The Building of a Metropolis

[Doug Loudenback]

Here's another that I've been working on which is about 3/5ths done. It traces and discusses, tries to identify, the city's primary builders through its history, using the definition supplied in a 1939 Oklahoman article ...



According to the 1939 article,

What makes a town grow into a little city? What makes a little city blossom into a big city? And what makes a big city develop the stature and the atmosphere of a metropolis?

The answer is: Men. Men with vision. Men with courage. Men with "push" and vitality and ideas. Men who dream dreams and are willing to work hard to make those dreams cone true. Most of all, men who have these qualities leavened with a large helping of community spirit.

After the mid-1930s, it become progressively more difficult to single out individuals who match the definition, particularly the last piece, and I've not finished making a stab at who they are ... I am open to suggestions, but the last piece of the definition is a prerequisite.

[papaOU]

I have a book that I purchased on ebay titled " Stalwart Sooners: A Story of a City" written by Arron B. Campbell and published in 1949. Each article is a short history and quotes taken from interviews with each person. The individuals range from the known: Bill Atkinson, C.R. Anthony, and Beverly Osborne. Little known are Leslie R. Ash, Luther Dulaney, and R.R. King.

[ljbab728]

Here's another that I've been working on which is about 3/5ths done. It traces and discusses, tries to identify, the city's primary builders through its history, using the definition supplied in a 1939 Oklahoman article ...



According to the 1939 article,


After the mid-1930s, it become progressively more difficult to single out individuals who match the definition, particularly the last piece, and I've not finished making a stab at who they are ... I am open to suggestions, but the last piece of the definition is a prerequisite.

The language was obviously reflective of the time that it was written since it stresses "men" instead of people. That would be severly criticized today.

[Doug Loudenback]

Of course, ljbab728. Just kinda smacks one in the face today, doesn't it.

[Generals64]

I've been reading a book about OKC History....quite a few trivial things that could interest some of us. did you guys know that Gaylord was NOT the original owner of The Daily Oklahoman???? Seems there was an evangelist....reverend Sam Small who was also an editor from Atlanta that started The Daily Oklahoman...First issue was distributed on January 14, 1894.....Big mistake however, this day was on a Sunday and the people around town thought it wrong for him to work his paper on The LORD'S Day.

[Generals64]

Next, the first business building in Oklahoma City was owned by G.A. McNabb...they sold Flour and Feed....Hmmmm The first two constructed and furnished Highschools were opened in September 1896 at a cost of $ 44,000.00. A highschool building was known as Irving High and served as a temporary capitol for the State. It burned in 1937.

[Doug Loudenback]

Which book are you reading, Generals64?

[Generals64]

Which book are you reading, Generals64?

Born Grown by Roy Stewart. If you don't have the book, it's yours when I get through. Man, there's some neat information in this book...His former assistant is a good friend of ours and she gave me this book. He had singed it and all that....But, it's yours if you want it....

[Doug Loudenback]

I do have it and it is a great book. Roy Stewart also wrote another book, Country Boy Odyssey, which I have but have not yet read. But, Born Grown is an Okc classic.

[Generals64]

I do have it and it is a great book. Roy Stewart also wrote another book, Country Boy Odyssey, which I have but have not yet read. But, Born Grown is an Okc classic.

He wrote three or four different books about Oklahoma. One is about the Turner Ranch and the programs that they had in the cattle business. I also have Country boy Odyssey. I have been fascinated by the information that he has in the book Born Grown.....I'm on the Capitol Hill part now (of Course)....

[rondvu]

Speaking of books I have one titled Oklahoma City Capital of Soonerland. Published by the OKC Board of Education. Written by Lucyl Shirk. Copyritht 1957. It has some great stories and pics.

[Generals64]

Speaking of books I have one titled Oklahoma City Capital of Soonerland. Published by the OKC Board of Education. Written by Lucyl Shirk. Copyritht 1957. It has some great stories and pics.

Bring it to the next meeting

[papaOU]

Bring it to the next meeting

Don't get overly excited!!

It's not a TG&Y book.

[Generals64]

Don't get overly excited!!

It's not a TG&Y book.

Oh.............a guy's gotta dream some times.............right????? I found a OSU colored poncho with Sooners on the front....Hmmmmmm....

[papaOU]

Oh.............a guy's gotta dream some times.............right????? I found a OSU colored poncho with Sooners on the front....Hmmmmmm....

Might be a Norman High poncho!!