O’Brien Building – Explore Claremore History

Claremore’s O’Brien-Bridwell Building – Winds of Change, Part 2

Click here to read, “Claremore’s O’Brien-Bridwell Building – Winds of Change, Part 1.”

“Third Street, looking West, Claremore, Okla.,” W. Will Rogers Boulevard at Cherokee Avenue. Left side: O’Brien-Bridwell-Ann’s Building, Theeson Bakery, Rexall Drugs, Campbell Building. Right side: Columbia-Hass’s Store Building, Gorey Building – Electric Theatre, Loomis Building, Burns Building, Chambers Building, Eaton Building-Wilson Hardware, Windsor Opera House – towered building.

Claremore’s O’Brien-Bridwell Building – Winds of Change, Part 2

Change was in the wind for the O’Brien building in the new decade of the “Roaring Twenties”. Purchased in 1912,[i] J.M. and Ida Bridwell actually owned the O’Brien building; the structure would, after 1921, be referred to as the Bridwell building in the local news.

John Blair’s popular photography studio, “The Studio That Makes Claremore Famous,”[ii] “leased the Bridwell building just east of the Haggard Bakery (formerly Theeson’s building), and moved to the new location in March 1921.[iii] Located on the “ground floor” with “no stairs to climb.” Blair’s was “prepared to make any kind of a portrait from postcards to oil paintings. They also (carried) a large assortment of moldings and (could give) framing orders prompt attention. Take them your Kodak work,” advertisements urged.[iv]

By 1925, the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps specified a “Garage, Capacity 15 Cars, Wood Floor, Lights: Electric, Heat: Stove” filled both of the first floor rooms of the Bridwell building. The map also portrays the extension-addition of a “Repair Shop” to the south. [v]

The Claremore Progress published, in August of 1923, “Announcing the Opening of the New Home of the Chevrolet. The firm of Parrott-Chevrolet Company recently purchased the franchise to sell the Chevrolet car from the Neal Motor Company, and have opened a sales and service department at the corner of Third and Cherokee streets, and will soon have a modern repair shop equipped with special machinery to service all models of the Chevrolet car.”[vi]

The Claremore Messenger further explained, “Extensive improvements and the enlargement of the Bridwell block on West Third street and occupied by the Parrott Chevrolet Co., has been announced to start promptly… The addition to the building will be in the form of a 30-foot extension to the alley, while a frontage will also be had on Cherokee street, which will provide a repair room and service station for the Parrott Chevrolet company. The original building will be used by the Parrott company for a display and parts room. The interior decorations will be elaborate making it a show room of the highest type. T.E. Parrott and B.E. Moody, comprising the Parrott Chevrolet company, just recently secured the franchise for the territory for the Chevrolet cars, and come to Claremore from Tulsa where they have lived for a number of years. Mr. Parrott is an automobile mechanic of considerable experience and will have charge of the repair department, while Mr. Moody will have charge of the sales department.”[vii] Nearly 100 years later, this extension is the portion of the Bridwell building that was recently blown apart by Claremore’s unforgettable wind storm of June 2023.

By mid-September 1923, the “work of enlarging the Bridwell building” was “under way, the brick work having been started Thursday. Improvements will consist of the extension of the present building to the alley, with an ‘L’ addition extending to Cherokee avenue, thereby providing an opening on both Third and Cherokee. The building is occupied by the Parrott Chevrolet company, and when completed will furnish a show room, parts and accessory room and a repair department.”[viii]

To add character to their business, a huge electric advertising sign was also installed. “The Parrott Chevrolet company is installing an electric sign on the front of their show room measuring three by seven and one-half feet. 18 – 50 watt bulbs will be required to properly illuminate the huge sign when once installed. The sign is said to be one of the largest in Claremore, and denotes the progressiveness of the Parrott company.”[ix] With the need for additional space, Parrott Chevrolet eventually moved out of the Bridwell building, but the building did not remain empty.

“The Talley Hardware, E.L. Talley and son, proprietors,” was “located on the corner of Third and Cherokee,” on October 22, 1923, celebrating its first anniversary there in 1924.[x] This long-time Claremore business remained in the Bridwell building until it moved to its new location in April 1926.[xi]

Then, The Oaks Café, formerly located at the rear of the Sequoyah hotel (southwest corner of W. Will Rogers Boulevard and S. Missouri), moved to the room at the corner of Third and Cherokee, vacated by E.L. Talley and son. “The café… will be open night and day, and will serve regular meals and short orders.”[xii]

Will Rogers Boulevard looking west at Cherokee Avenue. Postcard: message on the back, “The Piggly Wiggly store in the picture is where we got our groceries tonight… Ken.” Postmarked Feb. 1941. O’Brien-Bridwell Building, first building on the left. “Rexall Drugs, Piggy Wiggly, Bakery, Hospital.”

December 1926, the happy news was broadcast that a new Piggly Wiggly grocery would move into “the building formerly occupied by the Parrott Chevrolet Co.”[xiii]

The Piggly Wiggly opened with the advertisement, “Claremore’s newest grocery store, The Piggly Wiggly, will open for business Saturday, January 15 (1927), according to F.D. Wilson, manager of the local store. The store will be located in the building formerly occupied by the Parrott Chevrolet Motor Company. The room has been thoroughly renovated and remodeled, and will make a handsome home of the Piggly Wiggly Company. This is the 2,254^th store of the Piggly Wiggly chain, which reaches all over the United States, in over six hundred towns and cities. The company opened 750 new stores in 30 months, averaging 25 stores a month, or one for each business day during the time named. F.D. Wilson is manager of the local store and J.D. Phillips is stock keeper. Both are pleasant men to meet and are welcomed into the city.”[xiv]

That September, the Piggly Wiggly grocery found a new owner as it notified the public. “The Claremore Piggly Wiggly store, which has been operated by F.D. Wilson since the first of the year, has changed hands. The store has been bought by (H.M. Griner, Mgr.), of Nowata, who will take charge September 5^th… The business is housed in comfortable quarters, first door east of Fulghum’s Bakers”[xv] (formerly Theeson’s building).

Meanwhile, a widespread dramatic change was about to occur across the United States. By 1929, The Great Depression in the US had set in and people were on the move from state to state trying to find employment to rebuild their lives after the Stock Market crashed, and as one bank after another failed.

Which way was the wind blowing on the second floor of the Bridwell building in the ‘30s? For the next five years, a succession of quick remodels by new and transient business owners blew across the second floor of the Bridwell building’s hotel space. In September 1930, the Lahoma Hotel advertised, “furnished and unfurnished housekeeping apartments, also sleeping rooms,” for rent on the floors above the Piggly Wiggly.[xvi]

By November, the name of the hotel had changed. “Modern Rooms. Clean and Quite. Good Meals and Short Orders. Special Rates By Week. 401 or 401 ½ West Third St. Oaks Café – Hotel Marvin.”[xvii]

“The Hotel Marvin” with Mr. and Mrs. James W. Marvin of Tulsa in charge, was “completely refitted and will be properly conducted. They have clean and quiet rooms either with or without meals and will make an attractive rate to regular customers. Located at 401 1-2 West Third street.”[xviii] Advertisements promised the hotel would be “one of the most quiet, respectable lodging houses in the city. No musical instruments, boisterous noise or improper conduct will be permitted. Those seeking a quiet place to stay are cordially invited.”[xix]

But by January 1931, the Marvin Hotel was, again, “For Sale – 22 room rooming house all furnished, reason for selling, ill health.”[xx] Of course, it was not the building itself that was sold, just the lease of the space and the hotel furnishings.

Next, Mr. and Mrs. J.N. Steele, of Boynton, Okla… purchased the Marvin Hotel, at Third and Cherokee. “They have thoroughly renovated and redecorated the rooms and are now prepared to care for all who desire rooms by the day, week or month. They also have some nicely furnished rooms for light housekeeping at reasonable rates. They are very pleasant people and are welcome to Claremore.”[xxi]

The interior of the hotel was not all that was changed by J.N. Steele. He renamed “his place of business at 401 1-2 West Third street the Hotel Frisco. Mr. Steele worked on the Frisco railroad for more than 40 years,” informed the Claremore Progress, “and feels that he is yet a part of that great big Frisco family. He was retired by the Frisco January 31, last, having reached the age limit and is now a citizen of Claremore. He purchased the Marvin Rooms and has redecorated same and is now ready to serve the public.”[xxii]

The Steeles did not stay long. They left Claremore after disposing of “the Hotel Frisco to Mrs. Clara Keyes” in July.[xxiii] During Mrs. Keyes’ tenure, the hotel’s name was changed to Hotel 66. [xxiv]

Tom Carroll became proprietor of Hotel 66 that September but sold out in February 1932.[xxv] “For Sale or Trade – All furniture in Hotel 66 for good as new Ford or Chevrolet auto. Quick, got job in Ohio. Phone 754, Hotel 66.”[xxvi] Carroll also impatiently advertised, “Everything in Hotel 66, $300.00. Cash. Quick.”[xxvii] This was when Mrs. Cannon and son Paul moved in to operate Hotel 66 by July 1932.[xxviii] Those keeping score will notice that there were at least eight different proprietors spanning these three years.

Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Murray “rented Hotel 66, over the Boyd & Stanfill Grocery,” in July 1936. They would name their business Elmo’s Hotel & Apartments, conducting the establishment “in a clean, orderly manner. Mrs. Murray is a painstaking housekeeper and intends to keep her place of business the same as she would her home. An invitation is extended the public to pay the place a visit. Reasonable rates will prevail.”[xxix]

Below stairs, when the ground floor store room of the Bridwell building became available in March 1932, Sam H. Bayouth, of Collinsville “rented the vacant store and opened “a retail establishment handling a complete line of ladies ready to wear clothing and men’s furnishings.”[xxx] Three months later, the Claremore Mercantile Company, Bayouth’s store, moved “from the Bridwell building… to the Hill building near the Frisco depot.” The Bridwell building did not remain vacant for long. Next, Boyd & Stanfill, of Nowata, moved their grocery store, “said to be one of the best concerns of its kind in Nowata,” to Claremore.[xxxi]

Two months later, Boyd & Stanfill were victims of a “Flood in Dry Weather,” as the Progress shared, “Broken Pipe Fills Store With Several Inches of Water; Damage More Than $50.00. The Boyd & Stanfill Grocery and Market was a victim of rather a strange accident Sunday night – a flood in dry weather. And as floods usually do, damage was caused, the extent being around $50 cash, with no insurance to cover the loss. Here’s how it was. A water pipe in the back of the store leading to the lavatory broke some time Sunday afternoon at a time when no one was in the store. A large stream of water continued to pour out onto the concrete floor until J.A. Boyd, proprietor, came down to work Monday morning. He was greeted by the flood when he opened the door. The water was several inches deep on the floor and had damaged flour, sugar, and other perishables. ‘The first thing I noticed,’ said Mr. Boyd, ‘was water coming from beneath the front door as I came to open the store. I looked in and at first could not imagine what was the matter. A sheet of water some five inches deep covered the floor all over. It was also running from beneath the front door and was trickling on down the sidewalk for at least a block to the west. I waded in and investigated, soon locating the broken pipe in the lavatory. Then the fun started. Everything had to be cleaned after the leak had stopped. We were the busiest we have been in weeks and not waiting on customers either. It would have taken hip boots to safely shop with us while the flood was on.’ Mrs. Boyd told a Progress reporter that she and her husband usually visited the store on Sunday afternoons but as luck would have it this time they did not. That gave the flood a good start. People further west on Third street, in the flood district, are used to this sort of an experience. But it is something new to Mr. Boyd, who came to Claremore some time ago from Nowata, and has never experienced any such thing before. His store here is located at the corner of Third and Cherokee, in the Bridwell building.”[xxxii]

Trouble continued to foment for Boyd & Stanfill in the summer heat of July 1934. “Four Participate In Street Battle, Personal Melee Finally Involves Four; Must Appear In Municipal Court Monday A.M. – W.A. Boyd, and son, of Boyd & Stanfill Grocery and Market, and Vic W. Saunders, post commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Sam Ryan were arrested Saturday morning after a fight which began in Boyd & Stanfill store and ended on the street outside. Boyd and Saunders were the first principals, starting the battle over a personal matter. When Boyd was apparently getting the best of it, Ryan took a hand, and Boyd’s son then entered the battle to even matters up. All made bond and were ordered to appear in municipal court Monday morning.”[xxxiii]

By February 1935, Chalk’s Market, located in Stanfill’s Grocery, had “taken over the Market formerly owned by Boyd & Stanfill,” soliciting “the patronage of the many friends… made while working for Boyd & Stanfill.”[xxxiv] In 1936, Richard Le Gate, of Bristow, “purchased the meat market in Stanfill’s grocery from J. Chalk, and assumed management… He is a graduate of OMA (Oklahoma Military Academy, Claremore) and will be remembered by many Claremore friends who wish him well in his new enterprise.”[xxxv]

The second floor of the Bridwell structure changed markedly, in July 1935, when a new hospital was located in Claremore with the announcement, “Dr. R.C. Meloy Will Open Modern Institution Downtown About July 15 – Claremore is soon to have a new hospital. Dr. R.C. Meloy has leased the second floor rooms in the Bridwell building, corner Third and Cherokee, and plans to open a modern, sanitary, ten-bed institution about July 15^th. In an interview with a Progress reporter Tuesday afternoon, the veteran Claremore physician and surgeon made public his plans, which represent a considerable investment. The twenty-two rooms over the Stanfill and Piggly Wiggly groceries, are now being redecorated and prepared for occupancy. Old paint and paper is being scraped off before a new coat is applied and when completed, they will be absolutely sanitary in every respect. A large, modern surgery will be installed in the northeast corner of the building, which is well lighted with large, double windows on the north and one on the south. It will be equipped with the latest type tables and instruments, sterilizers and other necessities. Modern x-ray, dressing, and sterilizing rooms will also be located on the west side of the building. Two rooms for patients in the front of the building will separate the surgery from Dr. R.C. Meloy’s suite of offices, five rooms which will be operated separate and apart from the hospital. Private rooms and wards will be located on the east side of the building, with a modern and complete diet kitchen in the rear. Equipment for the new hospital has been ordered and should arrive the latter part of this week. It will be installed as quickly as rooms are completely renovated. The new hospital will be for general practice and all competent and qualified physicians and surgeons will be invited to make use of it. Dr. Meloy has practiced in Claremore for the past thirteen years. Previous to that time, he was located at Foyil. For the past few years he has been on the staff at the U.S. Indian hospital, west of this city, where he has done considerable surgeries.”[xxxvi]

By June 1937, another ground floor store remodeling effort of the building was underway. “The store room occupied by the Hawks Ice Cream company, in the Bridwell building, has been closed for re-modeling and repairs this week. A new concrete floor will be installed and other improvements made. Two crews are working day and night in order to complete the job in time for the opening of the place to the public Saturday. The extensive repairs and remodeling work is being done by Mrs. Ida Bridwell, who owns the building.”[xxxvii] Alvin Sellers was brought into the business, in 1938, to “assumed management of the Hawks Ice Cream Parlor… following the resignation of Bain Snelson.”[xxxviii]

The Black & White Store also moved into 401 W. 3^rd Street in 1937, carrying “a full line of feeds,” advertising, “See our prices before buying.”[xxxix]

The next big transition for the first floor of the Bridwell building occurred in August 1939 when the Claremore Progress announced, “Bridwell Building Being Redecorated – Workmen are busy at the present redecorating the corner room of the Bridwell building… The inside walls and ceiling have been painted. The front of the building is now receiving a coat of cream paint. The Western Auto Supply company will occupy the room and will open September 1^st.”[xl]

The Progress explained further, “New Store Will Open This Week – Western Auto Associate Store To Occupy Quarters In Bridwell Building. One of the outstanding events in Claremore business circles this week will be the opening of the new Western Auto Association Store, owned and operated by Albert L. Cloniger, 401 West Third street, first door east of the Piggly Wiggly store. Most car owners in this vicinity are familiar with the Western Auto Supply Co., of Kansas City, Mo. This is the firm that used to send out so many of the little catalogues known as the ‘Auto Owners’ Supply Book,’ offering attractive prices on practically everything needed for an automobile. It is the oldest and largest organization of its kind in the world. Founded in 1909, it is operating more than 200 stores all over the United States, which were formerly the exclusive outlets for many of its well-known brands of merchandise.”[xli]

The Western Auto Associate Store was “Home Owned. Home Operated by Albert L. Cloninger.”[xlii]

In the summer of 1940, workmen were “busy re-modeling the front of the Bridwell building, which house(d) the Hawk’s Ice Cream parlor. The entrance to the rooms above (were) also being remodeled. This will greatly improve the appearance of this block on Main street.”[xliii] “Hawk’s Ice Cream will have the most attractive front on Main street when completed. It is being done in light colored plate glass. In fact many store fronts on ‘the main drag’ have been greatly improved in recent months.”[xliv] Hawks Ice Cream Co. was known to “serve big thick malted milks for 12 cents, the best coffee in town, also chili, sandwiches, ice cream, candy, and magazines.” “Try our big ice cream cone,” advertisements read. “Come in. We want to meet you. Claremore, Oklahoma.”[xlv]

In June 1946 ”The building occupied by the Talley Hardware and Hawk’s Ice Cream Parlor” was sold.[xlvi]

Laura Hawks ran the Claremore Hotel over the Western Auto Store in 1955,[xlvii] surviving at this location until at least 1973. The Western Auto Associates lasted at its 401 W. Will Rogers Boulevard store till at least 1964.[xlviii]

But times were changing. Ann’s Cleaners and Laundry leased the east side, ground floor room of the Bridwell building in the late 1978. Soon, the cleaning business grew so large more space was needed. Eventually, Ann purchased the entire building. Ann’s son, Tim Pate shared, the west side store space had been a gym filled with exercise equipment that had to be removed and roomers living upstairs needed to vacate their apartments. When Tim’s mother was ready to sell, Tim bought Ann’s cleaning business that eventually filled the entire first floor while the second floor space was left vacant.

Change appears to be the only constant moving Claremore’s iconic O’Brien-Bridwell building into its future. Long-time Claremore residents who have lived in Claremore since the 1950s still remember Dr. Meloy’s Claremore General Hospital (1935 to circa 1954); [xlix] Western Auto Association (1939 to circa 1964); [l] [li] the Claremore Hotel (1955 till at least 1973), [lii] and Ann’s Cleaners & Laundry (circa 1978 – 2023).[liii]

Now, a new wave of renovation has begun on the O’Brien-Bridwell building as Vines Properties, Inc. and Piotter Construction pick up the pieces of the building that the stout winds and ravages of time have left behind. Winds of change blow through the expansive corridors of the building once again, promising change… for the better.

By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

Sources:

[i] Claremore Messenger (Claremore, Oklahoma). Friday, March 8, 1912. P. 8. Newspapers.com

[ii] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, December 19, 1918. P. 12. Newspapers.com

[iii] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, February 3, 1921. P. 8. Newspapers.com.

[iv] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, April 21, 1921. P. 6. Newspapers.com

[v] Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, Claremore, Oklahoma, December 1925, Sheet 3.

[vi] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, August 9, 1923. P. 3. Newspapers.com.

[vii] The Claremore Messenger (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, August 23, 1923. P. 3. Newspapers.com.

[viii] The Claremore Messenger (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, September 13, 1923. P. 2. Newspapers.com.

[ix] The Claremore Messenger (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, September 20, 1923. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

[x] The Claremore Messenger (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, October 23, 1924. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

[xi] The Claremore Messenger (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday,April 29, 1926. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

[xii] The Claremore Messenger (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, May 13, 1926. P. 3. Newspapers.com.

[xiii] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, December 9, 1926. P. 6. Newspapers.com.

[xiv] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, January 13, 1927. P. 5. Newspapers.com.

[xv] he Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, September 1, 1927. P. 6. Newspapers.com.

[xvi] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Saturday, September 13, 1930. P. 4. Newspapers.com.

[xvii] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Saturday, November 1, 1930. P. 4. Newspapers.com.

[xviii] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Saturday, November 1, 1930. P. 3. Newspapers.com.

[xix] The Claremore Messenger (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday November 27, 1930. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

[xx] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Saturday, January 24, 1931. P. 4. Newspapers.com.

[xxi] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Wednesday, March 25, 1931. P. 2. Newspapers.com.

[xxii] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Friday April 24, 1931. P. 2. Newspapers.com.

[xxiii] The Claremore Messenger (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, July 23, 1931. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

[xxiv] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Friday, September 4, 1931. P. 2. Newspapers.com.

[xxv] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Wednesday, September 16. P. 4. Newspapers.com.

[xxvi] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Friday, February 12, 1932. P. 4. Newspapers.com.

[xxvii] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Friday, February 19, P. 3. Newspapers.com.

[xxviii] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday, July 12, 1932. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

[xxix] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday, July 2, 1935. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

[xxx] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Saturday, March 12, 1932. P. 4. Newspapers.com.

[xxxi] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, June 23, 1932. P. 4. Newspapers.com.

[xxxii] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma).Monday August 22, 1932. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

[xxxiii] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Saturday, July 14, 1934. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

[xxxiv] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma).Thursday, February 14, 1935. P. 5. Newspapers.com.

[xxxv] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). SMonday, June 8, 1936. P. 4. Newspapers.com.

[xxxvi] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday, July 2, 1935. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

[xxxvii] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday June 15, 1937. P. 3. Newspapers.com.

[xxxviii] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Saturday, April 2, 1938. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

[xxxix] The Rogers County News (Claremore, Oklahoma).Saturday, February 20, 1937. P. 4. Newspapers.com.

[xl] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday, August 15, 1939. P. 4. Newspapers.com.

[xli] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday September 14, 1939. P. 4. Newspapers.com.

[xlii] The Rogers County News (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, October 19, 1939. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

[xliii] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday, July 2, 1940. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

[xliv] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Monday, August 5, 1940. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

[xlv] Rogers county News (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, November 5, 1942. P. 10. Newspapers.com.

[xlvi]The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, June 6, 1946. P. 2. Newspapers.com.

[xlvii] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Friday, April 15, 1955. P. 3. Newspapers.com.

[xlviii] The Rogers County News (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday, February 25, 1964. P. 5. Newspapers.com.

[xlix] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Monday, September 11, 1933. P. 2. Newspapers.com.

[l] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday, August 15, 1939. P. 4. Newspapers.com.

[li] The Rogers County News (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday, February 25, 1964. P. 5. Newspapers.com.

[lii] The Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Friday, April 15, 1955. P. 3. Newspapers.com.

[liii] Western Auto Association (at least 1942 – 1963);

Dr. Meloy’s Claremore General Hospital [at least 1942 (C. Adair, Supt.) to 1954];

The Claremore Hotel [at least 1955, 1958 (Laura Hawks – owner), till at least 1973].

Sources:

1949 photos, Blair Photo Collection, Rogers County Historical Society Archives;

“Claremore – Historic Sites Survey – Indian Nations Council of Governments for the Oklahoma Historic Society.” 1985;

Claremore Oklahoma, City Directory, Johnson Publishing Co. 1963.

Telephone Directory, Claremore, Oklahoma. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, May 1942, May 1951, May 1954, May 1955, June 1958, February 1960, May 1970, May 1971, May 1972, May 1973.

“Final Survey Report Architectural/Historic Intensive Level Survey of the Claremore Downtown Historic District, Claremore, Oklahoma.” Prepared by Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office, Susan Allen, Architectural Historian, Cynthia Smelker, Preservation Research Assistant, February 1996.

“Ann’s Cleaners Celebrates 40 years in Claremore,” Kristy Sturgill, Claremore Daily Progress. September 28, 2016.

Claremore’s O’Brien-Bridwell Building – Winds of Change, Part 1

*W. Will Rogers Boulevard looking west at Cherokee Avenue before the O’Brien Building, before 1910.*
*Source: Postcard Postmarked January 1911. C. Rice Collection.*

A tempest heightened by a strong gust of wind and a tumbled-down brick wall on Father’s Day, June 2023, has radically changed the future of the O’Brien-Bridwell building, located on the southwest corner of Cherokee Avenue and W. Will Rogers Boulevard in Claremore, Oklahoma’s historic downtown business district. The result of this calamity was an unforeseen sale of the building and its current restoration by Vines Properties Inc. and Piotter Construction. In its 11-decades-old existence, if these walls could talk, this business structure would have countless colorful stories to tell.

As early as 1896, a large one-story framed building stood at the southwest corner of 3^rd Street (aka Will Rogers Boulevard) and Cherokee Avenue, (Block 113, Lot 9 & 10). Visible in the iconic 1906 F.L. Stone panoramic photograph of downtown Claremore, this clapboard building according to Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of Claremore, Indian Territory, housed a Grocery (1898), Sample Room (1901), Furniture and Second-hand store (1903), and a Restaurant and Meat store (1907).[i] But soon after Oklahoma statehood a permanent brick building, the one that still stands today at 401 West Will Rogers Boulevard, was built.

In August 1910, the Claremore Messenger announced, E.W. O’Brien, of Oklahoma City, “purchased the fifty-foot lot of C.A. Warner, located on the corner of Third and Cherokee. He will move the frame buildings off and erect a nice modern two-story business block. The deal was negotiated through James Scott.”[ii]

“C.A. and Hattie M. Warner to E.W. O’Brien, lot 10 and 23 feet lot 9 blk. 113, Claremore, $7,250.”[iii]

That September, Mr. O’Brien, made “arrangements for the moving of the old buildings off the lot preparatory to building a brick business house.”[iv]

The O’Brien Building stood squarely on its corner lot. Divided by a decoratively designed arched brick street side stairway entrance that led to the second floor; this building contained two expansive, narrow business rooms on the ground floor. Customers entered the stores through front entrances facing Third Street. The building had copper pipes and artistically designed ceilings made of pressed tin tiles. The detailed brick edifice boasted a fancy parapet across the roofline with large glass storefront windows on both first and second levels in front and along the Cherokee Avenue side. In an era when the use of electric lights was in its infancy, the natural light of the large windows was an asset to business owners.

It was not till January 1911, that R.S. Saunders was able to move his store into “the corner room of the new O’Brien building.”[vi] That month, Judge Archibald Bonds and J.I. Howard moved their new law partnership into a “handsome suite of rooms in the O’Brien building.”[vii]

The Rogers County News enthused, “Large O’Brien Block Fast Nearing Completion – At the corner of Third Street and Cherokee Avenue stands one of the most imposing and substantially built brick blocks in Claremore. It is the new O’Brien block, which occupies ground space of 50×100 feet, and stands two stories high. This pretty business block, when entirely completed, will cost the owner, E.W. O’Brien, very near $20,000. The plans were drawn so as to make this one of the best lighted business blocks in the city. The two lower apartments are very spacious and stylishly finished. R.S. Saunders’ store already occupies the east corner and the west corner will soon be ready to receive the goods of E.E. North’s New York Store. Mr. North is having some expensive furniture installed, preparing to make his new store one of the best of its class in Oklahoma.”[viii]

Later that month, E.E. North announced, “We Move Feby. 1 – Having contracted for the center store room in the O’Brien Block we will on Tuesday Jany 31^st, close our present store to allow us time to move and get comfortably settled into our new home. This will probably require ten days. You can help us move by taking advantage of the following bargains: 30 per ct. off on Wall Paper, 1/3 off on English China. Reduction on fish and globes. We have a big stock of Valentines which we desire to dispose of before we move. N.Y. 5 and 10c Store.[ix]

*“In Front of the Five and Ten Cent Store, Claremore, Okla.” Source: Postcard. C. Rice Collection.*

E.E. North was elated with his store’s opening in its new location in the O’Brien block that February. “At the opening of the New York 5 and 10c store in the new O’Brien block… proprietor, E.E. North, looked more happy and pleased than even a boy with his first pair of suspenders or pair of long pants. Well so he may! For ten days, Mr. North and Miss North his able assistant, with a corps of lady clerks, have been busy as bees planning a big stock of pretty novelties and staple goods upon the… shelves and in the several handsome display cases. When the hundreds of visitors on Friday responded to the invitations to the opening they found… a world of pretty articles to look upon. Each visitor was presented a souvenir.”[x]

The Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Claremore, Oklahoma, June 1911, Sheet 4, verifies a “5 & 10c” store in the west half and a “Ladies Furnishings” store in the east store space of the O’Brien building. A small iron clad, detached “Cobbler” building was located in the backyard.

The county court had previously been held in the second floor of the G.W. Eaton Building (now Sailor Antiques on the northeast corner of W. Will Rogers Boulevard and Missouri Avenue) since the building’s creation for Wilson’s Hardware store in 1902. When judges T.L. Brown and H. Tom Kight announced they would designate the “O’Brien Building as the place in which they would hold the courts of the county, this brought out quite an argument in which G.W. Eaton and others seemed to be somewhat interested, and after much debate upon the matter Judge Kight agreed to hold court in the Eaton building for six days; that being the time limit of the old contract in which Mr. Eaton was to be notified in case the commissioners should see fit to terminate their contract with him.”[xi]

In February many county officers moved to “Transact Business in the New O’Brien Block.” The Rogers County News reported, “Last Saturday was moving day for many of the county officers having offices in the Eaton block, part of which has been used as a court house since 1902. The officers to take up new quarters were Sheriff Sanders and Judge Kight; they now are settled in pleasant rooms in the new O’Brien block. County Attorney Elliott had contracted for office rooms in the new block almost before its completion. One story is sent out for the reason of this move at this time as follows. The county’s lease of the second story of the Eaton block expired about the tenth of March this year, and to get possession of his building at that time, G.W. Eaton served the usual thirty-day notice to vacate. Mr. Eaton would, after that date, look to the officers individually for his rent money. The county judge and the sheriff thought it best to move into the O’Brien block while a few rooms were vacant. One of the heavy safes was also moved up into the new block.”[xii]

Conveniently, a number of attorneys moved their law offices into the O’Brien building. When attorneys Ezzard and Holtzendorff moved into their new offices in the O’Brien Building it was said they had “one of the best equipped law offices in this part of the state.”[xiii]

Later that year, Blackford & Braden set up offices in the O’Brien Building as did Edgar Anderson Attorney at Law.[xiv]

But change was in the winter air that cold, crisp February of 1912 when the announcement was made, “O’Brien Building Sold. W.L. Swager Tuesday sold the O’Brien building corner of Third and Cherokee to J.M. Bidwell, of Wagoner, the consideration being $18,000 cash. Mr. Bridwell is one of the wealthy men of Wagoner county and may decide to locate in Claremore permanently. He will be back in the city next week and may purchase a home at that time. We understand Mr. O’Brien will go to Mexico to make his future home.”[xv] But Bridwell did not move his family to Claremore just yet.

“E.W. O’Brien to Ida K. Bridwell, lot 10 and part lot 9 block 113 $18,000.”[xvi]

That year, John Quincy Adams “moved his law office from the Eaton building into the O’Brian building at the corner of Third and Cherokee. This is probably the best location for a law office in the city.”[xvii]

Tragically, a fire caught hold of the O’Brien building in October 1912. The Claremore Progress reported, “Fire broke out in the second story of the O’Brien building on Main street about 7:45 Wednesday evening. The fire department responded promptly and what would have proven a disastrous fire, but for prompt work, was prevented. The fire originated in the room occupied as an office by E.C. Alberty. All the furniture in the room destroyed, a hole burned in the ceiling overhead and in the floor of the second story. Mr. Alberty’s loss is probably $50.00 and repairs to the building will probably cost as much. R.S. Saunders probably was the heaviest sufferer; his loss resulting from water which was used in getting the flames under control.”[xviii] This was the second fire R.S. Saunders had suffered while in business in Claremore.

The April 29, 1907, downtown fire destroyed two buildings on the southwest end of Claremore. Saunders’ stock of merchandise was much “destroyed by getting crumpled up and dirty, etc. not necessarily injuring the goods in any way, but greatly reducing their selling value.”[xix]

After the fire, Mrs. N. Skinner opened her new studio and exchange “in rooms 10, 11 and 12 in the O’Brien building over the New York Store, (and) prepared to do all kinds of china painting,” advertising, “Your liberal patronage of this china class is solicited. Opening all day Friday and Saturday.”[xx]

When Judge Tom Kight and Richard H. Wills formed a law partnership in 1913, the new firm opened offices in the O’Brien building[xxi] as did loan officer “Lee Settle, Room 2, O’Brien Bldg.”[xxii]

J.G. Waldrop, Physician and Surgeon opened his practice in the “O’Brien Building, Rooms 12 – 16” in 1915. [xxiii]

January 1917, E.H. Sanders filed an application requesting a license to open a billiard and pool establishment known as the Liberty Billiard and Pool Hall in the O’Brien building. J.A. Bell filed for a license to operate a billiard parlor known as the Mission Billiard hall in the same.[xxiv]

The Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Claremore, Oklahoma, June 1916, Sheet 3, documents a “Billiards” hall in the west side and a “Gro(cery)” store in the east space of the O’Brien building.

As an act of patriotic duty during the first World War, 1918, “The Home Service Section of the Rogers County chapter of the Red Cross… opened headquarters in W.H. Bassman’s office in the O’Brien building.”[xxv] It was here that the Red Cross helped enlisted men understand their commitment and aided them on their way.

In January 1919, The Claremore Progress announced, “J.M. Bridwell, who has considerable property in Claremore, sold his farm in Wagoner county last Monday and we trust Mr. Bridwell will move to Claremore. The sale was made thru the Long Land Co. of this city.”[xxvi] By 1921, the O’Brien building would thereafter be referred to as the Bridwell building in the news.

When George H. Shafer purchased the American Café of S.P. Blakley located in the O’Brien building in 1920, he remodeled the space and changed the café’s name to The Sanitary Waffle House.[xxvii] The Claremore Progress declared, G.H. Shafer “has one of the nicest eating houses in the city and is a town booster. He is heartily in favor of anything that will make the burg grow.”[xxviii]

Then, Gust Leekos “purchased the Sanitary Waffle House from George Shafer and took charge.”[xxix] A newspaper advertisement stated, “Sanitary Waffle House Everything Good to Eat.”[xxx]

Shockingly, “The high wind and accompanying rain,” of July 1920, “blew two window lights out of the E.E. North sample room next door to the Sanitary Waffle House and also blew the top off of an automobile.”[xxxi] Luckily, this time, window lights were all that were blown about by a Claremore windstorm. Has history repeated itself? The fate of the O’Brien-Bridwell building was about to change.

By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

Click here to read the all new, “Claremore’s O’Brien-Bridwell Building – Winds of Change, Part 2.”

(The preceding story is an updated version of “Claremore’s O’Brien Building – A Squeaky Clean History,” posted in November 2022.)

Sources: Unless otherwise noted, newspapers are sourced through The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[i] Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, Jan 1894. Sheet 2. 1-story framed “S. Not Finished.”

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, June 1896. Sheet 2. 1-story framed “Vac. S.” with front porch.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, Nov 1898. Sheet 2. 1-story framed “Gro.” with front porch.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, April 1901. Sheet 2. 1-story framed “Sample Rm.” with front porch.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, Sep 1903. Sheet 3. 1-story framed “Furne & 2d Hand S.” with front porch

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, July 1907. Sheet 4. 1-story framed “Rest. Meat (IR. CL).” With no front porch.

Sanborn Insurance Map Claremore, Oklahoma, June 1916. Sheet 3. 2-story, brick, iron clad 2^nd west wall with breezeway. Central front stairway. Water, Billiards west. Gro. To the east. Auto & Vac iron cl. Additions to the rear. Bakery to the west.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, OK, Dec 1925 Sheet 3. 2-story brick “Garage, Capacity 15 Cars, Wood Floor. Lights: Electric. Heat: Stove. (west).” S (east). Rear Repair Shop (rear).

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, Oklahoma, January 1933. Sheet 3. 2-story brick “Store. Rooming 2^nd”.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, Oklahoma, January 1933. Sheet 3. 2-story brick “Store. Rooming 2^nd”. Porch in front of 403, to the east side of 401.

[ii] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 48, Ed. 1 Friday, August 19, 1910.

[iii] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 49, Ed. 1 Friday, August 26, 1910.

Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 29, Ed. 1 Friday, August 26, 1910.

[iv]Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 30, Ed. 1 Friday, September 2, 1910.

[v] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 36, Ed. 1 Friday, October 21, 1910.

[vi] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 7, Ed. 1 Friday, January 6, 1911.

[vii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 49, Ed. 1 Friday, January 6, 191.

[viii] Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 1, No. 45, Ed. 1 Wednesday, January 12, 1910.

[ix] Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 47, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 26, 1911.

[x] Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 50, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 16, 1911.

[xi] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 7, Ed. 1 Friday, January 13, 1911.

[xii] Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 52, Ed. 2 Thursday, February 2, 1911.

[xiii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 1, Ed. 1 Friday, February 3, 1911.

[xiv] Harper, William R. Rogers County Leader. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 1, No. 83, Ed. 1 Friday, October 6, 1911.

[xv] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 3, Ed. 1 Friday, February 16, 1912.

[xvi] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 17, No. 14, Ed. 1 Friday, March 8, 1912.

[xvii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 6, Ed. 1 Friday, March 8, 1912.

[xviii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 39, Ed. 1 Friday, October 25, 1912.

[xix] Smith, Clark. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 19, Ed. 1 Friday, May 3, 1907.

[xx] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 46, Ed. 1 Friday, December 13, 1912.

[xxi] Ross, Ayres K. Rogers County Leader. And Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 4, No. 45, Ed. 1 Friday, January 10, 1913.

[xxii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 5, Ed. 1 Friday, February 28, 1913.

[xxiii] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 23, No. 1, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 11, 1915.

[xxiv] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 24, No. 52, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 25, 1917.

[xxv] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 19, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 30, 1918.

[xxvi] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 27, No. 1, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 23, 1919.

[xxvii] Claremore Messenger (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 41, Ed. 1 Friday, March 12, 1920.

[xxviii] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 28, No. 20, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 15, 1920.

[xxix] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 41, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 16, 1920.

[xxx] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 30, No. 44, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 21, 1922.

[xxxi] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 33, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 22, 1920.

CLAREMORE PROGRESS: Claremore’s O’Brien-Bridwell Building – Winds of Change

Claremore’s O’Brien-Bridwell Building – Winds of Change

W. Will Rogers Blvd. looking west at Cherokee Avenue. At left: O’Brien-Bridwell Building (1911), Theeson Bakery Building (1906), Gibbs’ Frame Building, Campbell Building (1911). Right side: Columbia Building Haas’ Store (1911), Gorey Building (1909) Johnson / Gorey Building (1909), Loomis Building (1906), Burns Building (1906), Bayless-Chambers Building (1905/6); GW Eaton Building, Wilson’s Hardware (1902), Windsor Opera House (1902). Source:
*Postcard: Christa Rice Collection.*

A tempest intensified by a strong gust of wind and a falling brick wall on Father’s Day 2023, radically changed the course of the O’Brien-Bridwell building, located in Claremore, Oklahoma’s downtown historic district. The result was an unforeseen sale of the building and a restoration project instigated by Vines Properties, Inc. with Piotter Construction.

Aug. 19, 1910, the Claremore Messenger announced, E.W. O’Brien, “purchased the fifty-foot lot of C.A. Warner, located on the corner of Third (aka Will Rogers Blvd.) and Cherokee. He will move the frame buildings off and erect a nice modern two-story business block.” Construction began that October.

When completed, O’Brien’s building contained two expansive ground floor business rooms divided by an arched brick street-side stairway leading to the second floor. The building, with artistically designed interior pressed tin ceilings, boasted large glass storefront windows with more windows lining the first and second stories in front and along Cherokee Ave. In an era when electric lighting was in its infancy, the natural light of large windows was an asset to business owners.

The Rogers County News, Jan. 12, 1910, called the O’Brien “one of the most imposing and substantially built brick blocks in Claremore” when R.S. Saunders’ store occupied the east corner and E.E. North’s New York Store filled the west.

The county judge and sheriff moved their offices to the second floor of the O’Brien, toting a heavy safe with them.

Change was in the wind, March 8, 1912, when the Progress reported O’Brien’s building was sold. “E.W. O’Brien to Ida K. Bridwell, lot 10 and part lot 9 block 113, $18,000.” After 1921, the block would be called the Bridwell building.

In 1916, the O’Brien-Bridwell housed a billiard hall and grocery. S.P. Blakley’s American Café would locate there. G.H. Shafer would buy the café renaming it The Sanitary Waffle House in 1920.

The Claremore Messenger printed, Aug. 23, 1923, “Extensive improvements and the enlargement of the Bridwell block… (newly) occupied by the Parrott Chevrolet Co., has been announced… The addition to the building will be in the form of a 30-foot extension to the alley, while a frontage will also be had on Cherokee street which will provide a repair room and service station… The original building will be used by the Parrott company for a display and parts room.” Nearly 100 years later, this extension held the wall that crumbled in Oklahoma’s June 2023 whirlwind.

When Parrott moved out, Talley’s Hardware, moved in (Oct. 22, 1923). When Talley’s moved out (April 1926), The Oaks Café moved in. Then, Piggly Wiggly opened its grocery store in the business room next to the Oaks (1927). Renovating and remodeling would become the recurring cycle each time the building’s leases and furnishings were sold.

In the 1930s, a succession of transient business owners blew through the second floor’s hotel space. The Hotel Lahoma was renamed the Hotel Marvin, a quiet and respectable lodging house where “No musical instruments, boisterous noise or improper conduct” were permitted, according to the Claremore Messenger’s Nov. 27, 1930, edition. Due to ill health, the Marvins sold the hotel lease and furnishings to J.N. Steele (1931) who renamed the hostelry the Hotel Frisco, Steele having been a former Frisco railroad employee. Clara Keyes bought the lease calling it Hotel 66. She sold it to Tom Carroll who sold out, advertising in the Progress, Feb. 12 & 19, 1932, “For Sale or Trade – All furniture in Hotel 66 for good as new Ford or Chevrolet auto (or $300). Quick, got job in Ohio.” Mrs. Cannon took charge by July, followed by Elmo Murray who renamed the business Elmo’s Hotel & Apartments in 1935.

Below stairs, S.H. Bayouth moved in his Claremore Mercantile Company (1932). Next, came Boyd & Stanfill’s grocery which Chalk Market purchased in 1935. A new concrete floor was installed downstairs with other improvements made by owner Ida Bridwell in 1937.

The second floor changed markedly when Dr. R.C. Meloy located his new Claremore General Hospital in the Bridwell building from 1935 until about 1954. The Progress informed, July 2, 1935, “The twenty-two rooms over the Stanfill and Piggly Wiggly groceries are now being redecorated and prepared for occupancy… when completed, they will be absolutely sanitary in every respect. A large, modern surgery will be installed in the northeast corner of the building, which is well lighted with large, double windows on the north and one on the south… Modern x-ray, dressing and sterilizing rooms will also be located on the west side of the building. Two rooms for patients in the front of the building will separate the surgery from Dr. R.C. Meloy’s suite of offices, five rooms which will be operated separate and apart from the hospital. Private rooms and wards will be located on the east side of the building, with a modern and complete diet kitchen in the rear.”

Long-time Claremore residents still remember Dr. Meloy’s Hospital; Albert L. Cloniger’s “Home owned. Home Operated” Western Auto Associate Store (1939 – circa 1964), “first door east of the Piggly Wiggly store”; and Laura Hawks’ Claremore Hotel residing upstairs in the Bridwell from about 1955 – 1973.

But times were changing. Ann’s Cleaners and Laundry leased the east side, ground floor room of the Bridwell building in 1978. As the cleaning business grew, Ann Pate purchased the entire building. Tim Pate shared, the west side store space was filled with exercise equipment that had to be removed and upstairs residents needed to vacate their apartments. When Tim bought Ann’s Cleaners from his mother, the entire first floor was being used while the second floor remained vacant.

Change is the constant, moving Claremore’s 11-decades-old O’Brien-Bridwell building forward. With Vines Properties, Inc.’s purchase of the building in 2023, Piotter Construction has begun a new wave of renovation, picking up the pieces the stout winds dismantled. Winds of change are blowing through the expansive corridors of the O’Brien-Bridwell building once more, promising change – change for the better.

By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

This story was originally published in the Claremore Daily Progress, weekend edition, Saturday & Sunday, January 20&21, 2024.

You can read the longer, more detailed, unabridged edition of “Claremore’s O’Brien-Bridwell Building – Winds of Change,” by clicking here.

CLAREMORE PROGRESS: Claremore’s O’Brien Building has a squeaky clean history

Will Rogers Boulevard looking west from Cherokee Avenue. Far left moving to center: O’Brien Building (1910), Theeson’s Bakery (1906), Rexall Drugs, Campbell (Walker) Building (1911). Far right moving to center: Columbia Building (Hass’s Store); Johnson – Gorey building (1909); B.F. Loomis Building (1906); Eaton-Burns building (1906); Bayless – Chambers Building (1905/6); Eaton Building (1902).

Tim Pate owns the building and business of Ann’s Cleaners & Laundry, in downtown Claremore, Oklahoma. In a recent interview Tim reminisced, he learned the business from his mother Ann who learned it from her father. The Pate family first leased the east side but eventually purchased the whole building. Now, Tim’s cleaning business engulfs the entire first floor. So what, you might ask, is the history of this one-hundred-plus-year-old building?

August 19, 1910, the Claremore Messenger announced, E.W. O’Brien “purchased the fifty-foot lot of C.A. Warner, located on the corner of Third (Will Rogers Boulevard) and Cherokee.”

When completed in 1910, an arched street-side stairway led to the second floor of the O’Brien Building, and two expansive, narrow business rooms inhabited the ground floor. Fancy pressed-tin panels (visible today) lined the ceilings. Customers entered the stores through front doors facing 3^rd Street. A tall parapet traversed the building’s roofline, and large glass storefront windows ran along both first and second levels in front and on the Cherokee Avenue side. In an era when the use of electric lights was in its infancy, the natural light of the large windows was an asset to business owners.

The Rogers County News enthused, “At the corner of Third Street and Cherokee Avenue stands one of the most imposing and substantially built brick blocks in Claremore. It is the new O’Brien block which occupies ground space of 50×100 feet and stands two stories high. This pretty business block, when entirely completed, will cost the owner, E.W. O’Brien, very near $20,000. The plans were drawn so as to make this one of the best lighted business blocks in the city. The two lower apartments are very spacious and stylishly finished. R.S. Saunders’ store already occupies the east corner and the west corner will soon be ready to receive the goods of E.E. North’s New York Store” (Rogers County News, 1-12-1910).

“At the opening of the New York 5 and 10c store in the new O’Brien block… proprietor, E.E. North, looked more happy and pleased than even a boy with his first pair of suspenders or pair of long pants” (RCN,2-16-1911).

The county court, held since 1902 in the second floor of the Eaton Building (now Sailor Antiques), was moved to the O’Brien Building by judges T.L. Brown and H. Tom Kight in February 1911 (CM,1-13-1911). Conveniently, a number of attorneys also moved their law offices there. Attorneys Ezzard and Holtzendorff were said to have had “one of the best equipped law offices in this part of the state” (Claremore Progress, 2-3-1911).

But February 1912, an announcement was made. “O’Brien Building Sold… to J.M. Bidwell, of Wagoner, the consideration being $18,000 cash” (CP,2-16-1912).

That was also the year a fire caught hold in the O’Brien building. The Claremore Progress reported, “Fire broke out in the second story of the O’Brien building on Main street about 7:45 Wednesday evening. The fire department responded promptly and what would have proven a disastrous fire, but for prompt work, was prevented” (CP,10-25-1912).

Mrs. Skinner’s china painting studio; J.G. Waldrop, Physician and Surgeon; the Home Service Section of the Rogers County chapter of the Red Cross, all opened offices in the O’Brien Building (CP:12-13-1912,2-11-1915,5-30-1918).

When George Shafer opened his Sanitary Waffle House in the O’Brien Building, The Claremore Progress declared, Shafer had “one of the nicest eating houses in the city (CP,4-15-1920).

Long-time Claremore residents will remember the O’Brien Building as home to Western Auto, Claremore’s General Hospital, and the Claremore Hotel. Research of the Ann’s Cleaners’ building uncovered a squeaky-clean, eclectic history.

By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

This story was published in the Claremore Progress Weekend Edition, November 5 & 6, 2022. If you would like to read the unabridged version of, “Claremore’s O’Brien Building – a squeaky clean history,” please click here.

Claremore’s O’Brien Building – a squeaky clean history

O’Brien Building, first building on the left. “Third Street, looking West, Claremore, Oklahoma. Left side near to far – O’Brien Building (1910), Theeson Building (1906), Rexall Drug Store, Campbell Building (1911). Right side, near to far – Columbia Building, Gorey Building (1909), Johnson Building (1909), BF Loomis/ Johnson Building (1906), Burns Building (1906), Bayless/Chambers Building (1905/6), Eaton/Wilson Building (1902).

Tim Pate owns Ann’s Cleaners & Laundry, the building and business located in the O’Brien Building on the southwest corner of Cherokee Avenue and Will Rogers Boulevard in Claremore, Oklahoma’s historic downtown district. Ann’s is a family run business that has prospered in Claremore for over four-and-a-half decades. In a recent interview Tim reminisced saying he learned the dry cleaning and laundry business from his mother Ann who learned it in Canada from her father.

Tim was twelve years old when his family arrived in Claremore moving from California in 1975. Tim recalls, there were still meter maids in downtown Claremore at the time. In the beginning Ann worked for several local cleaners: Hendricks, Mason and Imperial.[i] Eventually, the family bought and ran the Hendricks’s cleaning business, though Ann continued to press for the Masons as needed.

At first, Ann leased the east side, ground floor room of the O’Brien Building. Soon, the dry cleaning business grew so large more space was needed. Eventually, Ann purchased the entire building. Tim remarked, the west side store space had been a gym filled with exercise equipment that had to be removed. Roomers living upstairs also vacated their apartments.

In September 1982, forty years ago, Tim started working at Ann’s Cleaners full time and eventually purchased the business when his mother was ready to sell. Now, Tim’s cleaning business engulfs the entire first floor.

This is the story of one family’s experience running a business from the historic O’Brien Building. Surely in its 11-decade existence this brick structure has many more stories to tell.

As early as 1896, a large one-story framed building stood at the southwest corner of 3^rd Street (now Will Rogers Boulevard) and Cherokee Avenue, Claremore, Oklahoma (Block 113, Lot 9 & 10). Visible in the iconic 1906 F.L. Stone panoramic photograph of downtown Claremore, this clapboard building according to Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps of Claremore, Indian Territory, housed a Grocery (1898), Sample Room (1901), Furniture and Second-hand store (1903), and a Restaurant and Meat store (1907).[ii] But soon after Oklahoma statehood a permanent brick building, the one that still stands today at 401 & 403 West Will Rogers Boulevard, was built.

“C.A. and Hattie M. Warner to E.W. O’Brien, lot 10 and 23 feet lot 9 blk. 113, Claremore, $7,250.”[iv]

That September, Mr. O’Brien, made “arrangements for the moving of the old buildings off the lot preparatory to building a brick business house.”[v]

The Claremore Progress reported in October, “The brick buildings now under construction in the city are moving on nicely; the laying of brick has begun on the new O’Brien building while the brick work on the new Ward building (now Boarding House Books) is more than half completed and the carpenters are getting along nicely with the inside of the building. The Ward building will have a porch at the second story across the rear of the building and another 30 feet long on the east side, which will add much to the comfort of the guests who will occupy the hotel.” [vi]

The O’Brien Building stood squarely on its corner lot. Divided by a decoratively designed arched brick street side stairway entrance that led to the second floor, this building contained two expansive, narrow business rooms on the ground floor. Customers entered the stores through front entrances facing 3^rd Street. The building had copper pipes and artistically designed ceilings made of pressed tin tiles. The detailed brick edifice boasted a fancy parapet across the roofline with large glass storefront windows on both first and second levels in front and along the Cherokee Avenue side. In an era when the use of electric lights was in its infancy, the natural light of the large windows was an asset to business owners.

It was not till January 1911, that R.S. Saunders was able to move his store into “the corner room of the new O’Brien building.”[vii] That month, Judge Archibald Bonds and J.I. Howard moved their new law partnership into a “handsome suite of rooms in the O’Brien building.”[viii]

Later that month, E.E. North announced, “We Move Feby. 1 – Having contracted for the center store room in the O’Brien Block we will on Tuesday, Jany 31^st, close our present store to allow us time to move and get comfortably settled into our new home. This will probably require ten days. You can help us move by taking advantage of the following bargains: 30 per ct. off on Wall Paper, 1/3 off on English China. Reduction on fish and globes. We have a big stock of Valentines which we desire to dispose of before we move. N.Y. 5 and 10c Store.[x]

“In Front of the Five and Ten Cent Store, Claremore, Oklahoma.”

E.E. North was elated with his store’s opening in its new location in the O’Brien block that February. “At the opening of the New York 5 and 10c store in the new O’Brien block… proprietor, E.E. North, looked more happy and pleased than even a boy with his first pair of suspenders or pair of long pants. Well so he may! For ten days, Mr. North and Miss North his able assistant, with a corps of lady clerks, have been busy as bees planning a big stock of pretty novelties and staple goods upon the… shelves and in the several handsome display cases. When the hundreds of visitors on Friday responded to the invitations to the opening, they found… a world of pretty articles to look upon. Each visitor was presented a souvenir.”[xi]

The county court had previously been held in the second floor of the G.W. Eaton Building (now Sailor Antiques on the northeast corner of Will Rogers Boulevard and Missouri Avenue) since the building’s creation for Wilson’s Hardware store in 1902. When judges T.L. Brown and H. Tom Kight announced they would designate the “O’Brien Building as the place in which they would hold the courts of the county, this brought out quite an argument in which G.W. Eaton and others seemed to be somewhat interested, and after much debate upon the matter Judge Kight agreed to hold court in the Eaton building for six days; that being the time limit of the old contract in which Mr. Eaton was to be notified in case the commissioners should see fit to terminate their contract with him.”[xii]

Conveniently, a number of attorneys also moved their law offices into the O’Brien building. When attorneys Ezzard and Holtzendorff moved into their new offices in the O’Brien Building it was said they had “one of the best equipped law offices in this part of the state.”[xiv]

Later that year, Blackford & Braden set up offices in the O’Brien Building as did Edgar Anderson Attorney at Law.[xv]

“E.W. O’Brien to Ida K. Bridwell, lot 10 and part lot 9 block 113, $18,000.”[xvii]

Tragically, a fire caught hold of the O’Brien building in October 1912. The Claremore Progress reported, “Fire broke out in the second story of the O’Brien building on Main street about 7:45 Wednesday evening. The fire department responded promptly and what would have proven a disastrous fire, but for prompt work, was prevented. The fire originated in the room occupied as an office by E.C. Alberty. All the furniture in the room destroyed, a hole burned in the ceiling overhead and in the floor of the second story. Mr. Alberty’s loss is probably $50.00 and repairs to the building will probably cost as much. R.S. Saunders probably was the heaviest sufferer; his loss resulting from water which was used in getting the flames under control.”[xix] This was the second fire R.S. Saunders had suffered while in business in Claremore.

The April 29, 1907, downtown fire destroyed two buildings on the southwest end of Claremore’s main street. Saunders’ stock of merchandise was much “destroyed by getting crumpled up and dirty, etc. not necessarily injuring the goods in any way, but greatly reducing their selling value.”[xx]

After the fire, Mrs. N. Skinner opened her new studio and exchange “in rooms 10, 11 and 12 in the O’Brien building over the New York Store, [and] prepared to do all kinds of china painting,” advertising, “Your liberal patronage of this china class is solicited. Opening all day Friday and Saturday.”[xxi]

When Judge Tom Kight and Richard H. Wills formed a law partnership in 1913, the new firm opened offices in the O’Brien building[xxii] as did loan officer “Lee Settle, Room 2, O’Brien Bldg.”[xxiii]

J.G. Waldrop, Physician and Surgeon opened his practice in the “O’Brien Building, Rooms 12 – 16” in 1915. [xxiv]

As an act of patriotic duty during the first World War, 1918, “The Home Service Section of the Rogers County chapter of the Red Cross… opened headquarters in (attorney) W.H. Bassman’s office in the O’Brien building.”[xxvi] It was here that the Red Cross helped enlisted men understand their commitment and aided them on their way.

That September, Gust Leekos “purchased the Sanitary Waffle House from George Shafer and took charge.”[xxx] A newspaper advertisement stated, “Sanitary Waffle House Everything Good to Eat.”[xxxi]

Souvenir Booklet, Claremore, Oklahoma. c. 1922. Photo Courtesy the Rogers County Historical Society. Belvidere Mansion Archives.

Popular Claremore photographer, John Blair “leased the Bridwell (O’Brien) building just east of the Haggard Bakery (located in the Theeson Building) [to] occupy the same with his studio about the first of March 1921.”[xxxii]

A Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, June 1916, further records a Billiards’ parlor in the west side of the O’Brien building, with a Grocery business in the east. By 1925, a “Garage, Capacity 15 Cars” was located in the western half with an unnamed store located in the east. By January 1933, unspecified stores were located in the first floor and a rooming house was located on the second.

Long-time Claremore residents will remember the O’Brien Building at 401 and 401-1/2 Will Rogers Boulevard as the home of Western Auto Association (at least 1939 – 1963), Dr. Meloy’s Claremore General Hospital [at least 1935, 1942 (C. Adair, Supt.) to 1954], The Claremore Hotel [at least 1955, 1958 (Laura Hawks – owner), till at least 1973], and now Ann’s Cleaners.[xxxiii]

It’s inspiring to listen to owners talk about the history of their downtown Claremore buildings and to hear the passion they have for the businesses they’ve created. Tim Pate and Ann’s Cleaners is no exception. The same passion runs the length of the longer Claremore story making this the town we so admire today.

By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

Sources: Unless otherwise noted, Oklahoma newspapers are sourced through The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[i] “Ann’s Cleaners Celebrates 40 years in Claremore,” Kristy Sturgill, Claremore Daily Progress. September 28, 2016.

Tim Pate interview, Friday, October 21,2022.

[ii] Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, Jan 1894. Sheet 2.

1-story framed “S. Not Finished.”

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, June 1896. Sheet 2.

1-story framed “Vac. S.” with front porch

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, Nov 1898. Sheet 2.

1-story framed “Gro.” with front porch

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, April 1901. Sheet 2.

1-story framed “Sample Rm.” with front porch

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, Sep 1903. Sheet 3.

1-story framed “Furne & 2d Hand S.” with front porch

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, IT, July 1907. Sheet 4.

1-story framed “Rest. Meat (IR. CL).” With no front porch.

Sanborn Insurance Map Claremore, Oklahoma, June 1916. Sheet 3.

2-story, brick, iron clad 2^nd west wall with breezeway. Central front stairway. Water, Billiards west. Gro. To the east. Auto & Vac iron cl. Additions to the rear. Bakery to the west

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, OK, Dec 1925 Sheet 3.

2-story brick “Garage, Capacity 15 Cars, Wood Floor. Lights: Electric. Heat: Stove. (west).” S (east). Rear Repair Shop (rear).

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, Oklahoma, January 1933. Sheet 3.

2-story brick “Store. Rooming 2^nd”.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map Claremore, Oklahoma, January 1933. Sheet 3.

2-story brick “Store. Rooming 2^nd”. Porch in front of 403, to the east side of 401.

[iii] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 48, Ed. 1 Friday, August 19, 1910. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178340/).

[iv] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 49, Ed. 1 Friday, August 26, 1910. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178341/).

Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 29, Ed. 1 Friday, August 26, 1910. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181205/).

[v]Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 30, Ed. 1 Friday, September 2, 1910, newspaper, September 2, 1910; Claremore, Oklahoma. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181206/: accessed October 12, 2022), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[vi] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 36, Ed. 1 Friday, October 21, 1910. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181213/).

[vii] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 7, Ed. 1 Friday, January 6, 1911. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178360/).

[viii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 49, Ed. 1 Friday, January 6, 1911. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181222/).

[ix] Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 1, No. 45, Ed. 1 Wednesday, January 12, 1910. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956460/).

[x] Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 47, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 26, 1911. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc957286/).

[xi] Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 50, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 16, 1911. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956373/).

[xii] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 7, Ed. 1 Friday, January 13, 1911. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178361/).

[xiii] Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 52, Ed. 2 Thursday, February 2, 1911, newspaper, February 2, 1911; Claremore, Oklahoma. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956276/).

[xiv] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 1, Ed. 1 Friday, February 3, 1911. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181226/)

[xv] Harper, William R. Rogers County Leader. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 1, No. 83, Ed. 1 Friday, October 6, 1911. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956049/)

[xvi] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 3, Ed. 1 Friday, February 16, 1912. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181279/).

[xvii] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 17, No. 14, Ed. 1 Friday, March 8, 1912. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178424/).

[xviii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 6, Ed. 1 Friday, March 8, 1912. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181282/)

[xix] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 39, Ed. 1 Friday, October 25, 1912.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181315/).

[xx] Smith, Clark. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 19, Ed. 1 Friday, May 3, 1907. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178150/).

[xxi] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 46, Ed. 1 Friday, December 13, 1912. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181327/).

[xxii] Ross, Ayres K. Rogers County Leader. And Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 4, No. 45, Ed. 1 Friday, January 10, 1913. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc175894/)

[xxiii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 5, Ed. 1 Friday, February 28, 1913.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181347/).

[xxiv] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 23, No. 1, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 11, 1915. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181538/).

[xxv] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 24, No. 52, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 25, 1917. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181638/).

[xxvi] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 19, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 30, 1918. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182586/).

[xxvii] Claremore Messenger (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 41, Ed. 1 Friday, March 12, 1920. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178892/).

[xxviii] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 28, No. 20, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 15, 1920.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc183149/).

[xxix] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 33, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 22, 1920.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc183233/).

[xxx] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 41, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 16, 1920.(https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181843/).

[xxxi] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 30, No. 44, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 21, 1922. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182530/).

[xxxii] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 17, No. 9, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 3, 1921. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc182145/).

[xxxiii] Western Auto Association (at least 1942 – 1963);

Dr. Meloy’s Claremore General Hospital [at least 1942 (C. Adair, Supt.) to 1954];

The Claremore Hotel [at least 1955, 1958 (Laura Hawks – owner), till at least 1973].

Sources:

1949 photos, Blair Photo Collection, Rogers County Historical Society Archives;

“Claremore – Historic Sites Survey – Indian Nations Council of Governments for the Oklahoma Historic Society.” 1985;

Claremore Oklahoma, City Directory, Johnson Publishing Co. 1963.

Telephone Directory, Claremore, Oklahoma. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, May 1942, 1949, May 1951, May 1954, May 1955, June 1958, February 1960, May 1970, May 1971, May 1972, May 1973.

“Ann’s Cleaners Celebrates 40 years in Claremore,” Kristy Sturgill, Claremore Daily Progress. September 28, 2016.

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