” Maney was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on January 3, 1862 to Michael Maney and Johanna Hartnett Maney.…

  February 12, 2026