You only think you know Sapulpa.
Every week we publish stories of Sapulpa's history, recalling both the events at the time, and the nostalgia for days gone by. Dig in and learn more about what the Sapulpa of yesteryear was like.
Proudly brought to you by the Sapulpa Historical Society Museum
Sapulpa’s history on Tharp’s Modern Dairy comes to light on a special t-shirt
Sapulpa's character has been shaped by everything from railroads to oil, to brick and glass plants, trolley and transportation systems, even famous pottery. But what about milk?
August 16, 2024This Week in Sapulpa History: No More Dinners
Sapulpa began as an end-of-the-tracks town for the railroad with a famous hotel and restaurant known as the Harvey House. This week, in 1930, they served their last dinners.
August 14, 2024This Week in Sapulpa History: It Takes a Village
This month in Sapulpa history, in 1969, the concept for a senior home on West Taft began. The lot was purchased for Pleasant Manor Nursing Home. By November, the construction began.
August 9, 2024This Week in Sapulpa History: Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Believe it or not, at least two tales from Sapulpa have made it into the bizarre series of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
July 31, 2024This Week in Sapulpa History: Yale Theatre
Seventy years ago this week in Sapulpa, we lost one of our downtown theaters: the Yale. Read the fascinating story of the immigrant family who started several of Sapulpa's theaters, harrowing account of the loss of one of Sapulpa's favorite historic buildings.
July 27, 2024This Week in Sapulpa History: Building and Expanding in the New Decade
The 1960s in Sapulpa had not only buildings being torn down but buildings were being prepared for new businesses and expansions of old businesses or replacing older buildings with new ones.
July 20, 2024
Do you remember…John Cockrum?
The Sapulpa Administrator was instrumental in integrating Sapulpa Schools in the 1960s.
Do You Remember…The Gas Wars?
The gas stations of yesteryear are a far cry from the convenience stores of today. Do you remember the gas wars?
Do you remember…Research before Google?
I spent many long hours doing homework and term papers at a place you might remember...the library.
Do You Remember…Elementary School?
Growing up during the Cold War era gave way to some interesting experiences during elementary school.
Do You Remember…The 1960 Tornado?
In an awful coincidence, the day after we published this story in our Print Edition, two separate EF1 tornadoes descended onto Sapulpa.
Do You Remember Sapulpa Brick and Tile?
From small-town roots in Sapulpa, this brick and tile company at one point sold bricks throughout the country.
Do You Remember…Retro TV Commercials?
These 14 retro TV commercials will have you longing for the old days...or wondering, "what were they thinking?"
Do You Remember…Bayouth’s Department Store?
Read about the family that created a legacy and "store the city could be proud of."
Do you remember…these childhood toys?
What was life like for kids before internet? Well they had all kinds of toys to choose from, most of which did not require batteries.
PHOTOS: Do You Remember…The Bell Building?
Read this fantastic story about the downtown Sapulpa building who's owner had such a terrible reputation that they renamed it after he sold it.
Do You Remember…The Collins Building?
What started as a Masonic Lodge eventually became the office building for various Creek County Officers, and was remodeled using an inmate labor program.
Do you remember…the I.O.O.F. Building?
The I.O.O.F. building now sits empty, but used to be known as "the best location in town."