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Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – Remembering Corporal Roscoe Frye and Others in World War I Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum January, 1918, the Great War. Four men from Sapulpa were selected to become officers in the Army. They were Curt D. Edgerton, Edward M. Lotridge, Ben Braden, and Roscoe Frye. Edgerton and Lotridge were former justice of the peace. Braden was the former assistant county attorney. Frye was the former linotype operator for the Sapulpa Herald. These men were among the 106 drafted men of the 179th Infantry Brigade, part of the Nineteenth Division comprised of Oklahomans training at Camp Travis. They were selected for “entrance into training camp for officers…The probable strap wearers have been carefully selected from a list of several hundred applicants.” “Under a rule prescribed by the War Department, ten men in each 100 (or 10%) were allowed to apply to enter the school. Only the best men were selected and only those who had shown promise of becoming officers. Out of this 10%, only 1.7 percent were finally selected.” March, 1918, the First World War. “Eight hundred thousand men in the so-called second draft [would] be called into service.” The call for 598 Oklahomans were included in the order. The first draft was announced nearly a year earlier. “By the end of World War I in November 1918, some 24 million men had registered under the selective Service Act. Of the almost 4.8 million Americans who eventually served in the war, some 2.8 million had been drafted.” The first draftees from Sapulpa were: Merle L. Martindale, George Howard Fox, Archie L. Jones, John Denton Braden and Edmund Walker in August 1917. April, 1918, the War to End All Wars. The Sapulpa Herald listed 43 men who had attended Sapulpa High School who were now in the military. “A service flag in their honor [had] been made and shows the extent to which the high school has done her bit for the government and nation.” According to the Euchee Alumni Military Veteran booklet, two members of the Euchee school served in World War I. Many students and community members served in the service of the Great War. July, 1918, World War I. From time to time the Police and Sheriff’s Departments would canvas the town and ask the men in the community, between the ages of 21 to 31, to show their draft cards. On one such sweep, they found 120 men without their cards on them. Only 5 hadn’t been registered. They were then taken to the defense council to explain why they were not registered. Members of the community contributed and supported the war effort. Later that year, Sapulpa met and surpassed their quota for war bonds. The town earned to have their name honored on an oil tanker. This week in Sapulpa history, on October 10, 1918, the town learned of the first Sapulpan killed in action of this war. Mrs. P.T. Frye, mother of Corporal Roscoe Frye, received a notice announcing the death of her son. The statement from the Sapulpa Herald read: “Perhaps the announcing of the death of no soldier could have caused more sorrow or cast more of a gloom over the city than that of Roscoe Frye. A young man, only about 28 years of age, practically reared in Sapulpa and known to almost everyone, that announcement comes with unusual force. His father, the late P.T. Frye, was one of the early school teachers of the county and was the first county superintendent after statehood. “It was in this office that Roscoe first began his work. Leaving this office, he took up the printer’s trade, which he mastered thoroughly. At the time of his enlistment, he was a member of the local typographical union. “When the first big bunch of men left Sapulpa on September 20, 1917, Roscoe Frye went with them, having claimed no exemption. He went to Camp Travis with astounding work ethic. He trained new men coming into the camp. He was sent overseas in June of this year. “The first star in our Service Flag was for him, and the first gold star will be his.*” *Note: “Son-in-Service” or “Service Banners” or “Service Flags” were small banners hung in windows of the household to the family of those serving in the military of WWI. Families hung a banner in their window with blue stars that indicated how many members of the household were serving in the military during the war. Gold stars indicate a family member in the military that died during the war. Roscoe’s mother read the notice that was given to her on October 9, 1918. It simply stated her son was killed in action on September 12, 1918. The family sent a letter inquiring about his death. The response from Hubard T. Bowzer, First Lieutenant, 358th Infantry came in December 1918 to Roscoe’s sister, Cynthia: “‘He was with me on the 12th of September when we went over the top; he stayed with me all day until about 4, when we were returning with about twenty German prisoners. Three German machine guns opened up on us and killed all but two of the prisoners. And it killed all of my men except three. How the remainder of us escaped, no one knows. “‘Your brother is buried near the little town of Vilcey-sur-Trey, France.*’” *Note: Vilcey-sur-Trey, France is near the southern border of Luxembourg. The town is approximately 200 miles east of Paris, France. “‘Today we have the news that the war is over-may God grant it is true, because no one can appreciate the losses and suffering as much as I.’” The Sapulpa Soldier, Sailor, and Marine Club reorganized and became a part of the newly organized American Legion in May 1919. The new post was named the Roscoe Frye Post.
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This Week in Sapulpa History – When the Mayor and Editor ‘Took It Outside’ Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum Words from Oklahoma City’s Harlow’s Weekly echoed throughout the town of Sapulpa in 1916: “At Sapulpa, the enforcement controversy is strongly impregnated with personalities, particularly between Mayor Boggs and Editor Todd of the Herald. A fight so prolonged and waged with such ferocity could hardly exist without the personal issues overshadowing the fundamental principles involved.” A fight waged on from the first time Boggs and Todd interacted, just months before the mayor election of 1916. A fight with words for political views, moral views, and action would not be the only fight between the two. A physical fight with fists, a gun, and a whip would break out in the Downtown District. In 1916, Sapulpa’s Mayor Stone began working on his campaign to rid Sapulpa’s vices, gambling, liquor, and prostitutions. The Herald’s editor, Todd, would often use the paper for his personal preferences in politics. For instance, the paper praised Stone’s work on cleaning up the city. Unfortunately, after only a month in office, Stone was killed in a car accident. The Herald ran articles over the next mayor election, focusing on the “progressive” T.A. Wilson and the Frisco worker, A.K. Boggs. June 1916: “One Candidate in Trouble” read Herald’s headline over the information on how Boggs destroyed a citizen’s fence and therefore “liberating of the stock strained.” The owner of the home wished to charge Boggs for damages. Todd would often include a last question when he had something to say about Boggs: “would you want this type of man as your mayor?” Todd also ran other articles praising Wilson while bashing Boggs. “Wilson’s honesty and past record win him staunch followers,” while “loafers” are “boosting” for Boggs. Todd would go to town meetings, and present his findings. Such as, “some other strong Boggs men got up and began to vilify our deceased mayor, using some pretty strong terms in condemning his policy for law enforcement.” The crowd began to shrink, until it was only Boggs and the “Boggs men.” With the election coming near, out of the six in contention, Boggs and Wilson were the top candidates. A poll went out, and Wilson held a narrow lead. Todd concluded that “the result indicates to the observing very clearly what is desired by the voters-a competent and clean government for the city of Sapulpa.” The main issue in this election is an open or closed town for booze. “Booze and the booze interests are behind A.K. Boggs…such a man is dangerous even as a private citizen…If you don’t vote for T.A. Wilson on July 11, and show Boggs and his bootlegger friends under such a mountain of votes that there will never again be a question of the moral stand of this community.” The poll had Wilson at 428 votes while Boggs had 389 votes. July 1916: Todd’s editorial didn’t let the narrow lead stop his tactics. “How are you lined up? Are you for Wilson [for clean government] or are you for Boggs [for the return of the old, graft, barroom, and gambling hell conditions of a year or more ago?]” Todd wrote that Boggs once said, “‘the worst thing that can be said about me is that I am for an open town.’” Todd further stated, “Wilson believes in the enforcement of law. Boggs believes in ‘fining them if they happen to get into police court.’” Boggs released a statement stating that “it has been reported by unscrupulous enemies, who are either intensely ignorant or grossly careless with the truth,” that he is power hungry and wishes to remove the Commissioner of Public Affairs. Todd continued his tactics to call out Bogg’s behavior. The week of the election, Wilson had asked for a public meeting with Boggs. Boggs refused to comply. Todd called Boggs “a coward.” The election results began to come in, and the Herald’s editor went to bed knowing Wilson was in the lead. Then, Creek County Republican newspaper announced on the top of their front page: “Boggs is the Mayor-Elect, changes in departments ahead.” The Herald stated, “It is Boggs by a Good Majority: Sapulpa reversed themselves.” Boggs won with 770 votes, and Wilson had 623 votes. Another bash at the new mayor from the paper said, “one observing citizen said that Mayor Boggs did not hold up the right hand when he was sworn in. Think it over.” Todd’s campaign didn’t end against Boggs. August 1916: reports came in that Mayor Boggs had removed people from their position and hired “his men” in place. In one incident, Boggs had two people for the same position. “It became known today that the city has two health officers. No notice was given nor ordinance seen…whether or not Boggs had any right to throw out the old appointees will likely be tried in the courts.” Boggs would announce that a significant change in expenses was needed for the city. In Todd’s editorial, he stated, “during the evening and while the mayor was present, nothing was said about the reason for the $26,000 increase in the cost of doing business...the meeting was that the whole thing was a subterfuge to legalize commercialized vice and booze joints. The mayor stated himself that the contribution of clubs and near beer joints would make up something like ten thousand dollars of the tax.” Mayor Boggs began doubling-down on people questioning his authority. September 8, 1916: a big fight broke out in front of the Herald’s office. Between Mayor Boggs and the paper’s Editor Todd. The Herald had for the last two years fought against vices in the town over corruption, booze, prostitution, and crime in general. The Herald received word that the Mayor would arrive at their office at 6 that evening to beat up Todd and his partner, Young. The day before, Boggs told Herald to retract the story of the Mayor trying to enforce the occupation tax. When Todd refused, Boggs threatened to kill him and clean the place out. At 5, the Mayor, along with his men, City Attorney, Moral’s Inspector, and MotorCycle Cop, drove by the Herald’s office, twice, then stopped across the street. After a conference with the four of them, the Mayor went for more “reinforcements,” his son and another “thug.” Boggs sent his son in to invite Todd out for the fifth. Todd did not go, so Bogg’s son and aid, began to drag him out. One of the Herald’s employees brought out a gun and began chasing his boss’s kidnappers. The officer disarmed him, and took him off to jail. The Moral’s Inspector was known for his whip that he used as his sidearm. Mayor Boggs retrieved the whip, and lashed Todd a handful of times. Todd broke loose and decked Boggs with one punch. Bystanders began crowding around. The crowd was able to subdue the men and the fighting ended. This week in Sapulpa history, October 2, 1916: the Herald received a gift. The Editor wrote on the front page of his editorial piece about Mayor Boggs: “in his mental limitations though in that prehistoric manner, he could cover up his official course in Sapulpa.” The gift was “handsomely decorated” and would be hung in a “prominent place.” The gift was a reminder, “reminder of the boob who once essayed to run a city in a modern age as a cave dweller would have run it had he found a fellow from a far country objecting to his crude methods.” The paper never said how they acquired the gift, however. The gift that they received was the whip. Note: the paper petitioned for a recall in the vote in November 1916, but there were not enough signatures and evidence. Boggs was mayor from 1916 to 1918. Other papers in town did not have the same reactions to Boggs being elected, nor added any clarity on the fight. However, all information above was found in Todd’s editorials, except from Creek County Republican and Harlow’s Weekly mentions. Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – How Sapulpa Earned a Vessel Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum This week in Sapulpa history, the Chamber of Commerce received a picture in the mail on September 25, 1922. This picture is the first time the citizens of Sapulpa had seen this particular image. The image was that of an oil tanker cargo ship at sea. The name of the ship was Sapulpa. “The tanker was christened in honor of the city several years ago. In appreciation of the good work done by the city, the ship was launched and christened in California under the name of ‘Sapulpa.’” The large photograph was on display at the Chamber of Commerce rooms. “The photograph and the ship itself are features of civic pride to every Sapulpan. The tanker is one of the finest of the oil fleet, carrying a capacity of 10,000 tons.” During World War I, many images of the war, such as the battles, war bonds ads, soldiers, military vehicles, vessels, and weaponry were showcased throughout every newspaper in the nation, including Sapulpa’s own papers. However, this is the first time since the announcement of a Sapulpa vessel, our town was able to lay eyes on the ship. As stated above, this was years in the making. In 1917, bonds “were first issued as Liberty Bonds,” or also known as Defense Bonds. These bonds helped “finance the United States government’s participation in World War I.*” *Note: During World War II, the Liberty and Defense Bonds were renamed War Bonds. Counties across the country held bond drives. Towns had quotas to meet for the war cause. In late 1918, the Fourth Liberty Loan began. This week in Sapulpa history, “campaign for Fourth Loan to be launched September 28 and will close October 19.” Creek County had a quota to meet. Sapulpa and other Creek County towns, too, had to meet a quota for their district. The Fourth Liberty Loan was one of the largest bond issues in Creek County for the First Great War. The Fourth Liberty Loan asked for a quota for these towns: Bristow was asked to raise $201.500. Depew was asked $18,500. Kiefer’s quota was $70,750. Mounds was asked $66,250. Mannford was asked to raise $21,500. Oilton’s quota was $73,500. Shamrock was asked to raise $70,750. Kellyville was asked $18,500. Sapulpa’s quota was $523,000. The Creek County quota was listed at over $1 million*. *Note: by today’s inflation, Sapulpa was asked to raise just under $10 million; the county was asked for over $20 million. By October 4, 1918, it was listed how the town’s quota was coming along. Sapulpa had raised $55,000 in one day. It was listed then Sapulpa had raised $200,000. Then Sapulpa people held a huge event. “Over 10,000 people throng city streets during early and late hours while the program went on.” While the jazz band, an orchestra, and vocals rang over the town, the city raised over $160,000 that evening. The total Sapulpa had pulled together toward the quota reached just under $400,000, about $150,000 under quota. On October 19, 1918, headlines read: “Sapulpa is Over; ahead by one day. City tops pinnacle in Fourth Liberty Loan with nearly $10,000 oversubscribed.” Sapulpa not only met their goal, they surpassed it. Starting with a goal of $523 thousand, Sapulpa total sales mounted to $530,000. “The county has also shot far over the mark.” The reports came in that Creek County gained more than $270 thousand over their quota. The quota was set at $1,321,250; Creek County reached $1,591,850 by the end of the Fourth Liberty Loan run*. *Note: During World War I, the bonds raised over $21 billion dollars nationally for the war efforts. During World War II, the bonds raised over $180 billion in revenue nationally. A little over a month later, on November 29, 1918, it was announced that “three cities in Oklahoma to receive the honor of naming one of Uncle Sam’s ships. Sapulpa is the one in her class, the other honrs going to Vinita and Oklahoma City.” These three towns were the “first city in its class to complete the Fourth Liberty Loan and also to show that more than 20% of the population bought bonds.” This week in Sapulpa history, the U.S.S. Sapulpa was launched on October 1, 1919 in Oakland, California. Mrs. J.W. Hoover, wife of Dr. J.W. Hoover, traveled to California to perform the christening of the ship’s launch*. *Note: The vessel never served in the Navy. Little is known what happened after the Sapulpa vessel was launched. A report came in on June 1, 1923, from Washington, D.C.: “The steel tanker ‘Sapulpa’ named after the county seat town of Creek County, Okla has been sold by the United States shipping board to the Cape Steamship Company of Philadelphia. The ‘Sapulpa’ is 9,759 deadweight tons.” (Sapulpa Herald: August 16, 1918, October 4-5, 1918, October 7-8, 1918, October 19, 1918, November 29, 1918 September 26, 1922, September 27, 1919, June 1, 1923; Investopedia) Did You Know…
This Week in Sapulpa History – The Outlaws Step Onto The Field As Chieftains Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum This week in history, football season for the Sapulpa High School began for the 1928-1929 school year on September 21, 1928. Against Jenks, the new season not only brought in new players, but new uniforms, too. The team showcased their new attire on the gridiron with “new blue jerseys with white vertical stripes, headgear painted blue with a white star, with blue and white hose added to the khaki breeches.” At the afternoon game at Homes Park, “the team trotted out on the field, they presented a picture of confidence which comes from being well trained but never disregarding the possible strength of their opposition.” The new jerseys were not the only signs of change in 1928. The school mascot had undergone a new look and new name. Prior to this season, Sapulpa High were the Outlaws. The logo was a face with a cowboy hat and a bandana tied around the lower portion of the “outlaws” face. This game against Jenks was the first time the announcers called the football game for the Sapulpa Chieftains. In the first football game as Chieftains, Chieftains won the game with the score of 21 to 0. The Sapulpan athletes had many names before 1928. With Coach Virgil Jones, in the mid-1910s to early 1920s, the athletic members were known as Sappers. The team members also had a special nickname, such as Jonesmen and the “blue and white machine”. By 1923, the name changed to the Outlaws. There are two stories or reasons why the name came around. A high school football, basketball, and baseball player from 1924 through 1928, Kermit Carter, recalled the name change. Carter stated, “the Sapulpa Sappers were kicked out of the conference because of recruiting violations. When Sapulpa came back into the conference their teams took the name ‘Outlaws.’” Either by a retaliation and acceptance of being on a one-year probation, the Sapulpans changed their name to Outlaws, or “perhaps a play on the frontier town’s early Territory history” when Sapulpa would be known as a “safe haven” for outlaws. After a few years as the Outlaws, the seniors of the Class of 1928 had a chance to change that. In early 1927, the seniors were asked to keep the name or change it. If they chose to change it, what would they vote for as the new name. The contest kicked off and a name was finally accepted. Senior, Pauline Page, had renamed the pep club on September 17, 1927*. The White Peppers were composed of seniors and juniors that wore white shirts, white skirts, blue ties and sash, with white sailor caps (for summer) and dark blue skirts (for winter). Page would also be the Vice-President Senior Class with Melbourne James as President. *Note: Pauline Page would later become a nurse, marry Kermit Carter, and they would establish the Ranch Terrace Nursing Home. Kermit Carter recalled that the student body voted for Chieftains, a name submitted by Pauline Page. The name change timeline is not exact. The vote and acceptance happened in the school year of 1927-1928. However, from the newspapers, the name change happened that same school year, too - before the first football game mentioned above in September 1928. Between April 4th, 1928 and April 13th, 1928, the newspapers had changed the name when announcing the athletics segment in their papers*. *Note: An article that portrays the actual renaming of the school has not been found, yet. But there are two articles separated by just a few days that show the change from Outlaws to Chieftains. On April 4th, 1928, the article about the baseball game against Tulsa High School Braves. “Outlaws played the Braves a good game, and came home with the bacon, 11 to 8.” This game was played at Tulsa University's baseball diamond. At the time Tulsa High was undefeated, and Sapulpa was able to score enough runs to claim victory. On April 12, 1928, the baseball game at home was against the Okmulgee Bulldogs. “The Sapulpa Chieftains had a hard day, losing to the Okmulgee High School Bulldogs by a count of 14 to 1.” The article stated that the Chieftains evened the score in the first inning, but “was not prepared for the onslaught that was to come.” The Chieftains fought the Bulldogs, but were unable to rely. It is uncertain if the baseball team had new uniforms in time for the name change in early 1928. However, the school year of 1928-1929 was the first year that the whole student body was named Chieftains. Did You Know…
This Week in Sapulpa History – The Building of a Million Stories Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum This week in history, the building that we all refer to as the Sapulpa Herald building is being torn down. It is part of the city’s plan for the alleyway redesign. Here is a look at the past and the significance the building at 16 South Park St has had in the town’s history. Within the building, many people have come and gone over the years. The people in the building had written many stories, snippets, tales, and highlights of our city and surrounding area. The address and its building that shared a million stories has a history, too. Before 16 S Park became the building-of-a-million-stories, just before Sapulpa became a city, the corner of S Park and E Dewey wasn’t developed yet. Soon, though, development began. And with new development, the town knew they needed a newspaper. The town developed a handful of newspapers in the early days. One newspaper stood out, The Sapulpa Light. William H Platts began the newspaper publication called The Sapulpa Light around 1896. After a few years, in early 1901, Will R Winch left the Kansas City Journal to venture out into Indian Territory. He took interest in the local paper and “took over the management of the Sapulpa Light the first week of October.” By late 1901, Oren M Irelan stepped into the print shop. “I purchased an interest and Mr. William Winch and William Platts retained an interest for about two years. After I relieved him, [Winch] and his wife retired to Kansas City.” By 1903, along the first block on S Park, on the west side, there were two addresses listed. One was listed as 14 and the other 16 S Park; it is possible these structures were residences where the homeowners worked. Both had a listing as barbers, laborers, and a porter working and living at these locations. In 1904, Irelan moved the Sapulpa Light to 14 South Park*. The organization wanted the building specifically for the printing office. “This building had a cement floor and numerous windows on the north side so that there could always be abundant natural light for daylight work. A cylinder press and linotype were added to the plant.” *Note: As the town’s population and businesses grew, the address numbering system shifted from time to time when new buildings were built, new families moved in, and as streets lengthened. In 1907, James Whitlow had the address of 16, while Sapulpa Light acquired number 14 with CC Ralston, a barber. In 1909, Sapulpa Produce Co made home at 16, whereas another barber, TR Johnson, joined Irelan’s paper. In 1910, WE Verity became editor and manager of Light and began Sapulpa Publishing Co at 14; while next door, Harry T Mitchell took over at 16 as funeral director and embalmer. By 1914, the building housed two publications, Sapulpa Light and Oklahoma Farmer and Laborer, owned by FC Johannes. Harper’s Transfer of feed and baggage called home at 16 for the next few years. The building witnessed another change, not only ownership, or an additional publication, but this time, a name change. OS Todd and John W Young owned the Light. This is the transformation period from The Sapulpa Light to the Sapulpa Herald. From Oklahoma Historical Society, “the Sapulpa Herald was founded on September 14, 1914, by John W. Young, previously the business manager of the Sapulpa Evening Democrat, and O. S. Todd. Oren Miller Irelan, previously of the Sapulpa Evening Light*, soon joined Young at the Herald. Young and Irelan railed against the rampant elements of crime plaguing the town of Sapulpa. So aggressive were their efforts that on May 31, 1915, the printing press was destroyed in an explosion of dynamite.” *Note: it is unsure when or why the name changed from Sapulpa Light to Sapulpa Evening Light, but based on the publications it was between 1910 and 1913. No one was injured in the blast, and damages did occur to the building, however. “Herald office blown up by Nitroglycerin” was the headline the following day that described the damages to their building. “Damages to the press material and blew out nearly all the windows of the building, tearing off the screens and damaging the walls and doing other damage to the building.” The newspaper kept printing and the building kept standing. Between 1920 and 1928, the address of 16 S Park belonged to a few diners, such as Kookry, White Kitchen Cafe, Park St Lunch, and Coffee Shop. However, in 1928, Herald “moved” to 12 S Park, according to City Directories, until 1936. From 1930 to 1935, 16 S Park was occupied by two barbers, a dining room, and a shoe store called Foot Form Shoe. Changes to the building and addresses occurred over the next decade. Finally, in 1936, the official address for the building-of-a-million-stories was officially 16 S Park. Although it was the same building that Herald began with in 1914, it had an address change. “Some three decades later, on March 16, 1944, the Herald was sold by Irelan and the estate of the late John W. Young to R. P. Matthews, who had worked as an editor at the Tulsa World. The building, now under one address, still had two businesses within it. Matthews used a portion of the building to produce another publication that he brought with him. Southwest Poultryman magazine made home to the adjacent offices of Herald. In July 1946, the building caught on fire. The flatbed press was completely destroyed in the fire. “Employees escaped being burned. The fire started in the pit underneath the flatbed press as sparks from a welder’s torch dropped into it.” The building received some damages from the fire and smoke. Again, the workers kept up their paperwork and the building lasted. “On April 17, 1949, the title was changed to the Sapulpa Daily Herald. In 1959, the Matthews family sold the Daily Herald to Ed Livermore. Livermore later sold the Daily Herald to Roy H. Park in 1979, and Park then sold it to Community Newspaper Holdings (CNHI) in 1997. The Herald changed owners once again in October 2007, when CNHI sold it to the Sumner family. The word ‘daily’ was dropped from the title on October 4, 2017.” Around the time of Park’s charge, the building’s front changed its look from brick to the present day front. Some significance stories that came out of the building-of-a-million-stories include:
The Sapulpa Herald began in that building just over a hundred years ago. Many long nights, hard days, and many articles were produced within the building. Although the building is being torn down this week, it does not mean any stories are ending. The Sapulpa Herald will be moving into their new home and continue their work. If walls could talk, the walls of 16 South Park St would be the building-of-a-million-stories. Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – Let’s Get This Glow on The Road: Sapulpa’s First Electric Lights Were Proposed Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum A Mr. Arthur W. Tucker moved to Sapulpa just before statehood in 1907. With him, he brought his 1905 Gale automobile - named for the automobile plant it came from in Galesburg, Illinois. This would be known as the first automobile in Sapulpa. Tucker stated, “during this time, there were no licenses for the cars, no paved highways, no highway signs, no electric lights for cars, no self-starters, no radiators, and no paved streets in Sapulpa.” There would be a lot of firsts that year in 1907, including electric street lights and electric lights for homes and businesses. This week in history, it was announced that there had been two bids that came forward to install an electric plant in Sapulpa. On September 7, 1906, a Mr. James A. Boyd promoted that he and his company were the same ones who had installed Tulsa’s lights, and he wanted the same for Sapulpa. The City Council met within that week to discuss the two bids.”Mr. Boyd’s proposition is a splendid one, and has been before the Council. In granting this franchise, the Council has greatly pleased the people and it is a step toward ‘civilization’ that has been needed for many months.” Mr. Boyd and his company had been looking for a place to call home in Sapulpa. They built their plant, the Sapulpa Light & Power Co., at 105-107 S Water St. Once the plant franchise was to be installed, it would be in operation within seven months. It was agreed that thirty street lights were to be taken by the city the first year, and raised to fifty within two years. The light plant was in a one-story building that was large enough to house the two gas engines and the one generator, but could comfortably hold one more each, if needed. Sapulpa’s first street light had not been an electric light, however. It was a gas light, erected on a pole at the corner of Main St and Dewey Ave. That light was ignited by “gas prospectors, who wanted to convince the young town that gas could be piped here for domestic use. The gas light system was never enlarged for street lighting purposes,” however. Mr. Boyd stated that “electric lights will be glowing our streets before spring.” The lights the Sapulpa Light & Power Co. were producing were equivalent to a sixteen-candle power and it would cost only 35 cents per month*. The company would not stop at just street lights, but include businesses and homes, too. “Electric lights would be furnished in stores soon for a very low rate.” *Note: the cost of just 35 cents in 1906 would be less than $12 today. The first week of October in 1906, Boyd said that “power has been ordered for the plant, and that the negotiations for wire, poles, and other material are on.” With this new power contract, people had hopes that “Sapulpa may have electric lights by Christmas, but will have no later than March.” By mid-November in 1906, the Sapulpa Light & Power “is now in a position to install electric wiring for electric lights in residence, storerooms, and business houses.” Arthur Tucker joined the Sapulpa Light & Power Co. when he moved here in 1907. AW Tucker, JA Boyd, Fred Pfendler, Ed Reynolds of the power company said that they “will wire any building you may have for actual cost of time and material.” If people were skeptical, the company stated “A great many people do not realize all the advantages in using electricity. Electricity may be used in the residence for light and heat. It may be used to operate a sewing machine, washing machine, or wringer. It is the cheapest and best for sad irons, curling irons, and etc.” Advertisements for electricity stated, too, “be progressive, why tinker with matches lamp globes, and oil, use electric lights.” In other words, “be comfortable, its just as easy for you to keep cool as it is to do any other way, use electric fans.” By spring of 1907, the company installed 20 streets around the town. Although, it is unclear a specific date or location of said street lights, it is said that there was an event by May 1907 where an electric display showed beautifully down Main Street for three blocks. “Lights dazzled the eyes of all.” Around the same time, the first business to switch on their electricity was a printing shop. Tucker stated, “a man by the name of Mr. Johonnis* who had a small printing shop and had been using water to run his press machine.” With his order for electricity and a motor for his printing press, the Sapulpa Democrat began producing their papers “electronically.” *Note: the name “Johonnis” was misspelled in the article. The gentleman’s name was Fred Johannes, of the Johannes & Dye printing co., owners of the Sapulpa Democrat with Harry Dye. Tucker remembered other businesses that were first to install lights. The Harvey House ordered thirty lights. “We were kept busy installing lights in the different business houses as well as electric signs. Had one picture show that started up and was located on the second floor over a clothing store owned by Max Meyer.*” *Note: in 1907 City Directory, although it doesn’t list Max Meyer (he moved to Sapulpa in 1907, and wouldn’t be listed until 1908) the same building his business would be in at 28 E Dewey said that at 28 ½ (usually that’s the second floor) was the Empress Theatre. Tucker remembered his little time he was able to spend in Sapulpa. “When I first came to Sapulpa, most people lived out from the business part of the city carried lanterns at night on their way home until we got the street lights installed.” He spent the next three or four years making sure the town had its lights before moving to Tulsa. Did You Know…
This Week in Sapulpa History – First Court House is Torn Down Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum This week in Sapulpa history, on August 28, 1935, a “landmark building of the early era here” was torn down: the Lucile Opera House. From Peter Egan’s Sapulpa, OK: Greatest City in the Known World, vol 1, in 1902, Congress passed a bill designating Sapulpa as one of six federal court towns of the Western Judicial District of Indian Territory (I.T.). The district marshal came to Sapulpa and could not find a building available for use as a courthouse. The citizens were told they must provide a building if a court was wanted. Accordingly, local Sapulpa enthusiasts raised and offered a bonus $1,000 to anyone willing to build the courthouse*. *Note: in 1902, $1,000 then is roughly $35,000 with today’s inflation. The pair Joseph O. Hereford, who was a horse and mule dealer, and John F. Egan, who worked in real estate, teamed up to build a two-story brick building to become the courthouse. The construction began in October 1902 and was completed in September 1903. It stood tall among the residences along Mounds St and Dewey Ave*. *Note: the address was 121-23 W Dewey, which is the northeast corner of Mounds and Dewey. This location is roughly where McAlister’s Auto Detailing is today. John F. Egan is the grandfather to Peter Egan. The lower floor was to be used as the courthouse, while the upper floor was for a theatre, and a jail was constructed at the rear of the building. The upper floor was to be named the Lucile Opera House. It would be used as an entertainment center for the townsfolk. The opera house was named so due to that both Hereford and Egan had daughters named Lucile. The town was named a court town was very important to the growth of the town. In addition, the courthouse construction would also further aid the establishment of the county seat in favor of Sapulpa. Sapulpa became the center for the legal profession in the area. Until this was built, people had to travel to either Muskogee or even Ft. Smith for their legal matters. One of the first published articles about the courthouse of Sapulpa was about one the known vices of town: liquor*. In October 1904, Deputy Thompson brought a Mr. Roberts in and charged him for bootlegging. And Deputy Teel “made a lucky haul at the depot when the Oklahoma express [train] came in; two jugs of whisky and one case of beer were captured and carried to the courthouse to be smashed.” *Note: other vices included liquor, gambling, and prostitution. One of the earliest published weddings occurred in the courthouse a few months later. In December 1904, Seth Grubbs and Lizzie Hubbard, both from Mounds, were married with Commissioner Jennings officiating. While the courthouse was not in session, entertainment echoed the halls of the building. John Westfall, manager of the Lucile Opera House, “booked seventeen performances of leading shows.” The first season at the Opera House kept people coming in every week. The shows were guaranteed for fun. “Fun from beginning to end. If not satisfied, stop at the door and get your money back.” The costs of .25, .35, and, .50 cents on opening nights for the shows is all it cost you. The following year, the Chamber of Commerce and the “sidewalk committee” reported that new sidewalks from Main and Dewey to the Courthouse were installed in March 1905. The next year of May 1906, a ball given at Lucile Opera House for the purpose of “swelling the road improvement fund was a success in every particular.” Ticket sales and refreshment booths receipts were turned over to the cause. “The music was furnished by a home orchestra consisting of S. Moulder, Fred Morgan, H. Harrison, L. Moulder, and A. Phillips.” In July 1906, the Lucile Opera House began a new endeavor. The organization had purchased fifty new pairs of skates. It hired a Mr. Spencer and Downing, local roller skate experts, to teach the art of skating. Skating would be available every night, with Tuesday nights free. Entertainment was on an all-time high. When Oklahoma became a state, November 16, 1907, the county took over the building, and the Opera House ceased to function. During the period of its use, the newly named Hereford building was rented by the government. In 1911, the county offices were moved to the fifth floor of the Berryhill building, with district court being held in one of the Burnett buildings on N Main St. Where the present day county courthouse stands, this location was once the Dewey College. After the six-year struggle between Bristow and Sapulpa of who was going to be county seat, finally in 1913, Sapulpa would be able to build another courthouse. The county offices gathered and moved into it shortly after its completion*. *Note: present courthouse built in 1914 by Manhattan Construction Co. on a bid of $133,000, which would be just under $4 million today. When the Hereford building ceased to be used as a courthouse, it was changed into an apartment house. About 32 years after it was built, Sapulpa’s first courthouse was in the process of being razed. “Razing of the Hereford building marks the passing of another structure that played a vital part in the early history of Sapulpa and its citizenry. Its destruction today ends another historical structure of early Sapulpa.” Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – Sapulpa Schools Had State’s “First” Fallout Shelter Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum This week in Sapulpa history, it was announced on August 23, 1960 that Sapulpa schools were approved for a fallout shelter, the “first of its kind at a school in Oklahoma.” Two representatives from the Civil Defense stated, “the only other type of fallout shelter which comes close to the one planned [here] is at Tulsa, beneath Nathan Hale school.” Several other school systems “are presently constructing these shelters, but they are doing so by adding to existing structures.” Noel Vaughn, Superintendent of Schools, announced that they had received approval of a $249,000* grant from the federal government to build the fallout. The grant also included the building of classrooms and an athletic locker room. *Note: in 1960, $249,000 is about over $2 million today. The reason behind the fallout shelter at the school would be used for disasters, such as an atomic bomb attack. The funds originally came in the 1958 funding approved by President Eisenhower for public buildings. “Whereby when a public building, such as a school or hospital is damaged by a disaster, funds for the replacement of the building also will include funds for a shelter.” Earlier that year, a disaster occurred in Sapulpa. The May 1960 tornadoes tore down Booker T. Washington High School. “Construction of a tri-purpose building [will be] to make up for the floor space which was lost when Booker T. Washington School was hit.” Vaughn was able to obtain the aid for the town after the devastation of the tornado. Another grant, along with insurance, was obtained for $121,000* for Booker T. Washington High School. *Note: $121,00 then is roughly $1 million today. The plans for the new fallout shelter would be to construct it on the northeast side of the new high school, around the new gymnasium. It would be constructed above and below grounds. Above ground, it will include four classrooms. The portion below ground would be the combination fallout shelter and dressing or athletic locker room. It was further announced that it would be able to hold about 600 students. There would also be a storage room for water, food, and sanitation. It would have thick walls and floors. The entrance would be right off the gymnasium, with a flight of stairs. “Federal officials estimate that it costs from $6.20 to $7.50 per foot extra to build a fallout shelter. It was also pointed out that another win is planned to accommodate all students and a majority of the residents in the school area.” It was stated that if a bomb was near, “chances of survival in a fallout shelter depend on the type shelter and closeness to the blast.” Federal officials stated that the type that was planned for Sapulpa “only one out of every 500 persons inside would be a victim of fallout. Without the shelter, radiation exposure would claim all who come in contact with it.” In order to build the facility, the grant must be used by July the following year. Through these efforts and the aftermath of the May 1960 tornado, the town realized the need for local public shelters. By the end of October, there was a push for shelters in town. Although there was no fund drive or true plans, arrangements were made and attempted. “Sapulpa Brick and Tile Co. has agreed to donate the bricks for construction of a demonstration shelter in some public places.” Red-E-Mix Concrete Co. also wished to donate to the event. Organizations such as Parent-Teachers Association Council and Sapulpa Business and Professional Women’s Club agreed to supervise the furnishing of the shelter. Soon, the mayor and local officials agreed, and began arrangements*. *Note: it is unknown what became of the public shelters. By June 1961, the fallout facility at the school was opened and introduced to the public*. By the end of construction, the area above the shelter included four regular classrooms, a darkroom, an art room, and a mechanical drawing room. “The fallout shelter itself, which will double as a wrestling room and locker rooms, is below ground with a 20-inch concrete ceiling and all entrances and exits are lead lined.” It was said to accommodate 650 people for two weeks. It provided emergency power supplies, fresh water, and food. *Note: most fallout shelters were not used as such by the early 1970s. Did You Know…
This Week in Sapulpa History – The Dread Disease of Polio Reached Creek County Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum This week in history, in 1946, the fear and effects of Polio reached Creek County. Pools closed for the summer, Boy Scout trip canceled, the School Board pushed the opening of the new school year back, and a child died all in the same month. The shortened name of Poliomyelitis, Polio is an infectious disease that can cause muscle weakness, stiffness, and even numbness. The disease also causes lung damage and respiratory restrictions. It could last weeks to years, and in some cases cause death. Polio would spread through contaminated food and water. This was one of the reasons why Sapulpa swimming pools began to close early the summer of 1946. Back on June 20th, 1946, the Reed Wading Pool held a grand opening on E Dewey. The pool closed for the summer by August 3rd, 1946. “The pool will be closed for a short while due to the absence of participants. Attendance at the pool has been dropping off considerably for some time.” It was thought that parents were keeping their children away from the pool due to the fear of Polio. “There have been no cases of the disease reported in Creek County.” Dr. Philip Joseph, Creek County Health Director, reported a week later that the County was still in the clear. He stated that children are more prone to the disease, and many adults could be carrying the germs. Therefore, the annual summer Boy Scout trip was canceled as a precaution. On August 16th, it was announced that the funds from the Polio Drive were used to purchase new wheelchairs. Nine chairs were purchased, in total, “to be used by persons afflicted with Polio or others who need those conveniences.” Three chairs came to Sapulpa, two in Drumright, one in Oilton, and one in Mannford*. *Note: the other two chairs were not listed in the article. It was also announced that there have been five cases reported of Polio in Creek County. At least two in Drumright, one in Bristow, and the others in Sapulpa were announced as either just fallen ill or critical. Four days later, on August 20, it was announced, “the Polio Ward at the hospital, to which a portion of the Creek County Infantile Paralysis Fund is contributed, has 18 cases in isolation at present, including a few adults.*” *Note: This report is for both Creek County and Tulsa County, too. Not every swimming pool organization had been closed for the summer, unfortunately. A young six year old attracted “the dread disease” while visiting a swimming hole in Sapulpa. Dr. Joseph stated the child could be placed in an isolation ward “where he will remain for a period of at least 21 days.” Dr. Joseph also cautioned that it is not a time of panic, but to be safe by avoiding crowds and having a good, clean diet.” The City Official realized the need to close the city pools. On August 21, the city started a clean-up campaign. “City Officials went into action to do everything possible to combat Polio following another confirmation.” A stricter guidelines of cleanliness was provided. “A push to keep alleys clean…check sanitary conditions by placing lids on trash cans regularly, and keep the garbage pickup system active.” On August 24, it was announced that Sapulpa schools would proceed as usual. “At the present time, we are going ahead with plans for opening of school at the regular time [September 3, 1946].” And it was deemed if necessary the school opening would be postponed. The parents of the young boy with Polio said he was moved to a Tulsa hospital. “While his condition is still considered serious, his temperature went down and he was alert to his surroundings, giving encouragement for continued improvement. His condition, however, is expected to vary some from day-to-day.” On August 29, it was announced schools would be delayed a week. The day before, schools in Muskogee announced their delayed openings, and Sapulpa followed. Sapulpa had received “vigorous protests against the opening of schools during the current Polio scare.” School would begin on September 9 for the 1946-1947 school year. On August 30, 1946, the young six-and-a-half year old passed away. “He was the sixth child in the County to contract the dread disease. Although his condition has remained serious, he was reported to have improved last week, when he was able to swallow following relaxation of the throat muscles which had been paralyzed. His condition suddenly declined when he developed a relapse of the swallowing muscles.” The 20th Century began with a Polio epidemic in the United States and parts of Europe. According to Wikipidea and the CDC, this Polio outbreak lasted nearly five decades. “By 1950, the peak age incidence of paralytic poliomyelitis had shifted from infants to children aged five to nine years, when the risk of paralysis is greater; about one-third of the cases were reported in persons over 15 years of age.” In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Iron Lungs were produced to help with the infectious disease to aid with breathing. Many hospitals began establishing new centers just for the care of the patients. Soon, a vaccine was being tested, produced, and shared. In 1948 and 1953, the medical researchers tested the vaccine on themselves and their families. In 1954 and 1955, the vaccine was tested on schoolchildren and began to circulate around the United States. Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – Mabel Bassett & the Town Entertained the Children Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum This week in Sapulpa history, a Police Matron named Mabel Bassett had arranged entertainment for the young children of the city. Mabel Bassett was the town’s first Police Matron. In her work, she was at the forefront of helping the poor, women, and children, and any class of people that society looked down upon. On August 7, 1913, townsfolk and Mabel were able to end the summer days before school started on a high note. Mabel Bassett organized a group of citizens to help bring entertainment to about 150 children. These children piled into ten or so “big autos.” In 1913, not many streets had a complete pavement, however, that didn’t stop the enjoyment of riding in the back of the car. “Piled into autos, the kids were thrilled over the paved streets of Sapulpa for two hours.” Ten citizens helped along with Mabel to take the children to the big lake. They were able to spend another hour or so in the water. They sipped on ice cold lemonade that evening. “The ‘party’ lasted four hours and not a mishap occurred.” That same week, Mabel Bassett put an ad in the paper pleading for old school books. She said she would gladly take in any book that pupils had finished, and give them to students in need. The town praised Mabel for her service. “It is such things as these that helps a community, brings neighbors closer together, and teaches love for the better in the hearts of the rising generations. Mrs. Bassett is doing a splendid work.” More on Mabel Bassett: Mabel Bourne was born in Chicago on August 16, 1876. Mabel was the only child of Stephen Bourne and Martha Ellen Bourne. Stephen was a merchant in Chicago and had been a Civil War veteran. Martha, a suffragist, was one of the first women in the country to edit a newspaper. Mabel found fame at an early age. At ten years old, she began giving beautiful readings, establishing her as a great child elocutionist or orator. With this, her family hoped she would have a stage career. However, she used her voice for another stage, as a public servant. Mabel married her husband, Joseph Bassett, a railroad conductor, at the age of 16. She continued her schooling, and graduated in St. Louis from Missouri School of Social Economy*. They had three children Clara, Clyde, and Herbert. *Note: Today, the program is named School of Social Work at the University of Missouri. The family moved to Sapulpa, Indian Territory, in 1902. They lived at 318 S Linden. Joseph continued his work for Frisco. By 1910, Joseph became a night guard at the County Jail; he retired the following year. Mabel, in 1910, organized the Creek County Humane Society, one of the first in the state. She also helped establish the first Children’s Home, at 408 S Walnut. At the same time, she and her family were managers and editors of the local newspaper, the Sapulpa Daily Star. Herbert was the circulation manager and Mabel became the society editor*. *Note: Sapulpa Daily Star was owned and operated by Joseph and William Cathriner; this was located at 8 N Water. It was short-lived, until mid-to-late-1913, when it was sued for liable, and lost the case. In August 1911, Mark Hillies, Commissioner of Public Safety, advised the town that he believed it would be in best interest to retain Mabel Bassett as Police Matron. “Since my incumbency of the office, Mrs. Bassett has rescued four young girls…she daily administers to the sick and poor, aiding those who are distressed…she saves her salary many times over by providing ways for the distressed, sick, and poor.” He further explained that she would not have the authority as a patrolman, with arrests, raids, etc. but to aid those in need. The following winter, January 1912, the Katz Department Store owner, Lester Katz, wanted to donate from his inventory “proper winter clothing” for those in need. He teamed up with Mabel to donate the clothes to the ones coming to Mabel’s office: children, mothers, and even working men. In 1913, Mabel Bassett wanted to pursue more, outside of Sapulpa, to aid the state. In September 1913, she announced her plans to run for the State Office of Charities and Corrections*. *Note: The office was established in 1907 to investigate the entire system of public charities and corrections in the State; such as jails, prisons, industrial schools, hospitals, dispensaries, orphanages, and many others were under the umbrella. Ten years later, in 1923, she became Commissioner of the Charities and Corrections. She held this position until 1947. She had stayed in Sapulpa in those 10 years before gaining the position as the Police Matron and Humane Agent. While in office, Bassett followed the footsteps of Kate Barnard, first woman to hold state office in Oklahoma*. During this time in office, the Legislature underfunded the office, but she managed to achieve many tasks. *Note: Kate Barnard, elected in 1907, was a key player in educational laws, ban on child labor, and handled many acts of public service. Mabel Bassett established a women’s unit of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. She also is credited to making wife-and-child-desertion a felony. Mabel also was among the first to promote a State Pardon and Parole Board in Oklahoma, and standards for state juvenile and state’s mental institutions. In 1925, also to her credit, she transferred African-American juvenile delinquents from the State Penitentiary to a Training School, or Industrial School, in Boley*. *Note: This would become the John Lilley Correctional Center. In 1932, she ran on the Democratic ticket for a seat in the House of Representatives. She lost to a Moore teacher, Will Rogers. Mabel retired in 1947. When Mabel passed in 1953, Governor James Berry had ordered her body to lie in state at the State Capital’s Blue Room, so the public could mourn her passing. Today, the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center is a prison for women located near McLoud, opened in 1974, was named in her honor for her civil duty. She was also inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1937 for her public service. “As long as there’s breath left in me, I’m going to fight for the people who put me here,” Mabel Bassett. (Information from: Mabel Bassett Correctional Center; Oklahoma Hall of Fame; Oklahoma Historical Center; Wikipedia) |
DISCLAIMERThe information found on this page has been researched through Sapulpa (and area) newspapers, Sapulpa Historical Society archives, books, and photographs, Sapulpa yearbooks, city directories, and other local authors. Any other sources will be labeled and named as the research continues. Any mistakes will be noted and adjusted as needed. |
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