David Threatt’s Garnettville Fest Celebrates Luther’s Past & Present

Luther’s story is woven from names like Garnettville, whispers of settlements past, rooted in the lands of the Kickapoo and Iowa tribes. On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Luther Historical Society and Luther resident David Threatt invite you to David Threatt Presents Garnettville Festival, a tribute to the settlement of Garnettville held in conjunction with the final Third Saturday Market of the season in downtown Luther. Once a settlement, Garnettville stood across the Deep Fork River, near our town’s current heart, and this event will explore its history.

David Threatt, great-grandson of Allen Threatt, Sr., who founded the iconic Threatt Filling Station a century ago, has long dreamed of sharing Garnettville’s story. “My passion for the filling station’s history led me to Garnettville,” David shared. “I first heard of it at an Oklahoma Route 66 Association meeting and saw the name in Elizabeth Threatt’s elegant handwriting on old papers.” Elizabeth, the daughter-in-law of Allen Threatt, Sr., and a beloved teacher at Washington and Luther Public Schools, ran the station until its closure, leaving a lasting mark.

The Garnettville Festival doubles as a celebration of Luther’s community spirit. David will present his first Community Award to Audrey Stoner, owner of the Luther Tag Agency, for her exceptional customer service and dedication, a tradition started by her mother, Mary Lou Mohr. The announcement on local Facebook groups sparked hundreds of likes, loves, and cheers, reflecting Audrey’s impact. “Local businesses keep our town thriving,” David said. “These awards honor the real pioneers who make Luther special.”

Held alongside the Third Saturday Market, organized by the Luther Business Alliance, CD Harris Designs, and the Luther Historical Society since May 2025, the festival offers shopping from local vendors, crafts, and community connection. From artisan goods to neighborly chats, it’s a perfect way to soak up Luther’s charm.

David envisions the Garnettville Festival growing into a standalone event in 2026, cementing its place in our Route 66 heritage. Perhaps it will lead to more conversations with Luther historians about other early settlements, such as Tohee, Garden, Douglas City, and Arnett, and how the town of Luther could have been named Blizzard.

Join us on October 18 in downtown Luther from 10 am – 3 pm to celebrate our past, present, and future! Vendors and volunteers, text 405-921-8559 to get involved.