Rachel Whitney, Curator,
Sapulpa Historical Museum
James Cash Penney, Jr. was born in Hamilton, Missouri in 1875. Penney planned to attend college to become a lawyer. However, after his father passed, he had to change his plans. He began working as a store clerk to help support his family.
By the age of 23, in 1898, the year the city of Sapulpa was established, began working at a chain store, the Golden Rule. Due to a backer being impressed by Penney’s work, Penney invested in his own store. At Kemmerer, Wyoming, Penney opened his first store in 1902.
Twenty-one years later, in 1923, this week in Sapulpa history, one of Penney’s stores opened in the downtown district of Sapulpa. The Sapulpa location became the 475th store in the nation for the famous chain store.
The J.C. Penney Department store had its Grand Opening weekend at its location 209-211 East Dewey. “The story of the J.C. Penney Company is an important chapter in this history of modern mercantile methods. The Big Idea has been for 21 years and is today, the patent fact that it is unfailingly governed by the Golden Rule: ‘Whatsoever ye would that Men should do to you, do ye even to them.’ Every customer pays the one and same price. And that price assures a superior value the year ‘round.”
The first announcement that Sapulpa would gain the national chain store came in June of 1923. “A permit to remodel the three-story building, which will be occupied on the first floor by the J.C. Penney store, has been issued. The cost of remodeling the storerooms and apartments is placed at $5,000 ($88,000 in today’s money). Work on the storerooms is now underway. Modern fronts will be built in them and the interiors will be placed in the first class condition for the new store.”
Just before the remodel, the building was used as a hotel, clothing store, and a photograph studio. The manager of the Sapulpa J.C. Penney had listed advertisements of clothing, beauty supplies, and some household goods for their opening. With such a popular national chain, the manager was surprised by the reaction of the town for its first weekend.
Manager F.H. Banks stated: “‘Our advent into Sapulpa business life was a good one and while we did a nice business all those who visited us did not buy which is an indication that the people of Sapulpa wanted our acquaintance. And I am glad to say that we appreciate the acquaintance and are anxious to have any and all call, at our store at any time whether they desire to buy or just on a friendly visit.’”
The same weekend, a store in Chickasha opened. “J.C. Penney Company opened the local branch of the chain stores in the city and approximately 1,200 people attended the opening day and the sales were beyond their expectations.”
Although it may seem that Sapulpa’s store was quieter than others, it does not mean the J.C. Penney’s store did not thrive later on. The Penny’s store in Sapulpa lasted another sixty years.
“Sapulpa is glad to see the Penney organization in this city. It is said that it is a clean, upright business institution that keeps abreast of the times and takes an active part in the community life of the cities where they are located.”
Recommended Reading: Do you remember Bayouth’s Department Store?
Just the following year, Penney opened its 500th store. It reached its peak in store numbers in 1973, with just over 2,000 stores. Founder, James Cash Penney passed away at the age of 95 in 1971. In his hometown, the J.C. Penney Museum opened its doors in 1976.
Though J.C. Penney’s isn’t the powerhouse it once was, the chain still has a few locations in Oklahoma, and more across the United States.
Bonus factoid: Walmart founder Sam Walton got his start at JCPenneys.
(Sapulpa Herald, June 9, 1923, August 10, 1923, August 24, 1923, August 27, 1923, August 31, 1923; Chickasha Star, August 24, 1923; JCPenney Museum; JCPenney History; Forbes)
Interested in more stories like this? See more of our “This Week in Sapulpa History” stories.
