OSU dedicates Frank Eaton monument sculpted by Harold Holden
Monday, September 9, 2024
Media Contact: Page Mindedahl | Communications Specialist | 405-744-9782 | page.mindedahl@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University dedicated a monument of Frank “Pistol Pete” Eaton on Friday. The monument is the final work produced by artist Harold Holden after his recent passing in 2023.
Eaton, born in Connecticut in 1860, moved to Kansas when he was 8. His legend began after witnessing the murder of his father when Eaton vowed to gain revenge. He honed his shooting and gun skills, earning the nickname “Pistol Pete” at 15. Eaton tracked down his father’s murderers and avenged his death, later becoming a lawman fighting alongside the military. Eaton settled in Perkins, Oklahoma, where he became a local hero for his quick draw abilities, colorful personality and storytelling.
After appearing in the 1923 Stillwater Armistice Day parade, Oklahoma A&M College students sought out Eaton, asking him to pose as the university’s mascot. Eaton agreed, becoming known as the “original cowboy” and symbol of Oklahoma State University until he died in 1958.
Holden was a longtime Western artist and sculptor, creating many monuments and statues across the OSU campus, including Barry Sanders, Remember the 10 and Boone Pickens. Holden had an affinity for Eaton, having crossed paths with him at a young age. When he was 5, Holden met Eaton at the Cherokee Strip Days parade in Enid and was immediately drawn to his cowboy attitude and lifestyle. Holden has since created many depictions of Eaton in different mediums. This monument marks his final project before he passed away in December 2023 when fellow sculptors John Rule and Paul Moore completed the piece for their friend.
The ceremony for the monument included OSU President Kayse Shrum, OSU Foundation President Blaire Atkinson and Edna Mae Holden, Harold’s wife of 34 years.
Dr. Shrum began the dedication by welcoming the audience and thanking the various people who contributed to making the monument come alive.
“As we reach the culmination of the year of the Year of the Cowboy, I can’t think of a better way to honor the real-life inspiration for our mascot, Frank ‘Pistol Pete’ Eaton,” Shrum said. “Today, we also honor a phenomenal artist, and a true cowboy, Harold ‘H’ Holden. We are so grateful that this monument, and several others by Mr. Holden, will live on our campus forever.”
Larry Reece, senior associate athletic director and voice of OSU Athletics, then welcomed Atkinson to the podium. There, she recognized Edna Mae and several donors dedicated to the project.
“Edna Mae, I know how close this project is to your heart, and I hope today has been special for you. We are all honored to celebrate the amazing work of H and the beautiful legacy he leaves behind in his work,” Atkinson said. “I wish he could be here with us today. I think he’d be overjoyed to see his final work unveiled today”
Edna Mae then delivered remarks about her husband and his passion for art.
“The only thing H ever wanted to be was an artist, and the only subject matter he ever wanted to create was the West,” Edna Mae said. “He had a long and distinguished career of over 55 years and was able to enjoy the career he had because of people like you, family, collectors and friends.”
Edna Mae welcomed Atkinson, Shrum, and family friend Gwen Shaw to the stage to unveil the monument, a one-third-size replica of Eaton that will stand on the corner of Duck Street and McElroy Road.
R.W. Hampton, a close family friend of the Holdens, performed one of Harold’s favorite songs to conclude the event before a reception was held for attendees.