Third Street (aka 400 block Will Rogers Blvd.), looking West, Claremore, Oklahoma. Postcard. From left to middle: 1. O’Brien-Bridwell building (1910/11), 2. Theeson Bakery (1906), 3. Dr. M.H. Gordon-Rexall City Drug Store building (1925/26), 4. Campbell building (1911). Right to middle: Columbia building with Haas’s store (1911), Johnson-Gorey building (1909) with Electric movie Theatre, Loomis aka Red Rock building (1906), Burns building (1906), Bayless-Chambers-Forest building aka post office (1906), Eaton-Wilson Hardward building (1902).
Happydashery, a cheerful new downtown retail business, and a quaint second floor Air B&B, recently opened in Claremore, Oklahoma’s old Rexall City Drug Store building (407 W. Will Rogers Blvd.) constructed by R.D. Pollard, nearly a century ago, for Dr. Minor H. Gordon in 1925/6.
June 9, 1905, the Claremore Messenger announced the satisfying news that physician Dr. Minor H. Gordon had opened his downtown doctor’s office. Thereafter, Dr. Gordon restored the health of countless individuals throughout his three decades of medical practice.
In one touching case, Dr. Gordon was responsible for saving the life of the Harris’ baby by administering Claremore’s miraculous Radium Water treatments. The good doctor also tended to the wound when Eddie Pittman accidentally shot himself in the chest with his own rifle and lived to tell the tale. Yet, unfortunately, according to the May 19, 1921, Claremore Progress, Dr. Gordon was called to conduct the post-mortem examination of brothers Eullis and Albert Jones, allegedly murdered by Bruce Collins and George Rowden. Such was the serendipitous work of the pioneer practitioner.
Oct. 22, 1925, The Claremore Progress announced Dr. Gordon had a new and progressive idea in mind. He planned to build a brick doctor’s office on a main street lot he procured from Joe L. Gibbs. When completed, this structure would be two stories in front, one story in back and 28 feet wide – filling the entire lot to the back alley. A large store room was planned for the first floor with a doctor’s office on the second. Patients reached the doctor’s office through a separate street-level door, then ascending a steep stairway. A checkerboard gray, white, and black tiled floor welcomed guests into the downstairs entryway. Matching tile was found in the ground floor store where pressed tin tiles traversed the ceiling. Transom windows above doorways allowed fresh air to flow from exterior windows into interior rooms and private offices. A mezzanine level was sliced between the first and second levels. Dr. Gordon’s name can still be seen written on the pieces of lumber reserved by Pollard for this building project, stating, “RD Pollard, Claremore, Okla., M.H. Gordon Job.”
Finally, by mid-Jan. 1926, proprietors Mr. and Mrs. Roy Carlson, joyfully moved their 27-year-old City Drug store business into its new location in the M.H. Gordon building. The Claremore Progress declared it, Feb. 24, 1926, “one of the nicest drug stores in the city… Dr. Gordon did not spare money in material and the best labor that could be had in the community, the result being that he now has the nicest building on Third street between the two (train) stations.”
Miss Hope Ames set up her new, up-to-the-minute Rexall Beauty Parlor in the mezzanine level. The Claremore Progress, April 29, 1926, advertised this “modern parlor with competent operators,” specialized in “permanent wave, hair dye, massage, Marcelle (a deep, regularly waved hairdo produced with heated curling iron), manicure.”
The drug store’s “fountain” was operated by proprietor, Roy Carlson, and W.F. McCray eventually opened a lunch counter. McCray carried “a full line of sandwiches, chili and hot drinks,” according to the Claremore Progress, Dec. 8, 1927.
Suddenly, without warning, July 12, 1928, the City Drug Store terminated service. Apparently, Roy Carlson skipped town leaving the National Bank of Claremore holding the mortgage for the business’ stock. Coming to the rescue, R.L. Tschauner and E.W. Leeds of Omaha, Neb., purchased the store that Sept. Long-time Claremore residents may still remember Ralph Tschauner.
With this transition of ownership, both the drugstore and beauty salon were remodeled. The drug store’s sales floor was shortened about 20 feet and a more compact stock arrangement was designed. The pharmacy counter was located on the left side of the store with the soda fountain on the right. Root beer in tall frosty glasses cost 5c. Other types of soda cost a dime. The store and salon offered S&H Green Stamps which were given with purchases and redeemed for prizes.
Hope Ames operated the beauty shop after its face lift, changing the name of her salon to The Cara Nome Beauty Shoppe. Then in Jan. 1932, new owner Mrs. Phifer installed a new Shelton Croquignole permanent wave machine. Hot curlers hung from the machine on long electric cords. With curlers clipped to a woman’s hair, one might think she was being attacked by a giant mechanical alien! The prices for permanent waves were $5, $8, and $10, with satisfaction guaranteed.
Claremore deeply mourned the passing of its pioneer doctor, Minor H. Gordon, who died of pneumonia, Nov. 11, Armistice Day, 1935. “Such men write their life history in indelible ink which never fades and which never grows dim,” W.C. Kates wrote in this revered doctor’s obituary.
Now a happy new chapter has commenced for the M.H. Gordon building. Happydashery has recently moved into the downstairs floor space of the old City Drug Store, and lovely vintage living spaces have been created for lease in what used to be the upstairs doctor’s offices. Slow your pace sometime soon and step into Happydashery to enjoy a happy and healthy breath of Claremore’s pioneer history. After all, “A happy heart is good medicine.”
by Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer
This story was originally published in the Claremore Daily Progress, Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
You can read the longer, more detailed, unabridged edition of “Claremore’s Rexall Building: A happy dash to the city drugstore,” by clicking here.
“Earle G. Bayless and G.D. Davis let the contract… for a one-story brick building, 75 ft. wide by 115 ft. long… to the firm of Cockran & Meyers,” The Claremore Progress informed, April 25, 1913. “The building will make a wonderful improvement in the appearance of that part of town… It will be divided into three rooms, one for a garage and the other two for store rooms.”
This triplet building located at the northeast corner of W. Will Rogers Blvd. and Cherokee Ave., Claremore, Okla., grew into the structure now housing Vintique Charm (322), Three Twenty on Main (320), and Rhapsody Boutique and Spa (318).
W.E. Austin, proprietor of the Claremore Garage, moved his business into this newly completed structure as did the offices of 96 Ballard and Inola Oil. Austin sold out to William Mull in 1914 who carried on as the area’s Ford dealer till Mull found the business “un-a-Ford-able,” declaring bankruptcy, then selling to Ed Gregg.
By June 1916, The Electric Movie Theatre moved from its original location to the west-corner space of the triplet building habituating there until 1918 when this theatre closed. The Modern Auto Company moved to the first door east of the Electric Theatre by 1916 continuing the Ford dealer’s legacy in the two easterly rooms (sales and repairs) under the management of Beard & Clark.
Eventually, Leon Brogan installed his Brogan Motor Company in all three rooms of the triplet building, in 1922, becoming Claremore’s sole Authorized Ford and Fordson Dealer. Brogan rearranged the building’s partitions; extended it into the back alley; poured a cement floor throughout; added ceiling fans, and mounted a large, illuminated clock on the roof.
A “live wire” in the auto trade, Brogan hosted several unique community events, for advertising purposes, that drew outsiders into downtown. As one marketing strategy, the Oklahoma automobile license bureau was invited to sell license tags from Brogan’s building sparing auto owners the nuisance of apply to Oklahoma City for such.
With an abundance of energy, Brogan held a Farmers’ Day event that brought 177 rural residents to his Claremore business providing programs of agricultural interest and fun such as movies, featured speakers, the Cadet orchestra, and a free dinner served by the ladies of the Christian church.
To chase away winter blues, Jan. 1926, Brogan instigated a fiddling and dancing contest. Of course, the latest model Fords were displayed for clear viewing. More than 35 fiddlers registered; Calvin Lester won; first place dancers were Charles Clark and Mrs. Blunt.
In 1927, Brogan Motor Company sold out to the Butler-Harris Motor Company who soon departed the triplet building leaving space for the A&P Food Store (1930) and May and Jewell Luttrell’s Baby Ritz Café (1931).
In October 1934, John A. Bell moved his well-remembered Bell’s Confectionery and the Union bus station into the corner store space. To its east were located Herman McCord Motor Sales (1937), the Howletts’ Quality Market, and the Ideal Café (1939).
The Mason Nowlin-Feezel Furniture Store – with its full line of furniture, rugs, linoleum, stoves, radios, electric refrigerators, and Mrs. Feezell’s millinery – moved into 320 in 1940. This establishment was replaced, in 1945, by Peggy and Earl Jones’ Furniture & Appliance Co. just as Clark Mason relocated his furniture business (est. 1934) next door to the east.
This neighborly furniture business competition lasted until the Jones sold their store (1959) to Mr. and Mrs. Phil Smith who renamed it Smith Furniture & Appliance. In 1962, Smith purchase Mason’s and moved his business stock next door.
With Smith’s departure, Mesdames Summerlin and Kearney established their Fabric Shop with its Singer Sewing Center in 320.
Chris Walker recalls Lloyd and Margaret Walker owned 320 from 1963 to 2006/7, locating Lloyd’s Furniture & Appliances there until the store closed in 1985/6.
About 1986, R&R Used Furniture took up residence advertising “We buy and sell used furniture and appliances, new bedding and beds… free delivery available.” R&R stayed at 320 till it too was lured to the business building next door.
Second to None Consignments leased 320 until the Walkers sold the building (2006/7) to Aaron Ewton; “he built the apartment upstairs and added the mezzanine when he turned it into King of Clubs,” Chris Walker remembers.
Ewton’s King of Clubs is fondly remembered by several as being just the right sized music and dance venue for Claremore’s small college town. “Oh the times we had there! So much fun!” reminisces Phillip Tubbs, once manager of the King of Clubs. “I came in and started working for Aaron and went on to manage the venue and the booking part of things… We had all kinds of different types of music.”
David Clanin, CPA, recalls, “Danielle and I had the dance studio from 2011 through 2016, ‘Claremore Dance Studio’. We remodeled the upstairs to offices, and I officed there until I bought another building. I believe I was there from 2012 until 2015. After I moved out I leased the office to the Homebuilders Association.”
Susan Gephart, Director of Events and part of the Duncour team, recently shared, “Duncour Properties (Tommy Duncan of Inola and Brian Courtney of Pryor) purchased the building from Brent Green in 2017. They renovated the building… Duncour Events has conducted business at 320 W. Will Rogers Blvd. as 320 on Main ever since. The venue opened on March 1, 2017.”
“Interestingly,” Susan adds, “when the building was converted to 320 on Main, the very first wedding that was held in the newly renovated building was that of Phillip Tubbs!” What a charming happenstance.
All traces of the rustic Claremore Garage have vanished from the 111-year-old Bayless-Davis building, replaced by the elegant 320 on Main events venue of which the Claremore community can be proud. As The Claremore Progress prophesied in 1913, “The building will make a wonderful improvement in the appearance of that part of town.” How true!
by Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer
This story was originally published in the Claremore Daily Progress, weekend edition, Saturday & Sunday, April 27&28, 2024.
You can read the longer, more detailed, unabridged edition of “Three Twenty on Main – From Auto Garage to Elegant Events Venue.” by clicking here.
If you would like to read “The Twin Oaks Hotel – Part 1,” first, please click here.
The Twin Oaks Hotel: The Schmitz, Then The Bird, Then Then Saratoga – Part 2
In the 14th year of its existence, with three different name changes to its credit and a dozen former proprietors on its registers, Mrs. D.M. Faulkner took her turn as manager of Claremore’s Saratoga-Bird-Schmitz hotel.[i] Widowed in 1914, Mrs. Emma Faulkner,[ii] the second wife of the late David M. Faulkner (a Confederate Civil War veteran who had served under General Stand Waite and a public servant who had served as Assistant Chief of the Cherokee Nation[iii]) took on the responsibilities of proprietress of the Saratoga hotel by February 1922. The Home Economics Club came to the Saratoga hotel to meet with Mrs. Faulkner that March.[iv] The following year, “Mrs. D.M. Faulkner delightfully entertained thirty-five young girls and boys with a party in honor of her daughter Kate Bernard Faulkner’s twelfth birthday at her home, the Saratoga hotel.”[v]
December 30th, 1923, became a joyous celebration as daughter Lorine (Laurine) Faulkner[vi]married Mr. Earl Foster at Pryor, Oklahoma, the Rev. Cooper of the Methodist church officiating. Mr. Foster was employed by the Claremore post office, and the bride was noted as “one of the twin daughters of Mrs. D.M. Faulkner, proprietress of The Saratoga hotel on West Third… The young folk (would make) their home at The Saratoga.”[vii]
A pleasant, festive atmosphere lived on at the Saratoga, October 1924, as a Hallowe’en carnival, hosted in the building, was promised by the Claremore Progress to be “a barrel of fun for all joy-makers.” This event was “the objective of the Baptist young people, who have secured the big store room formerly occupied by the DeWitt market in the Saratoga hotel building… their ten booths will be a program of good natured screams. Whatever any bunch of town folks may have on for that festival night, a trip to this side show will be an addition to their own plans. Confetti, horns, candies, ice cream, fortune telling, a trip to Egypt, a chamber of illusions, rope walking, beauty sleeping Blue Beard, and a live lot of young people to put all things over – of such are some of the features which the committee announces.”[viii] Anyone who has had the opportunity to walk through the first floor of the Saratoga would understand how this cavernous store room would be just the right place for the spooky above-mentioned revelries.
Two years later, October 1926, the sad notice was printed in the newspaper of Mrs. A.S.J. Bird’s passing. It was she who had originally purchased the property and built the hotel building in 1908 naming it first the Schmitz then the Bird hotel, then leasing the hotel business, about 1918, to other enterprising proprietors. The Claremore Progress obituary read, “The Kaff-Musgrove Undertaking Co. was notified Monday afternoon to meet the body of Mrs. A.S.J. Bird (A.S.J. were her former husband’s initials), who died at Joplin, Mo., Sunday night. The message came from Mrs. Bird’s daughter to D. Esco Walker, and no details relative to Mrs. Bird’s death were given. Mrs. Bird was a heavy property owner in Claremore. She owns a two-story brick in Radium Town and another three story brick in which is now housed the Twin Oaks hotel… The funeral of Mrs. L.A. Bird (aka Laura Alice Schmitz Bird) will be held from the Kaff-Musgrove chapel Thursday afternoon at 2:30. Interment will be made in Woodlawn.”[ix] Please note, by October 1926 the name of this hotel had changed once again to the now familiar Twin Oaks (sometimes spelled Oakes), and remember, those who owned the Twin Oaks hotel business did not necessarily own the building.
Twin Oaks Hotel, balconied building on the left. Photo Source: “Claremore, Oklahoma, The Home of Radium Water. Health – Man’s Greatest Asset. 1920-1921.” p. 19. Photo Courtesy The Rogers County Historical Society, Belvidere Mansion Archives. Used with permission.
The formerly vacant first floor space did not remain permanently empty. In September 1927, The Claremore Progress advised, “Claremore Gets Another Business – Claremore has another new business. It is the Nehi Bottling Works, a local concern with an investment of $15,000. Fred G. Griswold will be the manager and a complete bottling plant, for the bottling of the Nehi products exclusively, is being installed in the room beneath the Twin Oaks hotel. The capacity of the plant which is being installed will be 900 dozen bottles per day and with but very little change the capacity can be brought up to 1,500 dozen per day. All of the drinks manufactured by the new plant will be according to the Nehi formula, states M.C. Baldwin, of Columbus, Ga., with headquarters at Tulsa, who is here helping to install the new plant. All plants, dispensing Nehi products, are open to inspection at all times, he says, so that a check can be kept by the Nehi company to see that the quality is not being reduced by the bottler to show him a greater margin of profit. The Nehi bottles hold 9 fluid ounces. A consignment of these bottles have been unloaded at the local Nehi plant. The place will be ready for business by September 10th according to announcement of the management. ‘We will be ready to serve the trade before the opening of the Rogers county free fair,’ Mr. Baldwin said Tuesday morning.”[x] Can you imagine the racket bottling machines must have made in disturbing the hotel residents upstairs?
This was also about the time that delinquent taxes were publicly publicized; the Twin Oaks hotel ($33.90) was on the list.[xi]
F.G. Griswold’s Nehi plant was open and ready for business by September 15, 1927. “The first bottling was done Sunday night, a few minutes after the work of installing the machinery had been completed. The plant is located at the front of the room in which it is housed and attracts considerable attention. It is possible to see how Nehi is bottled and to observe the modern machinery in action. Mr. Griswold anticipates a lively trade from the very first and particularly this week when the fair and races are underway. The new plant is located in the store room beneath the Twin Oaks hotel.”[xii]
It was at this time the Twin Oaks upstairs came under new management. “Mrs. Maud L. Rosenberg (apparently the former hotel business owner) has leased the Twin Oaks hotel to Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Elkins of Springfield, Mo., through the real estate office of D. Esco Walker. Mr. and Mrs. Elkins, together with their adopted son, Lee Michener, have already taken charge, seem to understand the hotel business, and propose to conduct the house on the same high plane as under the former management. Mr. Elkins does not yet profess to be an experienced hotel operator, but does claim a long and continuous experience as a hotel patron, having been a traveling salesman for the past twenty years, with headquarters at Springfield, Mo., and Tulsa, Okla., therefore knows what the traveling public demands and appreciates in the way of hotel service, accommodation and treatment. Mrs. Elkins and their son have also shared much of the same experience, which qualifies them to render efficient hotel service. We are pleased to have these good people locate in our city, as they come to us with recommendations of the highest and best. They are members of the Christian church and Mr. Elkins is a member of the Order of Knights of Pythias. He expresses a desire to become a member of our Chamber of Commerce and help boost Radium Water and Claremore in general. In fact, he is no stranger to Claremore and Radium Water, and it is largely because of the wonderful merits of our Radium Water baths, which he learned by personal experience a few years ago, that he is locating here now. His was another one of those stubborn cases of eczema which would not yield to other treatments, but vanished rapidly after a limited number of Radium Water baths. Mr. Elkins is loud in his praise of Radium Water and wants to help bring other sufferers to Claremore for relief. For some years he has had a desire to quit the road and get located, and it is a complement to our city that it should be chosen from among his wide acquaintance with cities in many states. He believes in Claremore’s future and feels he will be content to remain here until the end.
“The Twin Oaks is a thoroughly modern 32 room hotel, with hot and cold water in all of the rooms on the third floor, and has three hallway lobbies. It is located across the street from the post office and near two good restaurants. Its business is already growing and we know no reason why Mr. and Mrs. Elkins cannot succeed among us. The Progress wishes to join with all Claremore in extending to the new management of this well-known hostelry a most cordial and sincere welcome to our friendly, progressive and health resort city, and bid them Godspeed in their undertaking.”[xiii]
The Elkins did not last long in the hotel business. By February 1928, Mrs. M.L. Rosenberg and daughter, Lechieon, returned to Claremore from Chicago (where Mr. Rosenberg was employed) to manage the Twin Oaks hotel once again, for a while.[xiv]
Again there was a “Change In Management of Twin Oakes.” August 1929, F.L. Dabney, of Tulsa, took “over the management of the Twin Oakes hotel. Mr. Dabney is a very active business man and should give this hostelry a good sound, progressive business management. He is welcomed to the home of Radium Water. Mr. Dabney is a man with considerable newspaper experience and he will assist in the advertising of the Radium Water, as well as advancing the interest of the Twin Oakes. The former manager, Mrs. Margaret Nowlin will go to Oklahoma City to put her son Bob in school at that place. She has made many friends while in Claremore who regret that she is leaving.”[xv]
Thereafter, the gossip flew fast and furious with the neighborhood news that the proprietors of the Twin Oaks hotel that followed Mrs. Nowlin were arrested. “The Twin Oaks hotel was raided Saturday by City police. Thirty-five gallons of liquor and two and one half gallons of alcohol found. E.L. Newport and Gladys Smith, managers of the hotel were arrested in connection with the case, and delivered into the custody of county officers.”[xvi] One must remember, regarding alcohol possession, liquor was originally illegal in Claremore, Indian Territory. When Oklahoma gained statehood, prohibition of alcoholic beverages was written into the constitution. Under the influence of organizations such as the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, national prohibition arrived with the Eighteenth Amendment in 1919, but was repealed in 1933. Afterwards, only beer was permitted in Oklahoma. Packaged liquor was not permitted until 1959 and liquor-by-the-drink until 1984.[xvii] Who would have believed how much Oklahoma law, regarding intoxicants consumption, would change by nearly a century later?
In the beginning of the great worldwide economic Depression that began in 1929 and lasted through the end of the 1930s, many willing workers traveled throughout the country seeking employment while living in temporary housing such as Claremore’s hotels. “The Fifteenth Census of the United States: 1930” records the residents living in the Twin Oaks hotel at 319 ½ Third Street. Mary Mell Argo was hotel proprietress; Franklin Argo, oil and gas fields rig builder was her husband. Lodgers included Charly M. Nixon, oil and gas field leaser; Ruth Nixon; Claud F. Cunningham, drilling line oil man; James H. Link, automobile garage machinist, and George Geines, pool room manager.
Despite the Depression or perhaps because of it, it was time for a facility facelift at the old hotel in the spring of 1932. The Claremore Progress confirmed, “Remodel Show Room In City – Workmen have been busy for the past few days, putting a new front in the store room immediately under the Twin Oaks hotel on Main street in Claremore. A new brick front with plate glass show windows has been installed. At the present time this room is being used as a distribution center for Red Cross flour with W.W. Knight, local insurance man, in charge of the distribution. According to W.W. Knight a carload of flour has been given to the needy in Rogers County in the past three weeks. Mr. Knight stated that almost all the flour was gone at the present time but that another carload was expected in within the next few days. In order to get this flour, needy must make application to Mrs. Bridwell of the Federated charities. An affidavit must be made by the applicant and all cases must be investigated.”[xviii]
When Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Stewart and family, of Seminole, moved to Claremore in November 1932, they located at the Twin Oaks hotel. Mrs. Lee Huhn, Mrs. Stewart’s aunt, had been introduced to the community that July as new manager of the Twin Oaks hotel.[xix] Mrs. Huhn lasted in this capacity for about two years.
It was during the harvest season that year that Hall’s Arkansas Apple House returned to Claremore and set up shop in the Twin Oaks building.[xx] “Arkansas Apple House Here For Third Season – Hall’s Apple House, beneath the Twin Oakes hotel, is now open for the third season. Mr. Hall has a large supply of vegetables and fruits that he is selling at reasonable prices. They came from Arkansas as so did Mr. Hall. He is a jolly Arkansawer in charge who is willing to laugh, joke and swap yarns with you, even if you are not in the market for anything he is offering for sale. Pay him a visit. Get acquainted with that good old hospitality that the state of Arkansas is so noted for.”[xxi]
Coming back to Claremore season after season, the following Christmas, December 1933, Hall’s Apple House sold Christmas Trees. “Have Fine Selection, All Sizes, Reasonably Priced: Get Yours at Once. Christmas would not be Christmas without a Christmas tree, with its beautiful lights, tinsil [sic], gay decorations and presents. The Hall’s Arkansas Apple house, located under the Twin Oakes hotel, has a fine selection of cedar trees which they are disposing of at very reasonable prices. You are sure to find one to suit your need. There are all sizes from large ones to sit on the floor, the tops of which will brush your ceiling, to small ones to sit on the table. Make your selection early.”[xxii]
The following spring, a new business moved into the ground-floor store of the Twin Oaks building. “Notice. Now open with a complete line of new and used furniture. We buy, sell and exchange – come in and get acquainted. Upholstering. Repairing. McSpadden Furniture Co. Located in Twin Oakes Bldg., on Third Street.”[xxiii]
Shocking Twin Oaks hotel news appeared in The Claremore Progress that May as two women, strangers in town, were held by law officers for investigation. “Sixteen-Year-Old Girl Admits She Was Enticed From Home By Promised Employment. Suspicious action on the part of two women, resulted in their arrest by Chief of Police Jim A. Simpson, soon after they arrived in Claremore, Wednesday afternoon. The elder, who gave her name as Ada Patterson, New York City, N.Y., is held in the county jail for investigation. The younger, Helen Fink, alias Jane Parker, who was held at the Twin Oakes hotel under police guard until Thursday afternoon, when she was transferred to a cell in the city jail. After questioning by the police, Helen, who first gave her name as Jane Parker, aged 21, finally admitted that she was only 16 years of age and that her mother, Mrs. A.F. Fink lived at Pine Lawn, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis. She said that she had been enticed away from home by the Patterson woman, who represented herself to be an actress, and said she would take the child to California, and get her work as a dancer… City police notified the girl’s parents of her whereabouts and received the following message from the acting chief of police of her home city, Friday morning: ‘Helen Fink Runaway. Parents destitute case. Referred to relief agency. Hold pending advice. Patterson woman unknown to parents. John McCarthy, acting chief of police.’ ‘Police found the following note in the room at the Twin Oakes hotel, occupied by the Fink girl, Wednesday night. It is evidently a letter she started to write her mother. ‘Dear Mother: I am coming along fine, do not worry about me. I got away from them men. I’m on my way home, will make it. I ask a lady on the H.Y. (highway?) in a farm to let me sleep in her house. She did. She gave me a dress and things. I will be home as soon as I can. I was worried because I thought you would worry about me. I do not know the men, who were, but I know a girl was in the car, dressed up like a man. Do not worry about me. I will be home soon. Love, Helen.’”[xxiv] Curious indeed.
In the end, the run-away girl was sent home. “Mrs. Ada Patterson, Held For Investigation, Released Friday Afternoon. Helen Fink, 16-year-old run-away girl, who was taken into custody by city police Wednesday afternoon, was placed on a bus and is enroute to her home, Pine Lawn, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis. Funds for transportation were furnished by a relief agency. Ada Patterson, New York City, N.Y., who was arrested with the girl and held in the county jail for investigation was released Friday afternoon. Police found nothing against her.”[xxv]
The week after Helen Fink’s dilemma was solved, an enjoyable party was given by Mary Preston at the Twin Oakes hotel. “Miss Mary Preston entertained a number of friends at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Clements, at the Twin Oakes hotel, Friday night. It was her birthday. Games and dancing were enjoyed. Many nice gifts were received by the honored one. At the close of a very enjoyable evening, ice cream and cake were served to the following: Lawrence Staton, Mary Reavis, Olive Hause, Alice Hurst, Lillie Malory, Georgia Whitehorn, Frances McCarty, Mildred Pochobradsky, Parthenia Myers, Selma Gentry, Don Rummage, Floyd Asby, Lane Boyd, Lawrence Yates, Harry Powers, Wallace and Kay Reavis, Leach Burrows, Paul Gentry, Wilford Gardner, Charley Sanders, Mr. and Mrs. Stelle Whitehorn.”[xxvi]
More transitions were in the works that spring as “Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Shahan spent Wednesday in Tulsa, with relatives and friends. They operate a furniture store here beneath the Twin Oakes hotel,” and “Mr. and Mrs. John Clements who have been operating The Twin Oakes hotel have moved to the Blair apartments.”[xxvii]
F.E. White, of Oklahoma City, was then “placed in charge of the Twin Oaks hotel by the Great Republic Life Insurance Co., of Los Angeles.” The Twin Oaks hotel was “refurnished and remodeled” to its best condition. One floor was “devoted to apartments and the other to sleeping rooms.”[xxviii] When the remodel was ready, Mrs. Olive Tschauner leased the Twin Oaks hotel from F.E. White and placed Mrs. E.E. Burns in charge of the “work of cleaning the hotel and placing it in readiness for the O.P.A. (Oklahoma Press Association) convention” held in Claremore that June.[xxix] Mrs. Tschauner had moved on soon after the grand Press convention, and Olen H. Luther and wife took up residence as operators of the Twin Oaks hotel. But it would not be long until the Twin Oaks would become Heartbreak Hotel once again.
Click on to coutinue the journey. “The Schmitz, Then Bird, Then Saratoga, Then Twin Oaks Hotel – Part 3.”
By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer
[i] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.). Thursday, February 9, 1922. Newspapers.com.
Death August 30, 1961. “Mrs. Emma Faulkner, long-time resident, dies at 86.” The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Sunday, December 31, 1961. P. 4. Newspapers.com.
[iv] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, March 16, 1922. P. 4. Newspapers.com.
[v] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, August 9, 1923. P. 4. Newspapers.com.
Kate Faulkner Tubre. Birth 3 Aug 1911, Hanson, Sequoyah County, Oklahoma. Death 23 Dec 2002 (aged 91), Oklahoma. Burial Memorial Park Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County Oklahoma. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/37514249/kate-tubre Created by Alice P.
[vi] Winifred Laurine “Winnie” Faulkner Foster. Birth 13 Jun 1903, Sequoyah County, (Indian Territory), Oklahoma. Death 12 Feb 1977 (aged 73), Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma. Burial Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/218352192/winifred-laurine-foster Created by Shane.
Laura Alice Bird. Birth Unknown. Death 10 October 1926. Burial Woodlawn Cemetery, Claremore, Rogers County, Oklahoma. Plot CP2-6-L2-5W. “Gone to the Great Beyond.”
[x] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, September 1, 1927. P. 2. Newspapers.com.
[xi] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, September 8, 1927. P. 10. Newspapers.com.
[xii] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, September 15, 1927. P. 1. Newspapers.com.
[xiii] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, September 29, 1927. P. 2. Newspapers.com.
[xiv] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, February 2, 1928. P. 2. Newspapers.com.
[xv] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, August 15, 1929. P. 1. Newspapers.com.
[xvi] The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma). Thursday, August 29, 1929. P. 1. Newspapers.com.
John Melville Bayless. Photo Courtesy the Rogers County Historical Society. Belvidere Mansion Archives.
Banker, builder, and businessman, John Melville Bayless came from Cassville, Missouri, and made significant contributions to the “up building” of Claremore, Indian Territory, before Oklahoma statehood in 1907. He most notably built the Sequoyah Hotel (1901/1902) which housed his family’s Bank of Claremore and the Windsor Opera House (1902). He planned and began building the Claremore Athletic Club (finished 1908) and his family’s home the Belvidere Mansion (built 1907). Yet these were not the first of his entrepreneurial endeavors. The following chapters share Mr. Bayless’s story.
You can begin reading, John Melville Bayless: Banker, Builder, and Businessman, the biography of this exceptional man’s life, written by Christa Rice, by clicking the Chapter 1 link below. Enjoy the journey.
Downtown Claremore, Oklahoma, Will Rogers Boulevard looking west to Missouri Avenue. Photo courtesy Don Blair Photo Collection, circa 1950, Jamie Starling, and the Rogers County Historical Society.
Sandra Mathis picked a winner when she moved her Pickin’ Queen home décor store to downtown Claremore’s 418 West Will Rogers Boulevard building, a century-old building with a lively and eclectic past.
Historically, Claremore’s main street, business district grew in an easterly fashion from the Frisco Railroad (formerly the Atlantic and Pacific, arrived 1882) at the west to the Missouri Pacific Railroad (formerly the Kansas and Arkansas Valley Railway, arrived 1889) on the east.[i] Though significant development occurred on the south side of Third Street (aka Main Street or Will Rogers Boulevard) between Missouri and Cherokee avenues, the north side of this section stood strikingly vacant populated only with a couple tiny frame buildings and a photo tent by 1900.
The railroads brought entrepreneurs with big ideas to the village of Claremore, Indian Territory. After 1902, they fostered a flood of new construction on the north side of Third Street after George W. Eaton positioned his substantial two-story brick business building on the northeast corner at Third and Missouri Avenue (now Sailor Antiques). Wilson’s Hardware moved into the first floor rooms, and the courthouse quickly moved into the building’s second story and held its courtroom proceedings there.
When JM Bayless came to Claremore in August 1901,[ii] he proved to be a noteworthy visionary for Claremore’s urban development. His Sequoyah Hotel and Windsor Opera House rose gracefully out of the dust on the western corners at Third Street and Missouri Avenue. Bayless astutely purchased of G.W. Eaton the lot just east of Eaton’s corner building on Third Street. The property’s abstract records,
“George W. Eaton, single, Grantor to J.M. Bayless. Grantee. WARRANTY DEED. Dated May 1, 1905. In consideration of the sum of $800.00, the receipt acknowledged. Do hereby grant, bargain, sell, convey, and confirm unto the party of the second part, the following described real estate situated in the Northern District, I.T., to-wit: 20 feet off the East side of lot 11 and 5 feet off the West side of lot 10 in Block 106 making in all 25 feet front by 135 feet deep in the town of Claremore, I.T. The wall on the remainder of lot 10 to be built on dividing line, grantor to pay half of actual cost of same. Grantor also to pay for actual cost of fireproof vault to be built in connection with stone wall on west side, and upper part of said vault to be property of grantor.” [iii]
The Claremore Messenger enthusiastically printed, “Mr. J.M. Bayless has purchased the lot east of the courthouse and will begin at once the erection of a good stone building, with pressed brick front. It is to be 25×100 feet: two stories high in front and one in the rear.”[iv]
In the Warranty Deed, Eaton promised to cover the cost of installing a vault in the rear quarter of the new Bayless building to secure the city’s court records. The Claremore Progress editorialized, “This will be a great thing when completed in case of fire, as all the valuable records of the court will be kept in the same. A fire under present conditions would mean an enormous loss to those having papers filed with the court.”[v] History revealed that Claremore’s downtown business district was not immune to fire. Ironically, a consuming fire would rage taking out frame buildings across the street in December 1905.
By the spring of 1905, J.M. Bayless’s project was “underway and … rapidly pushed to a finish.”[vi]
Then, The Claremore Progress announced the good news that “The vault in the new Bayless building for the court records is now being built.”[vii] Plans were also underway to house the local post office in the building’s first floor.
But, as work on the Bayless building stalled,[viii] Bayless lost interest. That September, he “flipped” this new enterprise selling the land and the uncompleted project to T.S. Chambers (from Nardin, Oklahoma[ix]) at a profit. The Claremore Messenger announced, “Mr. T.S. Chambers has bought the new post office building and will complete it in connection with the one to be immediately built on the next lot east. Work on these buildings will be pushed, and both will soon be ready for occupancy.”[x]
The Warranty Deed recording the sale was dated September 4, 1905.
“J.M. Bayless and M.M. Bayless, his wife, Grantors, to T.S. Chambers, Grantee. WARRANTY DEED. Dated September 4, 1905. In consideration of the sum of $2375.00, the receipt whereof is acknowledged, do hereby grant, bargain, sell, convey and confirm unto the party of the second part, the following described real estate situated in the Northern Dist. I.T., to wit: 20 feet off the East side of lot 11 and 5 feet off the West side of lot 10 in Block 106 in the town of Claremore, and hereby further conveys all conditions and obligation which are more particularly set out in deed from G.W. Eaton which is recorded in Book 9 Page 10. J.M. Bayless, M.M. Bayless. Acknowledged by J.M. Bayless, with separate examination of M.M. Bayless, on Sept. 5, 1905, before Michael Horine, a Notary Public for Berry [sic] County, Mo. (regular Ind. Ter. Form) (seal) Com. Ex. July 3, 1907. Filed for record in the office of the Clerk & Ex-Officio Recorder for the 4th Recording Dist. I.T., Jan. 12, 1906. And recorded in Book 9 Page 353.”[xi]
The Messenger gave more details. Mr. Chambers “is a man of means and public spirit and will be a valuable addition to our circle of live business men… His confidence in Claremore’s future is fixed, and it is his intention to help her realize her rights and to share in the same. We gladly welcome his coming. He is the kind of men we need. With sufficient public spirit, capital and energy back of her, Claremore’s future is exceedingly bright.”[xii]
September 1905, “Official notice was received from the post office department… that the bid of T.S. Chambers for the location of the post office next to the court house had been accepted by the post office department. Mr. Chambers provides for new fixtures for the building which means that Claremore will have one of the neatest post offices in the territory and will be accessible to the public at all hours on Sunday. The office will be moved soon after the first of October.”[xiii] Prior to the move, the post office was located on the south side of Third Street midway between Lynn Riggs Boulevard and Missouri Avenue.
By January 1906, anticipation increased, but there was a breakdown in the supply chain. “The new post office building is almost complete and the fixtures have been put in place. They had hoped to move the office tomorrow night, but the plate glass for the front has not come and there will be a few days’ delay on that account. The office is equipped with the latest and most approved conveniences for places of this size and will be a credit to our town.”[xiv]
In the meantime, H. Jennings, the new Postmaster announced, “I will be in the new post office building on Monday and Tuesday of next week between the hours of 9am and 11am and from 2pm to 6pm for the purpose of assigning boxes to patrons of the office. Kindly call and secure your box and save confusion.”[xv]
Monday, January 15, 1906, “After many delays and disappointments, the post office was finally moved into its new home.”[xvi]
The Claremore Messenger informed the general public, “Miss Ruperta Buchanan is the latest addition to the clerical force of the post office. This gives us three clerks, besides the postmaster himself, which ought to provide first class service.”[xvii]
By February, “The contractor (prepared) to begin work on the new business buildings above the post office.”[xviii]
Situations change. A real estate transition occurred four years later, February 1910, when “T.S. and Edith E. Chambers (sold back) to Geo. W. Eaton, 20 ft of e side lot 11 and 5 ft off w side lot 10, block 106, Claremore, $6,000.”[xix] Then, three years after, in March of 1913, “George W. and Minnie A. Eaton (sold) to Oscar Jeffers part lot 11 and 10 block 106, $10,000.”[xx] The value of the property increased with each sale. The lot JM Bayless purchased for $800 became worth $10,000 with all its improvements.
The Bayless- Chambers building has changed hands and been redesigned for many new purposes over its 115-year existence. Long-time Claremore residents will recall this building, located at 418 W. Will Rogers Boulevard, as the Cadet Theater. The movie house was installed at this place sometime between 1940[xxi] and 1942 according to Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps (1940) and the Claremore phone directory (1942).[xxii] A triangular lighted canopy with tall neon sign and lighted marquis was affixed to the front entrance of the building to attract customers and advertise movies being shown; “Two Big Features, ‘Singing Spurs’ and ‘Black Eagle’” were 1949 favorites. The glass-topped ticket booth stood at the center of the recessed entryway, with entrance doors welcoming movie-goers to the right and left. Posters for upcoming movie attractions were displayed in a half-dozen large, glass display frames.
Chester Baldwin reminisces, “I remember the Cadet Theater, having seen a few movies there before it closed… I remember watching Saturday morning serials of which Andy Devine supposedly read from a ‘Buster Brown’ book, and narrated. I remember the concession stand at the Cadet had a nickel glued to the glass counter top! I don’t know why I remember that!”
A document shared by Paula Davis of the Claremore Museum of History adds, “On Saturdays the Cadet Theater showed a news reel, a cartoon, previews of coming attractions, the main feature, and a serial which was supposed to get the audience to come back the next Saturday. Once a month on Saturday morning, the Cadet Theater would host a talent show before the news reel. Whoever won the talent show would receive a free movie ticket for the following Saturday.”[xxiii]
When the theater closed, the building continued to serve as a community entertainment and gathering place. It conveniently transitioned from the Cadet Theater to the Cadet Bowl bowling alley.
According to Randall Pickens, Sr. “The Cadet Theatre is listed in the 1955 telephone directory,” but closed shortly after this time. “The Cadet Bowl is listed in the 1958 telephone directory, both listings at 418 W. Will Rogers Blvd.” [xxiv]
The February 1960 Claremore telephone directory advertised, “Bowling – Cadet Bowl, 418 W. Will Rogers (see Advertisement This Page). Bowl at the Cadet Bowl. Bowling Alleys Open 1:00 P.M. Daily, 7 Days A Week. Four Alleys. Team Leagues. Private Parties. Call RO 3-0797.”[xxv] However, by 1970, the popular Cadet bowling venue had moved and expanded. The 1970 Claremore directory advertised “Bowling. Cadet Bowl. Open Daily 1 pm – Midnight – Bowling – Pool – Pinball – AMF Pen Setters – League & Open Bowling – Instructions – Snack Bar – Air Conditioning. S. Hwy 66.”[xxvi]
Chester Baldwin adds, “Don’t forget about the Merle Norman Cosmetic store that was in there for many years, run by Mrs. Bryant… I believe Mrs. Bryant put in the cosmetic store after the bowling alley moved out.”
About 1971, the Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio took up residence at 418 W. Will Rogers Boulevard remaining there for three decades or more.[xxvii]
Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio, Located at BRYANT’S SPORTS WEAR, which must have been located in the 418 building as well.
When Merle Norman moved to its 900 E. Will Rogers Boulevard location, other businesses took up residence in the 418 building – Jenny Meeks’s Out West Home Décor (moved in circa 2004 – 2019),[xxviii] Cari Bohannan’s District Baby (2019 – 2021), and presently, Sandra Mathis’s The Pickin’ Queen (opened September 2021).
Victor West, owner of the 418 building, revealed there used to be a breezeway with windows on the second story between the 418 building and the corner Eaton brick buildings. The open space between, along with accompanying windows and openable skylights, allowed for ventilation on the second floor within the buildings in a time before air conditioning. Mrs. Meeks, proprietor of the Out West Décor store described the interior of the Cadet Theater with its concession stand, ticket window, projector room, and the old bathroom spaces with tiled floors, one to the right and one left. The tiled bathroom spaces and doors still exist and are entryways to the large front display windows of today.
From post office, to movie theater, to bowling alley, to cosmetics studio, to baby clothes retail, and home décor, Claremore citizens cherish memories of the Bayless-Chambers building’s entertaining and popular past. One can only imagine what the majestic future holds, now that the Pickin’ Queen has selected this building as her royal domain.
By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer
Sources:
Unless otherwise noted, Oklahoma newspapers are sourced through The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
[ii] The Daily Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 2, No. 213, Ed. 1 Friday, August 2, 1901. Accessed November 20, 2014.
[iii] Abstract Lot 11 Block 106 in the town of Claremore, I.T. May 1, 1905. p. 10.
[iv] Williamson, F. E., editor. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 12, Ed. 1 Friday, March 24, 1905. Accessed: November 21, 2014.
[v] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 20, Ed. 1 Saturday, June 10, 1905. Accessed: November 21, 2014.
[vi] Williamson, F. E., editor. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 20, Ed. 2 Friday, May 19, 1905. Accessed: November 21, 2014.
[vii] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 20, Ed. 1 Saturday, June 10, 1905. Accessed November 21, 2014.
[viii] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 25, Ed. 1 Saturday, July 15, 1905. Accessed November 21, 2014.
[ix] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 32, Ed. 1 Saturday, September 2, 1905. Accessed September 11, 2016.
[x] Williamson, F. E., editor. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 32, Ed. 1 Friday, August 11, 1905. Accessed September 06, 2016.
[xi] Abstract Lot 11 Block 6 in the town of Claremore, I.T. Sept. 4, 1905. p. 11.
[xii] Williamson, F. E. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 11, No. 28, Ed. 1 Friday, July 14, 1905. Accessed September 6, 2021.
[xiii] The Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 35, Ed. 1 Saturday, September 23, 1905. Accessed September 11, 2016.
[xiv] Williamson, F. E., editor. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 12, No. 1, Ed. 1 Friday, January 5, 1906. Accessed August 02, 2016.
[xv] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 50, Ed. 1 Saturday, January 6, 1906. Accessed August 06, 2016.
[xvi] Williamson, F. E. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 12, No. 3, Ed. 1 Friday, January 19, 1906. Accessed September 6, 2021.
[xvii] Williamson, F. E. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 12, No. 4, Ed. 1 Friday, January 26, 1906. Accessed September 6, 2021.
[xviii] Constant, J. A. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 12, No. 6, Ed. 1 Friday, February 9, 1906. Accessed September 8, 2021.
[xix] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 3, Ed. 1 Friday, February 25, 1910. Accessed September 6, 2021.
[xx] Ross, Ayres K. Rogers County Leader. And Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 5, No. 2, Ed. 1 Friday, March 14, 1913. Accessed September 6, 2021..
[xxi] Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, Claremore, Oklahoma, January 1933, 1940 update.Sanborn Map Company, NY. Sheet 2.
[xxii] Cadet Theater is listed in the Claremore, Oklahoma, Telephone Directory. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company: May 1942 (p.4), April 1944 (p.4), May 1951 (p.5), May 1954 (p. 5), May 1955 (p. 5).
[xxiii] Claremore Museum of History document. Courtesy of Paula Davis.
[xxiv] Randall Pickens, Sr. “Claremore as I remember.” “The Cadet Theatre is listed in the 1955 telephone directory, but the Cadet Bowl is listed in the 1958 telephone directory. Both Listings at 418 W.Will Rogers Blvd.”
[xxv] Cadet Bowl – Claremore, Oklahoma Telephone Directory. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company June 1958 (p.8) and February 1960 (p.9)
[xxvi] Cadet Bowl – Claremore, Oklahoma Telephone Directory. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company
May 1970 – Cadet Bowl had moved to S Hwy 66 (p. 13) ad (p. 17) Bowling. Cadet Bowl. Open Daily 1 pm – Midnight – Bowling – Pool – Pinball – AMF Pen Setters – League & Open Bowling – Instructions – Snack Bar – Air Conditioning. S. Hwy 66.
[xxvii] Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio – Claremore, Oklahoma Telephone Directory. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company: May 1970 (not listed), May 1971 (p. 29), May 1972 (p.26* ad), May 1973 (p. 32), May 1975 (p.35), May 1976 (p. 42), May 1977 (p. 43), May 1978 (p. 47), May 1979 (p. 34), May 1980 (p. 35), May 1981 (p. 35), May 1982 (p. 37), May 1983 (no book available), May 1984 – 85 (p. 40), May 1985 – 86 (p. 41), May 1986 – 87 (p. 41), May 1987 – 88 (p. 41), May 1988 – 89 (p. 41), May 1989 – 90 (p. 49), March 1990 – 91 (p. 52), 1995 (p. 119), 1999 – 2000 (p. 152), June 2010 – 2011 (p. 164 900 E Will Rogers Blvd Claremore)
[xxviii] Jenny Meeks “runs her store without help seven days a week and has been doing so since she opened more than 11 years ago.” Source: “Out West in Downtown Claremore Offers Décor for the Outdoor Enthusiast,” by Jessica Jackson, Claremore Main Street, Executive Director. December 22, 2015.
Rogers County, Claremore – Catoosa. YPPA Home Town Directories Inc. June 2010 – 2011, p. 183.
Rogers County, Names and Numbers Five Star Phone Books, 2018, p. 94. 2020, p. 78. 2021, p. 73.
“Street Scene, Claremore, Okla.” Corner of 3rd Street (Will Rogers Boulevard) & Missouri Avenue, looking east. J.T. Wilson & Son Hardware corner building on the left.
Sailor Antiques resides in the impressive, two-story, brick and stone building, located on the prominent northeast corner of Will Rogers Boulevard and Missouri Avenue, in Claremore, Oklahoma’s downtown business district. Built by entrepreneur George W. Eaton in 1902, a lingering “ghost sign” advertisement, painted on the western exterior wall of the building, gives a clue as to the building’s original use. More indications can be discovered inside the store.
Impressive, original pressed-tin tiles embellish the high ceilings, and a central, wide, wooden stairway leads to a mezzanine/balcony space sandwiched between the first and second floors. Labeled cubby holes built under the stairs, once organized all sorts of hardware store paraphernalia. Sailor Antiques’ store proprietress, Brenda Thompson-Reno loves to share the building’s history and has created a display in the hidey-hole space under the stairs to tell the story.
When John C. Barrett of Claremore, Oklahoma, sold his harness and carriage business to James T. Wilson & Co. of Bolivar, Missouri, in 1902, The Claremore Progress welcomed the new firm and wished them “unbounded success” [ClaremoreProgress,9-27-1902]. Moving into their new headquarters in the first floor of the G.W. Eaton building, enterprising businessmen, J.T. Wilson and sons Landon and William immediately added a stock of hardware and farm implements to the already established bargain buggy business [CP,10-18&25-1902].
An intensive advertising campaign initiated in the local newspapers promoted J.T. Wilson & Sons’ new company. “We will receive a (train) carload of buggies, wagons, and farm implements… which we invite you to call and inspect.” “When you buy a Blizzard ice cream freezer of J.T. Wilson & Sons, you get the best.” “We would enjoy a social chat with you whether we trade or not” [CP,11-1-1902&05-23-1903; CM,09-08-1905].
As J.T. Wilson & Sons’ business grew, a large warehouse was constructed in the rear of the store in 1910[CP,09-16-1910]. Neither water damage in the warehouse from a downtown fire in 1910 nor an attempted robbery in 1913 could stop the successful forward momentum of the hardware business [CP,11-18-1910 &09-05-1913].
December 1920, The Claremore Progress reported, “The firm of J.T. Wilson & Son has built up a favorite trading place in Claremore in the hardware and implement lines, also carrying a snug stock of staple groceries. Automobile supplies are here and sewing machines are sold. The stock of harnesses is most complete and furniture is a feature so that the Wilson & Son store may be considered a depot of supplies for farms and households, generally. Wagons and farming implements are bought in (train) car lots also other heavy goods, including a line of stoves, sewing machines, etc., for the household. Spacious decks and a large wareroom are in service. This business and firm have been serving the public 18 years, and a steady growth evidences that they have made satisfied customers, and from a small beginning have become a popular supply house in Claremore” [CP,12-09-1920].
The Claremore Progress’s 1902 well-wishes for “unbounded success” were bountifully granted. According to the History of Rogers County (1979), J.T. Wilson continued as co-owner of this business for some 30 years. At least five generations of Wilsons worked in J.T. Wilson & Sons Hardware during its more than 80 years’ existence. In 1987, Recollections of Early Rogers County stated, “The Wilson Hardware Store has the distinction of being the longest family owned business in Claremore… The business remained in the Wilson family until 1985.” Though Wilson Hardware departed Claremore more than 30 years ago, many still recognize the name, and fond memories return when entering Sailor’s Antiques, the place where Wilson Hardware once was.
by Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer
This article was originally published in The Claremore Progress, May 5, 2021.
To discover more about the J.T. Wilson family and their hardware store, please click on the links below.
The Tale of Two Buildings – The Second Campbell Building – Crooked Roots, originally published in The Claremore Progress, March 27, 2021.
Claremore Builders, Old Berwick Hotel, Oklahoma, Real Photo Postcard. Postmarked 1911.
When entrepreneurs Charles and Pauline Campbell sojourned, about 1910, in Claremore, Oklahoma, they financed two “modern” Main Street buildings. The first now houses Back in the Day Antiques. The second stands stoically on the southeast corner of Cherokee Avenue and Will Rogers Boulevard.
This second two-story Campbell building boasted two rows of iron columns positioned on the first-floor interior to hold up the second. The Claremore Messenger shared, the new Campbell building received a coat of stucco and was “colored up” as a final touch [CM,10-27-1911].
When complete, the Littlefield Loan & Investment Company and Rogers Abstract Company settled in. The well-satisfied Mr. Littlefield remarked, “We take pleasure in announcing to our friends and clientele that we have moved into the new Campbell building… This office was built expressly for us, and putting it modestly, we are proud of it” [CP,10-13-1911].
Built on the corner, stores could be entered from Will Rogers Boulevard and/or from Cherokee Avenue. Charley Barney’s repair shop, Brown Bros., Tanner Brothers Furniture, M.C. Carlley’s bicycle repair, the Electric Supply Co., Dr. Effie DeVine chiropractor, and others were businesses housed in the east Campbell building [Rogers County Leader 11-17-1911, 1-12-1912; CM,5-24-1912; CP, 7-2-14, 8-28-19].
Since Claremore promoted itself as a health resort, it needed “up-to-date and newly furnished rooming houses where a person of means may stop and have things as nice as at home. Such a rooming house (was) opened (on the second floor) in the corner Campbell building by Mrs. Belle D. O’Neal.” She named her elegant hotel “The Berwick” [CP,8-16-1912].
The Berwick was given rave reviews. “The new Berwick Hotel … is the most expensively furnished hotel in the city. The rooms are large and airy and are furnished with the best carpets and furniture made. Not only is it a credit to our city but would be equally as popular in any city in the United States” [CP,8-30-12].
In 1913, the Glasgow Hardware Company installed a large electric sign for the Berwick Hotel which was “classed among the prettiest signs in the state.” It was reported, “When the sign flashes its message to the people, it lights up the street for a great distance” [CP,2-14-1913 & 3-14-1913].
Mrs. L.B. Shaw became proprietor of The Berwick Hotel and eventually moved her business [CM,5-2-1919; CP,7-27-1922]. This west-side hotel at Lynn Riggs and Will Rogers Boulevard is “The Berwick” remembered by most long-time Claremore residents.
Investment has its cost. Lawsuits pending, the Campbells wound up in serious financial difficulties. January 1920, The Claremore Progress informed, “C.B. Littlefield, as agent for Pauline F. Campbell… sold the Campbell building, corner Third and Cherokee, to John A. Bell, the consideration being $21,500. This is one of the biggest real estate deals made in Claremore for some time” [CP,1-8-1920].
Sometime between 1922 and December 1925 [Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, Claremore, 12-1925] the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons Claremore Lodge No. 53, supplanted the old Berwick.
All memory of Charles and Pauline Campbell may be forgotten. The original sloping Mediterranean-tiled roof eaves and arched second-story windows of the Campbell building are also gone. Yet, the stucco façade, large rectangular first-floor picture windows, and arched window spaces parading along Cherokee Avenue remain.
Today, this corner Campbell building is home to the fashionable Crooked Roots Design, CrossFit businesses (323 & 321 West Will Rogers Boulevard), and Will Rogers Masonic Lodge #53. Other small businesses take up residence in the building parading along Cherokee Avenue. This unique Campbell building stands tall, enhancing the distinctive cityscape that downtown Claremore, Oklahoma, enjoys today.
The Tale of Two Buildings, Part 2 – The Campbell Buildings – “Crooked Roots” in Claremore.
To read The Tale of Two Buildings, Part 1 – The Campbell Buildings – “Back in the Day,” please click here.
The iconic March 26, 1906, snowy day, F.L. Stone panoramic view of Claremore, Indian Territory’s main street looking west, shows a medium-sized wooden framed structure positioned at the southeast corner of Cherokee Avenue and Third Street (323 West Will Rogers Boulevard, platted, Block 114, Lot 1&2). Across Cherokee Avenue to the south and west, the two-story Bungalow Bathhouse (built 1905/6 by Judge E.S. Bessey[1]) can be identified by its expansive wrap-around second-story balcony and prominent rooftop widow’s walk.
The gloriously “modern” second Campbell building would not supplant the lowly framed structure that housed a grocery store in 1907[2] until late in 1911. At this location, the words “from plans” appear on the June 1911 Sanborn Fire Insurance map,[3] delineating that this eastern brick Campbell building was to be two-stories tall with two rows of iron columns positioned on the first floor to hold up the second. This unique building, now the home of Crooked Roots Design, CrossFit, and the Will Rogers Masonic Lodge #53 continues to thrive today.
To the east of the Campbell building stood Mrs. Schmitz’s elegant two-story (later three-story) brick. The first-floor wall was shared with the Campbell building, but much of the second and third-floor walls were separated by an open, slender, air-circulating, breezeway. Mrs. Schmitz ran her hotel (aka Bird, aka Twin Oaks Hotel) on the second, and later, the third floors. Tanner Brothers’ furniture situated their business on the ground floor of the Schmitz.[4] The Claremore Progress declared in 1909, “One of the magnificent storefronts of our city is the new Schmitz building occupied by Tanner Brothers’ furniture store.”[5]
In April 1911, the good news was announced that the steel for the second Campbell building was ready to be installed.[6]
Construction Workers, Old Berwick Hotel, aka Will Rogers Masonic Lodge #53, Crossfit, and Crooked Roots Desing, Claremore, Oklahoma, Real Photo Postcard. Post Marked 1911. Note the very top of the cupola – widow’s walk – of the Bungalow Bathhouse through the window at right and the clapboard grocery building.
When construction started in July, The Claremore Progress humorously recounted, “Quite a good deal of excitement was caused Monday evening at 5:30 when the police call was turned in from the new Campbell building near the Progress office. The workmen on the building were having a jolly good time with some Old Crow and had become too boisterous for some of their neighbors. Quite a crowd gathered in front of the building and watched the police force carry out the revelers. Five of them were taken to the city lockup and one lone fellow made his getaway.”[7]
When construction was complete, business owners moved into the new Campbell building and got down to, well, business. B.L. Murrell “moved his grocery in his new quarters in the Campbell building, corner of Third and Cherokee. This is one of the best locations and store buildings in the city.”[8] Murrell’s was “the place to buy your groceries. If honest and fair treatment will merit your trade, we want it. For satisfaction in flour use O.B.[9] Get more for your eggs. Bring them to us. Corner 3rd & Cherokee, New Campbell Building.”[10]
October 1911, Littlefield Loan & Investment Company had “moved to their new office in the Campbell building at the corner of 3d and Cherokee Streets… The new office is the home of the Littlefield Loan & Investment Company and the Rogers Abstract Company. The two companies have grown in large favor and have enjoyed most liberal patronage… Mr. Littlefield, the senior member of the company, has been 35 years at the counter, having served 30 years of this time as a Missouri banker. This present company was started in Claremore, December 1906, in the Moore building, opposite the post office. They have outgrown the old quarters and are showing their enterprise and confidence in the future of Claremore and Rogers County by seeking quarters more commensurate with their business.”[11]
The well satisfied Mr. Littlefield added, “We take pleasure in announcing to our friends and clientele that we have moved into the new Campbell building, corner of Third and Cherokee street. This office was built expressly for us, and putting in modestly, we are proud of it. Our business being of a confidential nature we have felt for the past three years that we must find an office commensurate with our rapidly increasing business. We could certainly be unmindful and unappreciative of your interest in us if we should fail to respond to the growing demands of your business with us…Littlefield Loan & Investment Co., Rogers County Abst. Co.”[12]
Littlefield Loans & Investment Company, ground floor, Campbell Building, 323 West Will Rogers Boulevard, Claremore, Oklahoma. Source: L. Ida Lawley. “Souvenir Booklet, Claremore, Oklahoma, 1910-1915.” Muskogee Printing Co….Muskogee, Oklahoma. p.17. Courtesy The Rogers County Historical Society, Belvidere Mansion Archives.
The Claremore Messengershared in October 1911, “the new Campbell building is receiving its coat of stucco, and being colored up this week. It makes a fine-looking structure and one which will make the street look much nicer.”[13] As embellishment was being finished the Rogers County Leader reported with disgust, “Some scoundrel smashed a plate glass in the Campbell building on Cherokee and Third early Wednesday morning.”[14]
Charley Barney made “ready for business at his repair shop in the Campbell building on Cherokee.”[15] “Brown Bros. wasted no time in grieving over their fire loss but opened up a shop in the Campbell building on Cherokee.”[16] The “Real Tailor” moved into “the Campbell building, one door south of Littlefield’s.”[17] Being on a corner lot, shops were positioned in such a way that they could be entered from Third Street and/or from Cherokee Avenue.
Unfortunately, more legal trouble was brewing for C.M. Campbell, owner of the two new Campbell buildings in Claremore, and he was not alone this time.
“First Published April 19, 1912, Notice By Publication. State of Oklahoma, County of Rogers, ss. In the District Court. Mrs. L.A. Schmitz, Plaintiff, vs. W.F. Hays, G.D. Davis, G.O. Bayless, The Campbell Estate, C.M. Campbell, and Louis H. Stabler, Defendants. Civil No. 1309. The above named defendants, C.M. Campbell and Louis H. Stabler, will take notice that they have been sued in the District Court of Rogers County, Oklahoma, for the recovery of $737.07 for damages for the breach of party wall (mutually shared walls) contract between lots Two and Three of Block One Hundred and Fourteen of the City of Claremore, Rogers County, Oklahoma, and for the purpose of having said judgment prayed for, declared a lien upon said above described property; and that said defendants and each of them must answer the petition filed herein by the above named plaintiff, on or before 1st day of June 1912, or said judgment for said plaintiff for the sum of $737.07 and for a lien upon the above described property to satisfy said judgment will be rendered accordingly. Witness my hand and the seal of this Court this 17th day of April, 1912. Lee Settle. Dist. Court Clerk. By C.T. McClellan, Deputy. Richard H. Wills, Attorney.”[18] This announcement was made several more times in the news.
In the meantime, May 24, 1912, Tanner Brothers “moved their furniture store into the Campbell building next door to Littlefield’s.”[19] and Mrs. Bell D. O’Neil of Springfield, Missouri, “rented the rooms on the second floor of the Campbell building at the corner of Cherokee and Third… preparing to conduct a first (class) rooming house. Mrs. O’Neil will furnish it in a handsome manner and will probably give a public opening about August 1st at which time she will be ready for business.”[20]
“In a health resort (as Claremore was promoting itself) it is of great importance to have thoroughly up-to-date and newly furnished rooming houses, where a person of means may stop and have things as nice as at home. Such a rooming house has been opened in the corner Campbell building by Mrs. Belle D. O’Neal, of Jefferson City, Missouri, who with her young daughter has become a permanent resident of Claremore. The name of the house will be ‘The Berwick.’ New furniture from Kansas City, bought through local merchants, has been arriving for several days.”[21] “The rooms are newly furnished and it is the intention of the management to make this place a leader in its particular line.”[22]
When opened, The Berwick was given rave reviews by the media. “The new Berwick Hotel which has just been opened by Mrs. O’Neal in the Campbell building is the most expensively furnished hotel in the city. The rooms are large and airy and are furnished with the best carpets and furniture made. Not only is it a credit to our city but would be equally as popular in any city in the United States. The Berwick has as its motto ‘A hotel that is different.’ A visit to this popular place would be a revelation to you.”[23]
Campbell Building, 323 West Will Rogers Boulevard, Claremore, Oklahoma. Source: L. Ida Lawley. “Souvenir Booklet, Claremore, Oklahoma, 1910-1915.” Muskogee Printing Co….Muskogee, Oklahoma. p.20. Courtesy The Rogers County Historical Society, Belvidere Mansion Archives. Note the exterior sign in front of the building. Balconies of the Bird Hotel are visible at far left.
Many people enthusiastically entertained at the new Campbell building in 1912. “W.C.T.U. (Woman’s Christian Temperance Union) Notes… Plans were made for a chicken dinner to be given Monday, Sept. 23, in the Campbell building. Come friends! Get a good warm dinner for only 25 cents.” “The W.O.W. (Woodman of the World life insurance organization) and ladies of the Woodmen Circle will give an ice cream supper Friday night in the Campbell building… Littlefield Loan and Investment Co. Office: New Campbell Building.”[24] June 1913, the Ladies Aid of the M.E. church served tea at the Berwick Hotel.[25] The hospitality at the Berwick Hotel was matched by none other.
In 1913, there was a “glowing” report that the Glasgow Hardware Company was “installing a large electric sign for the Berwick Hotel which when completed will be classed among the prettiest signs in the state.”[26] When the electrical sign for the Berwick Hotel, was lit up for the first time, it was said, “When the sign flashes its message to the people, it lights up the street for a great distance.”[27]
In April 1915, the Berwick Hotel business changed hands. “Mrs. Belle D. O’Neal, who has had charge of the Berwick Hotel for the past two years, recently sold the same to Mrs. Olive Winkler, of Muskogee, who took possession the first of April. The new proprietress states that the high standard of the hotel will be maintained.”[28]
Ready for a touch up in February 1916, “The front of the Littlefield Loan & Investment Co.’s headquarters in the Campbell Building, was treated to a coat of paint.”[29]
The Ladies’ Aid of the First Methodist Episcopal Church met with Mrs. Olive Winkler at the Berwick on a Friday afternoon in March 1918. All members were urged to be present.[30] After May of that year, Mrs. Winkler would no longer be entertaining the Ladies’ Aid at the Berwick as the hotel’s business once again changed hands. Mrs. Olive Winkler and her daughter Miss Eva Winkler left Claremore to make their home at Muskogee.[31]
The eastern Campbell building was prime business real estate. M.C. Carlley “bought the bicycle repair business of the Electric Supply Co. in the Campbell building and moved his headquarters thereto.”[32] C.H. Smith, the piano tuner, worked from there. [33] Dr. Wm. Mondy made his chiropractor office at the Berwick Hotel,[34] as did Chiropractor Dr. Effie DeVine who moved her office to the Berwick from the Ward Rooms across the street.[35] “Tires Manufacturers Sales Co. State Distributors” were also accommodated at “Berwick Hotel, Claremore, Oklahoma.”[36]
As expected, refined hospitality continued to be a Berwick trademark in 1919 as Mrs. L.B. Shaw, the new proprietress, delightfully entertained The Home Economics Club “in the parlors of the Berwick Hotel with Mrs. R.I. Wallingford as hostesses. The program for the afternoon proved very interesting and entertaining. In answering the roll call each member gave a short discussion upon a topic of current event. Mrs. Mary Bayless, vice-president, presiding, took up the regular order of business for the club… The subject studied for the afternoon was ‘Labor-Saving Devices.’”[37] The Quest Club also met at the home of Mrs. L.B. Shaw, at the Berwick. “Several guests from the hotel were present. All report the program immensely enjoyed and Mrs. Shaw an excellent hostess.”[38]
A quiet wedding took place in the parlors of the Berwick Hotel in December 1919, “when Rev. Howard Thomison united in marriage Mr. Vernon Hurd, of Talala, and Miss Urnnie Whisenhunt, of Oolagah.”[39] And, “Leslie Pearson, 26, and Edna Lucille Griffin, 20, both of Oolagah, were married in the parlors of the Berwick Hotel, Friday morning (August 13, 1921), Rev. E.W. Martin officiating.”[40]
In the new year, January 1920, “C.B. Littlefield, as agent for Pauline F. Campbell, of Washington, D.C.,… sold the Campbell building, corner Third and Cherokee, to John A. Bell, the consideration being $21,500. This is one of the biggest real estate deals made in Claremore for some time.”[41]
Mrs. L.B. Shaw continued as proprietress of the Berwick and continued to invite ladies to have their society meetings there throughout 1920, 1921, and 1922. The Quest Club,[42] Home Economics Club,[43]a weekend house party,[44]County Federation of Clubs,[45] Daily Prayer Meeting, County Federation of Home Economics Clubs,[46] all enjoyed the hospitality of this lovely event venue.
But change happens. July 1922, a deal was “closed whereby Mrs. L.B. Shaw has leased the Flippin building and will take possession Tuesday, August 1st. Mrs. Shaw will immediately convert this place into one of the most modern rooming houses of the city, and plenty of outside rooms. She will completely renovate the building and will refurnish it. There will be hot and cold water on both floors, private baths, and elegantly furnished rooms. A portico is to be built out across the sidewalk. The name of the new place will be the New Berwick. For the past five years, Mrs. Shaw has been proprietor of the Berwick and has run a clean, attractive, wholesome rooming house with respectability the watchword. She intends converting the Flippin building, cor., 3rd and Catalayah (aka Lynn Riggs Boulevard), into the same class of a rooming house.”[47] This hotel at Lynn Riggs and Will Rogers Boulevard is probably “The Berwick” remembered by most long-time Claremore residents.
The A.F. & A.M. Claremore Lodge No. 53 gave up its long-time residence at 506 W. Will Rogers Boulevard for the much larger and newer Campbell building location in 1923.
“Masons buy new home. Claremore Lodge, No. 53, A.F. & A.M., Wednesday, January 10th, purchased the Taylor building, known as the Berwick Hotel, and will renovate the second story into a new home. The deal was made with Mr. Taylor through the trustees, G.D. Davis, E.E. Woods and Fred Walker, three of the most conservative business men of the ccity, and the consideration was $22,400. The upper story has been vacant since the removal of the hotel furniture last summer. The Claremore lodge owns the block in which they have long held their meetings, but have outgrown the room, and will place the block on the market, the lower story of which is occupied by the City Market.
“The local Masonic lodge is one of the most prosperous in the state, and is made up of business men, professional men, and substantial farmers of this section. The officers of the lodge are Walter Pendleton, Worshipful Master; M.P. Browning, Senior Warden; Wm. E. Burgess, Junior Warden; M.R. Harrison, Senior Deacon; Fred Bortel, Junio Deacon; Chas. Rogers, Senior Steward; A.E. Richards, Junior Steward; R.R. Sutton, Secretary; Riley Haggard, Treasurer; T.C. Coup, Chaplain; W.O. Yates, Tyler; Regular communications are held the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month. They will be at home in their new apartments in the early spring.” [48]
The Sanborn Fire Insurance Co. map, dated December 1925, indicates a second-story “Lodge” resided on the second floor of the east Campbell building in 1925. [49]
This space (now addressed as 102 South Cherokee Avenue) is the current home of the Will Rogers Masonic Lodge #53, which was originally the A.F. & A.M. No. 53, but changed its name to the Will Rogers Masonic Lodge #53 to honor humorist and lodge member “Brother” William Penn Rogers on his 100th birthday.[50]
All memory of Campbell building investors Charles M. and Pauline Campbell is forgotten. As with its western Campbell building sister, the elite styled sloping Mediterranean tiled roof eaves are an architectural feature long gone. The many voluminous, arched, second-story windows have also disappeared. Steel trusses were added on the flat rooftop by 1933[51] to increase the building’s integrity; the stucco façade, and large rectangular first-floor picture windows still look out onto Will Rogers Boulevard. The arched window spaces that parade along Cherokee Avenue are also still in evidence. Today this eastern Campbell building is the home of the fashionable Crooked Roots Design and Crossfit businesses (323 & 321 West Will Rogers Boulevard). Other small businesses take residence along Cherokee Avenue.
One wonders, would the jolly workmen who so heartily celebrated the Campbell building’s construction at its birth be impressed that their building has withstood so well the test of time? Let one and all celebrate the fact that both unique Campbell buildings still stand to enhance the distinctive cityscape that the City of Claremore enjoys today.
By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer
Sources:
Unless otherwise stated, newspaper articles are sourced through The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.
[1] Constant, J. A. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 12, No. 9, Ed. 1 Friday, March 2, 1906.
[2] Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, Claremore, Indian Territory. July 1907. Sheet 4. 3rd & Cherokee Ave.
[3] Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, Claremore, Oklahoma. June 1911. Sheet 4. 3rd & Cherokee Ave.
[4] Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, Claremore, Oklahoma. June 1911. Sheet 4. 3rd & Cherokee Ave.
JC Penney Company, Photo Courtesy the Rogers County Historical Society, Belvidere Mansion Archives
Back in the day, Claremore was a promising territory town just right for pioneer capitalists who wanted to make substantial financial investments. Entrepreneurs Charles and Pauline Campbell came to Claremore from the east about 1910, proceeding to grasp all the prime, Main Street fronted real estate they could commandeer.
The Claremore Progress revealed,“Two new modern buildings will be commenced in a few days and will be modern in every respect. Mr. C.M. Campbell, of Washington, D.C., arrived in the city the first of the week and brought with him the plans for the new buildings and announces that work will be commenced at once. One building will be built where Draper’s meat market and Odom’s barber shop are now located, and will be the latest model in the way of a business house” [CP,3-10-1911].
This Campbell lot, located on the south side of Main Street between Missouri and Cherokee Avenues (409 West Will Rogers Boulevard) is now the home of Back in the Day Antiques and Treasures.
In April 1911, The Claremore Progress reported, “The steel is being placed in position on the first Campbell building” [CP,4-21-1911]. When completed, iron columns supported the second floor of the two-story Campbell building, and the interior was plastered [Sanborn Map,9-1911]. Large store display windows at street level embellished the entrance doors. The exterior painted cement façade and sloping clay-tiled roof eaves gave the building a Mediterranean look.
This Campbell building filled rapidly with Maud Littlefield’s music school; Dobson, jewelers; Watson Bros., electricians [Claremore Messenger,9-29-1911]; Joe Chambers’ law office; G.W. Walkley, real estate; Smith & Lynch, attorneys, and Goodwin’s Barber Shop [Rogers County Leader,9-29-1911&6-14-1912].
Though the New York 5 and 10c Store resided elsewhere, managers displayed their holiday goods in the Campbell building’s capacious show windows [CM,11-22-1912]. After the holidays, Casper Lipe moved Lipe’s Grocery into the Campbell building [CP,12-27-1912]. The following year, drawn by the larger floorspace and superior lighting, Mrs. M.B. Church transported her fashionable Ladies’ Specialty Store from the Johnson building across the street to the Campbell building [CM,5-2-1913]. Thereafter, W.J. Eldridge’s notary, deeds, and contracts business [CP,9-3-1914], Mrs. Turk Moore’s handwork business [CP,10-15-1914], Miss Thomas’s Millinery Co. [CP,3-2-1916], and Mrs. Pond’s Amarillo Beauty Parlor [CP,12-9-1920] followed suit.
Long-time Claremore residents fondly recall this Campbell building as the JCPenney Company store with its striking green mosaic porcelain tile entryway floor and three cheerful, commodious display windows. The Worth Hotel was strategically located upstairs [Sanborn Map,12-1925]. JCPenney Company took up residence at this site in 1927 and stayed at that location until it moved to its Ne-Mar Center home in 1988 [David Kruger, “James Cash Penney” Chronicles of Oklahoma, Fall 2011]. One remembers the Howell family who cordially managed the JCPenney Main Street store. Many recollect shopping at JCPenney at Christmas, buying their Easter attire there, and playing hide-and-seek among the clothes racks.
The Campbell building has gone through many transitions since it was first built by Charles and Pauline Campbell in 1911. Though the Mediterranean styled façade with its sloping front clay-tiled eave has been replaced with a streamlined simplified roof edge, the five second-story windows remain. At 110years young, the building has recently experienced another stylish facelift.
As was true 100 years ago, Claremore’s quaint downtown historic district still inspires business entrepreneurs. Vintage buildings, lovingly restored by forward thinking real estate developers, are adding fresh space for a new generation of city residents and business owners as the heart of Claremore regenerates. Look forward; 50-100 years from now these businesses will be the ones old-timers remember, “Back in the Day.”
A Tale of Two Buildings: The Campbell Building #1 – Back in the Day
Campbell Building. Southside Will Rogers Boulevard between Cherokee and Missouri Avenue. Photo Courtesy JM Davis Arms and Historical Museum and Ken & Peggy Combs.
Back in the Day, Claremore was a promising territory town bookended by two substantial railroads. Accessibility to speedy overland transport brought tourists, capitalists, investors, and even a charlatan or two. The city of Claremore’s Main Street (also called Third Street or Will Rogers Boulevard) began developing at the Frisco railroad station to the west moving slowly towards the Iron Mountain Railroad at its eastern extremity. Within the first few decades, substantial brick buildings began to replace fragile wooden frame structures that were overtly susceptible to the fires that easily destroyed otherwise thriving businesses.
The Campbells, Charles M.[1] and Pauline S. with their two sons, Courtney and Orlando, were entrepreneurs who came to Claremore from the east. Arriving about 1910, they decided that Claremore was a profitable location in which to make a substantial financial investment. October 27, 1910, “Littlefield Loan & Investment Co. Opposite Post office, Claremore,” published a proud announcement in the Rogers County News. “The past month has been a busy one for us. 25 feet sold, Laura Schmitz to C.M. Campbell, 3d St. $3,808.00; 30 feet sold, Bayless, Davis to C.M. Campbell, 3d St. $4,125.00; 50 ft sold, W.F. Hays to C.M. Campbell, 3d St. $6,500.00; 70 feet sold, Burke Grimsley to C.M. Campbell, 3d St. $10,500.00.”[2] It appeared that Charles M. Campbell was grasping all the prime, Main Street fronted real estate he could commandeer.
One western Campbell lot, located on the south side of Main Street between Missouri and Cherokee Avenues (platted Block 113, lots 5&6 – now the home of Back in the Day Antiques & Treasures, addressed as 409 West Will Rogers Boulevard), held five, small, one-story, wooden buildings: a barber shop, plumbing store, lunch counter attached to the saloon in the next lot to the east, and two small out buildings. The larger, wood-framed two-story Claremore Hotel (originally named the Lindsey Hotel) sprawled along Main Street to the west.[3]
An eastern Campbell lot positioned on the south east corner at Third Street and Cherokee Avenue (platted Block 114, lots 1&2, – now the home of Crooked Roots Design and Cross Fit, addressed 321 & 323 West Will Rogers Boulevard), sported a wood frame grocery building with the substantial two-story brick Schmitz (aka Bird and/or Twin Oaks) Hotel to the east. Yet, “there is nothing permanent except change,”[4] and with the Campbells appearance in Claremore, change was just around the corner.
This is the tale of the two Campbell buildings. In March 1911, The Claremore Progress, revealed,“Two new modern buildings will be commenced in a few days and will be modern in every respect. Mr. C.M. Campbell, of Washington, D.C., arrived in the city the first of the week and brought with him the plans for the new buildings and announces that work will be commenced at once. One building will be built where Draper’s meat market and Odom’s barber shop are now located, and will be the latest model in the way of a business house. The other building will occupy the corner between Mrs. Schmitz’s building and Cherokee Avenue; it will have a frontage on Third street of 50 feet and will cover the length of the lot on Cherokee. Both buildings will be two stories high.”[5]
With this progressive news, Joe Gibbs was asked to move “his business house a few feet to the east of the old location to make room for the new Campbell building.”[6] The lunch counter of Mr. Gibb’s framed saloon building had spilled over into the Campbell’s western lot and was taking up space that was no longer available to him.
By April, it was stated, “The steel is being placed in position on the first Campbell building; they are also ready for the steel in the second Campbell building.”[7]
Preliminary Architectural Drawings. Arthur B. Heaton Architect, Washington, DC.
With his building plans progressing, Mr. C.M. Campbell, left for his home in Washington, D.C., and “with his family will sail next Saturday from New York for Europe, where he will remain until October. He informed the Progress reporter that work would go right on, on his two business blocks and that they would be completed as soon as possible with the exception of some of the trimmings on the points, which would be placed on them when he returns in October. When completed Mr. Campbell will have buildings of a type that is being followed largely in the east. While appearances are against them now, that will all be changed when the cement finish on the outside are completed, the sloping roofs are tiled and the many ornaments are placed in position.”[8]
With its completion, the western two-story Campbell building on Main Street, located across from the post office, would house two narrow store spaces, with a barbershop inserted in between. A pool hall was located towards the back of the building. An open lawn space lay between the Campbell and the Claremore Hotel to the west. A pawn shop separated by a narrow breezeway resided to the east. Beyond the pawnshop to the east was a two-story, brick and rock bakery and grocery building, followed by a 5 and 10c store with a Ladies’ furnishing store next to that on the corner. Iron columns supported the second floor of the Campbell building, and the interior was plastered.[9] Large store display windows at street level with clerestory windows above embellished the entrance doors. The exterior painted cement façade and sloping clay-tiled roof eaves gave the building a Mediterranean look.
Once the building was complete, M.W. Davis asked the council for permission to place a roof over the vacant lot between the Claremore Hotel and Campbell building so the “place could be used as a shine parlor.”[10]
This beautiful new Campbell building filled rapidly. Claremore’s School of Music led by Miss Maud E. Littlefield, her sister Mrs. C.S. Leacock, and Prof. R.S. Sanders “located in the new Campbell building opposite the post office, where they are much better prepared to accommodate their students.”[11] The news also reported, “W.P. Dobson, jeweler, and Watson Bros., electricians, have leased the east room of the Campbell building for their respective business.”[12] Judge Joe Chambers “opened a law office on the second floor of the new Campbell building,” as did G.W. Walkley, real estate, and Smith & Lynch, attorneys.[13] And there were also festivities. “The biggest and best Chicken Pie Dinner Claremore has ever had for 2 cents will be served Saturday, Oct. 28 in the Campbell Building. Everybody invited. Remember the date.”[14]
A strange transaction was noted in The Claremore Progress, October 13, 1911, “Charles M. and Pauline Campbell to John P. Henry part lot 5 and 6, block 113, $100.” This was the lot upon which they had just built their western Campbell building.[15]
And what did Mr. Campbell do next? “C.M. Campbell, Radium water’s most consistent booster, and one of Claremore’s most progressive businessmen, left Thursday for his old home in Washington City where he will spend the holidays. While away Mr. Campbell will not be idle but will devote his time to advertising Claremore, Rogers County, and Radium water.”[16]Radium water was a medicinal artesian water discovered in Claremore in 1903. This natural resource was used by Claremore businessmen and women to promoted Claremore as a health resort drawing tourists and the infirmed from around the world.
Perhaps as some sort of financial tactic, in February 1912, the local newspapers noted, “John P. Henry to the Campbell estate, part lots 5-6 block 113 (the western Campbell building’s lot). Louis H. and Catherine E. Stabler to the Campbell Estate part lot 6 and 7 block 113 and lots 1-2 block 114 (the eastern Campbell building’s lot) $10.”[17]
In 1912, Mr. Campbell was busy traveling back and forth to the east promoting Claremore and its unique health spa, natural resource Radium Water. The Claremore Progress explained, “C.M. Campbell informs us that the new booklet for Claremore that is being printed in the East under his supervision, is ready for the press and will be on their [sic] way here about February 18th. It will contain 20 pages. As 24 pages can be printed for about the cost of 20, for the reason that ‘printer’s forms’ contain eight pages each, Mr. Campbell suggests that when a new edition is printed, four pages of good testimonials from prominent people (be) added. He calls particular attention to two facts. The first is that there is no money yet collected for the cost of this first edition of 2,000 which will run to about $112.00 so the expense had to be kept down. This cost includes about $41.00 for new cuts. It also includes the cost of electroplates of the entire job which belong to us. The second point is that Mr. Campbell’s aim in this book is to bring conviction to the mind of the patient reading it, and everything is made subservient to that. In the preparation of the peculiar title page, his object is to fix the attention and hold the interest of the reader. He thinks it is a mistake to put out ‘cure-all’ literature and has confined this book to those cures that will be most profitable to us, Rheumatism, Eczema, Gastro-Intestinal Disorder, and Alcoholism. Alcoholism has been added because he believes that in the light of the great success at Baden and French Lick Springs in Indiana, which specializes on whiskey cases, that there is a great field here in that class of patients. At French Licks, they have recently built a combination hotel and sanitarium that cost $730,000. And there are also other very fine places there. Mr. Campbell says in a letter: ‘If Claremore wants to reap the harvest from Radium Water that lies ready at hand, she must have at least one good sanitarium. The money that was subscribed for the Haywood Wagon works, an inferior enterprise, would pretty nearly carry a sanitarium through. Say the Athletic Building is acquired for $7,500. And I believe this can be done. Then let the city remit the taxes for five years, which it can do under the circumstances. To this building let the Bayless estate donate the ground just north of the building. Then organize a company with a capital of $50,000. If $10,000 of this is subscribed by the citizens of Claremore the situation would be as follows. Capital Stock $50,000. Cash Subscription $10,000. Loan 10,000. Mgr. Subscription from Hot Springs 10,000. Treasury Stock 20,000 – 50,000. As the building is overhauled, baths being installed on the lower floor, massages and other operating rooms together with about ten wards for patients on the second floor, and wards or rooms for patients on the third floor, the loan could be increased at least to $15,000, taking into account the increased area of ground. This would give assets in cash of $35,000 or $275,000 with which to overhaul the building. I suggest that a great colonial entrance be made from the park on the north. It strikes me, considering the immense superiority of this proposition over an experimental investment in a wagon works for which $12,000 were raised, and the enormous benefit which would be derived by all citizens from the development of Claremore into a first-class health resort, that such a plan as I have described should require but a very mild effort of enthusiasm and enterprise.’” “Something should be done. The suggestions of Mr. Campbell in Tuesday’s paper are worthy of the greatest consideration and should be taken up and acted upon at once. There is no doubt but that we need a sanitarium that will attract patients from all parts of the United States. Radium water will do its part in building a city if we will only do ours. If we will just make preparations to take care of our visitors, Radium water will bring them here. Something definite should be done at once. Probably our people are waiting for the return of Mr. Campbell before any action is taken.”[18]
When Mr. Campbell’s Radium Water booklets arrived in Claremore the Claremore Commercial Club gave it rave reviews. “Pamphlets Printed. The Radium water advertising being printed in the East under the supervision of Mr. C.M. Campbell is completed and a few samples have been sent to this city for inspection. The workmanship on the book is good, the cuts excellent, and the reading matter just such claims as can be readily backed by physicians with a reputation. The views of the City of Claremore in the book are the best ever taken in the city. The booklet should work wonders for our city and Radium water if intelligently distributed.”[19]
In June 1912, builder and craftsmanLaban Barcus was “at work making some changes in the (western) Campbell building across the street from the post office.”[20] Perhaps it was Mr. Barcus who added the interior stairway to the second floor of the building that shows up in the 1916 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map.[21] S.H. Goodwin, proprietor of The Antiseptic Barber Shop, “Swellest place in town… everything sanitary and up-to-date,” opened his business in the center room of Campbell Building. [22]
Since the New York 5 and 10c Store did not reside in the Campbell building, “it was quite a surprise to the people of Claremore to see the large show window of the Campbell Building across from the post office filled with attractive merchandise; this building having been empty for some time. The New York 5 and 10c Store has arranged to use this show window for additional display of holiday goods, no selling at the building but the merchandise displayed will be on sale only at the New York 5 and 10c Store.”[23]
The display window advertising was such a success that in December 1912, “The New York 5 and 10 cent Store is spreading its window display and has now secured the other display window in the Campbell building for showing of Christmas goods. The window together with the other window in the Campbell building will be used solely for display purposes, and the goods will be sold only at the New York 5 and 10 Cent Store.”[24]
Just after the holidays, Casper Lipe of Lipe’s Grocery moved his grocery into the Campbell building on Third Street.”[25]
Yet in the new year, another interesting real estate transaction was noted. January 3, 1913, “The Campbell estate, a corp., to Orland Campbell part lot 6 and 7 block 113, and part lot 5 and 6 block 113, Claremore, $10. Orland Campbell to Pauline Campbell, part lot 6 and 7 block 113, and part lots 5 and 6, block 113, Claremore, $10.[26] The Campbell property, seemingly serendipitously, moved from the Campbell Corporation to Orlando Campbell (the son) then to Pauline Campbell (the wife).
It was in the spring of 1913 that the Baptist ladies gave “a chicken dinner in the Campbell building on election day, April 1st.”[27] Mrs. M.B. Church prepared to move her Ladies’ Specialty Store to “the new Campbell building just across the street from the present location (in the Loomis building, 410 West Will Rogers Boulevard). Reason for moving we will have more room and much better light. We will be located in our new home on or before June 1st, and we will give a 10 percent discount on all ladies’ goods until June 1st.”[28] And the local Poultry Show was held, “absolutely free to everybody” at the Campbell building, opposite the post office.[29]
The Campbell building housed, in 1914, W.J. Eldridge’s business (insurance notary work, writer of deeds, contracts)[30]and Mrs. Turk Moore’s business (located at room 3 above Lipe’s Grocery) where she sold “table runners, 50c; choice of 27-inch white linen doilies, 35c; choice of 22-inch doilies, 25c; one lot of pillows, 10c.”[31]
In 1916, Miss L.B. Thomas ran her Millinery Parlors over Lipe’s Grocery.[32] In 1920, Mrs. Lois Pond’s Amarillo Beauty Parlor could be found in the rear of the Thomas Milliner Co.[33] When Miss Edna Wilson conducted this beauty parlor in 1921, The Claremore Progress believed, “her work is a great convenience to ladies of this section in the way of facial and scalp treatment, shampooing, arching, curling, and manicuring, and she is receiving substantial encouragement by many ladies who are fond of looking a la mode in this respect.”[34]
But all was not well for investor C.M. Campbell. An unexpected article was posted in The Claremore Progress in April 1915. “WANTS TO RECOVER $148,938.04 JUDGMENT WITH INTEREST AND COSTS. The largest case ever filed in the district court was filed Friday by James S. Davenport, attorney for the plaintiff, which has to do with a judgment of $148,938.04, interest thereupon, and costs, which James W. Campbell, as plaintiff in the case, is trying to collect from Courtney Campbell (son), Chas. M. Campbell and his wife, Pauline Campbell, defendants in the case. The plaintiff, James W. Campbell, alleges in his petition as grounds for the suit, that on the 25th day of November, 1914, he obtained a judgment in the supreme court of the District of Columbia, against one of the defendants, Charles M. Campbell, for the sum of $149,746.00, with interest at 6 percent per annum, from February 1, 1914, together with costs of the suit; that execution was awarded him on December 3, 1914; that the defendant, Charles M. Campbell, has paid $807.90 on said judgment and that there remains due and unpaid on the judgment the sum of $148,938.04, together with interest and costs thereof and that said judgment is in full force and effect. He further alleges that Charles M. Campbell has no property in the District of Columbia and that the judgment cannot be satisfied from any revenue therefrom as a result. The petition goes on further to state that on the 26th day of November, 1914, after said judgment was rendered and after Charles M. Campbell was in full knowledge of the fact that it had been rendered, he was owner of the following real estate in this city, Claremore, Oklahoma: East 19 feet of Lot 6 and West 11 feet of Lot 7, in Block 113, and Lots 3, 4, 5, 6, in block 89, and Lots 1 and 2 in block 114, according to the United States Government Survey, and that the legal title to said property was in his name and belonged to him at the time the judgment and execution was rendered in favor of James W. Campbell and that said defendant, Charles M. Campbell, did, together with his wife, Pauline Campbell, on or about the 27th day of November, 1914, convey or cause to be conveyed, to Charles M. Campbell’s son, Courtney Campbell, the record title to the above named real estate without consideration and with a fraudulent desire and intent to defraud James W. Campbell of his just demands, against Charles M. Campbell. Title petition further shows that on the above-named properties there are located brick buildings, the rental from which amounts to some $400.00 per month and which is collected by Courtney Campbell, per an agent here, which he, in turn, accounts for to his father, Charles M. Campbell. Therefore, the plaintiff, James W. Campbell, asks the court to appoint a receiver to take charge of said properties, collect all rents, said amounts to be applied on judgment until the same shall have been satisfied, together with interest and costs. It will be remembered that the Campbell being sued is the gentleman who was in our city some time back and took such an interest in Radium water. His son, Courtney, also spent some time here looking after his father’s interests. The buildings in question are known as ‘The Campbell Buildings,’ of our city.”[35]
After this lawsuit revelation, real estate was shuffled once again. July 1, 1915, “Courtney Campbell to Pauline Campbell; e 19 ft lot 6 and w 11 ft lot 7 and e 18 ft lot 5 and w 7 ft lot 6 blk 113, and lots 1 and 2, blk 114, and lots 3, 4, 5, and 6, blk 89, Claremore; $10.[36][37] January 18, 1917, “Pauline Campbell and husband to Clarence E. Wilkins; e 18 lot 5, all lot 6 and w 11 ft lot 7, blk 113, Claremore; $10.”[38] And in January 1920, with “C.B. Littlefield, as agent for Pauline F. Campbell, of Washington, D.C., has sold the Campbell building, corner Third and Cherokee, to John A. Bell, the consideration being $21,500. This is one of the biggest real estate deals made in Claremore for some time.”[39]
1949 Don Blair Photo. J.C. Penney Company aka Campbell Building, Center. Rexall/Collins Drug Store to the left. “Chastain Company, Better Department Stores” to the right. Southside Will Rogers Boulevard between Cherokee and Missouri Avenue. Pictured here: George W. Baldwin, father of Chester Baldwin, older brother Jimmie U. Baldwin (Jim), and inside the hearse, out of sight is Chester’s sister, Georgia Baldwin Lamb! Photo Courtesy Jamie Starling and Rogers County Historical Society, Belvidere Mansion Archives.
Long-time Claremore residents will fondly remember this Campbell building on Will Rogers Boulevard midway between Missouri and Cherokee Avenues as the Worth Hotel, located in the second story by 1925,[40] and theJ.C. Penny Co. store which took up residence there in 1927, as the sign above the windows informed. J.C. Penny Co. stayed at that location until it moved to its Ne-Mar Center home in 1988.[41] The Campbell building has gone through many transitions since it was first built by Mr. Campbell in 1911. Five second-story windows and the remarkably large ground-floor display windows still remain, though the Mediterranean styled façade with its sloping front clay-tiled eave was replaced with a streamlined simplified roof edge. The building which was once the Willow Tree Mall is now the home of Back in the Day Antiques and Treasures. In preparation for celebrating its 110th anniversary, the building has recently had another stylish facelift.
South 400 Block, Will Rogers Boulevard, Claremore, Oklahoma.
But as you recall, this story began as a tale of two buildings. So, the question remains, “What happened to the second Campbell building?”
Unless otherwise stated, newspaper articles are sourced through The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.
Charles M. Campbell. Birth 1 Jan 1852. Death 11 Aug 1940 (aged 88). Burial Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, District of Columbia, District of Columbia, Plot Section 1.
Pauline S. Campbell. Birth 16 Apr 1853, Ohio. Death 16 Feb 1946 (aged 92). Burial Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, District of Columbia, District of Columbia, Plot Section 1.
Courtney Campbell. Birth 19 Nov 1887. Death 17 Apr1960 (aged 72). Burial Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, District of Columbia, District of Columbia, Plot Section 1.
Orlando Campbell. Birth 28 Nov 1890 Chicago, Cook County, Illinois. Death 23 Mar 1972 (aged 81). “Artist, Buried in Manchester, Vermont.” Burial Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, District of Columbia, District of Columbia, Plot Section 1.
[2] Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 32, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 27, 1910. Accessed: November 20, 2020.
Larner, J. H. The Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 2, No. 33, Ed. 1 Thursday, November 3, 1910. Accessed: November 20, 2020.
[3] Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, Claremore, Indian Territory. July 1907. Sheet 4. 3rd & Cherokee Ave.
[5] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 6, Ed. 1 Friday, March 10, 1911. Accessed: November 20, 2020.
[6] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 8, Ed. 1 Friday, March 24, 1911. Accessed: March 28, 2019.
[7] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 12, Ed. 1 Friday, April 21, 1911. Accessed: March 28, 2019.
[8] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 19, Ed. 1 Friday, June 9, 1911. Accessed: November 20, 2020.
[9] Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, Claremore, Oklahoma. June 1911. Sheet 4. 3rd & Cherokee Ave.
[10] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 21, Ed. 1 Friday, June 23, 1911. Accessed: March 28, 2019.
[11] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 34, Ed. 1 Friday, September 22, 1911. Accessed: March 28, 2019.
[12] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 44, Ed. 1 Friday, September 29, 1911. Accessed: March 28, 2019.
[13] Harper, William R. Rogers County Leader. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 1, No. 82, Ed. 1 Friday, September 29, 1911. Accessed: March 28, 2019.
[14] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 46, Ed. 1 Friday, October 20, 1911. Accessed: October 2, 2020.
[15] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 37, Ed. 1 Friday, October 13, 1911. Accessed: October 2, 2020.
[16] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 45, Ed. 1 Friday, December 8, 1911. Accessed: November 20, 2020.
[17] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 17, No. 9, Ed. 1 Friday, February 2, 1912. Accessed: November 14, 2020.
[18] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 3, Ed. 1 Friday, February 16, 1912. Accessed: November 20, 2020.
[19] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 5, Ed. 1 Friday, March 1, 1912. Accessed: November 20, 2020.
[20] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 19, Ed. 1 Friday, June 7, 1912. Accessed: November 14, 2020.
[21] Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, Claremore, Oklahoma. June 1916. Sheet 3. 3rd & Cherokee Ave.
[22] Hester, Ben. Rogers County Leader. And Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 4, No. 15, Ed. 1 Friday, June 14, 1912. Accessed: November 14, 2020.
[23] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 17, No. 51, Ed. 1 Friday, November 22, 1912. Accessed: November 14, 2020.
[24] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 2, Ed. 1 Friday, December 13, 1912. Accessed: November 14, 2020.
[25] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 20, No. 48, Ed. 1 Friday, December 27, 1912. Accessed: November 14, 2020.
[26] Ross, Ayres K. Rogers County Leader. And Rogers County News (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 4, No. 44, Ed. 1 Friday, January 3, 1913. Accessed:November 12, 2020.
[27] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 9, Ed. 1 Friday, March 28, 1913. Accessed: November 14, 2020.
[28] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 22, Ed. 1 Friday, May 2, 1913. Accessed: November 14, 2020.
[29] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 14, Ed. 1 Friday, March 7, 1913. Accessed: November 14, 2020.
[30] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 37, Ed. 1 Thursday, September 3, 1914. Accessed:November 14, 2020.
[31] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 22, No. 36, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 15, 1914. Accessed:November 14, 2020.
[32] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 24, No. 4, Ed. 1 Thursday, March 2, 1916. Accessed:November 14, 2020.
[33] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 17, No. 1, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 9, 1920. Accessed: November 14, 2020.
[34] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 17, No. 23, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 21, 1921. Accessed: November 12, 2020.
[35] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 23, No. 12, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 29, 1915. Accessed:October 22, 2019.
[36] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 23, No. 21, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 1, 1915. Accessed:November 12, 2020.
[37] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 23, No. 21, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 1, 1915. Accessed: October 22, 2019.
[38] Kates, W. C. Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 24, No. 51, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 18, 1917. Accessed: November 12, 2020.
[39] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 28, No. 6, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 8, 1920. Accessed: November 12, 2020.
[40] Sanborn Fire Insurance Map, Claremore, Oklahoma. December 1925. Sheet 3. 3rd & Cherokee Ave.
[41] Kruger, David Delbert (2011). “James Cash Penney: The Impact of a Main Street Merchant on Oklahoma.” Chronicles of Oklahoma. 89.3, p. 278.
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