Oklahoma City attorney celebrates Broken Bow centennial with 100th book

BY CARRIE COPPERNOLL | Published: July 8, 2010

One of Oklahoma's most prolific authors will celebrate his hometown's centennial with a 100th milestone of his own.

Bob Burke will unveil his 100th book, "Broken Bow: The First Century,” at an all-class reunion Friday.

Attorney Bob Burke shows his book "Broken Bow: The First Century.” The book about his hometown is the 100th book Burke has authored. Photo BY PAUL B. SOUTHERLAND, THE OKLAHOMAN

Burke, an Oklahoma City attorney, has chronicled Oklahoma history through stories of the state's heroes, lawmakers, business leaders and legends. He writes before he goes to work and almost always works on several projects concurrently.

Burke chose his hometown for his 100th book after a chance meeting a few years ago, he said. His mother was recovering from hip replacement surgery, and by chance, her hospital roommate was a friend from Broken Bow. Burke visited with the roommate's daughter, Harriett Martin, and the two decided a book should be written for Broken Bow's centennial this year.

Broken Bow was born in summer 1910, when a pair of brothers decided to build a timber mill. A tent city sprung up, and in 1911, people began buying lots to build permanent homes. The brothers named the new town after their hometown: Broken Bow, Neb.

Leaders decided to mark the centennial over two years, so Burke, Martin and other co-authors Kenneth Hamilton and Paulette LaGasse decided to finish the project in time for the start of the town's centennial celebration.

The Broken Bow Alumni Association appointed a research committee to gather information and stories for the project. The team was composed of people Burke had known his whole life — teachers, his family doctor, a pharmacist and others.

Working on the project gave Burke a chance to look at his town in a new way, he said.

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