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Board of Directors & Leadership
Leadership of the Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society
The Board of Directors meets at the Lawton, OK Public Library at 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Since its founding in 1964, the Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society has been guided by dedicated community leaders committed to preserving the history of Southwest Oklahoma. Our Board of Directors and elected officers provide governance, oversight, and strategic direction to ensure that the Society continues to document, preserve, and share the region’s Indigenous heritage, pioneer history, military legacy, and community traditions.
Board members volunteer their time and expertise to support research initiatives, publications such as Prairie Lore, public programming, and historical preservation efforts throughout Comanche County and surrounding communities.
Support Our Mission
Your support is essential to our mission of preserving and sharing the history of Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society. By making a donation today, you can help us continue to collect, document, and exhibit artifacts and information that showcase the lives and stories of the people who have lived here over the centuries.
Officers and Members of the Board
President - Mike Dixon
Vice-President - Clifford Takawana
Vice-President - Clifford Takawana
Provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the Society. Oversees meetings, represents the organization publicly, and ensures alignment with preservation goals.
Vice-President - Clifford Takawana
Vice-President - Clifford Takawana
Vice-President - Clifford Takawana
Assists the President and supports program development, event coordination, and community outreach initiatives.
Secretary - Susan Thompson
Vice-President - Clifford Takawana
Treasurer - Margaret Ellenbrook-Dixon
Maintains official records of meetings, documents proceedings, and preserves historical administrative documentation.
Treasurer - Margaret Ellenbrook-Dixon
Treasurer - Margaret Ellenbrook-Dixon
Treasurer - Margaret Ellenbrook-Dixon
Oversees financial stewardship, budgeting, and reporting. Provides transparency and accountability in all fiscal matters.
Membership Secretary - Nan Kent
Treasurer - Margaret Ellenbrook-Dixon
Membership Secretary - Nan Kent
Coordinates membership records, renewals, and engagement efforts to strengthen the Society’s community presence.
Editor-in-Chief - John Fleur
Treasurer - Margaret Ellenbrook-Dixon
Membership Secretary - Nan Kent
Responsible for obtaining, reviewing, editing and preparing Prairie Lore, our Spring and Fall editions of local history.
Board of Directors - Other Members
The Board of Directors represents a cross-section of historians, educators, researchers, and community leaders who are dedicated to preserving Southwest Oklahoma history.
Board members provide governance oversight, support strategic initiatives, and help ensure that the Society’s mission remains consistent with its founding principles.
Director - Roger Cannon
Director - Eloise Schertle Cannon
Director - Eloise Schertle Cannon
Director - Dale Keesee
Director/Webmaster - Ralph Pugh
Director - Eloise Schertle Cannon
Director - Gene Shelkett
Director/Webmaster - Ralph Pugh
Director/Webmaster - Ralph Pugh
Director/Webmaster - Ralph Pugh
Director/Webmaster - Ralph Pugh
Director/Webmaster - Ralph Pugh
Editor & Editorial Committee
The Editor and Editorial Committee oversee the publication of Prairie Lore, the official journal of the Southwestern Oklahoma Historical Society. They review submissions, verify historical accuracy, and guide content to ensure the preservation of reliable and well-documented regional history.
Through their work, the committee helps maintain the integrity of the Society’s publications and supports the ongoing documentation of Southwest Oklahoma’s people, communities, and heritage.
Cover Design
Frosty Freeze
Editor - John Fleur
Editorial Committee - Susan Thompson
Editorial Committee - Susan Thompson
Editorial Committee - Susan Thompson
Editorial Committee - Susan Thompson
Editorial Committee - Ian Swart
Editorial Committee - Susan Thompson
Editorial Committee - Ian Swart