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Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – Main Street Had The Trees In The Median Removed Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum On January 31, 1947, the trees which were in the center of Main Street from Cleveland to Taft were removed for safety reasons. The trees had been there since 1935 after the removal of the old trolley tracks. Once the trees were removed, the city planned on adding another lane as soon as funds were available.  Like most towns when they were first established, the streets of Sapulpa were first dirt roads. The horse and buggies left waves and ridges of piled up dirt along the streets. In June 1905, street improvements were an ongoing problem for the town. Pedestrians trying to cross the street were faced with either mud or dust. The street department was being bombarded with requests to grade the streets, put in drainage culverts, and install pedestrian crossings with gravel or brick. The city had a contract for the crossings and culverts at Main and Hobson, and on Dewey at every crossing between Main and Walnut. This gave the town a “metropolitan look.”  Luckily, sidewalks came along and helped pedestrians walk from store to store. By September 1905, Street Commissioner Nichols was busy laying curbs on the west side of Main from Hobson to the railroad right-of-way. These curbs were probably made of stone. Not long after, the roads were being paved by the City. Cities were in charge of their own roads of their district, at the time, and not by the Highway Departments. But first, another transportation system was being built in Sapulpa: the trolley. Trolley service in Sapulpa began in March 1908 as the Sapulpa and Interurban Railway Company. It began with only one trolley car and very few tracks. It started on Dewey at the railroad tracks and went west on Dewey to Main Street and then south one block to Lee Avenue, A year later tracks were laid east on Dewey to Mission Street, then south to Lincoln and then east to Boyd Street.  By 1910, tracks were extended west and south. Tracks were laid down Lee Avenue from Main to Independence, south to Bryan, west to Oklahoma, south to Hastain then east across Main to what is now Kelly Lane Park to the Frisco Railroad tracks and then south paralleling the Frisco tracks to Kiefer. By October 1910 a new extension from Main and Lee went directly south down Main and intersected with the Kelly Lane Park line. With more transportation needs, however, the trolley system began to waver. As time went on, competition from the automobile had its toll on the trolley systems, not only in Sapulpa but in the state of Oklahoma, too. Route 66 was completed in 1926 and more streets and highways were being built and paved. Ridership began failing and the line to the Schramm Glass Plant and the Welles Packing Plant was discontinued in 1918. By 1934, the trolley system changed ownership to become Tulsa-Sapulpa Union Railway. The tracks embedded the streets; the abandoned tracks looked like the makings of a ghost-town. Plans were made for the removal of the tracks, and in their place, bricks were embedded the roads. The Women’s Chamber of Commerce proposed a way to “beautify” Main Street. The Beautification Plans began in early 1935 by reclaiming Main Street as “Memory Lane.”  In August 1935, President of Women’s C.of C. Mrs. O.R. Shaffer stated: “The program to beautify the roadway leading from the highway to the South Heights cemetery is being pushed with an effort to secure trees for this purpose from the government plant-a-tree drive. “This organization will not stop its campaign of beautification until this stretch of road has been shrubbed planted in perennial flowers and lined with hardy shade trees.” At first, however, there was an issue with the trees – not for being unsafe, though. “The Women’s Chamber of Commerce was having ‘cow trouble’. They protested loudly to the damage bossie and her chains were doing to the handiwork.  “Their complaint launched against residents of South Heights who were tethering their cows to the trees on Memory Lane, the roadway leading from the paving to the South Heights cemetery, beatified by the Women’s C of C. ‘Trees are being marred, barkings disfigured, and shrubs broken.’” The Women’s Chamber kept working hard, and pushed a drive for improvement. Telephone campaigns were used for support the funds; “money from this campaign will be used to extend Memory Lane on Cleveland and Main from South Heights cemetery.”  Sadly, just 12 years later, “trees planted by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce located on South Main Street were removed by city employees after they were termed hazardous to highway traffic.” Future plans for low shrubbery and flowers planted in the area were just wanting for the funding to be obtained. However, another plan to expand the lanes was another way to reuse the now available median. After the cedar trees were removed, Women’s C of C. President Mrs. S.M. Cunningham stated: “‘I am happy the trees have been removed, and that we are relieved of the obligation of the cedars which were planted in an effort to beautify the city.’” 
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Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – Catfish String Band Heard on the Radio For the First Time Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum This week in Sapulpa history, Sapulpa’s very own Jimmie Wilson and his band Catfish String Band played proudly on the radio station KFRU in Bristow. The band began in the early 1920s when Jimmie Wilson and his fellow Sapulpan Rotarians began playing a little tune. Jimmie formed the band, and they began to play with “wit and humor,” similar to the style of Will Rogers. The band, unlike its name, did not truly play with strings or catfish, instead played on homemade instruments, and knock-offs at dime stores.  On January 16, 1925, Bristow’s new radio station, KRFU, began broadcasting. The new $30,000 station had 500 watts of power*, and dignitaries included Governor Ed Trapp. It was known as “voice of Oklahoma” and was sponsored by the Bristow Chamber of Commerce. It was one of the four largest stations in the southwest, along with Dallas, Fort Worth, and Kansas City. Representatives from almost every city in Oklahoma, including Jimmie Wilson and the band, were there on opening day. *Note: 1925’s $30,000 is roughly $432,000 today; and modern Tulsa stations generate between 50,000 to 100,000 watts of power. The band performed for the grand opening, and had a great time. The reactions of the crowd and local listeners approved so much of the band’s performance, the band was asked to do another show. The first fully loaded broadcast for Jimmie Wilson and the Catfish String Band* aired on January 25th, 1925 from 7:30 to 11:30. *Note: Members of the band included Jimmie Wilson (performer and manager), Steve Neff (pipe bass), K.C. Gantz (harp), Leo Cornwell (banjo), Dick Farehawell (mandolin), O.T. Potter (whistle), Bob Dennis (guitar), Henry Minski (violin), Speedy Moulder (bass violin), and Charley Potter (bones). Many Sapulpans, unfortunately, did not have an at-home radio to listen to their local singers on the radio. Instead, Broome Electric, at 205 E Dewey, had set up a radio in front of their store for everyone to hear. The show was a hit. Telegrams were received from all over the country that had enjoyed the band. Telegrams and letters were sent to H.L. “Jimmie” Wilson. All were very complimentary and stated they enjoyed the songs. Many of these letters were displayed in the window of Wood-Owens Drug Store at 26 E Dewey. The furthest notices came from New Jersey and Wisconsin. From there the band took off like a rocket that year. The Sapulpa Junior Chamber of Commerce had a booster tour. Thirty-five automobiles with over one hundred and twenty people participated in the tour. The tour left town around 9 in the morning on May 27, 1925, visiting the towns of Kellyville, Slick, and Bristow. The tour was led by Orren Potter’s calliope* with a big banner saying “Sapulpa – Home of the Catfish Band.” *Note: calliope was a gas-operated, usually steam, organ-type musical instrument; most were used by circuses and carnivals.  Also, Jimmie Wilson’s band was a big success at the State Fair held in Oklahoma City. They played in a studio built by Etherical Radio Company with a large crowd forming around the structure. The crowd was able to watch the band live through the viewing window of the building. Frank Lane, announcer for KFRU, did the announcing and kept the crowd laughing with witty stories about the band. Jimmie Wilson was introduced to the crowd as they had never seen him in person. Leo Cornwell and Bob Dennis were also a big hit with their singing and banjo performance. Steve Neff was asked to play several times on his sewer pipe bass that he had made himself. Within a year, the popular band began a seven-to-eight-week tour of cities in Oklahoma and Texas. First, the band was to play two nights at the Empress Theatre, located at 14-16 S Main. The band was a regular show for KFRU in Bristow; when W.G. Skelly bought the station in 1928, he moved it to Tulsa. Skelly renamed the Station KVOO and advertised itself as the “Voice of Oklahoma.” It was often said that Jimmie Wilson’s Catfish String Band is recognized as the first country music band to play on the radio. The band was on the air 10 months before WSM in Nashville started what became the Grand Ole Opry.  Another tale about the band was that it helped another local singer on his way to Hollywood. A young telegrapher for Frisco Railroad, Gene Autry, would join the band at times and they taught him how to play the guitar. He was featured as a singer and was billed as the “Oklahoma’s Yodeling Cowboy”.  Additionally, the band actually broadcasted from the Wilson’s home at 218 S. Poplar in Sapulpa; the home still stands today. Once a week for about twenty years, Wilson would begin his broadcasts with the famous line: “This is Jimmie Wilson broadcasting from down on the banks of old Polecat Creek.”  The band would use a 1920 DeForest Oscillion Transmitter to send their performances to KVOO, in Tulsa, to be put on the air. The transmitter can be found on display at the Sapulpa Historical Museum on the “Jimmie Wilson and the Catfish String Band” exhibition.  Their fame spread further when, in 1930, they toured the southwest with Will Rogers. Pathe News made a sound reel of their performances. Similar to Will Rogers, Wilson found politics. Jimmie’s popularity, wit and humor even got him elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1931-33.
Sadly, the band broke up in 1938; and Jimmie Wilson died in 1946. Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – Sapulpa Banks Struggled to Move Forward After Scandals and Closings Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum This week in Sapulpa history in 1913, banks of Oklahoma State Bank and Farmers and Merchants Bank made the headlines: one for its closing and one for its trial in court. On January 16, 1913, the Oklahoma State Bank posted a notice on its door that it was closed. A post was noticed on the bank door that the bank “had been consolidated with the Sapulpa State Bank.” The banking board said the bank was being liquidated and that depositors were directed to the Sapulpa State Bank, where their accounts could be verified and checked.  A “Mr. Dennis” of the banking board stated, “the Oklahoma State Bank and the banking board had agreed with the Sapulpa State Bank to liquidate the affairs of the former and by this agreement, the Sapulpa State Bank has assumed the payment of individual deposits but not other liabilities of the institution.”  After the closing of this bank, the banking board assigned John F. Egan to collect its money. The bank has had issues before, and the Oklahoma State Bank had decided to close before they went under for good. The bank had only opened in November 1910 and had been organized to succeed the Creek Bank and Trust Company. Mr. Egan had said he would rather close the bank rather than have the risk of losing the money of his depositors. His decision to close turned out to be beneficial, not only to the community, but it ensured trust in him. He was hired by the State Banking Board for his swift decision-making. However, the town barely stirred from this closing. “The affair caused some little excitement in the city, coming as it did at the time when two of the officers of the [Farmers and Merchants] Bank were having a hearing in the district court on a contempt charge for failure to produce certain books and papers.” The town had their attention on this bank, instead. The Farmers and Merchants Bank opened in 1904 on the northwest corner of Dewey Ave and Main St. It was often referred to as “F. and M. Bank”. It was owned by the Burnetts. Instead of closing, the Burnetts created possibly Sapulpa’s first town scandal.  On January 15, 1913, the Burnett brothers, Bates and Birch, were held in contempt of court by Judge Huston. Bonds were “fixed at $3,000 each and ten days given to comply with order.*” *Note: $3,000 in 1913 is equivalent to nearly $77,000 today.  The Burnetts believed “the court had no right to compel them to return books which might incriminate them in case there were criminal proceedings.” Many eyewitnesses and accounts were narrated in court. “C.W. Wills was the first witness. He had been with the bank for years, but couldn’t tell the names of the directors.” Another story stated, “Brooks Burnett was the collector. He wasn’t paid by the bank. [He] took a vacation in August and never went back.” Another story stated, “H.E. Killibrew, bookkeeper, told of his duties and said all of the books he worked were there the night the bank closed…didn’t know what became of the old ones…don’t know where they are now or how they go away, if missing.” During the bill of discovery, it was noted that employees knew little or nothing at all about the working of the bank. The so-called directors were elected, but without their consent, and were, therefore, never notified of meetings. “S.C. Nigh said he had nothing to do with the bank management,” but was a stockholder, and “never attended any meetings; knew he was a director but never gave his consent to be elected; knew nothing of the bank affairs in any manner, and did not attend or even receive notice of directors meetings.” A “Mr. Patton,” a representative of the banking board, testified, “…one of the many reasons for closing the bank was the large note increase, and thousands of dollars of checks in the drawer as cash items. He read a long list of note increases running up into the tens of thousands, nearly all of which went to companies in which the bank was interested.” The argument stated a theory that “the bank had been looted and that books were missing.” The statement came from Attorney Lytle that “defendants in their answer said they could not produce the books but if they did they would incriminate themselves.” Judge Huston reviewed the position of counsel. “He said that so far as the evidence was concerned, it was conclusive that Bates and Birch Burnett had the active management of the bank, and that the books were there when the bank closed. They were responsible for the books and having been ordered to produce them…there is no contention of burglary or some reasonable excuse; they must produce them.”  Bail was set for each man, then. “In a very few minutes after recess both Mrs. Bates and Mrs. Birch Burnett furnished the $3,000 bonds and [they] were released.” However, it was not long before the court convicted the Burnetts. The Burnetts spent 90 days in jail after their conviction. Bates Burnett destroyed his reputation as a banker, but was able to overcome his disgrace with his investments in the oil businesses.
Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – Sapulpa Was Experiencing a Drought Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum Sapulpa had been experiencing a drought for some time in late 1921 and early 1922. The water supply was very low for the city, and the City Commissioners had begun to make arrangements to lay an eight-inch pipeline from the Arkansas River to the headwaters of Rock Creek. On January 6th, it was announced: “Unless a heavy rain falls before Monday [January 9, 1922], the city of Sapulpa will be forced to spend approximately $15,000 to secure an additional water supply from the Arkansas River.*” *Note: in 1922, $15,000 is about $230,000 with today’s inflation.  A 150 horsepower electric pump would be installed to pump the water. Charles Page, of Sand Springs, had agreed to construct an electric line to the pump site. “The City Commissioners have put off ordering the materials until the last minute, while hoping for rain.” On January 9th, 1922, Mayor Don McMasters stated that even though the initial cost was estimated at $15,000, the final cost would be much less. The pump and motor were borrowed from Oklahoma City and would be returned. Additionally, the pipe could be returned at a 10% discount and the final cost would be mainly labor; the final cost sat around $6,000. However, he still delayed the decision to build the pipe in hopes for rain. “The water situation has been causing Commissioner Joe Gambill uneasiness for some time. He has seen the big dam lake sink lower and lower. Now only about sixty days supply is left.” Commissioner Gambill stated “We are preparing to get this Arkansas River supply mainly for fire protection [and toilet flushing].” The river’s water was unsuitable for drinking water, as it was too salty. “After this pipeline is installed, we can continue to use the big dam lake without fear until the supply is exhausted. Then, if no rain has fallen, we will start using the Arkansas River water.” Mayor McMasters “said that preparations have been made now so that the entire work can be done in seven days. Therefore, they can wait until the last minute before beginning.” “At one point where the Arkansas makes a pronounced bend it is only two and a half miles to the Rock Creek headwaters. The eight-inch pipeline will be laid across the intervening space. The line will start from Arkansas about five miles above Sand Springs.” Commissioner Gambill further stated “the water will be so handled that the Arkansas water and the big dam water can be turned into the city mains alternately without mixing the two if necessary.” Furthermore, “this is the first time the big dam lake has ever been so low. The extended dry spell has been of unusual length.” “In the meantime, the entire city of Sapulpa is now hoping for rain as fervently as ever did a farmer with a dying crop. A good rain will save the city thousands of dollars.” That night and the following morning, rain fell upon the city. On January 10, 1922, it was announced: “may not need pipelines to supply water; city may be saved [as] result of rainfall.” “A rain worth thousands of dollars to Sapulpa fell over the city and vicinity beginning about 10 o’clock last night. The rain drops, which look like silver dollars to citizens, were still coming down.”
Mayor McMasters stated “[due to the amount and strength of the rain fallen] the project could be set back thirty days; it had brought Rock Creek up about eight inches.” The County Democrat News reported “the water supply for Sapulpa is not now a troublesome question.” More on the state drought: “The rain was well distributed over the state. John A. Whitehurst, President of the State Board of Agriculture, reports that by the recent rain the wheat crop of Oklahoma is saved, that the wheat outlook for Oklahoma is today better than for two months, and with supplemented rains Oklahoma should produce a good wheat yield.” Whitehurst further stated that on the last official survey “the crop on December 1 [1921] was only 54% of normal [growing condition]. The annual wheat crop, valued at approximately $40,000,000 could not long have held out without rain, and while it is difficult to estimate in dollars the value of the rain, it clearly means several million dollars more than would have been the case if the rain had been delayed much longer.” Additionally, oil drilling had been closed due to the water shortage, but many of the fields resumed drilling. City Commissioner Joe Gambill also reported that at the pump station of Rock Creek, 27 to 35 inches of water had risen, and continued to rise. The amount from the heavy rains was credited to another month or two in water supply. It was then believed that the drought had been broken, and that the city of Sapulpa’s reservoirs would soon be full enough to ensure a lasting water supply. Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – Tragedy Strikes the Meyer Family and Home Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum A mass of rubble is all that remained of the $100,000 home of Mr. and Mrs. Max Meyer, southwest of Sapulpa, after fire roared through it early Sunday, January 4, 1959. The fire also took the life of Mrs. Jeannette Meyer, wife of Max Meyer, who was from Kansas City. She had moved to Sapulpa after marrying Max eleven years prior.  Mrs. Meyer had first discovered the fire as it broke out on the ground floor. She had awakened her husband and they both ran outside, safely leaving the inferno. Sadly, Jeannette broke away from her husband and ran back upstairs*. Note: it is believed she may have gone back inside to retrieve memorabilia and jewelry. “Mrs. Meyer is [a] victim of inferno” the headlines read the following morning. She passed away at the age of 70 in the home fire of the Meyer ranch, just five miles southwest of Sapulpa.  “Tenants of the 2,200-acre Meyer ranch carried [Mr.] Meyer to safety after he had been overcome by smoke and fumes as he tried to save his wife. He suffered second-degree burns and shock.”
Jack Wilson, Sapulpa Fire Chief, received an alarm at around midnight as Saturday rolled into Sunday. Firemen and the Highway Patrol were notified about the out-of-control fire. The Kellyville fire department also answered the call, and Sapulpa’s auxiliary fire department was on hand to help. Don McMasters, Jr, auxiliary fire department chief, recalled that Max said his wife broke away from him and “that was the last time she was seen alive.” “A large crowd of workers and sight-seers were on the spot most of the day. Law enforcement officers, firemen and county commissioner Lynn Roebuck’s employees joined in the search.” The grounds were searched thoroughly in hopes she made her way to safety through a back door. It was not until late Sunday evening, about 8:00 pm, that the remains of Mrs. Jeannette Meyer were discovered “from the smoldering debris of the once elaborate home.” It was believed that the blaze broke out in Max’s office, with an unknown cause. The ranch home was never rebuilt. Described in Jeannette’s obituary, it states: “Mrs. Meyer, who married the pioneer Sapulpan 11 years ago, is a member of a prominent Kansas City family, the Wolfbergs. “She is survived by two sisters, Alice and Ida Wolfberg, and a brother, S.L. Wolfberg, all of Kansas City, and another brother, Edgar Wolfberg, Vista, California. “In addition, she has two step-sons, Lewis and Morris Meyer, Tulsa; and two step-daughters, Mrs. R.L. Lobo, Tulsa, and Mrs. Ben Turner, St. Louis, Missouri. “Mrs. Meyer was a member of the Congregation B’nai Emunah of Tulsa. She was active in the sisterhood there. “Memorial services held at Buffington Funeral Home Chapel. Additional services scheduled in Kansas City at Rose Hill Mausoleum; burial will be at Kansas City.” After recovering from the fire and death of Jeannette, Max Meyer moved to Tulsa. Max would later remarry a few years later in 1962. He passed away at the age of 84 in 1964. “Mr. Meyer, who came to Sapulpa in 1906 to open a department store, was the inspiration for the book ‘Preposterous Papa’ [(1959)] written by his son Lewis Meyer, a Tulsa writer and book store owner. He was also the central figure in a ‘Preposterous Papa Day’ staged in Sapulpa soon after the book was published. “He was a 32nd degree Mason, lifelong member of the Elks and Odd Fellows lodges, and a member of B’nai Emunah congregation, Tulsa. “Other surviving are a son Morris Meyer, Tulsa; two daughters Mrs. R.L. Lobe, Tulsa, and Mrs. Ben F. Turner, St. Louis; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.” Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – Sapulpa Prospects Are Bright Heading Into the New Year-1930 Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum On December 31, 1929, the Herald ran the article hoping for a bright future for Sapulpa. The 1920s ended with a loud thud for Sapulpa. Early in the decade, Sapulpa was still growing and had survived a recession. But then a double setback of the Frisco Railroad moved to Tulsa, or as some would say stolen, and just the beginning of the Great Depression just devastated the town. In the 1930 Census for Sapulpa, the town had declined 1,100 people in the population*. Sapulpa did not know at this time, but the town would not recover until after World War II. *Note: Based on the 1920 Census, Sapulpa claimed 11,634 citizens responded to the Census; whereas, 1930 Census, Sapulpa claimed 10,533 members responded to the Census. “Sapulpa’s prospects are bright [as] 1930 promises to bring new stability here; business leaders [are] in [an] optimistic mood. The year 1929 was truly on its last legs today. But who cares for that, with a fresh and jubilant 1930 ready to carry on with new vigor and interest for another 365 days. Sapulpa looked forward today to beginning a bright year. The year promises to [be] bright both literally and figuratively. It will be bright literally after January 10, when the new white way is completed*.” *Note: Similar to New York City’s Broadway District being nicknamed “The Great White Way” due to the enormous amount of shows and lights, Sapulpa was about to turn on the lights in town. After January 1930, a few streets in Sapulpa would have bright lights in their street lights. “That old saying that ‘clothes make the man’ may be applied to Sapulpa and the city, dressed up in such gay lights is sure to progress accordingly. Merchants of the city were each wearing a smile and making ready for the new year. The first thing they must do is to take inventory. Meanwhile, there are several pre-inventory sales under way to usher out the old year. Citizens will celebrate the coming of the new year in varied fashion. For some, there will be parties, banquets, and others festive celebrations. A lot has been said about liquor drinking at holiday celebrations, and there will no doubt be some liquor served in Sapulpa tonight* as the new year is ushered in. [But] officers [have] little [doubt] over [a] possibility of a too boisterous celebration since the Christmas festivities were, for the most part, quietly observed.” *Note: The Eighteenth Amendment, also known as Prohibition, in the United States focused on manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. Prohibition went into effect in January 1920 and was repealed by the Twenty-First Amendment by December 1933. “The year is indeed old, and now counts its stay in hours and minutes rather [than] by days and weeks. Sapulpa met with some reverses in 1929, but it has been truly said that we profit more by our mistakes than by our success. [And] with this attitude, Sapulpa has hurdled obstacles that to other cities might have been insurmountable. Citizens of Sapulpa have made capital of their mistakes, and are now stepping forward in the march of progress. The city that has successfully overcome a slump is a better place than the city that has never met such a decline and does not know how to meet it. The new year will see a busy Sapulpa. The white way will soon be completed. North Mission Street, for many years an impediment to Sapulpa’s progress, will be paved through the cooperation of the state highway department*. A new gasoline service station is being constructed at the corner of Birch and Dewey. Another new building is in process of construction at the corner of Main and Lee.” *Note: Even though Route 66 made its way through Sapulpa (in 1926) and was a national highway, Sapulpa (as all other towns) were in charge of the paving of their own section of the highway, and not the state/national departments; this was difficult task to fund, especially with houses along the route. “The Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company will improve the appearance of the city by removing electric light poles from the main streets of town, since cable is being laid underground for the white way posts… The Continental Oil Company’s refinery here is running at its normal capacity for this time of year, according to K.W. Shimeall, superintendent. ‘The outlook for 1930,’ he said, ‘is better than it was for the year just past.’ N. Hermes, of Sapulpa Brick and Tile Company said that the output of the factory had been normal since last February, and that business is in sight to keep the plant busy throughout the coming year…*” *Note: The Frisco Railroad had planned to move to Tulsa around 1916, but due to the Great War, it didn’t move until 1927. Even though Sapulpa won its cases, Frisco had already begun their removal in town. Additionally, due to the Great Depression, businesses began to decline, (such as the Harvey House), and funding for other technology (like the Gamewell Fire Call Boxes) ceased to operate. In spite of the setbacks the town had suffered in the past few years, it had overcome these and survived. Progress was being made and “the white way” was being installed, new buildings were going up, the refinery was operating, and all the other industries were growing. The prospect of a good year was bright. Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – Bartlett-Collins Lighted Tower and Lighting Contests Traditions Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum Look out your window at night during the Holiday Season, and what do you see? Decorations, lights, and merriment. Displays of festivities are a tradition in Sapulpa. For many years, businesses in the downtown district had contests for best window displays; and other years contests were held for home decorations. A tradition that many people can recall was the lighting of the Christmas tree or star on top of the Bartlett-Collins Glass Company tower. This tradition began this week in 1945. On December 22, 1948, the first proclamation for this tradition addressed how the tower became a glowing symbol for the town of Sapulpa: “Surmounted by the lighted tower at Bartlett-Collins Glass factory, Sapulpa's Christmas decorations at night make a beautiful picture. Designed and built by Albert “Frenchy” French of the Bartlett-Collins plant, the decorations on the tower were among the first lighted Christmas decorations to be put up in the city.” The day after Christmas that year, December 26, 1948, Albert French did not wish to take credit, and explained it was a company decision: “Lighted tree atop B-C tower becoming Sapulpa tradition. That the lighted Christmas tree on top of the Bartlett-Collins tower is fast becoming a tradition is the belief of Albert French, company employee, who put the first tree up on the tower, and strung it with lights, three years ago. French disclaims the full credit for the lighted tower, which he said was first discussed one afternoon in the office of Carl Cloyd, foreman in the automatic machines department. The first of July, a survey was made of company employees for something different to trim the tower at the holidays. But the idea of the Christmas tree and colored bulbs was still the most popular among them. There were 74 bulbs around the tower, 74 bulbs on the tree, and the lighted neon star used to form these effective decorations which can be seen from all parts of the town.” Bartlett-Collins tower became a bright beacon for the Holidays ever since*. During the 1948 Christmas, the fourth annual Sapulpa Herald contest was underway. Many homes and businesses participated in the Herald’s “Outdoor Lighting Contest.” The windows and homes presented “scenes of holiday beauty at night.” “All of the homes entered in the contest are shining with lighted scenes and many homes not entered in the contest have displays that represent a great deal of time spent in planning and putting them up. Sapulpans and their Christmas visitors might well plan to spend at least one evening during the holidays driving through town and looking at the decorations… The entire list of contest entries is given [here]; clip this and take it with you when you make your drive. Entered in the outside home lighting contest are: Dick Echols, 18 S Mounds; Ben F. Hendrix, 1419 E McKinley; Miller-Newton hom, 525 S Oklahoma; Tommy Redding, 1319 E Jackson; John W. Bruce, 108 S Poplar; Mrs. Barney Weaver, 205 W Lee Ave; Paul Summer, 705 S Division; Mrs. William S. Cloud, 1239 E Dewey; Mrs. I.E. Penquite, 721 E Bryan; Mrs. J.W. Swartzlander, 1117 E Perkins; Mr. and Mrs. Sam Cox, 1519 S Main St; Modenia Joy Hodges, 608 S Oklahoma; Mrs. R.V. Decker, 400 N Fourth St; Mrs. John Murphy, 722 S Main St; Mrs. W.T. Saulmon, 123 S Poplar; Mrs. H.H. Johnson, 1204 E Bryan; Mrs. J.F. Curry, 1411 E Lincoln. Lighted windows entered are: Barbara Jene Earley, 1102 E Perkins; Mrs. Irene Taylor, 419 N Ridgeway; Anna Mae Archer, 111 E Thompson; Mrs. C.M. Gibson, 102 S Birch; Mrs. J.W. Swartzlander, 1117 E Perkins; Mrs. Jonathan Napier, 825 S Cedar; Marilyn Kay Dennis, 500 N Fourth St; Gerrell Daugherty, 626 S Oak; Mrs. Mike Petteway, 404 S Maple; Sylvia Seay, 1301 E University; Mrs. E.S. Carley, Sr., 1406 E Lincoln Ave.” Outdoor Winners: first, Mrs. J.F. Curry (Christmas card idea surmounted by Santa Claus standing in a chimney); second, Mrs. H.H. Johnson (group picture of Santa Claus seated in a room eating a few tidbits left by children on a table for him while the kids peek in through the door); third, Modenia Joy Hodges (Oklahoma with religious presentations including stained glass effects). Window Winners: first, Mrs. Irene Taylor; second, Sylvia Seay; third, Mrs. Gerald Doughtery. “The judges stated they looked for originality in design, effectiveness of the display in being centered around some theme plus beauty and visibility from the street.”** *Note: The articles never explained if the lighting of the tower was truly a tradition or if it simply stopped without knowing when it ended or why. It’s possible it carried on at least until the 1990s. There was only one mention in the 1997 paper about this. It simply stated: several have called to say they miss the huge star that is usually lit atop the Bartlett-Collins tower. **Note: A prize was sent to each of the winners via mail. A check was written out for them, however, the paper did not verify the amount given to each winner. Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – After the Loraine Hotel Fire, A Hope For Another Hotel Was Announced Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum On December 19th, 1949, just weeks after the infamous Loraine Hotel fire engulfed the corner of Main and Lee, the owner of said property announced his hope for another grand hotel. “Modern hotel may arise from ashes of Loraine – Nick Douvas hopes to begin building structure April 1.”  Nick Douvas found two types of structures to consider in place of the previous hotel. With the modern design, Douvas suggested either “a streamlined, modernistic 3-story containing from 100 to 110 rooms with a modernistic cafe and large dining room on the ground floor” or “a combination hotel-motel type with approximately 40 rooms, cafe, and dining room facilities.” In order to rebuild, Douvas stated he needed to purchase additional property that adjoined the Loraine site that too was destroyed in the fire. The Home Appliance Store and Swift’s Market was said to have an unofficial damage total of $500,000 by early estimates. “Along with complete leveling of the three buildings, plate glass was cracked from intense heat in the St. James Hotel, the Standard Chevrolet Co. and the Firestone store all across the street from the Loraine.” Even though there were a significant amount of damages, construction fees, and other financial setbacks, Douvas continued to plan for the new building. At first, he had hoped the process would begin by April 1950, Douvas was also aware of the legal fees.  A case was brought up for the damages and claims for the hotel victims that filed suit. Although the claims had been decided to award Horace Baker, a Kansas City salesman who had stayed at the hotel the night of the fire, $11,250 for injuries, it was partially reversed in July 1951. The case had two parts: the personal injury set at $11,000 and $250 for loss of personal effects. “The appeals court ruled the second statute…was against the Anderson Hotels [Hotels of Oklahoma Inc.] and not against either Douvas or his wife.*” *Note: other names in the lawsuits were against James Anderson (of Anderson Hotels) Loraine Douvas (Nick’s wife), Carl B. Steele (of Lido Club), and Morris L. “Buddy” Stockton (of Club Cafe). Douvas and his family wanted to work and live in the town of Sapulpa during the court battles that would stretch into 1953. The Douvas had even purchased an interest in the Miller Locker Plant. On August 9, 1950 it was announced “because the case is tied up in the courts and because it appears it may be some time before a hotel can be started to replace the old Loraine, Nick has gone into the locker plant business with Lew Miller. ‘We may be able to build a new hotel one of these days.’” However, this plan was short-lived. Just two months later, October 12, 1950, another announcement was made by Lew Miller: “I have purchased the interest in the Miller Locker Plant previously owned by Nick Douvas. Due to a physical handicap in his leg, Nick could not withstand the cold temperatures…The entire plant is now owned and operated solely by myself.” Nick Douvas and his family have lived in Sapulpa since 1932. Without being able to break away from the lawsuits, Douvas decided he and his family would move to Tulsa to start anew around 1951. Douvas left a note goodbye to the town: “Hello, Sapulpans: I’m taking this space in the Herald to tell all of you that I miss being in Sapulpa. I’d like to come back and may be able to some time in the future. As many of you know, I am now in the business in Tulsa at Lindy’s, 3319 East Admiral. Many of you have come in to see me since I’ve been there while you were out driving or going through. This I appreciate. Glad to see you anytime. This past week I tried to get some facts and figures together for the building of a fine drive-in restaurant in Sapulpa. But before I knew it, I found there was a new suit against me in Tulsa District Court. It is regarding the same suit, resulting from the disastrous Loraine Hotel fire, which was dismissed in Creek County District Court and the Supreme Court. So I am stumped again, at least for a while. When the time comes, I will again strive to come back home to Sapulpa. Nick Douvas” More on the Hotel fire: Douvas purchased the Sapulpa Hotel (predecessor to the Loraine Hotel) on June 1, 1939. Douvas began working right away at the hotel. “The lobby of the Loraine hotel is being completely remodeled to conform with requirements for a Spanish type interior, resembling the St. James Coffee Shop, which is managed by Nick Douvas…interior will be made up in the Spanish style…all rooms have been refurnished, each [with] a ceiling fan and a telephone, and new lighting system.” With Douvas previous knowledge of managing a coffee shop, Douvas installed a cafe. The operations ran smooth, with a few hiccups here and there, and opened the Club Loriane, a dance hall, by 1946. Shortly after Douvas ten-year anniversary of operating the Loraine Hotel, the tragic night smoldered the town in smoke. At 1 AM, Friday, December 2, 1949, someone smelled smoke and someone yelled fire. Two stories told that two visitors staying on the second floor started shouting “there’s a fire!” when another account states that “Buddy” Stockton entered the Club Loraine cafe and smelled smoke. “The fire was thought to have started in the hotel kitchen. The structure filled with smoke then burst suddenly into flames that spread to neighboring buildings. Sparks from the burning hotel set residence lawns on fire as far away as five blocks [such as at J.H. Gault’s home at 200 S Mounds].” People staying in the hotel had a difficult time escaping the hotel blaze. “H.C. Baker, of Kansas City, threw a mattress to the sidewalk from his third floor room and leaped to safety. He suffered a broken ankle in the fall…Residents of the apartments [Naifeh Apartments over grocery store] were led to safety by local police….Tom Rawdon, Shawnee, one of the fourth floor occupants who escaped the blaze, made his way down the fire-escape…Harry Jenson, 29, Oklahoma City, woke up to his room full of smoke…he heard ‘Get out everybody–the place is burning up.” The Fire Department crew members had a fight on their hands. The struggle to keep the fire from spreading became incredibly difficult. “Firemen dragged their hose through the side door of the Loraine Hotel. They were forced back out to attack from a new position…then back at it again somewhere else…then back again at the first position.” For 48-hours, the crew worked nonstop to ease the fire and finally only smoke remained. The first night reported “no fatalities have been discovered; only three persons have been reported missing: Jack Graves, 51, a local sign painter, Harold Gibbons of Toledo, Ohio, and Louis Vincent, 70, of Oklahoma City, refrigeration salesman ” But other reports indicated there were only two missing, Graves and Vincent. On day two, December 4, 1949, “Jack Graves is still missing…the only corpse found in hotel rubble was Louis Vincent.” The report read: “The body, wrapped in a blanket…was uncovered by the county bulldozer operated by Joe Peeples, Sapulpa…a suitcase holding $1,200 in saving bonds made out in Vincent’s name was found in the debris; the bonds have been sent to Mrs. Vincent in Oklahoma City.” Mr. Graves was never recovered from the site.  Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – Battle of the Banner “Subscription Drive” Ran Wild in 1929 Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum Announced by the Democrat News from November to December 1929: “WANTED–Man or woman, boy or girl for positions paying from $10 to $150 per week*. Two positions are worth better than $100 per week to those who qualify. Applicants please apply [to the] campaign department, The Democrat News. Just suppose for a minute that such an advertisement should appear in today’s paper. Wouldn’t there be a stream of people trying to connect with that job? Yet that is exactly what we [The Democrat News] are offering to live-wire workers in this short subscription drive…Someone in Sapulpa or surrounding territory will earn that amount; someone with no more opportunity than YOU!” *Note: in 1929, $10/week would be roughly $150/week today; whereas, in 1929 $150/week would approximately be $2,200 today.  The subscription drive was similar to pyramid schemes. When a subscriber to the Democrat News runs the campaign to gain more subscribers, the original subscriber can earn points and cast votes; and the new subscribers can earn points and cast votes by gaining new subscribers for the paper. Also, the longer a person subscribed to the paper, the more points are earned. Anyone can participate, anyone can vote, and anyone could win. “Are you going to be the one to finish triumphantly with an overwhelming number of votes to your credit? Or, are you content with what you now have and see the effort of these many weary weeks go to waste as the rewards of the others are wrested from your hands by more aggressive workers? It is up to you now, or let your opponents beat you to it.” The entire month of December was buzzing with excitement over the campaign and the prizes being advertised for the winners. Each week that month the News announced who had votes coming in, who took the lead, and what the winners could possibly win. “The Tenth Prize would win $10 in gold; the Eighth and Ninth Prize would win $15 in gold; the Seventh Prize would earn $20 in gold. The Sixth Prize winner would receive a Bulova Wrist Watch worth $24.75, either Ladies’ or Gentleman’s Model, purchased from Cornett Jewelry. “The Fifth Place Prize won a 15-Jeweled Gruen Wrist Watch, worth $37.50, in either Ladies’ or Gentleman’s Model, purchased from Miller-Workman Jewelry. In Fourth Place, the prize would be a beautiful Diamond Set Dinner Ring, worth $60, ring set with three diamonds and seven sapphires, purchased from Seneker-the Jeweler. “The Third Prize, purchased from Creek County Hardware, worth $167, was the Atwater Kent Radio. The Second Grand Prize was the Chevrolet Six Coach worth $712, fully equipped, delivered, purchased and displayed by Mack Motor Company. And the Grand Capital Prize winner earned the Chrysler Plymouth Sedan worth $835, fully equipped and delivered, purchased from and displayed by Kelso Motor Company.**” **Note: in 1929, a $24.75 and a $37.50 watch would be worth $370 and $550 today; the $60 ring would be nearly $900 today; a $167 radio then would be around $2,500 today with inflation. The cars worth $712 and $835 would cost around $10,500 and $13,200 in today’s money.  Taking notes from the Democrat News articles, the excitement and drama came from the writers themselves. The description of the circulation campaign was filled with over-the-top flourishes and determination. The subscription drive drove the town mad wondering who would have the longest, loudest campaign, who would have the stamina to last throughout the month, who would be selected, not only the winner, but the “favorite” of the town. “Every minute now is important. Finish is bound to be close; no one has won. Make your efforts to pile up the winning votes now while there is time.” On December 12th, 1921, the Democrat News practically ran the entire paper of 16 pages for the Christmas Circulation Campaign. It had announced the subscription drive was running full blast and in just seven days, the contest would be over. “Remember: there are no bonuses or special vote offers of any kind during the last week of this campaign. Today and tomorrow will likely win or lose for you, which will it be?”  The candidates were announced every week with their scoreboard. It was all even score by mid-November:
Some participants dropped out or did not gain enough traction to carry over the few weeks. And some joined in on the race. On December 12, with the last announcement featuring the tallies, the race leader had pulled away from the pack, but it was still close for the others:
The candidates were always advised by the Democrat News: “Overconfidence has lost many battles. It seems likely to be a factor in this campaign. What is to be done must be done now. It would be better to win by a million votes more than enough than to lose by a mere handful of long-term subscriptions.” Although it was not announced, the number of votes received for the winners by the end of the campaign, but here are the winners: (First) Mrs. JK Simpson, Sapulpa; (Second) Mr. Hugh Newton, Kiefer; (Third) Mr. WT Alexander, Bixby; (Fourth) Mr. GM Stansbury, Sapulpa. Similarly, the town still has thrilling December sweepstakes: The Jingle Bell Sweepstakes presented by the Sapulpa Main Street and the many downtown events during the Holiday Season still get the blood pumping. And if you have the lucky ticket or tickets, be sure to claim your prize…or it’ll be lost to history. Did You Know… This Week in Sapulpa History – Pearl Harbor was Attacked, Destroying USS Oklahoma & Arizona, Killing Sailors Albert Lewis Ward and Unknown Sapulpan Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum On Sunday, December 7, 1941, a little before 8 in the morning Hawaii Standard Time, or just before noon in Sapulpa, the attack on Pearl Harbor began. Hundreds of Imperial Japanese aircrafts of dive bombers, torpedo bombers, and fighters rained down on the Naval Base. Within the first fifteen minutes, USS Arizona explodes. Moments later, torpedoes penetrated the USS Oklahoma; it rolled onto her side, losing her balance, and sank into the water.  Of the eight U.S. Navy battleships that were on site, all were damaged, and four had sunk. Of the four battleships, USS Utah, USS Oklahoma and USS Arizona were a total loss. USS Oklahoma would rise again, but later sank heading to the mainland. USS Arizona and USS Utah would remain submerged. Along with these battleships, three cruisers, three destroyers, and one anti-aircraft training ship and one minelayer had sunk during the attack. In less than two hours, a total of 2,404 United States military and civilians were killed during the aerial attack. Of these casualties, 68 were civilians, and 1,177 were killed on USS Arizona alone. Two Sapulpans were crew members on board the USS Arizona. Neither sailor made it home after this day. The townsfolk of Sapulpa did not receive word of who among the casualties were from their families for a few months. But then the press released a single name of the known fallen hero from Sapulpa.  Albert Lewis Ward graduated from Sapulpa High School in May 1939. He joined the Navy exactly two years prior to the Attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1939. “Seaman Ward, whose hobbies were art, drawing, and printing, was a member of the Printers’ Club in high school and served as a linotype operator in the navy. Following his graduation from Sapulpa High School, he was employed at the Rogers Bakery until the date of his enlistment in the United States Navy. He made his home with his aunty, Mrs. Joe Gault, 200 S Mounds.” His image was next to this print pleading to people of Sapulpa to “buy war bonds now!” “This Creek County boy [is] not coming back. For him, life’s span is ended. He gave up the right to live and earn money so that we could live and earn money. Tomorrow all bonds sold in Sapulpa will be dedicated to his memory. Remember him.” In his honor, a Memorial Assembly was held at the high school. On March 17, 1942, “a patriotic pageant entitled ‘Our American Heritage’ was presented by a large cast of students. Special guests for the assembly at the high school were his aunt and uncle.” The same year, the yearbook staff for the high school held a meeting for new officers in the upcoming year. “The yearbook dedication closed the assembly with Mr. Davis, director of the yearbook, and John Young, president of the senior class, [that the yearbook] being dedicated to Albert Ward, the first casualty of the war from Sapulpa.” In late January of 1944, Mrs. Joe Gault, Ward’s aunt, received a notice that Seaman Albert Ward had received the Purple Heart. The medal was awarded posthumously to the first class seaman, “for [his] military merit and for wounds sustained in action.” Mrs. Gault received many letters and phone calls from the townsfolk. She stated “during his training period, Ward sent many fine sketches he made…” as she reflected how Albert loved the arts.  Additionally, in his honor, the American Legion in Sapulpa preserved his name to their unit. The Frye-Ward American Legion was dedicated to the “first body” of the Great War and World War II. “The first body received here after World War I for burial was not a Sapulpan. He was a Kansan: Royal Lester Dahrens was killed in action July 24, 1921. Charles Berryhill was the first Sapulpan returned here for burial after this war. He was buried in 1922, also killed in action...Another Sapulpan, Roscoe Frye, was killed in action in World War I. He is buried in France.”  Today, Seaman First Class Ward is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at Honolulu Memorial in Hawaii. For years, only one name appeared to be known, honored, recognized for his life, death, and duty. In 1995, the Herald printed “Albert Ward has officially [been] considered the first Sapulpan to die in the war...However, there may have been another local who perished.” As far as the records show, there was one other Sapulpan killed at Pearl Harbor. There were only a handful of mentions of the unknown seaman. It wasn’t until 1995 when someone in the community noticed that there was another fallen hero among the USS Arizona casualties. In an investigation, a local citizen dug deep to find the name of the unknown hero. Thanks to Dale Thresher, he discovered the name of the mystery man. On August 14, 1945, an issue in the Sapulpa Herald released pages of fallen and returning military servicemen from Creek County. Thresher stated “he found the man listed in the Oklahoma Chronicles [July 27, 1943].” Signalman, Third Class, U.S. Navy, Loy Raymond Broome was born on July 4, 1916 and lived at 136 W Lincoln with his mother, Mrs. L.M. Brown (possibly Lula Mae Brown). He apparently enlisted in the Army when he was 18. Loy Broome was stationed at Fort Ringgold on the Mexican Border for three years. He later joined the Navy on January 7, 1938. After learning his name, research found that there was a single memorial dedicated to Signalman Loy Broome in a Sapulpa paper. On June 16, 1944 the Sapulpa Herald published a similar “buy war bonds now!” dedication to Loy Broome like for Albert Ward. It stated: “Don’t let this boy down! Petty Officer Broome...was serving the fourth year of his enlistment in the Navy at the time of his death. Posthumously he was awarded the Purple Heart. It was presented to his mother, Mrs. L.M. Brown. Two brothers of Petty Officer Broome are now serving with the armed forces. They are: Sgt. P.L. Broome, who is now taking his basic training in Florida; Sgt E.M Broome, a staff cook at the baker school at San Francisco, Calif. Another brother, Stanley Broome, recently received a medical discharge from the armed forces.”  According to the National Purple Heart Hall of Fame for the list of recipients, Signalman Broome is not included to this list, at least not online via their website. However, in 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt commissioned that those who were wounded or killed in action during the Attack of Pearl Harbor would receive the Purple Heart. This is dedicated to all veterans and serving military personnel. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Tuesday, December 7th, 2021, around noon, we honor our lost heroes, Albert Lewis Ward and Loy Raymond Broome.  |
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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