Friday, August 28, 2009

Brookside Then and Now


The heart of Brookside, 34th and Peoria, 1954.

Brookside is the Tulsa neighborhood just south of downtown, from Riverside east to Lewis, and from 31st Street south to 51st Street. In 1954 this area was anchored by the Brookside Pharmacy, TG&Y Variety Store, C.R. Anthony Clothing, Hanna Furniture, and Sidney's Hardware. These businesses catered to the neighborhood living close by. Most of Brookside was built in the early 1950s and was inhabited by growing young families. (photo courtesy of Beryl Ford Collection/Rotary Club of Tulsa, Tulsa City-County Library and Tulsa Historical Society)


The heart of Brookside August, 2009.

This area, like Cherry Street (15th Street from Peoria east), has become an upscale entertainment district. Senor Tequila replaces the pharmacy, and the rest are an assortment of bars, cafes, and clubs which cater to a wider, and more fickle clientele. Competition is ferocious and most of these places change hands every few years.

What a difference 55 years can make.

3 comments:

  1. The Hamburger King was at 34th & Peoria around 1954. My father owned it at that time. Anyone have pictures???

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  2. Hamburger King at 3806 S. Peoria 1954-1962

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  3. I worked at Lewis Meyer Bookstore in the old Brook Theatre near 34th and Peoria from 1989-1995. Around that time it was sold and moved to London Square, but its heart remained in Brookside.

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