HERMAN UPTON

Herman Upton is a tall, quiet-spoken individual whose face reflects much time in the Oklahoma sun and wind. His voice reveals traces of native mid-western heritage although he has been away from Oklahoma for most of his adult life. His direct eye contact and mild manner clearly typify a man who is on very good terms with life, his work, and his fellowman. Mr. Upton, an employee of the City of Drumright, was pleased that Drumright's Ambassadors had selected him as Outstanding Citizen of the Month for his contribution to the betterment and beautification of the Drumright area. What had begun two years ago as a part-time job to "have something to do" has developed into full responsibility for Way Park, the Library Park (which shows the results of grooming for the first time), the South Cemetery, the ground around the old Tydol school, the center median at the East end of town, and Whitlock Park. And local residents unanimously agree that the parks never looked lovlier. Passersby are treated to a feast for the eyes and townspeople are sure of a clean and beautiful place for reunions and picnics.

Mr. Upton was born in LeFlore County near McAlester, but like many young men in the Depression years he wearied of the battle with nature and left the Dust Bowl to go to New Mexico to "make his fortune" when he was seventeen. Conditions weren't much better there so he "joined with the military" and although he asked for foreign service, he was assigned to the Quartermaster Corp at Camp Lee, Virginia, where he remained "for the duration." Still he had a great time - enjoyed it, learned alot, a philosphy which seems well woven throughout the fabric of his life.

Following his release from the service he settled in California where he worked for the L.R. Hamilton Fruit and Vegetable Packing House; however, the work was seasonal and Mr. Upton needed a full time job.

Although he had no previous experience with park and landscaping, he fell into that line of work purely by accident. The Hamilton's private Japanese gardener had a heart attack and Mr. Upton was tapped to replace him.

"At the time it was just a job - nothing more - the kind you hear about - I was treated like a member of the family," and he remained there for nine and a half years maintaining the lawns and greenhouses of 2400 pots of orchids and 700 rose bushes.

Then one evening at church, Upton met another transplated Oklahoman and soon they were married. As their family grew to include five daughters and a son, so did the need for more income. Upton left "the ideal job" and found employment with the lumber industry which though not as rewarding aesthetically was at least more lucrative. He remained with the lumber industry in Martell, California, for seventeen years until his retirement to return to his roots near McAlester. A chance remark to his daughter, who lived in Kiefer, suggesting the area might be a good place to live resulted in a visit from a real estate agent who just happened to know of an acreage in the Olive community, with a Bristow address, but nearer to Drumright.

For a little more than two years now, the Uptons have enjoyed their farm; they attend the Assembly of God Church in Drumright where he is Sunday School Superintendent. The church is a small one, with a small congregation, in a small town; but recently, due to the determination and dedication of members such as Mr. Upton the members undertook the tremendous task of presenting a Drive-Thru Easter Pageant. The result was a carefully orchestrated production with speakers in individual cars and buses as the vehicles moved from the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane to the trial with Pilate, the Crucifixion, the Tomb, the Resurrection, and a technically devised Ascension for the finale. Altogether, the portrayal was a sensitive and moving portrayal which reflected the cooperation, the love, and dedication of the drama, and he is humbly grateful that the church members were able to present their gift to the community.

At present, Mr. Upton, with no previous experience in construction or carpentry, is building a new house on his land; "The old one wasn't big enough since my kids love to come home and I'm happy about that. We're close - very close - six kids and six grandkids - four boys and two girls. Two are adopted but just as much mine as the rest of them." Without a doubt, the house that Mr. Upton builds will be well-built, and the grounds will be beautifully groomed. "Not many flowers, lots of trees and rocks. I like the natural look."

Mr. Upton says his life has not been one of peaks and valleys, but rather a smooth continuous path in which apparently his greatest achievements and success have been his family, his friends, work, and his church. One has the distinct impression that with Herman Upton, "God's in his heaven - all's right with the world."