The Heartland Heritage Museum and Gallery (HHMG), located at 116 N. Broadway in Checotah, recently received two new donations to go into their collection of memorabilia of two local talents who oddly passed away only one day apart.

The first item was a beautiful, handmade quilt made by the late Vivian Frame who passed away March 11, 2021 at the age of 90. Frame had always been quite the promoter and supporter of the two local museums, the Heartland Heritage and the Katy Depot. She was also a talented artist as well as seamstress. The quilt, which was loaned by HHMG board member Jason Combs, will now hang at the Heartland Heritage for all to enjoy.

The second item donated was a painting of the late Harley Hamm Jr. by artist Rusty Rogers of Checotah. Harley Hamm Jr. was a talented musician and entertainer who played afar and all over the local area, especially at the Rentiesville’s Blues Club. Hamm, affectionately known as “Cowboy,” passed away March 12, 2021 at the age of 50.

Before his passing, Hamm served as the manager of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and had received the Blues Musician of the Year Award. He was known throughout the country for his Stevie Ray Vaughn Tribute Concerts and for teaching students how to play the guitar at Square Deal Music in Muskogee. Hamm was also featured on the Okie from Muskogee video and has performed at the Muskogee Little Theater in the Hank William productions.

HHMG director Iris Park stated she was thrilled to receive both new pieces which represent two past promoters of the local arts.

“I hope everyone can come out and see these two additions to the museum,” Park said. “Checotah and the surrounding areas have always been full of such creative and talented individuals. The museum also holds memorabilia of the late D.C. Minner and Carrie Underwood, who continues to win award after award. If you haven’t visited the museum, you really are missing out on a piece of Checotah’s history.”