ENID, OK - Enid Buzz was recently contacted by a very nice lady that was born in Enid, Oklahoma. She was researching her birthplace since she had moved away at a young age. She contacted us and after corresponding back and forth she made her way to our office this month and we finally got to meet her. This is her story.
-
Hey this is me, Debbie Stevens. Also known as Debbie Barrett Stevens on Facebook and dstevens5573 on Instagram. I believe I visited my birthplace Enid, Oklahoma, and your office on Fri. Sept 28, 2018. I was born at St. Mary's Hospital on Mon. Jan 31, 1955 at 4:07 PM, so I am 63 years old now.
-
My maiden name is Deborah Ann Barrett. My parents are Howard J. Barrett and Donna L. (Kliewer) Barrett. Dad was a sergeant in the Air Force at Vance and Mom was a telephone operator in Enid when they met. I was the first child of their 6 children. I found my baby book that gives my birth info. It says we were living at 1017 N. 14th when I was born. I went by that house and it still looks pretty good!
-
I got to meet with some extended relatives while I was there in Enid. I met them through Facebook and by following Ancestry.com. We met at a place they own called The Brick Oven Pizzeria and Pub. I highly recommend it! The food was delicious for my gluten free sensitivities. Their names are Colton (I believe!) and Brittany (Kliewer) Glasscock. Also met her Dad there, Art Kliewer. I believe that Art is the grandson of my grandpa Harry Kliewer's brother also named Art. Then Brittany and her 2 little children met me at the Government Springs Park, which was right across the street from St. Mary's Hospital. What a beautiful park! I am so glad that I had the opportunity to visit this charming town, my birthplace, on such a beautiful day.
-
My grandparents, Harry and Rowena (Foutty) Kliewer, lived in Shawnee, OK when they died. But they used to live in the Fairview/Cheyenne Valley area. I would love to visit that area maybe next time. Mom went to Cheyenne Valley High School and graduated in 1950, but I don't think the school is there anymore. Grandma and Grandpa had a gas station and a store in that area when Mom was in high school. Then later, Grandpa cut and harvested wheat with his combine for many years. It's crazy how several family members are now afflicted with celiac disease, and therefore not able to eat the gluten from wheat.
-
Dad is 88 years old now, and Mom is no longer with us. We left Enid when Dad was transferred to Harlingen, Texas when I was 2 years old. Then we were transferred to Honolulu, Hawaii, then to Dover, Delaware, then to Columbus, Ohio, where most of us have remained since 1969. Dad retired here from the Air Force in 1971. Dad was originally from New Hampshire. My husband and I have raised 5 daughters and we now have 5 grandchildren.
-
I got a few souvenirs from the Welcome Center in Enid, and several pictures of course. I'm so glad I started following Enid Buzz! Now when someone asks me where I was born, and I say "Enid, Oklahoma," it means something to me in my mind. Thank you for being part of my memorable day. Hopefully my husband Mike will be able to take some time off work and come with me next time.
-
-
-
Woman Returns to Enid, Home of Her Birthplace
That is a heartwarming story, Curtis. Thanks for giving her the Enid welcome. You all do a great job.
Thank you very much for posting this! I’m still talking about my visit to Enid, Oklahoma with my family and friends in Ohio. I’m so glad I went out of my way to visit Enid again!