New Okc History Website!

[Doug Loudenback]

Steve Lackmeyer & Jack Money (authors of Okc 2nd Time Around) have started a project which has enormous potential to be a clearinghouse for Okc History ... while it's only just begun, I am really looking for it to become a "regular-must-go-there" for Okc history lovers ...


Link: Welcome to okchistory.com

[metro]

Looks like it has some potential. I hope he adds OKCTalk to his links page along with all the other districts in OKC besides Paseo.

[bombermwc]

I've got their book "2nd Time Around". It really is a nice collection of history. But it also makes the reader that much more angry at I.M. Pei and all the other idiots that tore down so much good stuff.

The Biltmore, the Courthouse, etc. Things that just make you cry.

[Steve]

Absolutely, Metro. We're just getting started with the site, so please, don't hesitate to share any ideas or criticisms.
Thanks - Steve

[Doug Loudenback]

I've got their book "2nd Time Around". It really is a nice collection of history. But it also makes the reader that much more angry at I.M. Pei and all the other idiots that tore down so much good stuff.

The Biltmore, the Courthouse, etc. Things that just make you cry.

Bomber, second guessing is easier than 1st guessing! WHO KNEW that ... Penn Square Bank would suddenly start a domino chain of events that spread through not only Okc ... resulting in the fall of even the mighty 1st NB in Okc!

Pei's plan (so Okc2ndTime says) actually intended that the Biltmore remain ... that wasn't his fault. My sense, reading all of it together is that (a) city leaders knew that something radical had to be done, (b) opted for this plan (as modified during the process), and the chips may all have come in but for PSB & the Oil Bust. Who can say. But, we did get some good stuff out of that period, despite, as you say, losing some jewels (e.g., the Baum Building). But, the old Courthouse was already gone before this period of Urban Renewal history, I think.

But, had this come to pass ...





... it would have been pretty damn cool, imo. Didn't happen. But, the city leaders did try hard, I think. And, they did have a pretty sparkling vision, even if (as I agree) the vision would have been tweaked better by keeping some historic jewels that unnecessarily and literally bit the dust.

But, Ron Norick is the guy who picked up the pieces and I think we all owe him a great, great, deal, as will future generations.

[flintysooner]

I clearly remember the new Holiday Inn downtown but I cannot remember the old courthouse.

[Doug Loudenback]

I clearly remember the new Holiday Inn downtown but I cannot remember the old courthouse.

The old "Holiday Inn" remains and lives on as the home of a "character/religious" group. The "old" Courthouse is long gone ... I'd have to look to see when it met its demise ... it was south and slightly west of the Montgomery Wards (now the Montgomery) building ...

[flintysooner]

I thought the downtown Holiday Inn (New back then!) was built on land formerly occupied by the old courthouse. I can't figure out why I don't remember the old courthouse when I so clearly recall the Holiday Inn going in there. But maybe I'm just wrong, too.

[jbrown84]

Ohh yuck. I'm really glad we aren't stuck with those slanted style buildings on the left. Is that supposed to be the Galleria site?

[Steve]

Yes.