TFA TOURS
CINEMA, SCANDALS & SLICED BREAD: Explore Kendall Whittier
Saturday, April 5, 2025
$20 | $15 | Start Times from 1:00 – 1:45 PM
DESCRIPTION: Come along with us to discover The Kendall Whittier District on Route 66 and dive into its early architectural history! We’ll walk you through its Tulsa boom days, explore the makeover that gave it a fresh vibe, and showcase its current lively atmosphere. Our tour will highlight the key spots like Circle Cinema, Ziegler’s Art & Frame, Pancho Anaya Bakery, unveiling the architectural secrets that make this district truly special.
Tour highlights include:
- Learn how the Circle Theater became the center of Tulsa’s cinema arts scene after falling into ruin, abandoned, used as a homeless camp, and likely destined for the wrecking ball. No other theater from this period survives.
- See the place where a family bakery introduced a new product to Tulsa: sliced bread. And how, at one point, that bread was banned.
- See the long-forgotten place where Tulsa’s infamous “King of the Bootleggers” began his whiskey empire, which led to the indictment of many top Tulsa law enforcement officials in the 1950s.
- See the site of one of Tulsa’s most bizarre (and little known) episodes: where National Guard troops sent from Oklahoma City by the governor stormed the Tulsa racetrack and fired over the heads of racing jockeys after local officials refused to clean up the city’s gambling-rich horse races.
- Learn how a group of angry neighborhood women and the owner of a picture frame shop managed to shut down Tulsa’s most sordid red light district and how they did it.
- And, of course, learn about interesting architecture, including the 1928 Phillips 66 station on old Route 66 that was designed in the unusual Cotswold Cottage style.
- And More!
TICKET DISCOUNT: TFA Members receive a 25% discount on ticket purchases (some exclusions apply)! Save on tickets by joining TFA today: www.tulsaarchitecture.com/support-tfa/
CHECK-IN LOCATION:
Circle Cinema
10 S Lewis Ave, Tulsa, OK 74104
PARKING: There is ample street parking, which is free on weekends!
YOUR TICKET TIME: Please arrive 10 minutes early to get checked in. Please note that you will only be permitted to tour at the time you selected when purchasing your tickets. If you have questions about your ticket time, please email us a minimum of 24 hours in advance at info@tulsaarchitecture.com and we’ll be happy to provide assistance.
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. 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.
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.
ENVIRONMENT: This tour will take place primarily outdoors.
ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION: TFA is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all guests. 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.
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!
TICKET REFUNDS: Refunds are available up to 7 days before a tour. No refunds will be issued within 7 days of the tour date. In the event of cancellation, a full refund will be automatically provided.
