Well, I’m proud to be... ‘True’ or ‘transplanted,’ Okies celebrate Muskogee

By Keith Purtell
Phoenix Staff Writer

May 11, 2008 10:00 pm

— One of the most productive schools in Muskogee is just across Ninth Street from the public library.
Virgil’s Beauty College has been stable and successful for nearly 40 years, and one reason is owner Virgil D. Large.
The second son of a construction worker, Large said he never imagined he would be running a beauty college.
Generally low-key and reserved, Large is slow to take personal credit but quick to praise those who have helped him become a successful businessman and educator.
Unlike people who say they foresaw their careers from the time they were toddlers, Large said he practically had to be talked into taking over the school.
But, once established at the helm, it turned out to be the best job he ever had.
The beauty college has generated a steady stream of barbers and stylists for decades. It has weathered many changes in the town and the business climate.
Large won’t give out his age, but he jokes that he bought the school when he was 3 years old. He usually works in his office, a very small space overflowing with documents and the accumulated knick-knacks of years of activity.
The result of Large’s leadership style has been the professional advancement of countless students.

Family moved around before settling here
Although Muskogee has been home base for Virgil Large most of his life, his late father’s job led to some moving around.
“My dad was in construction as a welder and pipefitter,” he said. “We lived in Baltimore, Md.; close to Kansas City, Kan.; Arizona, Michigan and Kentucky.”
Large’s parents were Frank and Opal, and he has an older brother named Richard. Both his parents were important influences.
“My dad was a hard worker and very easy to be around,” he said. “Everybody liked my dad. My mom started ministering when she was young and is still pastoring after 65 years.”
Large also expressed admiration for his older brother.
“My brother Richard taught school and then entered full time ministry and is the pastor of Hillcrest Christian Fellowship here in Muskogee,” he said.

Career search led back to beauty college
Large tried a variety of jobs before settling on owning a school. He once owned a neighborhood grocery store on South K Street, he worked for a paving company and he worked for a short time for a chemical company.
“I didn’t know when I was young what my career might be; I think I was searching,” he said. “That’s why I had those other jobs. I never thought I’d be doing this.”
In fact, it took a mixture of circumstances and persuasion to get Large affiliated with the beauty college in the first place.
“I had worked for an asphalt paving company that kept moving its location between here and Tulsa for several years,” he said. “The lady who owned the beauty college (Irene Bolt) talked me into going to school here. Then I quit and went back to work for the paving company. When they moved to Tulsa again, I came back to school and finished that. I had a beauty salon for a short time, then she talked me into buying the school.”
Large knew as he took ownership of the school that there was a good chance of stability.
“People have needed to have their hair cut and styled since the days of the Egyptians,” he said. “Some people have a knack for it; I was not one of those lucky people. What I know I learned here.”
Large attributes much of the school’s long-standing success to the quality of instructors who work there.
“One lady, Martha Pope, has been with me the whole time and was my teacher when I was here,” he said. “Another lady, Lorene Tyler, has been here 37 years. There are also Judy Metcalf, Shelia Harris, and Kiman Ngo. We have had the same staff for a long time. I try to treat them just like I would want to be treated.”

Recipe for success for students, community
Large said that a focus on student success has encouraged people to sign up to study cosmetology, which takes 11 to 12 months.
“Our main goal is training students to go to work and have a career,” he said. “A lot of the former students keep in touch and come back to visit the school. We also have a holiday dinner each year, and a lot of them come to that.”
The school has established a strong enough reputation that many graduates now work in and around Muskogee, Large said.
“In the 40 years we have been in business, very few have failed to get licensed by the state; probably less than 10,” he said.
Large said seeing students prosper leaves him with a feeling of job satisfaction.
“I feel like we’re providing a good service for the students.”

Q&A

How did you come to be an Okie from Muskogee?
“We moved here from Bartlesville when I was in first grade.”

What do you do with your free time?
“I like to travel, and I enjoy getting out in the yard and working there. I love anything around the water; boating or swimming.”

How do you make a living in Muskogee?
“I own and operate Virgil’s Beauty College.”

What would make Muskogee a better place to live?
“I think for a small town Muskogee really has quite a bit to offer for the size that it is. There have been a lot of changes since I’ve lived here. When I was younger, downtown was the focal point; it’s not that way anymore.”

What’s the most memorable thing that has happened to you since you have lived in Muskogee?
“When I bought the school on July 1, 1968. It will be 40 years this July.”

How would you sum up Muskogee in 25 words or less?
“It’s filled with nice people. It’s an inexpensive place to live. It’s close to Fort Gibson Lake and all the other beautiful lakes. It’s a beautiful part of the state.”

Meet Virgil D. Large
HOMETOWN: Born in Bartlesville, lived in Muskogee most of his life since first grade.
CAREER: Owner, Virgil’s Beauty College on South Ninth Street.
EDUCATION: Muskogee Central High School, Irene’s Beauty College.
FAMILY: Father, Frank Large (deceased); mother, Opal Large; brother, Richard Large.
CHURCH: Okay Christian Fellowship, where his mother is pastor.
HOBBIES: Traveling, yard work, boating and swimming.
PROFESSIONAL: Chairman, Region VI Advisory Council of Private Career Schools; former member of the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology.

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