Rachel Whitney, Curator,
Sapulpa Historical Museum
Even though the official summer solstice wouldn’t come around until Tuesday, June 21st, 1949, children, families, and businesses were eager to join the hot summer events around Sapulpa. This week in Sapulpa history, many announcements were made about the 1949 summer season.
Found in the June 8th Sapulpa Herald newspaper, a youth center would be available for the summer for children at Booker T. Washington. “A youth center for young [black] people will be opened this week.” The Booker T. Washington gym would be open “each Saturday from 7:30 to 10:30, throughout the summer and all school children are invited.”
It was sponsored by the Negro Parents League. “The gymnasium, which is on the first floor, north side of the school has its own entrance.” It would have games, tables, radio-record player. There would also be a “refreshment counter with cold drinks and sweets.”
“‘We expect to provide clean, wholesome recreation for our young people,’” Mrs Minnie Hadley, chairman of the parent group, stated. “‘We’ve needed such a place for a long time, and we’re very grateful to our principal, D.A. Williams, to the school superintendent and the school board for their cooperation in making it possible. All school children are eligible to attend and parents are urged to come with them to the opening.’”
Just weeks after the town voted to have an entertainment hall in Sapulpa that would allow dances. The new youth center had its grand opening on the evening of May 17th, 1949. There was another Youth Program dedicated to Sapulpa kids. “The American Legion’s summer youth program and Sapulpa’s youth has trooped to its support. Over 80 school-age boys reported to Coach Bomgarner at the Euchee Mission to take part in volleyball, relays, pump ball, and ping pong.”
“‘I shall start stressing the fundamentals of basketball in the future,’ Bomgardner informed. ‘At present, it is too muddy for baseball and softball.’”
Other plans for activities included softball games and swimming. “The boys will go to the city park on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Girls will hit the water on Wednesday and Friday mornings.” Over 100 Sapulpa youth joined the program.
Another way to entertain the children for the summer was to take them to the wading pool. “Reed wading pool on East Dewey Avenue will open for the summer season, announced by the officers of Business and Professional Women’s club, which has sponsored the wading pool for several years.”
“‘The pool would be open everyday, but Sundays, from 2 to 5,’” stated chairman of the project, Mrs Faye Rampp. “While attendants are not on duty, the pool will be under the care of members of the city fire department number two station which adjoins Reed Park….Because many of the smaller children of the town do not have access to any wading pool, Reed pool will be maintained strictly for the small children, age limit of 10 years.”
It was also said that the water would be changed out three times a week, benches and equipment would be added to the park.
In late June of 1949, the Frederick Douglas Wading Pool for black children would be open. “From 4 to 6 on Thursdays and Fridays, children 12 years old or under will be eligible for pool facilities.”
For all the wading pools at the time, it was also said that a certificate was needed for the use of these pools. “Health certificates will be required from all children. The health department staff requires children seeking certificates.*”
*Note: this was also during the time of the Polio outbreak, 1948-1955, until vaccinations were available.
