By Dana Hudspeth, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
A Chickasaw family has offered more than frozen treats and hamburgers to the Tishomingo, Okla., community during the past 40 years; they have also provided many young people employment.
Ray and Pinky Rowe, owners of the Dairy Queen of Tishomingo, recently celebrated 40 years in business and received a granite plaque from the company's headquarters.
The plaque is the latest in a collection showcased proudly on the wall near the front counter, all representing decades of long hours and instilling a solid work ethic in the area teenagers.
"We always worked well with the Chickasaw Nation", Mrs. Rowe said.
"Whenever we had an opening we would call the tribe and see if any young person in the community needed a job."
"We've had so many kids go on and do well, we are so proud of them," she said with a wide smile.
"One of our first employees was Mrs. Janice Anoatubby. She worked here while Governor was in college, she was a good worker," said Mrs. Rowe.
"I feel a strong support system with the tribe because they are always there; I tell people everyday we are blest to be Chickasaw."
The couple purchased the restaurant in 1969, after moving back to Tishomingo from Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada, to be closer to Mrs. Rowe's family.
"Prior to that, I didn’t do hamburgers," said Mr. Rowe, explaining he worked selling mining and construction equipment.
"We wondered how we could come back here and make hamburgers and make a living out of it."
The answer was a lot of hard work.
It was then that Mr. Rowe began a routine he still sticks to; he arrives at the Dairy Queen at 4:30 a.m. and works until mid-morning. He follows this schedule seven days a week unless it's Thanksgiving or Christmas, because the restaurant is closed.
Mrs. Rowe hung up her apron when she turned 60 and keeps busy at home.
All of their children and grandchildren have worked at the restaurant, with one, Tasha, volunteering to help clear tables at age 12.
The couple has a son, Raymond Thomas, and a daughter, Cindy McIver; four grandchildren, Dustin Rowe, Christopher Rowe, Tasha Gray and Carrie Hurt, and eight great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Rowe's Chickasaw heritage can be traced back to her grandmother, Mame Cravatt Hughes. She was born in Tishomingo and raised on the family’s allotted land near
Blue River in Johnston County.
Mr. Rowe is also from Tishomingo.
The couple married when they were 17.
"He asked my dad everyday for six months," she said.
Then one day, Mr. Rowe told Pinky's father they were getting married on Nov. 22, to which he replied he would attend.
The Rowe's Dairy Queen (DQ) is one of only a handful across Oklahoma.
The DQ restaurant was originally located across Main Street and was the place to turn around while cruising Main Street. But a fire in 1989 forced the family to open up across the street at 404 West Main.
In the 40 years since opening, the Rowes have seen the addition of the Blizzard, crispy chicken salad and "We Treat You Right” introduced as the new slogan in 1980. They still operate the restaurant the same way they did in 1969; not a computer in sight.
The couple donates items, such as napkins, cups, and French fries, to community functions whenever asked. It is their way of giving back to the community.
"We help every school in Johnston County for any function,” said Mr. Rowe.
The Rowes attend the First Assembly of God and have traveled extensively in the past, but mostly stay around Tishomingo these days.
When they are both ready to hang up their aprons, a family member will take over the day-to-day management of the restaurant.
"It's been a good trip, we have enjoyed the ride," said Mrs. Rowe.
