The Official Website of the Kiowa Tribal Princess and Princess Sorority: Kiowa Tribal Princess 1946-1948, Dorothy Rhoades

Hometown: Meers, OK

Age at Beginning of Reign: 17

Exposition Director: Benedict (“Dunn”) Toahty

Attained Position by: Appointment by Exposition President, Robert Goombi

Dorothy (“Bunny”) (Rhoades) Farrow was selected as Kiowa Princess in 1947 and 1948. She is the daughter of Lee J. and Dorothy (Rowell) Rhoades. Her maternal grandfather was Dr. James F. Rowell and her maternal grandmother was Maud “Mahbonee” Rowell. Her maternal great grandfather was Aointay, a brother of “Grandpa” Jimmy Quoetone, Sam Ahtone and Jim Ahtone. Her maternal great grandmother was Zoneetay, who was a sister to Pai-tahlee (SunBoy). Bunny grew up in the Meers community and is a lifelong member of the Mt. Scott Kiowa United Methodist Church.

When Bunny was princess, each tribe selected one of its members to be its American Indian Exposition princess. The position was not an “official” tribal position; rather, it was the Kiowa Princess for the American Indian Exposition. Bunny and her associates were the forerunners of the present tribal Princesses. The duties of the Princess were almost entirely taken up with the Exposition; no other duties were expected.

At that time also, the position was an appointed one. Here is how her appointment came about. Bunny was employed as a clerk in the Buckhorn Trading Post, a store located about one-half mile north of Meers store, on Jimmy Creek. Robert Goombi, who was President of the Exposition and also a prominent Kiowa leader, stopped by the store from time to time. He was employed on a road crew for the Bureau of Indian Affairs that happened to be working in the community. He asked Bunny if she would agree to be the Kiowa Princess and she agreed.

Preparations and appropriate attention to the matter were provided by Bunny’s aunt, Mattie Coosewoon, who took care of the proper protocol and religious observances. She also set up a camp at the Exposition where “Bunny” stayed. Bunny was conscious of the fact that she represented the Tribe and took her responsibilities very seriously, even after her terms were over. She appreciated the opportunity to meet other tribal Princesses and she was very popular with the entire group.

Benedict (“Dunn”) Toahty, of Oklahoma City was the Kiowa Director for the Exposition and he agreed with Robert Goombi’s selection. The two were so pleased with Bunny that they asked her to be the Princess the following year as well. Thus, she is of the few individuals who served as Princess for two years. Bunny may also be one of the oldest surviving Kiowa Princesses.

For years, Bunny and her husband, Walter Farrow Jr., made their home in the Meers area. She is now in an assisted living facility in Lawton.

Exposition Princesses During Dorothy's Reign:
1946-Vanette Mopope (Apache), Jenny Spottedhorse (Arapaho), Lois Weller (Caddo), Lahoma Willingham (Chickasaw), Beulah Hawks (Cheyenne), Gloria Marie Yokesuite Haumpy (Comanche) and Dorothy Lazette Rhoades (Kiowa)
1947-Lois Weller (Caddo), Maribelle Curtis Lone Bear (Cheyenne), Mable Coosewoon Otipoby (Comanche), and Dorothy Lazette Rhoades (Kiowa)

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