Latest news with #TheDailyOklahoman
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
A moment in time: Nation's front pages capture historic moments of Oklahoma City bombing
The headlines at home and across the nation told of the tragedy and terror that had struck Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995. On Page 1 of The Daily Oklahoman, a historic photo shows a firefighter walking across a parking lot of devastation with the bombed out shell of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in the background. "MORNING OF TERROR" aptly described the nightmare Oklahomans were living in as emergency and medical workers, as well as ordinary people became heroes, trying to help survivors of the car bomb explosion while also working to recover those who died. The sacred ground where hundreds were killed or injured looks much different 30 years later. But it was those first moments and hours that were reported the next day across the front pages of U.S. newspapers. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC bombing made front page headlines across US in 1955
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Yahoo
The 'new' Oklahoma County Courthouse of the early 1900s became a danger zone midcentury
Thousands of verdicts and criminal sentences had been handed down within its courtrooms, but in 1951 the old Oklahoma County Courthouse received its own judgment. The courthouse had been built beginning in 1904 at 520 W Main St., but more than 30 years later it was replaced by a new courthouse. And, with time and neglect, the unused historic building fell into disrepair, becoming a dangerous playground for some youth. On March 27, 1946, The Daily Oklahoman photographed and told of the deteriorating conditions within the courthouse: On the sagging door of the old courthouse there hangs a sign, "Pull and Step Down." But for those of you who shed a nostalgic tear at the passing of the old glories, we say don't. Leave that door shut. Far better to remember the old fellow in the proud days of yesteryear, when the scats of the mighty were there. There isn't much left but the memories. Let them lie. Remember him as he was in 1908 — the day Oklahoma's county government moved into its fine new edifice. There for a quarter of a century it stood in cold, stone dignity as all the emotions of mankind were paraded and laid bare. More: The history of OKC's skyline: Progress sometimes meant demolishing with dynamite The story went on to describe the decisions that had transpired within the walls of the courthouse during its prime: There the jurors sat through the long hours of night, wrangling, arguing and voting—life or death. ... There a fiery young county attorney sent nine men to the electric chair in eight years. But in 1946, the interior of the courthouse was not one that had weathered the passage of time well. Glass was broken, windows were missing, doors were askew. Stairways had gaping holes, the roof had caved in and fire had charred some of the interior. Oklahoma City Fire Chief G.R. McAlpine and city juvenile officers were asking Oklahoma County commissioners to secure the building to prevent injury. Five years later, on March 15, 1951, a cable and winch pulled down one of the stately towers of the degenerating building as demolition began, bringing to an end what had once been a grand new courthouse. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Once stately, old Oklahoma County Courthouse demolished in 1951
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Oklahoma tradition of 4-H and FFA members showing livestock they've cared for continues
On March 20, 1934, even in one of the worst years of the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma, hundreds of 4-H and Future Farmers of America youth traveled from across the state to have their animals judged — and hopefully finish "in the money." A story in The Daily Oklahoman reported that while some farmers didn't have credit in the bank, their children who were raising show animals did. "There will be no need for federal farm relief in 25 years," said J.B. Perky, Stillwater, state superintendent of vocational agriculture. "These boys are putting farming on a business basis. This show is an excellent part of the program of better farm citizenship. If anyone in the city doubts that the youths are getting the job done, let them check bank records. The youths have credit where their fathers have none." The 4-H and FFA Livestock Show in 1934 was made possible by the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Wilson & Company, Armour & Company, the Oklahoma National Stockyards Company "and the great and earnest efforts of the many boys and girls of the state who are participating," according to an advertisement that was published on March 21 in The Daily Oklahoman. With fellow youths, parents, judges and the public looking on at the three-day event, a 13-year-old from near Stillwater won the grand championship. Henry Van Arsdell and his Hereford steer "Cheerio Duncan" achieved the top honor at that year's livestock show. He didn't mind the win but seemed a little shy about some of the attention: "I don't want to talk on that radio," he explained. "Sure, I'm thrilled, at raising the grand champion, but I want to get out of that radio talking. I don't see why I have to get breaks like this. Why can't someone else make that radio talk?" However, he was persuaded to do the radio show and did better than he had expected, a story reported. Oklahoma FFA and 4-H youth throughout Oklahoma know it's that time of year again. Spring is more about cleaning stalls and washing, brushing and grooming their heifers and lambs and less about their sleep. And then it's about getting into the ring to show off their hard work — just like Henry Van Arsdell. The Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) junior livestock show will be March 10-21 at the OKC Fairgrounds. While youth, their animals and their families will be in the stock barns for the competition, the public also can attend the show and learn more about this springtime tradition. To learn more, go to This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 4-H, FFA livestock shows tradition throughout much of Oklahoma history
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Seventy years ago, a bust of humorist Will Rogers was dedicated at the park bearing his name
Of Oklahoma's most historic people memorialized in art, one of the most easily recognizable in paintings or as statues might be humorist Will Rogers. Rogers, along with aviator Wiley Post, was killed in a plane crash on Aug. 15, 1935, near Point Barrow, Alaska. Since that time, both men have been honored in various ways. Two airports bear their names: Will Rogers International Airport and Wiley Post Airport. In the 1950s, Tulsa sculptor Lawrence Tenney Stevens captured the likeness of Rogers scratching his head, pushing his hat back and grasping a trick rope, depicting a relaxed and familiar pose. Seventy years ago, that particular bust of Rogers was placed in Will Rogers Park where it gazes out over the park's duck pond near NW 36 and Portland Avenue. The bust was given to Oklahoma City by the Order of the DeMolay. But, before it was dedicated, it was kept in storage awaiting a pedestal. Newspaper readers got a sneak peek of the sculpture in the Feb. 9, 1955, edition of The Daily Oklahoman. The Will Rogers bust will be placed at the edge of the park's rose garden pool ... The site chosen calls for considerable excavation to provide a patio at the pool's edge from which the public will view the memorial. ... The bust will be placed at the pool level with a stairway leading down to the patio. Native red sandstone blocks for the pedestal and retaining wall already has been stockpiled. Sculptor Stevens, who had moved to Tulsa after World War II, said he had done extensive research for the bust at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore. More: This southern Oklahoma town had a population explosion for a day when Gene Autry arrived In 1936, the year after Rogers' death, the Oklahoma City municipal park formerly known as Northwest Park was renamed Will Rogers Park. On June 26, 1955, Rogers' bust was formally dedicated in the same park bearing his name. Hugh E. Tyson, chairman of trustees for the disbanded Auvergne chapter of the Order of the DeMolay, presented the sculpture to the city at the ceremony. A story the next day in The Daily Oklahoman told of the event and revealed why the bust had been so important to the DeMolay group: Tyson explained that when the chapter became inactive it was decided to use remaining funds for the bust in the belief "it would inspire young people to build into their character some of the traits of Will Rogers." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Will Rogers sculpture honoring humorist sits in same-named OKC park
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
OKC created an extensive underground tunnel system in the 1970s, connecting major structures
Downtown Oklahoma City was headed underground in 1973. The million dollar network of tunnels that would link more than a dozen buildings and connect with existing tunnels would be quite the undertaking. Jack T. Conn, board chairman of Fidelity Bank N.A. and spokesman for a group of civic leaders supporting the project, called the proposed tunnel system "a tremendous step forward for downtown Oklahoma City" while speaking to directors of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. On Aug. 6, 1973, Manhattan Construction Co. and the Oklahoma Industries Authority signed a contract for construction of the Metro Concourse. Four days later, a groundbreaking ceremony was visual proof that digging for an underground walkway was coming to fruition. As reported in The Daily Oklahoman, the tunnel system was described during the groundbreaking as "one colossal mall where people can walk in comfort in both summer and winter." Among leaders turning dirt with shovels were Conn, Oklahoma City Mayor Patience Latting, Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. Board Chairman Donald S. Kennedy, industrial trust General Manager George Shirk, Oklahoma County Commissioner Ralph Adair, Acting City Manager Pat Painter and Downtown Now President Jim Hamilton, according to the Aug. 11, 1973, report in The Daily Oklahoman: Mayor Latting said the tunnel system would add to the ease and convenience of both city residents and visitors. The short ceremony was held on Park Avenue just west of Broadway and between the 101 Park Avenue Building and the 100 Park Avenue Building where initial construction will begin next week. When completed the tunnel system will connect at least 15 downtown buildings, stretching from the OG&E building at NW 3 and Harvey to the Myriad Convention Center. The first excavation for the Metro Concourse began in early September along the south side of Robert S. Kerr Avenue. The next month, a groundbreaking for the multi-million-dollar, 15-story Sheraton Century Center was held with Gov. David Hall in attendance. The hotel would connect with the pedestrian tunnel system as well as an existing tunnel to the Myriad Convention Center. With the construction of the tunnels, road closures began in downtown Oklahoma City. By January 1974, five segments of the pedestrian tunnels were under construction, with three more to start within a month. By July that same year, the crude dirt excavation sites had been transformed into partially painted and lighted tunnels that were nearing completion. The total cost would be $1.3 million. On Aug. 2, 1974, the Oklahoma City Chamber dedicated the concourse in honor of Conn, considered the "father of the concourse." Afterward, chamber and city officials were the first to tour the underground pedestrian tunnels. Mayor Latting described the network as "the largest pedestrian tunnel system in the world." "Oklahomans not only do things right," she went on. "But they do it beautifully." The tunnels officially opened to the public on Aug. 5. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Metro Concourse opens up as underground pedestrian walkway in 1974
