Oklahoma
This Week in Sapulpa History – First Lady Tours Oklahoma
Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt wrote “My Day,” which became a newspaper column six days a week, for nearly 30 years. “She did not keep a regular diary and her extant appointment books are woefully incomplete. Thus ‘My Day’ is the only consistent existing account of her public actions.”
The Sapulpa Herald printed on Wednesday, March 3: “First Lady on Tour.” As Washington, “announced the following itinerary for her southern lecture tour from March 4 to March 26. March 6, New Orleans and Baton Rouge; March 8, Fort Worth; March 10, Shreveport; March 12, Alva, Okla.; March 13, Oklahoma City; March 15, Tulsa; March 17, Durant; March 19, Houston; March 20, Austin; March 21, Dallas; March 22, Little Rock; March 23, Birmingham; March 24, Jackson, Miss; March 25, Knoxville.”
Taken from “My Day,” she wrote the following journal entries about her visit to Oklahoma. “Oklahoma City…We were rapidly escorted across Fort Worth this morning from one train to another on our way to Oklahoma, and there have been small and friendly crowds at some stations,” her journal stated during the visit on Thursday, March 11.
The next day, her journal had: “Alva, Okla.…When we got out at Perry, yesterday there was quite a crowd there to greet us and in practically every town that we came through on the drive to Alva people came out to wave their welcome. This always surprises me for to this day it is hard for me to remember that the wife of the President rates any particular attention, but I know it means a kindly feeling towards my husband and am extremely grateful for the welcome which has been accorded me everywhere…”
Sapulpa Herald had reprinted an article from Alva on March 12. “First Lady is received by Oklahomans with Great Enthusiasm.” In the article, it recalled that the First Lady “relented her determination not to hold a press conference, and invited in reporters. Instead, she interviewed them at length about Oklahoma people, customs, economic conditions, and similar subjects.”
She further wrote: “Oklahoma City…The roads were rather muddy and slippery so we were rather late in reaching El Reno. Because of the cold, the ceremonies were held in the high school auditorium instead of being held outside the little house which the National Youth Administration has reconditioned as a youth center. I spoke a few minutes there…It seems to me that this activity of the NYA is particularly valuable, and I am very glad to know that they have a number of these youth centers throughout the state…”
The following entry, she wrote: “Tulsa, Okla., We were awakened this morning by a most beautiful sunrise and I turned over and went to sleep again feeling much encouraged…The Arkansas River seems to wind in and out of sand flats and all through the city there seem to be trees along the streets. A tower stands out not very far from here which reminds me somewhat of the Chrysler Building in New York City, and it seems curious to see the skyscrapers when in several places I have noticed the storm cellars into which people go when the wind becomes too unruly…”
An additional journal entry was added about Tulsa: “…The Osage country is hilly, much of the land is stony though in the bottoms it looks extremely fertile…The Osages are the second largest tribe in the country because they seem to have had a wise chief who arranged with the government that they could never sell their mineral rights which are owned by the entire tribe. Oil and gas are everywhere land…I could sit in the Council House with a blanket about me and look like one of their own women! It was certainly a great comfort and I was glad to add a blanket given me by Chief Lookout over my knees!…”
This week in Sapulpa history, a First Lady made a visit to Creek County. On March 17, 1937, First Lady Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt came to visit Creek County during her First Lady on Tour schedule. “Mrs. Roosevelt is in Tulsa; visits Creek County Wednesday,” March 17. “Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, First Lady of the Land, will go to Bristow via Sapulpa from Tulsa to dedicate the Bristow NYA youth center.”
If her schedule allowed for time, she would make a brief stop in Sapulpa. “A biting wind gradually broke away near time for the address and the sun shone through the clouds as she spoke to the crowd. Raindrops fell during the early part of the program which commenced about an hour before the arrival of Mrs. Roosevelt.”
“Arrangements for Mrs. Roosevelt to dedicate Bristow’s $70,000 youth center made by Houston A. Wright, state NYA director. This will be the second of Oklahoma youth centers to be dedicated by Mrs. Roosevelt since her arrival in the state on a speaking tour.” The Creek County NYA supervisor, J.H. McCauley, invited all of Creek County’s NYA youth “present for the dedication and expected a large group of Sapulpans to be present, too.”
Sapulpans and members of Creek County were excited to meet with the First Lady. “American Woman: Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s trip to Oklahoma is eventful not only to Sooners but to the First Lady of the Land herself. Both are finding mutual interests.”
The event in Creek County was a big deal. Both pride and eagerness was in the air. “Flags down Dewey Avenue will flutter early tomorrow morning in honor of Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt who will pass through Sapulpa on route to a celebration in her honor at Bristow. While a definite hour for the arrival of her cavalcade here.”
“The First Lady was to dedicate a new NYA center at Bristow immediately after her arrival. Mrs. Roosevelt will be honor guest at a private luncheon in Bristow.”
Many visitors would arrive in Bristow. “Transportation for as many as 125 NYA youths is sought by leaders of this group from Sapulpa to the ‘Mrs. Roosevelt program’ tomorrow in Bristow. Unless Sapulpans furnish cars for the transportation of these youths they will not be able to attend the dedication of one of their NYA projects at Bristow.”
“Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, nation’s First Lady, graciously greeted a throng of people estimated at about 12,000 persons for the dedication services of the new NYA youth center, held in the Bristow park this morning. Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, First Lady of the Land, passed through Sapulpa at 9:30 this morning and waved at Sapulpans awaiting along flag-lined Dewey Avenue to see her. She was en route to Bristow where she dedicated the NYA center there at 10 o’clock. All schools were turned out so students could see Mrs. Roosevelt. Many local citizens went to Bristow for the dedication ceremony.”
The First Lady walked through the building in Bristow, passing each room, that would be open to the public soon after its completion. “Various rooms over the building had been set up with types of activity in which the young people will participate after the building is completed. Everything was in operation as it will be. There is a large auditorium, manual training room, and other extra curricular activity rooms.
“After the tour, she was driven several yards from the building to the grandstand. Cheers went up from the crowd and everyone stood for patriotic singing.
“In her speech, Mrs. Roosevelt made reference to the building in saying, ‘I think that the depression has brought us a very good thing. It has made us know the needs of the young people and to know what they want-to better equip them. They happen to come to a time when they enter the working world in a period of change and a great many of them find that they will not be prepared for the adjustment of the times. The youth administration can begin to do this job for the youth of the nation and I think we are fortunate that we have started and have pointed the way to the young people to a useful citizenship.”
The Bristow welcoming committee included “Roy O. Kelly, L.B. Sneed, Bob Page, R. Wolfe, and H.E. Black-superintendent of Bristow schools, in addition to many others. Mrs. John Collins and Mrs. Black presented the gifts to Mrs. Roosevelt.”
Her journal stated after her visit here: “Shawnee, Okla…Our stay in Tulsa was very pleasant, busy of course, but I feel that we have made some friends and are carrying away a better knowledge of the State and more understanding of many things than I have had in the past. Promptly at nine this morning…we were off for Shawnee, stopping on the way at Sapulpa, Stroud, and Seminole, but making a real visit to Bristow! Here the youth center building is almost completed and we helped dedicate it. I feel that this program is working out very well in Oklahoma and I am particularly glad…” The end of her Oklahoma ended on a high note.
“Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was an American political figure, diplomat, and activist. She was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, during her husband President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms in office, making her the longest-serving First Lady of the United States. Through her travels, public engagement, and advocacy, she largely redefined the role of First Lady. Roosevelt then served as a United States Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly from 1945 to 1952, and took a leading role in designing the text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” Her column or journal entry, “My Day” began on December 31, 1935 to September 26, 1962.
(Sapulpa Herald, March 3, March 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 1937; Democrat News, March 18, 1937, Sapulpa Free Press, March 19, 1937; Bristow Historical Society; Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project; Wikipedia)
NORMAN — The Oklahoma Sooners liked their wide receiver room a year ago. They want 2026 to be even better.
Isaiah Sategna’s return helps that desire. Earning experienced pass catchers Trell Harris and Parker Livingstone via the transfer portal gives you added play makers. But after the Sooners Spring Game on Saturday, an unlikely hero emerged.
When Jahsiear Rogers flipped from Penn State to Oklahoma last December, he drew the usual excitement that comes with a new commitment. But few expected him to climb the depth chart this quickly, even with the injuries that hit Emmett Jones’ room.
Rogers did just that and more on Saturday. He led all pass catchers with five receptions for 70 yards in Oklahoma’s annual Red/White game.
“I knew it was time to showcase,” Rogers said after the game. “It was amazing to see the fans and get used to the OU way. I’m a playmaker. They really want to put the ball in playmakers hands. I pretty much knew I had to lead the white team.”
Rogers got the ball rolling early. On the second offensive play for the white team, backup quarterback Whitt Newbauer rolled to his right wide, then stopped and looked towards the middle of the field where he saw Rogers running open. Newbauer connected with Rogers for a 39-yard gain.
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With Rogers on the white team, he is running against (most of) Oklahoma’s starting defense. As fate would have it, on that 39-yard reception, Rogers beat his favorite teammate to compete against — Reggie Powers.
“He is just a leader, good guy,” Rogers said of Powers. “Me and him go after it every day in practice. Reggie is strong. When I come at him, I have to really come at him.”
Rogers’ big play over Powers was the second-longest catch of the spring game — Sategna’s 50-yard reception that appeared to be a touchdown before coaches pulled it back to set up a red-zone rep. The other four catches weren’t flashy, but they were important in their own way, and Rogers looked like he belonged on the field.
“I love it. As long as I can get the ball, I can be me. I love it,” Rogers said. “When I am on the field, I am ready to go. I am ready to be a playmaker.”
The season is still months away, and Rogers hasn’t earned a spot high on the depth chart yet. A strong spring and an encouraging Red/White Game can only lead to early playing time if he carries that momentum into summer and fall camp.
More experienced players will return from injury and receivers who’ve been in the program for a few years will have an extra leg-up.
But Rogers is taking everything in stride and leaving no stone unturned in his development.
“Just learning from the older guys,” Rogers said. “Manny Choice, Isaiah Sategna, Trell Harris, Mackenzie Alleyne. Really all of them. We lean on each other, learn from each other. That is kind of how our room is.”
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The Oklahoma baseball team is back in the mix and trending upward.
After a rough few weeks in Southeastern Conference play, the 14th-ranked Sooners have won three of their last four games to get to .500 at just beyond the halfway point of the league slate. Friday’s 9-6 win over Missouri allowed Oklahoma to move to 8-8, tied with three other teams for eighth in the standings.
Friday’s win wasn’t truly that close, even. OU took a 9-3 lead into the ninth before Mizzou made it somewhat interesting with three runs in the frame. Two of them came with two outs, though, and Mason Bixby induced a groundout with the bases empty to hold on.
The large edge came via a home run-happy night. The Sooners popped four over the wall at Kimrey Family Stadium, including three in a four-run seventh inning that gave OU a four-run lead.
Jason Walk, who hit one of the four homers, had the best day at the plate. He went 2 for 5 with the shot, three RBIs and a run. Camden Johnson, who also homered, went 2 for 3 with a walk, a double and two runs, and Dasan Harris went 2 for 4 with a home run, two RBIs, and three runs. Trey Gambill hit the Sooners’ other jack.
Oklahoma jumped out to a four-run lead in the second behind four hits and a walk. Missouri helped the Sooners out with an error that resulted in a bases-loaded situation and three unearned runs registered to Tigers starter Josh McDevitt.
The runs were more than enough for Oklahoma’s LJ Mercurius, who pitched six strong innings, giving up three runs on six hits with no walks and nine strikeouts.
Game 2 in the series is set for 4 p.m. Saturday and the finale will be played Sunday at 2 p.m., weather permitting.
Just miles off Route 66 in Rogers County stands one of Oklahoma’s most unusual roadside attractions: a 90-foot concrete totem pole built largely by one man over more than a decade.
Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park is home to what is widely described as the world’s largest concrete totem pole, created by Oklahoma folk artist Nathan Edward Galloway during his retirement years.
The park sits near Chelsea and continues to draw visitors traveling Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66.
A project decades in the making
Credit: Rogers County Historical Society
According to the National Park Service, Nathan Edward Galloway was born in 1880 in Springfield, Missouri. He later worked as a manual arts teacher at Sand Springs Home before retiring in 1937 to property near present-day Chelsea in Rogers County.
After retiring, Galloway began building what would become Totem Pole Park. Using concrete, steel rebar, wood, and red sandstone, he created a series of colorful, highly decorated totems and structures across the property.
Atlas Obscura reports that Galloway began construction in 1938 with the goal of building durable totem poles from sturdy materials, and he surrounded his land with tapered concrete monuments and decorative features.
Between 1937 and 1948, Galloway constructed the park’s centerpiece: a 90-foot-tall totem pole carved with bas-relief designs. Travel Oklahoma describes it as a Route 66 icon and a state landmark.
Eleven years and 90 feet of concrete
Credit: Rogers County Historical Society
The main totem took roughly 11 years to complete, according to Atlas Obscura. The structure is made of red sandstone framed with steel and wood, then covered with a thick concrete exterior.
The tower features more than 200 carved images, including representations of birds and Native American figures facing the four cardinal directions. Near the top are four nine-foot figures representing different tribes.
Galloway’s version differs from traditional totem poles of the Pacific Northwest, which are generally carved from red cedar.
The structure rises from the back of a large, three-dimensional turtle. The turtle base was carved from a broad sandstone outcrop on the site and painted in bright colors.
The totem is hollow and rises about nine stories, with the ground level measuring about nine feet in diameter. Inside, plastered walls feature painted murals of mountain-and-lake scenes and bird totems, along with Native American shields and arrow points. At the top, the cone is open to the sky.
Picnic tables supported by small concrete totems, a totem barbecue fireplace, and gate structures designed to resemble fish fill the park grounds.
The Fiddle House
Credit: Rogers County Historical Society
Beyond the towering pole, Galloway’s artistic interests extended into music and woodworking.
An 11-sided structure known as the “Fiddle House” sits on the property and resembles a Navajo hogan, according to the National Park Service. The building houses many of Galloway’s hand-carved fiddles and other creations.
The Rogers County Historical Society says the Fiddle House Museum retains many of Galloway’s handcrafted violins and artifacts.
From neglect to restoration
Credit: Rogers County Historical Society
Galloway continued working on the park until his death in 1961. After he died, the site gradually fell into disrepair.
In 1989, the Rogers County Historical Society acquired the property. A major restoration effort took place from 1988 to 1998, with art conservators and engineers studying the structures and repairing damaged materials.
Additional repainting and preservation projects began in 2015.
Today, Totem Pole Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It remains open year-round with free admission and is managed by the Rogers County Historical Society.
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