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
This Week in Sapulpa History: What Happened This Week 100 Years Ago?
Many things took place in Sapulpa 100 years ago this week; School attendance and students made the news, the Sapulpa Junior Chamber of Commerce announces a huge event, and something strange happened to the post office. These headlines kept a highlight of what was going on in the city.
March 13, 2024 This Week in Sapulpa History: The Bovaird Supply Company comes to Sapulpa
In the beginning of Sapulpa's oil boom, Sapulpa’s oil supply houses were nonexistent, whereas Tulsa had seven supply houses. Then came Bovaird.
March 1, 2024 This Week in Sapulpa History: A Call Box for Safety
Before telephones were widely available in Sapulpa, the city installed fireboxes all around the community for citizens to alert the fire department.
February 18, 2024 This Week in Sapulpa History: Sapulpa’s Y.M.C.A. and Y.W.C.A.
Since the Village People came out with that catchy tune in 1978, everyone knows about the YMCA. This week in 1905, Sapulpa's YMCA opened to great fanfare.
February 14, 2024 This Week in Sapulpa History: Heating Up at the Glass Plant
The Bartlett Collins Glass Plant opened in 1915, but it wasn't long before upset employees went on strike.
February 8, 2024 This Week in Sapulpa History: Impressed with the Empress Theatre
This week in Sapulpa History, the Empress Theatre brought to life a William Shakespeare classic with an amazing new feature: sound!
February 1, 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."