Historical Highlight (February 2020)

Did You Know...

Nearly 30 years ago today, part of Line Street was renamed in honor of a great leader and historical figure, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

1) The article from Sapulpa Herald, February 14, 1992:

Line Street has new name, Ceremony marks M. L. King Boulevard

"Line Street took on a new name Thursday in a special sign unveiling ceremony at its corner with Hickory.

Eddie Mosan, vice president of Concerned Citizens, Sapulpa Mayor J. D. Marketic and Lorelle Davis of the Veterans of Foreign Wars climaxed the ceremony by pulling the covering off of the newly placed sign, reviling the words 'M. L. KING BLVD.' at the top and 'Line Street' below it.

It is the first of street signs to be placed along the street from Hickory east to Mission Street. The ceremonies were held at this time to recognized National Black History Month which is the entire month of February.

Traffic cannot travel the entire route currently, but when the Line Street Bridge is finished, it will open up the street completely across town. The bridge is to be dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as well.

The Rev. Fred L. Birch took charge of the ceremony. He arranged the area pastors, other black leaders and city officials on the lawn of Alphonso Alexander just behind the new sign for the ceremony.

Birch stated the agenda for the ceremony, then welcomed everyone to the ceremonies.

Dr. Henry Busby, pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church, gave the invocation.

City Manager Roger Miner said the event brings partial fruition the efforts of many get a street named in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

'This time has come for us to change the name of this street,' Birch said, 'in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and all he stands for. We will try to acknowledge our appreciation.'

Birch said the black citizens are interested in the overall welfare of the city and that 'exceeds the boundaries of Ward 2.'

Among the persons on hand for the ceremonies will be Roger Miner, city manager, Alphonso Alexander, and Eddie Mason, president and vice-president of Concerned Citizens; the Rev. F. L. Birch, a former president of the local NAACP chapter; Henry Busby of Mount Olive Baptist Church; Rev. Ervin Ruth of Calvary Baptist Church; Lester Ann Obie, chairperson of the Martin Luther King Society; Milton Matthew of the Masonic Lodge; N. A. Smith and Lorelle Davis of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; Phil McCormick, Kenneth Burch, the Rev. Robert Knox, and the Rev. J. L. Robinson.

​The original idea came from Lester Mackey Davis who served on committee to develop the plan renaming Line Street with the Rev. Maxine Hill, the Rev. John Davis, Jimmy Zewalk, former city commissioner Phil McCormick, Gladys Foshee, Wilma Hyer, another former commissioner and Priscilla Riley, who served as secretary.

When a number of citizens along Line Street protested the name change, it was decided to place several signs with the name M. L. King Blvd. at several key intersections west of Mission Street, but to keep the name Line Street for postal delivery.

In addition the new Line Street bridge is to have a monument to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on it.

Carol McMasters was mayor at the time this was decided."


2) The article from Sapulpa Herald, February 13, 1992:

1st King Blvd. sign to be placed today

"The first street sign marking Line Street as Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. will be placed at the intersection of the street with Hickory today.

Ceremonies at 2 p.m. will mark the event, which helps to mark National Black History Month in Sapulpa.

The renaming of the street from Highway 66 to Highway 97 was approved by the city commission several months ago.

Among the persons on hand for the ceremonies will be Roger Miner, city manager, Alphonso Alexander, and Eddie Mason, president and vice-president of Concerned Citizens; the Rev. F. L. Birch, a former president of the local NAACP chapter; Henry Busby of Mount Olive Baptist Church; Rev. Ervin Ruth of Calvary Baptist Church; Lester Ann Obie, chairperson of the Martin Luther King Society; Milton Matthew of the Masonic Lodge; N. A. Smith and Lorelle Davis of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; Phil McCormick, Kenneth Burch, the Rev. Robert Knox, and the Rev. J. L. Robinson.

The Rev. Mr. Birch said a monument to King is to be placed at the foot of the Line Street Bridge when it is completed.

City officials say the name change will not affect a person's address.

For postal purposes, the street will still be officially designated 'Line Street.'"