Lola-
This is my grandmother's family and their story of
moving to Borger, Hutchinson Co., TX.
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Marl Dewey & Lillie Mae (Green) Whitecotton moved
their family to Borger, Hutchinson Co., TX from
Welty,Okfuskee Co.,OK the first time in 1927 when
Louise was 3 months old, again in 1929 when she was 3
years old, and then for the final time in 1936 at the
age of 9 years. This family was drawn to Borger for
the same reason as many others of that time, Marl
worked in oil.

Louise attended West Ward Elmentary school and then
Borger High School. Texas originally only offered 11
grades for education. In about 1939 Texas added the
12th grade to public schools. Louise was in the 7th
grade at the time and was allowed to skip the 8th
grade and went straight into the 9th grade due to the
change. Louise met her future husband in the 3rd grade
there in Borger, TX. She said that the day she met him
she went home and told her grandmother that when she
grew up she wanted to marry a boy just like the one
she had met that day. Several years later the two
worked together at Tink-a-link Hamburger joint when
they were about 14-16 years old.

According to Louise, my grandmother, individuals did
not own their own land in Borger. Families would often
have a 20 year lease on a piece of property and would
built their home on the land. If the family moved they
left it all behind. The Whitecotton family lived
approximately where 9th street is today.

In 1943 Harlan Earl (Baird) Buckley purchased an
engagement ring and wedding ring from Moser Jewelry
store. He also bought his bride to be a radio from
Lindsey Furniture Company in Borger, TX. Harlan and
Vivian "Louise" Whitecotton were married on January19,
1943. Shortly after their marriage, Harlan signed up
to join the Navy where he served in World War II for 2
½-3 ½ years. Before joining the military Harlan worked
for Phillips Oil Company in Borger, TX.