Things I miss growing up in OKC

[biznesschic1959]

I now live in Virginia, however, this site brings up memories of growing up in OKC:

The Easter egg hunt at Springlake park on Easter Sunday
Getting a ticket and a day off from school to attend the Fair
The hotdogs at Coney Island on the southside
The sales clerk at the Sears on NW 23rd, calling the Sears on the southside, to see if the item my mother wanted was in stock there.
Dinner at Adairs Cafeteria after Mass.
The local telethon that cut in between Jerry Lewis national telethon. How my mother would cry and have me call in a pledge.
The BC Clark jingle
Hanging out at Sheppard Mall
Riding horses at Draper lake, on weekends that we didn't visit my Grandma's farm in Durant, to ride horses
Picking up my older brother from Central State college, when Edmond was mainly farm land
When there were no cars on the road, because OU was playing Texas, and everyone was glued to the TV
Going to Cattleman's Cafe, because we had "company" in town
The old GEX on Eastern Ave
Our old phone number started with GA
Al's Ice cream
Stepping over dogs and goats to get to Pullums barbeque
Dunns Dairy Queen
Playing kick ball in the street, and moving out of the way when someone yelled "car"
Dad bringing his bottle to the restaurant, because of liquor by the drink
Split T hamburgers

Please add your memories, as I am now a big city girl.

[Pete]

^

I remember the get-out-of-school fair day and I always loved going on that day because there were tons of other kids.

Here is my list:

• A rare restaurant meal for our family, usually at Nicolosi's
• Double R burgers at Roy Rogers
• Choosing from the dozens of restaurant options at lunch on 39th street between Meridian & McArthur
• Walking to the Braum's near 63rd & Meridian for a hot fudge sundae (building is now Casa Perico)
• Browsing through TG&Y as a kid; it seemed to have everything a kid could want: candy, toys, sporting goods, 45's and albums
• Our phone number on the harvest gold rotary phone hanging on the kitchen wall stared with PArkside
• Skating at Comet with tons of other kids my age
• Having a blast at Wedgewood, both the amusement park and huge pool
• Walking down to the new library at 63rd & McArthur
• Walking to Rollingwood Elementary
• Being able to see the movie at Cinema 70 from our neighborhood
• My mom popping grocery bags full of popcorn and the whole family going to the movies at Cinema 70
• Swimming at Twilight Beach when I was very little
• Fourth of July block parties with homemade ice cream
• $1 would buy tons of candy and an Icee at 7/11
• We knew everyone on our block and most the people in our neighborhood
• I went 12 straight years of public school with a lot of the same kids
• The ice cream truck bringing push-ups (orange sherbet)
• Playing little league baseball at 50th west of Council (right by Ho-Ho's old house)
• Watching Foreman Scotty on TV (and going once to see it live)
• Channel 5 was located very nearby at 63rd & Portland
• Driving by the old Baptist Children's Home on 63rd (now Waterford) and think it was cool and scary at the same time
• Going to McDonald's -- maybe twice a year -- was a HUGE deal
• Throwing papers on my stingray bike -- both the Oklahoman and OKC Times (afternoon)
• James Bond movies and variious musicals at the Continental
• We had to be outside all the time in the summer; we were never allowed in and could only watch some TV at night
• I cut the grass for my neighbors when they were out of town or ill (the idea of my parents) and never expected to be paid
• Most of my parents' "couple friends" lived on our block
• Going to Putnam City football and basketball games, even when I was in elementary and junior high, as I had older siblings
• 89er games at All Sports Stadium
• Blazers hockey at the Fairgrounds Arena
• Meeting my grandmother at the Santa Fe Train Station; she visited from Milwaukee about once a year
• When the Cox Center first opened as the "Incomparable Myriad"
• Christopher's Restaurant near Will Rogers Park
• Molly Murphy's was an absolute sensation for several years
• Buying our Christmas tree at Coits and getting a root beer in a frosty mug

[zookeeper]

Wow. Two great lists that have me strolling down memory lane. There's so much I forget until I see it mentioned again and it all comes rolling back. Pete, like you, I also threw the Oklahoman and Times - what great fun I had doing that (until I had to go "collect for the paper" from the stragglers who never seemed caught up). I ended up at Channel 5 at 63rd and Portland several times for kids birthday parties at The Ho-Ho Show, and then Foreman Scotty and the Golden Horseshoe and the lasso to win it. The trips to 7/11 for baseball cards in the summer. Oh, the memories.

[Pete]

Yes, collecting for a paper route was a nightmare. Strange that we had to do that at all... Why didn't they just get a bill?

And on Sundays, you had to go to a specific place to pick up the papers; on other days they would be dropped on your curb.

Many days in the freezing cold getting up a 5AM to roll the papers, then go throw them on my bike.

[PennyQuilts]

Biznesschic, where in Virginia? I was raised here but lived in Northern Virginia for ten years before coming home four years ago.

These are great lists that take me back.

[Mel]

Yes, collecting for a paper route was a nightmare. Strange that we had to do that at all... Why didn't they just get a bill?

And on Sundays, you had to go to a specific place to pick up the papers; on other days they would be dropped on your curb.

Many days in the freezing cold getting up a 5AM to roll the papers, then go throw them on my bike.

Don't forget that wonderful little sting from a rubber band breaking on those cold days.

[OKCRT]

I now live in Virginia, however, this site brings up memories of growing up in OKC:

The Easter egg hunt at Springlake park on Easter Sunday
Getting a ticket and a day off from school to attend the Fair
The hotdogs at Coney Island on the southside
The sales clerk at the Sears on NW 23rd, calling the Sears on the southside, to see if the item my mother wanted was in stock there.
Dinner at Adairs Cafeteria after Mass.
The local telethon that cut in between Jerry Lewis national telethon. How my mother would cry and have me call in a pledge.
The BC Clark jingle
Hanging out at Sheppard Mall
Riding horses at Draper lake, on weekends that we didn't visit my Grandma's farm in Durant, to ride horses
Picking up my older brother from Central State college, when Edmond was mainly farm land
When there were no cars on the road, because OU was playing Texas, and everyone was glued to the TV
Going to Cattleman's Cafe, because we had "company" in town
The old GEX on Eastern Ave
Our old phone number started with GA
Al's Ice cream
Stepping over dogs and goats to get to Pullums barbeque
Dunns Dairy Queen
Playing kick ball in the street, and moving out of the way when someone yelled "car"
Dad bringing his bottle to the restaurant, because of liquor by the drink
Split T hamburgers

Please add your memories, as I am now a big city girl.

Great list. Surprised to not see OTASCO on there. Jiffy Pop

[gjl]

Pete, except for just a couple of items, that could very easily be my list. You must have grown up very close to where I did at around the same time. Although our phone hanging on the kitchen wall was yellow and we has a WIndsor phone number. Do you remember dollar days at Wedgewood?

[Pete]

Pete, except for just a couple of items, that could very easily be my list. You must have grown up very close to where I did at around the same time. Although our phone hanging on the kitchen wall was yellow and we has a WIndsor phone number. Do you remember dollar days at Wedgewood?

I grew up on 64th Street, almost halfway between Meridian and McArthur. Moved into that house when I was 3 and we didn't sell it until I was 29.

I was born in 1960 and we moved into what was new construction in 1963.

My whole world was really in the one square mile around my house and now that I look at my list, there was quite a bit for a kid in that small area. Later, when they opened WestPark Mall, there was even a movie theater we could walk to. And Godfather's opened in the same area and that became a great hangout and a source of unlimited free pizza for me when I was home from college, as my younger sister worked there. There was a great Pizza Planet at 63rd & Meridian, too. And a nice park with tennis courts just down the street. I became a competitive tennis player due to this proximity, something that has served me well all through adulthood.


I don't remember dollar days because Wedgewood closed when I was still quite young. But I have great video my dad took from one trip there about 1966, which includes the pool as well.

[mugofbeer]

You probably knew my ex-wife! LOL

[gjl]

Skating after the Blazer hockey games and renting the skates for 50 cents.
My dad's company (Western Electric) picnics at Wedgewood
Seeing Hermans Hermits and Gary Lewis and the Playboys at Wedgewood.
Being on A schedule my Sr year in HS, starting an hour earlier than everyone else (0 Hour) and being done for the day after 3rd hour. Going home for a quick lunch then going to work at Browns Lawn Equipment.
Driving through the Classen Traffic Circle
Having to go shopping with my parents at AMC, GEX and Gibsons downtown on I think 6th st.
Eating at Adairs Cafateria on 23rd and Drexel
Eating at Val Genes Cafeteria at Penn Square.
Shopping at Penn Square before it was enclosed.
Buying fireworks on NW Highway and Macarthur every 4th of July
Having pop bottle rocket fights with my friends.
Going to the Haunted House at night somewhere around 36th or 30th and Council.
Parking with my girlfriends at Lake Overholser.
Trying to win prizes on the crane games at the fair.
Shakeys Pizza on 39th
Shotgun Sams Pizza on May
Eating at Big Boy on 50th and May and getting the Big Boy comic book.
Buying parts for my car at Save Auto.
Recording 8 track tapes at a stereo shop on 36th and May by picking the songs you wanted on it off a juke box looking machine.
Hanging out on 39th st every night in the summer once I was old enough to drive.
Having classes in the T (temporary) Buildings at Putnam City HS.
Riding my mini bike at the Dolese sand pit.
Collecting for the paper in Dec. Almost everyone would give you a nice tip.
Car hopping at Coits on 39th and Penn for 35 cents an hour plus tips. (my first job)
Playing Jr Golf at Hefner GC.
Buying gas for between 22 and 32 cents a gallon. Cheapest I ever bought gas was 19.9 cents a gallon.
DX gas stations with the dial on the pump with either 6 or 8 octane choices.
Hans BBQ on I think 10th st.
Neptune Submarine sandwiches. 16th and Rockwell. Their roast beef subs were great.

[Pete]

^

Great list. Forgot about that fireworks stand!


What year did you graduate from PC?

[gjl]

I grew up on 64th Street, almost halfway between Meridian and McArthur. Moved into that house when I was 3 and we didn't sell it until I was 29.

I was born in 1960 and we moved into what was new construction in 1963.

My whole world was really in the one square mile around my house and now that I look at my list, there was quite a bit for a kid in that small area. Later, when they opened WestPark Mall, there was even a movie theater we could walk to. And Godfather's opened in the same area and that became a great hangout and a source of unlimited free pizza for me when I was home from college, as my younger sister worked there. There was a great Pizza Planet at 63rd & Meridian, too. And a nice park with tennis courts just down the street. I became a competitive tennis player due to this proximity, something that has served me well all through adulthood.


I don't remember dollar days because Wedgewood closed when I was still quite young. But I have great video my dad took from one trip there about 1966, which includes the pool as well.

You are 5 yrs younger than me and I was on 61st st about 1 mile east of you between Tulsa and Vermont. Ours was a new neighborhood built between 1958 and 1960. It was settled by a lot of management people who transfered to OKC when the Western Electric plant opened in June 1960. Graduated PCHS in 73.

[Jim Kyle]

I grew up on 64th Street, almost halfway between Meridian and McArthur. Moved into that house when I was 3 and we didn't sell it until I was 29.

So you were north of 63rd. Do you remember Little Silver Lake, just to the north of NW 57 and Ann Arbor? My best man lived there and I have fond memories of swimming in that little lake. Sometime in the mid-60s the whole area got bought up by an apartment developer, Ann Arbor got closed off, and I've never had the heart to explore NW 57 west of Meridian to see if it still runs over to Bart's house (it was literally on the north, northwest, and west sides of the intersection, since both streets dead-ended right there).

[gjl]

That lake is still there. Accessing it and the houses on it from on 57th going west from Meridian, I believe it is a secured gated access now. In 1972-73, I was working for an attorney who was building a house there. His name was Dick Tourtelotte. When I wasn't busy at his office he would have me go to his house under construction there and do clean up work. Things like sweeping the floor and picking up trash from the construction. I remember working on a retaining wall that was supposed to keep sand he had trucked in from washing into the lake. I also remember thinking the house was so cool because it had a 4 car garage with 4 separate doors.
And when I was in grade school in the 60s, I went to school with Ray Ackerman whose father was the Ackerman Advertising Ray Ackerman. I'm pretty sure they lived on that lake but on the west side of it that you accessed off of Grove. I can remember going to Ray's house to play and it being on that lake.

[gjl]

And right there where 57th st dead ended is where we would get into the Dolese Sand Pits just to the south.

There is a bigger lake to the south of that one that they built apartments on. It is closer to 50th and Grove.

[biznesschic1959]

[QUOTE=PennyQuilts;727446]Biznesschic, where in Virginia? I was raised here but lived in Northern Virginia for ten years before coming home four years ago.

These are great lists that take me back.[/QUOTEV

Arlington VA. However, not the same. I envy when I meet the people I grew up with. So simple and peaceful.

[biznesschic1959]

So you were north of 63rd. Do you remember Little Silver Lake, just to the north of NW 57 and Ann Arbor? My best man lived there and I have fond memories of swimming in that little lake. Sometime in the mid-60s the whole area got bought up by an apartment developer, Ann Arbor got closed off, and I've never had the heart to explore NW 57 west of Meridian to see if it still runs over to Bart's house (it was literally on the north, northwest, and west sides of the intersection, since both streets dead-ended right there).

I think it is now an apt complex.

[biznesschic1959]

^

I remember the get-out-of-school fair day and I always loved going on that day because there were tons of other kids.

Here is my list:

• A rare restaurant meal for our family, usually at Nicolosi's
• Double R burgers at Roy Rogers
• Choosing from the dozens of restaurant options at lunch on 39th street between Meridian & McArthur
• Walking to the Braum's near 63rd & Meridian for a hot fudge sundae (building is now Casa Perico)
• Browsing through TG&Y as a kid; it seemed to have everything a kid could want: candy, toys, sporting goods, 45's and albums
• Our phone number on the harvest gold rotary phone hanging on the kitchen wall stared with PArkside
• Skating at Comet with tons of other kids my age
• Having a blast at Wedgewood, both the amusement park and huge pool
• Walking down to the new library at 63rd & McArthur
• Walking to Rollingwood Elementary
• Being able to see the movie at Cinema 70 from our neighborhood
• My mom popping grocery bags full of popcorn and the whole family going to the movies at Cinema 70
• Swimming at Twilight Beach when I was very little
• Fourth of July block parties with homemade ice cream
• $1 would buy tons of candy and an Icee at 7/11
• We knew everyone on our block and most the people in our neighborhood
• I went 12 straight years of public school with a lot of the same kids
• The ice cream truck bringing push-ups (orange sherbet)
• Playing little league baseball at 50th west of Council (right by Ho-Ho's old house)
• Watching Foreman Scotty on TV (and going once to see it live)
• Channel 5 was located very nearby at 63rd & Portland
• Driving by the old Baptist Children's Home on 63rd (now Waterford) and think it was cool and scary at the same time
• Going to McDonald's -- maybe twice a year -- was a HUGE deal
• Throwing papers on my stingray bike -- both the Oklahoman and OKC Times (afternoon)
• James Bond movies and variious musicals at the Continental
• We had to be outside all the time in the summer; we were never allowed in and could only watch some TV at night
• I cut the grass for my neighbors when they were out of town or ill (the idea of my parents) and never expected to be paid
• Most of my parents' "couple friends" lived on our block
• Going to Putnam City football and basketball games, even when I was in elementary and junior high, as I had older siblings
• 89er games at All Sports Stadium
• Blazers hockey at the Fairgrounds Arena
• Meeting my grandmother at the Santa Fe Train Station; she visited from Milwaukee about once a year
• When the Cox Center first opened as the "Incomparable Myriad"
• Christopher's Restaurant near Will Rogers Park
• Molly Murphy's was an absolute sensation for several years
• Buying our Christmas tree at Coits and getting a root beer in a frosty mug

Oh my God, if you remember the old Baptist home, you are a true Oklahoman.

[biznesschic1959]

Great list. Surprised to not see OTASCO on there. Jiffy Pop

Otasco always had the smell of bicycle tires!

[biznesschic1959]

You are 5 yrs younger than me and I was on 61st st about 1 mile east of you between Tulsa and Vermont. Ours was a new neighborhood built between 1958 and 1960. It was settled by a lot of management people who transfered to OKC when the Western Electric plant opened in June 1960. Graduated PCHS in 73.

Mom worked at that plant on Council RD. Graduated Bishop McGuinness HS 1977.

[biznesschic1959]

Thanks guys. More memories:

Mom buying dinner at Kimberly's IGA in Sheppard Mall, after a hard day of "shopping".
Lunch at Shotgun Sams after groceries at Tinker Field commissary. Queen of hearts, your order is ready.
School trip to the Planetarium, when it was located at the fair grounds.
School trips to the OKC symphony.
Watching the movie Shaft at the Centre theater, and eating at Kips big boy afterwards.
Graduating from Bishop McGuinness, and painting over the bridge on Western, from John Marshall.
Watching Springlake park burn, for the third time that year.
McMahans Hamburgers and onion rings, on NW 36th street
Patience Latting, the awesome female mayor
Shoe shopping at John A brown, downtown.
Implosion of the Biltmore hotel
Birthday cakes from Browns bakery
Winning the lucky penny on Foreman Scotty
Dad negotiating a house full of furniture from Jude and Jody
The fried chicken and all the fixins from Sleepy Hollow restaurant.

[zookeeper]

Thanks guys. More memories:

Mom buying dinner at Kimberly's IGA in Sheppard Mall, after a hard day of "shopping".
Lunch at Shotgun Sams after groceries at Tinker Field commissary. Queen of hearts, your order is ready.
School trip to the Planetarium, when it was located at the fair grounds.
School trips to the OKC symphony.
Watching the movie Shaft at the Centre theater, and eating at Kips big boy afterwards.
Graduating from Bishop McGuinness, and painting over the bridge on Western, from John Marshall.
Watching Springlake park burn, for the third time that year.
McMahans Hamburgers and onion rings, on NW 36th street
Patience Latting, the awesome female mayor
Shoe shopping at John A brown, downtown.
Implosion of the Biltmore hotel
Birthday cakes from Browns bakery
Winning the lucky penny on Foreman Scotty
Dad negotiating a house full of furniture from Jude and Jody
The fried chicken and all the fixins from Sleepy Hollow restaurant.

Another great list. I bolded the implosion of the old Biltmore/Sheraton Hotel. That was a sad day. I met former Senator and Vice-President Hubert Humphrey when he was running for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972 (losing to McGovern) in the lobby of that hotel. The Democratic Party had their offices there for quite a few years too.

[OKCRT]

Thanks guys. More memories:

Mom buying dinner at Kimberly's IGA in Sheppard Mall, after a hard day of "shopping".
Lunch at Shotgun Sams after groceries at Tinker Field commissary. Queen of hearts, your order is ready.
School trip to the Planetarium, when it was located at the fair grounds.
School trips to the OKC symphony.
Watching the movie Shaft at the Centre theater, and eating at Kips big boy afterwards.
Graduating from Bishop McGuinness, and painting over the bridge on Western, from John Marshall.
Watching Springlake park burn, for the third time that year.
McMahans Hamburgers and onion rings, on NW 36th street
Patience Latting, the awesome female mayor
Shoe shopping at John A brown, downtown.
Implosion of the Biltmore hotel
Birthday cakes from Browns bakery
Winning the lucky penny on Foreman Scotty
Dad negotiating a house full of furniture from Jude and Jody
The fried chicken and all the fixins from Sleepy Hollow restaurant.

Did you know that there was a pool hall above Kips Big Boy downtown? I think I watched Shaft at the old Centre also.

[jdcf]

Watermelon stand on N May and 39th, east side of street
Drive up milk stand on N May and about 65th, west side of street
Downtown John A Brown and Rothschilds with elevator operators
Ate out a lot: Kips, Split T, Beef n Bun, Anna Maude, Sussy's, House of Chan on Western, Kaiser's ice cream parlor, lots of other cafeterias
Beautiful old YWCA bldg downtown
Former will rogers airport terminal, without concourses
Thanks all for great memories.