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: Feud Between Bristow and Sapulpa, Sapulpa and Tulsa—or was it a bonding experience?
When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, it immediately set off a feud between Sapulpa and Bristow for would become the seat of Creek County and then Sapulpa and Tulsa joined forces to put the state capitol in ... Oakhurst? Read to get the answers.
November 24, 2023 This Week in Sapulpa History: “Div-a, De-Vil”
This week in Sapulpa history, an actress with a trademark “husky resonant voice” who called everyone "dahling” and had a “flamboyant personality” went live on the radio and singled out the town of Sapulpa, Oklahoma.
November 12, 2023 This Week in Sapulpa History: The Glass Plant Transfer
Sapulpa's glass business sprang up almost overnight, and hit a critical mass that saw many competitors at one point working together to keep up with demand.
November 9, 2023 This Week in Sapulpa History: Halloween Dance
This week in Sapulpa history, Halloween in 1953, was a party downtown.
October 31, 2023 This Week in Sapulpa History: The “Preposterous” bombing of Sapulpa
When Sapulpa's own Lewis Meyer released his book about his father Max Meyer, the event brought over $100,000 in merchandise, gifts, and discounts directly on top of Sapulpa.
October 19, 2023 This Week in Sapulpa History: Oil Boom and Torpedo Boom
During Sapulpa's oil boom days, it wasn't uncommon to use explosives to help get the oil faster. The job was dangerous, and came with its casualties.
October 12, 2023
Do you remember the TeePee Drive-In?
As the TeePee shows new signs of life, plenty will remember what it was like during its heyday as the drive-in movie experience was taking the world by storm.
Do You Remember…Shibley’s Townhouse Grill?
In 1962, K. and Louise Shibley opened the Town House Grill at 317 South Main Street. They started out on a meager budget and their first cash register was a cigar box.
Do You Remember…slot car racing?
The slot car craze caught on in the U.S., and by the mid-1960s any self-respecting town boasted a slot-car “center,” where kids could bring their cars to race on enormous banked tracks.
Do You Remember…these children’s TV shows?
Don't change that channel...take a look at these memorable children's TV shows, both local and nationwide!
Do You Remember…Warehouse Market?
Before Warehouse Market moved to its last location (before becoming Price Mart), it was in downtown Sapulpa!
Do you remember Wimpy’s Diner?
Whitney “Wimpy” Martin purchased one of the old Sapulpa trolley in 1932 and turned it into one of Sapulpa's legends.
Do You Remember Rainwater Jewelry?
Rainwater Jewelry is probably one of the most familiar bygone businesses in the city of Sapulpa. Read the story of the family that became a household name in the community.
Do You Remember…Don’s Marineland?
At one time, Sapulpa had no public swimming pool. Our “swimming hole” was Don’s Marineland, located northwest of Sapulpa on Sahoma Lake Road. Do you remember it?
Do You Remember Max Meyer?
One of Sapulpa's early entrepreneurs, Max Meyer started with a men's clothing store and became almost a legend.
Do you remember…Hager’s Fancy Fowl Farm?
When he was between 8 to 10 years of age, someone gave him a couple of pigeons. Thus began his ornithological obsession and a world-renowned avian collection.
Do you remember…Williams Sewing Center?
Long ago, sewing machines were so popular that you could run an entire business just on selling and repairing sewing machines.
Do you remember…Tyler’s Furniture?
Many people will remember Tyler's Furniture on Hobson, even though it's been gone for over fifteen years. The business, which got its start in 1945, actually goes back much further than that.