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: Sapulpa’s hand-made glass
The relocation of Sunflower Glass Co. to Sapulpa would give the town four glass companies, each with their own purpose. Sunflower was known for its hand-blown glass. But could it last?
December 10, 2023 Remembering Pearl Harbor: A collection of our most memorable stories about the “Day of Infamy”
On today, the 82nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, we look at some of our most memorable stories regarding the attack and its surprising connections to Sapulpa.
December 7, 2023 This Week in Sapulpa History: “Steel Demon Runs Wild”
In the 1910s Sapulpa was becoming famous as a railroad town and with a great workforce, more trains were coming. But an accident was waiting to happen. This week in History, a "steel demon" ran wild.
December 3, 2023 The old Bartlett-Collins Christmas Star returns, twenty-five years later
Though it hasn't been seen in over 25 years, that nostalgic symbol of local Christmas charm is going to enjoyed again by a new generation of Sapulpans, thanks to Swick, who told Sapulpa Times awhile back he was "planning to bring the star back."
November 30, 2023 Been There, Done That: Thanksgiving 23
"Thanksgiving 23: A Hubbel family celebration in Oklahoma with farm life, international guests, and a taste of Scotland."
November 29, 2023 This Week in Sapulpa History: “Oklahoma Mary” Part Two—The Death of Birth
The conclusion to the amazing life story of the Sapulpa-born, world-renowned activist and playwright Mary McDougal Axelson and her tragically ironic death.
November 28, 2023
Do You Remember … The Mazeppa Show?
How many of you remember this line: “Lawzee, scope them turkeys out!”
A new Series: Do You Remember The Sixties?
It's been said that "if you remember the sixties, you weren't really there." I must respectfully disagree. Introducing a new series about a decade that no one in our country should every forget about.
Do You Remember…The Space Race?
In the years immediately following World War II, a period of geopolitical tension emerged between the U.S and the Soviet Union, known as the Cold War. The “Space Race” was, in fact, a Cold War competition to see which of the two countries would be the first to achieve space flight.
Do You Remember John F. Kennedy?
John Fitzgerald Kennedy is considered by many to be the most popular president in U.S. history. I consider him to be one of the greatest presidents in my life because of his courage, compassion, and his undaunted resolve to make not just America a better place, but the entire world.
Do you remember…Snow Valley?
Believe it or not, Kellyville, Oklahoma once had a ski slope. On opening day, according to a local news story, one patron borrowed a line from the TV show “Gomer Pyle” and uttered, “Surprise, surprise, surprise.”
Do you remember a Downtown Sapulpa Christmas?
"Back in the Dark Ages, when I was a young lad, you never had to leave town to buy gifts for the Yule season. All you had to do was go to downtown Sapulpa and you could shop to your heart’s content."
Do you remember…Christmas past?
Last year, holiday retail sales surpassed the trillion-dollar mark. When I was growing up, there was more focus on faith, family, and traditions. Go back in time with me to relive those traditions.
Do You Remember OTASCO?
Before the age of Big Box Stores, Oklahoma Tire and Supply Co. (OTASCO) became known for it's "one-stop-shopping" experience.
Do you remember Richard M. Nixon?
Though Nixon is most widely known for the Watergate scandal, his political career spans decades and he was once called "the hardest working man I ever met."
Do you remember…Your first Valentine?
Valentines from your classmates, sacks of candy and young romances...do you remember your first Valentine's Day?
Do You Remember…Wickham Packing Company?
Learn about the family that put one of the most modern independent packing plants in the Southwest right here in Sapulpa, and what became of their business.
Do You Remember…”Fill er’ up”?
Today people buy their gasoline from convenience stores or at truck stops when traveling. When I was growing up, the only place in town to buy gas was at a full-service gas station, also called a “filling station.”