Doe Doe Park Skating Rink Doe Doe Recreation Park 244 SW Sheridan Rd, Lawton, OK. Source: USA Cities Online. Photo digitally remastered by Dead-Rinks.
Doe Doe Park Skating Rink Doe Doe Recreation Park 244 SW Sheridan Rd, Lawton, OK. The front corner of the rink. It was on second floor. Source: Geocaching.
Doe Doe Park Skating Rink Doe Doe Recreation Park 244 SW Sheridan Rd, Lawton, OK. The only known, so far, the interior of the Maple wood floor rink at Doe Doe Park. Very much bright inside thanks to the large windows and doors. Pretty dark on that end where the US Flag is. Source: Google Search. Photo remastered by Dead-Rinks.
Doe Doe Park Skating Rink Doe Doe Recreation Park 244 SW Sheridan Rd, Lawton, OK. This was a hey day of the park with so many children swimming that day. I am sure it was a beautiful sunny day. The rink was in that building on second floor behind the pool in this photo. Uh oh, that lifeguard you can see in center of the photo stood in stern to tell that boy in the water to his left to behave! Yes, they had that bridge to walk over the pool quicker if you want to and its to divide shadow from depth. Noticed Lifeguard appeared to be in his 30s or 40s? Not a teenager! That is the way it should be. Experienced lifeguards! Source: Google Search.
Doe Doe Park Skating Rink Doe Doe Recreation Park 244 SW Sheridan Rd, Lawton, OK. This was taken in around the time the park was closed for good. You can see the bridge as part of the park that was. This entrance was seen on side street, not on Sheridan Street. Source: Google Search.
Doe Doe Park Skating Rink Doe Doe Recreation Park 244 SW Sheridan Rd, Lawton, OK. This was one of perhaps many advertisement done by Doe Doe Park. This concert on that day was played by Rusty McDonald and His band. I noticed something. That cowboy on his horse. very much exact same position and outlines.. as to a Christian ranch near Murfreesboro. Was it a copy off? Maybe. Perhaps that was a clipart back then. With the difference of course. That ranch has a cross laying on the crown as a "shadow instead of the horse shadow seen in this ad. I know I remember the cowboy holding the hat just like this one but all I found the logos online there is no cowboy hat in his hand. he is wearing it. Did I have a Mandela Effect? Source: The Lawton Constitution, Sunday, August 10, 1947, page 6.
Doe Doe Park Skating Rink Doe Doe Recreation Park 244 SW Sheridan Rd, Lawton, OK. This scene is modern day in 2020. The open field was where the pool house, pool, and, skating rink was The rest of the park is now a series of apartments and the parking lot is now Burger King and its lot. (unseen to the right is Bridge Park that used to be part of Doe Doe Park where the bridges are). Taken in 2019. Source: Google.
Doe Doe Park Skating Rink Doe Doe Recreation Park 244 SW Sheridan Rd, Lawton, OK. Video courtesy of redlegs1960.
Doe Doe Park Skating Rink Doe Doe Recreation Park 244 SW Sheridan Rd, Lawton, OK
Doe Doe Park Skating Rink was in fact a roller rink at this well known amusement park -- the Doe Doe Recreation Park which was at 244 Southwest Sheridan Road, Lawton, Oklahoma. This was one of the early amusement park that were established throughout the country in early 20th Century. It was Ben Hutchins who built and operated and owned this park that was center of a major controversy in 1960s.
Before we get to that controversy in 1960s. Ben began this park in August 1945 with much fanfare of a very large 880,000 Gallons of pure artisan well water. Also had a zoo, amusement rides, concessions and of course, the roller rink with wood floor. The swimming pool was one of the nation's largest, but the world's? Maybe.
DISCLAIMER, SOME WILL BE OPINION AND OWN PERSPECTIVE. THIS DEALS WITH THE CIVIL RIGHTS IN 1960S WHEN THE OPERATOR REFUSED TO ALLOW BLACKS TO USE THE POOL OR THE PARK. AND THEY HAD PROTESTS AND MANY WERE ARRESTED. See sources below to read further on many articles.
Being in the South, the park and rink operator used the terms that he has rights to refuse to serve any customers as it was for many businesses, bus services, and more since the Blacks were freed from slavery a hundred years prior. But it was not exactly legal rights to refuse because of color. I believe the term should apply to those who are trouble makers. Huge differences. (See Disclaimer above).
So my understanding that right after the Civil Rights Acts of 1965 were passed, the park refused to allow blacks in and so the blacks had that law on their backs and in the books, they protested and marched to the park. Even blocked the entrance. So, they were arrested for trespassing but when the city official found out there were no trespassing laws in the books, they were embarrassed and recharged the 22 with other charges as means trying to quiet the protests but that did not work. More protests were engaged.
The military base near the park often had their military personnel enjoy the park were told off limits until the owner allow blacks in. Not banning but not allowed till the park's policy change.
To make this short, he did allowed blacks in. But around the same time, the prices went up as people thinking he was trying to drive out blacks again and the poor out. But Ben was trying to explain that it was insurance and other operating costs went up. Remember that if you took Economics and Social Studies in school, the inflation went up big time that time. Insurance between 1960s to 1980s were forcing rink operators, amusement park operators, and other high risk businesses to close and even recreational manufacturers such as snowmobiles and water crafts (the both sports manufacturers (a few) were forced to stop manufacturing vehicles because of lawsuits and insurance companies refusing to pay (example companies forced to stop making were Ariens snowmobiles, Polaris PWC, etc). If you look at profiles of other rinks, I have explained it was insurance that drove costs up forcing the rinks to close. Even employers when I tried to apply for employment for many years (about 18 years every day ending up with 7 thick 3-ring binders list of employers), some employers told me they even felt struggling to hire me or anyone because of insurance and filing benefits. They need workers but cant afford workers more than just making paychecks for workers.
Ben's son explained everything why the costs had to go up and the business went down. It was the costs that killed off the business, not the protests.
The cost to swim was .25 cents in 1960s per person and went up to 2.00 USD in the 1970s. That was 8 times more expensive. That would be 800 times more.
Gas prices went up in early 1970s from low as 10 cents to 25 cents or even 35 cents as I recalled seeing through the window at the gas stations when my mom or dad were driving. I remember Dad said, "Geez! They went up too much!" He was making good money but too expensive! Those prices of gas went up about 200 percent at the time. See what I mean?
One source said the pool closed in 1967 but people commented it was open to the 1970s. The Oklahoman is very detailed and did explain the pool and the rink closed in 1985 after a deal fell thru to keep it operational. Unfortunately.
Ben the founder of the park passed away in 1977 at age of 79. He was a World War I and II solider fighting. Thank you for your service to defend the Constitution of the United States and I want to add, our faith in the LORD Jesus Christ.
After Ben passed away, his four sons took over operations until 1985. They wanted to sell because they were getting older and not want to operate anymore. But that fell through. You see, the investors were from oil industry and wanted to use the property for things related to the industry but the oil boom busted and they left and the ownership of the park was still under the Hutchins Family so they realize only the pool and the rink were still standing and they could just have tweaked and give fresh paint but never opened again. They even thought of selling shares to the citizens of Lawton but never have done either. All fell through.
Interesting note that Ben Hutchens Sr. asked the youngest, Doris Ann what was her name. But she was little and said her name was "Doe Doe" so that was how he got the name for the park, Doe Doe Park.
Already after 1967, slowly demolishing and removing rides, zoo animals, and more. By 1985, only left was the pool and the skating rink and they closed those two that year. In 1998, there was an auction selling off everything from the park. Now sitting are the apartment complex and a Burger King on SW Sheridan Road between Gore and the rail tracks. What remains left was the Bridge Park left. You can walk over the river but really, it was part of the flood plan.
That park left is the Bridge Park which is operated by a Christian ministry to have site for prayers, fellowships, and concerts.
The Interior.
A 13-foot concrete foundation was poured and the two-story structure housing the rink was built. Its 3-inch-thick solid oak doors are handcrafted with ornamental hinges.
The 48-foot by 116-foot rink floor is made of No. 1 bird's-eye maple, cut in a Wisconsin mill and seasoned for a year.
"I handled every piece of that floor with my bare hands to make sure there were no knots in it," said Bill Hutchins, who returned from the war (World War II) in time to help put the finishing touches on the project.
-Source: The Oklahoman
The Exterior.
It was a pool house and roller rink building sitting in front by Southwest Sheridan Road. That was sandwiched between the road and swimming hole.
West of the skating rink, the foundation and starting walls of what was to be a 209-foot by 130-foot coliseum still stand. Also, an island and moat were built to house monkeys, guineas, bears and other animals.
On the same block were picnic grounds and 12 bridges over the canal traversing the park.
A train that ran on 1,700 feet of track, a carousel, boat tank, kiddie-car ride and swinging gym made up the recreation area.
-Source: The Oklahoman
The swimming pool was one of the largest and it measured the exact same as Olympics sized NHL rink. 100 feet by 200 feet. (NHL is 85 x 200 and Olympics is 100 x 220).
The Stats:
Rink Size: 48' x 116'. Floor: No. 1 Bird's-Eye Maple, cut in a Wisconsin mill and seasoned for a year.
Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: N/A. Built: N/A. Demolished: 1970s.
Type of Building: Multi story Cinderblocks with Stucco-walled building, Steel free-span trusses. (Rink was on 2nd story, bathhouse on first).
Roof: Gable.
Acres: 30 Acres (acquired from School Land Commission).
Operated: (Overall)-- August 1945 to 1985.
Doe Doe Park Skating Rink: August 1945 to 1985
Doe Doe Recreation Park: August 1945 to 1985.
Reason for Closure: N/A.
Doe Doe Park Skating Rink: Insurance, decline attendance due to astronomical rise in admission costs and operations costs. (High inflation in 1960s and 1970s national wide). Business deal to sell fell through.
Doe Doe Recreation Park: Insurance, decline attendance due to astronomical rise in admission costs and operations costs. (High inflation in 1960s and 1970s national wide). Business deal to sell fell through.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, size of rink. Also photos. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources:
The Oklahoman.
The Oklahoman photos. (PDF)
The Oklahoman - article on protests, timeline.
Red Dirt Chronicles.
Sun Journal.
Only in Your State.
City-Data Forum.
OK History.
Geocaching.
Flickr - Auction in 1998 (Several photos are shown).
Date of issue: 13 June 2021.
For office use only: 8 p. ( 1 v., 1 g., 5 p., 1 np).
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3 and 16.
Before we get to that controversy in 1960s. Ben began this park in August 1945 with much fanfare of a very large 880,000 Gallons of pure artisan well water. Also had a zoo, amusement rides, concessions and of course, the roller rink with wood floor. The swimming pool was one of the nation's largest, but the world's? Maybe.
DISCLAIMER, SOME WILL BE OPINION AND OWN PERSPECTIVE. THIS DEALS WITH THE CIVIL RIGHTS IN 1960S WHEN THE OPERATOR REFUSED TO ALLOW BLACKS TO USE THE POOL OR THE PARK. AND THEY HAD PROTESTS AND MANY WERE ARRESTED. See sources below to read further on many articles.
Being in the South, the park and rink operator used the terms that he has rights to refuse to serve any customers as it was for many businesses, bus services, and more since the Blacks were freed from slavery a hundred years prior. But it was not exactly legal rights to refuse because of color. I believe the term should apply to those who are trouble makers. Huge differences. (See Disclaimer above).
So my understanding that right after the Civil Rights Acts of 1965 were passed, the park refused to allow blacks in and so the blacks had that law on their backs and in the books, they protested and marched to the park. Even blocked the entrance. So, they were arrested for trespassing but when the city official found out there were no trespassing laws in the books, they were embarrassed and recharged the 22 with other charges as means trying to quiet the protests but that did not work. More protests were engaged.
The military base near the park often had their military personnel enjoy the park were told off limits until the owner allow blacks in. Not banning but not allowed till the park's policy change.
To make this short, he did allowed blacks in. But around the same time, the prices went up as people thinking he was trying to drive out blacks again and the poor out. But Ben was trying to explain that it was insurance and other operating costs went up. Remember that if you took Economics and Social Studies in school, the inflation went up big time that time. Insurance between 1960s to 1980s were forcing rink operators, amusement park operators, and other high risk businesses to close and even recreational manufacturers such as snowmobiles and water crafts (the both sports manufacturers (a few) were forced to stop manufacturing vehicles because of lawsuits and insurance companies refusing to pay (example companies forced to stop making were Ariens snowmobiles, Polaris PWC, etc). If you look at profiles of other rinks, I have explained it was insurance that drove costs up forcing the rinks to close. Even employers when I tried to apply for employment for many years (about 18 years every day ending up with 7 thick 3-ring binders list of employers), some employers told me they even felt struggling to hire me or anyone because of insurance and filing benefits. They need workers but cant afford workers more than just making paychecks for workers.
Ben's son explained everything why the costs had to go up and the business went down. It was the costs that killed off the business, not the protests.
The cost to swim was .25 cents in 1960s per person and went up to 2.00 USD in the 1970s. That was 8 times more expensive. That would be 800 times more.
Gas prices went up in early 1970s from low as 10 cents to 25 cents or even 35 cents as I recalled seeing through the window at the gas stations when my mom or dad were driving. I remember Dad said, "Geez! They went up too much!" He was making good money but too expensive! Those prices of gas went up about 200 percent at the time. See what I mean?
One source said the pool closed in 1967 but people commented it was open to the 1970s. The Oklahoman is very detailed and did explain the pool and the rink closed in 1985 after a deal fell thru to keep it operational. Unfortunately.
Ben the founder of the park passed away in 1977 at age of 79. He was a World War I and II solider fighting. Thank you for your service to defend the Constitution of the United States and I want to add, our faith in the LORD Jesus Christ.
After Ben passed away, his four sons took over operations until 1985. They wanted to sell because they were getting older and not want to operate anymore. But that fell through. You see, the investors were from oil industry and wanted to use the property for things related to the industry but the oil boom busted and they left and the ownership of the park was still under the Hutchins Family so they realize only the pool and the rink were still standing and they could just have tweaked and give fresh paint but never opened again. They even thought of selling shares to the citizens of Lawton but never have done either. All fell through.
Interesting note that Ben Hutchens Sr. asked the youngest, Doris Ann what was her name. But she was little and said her name was "Doe Doe" so that was how he got the name for the park, Doe Doe Park.
Already after 1967, slowly demolishing and removing rides, zoo animals, and more. By 1985, only left was the pool and the skating rink and they closed those two that year. In 1998, there was an auction selling off everything from the park. Now sitting are the apartment complex and a Burger King on SW Sheridan Road between Gore and the rail tracks. What remains left was the Bridge Park left. You can walk over the river but really, it was part of the flood plan.
That park left is the Bridge Park which is operated by a Christian ministry to have site for prayers, fellowships, and concerts.
The Interior.
A 13-foot concrete foundation was poured and the two-story structure housing the rink was built. Its 3-inch-thick solid oak doors are handcrafted with ornamental hinges.
The 48-foot by 116-foot rink floor is made of No. 1 bird's-eye maple, cut in a Wisconsin mill and seasoned for a year.
"I handled every piece of that floor with my bare hands to make sure there were no knots in it," said Bill Hutchins, who returned from the war (World War II) in time to help put the finishing touches on the project.
-Source: The Oklahoman
The Exterior.
It was a pool house and roller rink building sitting in front by Southwest Sheridan Road. That was sandwiched between the road and swimming hole.
West of the skating rink, the foundation and starting walls of what was to be a 209-foot by 130-foot coliseum still stand. Also, an island and moat were built to house monkeys, guineas, bears and other animals.
On the same block were picnic grounds and 12 bridges over the canal traversing the park.
A train that ran on 1,700 feet of track, a carousel, boat tank, kiddie-car ride and swinging gym made up the recreation area.
-Source: The Oklahoman
The swimming pool was one of the largest and it measured the exact same as Olympics sized NHL rink. 100 feet by 200 feet. (NHL is 85 x 200 and Olympics is 100 x 220).
The Stats:
Rink Size: 48' x 116'. Floor: No. 1 Bird's-Eye Maple, cut in a Wisconsin mill and seasoned for a year.
Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: N/A. Built: N/A. Demolished: 1970s.
Type of Building: Multi story Cinderblocks with Stucco-walled building, Steel free-span trusses. (Rink was on 2nd story, bathhouse on first).
Roof: Gable.
Acres: 30 Acres (acquired from School Land Commission).
Operated: (Overall)-- August 1945 to 1985.
Doe Doe Park Skating Rink: August 1945 to 1985
Doe Doe Recreation Park: August 1945 to 1985.
Reason for Closure: N/A.
Doe Doe Park Skating Rink: Insurance, decline attendance due to astronomical rise in admission costs and operations costs. (High inflation in 1960s and 1970s national wide). Business deal to sell fell through.
Doe Doe Recreation Park: Insurance, decline attendance due to astronomical rise in admission costs and operations costs. (High inflation in 1960s and 1970s national wide). Business deal to sell fell through.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, size of rink. Also photos. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources:
The Oklahoman.
The Oklahoman photos. (PDF)
The Oklahoman - article on protests, timeline.
Red Dirt Chronicles.
Sun Journal.
Only in Your State.
City-Data Forum.
OK History.
Geocaching.
Flickr - Auction in 1998 (Several photos are shown).
Date of issue: 13 June 2021.
For office use only: 8 p. ( 1 v., 1 g., 5 p., 1 np).
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3 and 16.