Surviving the Mean Oklahoma Summer, Vintage Style

by Lynne Rostochil

Recently, Squadder Diane Coady posted an article about vintage Las Vegas pools on our Facebook page, and it gave me the idea of rummaging through the OPUBCO collection at The History Center to see what I could dig up of vintage poolside/aquatic life in the Sooner State.  Lots o’ goodies, fortunately, so grab a refreshing summer drink, sink your legs into a hopefully-not-too-steamy pool, and enjoy!

 

These lovely ladies are looking forward to the completion of the Cushing pool, 1949:

And the Cushing pool after it opened in 1950:

Hanging out at the swimming hole, 1946:

Long lines for the diving board at the Will Rogers pool, 1972:

The Wedgewood Amusement Park pool, 1958:

Hanging out at the Twin Hills pool, 1958:

Swimming lessons at the Enid Negro pool, 1957:

Synchronized swimming at the downtown YMCA, 1954:

High dive at the Lake ViewCountry Club, 1959:

Scuba fun, 1958:

High fashion and big bouffants at the Village pool, 1963:

Even the pups get in on the fun, 1957:

Enjoying a contemplative moment, 1975:

Lots of charm at the Laverne pool, 1954

Dipping toes, 1965:

Up high at the Wiley Post pool, 1959:

Lovelies at the Wentz Park pool in Ponca City, 1958:

Life guarding at Twin Hills, 1955:

Lounging by the pool, 1956:

Preparing to launch, 1954:

Kayaking in the tiny Penn Square fountain pool, 1976:

The race begins at the Norman pool, 1967:

No one is swimming today at the Lone Branch YMCA pool, 1966:

Lots of fun at the Del City Sequoyah pool, 1971:

Poolside coffee, 1971:

The coolest place to be in the sweltering heat, 1972: