On Sunday, former President Jimmy Carter passed away at age 100, the oldest former American President by a decade.
Political opinions contrast on his presidency, but it is certain he was a President of consequence. He will be remembered not only for his time in office, but also for the decades of service he provided after his term.
Carter was the only president to ever visit Elk City, or Beckham County. He did so twice — first as a candidate for the Democratic nomination, which led to his presidency against former President Gerald Ford. Carter promised to return if he was elected, and he did so four years later in 1980.
While opinions vary on his presidency, Carter held office during an interesting time in Beckham County history which included an oilfield boom, and bust. The world was changing, and President Carter impacted Beckham County in many ways.
According to Carter, the only time during his presidency he was allowed to drive a car was during his visit to Elk City, when he was taken to the Elk City Airport and allowed to drive.
Both of Carter’s visits to the area were organized by the late Larry Wade, former owner and editor of the Elk City Daily News. Carter and his beloved wife stayed at the home of Wade’s mother.
He is now gone, as are many of the people involved in his visits, but he did leave a lasting impression on those who were here to meet him.
Four decades cannot erase that importance to the people who were here when the President came to Beckham County, Oklahoma.
