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: Bartlett-Collins Lighted Tower and Lighting Contests Tradition

    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.

    December 25, 2021
  • This Week in Sapulpa History: After the Loraine Hotel Fire, A Hope For Another Was Announced

    When the Loraine Hotel perished in a fire, there was hope that an ever better hotel would arise out of its ashes. What actually happened?

    December 20, 2021
  • This Week in Sapulpa History: Battle of the Banner “Subscription Drive” Ran Wild in 1929

    In 1929, there was a subscription drive for the Sapulpa Democrat News that took the town (and others) by storm.

    December 12, 2021
  • This Week in Sapulpa History – Sapulpa Football Faces Rival Tulsa Central

    This week in Sapulpa history was preserved for football. Specifically Sapulpa football against their “old rivals,” Tulsa Central. Sapulpa High School’s blue-and-white Chieftains would often face-off against Tulsa Central High School’s crimson-and-cream Braves during Thanksgiving week.

    November 23, 2021
  • This Week in Sapulpa History: Oklahoma Becomes a State, Starting a Feud Between Bristow and Sapulpa

    On November 14, 1907, Oklahoma became the 46th state in the union, and what followed was a years-long feud to decide who would become the seat of Creek County—Sapulpa or Bristow?

    November 14, 2021
  • This Week in Sapulpa History: Construction started on Tee-Pee Drive-In in 1949

    Read about the announcement and the excitement surrounding the construction of the Tee-Pee Drive-In!

    November 7, 2021

Do You Remember Sapulpa?

Stories of days gone by in the town we love.

"Do You Remember" was a weekly column that ran for years in the Sapulpa Times from longtime resident and former Sapulpa Times writer Charles Betzler.

Headlines in Sapulpa History

Every day we publish snippets of stories making headlines in local history. Read the latest.