TFA TOURS
SAND SPRINGS: The Untold Secrets
Saturday, September 14, 2024
$20 | $15 | Start Times from 9:30 – 10:45 AM
Join us on an unforgettable journey through Sand Springs, a town unlike any other in Oklahoma! This guided tour will reveal the fascinating and often surprising stories behind this unique town’s creation and development.
JOIN US TO DISCOVER:
- A Town Born from One Man’s Vision: Discover how Sand Springs was uniquely founded by Charles Page, a man whose legacy is both celebrated and debated. Learn the captivating story of how he established the orphans’ home and widows’ colony, and amassed a fortune to support his philanthropic endeavors.
- Architectural Marvels: At a time when fine arts craftsmen were rare in our frontier state, Sand Springs was known for producing some of the finest and most expensive chandeliers in the nation. Explore the story of the now-extinct Empire Chandelier Co. and see why people from New York to San Francisco shopped in Sand Springs.
- A Town on the Edge: Once the most dangerous place in Oklahoma, Sand Springs was a powder keg of industrial tension in the 1930s. Walk through the locations where martial law was declared, and imagine the “reign of terror” that gripped the town during major strikes, shootings, and bombings.
- A Hub of Recreation and Culture: For decades, Tulsa residents flocked to Sand Springs every summer to visit the state’s premier amusement park and zoo. Admire the stunning Art Deco architecture of the Sand Springs Museum, originally the town’s library, which stands as a testament to the town’s rich cultural heritage.
- Hidden Speakeasies and More: Dive into the town’s more colorful past with a visit to the “Rathole,” a notorious combination of pool hall, gambling den, and speakeasy. This secretive spot, hidden in the basement of an old building, offers a glimpse into the vices and hidden lives of Sand Springs’ men.
Prepare to be amazed by the rich tapestry of history, architecture, and stories that make Sand Springs a town like no other. Purchase tickets today and uncover the secrets that even lifelong residents may not know!
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:
Town Center Triangle (Outside Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum)
9 E Broadway St, Sand Springs, OK 74063
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!
