Three Pointer for Mick
Flashback: Automobile Alley
Flashback: The Oklahoman
The front of The Daily Oklahoman office in 1903 at 18 S Broadway. Office was only 22 feet wide and 65 feet long. In the mechanical plant was a flat-bed press, two Linotype machines and about a wheel barrow load of type. (E.K. Gaylord was forced to have his business office in another building due to lack of space.) Circulation was about 3,500 at this time. Newspaper office was here until October, 1903, when the newspaper offices moved to the new building on the northeast corner of California and Robinson. In the early 1960s, 18 S Broadway housed a pawnshop.
Photo of The Daily Oklahoman office, a two-story brick building on the northeast corner of California and Robinson streets. Newspaper was at this location from October,1903 to early October, 1909. This building housed a new $15,000, 16-page, two-color Goss perfecting press, stereotyping equipment and three additional Linotype machines for a total of five linotypes. Building suffered a fire on January 29, 1909. Newspaper moved to new building at 500 N Broadway on October 10, 1909
The home of the Oklahoma Publishing Company when I was first hired to answer phones on Friday nights for the sports desk in 1989. I was hired full-time as a cop reporter on March 20, 1990.
The current home of The Oklahoman as it looked in 1992 when the newsroom made its move from downtown to the tower at Britton Road and Broadway.
My Favorite “New Discovery” From Oklahoman Archives
Aerial view of the southeast part of downtown Oklahoma City. Today's Bricktown area is in center/right center of photo. Photo has date of 5/10/1937 on back, though photo was probably taken earlier than May of 1937.
Click on image three times to view in high resolution.
Reflections Before I Leave the Grid
Harrison and NE 6 today.
Harrison and NE 6, early 20th century.
Life goes on. We all know this. It’s my hobby to document this very change both as a reporter and columnist and as a a local history author. There’s so much going right. And yet instinctively, we all want and strive to see things go even better. We get caught up in debates, in arguments, and hopefully it’s all good.
But sometimes we forget to step back, spend a couple of hours in the park, and take it all in. I did just that today.
Children's Garden at the Myriad Gardens.
I began my day with my kids with a stop at Coney Island Hot Dogs, where we enjoyed the ritual of hot dogs (No. 2s, of course), followed by chess with Bill. We then spent the next three hours at the Myriad Gardens, where clothing got wet (under the new rain forest fountain) and the children’s garden and play area was fully enjoyed.
I don’t think it’s a bad thing to be ambitious. I’ve done my best to adapt with the times, going from an old fashioned newspaper beat reporter to a new media journalist who embraces (and respects) the best of the old way while also fully plunging (though not always eagerly at first) into blogging, social media and social media.
I mentioned the other night (on Twitter) I am a husband, father, son, brother, reporter, columnist, author, blogger, social media guy and community volunteer. Sometimes I pull it off. Sometimes I don’t. Quite frankly, the past few weeks I’ve felt as if I’m gearing toward the “I don’t.”
So forgive me. But it’s time I take a break. To keep all of you entertained, I’ll be posting some fun photos here at OKC Central this week (all done in advance), and I’ll be shutting off the comment fields to allow me to truly “stay off the grid” and not have to worry about spammers, flame wars, etc. In terms of blogging, social media, etc., unless events dictate otherwise, I’m going off the grid for the next week. Yep, I’m taking a vacation.
In the meantime, have a great week, and be sure to spend an afternoon in the park!
Bored? No Excuses With this List
OK folks, you can’t say it’s going to be a boring week ahead downtown. Here’s the latest from Downtown Oklahoma City Inc.:
The Downtown Dash is right around the corner
The Downtown Dash is just over a week away, folks! Sign up online today at DowntownOKC.com because the 1,000 runners to register will receive a special Dri-Fit version of the race shirt.
Participants will also be automatically entered to win a 1-year membership to the Park Harvey Athletic Club and a bicycle from Schlegel.
Not a runner? No problem! Join us at 6 p.m. the night of the race to enjoy a free and informative health expo with inflatable toys, kid activities, a live DJ and more.
Also, we’re looking for organizations to participate in the health expo and volunteers to help with the event. Booth space is free and volunteering is fun so call us at 405.235.3500 to find out how you can get involved.
Pro-Am Classic provides full day of racing, family activities
DNA Racing is pleased to announce the inaugural Oklahoma City Pro-Am Classic criterium presented by SandRidge Energy. The annual cycling event and festival in Oklahoma City will take place on Saturday, June 2.
The OKC Pro-Am Classic will feature a full day of racing, a children’s ride, and a host of other activities for the whole family. Created to showcase the growing developments in OKC, particularly the Automobile Alley district, the event seeks to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among children and adults, and make a positive contribution to the community through cycling.
The OKC Pro-Am Classic is a Category A race with a payout of more than $20,000.00. Expected to attract some of the finest elite cyclists in the nation, the event will provide the spectator with a first class cycling experience.
More information is available at okcpac.com.
Red Earth Festival scheduled June 8-10
When the 26th Annual Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival opens at the Cox Convention Center Friday June 8, more than 1,200 American Indian artists and dancers from throughout North America will gather to celebrate the richness and diversity of their heritage with the world. For three exciting days, Oklahoma City will be at the center of Native American art and culture in America as more than 30,000 people gather to celebrate.
At Red Earth, guests can sample the work of some of the nation’s most celebrated artists, with opportunities to purchase contemporary and traditional examples of beadwork, basketry, jewelry, pottery, sculpture, paintings, graphics and cultural attire during the juried art show and market. The dance competition at Red Earth is one of the rare occasions when dancers from America’s Northern and Southern tribes can be seen together in one venue.
Red Earth dancers represent the elite of Native American dance, some of the most gifted and accomplished in the world. The masters, each in their own distinctive tribal dress, exhibit their originality and skills in one of the most prestigious of all native dance competitions.
A grand parade, unlike any other parade in the world, opens the Red Earth Festival on Friday morning. The streets of downtown Oklahoma City will vibrate in Native American tribal spirit as representatives of more than 100 tribes, in full tribal regalia, make the Red Earth Parade one of America’s most unique.
The Red Earth Art Market opens Friday, June 8 at 11 a.m. and the first Grand Entry of dance competitors begins at noon inside the Cox Convention Center Arena. Grand Entries are scheduled at noon and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at noon on Sunday.
Tickets can be purchased at online at ticketmaster.com. Active U.S. Military and U.S. Military veterans receive an admission discount with a valid Military I.D. For additional information contact Red Earth, Inc at 405.427.5228 or visit redearth.org.
Thunder up!
Our hometown ballers swept the defending NBA champion Dallas Mavericks in the first round of playoffs and are 3-1 against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of Western Conference playoffs. Don’t jinx our good luck by not properly Thundering up. Check out the best places to get your OKC Thunder gear at OKGazette.com.
Don’t miss the Thunder take on the Spurs, here’s the schedule for the next round:
Sunday, May 27 @ San Antonio Spurs, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 29 @ San Antonio Spurs, 8 p.m.
Thursday, May 31 vs. San Antonio Spurs, 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 2 vs. San Antonio Spurs, 7:30 p.m.
Monday, June 4 @ San Antonio Spurs, 8 p.m. (TBD)
Wednesday, June 6 vs. San Antonio Spurs, 8 p.m. (TBD)
Friday, June 8 @ San Antonio Spurs, 8 p.m. (TBD)
Support your OKC RedHawks
Baseball season is underway OKC’s newly-named Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Here are the RedHawks’ upcoming games:
Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship
May 25-27 @ Albuquerque Isotopes
May 28 @ Albuquerque Isotopes
May 29-June 1 vs. Nashville Sounds
June 2-5 vs. Iowa Cubs
June 7-10 vs. New Orleans Zephyrs
Purchase your tickets online at MILB.com.
Barons fans, mark your calendars!
Go see your OKC Barons take on the Toronto Marlies!
May 28 at 7 p.m. at the Cox Convention Center
May 30 at 7 p.m. at the Cox Convention Cener
Don’t miss out on great playoff hockey. Call 232.GOAL or visit ticketmaster.com to get your tickets today.
OKCNM news in about a minute
Memorial Minute is a digital newsletter that provides you with more in-depth coverage of exhibits, events, programs and people who shape the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
We hope you enjoy the digital format and explore the links that accompany each article. View the Memorial Minute archives online archives or subscribe online.
Women’s College World Series coming to OKC
The 2012 Women’s College World Series begins May 31 and will continue through June 6 at the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium.
All-session and single-session tickets are on sale now and may be purchased online at TicketingCentral.com or by phone at 866.208.0048 (toll-free). For more information, visit NCAA.com.
Major league motor sports returns to OKC
The Little Caesars–Ozarka Oklahoma City Nationals presented by NewsChannel 4 is the largest motor sport event in Oklahoma.
Produced by Oklahoma City Events & Entertainment (OKCEE), the race is registered and sanctioned by the Southern Drag Boat Association (SDBA). The Oklahoma City Nationals will be one of the largest single drag boat races in the nation. The projected number of teams and spectators make this event a marquee event for all motor sports fans, especially the drag boat racing fan. For more info, visit DragBoatcentral.com.
Meanwhile, My Friend Chef Andrew Black Has Kept Busy….
A Change Would Do You Good
It’s all good. And it could be very good.
A Hint of Monday Night?
This video was shot on May 16 – five days before Monday night’s post-game shootings. The footage shows a crowd that was, (AMENDED: by some definitions), out of control. Let the discussion begin.
Growklahoma
