The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

EXPLANATION OF A NAME

BACK BEFORE OKLAHOMA BECAME A STATE THEY OPENED UP
THE RESERVATIONS FOR THE SETTLERS. I GUESS THAT WAS
IN 1889 WASN'T IT? ANYHOW, THEY SHOT THE GUN OFF AT
12:00 NOON AND ALL OF THE PEOPLE WOULD RUN IN AND
STAKE A CLAIM. MY GREAT-GREAT-GRANDFATHER HAD
WORKED ON THE RAILROAD SO HE ALREADY HAD SOME LAND
THERE. THE OTHERS THOUGH, THAT WENT IN EARLY,
AGAINST THE RULES, WERE CALLED "SOONERS."

Where learned: TENNESSEE ; NASHVILLE

Date learned: 07-30-1968