The Active Historian

Hey, friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I want to show a set of history panels I ran across in Midwest City, Oklahoma that explain the history of the town. Let’s get started!

Photos of the Panels

1940s

Left panel: From a Master Plan to a City

“After a rush of real estate for a centrally located airbase, in 1941, the Air Corp selection board announced Midwest Air Depot would be built on Southeast 29th Street.

W.P. “Bill” Atkinson had a vision, a purpose, and a plan when he purchased thousands of acres of undeveloped land and began developing homes, schools, churches, parks, entertainment; and shopping to support the military personnel and the civilian workforce. In coordination with Federal Housing Administration in Washington, DC, Mr. Atkinson designed and built the town called Midwest City.

A new community was born out of fields of wheat.”

Right panel: The Vision, the Purpose, and the Plan

“The vision – to establish a town for generations to come.

The purpose – to support the Midwest City Air Depot by living close to work and building quality infrastructure for a modern city.

The plan – to create a community and a family atmosphere.

The first home in Midwest City was built in April 1942 at the corner of East Turnbull and East Boeing. This area continues to be referred to as the “Original Mile”, which is the geographic area between S.E. 29th on the south, S.E. 15th on the north, Midwest Boulevard to the East, and Air Depot to the West.

Midwest City was incorporated March 11, 1942.

World War II veteran Nicholas Harroz opened Nick’s Brett Drive Grocery in 1947. As the business grew throughout the decades the store was relocated to the neighborhood of Ridgecrest and renamed to Crest Foods. This local grocery chain remains a staple in the community and throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

In 1948, Midwest Air Depot becomes Tinker Air Force Base named in honor of Major General Clarence L. Tinker.”

1950s

Left panel: Nation’s Model City

“Midwest City was designed to be family-oriented, with schools, churches, shopping centers, parks, and safe neighborhoods. A place where families could enjoy life.

In 1951, the vibrant community gained attention when the National Association of Homebuilders recognized Midwest City as “Nation’s Model City.” The news coverage and the jobs being created at Tinker encouraged people to move to Midwest City for an opportunity to work and own a home.”

Right panel: Economic Vitality

“Midwest City citizens opted for a charter-council-city manager form of government to better manage their rapidly growing city.

City residents followed the recommendation of their council and approved a bond issue for street paving. This coincided with Paul Hudiburg, a Buick and Pontiac dealer from Okemah, moving to Midwest City.”

1960s

Bold Advancement

“The population of Midwest City tripled between 1950 and 1960. As Tinker Air Force Base grew, so did Midwest City.

With the use of bond money, Midwest City Regional Hospital was approved for construction on October 6, 1942.

Voters also approved the creation of Oscar Rose Junior College in 1968.”

1970s

A City of Change

“Oscar Rose Junior College opened its doors to students in 1970 and is now known as Rose State College.

1977 saw the first AWAC E-3 aircraft arrive at Tinker Air Force Base. With the unique-looking aircraft came an influx of airmen and their families.

Residential construction boomed, retail shopping thrived, and dining location flourished.

A new modern Midwest City Hall complex was completed in July of 1970.”

1980s

One Special Place

“Midwest City continued to grow in support of a family friendly atmosphere by adding the Midwest City Library, the Animal Shelter, the Industrial Park, nature trails, and variety of modern retail selections.

The space shuttle Columbia arrived at Tinker Air Force Base riding piggyback on a Boeing 747 for the last leg of the journey that took it around the world 36 times. The mother ship, with Columbia strapped on top, circled the central Oklahoma metro area for nearly ten minutes before making the final approach, allowing thousands of viewers to get a glimpse of the craft.”

1990s

A Resilient Community

“In 1992, the Strategic Communications Wing One, a nuclear command and control wing of the U.S. Navy, was relocated to Tinker Air Force Base. The TACAMO (“Take Charge and Move Out”) mission provides airborne communication links to nuclear missile units of United States Strategic Command.

Oklahoma Gov. David Walters and an Oklahoma Congressional delegation toured Tinker Air Force base and met with members of the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC). More than 5,000 people circled the perimeter of Tinker Air Force Base to visibly display their support of the Base to the visiting BRAC members. Following their visit to OC-ALC, BRAC unanimously agree that the installations selected for closure would not include Tinker Air Force Base.

Midwest City rallied around Tinker Air Force Base to continue its operation. The Base is the largest single-site employer in the State of Oklahoma.

In 1995, Midwest City introduced the Holiday Lights Spectacular which continues to be one of the state’s largest holiday light shows.

On the evening of May 3, 1999, an F4 tornado hit the city and destroyed multiple residential and business structures. The disaster made the community even stronger. Tinker Air Force Base and the City provided mutual support in the recovery process. Residents and community’s leaders united in their restorative efforts. As a result, Reed Conference Center and the Hospitality District were born.”

2000s

Entering a New Century

“Midwest City enters a new century continuing the tradition of providing a high-spirited, family friendly community. Midwest City’s hospital added two more floors and offered additional services.

Final touches were completed on the Reed Conference Center as it opened its doors to the community and all businesses in 2003.

Midwest City Master Trail Plan was adopted in 2009 in support of a healthy lifestyle for its residents.”

2010s

Community Pride and Beautification

“Midwest City is proud of its history and connections to Tinker Air Force Base. The 75th Anniversary was celebrated as a historical milestone of the great partnership between the City and the Base.

The Town Center Plaza development on 29th street replaced outdated stores and apartment complexes on the north side of Tinker Air Force Base. The Center offers entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences to military personnel and all visitors.

A bronze W.P. “Bill” Atkinson and a Shetland pony stands in honor of our visionary founding father of Midwest City.

Rose State College continues to serve the community with the opening of the Professional Training and Education Center to support the need for a growing workforce. Leaders of the College recognized the need for student housing to attract local, state, and international students and opened The Village in 2015.

Phase I of the Soldier Creek Industrial Park (SCUP) Recreational Trail is completed and opened to the public in 2017.”

2020s

Clear Vision

“The Historic Neighborhood, The Original Mile, is recognized as the birthplace of Midwest City. The revitalization efforts and collaboration between the City and residents launched the Place Making program. It resulted in streets upgrade, new sidewalks, infill housing projects, additional trees, and lights beautification.

W.P. “Bill” Atkinson Park is proudly welcoming visitors from the busy Town Center Plaza to relax and enjoy the outdoors while discovering the rich history between Midwest City and Tinker Air Force Base. The Park serves as a gateway to the adjacent neighborhood.

Master Trail System is expanding in every direction offering the citizens a variety of options to bike or walk. SCIP Phase II extends the first phase northward along Soldier Creek.

W.P. “Bill” Atkinson’s passion and desire to provide a friendly, family-oriented community remains to this day. We, the residents, continue to carry the torch for the City of Tomorrow.”

Visit

W.P. Bill Atkinson Park

302 W Mid-America

Midwest City, OK 73110

TRAVEL TIP: These signs are located in the Midway of Town Center Plaza on 29th Street in Midwest City right across the street from W.P. Bill Atkinson Park.

Sources

History Panels.

City of Midwest City – website.