Enid, Oklahoma - News, Events and Photos

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Looking for Old Photos.

I remember an Enid with a Sandy's restaurant and a tiny place called Somewhere. Both were located on north Van Buren, Sandy's was replaced with Hardees which was replaced with Carl's Jr. The neat thing about these burger places was that they were in Enid before McDonalds. I found a fun website dedicated to the old Sandy's chain. The photo above is not from the Enid Sandy's but is how I remember ours looking.

Do you have an old photo of Sandy's? Van's Drive In? Or any other old establishment in Enid? Please send us your great old photos of Enid, we would love to post them here.

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Mac Deco

Do you love fast food? Do you love eating at a nice, swanky restaurant with a little bit of ambiance? Well, now you can do both! The McDonalds near Oakwood Mall on west Garriott has been transformed into a very nice, cozy little restaurant. The interior has been updated with new colors, booths and a large screen TV. They have also added a drink station which allows you to get your own refills.

So, the next time you promise to take your spouse out for a meal at a nice restaurant, you really can take them to McDonalds.

Sunday, January 22, 2006

Why Aren't We Going To The Movies?

Many industry insiders are wondering why fewer people are going to the movies these days. Enid may also be wondering why many people leave town to go see the latest flick. I have a few ideas of my own as to why. Here's a story about my latest trip to my local theater.

When I go to the theater I don't like to carry the large amount of cash it now takes to see a movie, so instead I take my good old plastic. After standing in line outside a local theater last night I discover that, out of the blue, this theater no longer takes credit cards. A business that does not take credit cards??

No big deal I think to myself. My card is also a debit card! That works for them, only now I have to enter the lobby and go stand in the debit card line to use my card. Okay, I can still live with that, but now I find out that MY debit card is not on their "network" so I get to pay an extra .99 for my movie. Now I'm a little hot, which is a good thing at this point (more on that below).

I personally do not drink soda pop, instead I drink tea. Well, of course my local theaters do not provide tea for non pop drinkers. But they are glad to offer me a tiny bottle of $3 water which I can get at the grocery store for fifty cents. Not wanting to take out a loan for popcorn and trying to avoid having to go back to the debt card line (another extra .99) we skip the consession altogether.

Again, no big deal. We have resorted to sneaking in bottled water and our own candy bars. That's right I brought my own water (which, by some miracle, is free at the water fountain) and did not feel one bit guilty due to the extra .99 they had tacked onto my price of admission.

The movie we had gone to see was The Chronicles of Narnia. After the now mandatory 15 minutes of trailers we finally settled in for our movie. If you have seen this movie you will know that it is about an ice princess and a land that has been frozen. About an hour into the movie I realize I'm not freezing due to the subject manner but because the theater obviously has not turned on the heat. For the next hour I froze right along with the characters in the movie. When the movie was over I went outside into the January night air to warm up.

So, maybe there is a reason we're not going to the theaters any more. You know, sometimes it's just easier to take my fourteen bucks, buy a movie that I will own, sit on my couch with my iced tea and eat as much popcorn as I can choke down. Not to mention that I can wear my electric blanket if I want to.

Friday, January 20, 2006

Money Well Spent...

Tis the season of fund raising. Many organizations are in the middle of fund raising campaigns and we thought we would ask you to help out with any of these worthy causes:

YMCA Back A Youth Program - These dollars are used to fund youth sports and programs for underprivileged kids and to keep dues affordable for all children. Contact Curtis D. Tucker at 580.977.9947 if you can make any donation at all. I will come pick it up. $90 supports one child for one year.

Youth & Family Services - Needing $700,000 to build a new youth shelter to provide a safe place for youths to stay while awaiting suitable placement. Contact Heather Leonard at 580.233.7220 to make a donation or visit their website.

The Vance Officers' Spouses' Club Charity and Scholarship Association - 2nd Annual Silent & Live Auction. Saturday, February 11, 2006 at 6:30pm at the Vance Club on base. Free admission, free beer, drink specials, appetizers and music. Contact Corby Naylor at 580.278.1917 for donations, auction tickets and volunteers. Read more.

Please give to your community.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

New Intersection

Do you out-of towners remember the intersection of Randolph/James and Van Buren? There once was a large, two story, white house sitting at this intersection along with a row of houses behind. The houses have been long since removed and the intersection has finally been updated. This view is from Randolph facing west.

Coming soon...

The sign says it all.

Delicious Italian food coming to the short lived Emilio's Piano Bar location (formerly Richill's Cafeteria).

They are now hiring.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

From Enid to Glory

One of the top movies of the last few weeks is the story of a college coach and a team that changed the perceptions of the ability of black basketball players in 1966. The Walt Disney movie, based on the life of Don Haskins, was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.

Glory Road tells how the Texas Western University Miners literally changed the complexion of college basketball when it fielded an all-black starting squad during the 1966 national college championships against the all-white University of Kentucky Wildcats.

The role of coach Don Haskins was played by Josh Lucas. The movie has generally been well-treated by critics and audiences alike. Why do I mention this movie on an Enid blog? Because the story of Don Haskins starts right here in Enid!

Don Haskins was from Enid, Oklahoma. Haskins graduated from Enid High School in 1948, earning All-Conference and All-State honors in basketball and baseball. He went on to become one of the top college basketball coaches in the country.

Monday, January 16, 2006

The City Fathers Did It...

I've lived in Enid pretty much since first grade. I went to school in Enid, I've worked for businesses in Enid and I now own my own business in Enid. My question is where in the heck do I get my application to be in the secret "City Fathers Society"?

I want to be a part of the group that poo-poo's every business trying to come to Enid. You know, that group of guys that meets in the back room of some building to decide which businesses get into town and which ones do not. The ones that decide how high wages are going to be and what benefits employees are going to get. I think it's the same group many times called the "old money" group.

As a kid, I remember hearing that the City Fathers were keeping my favorite stores from coming to town. I always thought it would so great to be a City Father and get to make all of the decisions about Enid. The only problem is I can't find where they have their meetings, when they meet or who is even in the club.

How many "old money" businesses do we really have in Enid anymore? Where could these old coots be hanging out?

Well, if anyone has an application please send it my way. And remember, if you don't know what really happened, the City Fathers did it...

Friday, January 13, 2006

Friday the 13th!! Beware!!

It's Friday the 13th in Enid, Oklahoma. Friday the 13th normally means bad luck, superstitions, weird things happening and freaky occurances. Well, today is no different. Around my house, when it's January and along comes a Friday the 13th, that can only mean one thing... yep, my sisters birthday! Talk about occurances!

Today is the day that my sister and I are no longer the same age. You see, yesterday, we were both 43. Today, I'm still 43 but now she's 44. Hee, hee. My sister, Connie Tucker Smith (pictured in the photo), and I were both born in 1962. And, thank you Jesus, we are not twins. How's that you say? Well, she was born in January 1962 and I was born in December 1962. So, from December 20 to January 13 of each year, my sister and I are the same age. Go figure.

Happy birthday sis from the smarter and better looking of moms kids. By the way, does the phrase "bowl haircut" mean anything to you?

Happy Birthday!

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Enid, OK on GMA

Did you happen to catch Good Morning America this morning? Enid, Oklahoma was mentioned during their segment on the top 5 up-and-coming areas with great real estate buys in America. The top 5 list was put together by New York real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran and her staff.

They pointed out that the average home in America costs $216,000 while in Enid it is only $99,000. And they were impressed by the fact that an average house in Enid is a big home with a big back yard. They also pointed out that Enid has brought in 900 new jobs recently and has also invested $40 million in expanding existing businesses. Enid was called one of the best small cities to do business.

Barbara Corcoran is well known in New York and began her empire by borrowing $1000 from her boyfriend to start a tiny real estate company in New York City. In twenty-five years, she turned that $1000 loan into The Corcoran Group, New York City’s leading real estate company with over $5 billion in closed sales volume in 2003 and 45 offices with more than 2,150 sales associates and employees in New York City, the Hamptons and Palm Beach.

The other areas on the list were South Bronx, NY; Sitka, AK; Jacksonville, FL; Oxford, MS.

So come on America, make the move to Enid, Oklahoma! Contact me if you are from out of town and are looking for a home in Enid. 580.977.9947

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Yes, Enid, there really is a Winter!

Well, after weeks of 60's and 70's, wildfires and drought conditions, Enid has finally seen a hint of old man winter. Snow fell in Enid on Monday night and has accumulated up to 2 inches in some spots. Yes, Enid there really is a winter.

But don't put away those Hawaiian shorts just yet, highs are expected to reach back into the 70's within the week. Like they say, if you don't like the weather in Enid, just wait a minute.

Saturday, January 07, 2006

McCristy-Knox-Hedges Mansion

The mansion located at 1323 W. Broadway in Enid, Oklahoma is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has housed many famous Enid families including the McCristy's, the Knox family and the Hedges family.

My friends and I hung out in the mansion when it was owned by the Hedges family. Michael, Craig, Carol and Brendan had many friends running through the house most hours of the day. I especially remember the third floor where we were allowed to cut loose. There were games, music and a huge train set upstairs. There was also a round wall that circled the spiral staircase. We were all allowed to write and draw on the wall. You could find many a signature on that wall, much like your old high school year book.

Other things I remember about the mansion were it's seemingly 100 foot Christmas trees every year, that shot up the center of the staircase. There was the huge table in the dining room that had a butler bell on it. (It really didn't work) I remember playing with Michael Hedges electric guitar that he had taken apart and left strung out in the basement.

If you were ever doused with a snowball on west Broadway it most likely came from us as we launched the white stuff from the second floor balcony. I have many memories of the old mansion and I'm glad to see that it is being well lived in even today.

Friday, January 06, 2006

Don't Forget!!

Stamp rates will increase this Sunday.

Mailing your bills and letters will cost you an extra two cents starting next week. The postal service is raising its rate from 37 to 39 cents for a first class letter.

Rates for mailing packages and other postal services will also increase.

The hikes go into effect Sunday, January 8, so you may want to hit the post office to get the now popular "two cent" stamps.

Costello's Continental Cuisine

Edmund and Catherine Costello have opened a unique restaurant in Sunset Plaza (where Godfather's used to be). Edmund (Eddie) was formerly the head chef at Oakwood Country Club and has many years of cooking experience. The dinner menu features entrees from Grilled Duck to Ginger Salmon to the chef's amazing Steak Laredo.

Costello's is also open for lunch offering soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers.

We will have a full restaurant review in our restaurant section this month. Read the review!

Get Fit and Meet New People!

This year I am volunteering to help with the 2006 YMCA Membership drive. Sooooo, I would like to invite any and every Enid citizen that is not already a member of the Y to at least stop by and check it out. There looks to be huge improvments to an already awesome YMCA this year.

You can lift weights, do aerobics, join classes, rock climb, shoot hoops, play raquetball, swim and much more. If you decide to go down and give them a visit be sure to mention that I, Curtis Tucker, sent you down. (I might get a free t-shirt if you mention my name)

If you would like to help out, Jeff Duplanits and Carla Stratton will lead over 100 volunteers in the 2006 Annual Back a Youth and Membership Campaign. The campaign will kick off on January 11th. Weekly report meetings with food, fellowship and games are exciting and lots of fun. The theme will be “Stayin’ Alive”, the 70’s will be relived. Volunteers can win great prizes including memberships, trips and even cash. Campaign volunteers are still needed. For more information contact Kim Boeckman at the YMCA.

Join today!

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Put out your fires...

The state of Oklahoma's burn ban has been expanded to prohibit campfires and outdoor grilling.

Oklahoma wildfires have killed two people, charred more than 350,000 acres and destroyed more than 220 homes and businesses since November 1st.

Under the current bans it is unlawful for any person to set fire to any forest, grass, woods, wild lands or marshes or to build a bonfire, campfire, grill outdoor or to burn trash or other material throughout the state.

Additionally, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol wants you to know that discarding cigarettes or any other burning item from a vehicle violates state law and is punishable by a $168 fine.

Violations are misdemeanors punishable by as much as a $500 fine and one-year imprisonment.

Monday, January 02, 2006

An Enid Tradition Since 1897...

Before Oklahoma was even a state, there has always been an Evans store in Enid. The first Evans Drug store was located downtown in 1897 and was opened by Sam Evans. Evans has been located at many locations on the town square including North Grand in 1918. The photo above shows Abe Herzberg's new Cadillac after it was driven through the front of the store.

Since then, Sam's son Wilfred Evans and his grandson Jim Evans have kept the family tradition alive. Evans Drug has moved, expanded, shrunk and transformed over the years.

Today, Evans True Value and the Evans Pharmacy are still going strong. Both are located in the Northgate Center on North Van Buren and Willow. Jim Evans still runs the family business today.

Lillian Evans, wife of Wilfred Evans will be celebrating her 100th birthday on January 18, 2006. Lillian has continued to drive, attend church and play bridge on a weekly basis. Lillian Evans has 18 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

The Evans name is truly an Enid tradition.