constructed it from Wewoka Sandstone excavated on their property. A Longhorn mount from the homestead’s original cabin hangs above the mantle. Other rock collections—each with a unique story—create a veritable museum on top of their custom bookshelves. Native American artwork and artifacts, including a collection of arrowheads their son Bill Breckinridge curated, are reminiscent of Joan’s native ancestry. In addition, a colorful woven wall hanging they acquired from the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico and a bison skull they recovered in the nearby Arkansas River add interest to the living area. On the wall between the kitchen and living room, hang two paint- ings of redwood trees that Jim’s parents bought on their honeymoon in California. Art deco wallpaper borders lend color to the neutral space. The Derbys’ furniture is a mixture of antiques and new items. A mirror passed down from Joan’s grandma is situated above an antique side table Jim purchased years ago. An Amish-crafted dining set is a new addition the couple purchased while traveling in Missouri. In order to adhere to the simplicity of the Arts and Crafts-style home, the Derbys were intentional to include only the items that are most meaningful to them in the home’s design. Johnston notes that what a client chooses not to incorporate into their home is just as important as what they do select. “When all things have a place, it brings order and joy,” Johnston
says. Outside the dining room window, Jim points to a large cottonwood
tree. He recalls the time when one of its branches fell on top of the family’s cabin. Today, it provides the perfect backdrop for the Derbys to watch goldfinches, cardinals and red-bellied woodpeckers as they fly to and from the birdfeeder. The front of the home is simple, painted in earth tones, with a welcoming front porch. A new addition is the monarch waystation. The Derbys used recycled electric poles from East Central Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, along with Jim’s rocks, to frame the garden. In it, they grow swamp and tropical milkweed for butterflies and pollinators. “We are so content here. It fits us,” Joan says. Jim echoes, “The house has been a joy to live in.”
Jim and Joan Derby stand in front of their custom pecan-wood bookshelves. Also in the photo is the bison skull they recovered from the Arkansas river and a southwest wall-hanging they acquired in New Mexico.
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The Derbys utilized recycled electric poles from East Central Oklahoma Electric to frame the garden in front of their home.
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