Zack Stoycoff
Staff Reporter
CLAREMORE —
Teachers wanted a new kind of history book about Oklahoma. So Paul Martin wrote one — and made Swan Bros. Dairy a rest stop for a pair of crime-solving dogs.
The son of a former Claremore Junior College instructor had already written about dogs who travel the eastern United States, crossing historical and geographic landmarks all the way. So when he was asked during a speaking tour at local schools to write another tale — this time in Oklahoma — he jumped at the chance.
“Parents, teachers and librarians said they would love to have a book about Oklahoma,” Martin said. “Oklahoma has a unique geography and history. I must admit I had a wonderful time.”
Martin says using animals is an entertaining way to teach two subjects most young students hate, even if they aren’t aware they are learning.
The teachers’ requests came while he was speaking about history several years ago at Oklahoma elementary schools — including in Claremore, Owasso and Tulsa — and his long-standing connections to the state made it an easy choice.
His mother, Mary Lou Martin, was a college instructor in Claremore who taught history during the 1970s. His family lives in Tulsa.
Martin himself — a self-proclaimed history buff with a bachelor’s degree in history — lives in Texas. But if anything, he says that gives him a better perspective on Oklahoma history.
“Oklahoma’s a lot like Texas in its geography and history. They’re both unlike any other states in the nation,” he said.
“The Search for Sooner Silver” traces the path of two dogs who travel from Idabel in the extreme southeast corner of the state to Black Mesa in the extreme northwest corner in search for a stolen chest of silver.
In the process, they pass Oklahoma businesses, including Swan Dairy in Claremore, Martin said. The dogs buy cheese from a fox who works at the dairy.
“I just try to show the economic base of Oklahoma,” Martin said. “Swans has been around forever and it’s very important to the state’s economic tradition.”
Swan Dairy became an Oklahoma fixture in 1923 and began selling its signature raw milk in 1951.
Meanwhile, the book presents a creative view on Oklahoma history and geography, Martin said.
“I try to make it an interesting read for the kids. I can’t just throw facts and figures at them,” he said. “They can read a textbook for that.”
Martin says books have been purchased by several businesses and donated to area students. It has shown up in classrooms and libraries across the area, from Jenks to Owasso and Claremore, he said.
It was even featured on a local television news program, which donated books to a Tulsa elementary school.
“It’s just a wonderful way for them to show the community businesses care,” he said “And the kids get something out of it.”
The alternative way of teaching history and geography is what has garnered so much attention, he said.
Oklahoma geography and history are emphasized in the story, but so is Oklahoma wildlife and general life lessons — and it all blends together.
“If you look at Oklahoma history, so much is dictated by geography. Oklahoma wouldn’t be the same without the gas and oil deposits that are here, for example,” Martin said. “I learned a long time ago you can’t learn history without knowing geography.
“I also try to teach kids that if you’ve got a tough situation, you can get out of it with hard work and perseverance.”
To learn more about the book, visit www.thesearchforsoonersilver.com.
