TFA TOURS
ARCHITECTURAL GHOSTS: Tales of Tulsa’s Lost Buildings
Saturday, October 19, 2024
$20 | $15 | Start Times from 9:30 – 10:45 AM
Explore downtown Tulsa with tales of old theaters, opera houses, and movie palaces. Walk among the remains of Art Deco wonders and discover history through sites and pictures (in partnership with TulsaPast.) Stand where grand buildings once stood, now just “Architectural Ghosts,” captured in photos—the last memories of Tulsa’s architectural treasures. Join us to explore the historical significance, quirky anecdotes, and dramatic events that make these lost buildings memorable and intriguing.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR INCLUDE:
Tulsa’s Wild Adoption Event: Real Babies Displayed in this lost Tulsa department store’s window.
Tulsa’s First Female-led Heist: Learn which lost Tulsa theater was robbed by newlyweds.
The Birthplace of the Barbershop Quartet: Learn where Tulsa’s first Barbershop Quartet chapter formed and practiced, with legendary gatherings that caused such a commotion that passersby stopped to listen, and even the police were called to investigate the “riot” of harmonizing voices.
Tulsa’s First All-Night Drug Store: Learn which lost Tulsa hotel boasted Tulsa’s first all-night drug store, which opened in 1930, providing 24-hour pharmacy service long before it became common.
Celebrity Guests: Learn which lost Tulsa hotel hosted famous figures like Babe Ruth, Enrico Caruso, and Elvis Presley, and was the location where humorist Will Rogers first met pilot Wiley Post in 1931.
Prohibition HQ: Learn which lost Tulsa building served as the headquarters for prohibition offices in Tulsa, and they managed to catch a major bootlegging ring by accident.
Technological Marvel: In 1927, learn which lost Tulsa Theater introduced the city to the Vitaphone, making it one of the few cities outside New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles to experience this cutting-edge sound technology.
Controversial Films: In 1940, learn which lost Tulsa Theater was shut down by police for showing “obscene” films, highlighting the ongoing tension between censorship and entertainment in mid-20th century America.
& MUCH, MUCH MORE!
(EVENT PHOTO CREDIT: TulsaPast.com | Time Travel Tulsa | Patrick McNicholas)
TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets for this tour are $20 for not yet members and $15 for members (25% discount). We want to do our part to help cultivate the next generation of architecture lovers, so kids 12 and under are welcome to participate in most of our tours free of charge!
SAVE ON TICKETS BY JOINING TFA TODAY: www.tulsaarchitecture.com/support-tfa/
CHECK-IN LOCATION: Check-in for this tour will take place at:
Tulsa Foundation for Architecture
633 South Boston Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma
PARKING: There is ample street parking, which is free on weekends!
ON TOUR DAY: Please arrive 10 minutes early to get checked in. Tours begin at 9:30 am and continue in 15-minute increments. Consult your ticket for the departure time you selected when purchasing your ticket.
Tours take place rain or shine; please look ahead at the weather, plan to wear sturdy footwear, layers, and bring weather related items such as umbrellas, hats, gloves, fans, visors, sunscreen or other comfort items, as needed. You’ll be on foot for up to 1.5 hours.
ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION: TFA is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all. If you have any questions regarding accessibility accommodations at our various tour locations, please contact us at info@tulsaarchitecture.com and we will be happy to assist with planning your experience.
SUPPORT INFORMATION: TFA tours include 0.5-1.5 miles of walking (typically on streets/sidewalks, which sometimes include uneven terrain) in a variety of weather conditions. Seating is limited or non-existent along many of our tour routes. If it will improve your experience, we encourage you to bring a lightweight stool, walking stick, or other assistive device!
Routes to avoid stairs are planned in advance for those who need an elevator or ramp. Our docents use a personal microphone to enhance hearing ability for all on the tour. You are welcome to move closer to the docent or request a volume adjustment at any time.
This tour will take place outdoors.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Photography is allowed!
TRANSLATION SERVICES: If you are in need of a translator, Spanish language or ASL, please let us know and we’ll try our best to accommodate your request!
SERVICIOS DE TRADUCCIÓN: Si necesita un traductor de español, háganoslo saber y haremos todo lo posible para satisfacer su solicitud!
