TEA R OUT YOUR 2021 F OOTBA LL SC HEDULE IN SIDE! PAGE S 1 6 & 17 SEPTEMBER - OC TOBER 2021
2 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021
04
Letter From The Editor
06
Gearing up for Fall in Sand Springs
07
Letter from Superintendent Sherry Durkee
09
Hiking Spots in Sand Springs
12
Where Are They Now: Sam Harris
14
Fishing Spots in Sand Springs
16
2021 CPHS Football Schedule
18
The Change of Seasons
20
Downtown Sand Springs Spotlight
23
The Spook of Sand Springs
26
Indian Nation Football Spotlight
30
Calender of Events
CONTENTS
Keystone Ancient Forest
Read all about the Keystone Ancient forest and other great hiking spots in Sand Springs on page 10!
This edition of We Are Sand Springs magazine was so fun to work on for a few different reasons and all of these reasons are in line with something I am working on personally. I hope that you all don’t mind if I share it with you and invite you to join me. Lately, I have been placed in the middle. I don’t mean that in a negative way.. I’m not stuck in the middle or in a jam but rather placed in a groove. On one side is ten years of developing a family, business, reputation & life and on the other side my dreams and aspirations for the future. In this groove I am finding the sweetest joys and gifts, such as, teaching interns, helping young professionals and moms within our company balance and grow, seeing my kids take steps toward independence with confidence, having conversations with startup companies that heard I could help them and being called on by other established organizations because of our team’s dedication to our company culture… the list goes on.. So here is what I have been working on that I attribute this knew found groove: • For ten years I have specifically prayed for the moments I am living now. I am continuing to dream and pray for those specific moments that I hope to live in ten years from now. • I am reminding myself daily that all of THIS however much or little is designed just for me in this timing. Join me! And I would love to hear about your groove info @wearesandsprings.com
- Danielle Myers
Send us a letter or email: 118 N Main St Sand Springs, OK 74063 info@wearesandsprings.com 918-521-1810 4 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021
QUALITY CARE
Affordable Financing IV Sedation! Braces for Kids & Adults M. Emami, D.D.S. & Justin Emami, D.D.S.
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! www.galleriaofsmiles.com
918-245-5976 SAME DAY CROWNS!
104 WEST 41ST ST • SAND SPRINGS 8014 S. 101ST E. AVE. • TULSA • 918-999-0142
September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 5
Gear i n g up f or F a l l i n Sand Sp rings
Class is in session, literally! Sand Springs public schools have started back in-person classes and September is finally upon us. Once again we get to walk through the change of the seasons and fall in love with the beauty of Sand Springs all over again. The change of color, smell and temperature all bring about a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. As the fall vibes well up inside, don't be afraid to let them boil over and spill into your community. From shopping local to supporting your local Sandites, after the year we have had, we all deserve to let the good ol’ times roll once again.
6 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021
Welcome to Sand Springs and to a new
lessons learned. I am grateful for our Sandite
school year! Every new year brings renewed
team and am extremely proud of our grit and
excitement and exhilaration. We have a fantastic
integrity as we move to the new year with a
community who deeply values our city, our
renewed commitment to our precious students.
schools, each other, and our children. Our
Our Virtual Academy will continue operation,
community is a partnership between people who
providing families with an incredible option with a
are interested in improvement and making Sand
variety of learning models. Our Virtual Academy
Springs the best it can be. As a school district,
Lab AND certified teachers who monitor progress
we share these values. We are committed to
and provide tutoring opportunities, allow for a
creating an environment that is safe for students rich and successful virtual experience. Our lab is and highly conducive for learning. Our children are open 5 days a week, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the most important investment for our future
extended hours on Monday through Thursday
and we are determined to guide them to achieve to provide a space for students to access help their greatest potential - EVERY student.
from our certified staff. Students attending our Virtual Academy may participate in extracurricular
The 2020-21 school year taught us many
activities including athletics, fine arts, clubs,
lessons. We learned it was an absolute must
prom, graduation, etc. We are certainly proud
to practice resiliency, patience and flexibility
of our experience with our Virtual Academy and
as we navigated a global pandemic. Our team
are confident in our ability to provide a robust
looked for opportunities for growth in the midst
program for all students.
of the obstacles COVID-19 presented to all of us. As you are well aware we dealt with
The most exciting news is the upcoming
conditions that were unlike any year in the past.
completion of the NEW Angus Valley Gym and
Professional growth was right in front of us,
storm shelter in June, 2021. It is thrilling to see our
allowing our Sandite family to think creatively
Angus Valley students and teachers preparing to
to provide the best possible instruction for all
occupy the new space. We are thankful for this
of our students. Our limits were challenged
community in resoundingly passing a bond issue
beyond our imagination with technology, new
allowing a beautiful facility for our students!
and different teaching strategies, and practicing grace, which we gave to each other abundantly. In true Sandite fashion, we championed the year
Be prepared for a truly great experience at Sand Springs Public Schools! GO SANDITES!
with many lessons learned and a myriad of new skills. As we move into the 2021-22 school year, we will adapt to change and are committed to continual improvement in applying those
Sherry Durkee, Superintendent
September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 7
8 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021
HIKING SPOTS IN SAND SPRINGS Hit the ground running with some of the best local spots for hiking in and around the Sand Springs area! From forest views to paved, stroller friendly trails, let this list guide you through the ebbs and flows of the Sandite hiking life!
September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 9
KEYSTONE ANCIENT FOREST Enjoy a walk through the crosstimbers of Keystone Ancient Forest, located about 9 miles, or 11 minutes from Sand Springs. The City of Sand Springs owns the forest preserve and holds some of the oldest known living redcedars, aged at 500 years old. The Keystone Ancient Forest Loop is one of the longest in the area, approximately 6.7 miles. The City of Sand Springs encourages dog owners to bring their furry friends the first and the third Saturdays of every month. You can find specifics for trail heads and lengths on their website, sandspringsok.org, or on their Facebook page that is updated daily.
RIVER CITY TRAIL River City Trail is located around Case Community Park and provides a great spot for bikers, walkers, joggers, and those with strollers! The trail is approximately 3.8 miles long and has amenities such as a water faucet, playground and public restrooms.
KEYSTONE FITNESS TRAIL The Keystone Fitness Trail Loop is lightly trafficked and good for all skill levels. With a beautiful view of the river, it’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll or a mile long run to breathe in the fresh air and scenery. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. There are also RV and tent camp sites located near the trail perfect for a weekend getaway. 10 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021
September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 11
Where Are They Now? Sam Harris Sam (right) with his husband Danny (left) and son Cooper (middle)
SA ND S PR I N G S T O S T AG E Sam Harris earned his way to the big stage from humble beginnings right here as a student attending Charles Page High School. At a young age he chose to take a deep dive into the world of musical performance and starred in the American television show, Star Search. In the show contestants competed in several genres of entertainment. After several rounds of competition, Harris was awarded the grand champion and became best known for his winning rendition of the song “Over the Rainbow”. Winning Star Search led to him signing a contract with Motown Records. You might remember jamming to one of his Top 40 hits, “Sugar Don’t Bite”. Harris and his family moved to Sand Springs from Cushing, Oklahoma when he was three years old, when his father, Bill Harris, accepted a position as the band director at Charles Page High School. The late Bill Harris was revolutionary in the tri-state area for his work with bands and how he touched the lives of hundreds of students. The Harris family was well acquainted with the arts, be it music or theater. Sam Harris shared that his “father paved the way for [my brother and I] to supersede his gifts”. Harris’ love for the arts not only stemmed from his musically inclined father, but his mother as well. “It was my mother who loved and understood theater,” Harris said, “who read me poetry and introduced me to plays and classic films and art that had the most influence on me.” From the very beginning Harris’ parents were altogether encouraging of his creativity and supported him along every step of the way. When Harris was a mere 15 years old he knew he was ready to take a big step, little did he know it would be the start of an incredibly successful and fulfilling career. Harris shared that he knew by the age three that he had something 12 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021
special. Storytelling was a gift, a talent really. Whatever he was doing, whether it be singing, playing a role, writing a book or a play, sharing his observations - he was a born storyteller. “I am fortunate that I was born with a vocal instrument, Sam (right) pictured with husband Danny (left) (which I have worked hard to develop and maintain) but my true objective is storytelling.” While 15 is a young age to begin a full time career, Harris’ parents encouraged him to do everything. “They knew I needed to find others like me,” said Harris, “my tribe of singers and actors and creators.” Star Search was the first of its kind. American Idol, The Voice, American’s Got Talent and all the others followed years after, but Star Search was the first and was a resounding success with over 25 million people watching every week! “Basically overnight I became known.” shared Harris, “It was nerve-wracking and thrilling. I went from total obscurity and struggling to being on the covers of magazines, imitated on Saturday Night Live, a question on Jeopardy, selling out Carnegie Hall, having money, getting a recording contract, touring, appearing on a zillion tv shows. It was a LOT to deal with.” From there the rest is history, his career skyrocketed and has led to many great successes such as his work on Broadway and being nominated for a Tony, hitting platinum status as a recording artist, his book “HAM: Slices of Life”
which later became a show that played in New York and LA and then was shot as a television series. Harris shared that his proudest work, truly coming from his heart and soul, is his newest book “The Substance of All Things”. The book is set in 1968 is a rural Oklahoma town… fancy that! Harris always knew that he would be a success. He always knew that he would be a star. Not because of some boastful or prideful spirit, but because he knew that he had the drive and the dream to succeed. “No one, NO ONE, who goes on this path with the sacrifices and rejection and the tumult of this business,” said Harris, “goes in without that drive and dream.” Harris had amazing influences as he grew up here in Sand Springs. Most of all was his second grade teacher, Mrs. Maule. “She saw me,” remembered Harris,” and by that I mean she SAW me, she recogonized my differences, my gifts [...] and she said “Yes you can!”.” Another great influence was Wayne McDowell, his high school psychology teacher, who helped him come to terms with being gay and was a great source of confidence for him. “He told me that
nothing was wrong with me. He literally saved my life,” said Harris. While Harris is on the road working, he still stays connected with Sand Springs and the community as his mother and brother still live in the area. He enjoys working with the local high school drama teacher, Andrea Campfield, through in person rehearsals and zoom specialty classes working with students who really want to learn! It also never fails to make Harris smile when he drives down Sam Harris Boulevard in downtown Sand Springs.
A young Sam Harris
Harris has had, and continues to have an illustrious career filled with Broadway performances, film appearances, television co-creations, musical supervisions, and two published books all while being supported by his husband and son. Currently Harris has returned to the Hollywood stage with his new show “THE RETURN”, using his incomparable talents to bring singular interpretations of pop and Broadway classics to life. But one thing is for certain, Harris is a Sandite through and through! As a last thought, Harris shared some advice for students who are interested in the arts:
Sam's novel, "HAM: Slices of Life"
“Think of yourself as an actor first. Music is storytelling. All art is storytelling. Where does the song come from? What are you trying to say? Many people can sing the notes, but it’s about making people FEEL something. That’s what makes a difference. When it comes to my own work – if I haven’t made you laugh and cry, I haven’t done my job!”
Sam's novel, "The Substance of All Things"
September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 13
Sand Springs Lake Park has plenty of amenities for families to have a comfortable fishing experience. Pack up lunch and enjoy free parking, picnic area, trails, bank fishing, peace and quiet! This area is also wheelchair accessible!
The great outdoors in Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Keystone Lake is a short drive from Sand
calls fishermen from around the state to cast their
Springs and is the perfect place for shore or boat
line into our waters where Largemouth Bass,
fishing! You can expect to catch stripers, walleye,
Channel Catfish and many more species can be
bass and catfish, that is… if they are hungry! The
caught. Fishing nowadays is mostly for sport - the
Keystone State Park gift shop sells live worms for
“thrill of the catch” some might say. Well here are a
bait, or you can travel across the dam to Woody’s
few places around the Sand Springs where you can Bait & Tackle where you can find all kinds of bait for take your family for a fun day full of fishing!
your family to fish with!
Sand Springs, OK
Arieal view of Keystone Lake
14 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021
Shell Lake is approximately six miles from Sand Springs and provides great recreational opportunities including both bank fishing and boat fishing! Largemouth bass, Channel catfish, and Spotted bass are generally the hot topic of the 900- acre lake that boasts of trees and foliage that make it the perfect haven for fishing!
Mc Brid e O ut s i d e McBride Outside is run by Oklahoma local Trent McBride, a lifelong fisherman. McBride Outside is an Oklahoma Fishing Guide Service that claims, “A bend in the pole soothes the soul”! McBride offers trips of up to 4-5 hours of fishing on several large lakes including Keystone Lake! When you book a trip, all you need to do is pack your lunch and bring an ice chest for your filets and he’ll take care of the rest! Visit mcbrideoutside.com to find out more and book your guided fishing trip today!
Shell Lake, Sand Springs, OK
When you're headed out to your next fishing adventure, make sure you have the proper gear and permits which can be purchased at your local Walmart or through the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation website. Be safe, and HAPPY FISHING!
Mcbride's catches
September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 15
16 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021
September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 17
G O SA N DIA TE S !
the 2021 season!
us as we cheer on the Charles Page High School football team during
inspiring parade, pep assembly and highlight for our star athletes. Join
we gather to celebrate our students and cheer them to victory with an
the field. One of the greatest times of the year is Homecoming - where
the state, the 2021 Sandites are more than ready to battle it out on
fears subsided and a schedule filled with high competition from across
uncertainty and cancellations would affect our student athletes. With
before in 2020. We knew little of how the shortened season filled with
The Charles Page Varsity football team faced adversity like never
T EA R O UT P O ST ER!
THE C HA NGE OF SEASON S
WRI TT E N BY D . A . MYE R S L P C
L E T ’S T A K E A M OME NT … I mean really take a moment. When was the last
our mind solely focuses its power on the present. Survival
time we took a moment to ourselves? Not the 30 minute
mode is not too shabby when you are thinking about actual
uninterrupted bath, and not the family vacation that we
life and death situations, hanging from a ledge will get
*sometimes* need a vacation from. Really took a moment to
you to focus really hard on the strength of your fingertips.
contemplate our life, the history of it, and our expectations
However, when the moment passes, when we are lifted off
from it.
the desert island or pulled up from the ledge, we find our
Looking back, we find ourselves coming from
somewhat of a rocky season. We aren’t just talking about
minds continuing to focus solely on the present.
When we live with our minds solely in the present
COVID, I mean go back to 2018. Between the market crash,
moment, we tend to forget the longer term goals we might
floods, tornadoes, covid, the town shutting down, and the
have, or the relationships from our past that have been most
slow recovery… we’ve had something of a time these past
impactful in our lives. What is good for survival mode, it’s
few years. But that’THs all in the past, what about the
necessarily good for everyday life. So we find ourselves in
future? Have you thought much about the future and what
a similar predicament, being pulled off the ledge of the last
you expect from it? Some might have the answer “yes”, and
several years, brains fully in “survival mode” and thinking,
some “no,” but we can all agree that it’s been a little farther
“oh no, what’s next?”
from our minds these past few years. Our minds can get into something called “survival
SWITCHING OUR BRAIN FROM “SURVIVAL MODE” TO “LIVING MODE” IS NO SMALL TASK. We have to
mode” when we go through stressful events or even years
convince our brains that we are no longer threatened, we
of slightly stressful situations. We have this “survival
are no longer fighting for our lives, we are living them. It takes
mode” because it’s necessary. I MEAN, if you are stuck on a
effort. Lots of effort, working towards reprogramming our
deserted island, the farthest thing from your mind is going
brains to see more than the next 24 hours, more
to be your 401k plan, it’s going to be “WHERE IS MY NEXT
than the next week or month. We
MEAL COMING FROM???” We block out everything that
CAN start to dream again, but we
is too far out, the future and thinking about the past, and
need to put in the work.
18 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021
FIND TIME TO SIT DOWN AND JOURNAL, EVEN IF IT’S 5 MINUTES EVERYDAY. Take three pages and title them on the top, “Past” “Present” and “Future.” When you make the time, jot down a few thoughts regarding your past, present, and future. It’s amazing what comes out of these amazing things called our brains when we make the time to use them. Take those pages, and meditate on them throughout the next week, find your mind start to expand to reconsider the future, your goals, your hopes, and your dreams (and then take a deep breath, get ready for what’s next).
If you haven’t heard of the author Mel Robbins,
5.
Or your brain will kill it - Our brain has three simple
functions,
it narrates and catalogs our memories,
operates
bodily
you need to get acquainted. She came out with a book in
functions, and protects us from
2017 called “The Five Second Rule” and it has a very simple
danger. When we don’t move,
premise. If you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must
we signal our brain saying “oh no,
physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will kill it.
something is wrong, I don’t want to
That’s it. The whole book summed up in a sentence, but let’s
do this.” Our brain takes that signal, and squashes it.
tear that apart because the impact is HUGE.
1.
There is so much more to her book but it boils down
The moment you have an instinct - Instincts are
to those five points. Take all your future thoughts, and
not rash, they are never destructive, illegal or
put them to the five second rule. If we cannot act on the
harmful, but they are always pulling, always gutsy,
instincts that we have towards the future goals and
and always come from the heart. You know you should do
dreams within 5 seconds, our brain won’t let us get there,
something, even though you “don’t want to.”
and it’s a much tougher road.
2.
To act on a goal - Instincts are almost always
All in all, we have been through the ringer these past
attached to a goal. Something that we have hoped
few years, and our brains can sometimes become part of
to dream of for ourselves, yet have not been
the hurdle we need to get past, but there are systems and
achieved yet. This is the difference between movement for
processes to help us get into a better position, help our
movement’s sake, and movement with a purpose.
brains get on our side. So tell me, what is your instinct?
3.
You must push yourself - There is a small window
What is your next move? What is your next dream?
of opportunity, we know that we have an instinct.
5...4...3...2...1...
We know it’s tied to a goal. We also know, it’s not
D.A. Myers LPC is a Licensed
what we would normally do. It requires a push, something
Professional
from within ourselves to get the ball rolling.
private
4.
To move within 5 seconds - It’s not going to kill us if we don’t move in 5 literal seconds, it will just kill the instinct, which means we won’t end up doing
it. 5 seconds is general, but ultimately it needs to work for you, 5 seconds or less, and we need to move towards something that will fulfill the instinct we have. For some,
Counselor
practice
in
in
Tulsa,
Oklahoma. He owns Good Work Counseling, where he accepts people for the powerful force they are, and through a proven process, helps them get unstuck.
the pushups need to start within 5 seconds, for others, it’s writing down our commitment within 5 seconds.
September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 19
dow n t ow n
SAND SPRINGS Explore quaint downtown Sand Springs this Fall by visiting several of our very popular small businesses! While walking down main street you will find tasty treats, homemade artwork and decor and very talented individuals who style hair, customize wardrobes, make speciality hand crafted drinks - oh my! With each of our business owners comes the opportunity of engaging conversation, new friendships and community just as our towns founder - Charles Page - created it to be. Whether you're visiting the downtown area for the first time, or you’ve driven the bricked pathways many times, stop for a moment, take in a fresh breath of air, and dive into the heart of Sand Springs - a.k.a. - the people! Listed below are a few of our hardworking downtown residents. We hope you will take the time to visit each of them in person to find new products and services that you can fall in love with.
St u de b a ke r L aw Wills, Trusts, and Probates. Tim Studebaker is a Tulsa native and has handled all types of probate cases from small ones to multi-million dollar estates. They know that your estate is your heritage and the security of your family, so they work hard to minimize the effects of ever-changing taxation standards on your investment. Studebaker Law Firm provides solid estate planning in the form of a living revocable trust, and ensures you are aware of your needs and rights so that when it’s needed, your financial future is Contact them today! provided for. (918) 772-9217
BO U L DE R C OFFE E Boulder Coffee has been on main street for the better part of (3) years now, and keeps getting better! Boulder is serving up an amazing quality of locally roasted coffee beans for all to enjoy. Boulder believes in community and caffeination! Enjoy FREE wifi, and cozy space to gather while you sip your delicious, handcrafted drink. While you're sipping, check out Boulder's NEW gallery wall displaying local art to be admired by all -- and if you can't stop admiring Check out their your favorite piece, you can shop the wall and take it home! Facebook page! 20 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021
ye l l ow h ou s e m a rke t & b ou tiqu e A Sand Springs and Green Country favorite, YellowHouse offers in-store and online shopping with an unforgettable, authentic experience. Whether you are getting your fall closet in order or shopping for Christmas YHMB is a MUST! Located in downtown Sand Springs, YHMB is on the cusp of opening its second boutique that will focus on kids' clothing and accessories. yellowhouse market.com
Check out their new Instagram!
Sa l on 36 With over 36 years experience in the hair industry, owner Jeanna finally opened her own salon in downtown Sand Springs in the spring of 2020. Make time for yourself and see Jeanna at Salon 36 for your dream hair style, cut, or color -- and they now offer lash extensions!
Blush
Check out their Facebook page!
blu s h h a ir & ma ke u p l ou n ge This beauty bar has been a staple in downtown Sand Springs for 10 years. Located inside of one of Main Street's newly remodeled historic buildings, Blush is stacked with experienced stylists that offer hair and beauty services for men, women, and children. Call today to schedule an appointment (918) 514-4629. In 2019 Blush establish Rose Annadoring Boutique, a boutique on Main Street. Offering a variety of trendy clothing and accessories.
Check out their Facebook page!
li ttl e ve n ic e Don't walk, RUN! Little Venice opened its door a few years ago on Main Street in Sand Springs. The owners, Candi and Walter Munaretto, brought with them a love for Italian cuisine and years of culinary experience. This must be why the dishes at Little Venice are so scrumptious. If you are looking for a first-class experience in the Tulsa area Little Venice will not disappoint. Offering tables and space perfect for your next date night, celebration, or foodie feast you might as well put Little Venice on your calendar now. To make your reservation call 918-514-0134.
Check out their menu here!
okie s p ic e & tra de c o. Specializing in flavor, but providing everything you could dream of wanting in your kitchen, Okie Spice & Trade Co is a downtown Sand Springs favorite! Make your kitchen dreams come true with plenty of options -- from a wide range of spices, rubs, and blends to fun sayings on kitchen accessories to beautiful charcuterie boards just waiting to be filled.
Check out their Facebook page!
September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 21
22 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021
W
hen the sun goes down and the moon shines bright, many say that the legends of the
Sand Springs haunted come out to play. Ghosts, uneasy feelings, spirits of the undead visiting long lost family members - a hoax you might think? Some of it may rest on the line of imagination, but the true feeling of someone’s presence, when they aren’t there, is a testament many residents believe is undeniable truth. Walk with us on the journey through 4 truly spooky Sand Springs Tales.
HI SSOM MEMORIA L C E NTER Hissom Mem or ia l C enter w a s b u i lt i n the 1 96 0’ s to hou se m enta l l y d is ab le d chil d r en of a l l a g es. T hey l iv ed , wo r k e d a nd w ent to school on the a cr ea g e a n d r ec eiv ed the nec essa r y ca r e they n e e d e d at the tim e. I n 1 993, du e to neg li g e n c e a n d cu l tu r e cha ng e, the c enter w a s s hu t d own . I t ha s sinc e b een sa id that g hos t s r o a m t h e ol d ha l l s of the m enta l institu ti o n . Wh i le nothing ha s b een cau g ht on ta pe - ex c e p t tr esp a sser s w ho r ec eiv e a hef t y fi n e som e S a nd ites say they ca n simp l y f e e l their ha ir sticking u p on their a r m s wh e n they g o nea r the p l a c e!
Photos of the Hissom Memorial Center, seen on News on 6
September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 23
BULLD OG MA N
w a s g etting a j ob w her e he knew p e o p le .
An o l d t ow n l e g end began way ba c k, ab o u t 90 ye ars ago wh en a famil y left
Unfor tu natel y w hen he w a s ol d en o ug h t o w or k the b r ick f a ctor y cl osed .
t ow n aft e r v is it in g th e old amusement p a r k l o cat e d o n Ol d Nor th Road and “ forgot” t he i r 4 ye ar ol d s on. At nig ht wh en th e gue s ts of t he park would go home, he wou l d c o me o ut an d l iv e off of fair food suc h a s p o p c o r n, c orn do g s and oth er sna cks. A f ew ye ars later when th e park w a s shut down he wa s taken in by a loc a l brick manufa c tu r ing c ompany where the workers fed and told him h e c ould stay in the shelt er of the area. One evening, a fresh sta ck of bric ks fell on th e b oy as he was sleeping, and they dis formed his fa c e - making it lo o k lik e a Bul l dog. T he workers didn’ t wa nt t o pay for a proper doctor, so th e b oy ' s n os e grew in pla c e to look like a p ig , an d h i s che eks s agging like the jowls of a b u lldo g, giv in g him the name Bulldog M a n.
Post Card of attractions around Sand Springs
The b oy n ev e r re c eived proper educ ati on an d w a sn ’ t a cc e pted into soc iet y becau se o f h i s new foun d appearanc e so h is onl y l u ck
He took of f into the w ood s, b ec a m e a her m it, a nd l ea r ned to l iv e of f of t h e la n d - incl u d ing eating l ef tov er s fr om c o u p le s v isiting l ov er s l a ne. He sel d om m a d e a n a p p ea r a nc e, b u t no m atter w hat wa s i n h i s sig ht, he a im ed to shoot - a nd he d i d n ’ t m i s s . Whil e he ha sn’ t b een seen in m a ny ye a r s , h e is b el iev ed to b e a r ou nd 90 y ea r s o ld a n d stil l r oa m ing the w ood s a r ou nd O ld N o r t h
Aerial view of Sand Springs Lake Park in 1957
24 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021
Roa d .
THE HOAX OF THE HEA D
sou nd m onitor so they c ou l d m oni t o r t h e r e s t
In about 1 9 5 2 there was a big ord ea l in
of the b u il d ing s. S o nex t tim e y our i n t h e o ld
S a nd S prin gs . An Osage Indian princ es s ha d
C P HS au d itor iu m , m a ke su r e y ou s ay h e llo t o
di e d i n a t ragic l ove stor y , after h er d eath
Mr . G r een.
ma ny r e por t e d s e eing h er head floating in t he tr e e s . Af t e r it was repor ted many tim es, a Tu lsa New S t at i on set up th eir camer a s t o tr y an d cat ch t his “ floating h ead”. Ever y we ek lo cal s w o ul d travel the area at nig ht, h o p i ng t o s e e s o m ething of a c ti on in th e t re e s . It w as n ’ t until four to five weeks l ater t hat t h e po l ic e fo u nd out it was a group of h i g h s c ho ol boys . One would climb the t r ee, t he oth e r pl a c e t he rope in th eir hands a nd
Charles Page High School Auditorium
l ow e r t he “fl o at in g h ead” down for all t o see. Wh e n t h ey w e re caug ht they were brou g ht t o th e supe rint e n d ent's offic e who told
t hem t hey w e re n ’ t in trouble because t hey h ad gi v en S an d S prings the best news in 2 0 years.
Tall tales and old spooky stories are plentiful in Sand Springs. If you, or someone
MR. GREE N M o st k n ow t he loc al tale of Mr.
you know, have a spooky story to tell - we want to
G r e e n, but it s t ar ted ba ck in 1 977 wh en
know! Please email info@
a c o ns tr uct i o n w orker fell from th e
wearesandsprings.com
b a lc o ny an d die d. After h is d eath strang e
to submit your spooky
o c c u r r e n c e s be gan to h appen. Most notab le w as a gre en lig h t that panned the b a lc o ny o n occas i on in th e C harles Page Hig h
story and have a chance to be featured on our social media pages!
S c h o o l Audit orium. Lig hts flic kered, sta g e l i g h t s r a n dom l y t urned off and on, and a si ngu lar l ig ht in t he balc ony stayed on for a num b e r of ye ars - even when th e rest o f the l i g h t s w e re t urn e d off. M any stud ent a nd f a c u lt y m em be rs have had r un-ins with Mr . G r e e n' s t a ct ics , in fa c t the sec urit y c omp a ny t hat m on it ore d t he building noted th at ther e we r e s u ch l oud v oic es and gr umblings at ni g h t t h at t hey w ould h ave to turn off t he September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 25
N O I T A N N INDIA
L L A B T O FO
! T H G I L T O SP Sand Springs Youth Football Association (SSYFA) and Sand Springs Youth Basketball Association organizations
are
non-profit that
youth
represent
sports football,
cheerleading and basketball for children in the Sand Springs area. We operate teams in grades 1st through 7th and are a member of the Indian Nations Football Conference and Basketball Conference. We compete against teams in the Tulsa and OKC areas, with over 40 other clubs. Home games are played at Memorial Stadium at CPHS. More information can be found at Facebook.com/ssyouthfootball or by calling 918.248.1042.
- Dustin Little
26 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021
FREE PAGE
September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 27
DANNY’S AUTO REPAIR INC.
We’ll Be Here When You Need Us!
• General Auto Repair • American • Foreign • Pickups • BG Maintenance Services • Updated Diagnostic Scan Tools • Major and Minor Tune-Ups • Air Conditioning Service/Repair Celebrating Over 25 Years in Sand Springs
918-241-9878
R R
R
®
2 W. Morrow Rd. • Sand Springs
10% OFF $20 OFF LABOR OVER $500.00
BRAKE REPAIRS
DANNY’S AUTO REPAIR INC.
918-241-9878
Offers Expire 10-31-2021
2 W. Morrow Rd. • Sand Springs
One coupon per customer | Not valid with other offers or specials
28 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021
Capture our beautiful town of Sand Springs and share it with the world by entering the We are Sand Springs: Sand Springs Landscape Photos Contest. Pull out your camera whether that’s your phone or your DSL, and take a shot at getting your photograph in the We are Sand Springs Magazine, and posted online to our social media pages! We are beyond excited to see the keen eye of the citizens of Sand Springs and bring to life the brilliant landscapes of Sand Springs Oklahoma.
SUBMIT YOUR BEST SAND SPRINGS LANDSCAPE PHOTO INTO THIS YEAR’S LANDSCAPE PHOTO CONTEST PRESENTED BY WE ARE SAND SPRINGS MAGAZINE! • Get your photo featured in the November issue of We are Sand Springs Magazine • Post your photo on social media and tag us @wearesandsprings • Submit your photos to info@wearesandsprings.com Winners will be announced via social media on November 1, 2021, and will have their photo printed in the We are Sand Springs Magazine that is distributed to every home in Sand Springs!
September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 29
LOCAL EVENTS IN SAND SPRINGS
SEP. 7
OCT. 17
ACRYLIC PAINTING
CINDERELLA PUMPKIN
CLASSES
CARRIAGE AND GLASS
6:30PM - 8:30PM
SLIPPER PARTY
ZegART Studios, 700 E
3PM - 5PM
Charles Page BLVD
ZEGART STUDIOS; 700 E CHARLES PAGE BLVD,
SEP. 17
SAND SPRINGS, OK
SAND SPRINGS HOMECOMING PARADE VISIT WEARESANDSPRINGS. COM FOR DETAILS
SEP. 26 PRINCESS BELLE TEA PARTY AND PAINT
OCT. 16
11TH ANNUAL WINTER SQUASH AND PUMPKIN FESTIVAL OCT. 16, 2021, 2PM OCT. 17, 11PM 22350 W 71st St S, Sand Springs, OK
3PM - 5PM ZegART Studios, 700 E Charles Page BLVD
OCT. 1 SAND SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 8:00AM The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge, 1801 N McKinley Ave Rd, Sand Springs, OK Register today by emailing: heathermarie.salazar@ gmail.com
OCT. 16
2021 VETS THAT MATTER JUST FOR FUN CAR SHOW 8:00AM - 1:00PM Vets That Matter Register your car at www.vetsthatmatter.org
OCT. 16
LC CLASSIC MEN'S GOLF TOURNAMENT 7:30 AM THE CANYONS AT BLACKJACK RIDGE; 1801 N MCKINLEY AVE RD, SAND SPRINGS, OK
OCT. 23 BO PHILLIPS BAND 12:00PM Case Community Center; 1050 W Wekiwa Rd, Sand Springs, OK
oct. 24 ANNUAL BBQ COOK OFF FUNDRAISER OCT 24 – MON, OCT 25 Sand Springs Elks Lodge #2553 ; 546 W Imperial Blvd, Sand Springs, OK
NEW Exhbit! "WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE" AUG 30TH - NOV 1ST Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum
the patch OPEN DAILY IN OCTOBER MON - SAT: 10AM - 7PM; SUN 12PM - 7PM Sand Springs: 17516 W 8th St, Sand Springs, Oklahoma 74063
Editor’s Note: Due to the ongoing pandemic and weather events, event listings (including date, time, and location) are subject to change. Please contact the event organizer directly with questions. 30 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021
September 2021 | WeAreSandSprings.com 31
32 WeAreSandSprings.com | September 2021