Alberta Creek Resort, July 4, 2002

The streamer type American Flags mounted to the "NO WAKE" buoys at the mouth of Alberta Creek were more than appropriate, and also very inspiring. As we celebrated Independence Day, it caused a stir in my heart when I looked out over the water and saw Old Glory waving in the breeze. I've always honored and respected our flag, but I've never been in a situation where the mere sight of her brought tears. However, when I first looked out across the lake and saw those two flags, like sentinels at the mouth of the harbor, I had an emotional rush that nearly overwhelmed me. Even now, it brings chills to my spine just recalling the experience. I personally have no qualms in publicly saying, "GOD BLESS AMERICA."

In the following chapters, I plan to bring you some historical data and pictures concerning Alberta Creek, its citizens and the surrounding area of Dark Corner and Old Woodville. I have relied on the input of many of the "Old Timers" to help me be factual.

My grandfather, Moody McCuan, came to Indian Territory and with his family, settled in Dark Corner in 1887. I was born in Dark Corner in 1938 and lived there until 1949, when a move to Kingston was necessary for my widowed mother to be able to work at the Kingston school cafeteria.

Alberta Creek was known by another name, Lizzy Orberson, as I was growing up, but when the Corps of Engineers started assigning names to the creeks on Lake Texoma, they dubbed it "Alberta Creek". An old 1901 map that I ran across showed that it was originally called by that name.

The present owners of Alberta Creek resort & Marina, Bill and Laurie Glascock, are continuing what the previous owners, Mike and Myrna Hamilton started. They are upgrading and improving the facilities. If you're on-line, you can check out their web site at www.albertacreek.com for information on the area. You can contact the office at albertacreek@aol.com or by telephone at 580-564-2552.

Laurie Glascock is the one who was responsible for the flags. Thank you Laurie, you made Fourth of July, which was also the 38th wedding anniversary for Mary Loyce and me, a very special memorable occasion.

I always look toward the railroad bridge when I drive down the hill at the resort. It was due to a construction accident at the bridge site where my father, Arch McWilliams got killed on October 6, 1941. Can you imagine my surprise when I looked out over the lake towards the bridge and lo and behold, two flags were rippling in the breeze?

There is a new "LIGHTHOUSE" in the Alberta Creek area. That is the name selected for the Methodist Church at the corner of Texoma Hill Road and Alberta Creek Road. (In 2005 they celebrated the 100th anniversary of the church which was founded in Old Woodville.) Just back up the road a couple of miles is the Bay-Point Baptist Church. I can still recall when my mother Alice (McCuan) McWilliams would take us six little tykes to the Methodist Church in New Woodville. The mode of transportation for the three and one-half mile round trip was shoe leather. Actually, in the summer time that would have been barefoot for most of us. The Sunday school teacher that I can remember from back then was Mae Steele. I think Bobby Crook was the best singer among us. The words to a song that has stood out in my mind for the past fifty plus years is, "When they ring those golden bells". Those Golden Bells have since tolled for so many from that era, including Mae and Bobby.

This book does not contain a "preface" or "Forward". Why? They are usually boring and yet you feel that need to read them to get to know the author. My guess is that if you don't already know me, you will by the time you finish the book.

The cover was designed by my oldest son, John Moody McWilliams, and outlines the boundaries of the Dark Corner school district in 1907. The numbers correspond to the Legend, and indicate the local names of certain sites.

Willis McWilliams

PO Box 451

Kingston, OK 73439-0451

Ph. 580-564-2820