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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.
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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) Did You Know…
This Week in Sapulpa History – Sapulpa Junior College Closes Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum This week in Sapulpa history, on August 4, 1942, it was announced that the Sapulpa Junior College would shut down. The Sapulpa School Board and State Board of Education agreed that due to lack of student involvement the Junior College would not continue. This may have been due to the fact that the United States had just joined the Second Great War. Nonetheless, it was agreed to close the school in hopes that it will continue and pick right back up after the war. It was also said that the enrollment had dwindled more and more over the years, and had a difficult time of late. The enrollment had less than forty participants, and that was the lowest the Board had agreed to keep open. However, the previous year, in 1941, the Junior College actually had less than forty pupils. Ten years earlier, in April 1932, a demand was called out for the city to have a college. At least, in Sapulpa, a place to hold a few college courses. The classes would be taught in the Sapulpa High School. At first, it was to offer a one-year college work; it would widen the scope to include 93 semester hours of which the student may complete 64 in two years. Upon approval, the State Board stated that the Junior College was to have at least twenty students to keep the doors open, and a maximum of thirty-five enrolled. The enrollment for the 1935-1936 school year registered at 69 pupils. It increased to 94 during the next year. In the 1936-1937 Sapulpa Junior College program had this to say about the up-and-coming institution: “Sapulpa Junior College has completed its fourth year of operation, ranking among the best institutions of its kind in the state. Many of its former students have entered higher study in four-year colleges, transferring their credits at face-value; others have obtained good positions in the business fields. “The college is adequately equipped with a library, laboratory, classroom, and extra-curricular facilities. Its instructors, some of whom have taught in four-year colleges, have Master’s Degrees. Regulated and inspected by a coordinating board of administrators of the University of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma A & M College [Agricultural and Mechanical]*, and the State Department of Education, Sapulpa Junior College confers the Associate in Arts Degree to those students who satisfactorily complete the requirements.” *Note: Oklahoma A & M would later be named Oklahoma State University. Tuition would have been $50 per semester, which included an enrollment fee of $12.50. Additionally fees for Chemistry, Physics, Typing, and Activity Ticket ran for $2.50, $1.50, $1.50, and $1*. *Note: in 1936, $1 equals roughly $21; whereas, $50 then would be about $1,000 today. Courses included Bookkeeping, Business Economic Problems, Chemistry, English, French, Government, History, Math, Physics, Spanish, Shorthand, and Typewriting. These courses range from 0 to 5 credits, with 0 being unable to transfer to another institution. A full-time student “held the equivalent of 18 recitation hours.” It also stated that “the college operates a book exchange service for its students. The cost of books for the year ranges from $4 to $10 per student.*” *Note: in 1936, the books cost $4-10 would be around $82-205 today. On August 2, 1940, a government official came to Sapulpa to see if there was enough interest in having an aerial pilot training course at the Junior College. Young men who had an interest in flying were urged to fill out an application at the Junior College. Applicants had to be between the ages 18 and 25, and be able to pass a physical. The Sapulpa Airport would be used for the flying course. With the approval of the new course, thirty-five applicants had been received for the Civil Aeronautics Training Program. The classes held in the Junior College were held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. The dean, H.B. Kniseley had asked the Chamber of Commerce for $300 to lease the 120 acres west of town on the Drumright Road to be used as an airport for government special programs through their Junior College. The following year, in the beginning of 1941, Sapulpa held more aircraft training and courses. The courses ran five days a week from morning to evening for eight weeks. More and more men enrolled for the newly named National Defense courses. These courses not only involved flying but metal work, mechanic equipment, and beginning courses for the new bomber plants being built in Tulsa and Wichita. By the end of the school year, May 1941, the School Board had started to consider a new location for the Junior College. The Board looked into the possibility of buying the old Methodist Church on the northwest corner of Lee Ave and Walnut St. The church was at the time in foreclosure and could be bought for $15,000*. This was never done, however. *Note: the $15,000 in 1941 would be around $300,000 today. Unfortunately, even with the surgance for the war effort, the enrollment at the Junior College dropped significantly. In August and September of 1941, the School Board discussed if any action should be taken this year. There were only eight Sophomores enrolled and 42 Freshmen joined in. The previous year had 70, if not more, the Board said. In order to save money, they agreed to combine Junior College science with the high school science, saving one teacher. However, it was still agreed to close or at least postpone the opening of the Junior College in 1942. As mentioned earlier, there were plans to reopen after the war. On August 1, 1946, the School Board announced the plans to reopen. If fifty students applied and were enrolled for the school year, they would reopen. Unfortunately, even with a low minimum requirement, students did not return to the Junior College. Many graduates and even staff employees fulfilled what the 1936-1937 program stated, received higher education and held great positions in the business field. Former Dean Harry B. Kniseley was elected vice-president of the National Council of Industrial Editors. Roy Baxter, Jr. graduated from the Junior College and had directed the Roy Baxter’s Orchestra, and would join the military. Former students like Myrtle Mae Gubas worked at the patent office in Washington D.C. and would open Uncle Willie’s Donut & Snack Shop with her husband, Leon; and Ursula Masters who worked for OG&E and as a pharmacy tech at City Drug Store. “Sapulpa Junior College opened in 1932 with the purpose of ‘concentrating on the individual needs of its students, thereby providing preparatory and remedial measures in equipping the student for higher study.’” Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – “Once-in-Lifetime Lights Seen in State” Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum In 1946, the weatherman said a common phrase we are used to hearing this time of year, “Hot. Sorry.” The last week of July in 1946 had been a scorcher. Oklahoma City had temperatures reaching 102 and 105 degrees. Tulsa had been cooler in the higher nineties, however. Relief only came in when the windows and doors were open to let the nighttime sweep in. “In northern Oklahoma, heat sufferers who sought relief out of doors last night were treated to a strong display of the Aurora Borealis - ‘Northern Lights.’ “The heavenly phenomenon seldom is seen this far south.” The Northern Lights, or Polar Lights, is a visual display of lights resulting from disturbance of the magnetosphere caused by solar wind. This disturbance broadcasts patterns of lights, rays, and a flickering effect in the sky, usually seen over polar regions. But this week in Sapulpa history, in 1946, Sapulpans had a rare treat waving above their heads. On July 27th, many Sapulpans viewed the Northern Lights, starting around 8:50 p.m. The special viewing lasted about 30 to 40 minutes*. *Note: Depending on the force of the incoming solar wind, the Northern Lights can last between 10 minutes to an all-night viewing, and could be seen late at night or early in the morning. “The strange and beautiful phenomena is seldom seen this far south. Weather stations at Fort Worth reported seeing the lights there.” Chickasha newspaper reported that their citizens, too, observed the lights. “The exhibit is believed to be caused by a bombardment of the atmosphere rays.” The Oklahoma City Times commented that the phenomena reached as far south as Texas, pulling back north toward New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, and New Jersey. For the third day in a row, “international radio communication was snarled…resulting from a sunspot ‘curtain.’” In some areas, radio communication was in a “‘total blackout.’” People in our town stood amazed by the once-in-a-lifetime viewing over our state. “Persons viewing the spectacular display of colored lights described them as follows: ‘At the base arcs of light in blue, green, and reddish colors, with myriad streaks of yellow shooting upward in a scintillating display of beauty.” This was the first reporting of the Polar Lights in the area, in recorded Sapulpa history. However, just 40 years later, another report of Oklahomans seeing the Northern Lights above their heads, again, occurred in March 1989. “An unusually explosive solar storm lets Oklahomans glimpse a rare sky show that’s usually reserved for northerners.” Police and radio stations throughout Oklahoma, including Broken Bow, Antlers, and Hugo, said “they received numerous calls from people who spotted the strange red glow in the sky and wondered what it was.” The National Weather Service in Fort Worth, too, received reports of the lights. Their reports had to add how rare the event takes place. “‘If this is true, it is an extremely rare event for the southern latitudes of the U.S. In fact, it would be a quintessential, once-in-a-lifetime event.’” The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Boulder, CO explained that “a solar flare on March 6 was the largest since April 1984.” They further explained that the charged particles smashed into the Earth’s magnetic field causing the geomagnetic storms. During the Space Race development in the 1960s, many reports or tidbits about the Aurora Borealis. The Space Race era kept our eyes to the sky. Some of the little tidbits introduced were, “[the lights] occur most frequently in a belt that passes north of Norway…As many as 243 auroras have been observed in a single year over central Hudson Bay,” “[Lights] have been measured at least 600 miles above the surface of the earth,” and “‘Aurora Borealis’ in the Northern Hemisphere and ‘Aurora Australis’ in the Southern Hemisphere are known as ‘Polar Lights.’” The Soviet Union, too, also launched a satellite to study the upper layers of the earth’s atmosphere to study the Northern Lights. The European Space Research Organization, too, launched a two-year program to study the lights. Tulsa and other Oklahoma news have reported more and more sightings in recent years. In October 2011, Tulsa stated, “The Northern Lights lit up the sky; and lasted for 10-15 minutes.” In June 2015, Oklahoma City spotted the lights in their backyard. It stated that, “the Northern Lights aren’t often seen in Oklahoma, but back in 2004, the Aurora Borealis was visible in every state except Hawai’i.” Earlier this year, back in March, again, Oklahomans may have had a possible chance for another viewing; for the showing reached central and southern Kansas and Missouri. To beat this summer heat, maybe we all could open the windows. You may never know when another chance to see another amazing phenomenon in our lifetime. Did You Know…
This Week in Sapulpa History – The France Hotel Opens Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum A new fifty room hotel was being planned for the city in 1908. This hotel was to be known as the France Hotel, named after its owner P.B. France. The hotel would be erected on the northwest corner of Hobson Ave and Elm St. The plans called for a three-story brick building, with a fifty foot frontage along Hobson, and a hundred feet on Elm. This week in Sapulpa history, the France Hotel opened on July 22nd, 1909. “The new hotel is a beautiful one and is a great credit to the city.” The $20,000 hotel had the finest hostelries in Eastern Oklahoma*. “The ground floor is to be given over to the lobby as a sample room and drug store. The second and third stories contain fifty guest rooms fitted with every modern convenience.” The furniture came from Griffin Furniture Company, located at 6 N Main St, was worth around $5,000*. *Note: the cost of $20,000 in 1909 would be around $600,000 today; the $5,000 then would be worth around $150,000 now. For the grand opening, at noon, “an excellent dinner will be served for fifty cents a plate.” A large ad included what would be served to the attendees for the grand opening. The list included “prime rib of beef with yorkshire pudding, boiled ox tongue al a monaco, coconut pie, ice cream and assorted cake,” and much much more. France Hotel became one of the top hotels in downtown Sapulpa. In just a few short years, downtown had a lot of building-activity, erecting hotels, businesses, and entertainment venues. In 1914, a new Wilson Furniture building was being planned, the Central Light and Fuel Company was built, a new garage from an old skating rink, frame work on the third floor of the courthouse was being remodeled, and the Empress Theatre’s remodel was almost complete was all being built around the France Hotel. Big changes came to the Hotel on July 20, 1915. The France Hotel announced it would add another story, making it a four-story building. The house west of the hotel would be moved next to the alley, and a private hot water plant would also be installed. “The frame dwelling on the west side of the hotel will be moved down to the edge of the alley out of the way of the hotel and in between the grounds will be fixed up into a small park with a croquet ground and likely a tennis court also in the back.” With the new plans, Mr. France proclaimed, “[this will] make one of the most attractive corners for the best equipped hotel in the city.” He believed that this next “wave of prosperity” was on its way. The fourth floor of the Hotel was never installed, however. Ownership changed hands by the 1920s from Mr. France to C.C. Warren. Warren was the Security of Chamber of Commerce and worked as a postmaster in town. Warren kept the business blooming until the mid-1930s. In December 1937, C.C. Warren announced that he planned to remodel the Hotel to be a two- and three-room apartments. The remodel and construction included “modern, up-to-date living quarters for rental to persons of average income. Garage space will be included back of the building, also.” A new roof, decorations, and conveniences were being planned for the new apartment house. Unfortunately, the following year, it was announced the project was not going to be able to continue. The France Hotel building was later demolished and had long disappeared by early 1940s. Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – Public Swimming Pools Were Being Built Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum In 1910, Sapulpa was to have its first park. The Wells Packing Company had a small lake on its site and was cleaning it and the area around it for the public's use. People were already using it for swimming and the company planned on building a bathhouse and a fishing dock. Roads were to be built for better access to the park. Swimming holes were exactly that, lakes and ponds. Building a public swimming pool attraction, however, didn’t come around for another decade. By 1915, people were already going out to the water treatment plant and using it as a park or picnic grounds. The City stated that it had no funds to greatly improve the grounds. The previous year, the City had installed flower beds, a walkway, and two fountains. The town still had hope that a public swimming pool could be built in the near future. Mid July in 1917, a survey on the southeast corner of the new fair grounds had been made. It had been determined that the ground had “an almost perfect rock base.” The location was on a slope and would make it a perfect spot for a public swimming pool. City Engineer, Whittlesey, would rush the completion of the pool and the pipe water to the facility. Plans were for the pool to have a constant stream of water; the older water would be dispensed with*. *Note: However, further research has shown that this pool was never built. Two years later, in the summer of 1919, Don McMasters from the Rotary Club announced their project to build a wading pool. It would be located on the northeast corner of Bryan and Main Street. The pool would be complete by mid August. That same year, the City Commission had also been considering constructing a public swimming pool at the water treatment plant. The concrete pool would be 100 feet by 50 feet with a depth of 18 inches to 6 feet. Bath houses with showers were to be built; and the pool would be heated*. *Note: This pool was never completed. The following year, on July 13, 1920, the City’s wading pool for small children on S Poplar, between Lincoln and McKinley, was completed. The pool’s depth was 12 to 24 inches, making it suitable for small children. The water would be changed every day, the article stated. The City Commission approved the plans presented by the Park Committee. Joe Gambill said all the parks should be given Native American names in order to preserve their “historic grandeur.” The 25 acres at the treatment plant would be separated from the lake by a concrete wall and a swimming pool would be built. Sunset Hill would be used as a driving park. The fairgrounds would be used for an athletic and recreation park. The two acres at Bryan St would be used as a wading pool and community center. Moccasin Tracks would be used as a “lookout park” or a scenic view. In the summer 1921, the Park Board had received various types of equipment for several parks. They were distributed to several parks around town. One was at Sugar Loaf Hill and another was in the North Heights area, which had a small wading pool*. *Note: In the research, the exact location in North Heights was never found, but it was either on the Garfield School property or just across the street to the north of the school. By the end of 1921, the Kiwanis Club announced that they would build a swimming pool for girls at Thompson Park. The Boy Scouts were also planning to build a bath and boating house at their camp, west of town*. *Note: With research, the exact location and existence of the pool was never confirmed. On July 8th, 1924, the Park Board recommended that the City purchase the 90 acres along Rock Creek, west side of town. They had secured an option to by this land at $250 an acre. “Everything necessary for a beautiful and useful public park is found, providing facilities for bathing and boating, an athletic field, tennis courts, golf course, beautiful and abundant shade and soil that is adaptable to the growing of flowers and shrubbery.” The Commissioners took no action on the recommendation but did instruct the Board to purchase the small tract on Main and Bryan Streets that had been used as a small wading pool. The Park Board later that summer met again with City Commissioners. The Board recommended buying lots on S Poplar, buying the site for two wading pools. It was voted down because the price was too high. The next year in 1925, the Parks Board was able to purchase two lots around the 1200 block of E McKinley for a small park and wading pool. The wading pool on E McKinley was under construction and had plans to beautify the area. Plans were also discussed to build a similar lot in North Heights. Byt the end of 1925, the City Commission passed an ordinance prohibiting bathing (swimming) in its lakes. The State Health Department had recommended this. On July 4th, 1928, Dixieland Park, located two miles west of town, was to have its formal opening after being closed for improvements. The park had a swimming pool of 100 feet by 160 feet. The pool was spring fed. Two years later in summer 1930, the wading pool on E Dewey was dedicated before a crowd of some 400 people. Mr and Mrs Frank Reed of Neosho, MO, were the guests of honor. The pool in Sapulpa was one of 30 the couple had built in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. The pool was named Frank L Reed Park. The Business and Professional Women’s club had built the bath houses. With this ceremony, ice cream was served, and over 400 gallons of it was devoured. In the early history of public swimming pools in the United States, public pools were segregated by not only ethnicity but gender as well. In the U.S., even after the Civil Rights Movement, some public pools closed not wanting to integrate. The availability of public pools in some areas were not available for the minority groups; instead lakes, rivers, and ponds were often used. In Sapulpa, on July 19, 1946, it was announced from P.J. McAlpin, the President of the Colored Chamber of Commerce, said that the first African-American wading pool was complete in town. It was hooked up to the city water. The Rev. E. Shaw had been in charge of building the 35 feet by 35 feet pool. Surrounding the pool were 100 Chinese Elms, 27 Evergreens, and a lane of Irises. The park included a ballpark, as well. The pool was located near the corner of Fife and Grey Street. |
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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