On May 6, 1941, the News-Record presented a nice three-page summary of Miami’s history. Here they are for your viewing pleasure, click on each image to open it full-sized in a new window.
Miami Golden Jubilee, Page 1
Miami Golden Jubilee, Page 2
History is history, and some of it is unpleasant. The page above gives some rare published evidence of Miami’s sundown policy, and the 1941 article makes it pretty obvious that it was still in effect at that time. It was always an “unwritten law, ” however, never on the books.
Miami was no stranger to armed holdups in the 30’s. The newspaper has lots of accounts of grocery stores and gas stations being robbed at gunpoint during that decade. But one notorious outlaw caused havoc in Miami and more in nearby Commerce on a Friday in 1934.
Cyde Barrow and Pretty Boy Floyd involved in Joplin killings, April 19, 1933
The article above gives an account of 1933 killings of police officers in Springfield and Joplin, and Clyde Barrow’s involvement. Joplin was just 30 miles up Route 66 from Miami.
Clyde Barrow’s car found near Miami, December 7, 1933
According to gang member W.D. Jones, Camp Welcome, south of the fairgrounds, was a frequent stopping place. In December, 1933, hunters discovered a bullet-ridden car close to the Neosho River northwest of town which was identified as Barrow’s. A manhunt turned up empty, he got wind of the search and just managed to escape.
Trap set for Clyde Barrow in NE Oklahoma, April 2, 1934
On April 1, 1934, Barrow and his gang shot and killed two Texas state troopers near Grapevine, and headed to Miami. The article above tells how local cops got a tip saying that they were headed up here, and had a trap set. Evidently, they were confident that Barrow didn’t read the newspaper.
April 5, 1934 front page of the Miami News-Record detailing manhunt for Clyde Barrow. Click to enlarge.
On April 5, Barrow showed up, and the trap was sprung. Barrow took off like a rocket in his V8-powered sedan, but got stuck in the mud in Commerce. A gun battle ensued, and constable Cal Campbell was killed. Percy Boyd, Commerce police chief, was taken hostage and later released unharmed.
One Commerce family witnessed the shooting, and a young son found bullet casings and silverware with “BP” engraved on them after the fact. Here’s another good source of information, and proof that tripod.com sites still survive.
Bonnie and Clyde killed, May 23, 1934. Click to enlarge.
On May 23, 1934, the law caught up with Bonnie and Clyde in Louisiana. Thus ended the lives of two cold-blooded killers who had somehow become cult heroes.
In 1967, my brother took me to see Bonnie and Clyde at the Coleman. I was one of the coolest kids in class, one of a few who managed to see the adult-oriented film (thanks, Bill!). I am impressed that Miami had such a connection to the gun-toting duo, even though I was unaware of it at the time.
Miami district judge J.J. Smith provided details of Bonnie and Clyde’s Louisiana ambush for the 1967 film. Article dated May 12, 1968. Click to enlarge.
Many folks in Miami had personal remembrances of Bonnie and Clyde when the movie came out, but none more so than district judge and Miami resident J.J. Smith, who served as the defense attorney for Henry Methvin, the man tried and convicted for killing the Commerce constable. Incidentally, Methvin and W.D. Jones provided the inspiration for C.W. Moss in the movie.
So the next time you think about Bonnie and Clyde, remember that they had more than one brush with Miami and the nearby area.
L.K. Newell apparently moved to Miami in or shortly before 1954.
Miami Products, Inc. opens in June, 1954
His first mention in the News-Record is as the founder of Miami Products, Inc., which started up in June, 1954.
July 1, 1960: Crane buys Miami Products
In June, 1960, Newell sold Miami Products to Crane Company. But he wouldn’t rest on his laurels, he immediately went to work starting another company, this one would manufacture metal jerry cans for fuel, as well as other metal containers for water.
U.S. Metal Container plant under construction, would open in November, 1960.
The webmaster and a U.S. Metal Container truck, circa 1967
This company would evolve over the years. By the 80’s, it was making mainly plastic gasoline containers. In 1992, it changed its name to Blitz. In fact, there are Blitz gas cans all over the world. But no new ones since 2012. People would pour gas on fires from Blitz cans, get badly burned, then sue the company. Four lawyers were primarily responsible for the lawsuits. Blitz would usually win, but at a great financial cost. Finally, in 2012, unable to secure liability insurance, they closed their doors.
By 1967, L.K. Newell was finally starting to slow down. He purchased a Streamline motor home. But he noticed a few design flaws on it, and pointed them out to the president of the company. The reaction? “If you’re so damned smart, why don’t you buy the motorhome operation from me?”
Newell Coach announced, September 2, 1967
L.K. Newell hands A.J. Foyt the3 keys to a new coach, 1973
Unfortunately, I didn’t have access to the actual announcement of Newell Coach on September 2, 1967. But the company was a success out of the gate, and in 1973 Newell, his health failing, sold out to Karl Blade and some other partners. In 1979, Blade bought the business outright, and it continues to be successful today, the legacy of a man by the name of Newell who had a knack for starting successful companies.
In 1933, the first “park in” theater opened in Camden, NJ. Its owner, Richard Hollingshead, obtained a patent on the concept. In 1949, his patent was overturned, and that year, drive-in theaters started popping up all over the US. Coincidentally, that was the year that the Tri-State opened two miles north of downtown Miami on Route 66.
Tri-State Drive In announced, January 30, 1949
Construction of the Tri-State drive in, February 27, 1949
They were looking to open in March or April, but that was a bit optimistic.
Tri-State opens, June 30, 1949
Full page newspaper ad celebrating the opening of the Tri-State, June 30, 1949. Click to enlarge.
The above ad gives folks some details about how the drive-in theater works, since many if not most hadn’t seen one yet.
Tri-State Drive In Theater, 1950’s
Tri_State Drive-In, 1955. Photo by Ken Ellwood
On July 22, 1953, another drive-in theater opened a mile south of town, on 66. It was called the Sooner.
Ad mentioning the Sooner drive-in, December 31, 1953. The first mention I could find in the News-Record
Sooner announces temporary closing to resurface its lot, June 18, 1954
The Sooner’s location made them vulnerable to flooding. The article above announced a temporary closing due to flood damage. However, no further advertisements appeared in the News-Record for the Sooner south of town. On January 2, 1955, it was mentioned in an ad as one of the five Miami theaters. But this was the last mention of the original Sooner.
The former Tri-State theater now known as the Sooner, October 4, 1965
On August 23, 1963, the Tri-State began advertising itself as the Sooner. According to historian Fredas Cook, it was to take advantage of the much nicer Sooner sign formerly used south of town. Fredas also points out that the original Sooner was a traffic hazard due to its screen facing the highway, that may have contributed to its being closed shortly after opening.
Now, of course, the Tri-State/Sooner is long gone, a Wal Mart sits in its place. But Miami residents can visit the Admiral Twin in Tulsa or the 112 in Fayetteville for a genuine drive-in theater experience within a reasonable drive.
Miami has spawned many musical legends. In the 30’s and 40’s, a couple known as Smoky and Mary achieved a modest amount of fame as gospel/hillbilly singers. They were highly renowned in their home town.
Bio for Smoky and Mary from the Miami News-Record, 1948
Brand-new radio station KGLC sponsored “barn dances” on Saturday nights beginning in 1948. At first held at the Hotel Miami-located station, they were later held at the Coleman, a thirty-minute live music show between movies.
KGLC radio song album for Smoky and Mary, 1948
Albert E. Brumley testimonial to Smoky and Mary. 1948. Thanks to Connie Benedict for the images.
Gospel giant Alfred E. Brumley gave them his endorsement, that was something.
While their radio career spanned over fifteen years, Smoky and Mary’s barn dances abruptly stopped in 1949. There was no mention of this popular act in the paper after that year.
They had a child, maybe they just decided to retire from show business to raise their family. It is a tough way to make a living with kids. But one thing’s for sure: a Google search turned up absolutely zilch concerning this singing couple. At least now, we have their bio from the News-Record on record for people to find.
In 1918, there was a war on. The US had joined in on The Great war in 1917, and belts were tightened. Thus, there’s no annual or class picture of the 1918 graduating class.
Page 1, 1918 MHS graduation program
Miami High School, 1917. Thanks to Fredas Cook for the image
The 1917 high school is depicted above, from the Miami Record-Herald.
Page 2, MHS graduation program, 1918
Page 3, MHS graduation program, 1918
Page 4, MHS Graduation program, 1918
There are many familiar names here in the Miami business community. Sons and daughters of manufacturers, barbers, mining magnates, miners, and merchants. Many of these would go on to become familiar Miami names themselves.
Notes on 1918 MHS graduation festivities the day prior to actual graduation
The 1918 seniors went out into a world that would see a 1920’s boom, a 1929 depression, and a 1941 entry into a world conflict. They would see the mining industry play itself out, they would help Miami reinvent itself as a manufacturing center, and they would set their descendants on a course of helping Miami adopt to even more challenging situations in the future. The Miami spirit is indomitable.
Ed Millner began doing business in Miami with his two brothers Will and Sam. They opened Millner Brothers Hardware in 1902. In 1906, C.J. Fribley became a partner, and Millner-Fribley was born.
17-21 North Main looked dramatically different in the 1920’s. There were two distinct buildings occupying that stretch. Millner-Fribley sat at 19-21 N Main at the time of this photo.
19-21 N Main about 1920
In 1934, Ed Millner became sole owner of Millner-Fribley. Ed’s partner Jim passed away that year.
Millner-Fribley Ad, 1934. Click to Expand
1946 News-Record Ad Giving the History of Millner Hardware
1957 News-Record Article Telling the History of Ed Millner
Ed was elected mayor of Miami in the early 40’s.
In 1947, Ed Millner Hardware became Millner-Berkey. The original buildings were demolished, and the new two-story stretching from 17 to 21 North Main was constructed. Here’s a News-Record article telling the details about the August 15 opening.
A year later, tragedy struck. A massive fire consumed the building, leaving a burnt-out shell.
August 19 Article from the News-Record Detailing the Fire
August 18, 1948 Fire at Millner-Berkey
August 18, 1948 Fire at Millner-Berkey
The Burnt-Out Millner-Berkey Building in 1948
Less than a month later, on September 18, 1948, Millner-Berkey reopened at 14-16 South Main. Not a bad recovery, huh?
In January 1949, Walter Schmidt was selected to begin rebuilding the store.
On Friday, August 19, the brand new building had its grand opening.
Millner-Berkey reopens at 19 N Main.
The long history of Ed Millner’s stores came to a close on January 27, 1966, when it was announced that Millner-Berkey had been purchased by the Belk’s corporation.
The Belk’s in Miami is gone, but the chain continues to thrive, as opposed to so many others in the post-Wal Mart era.
Ed Millner’s gravestone
Ed rests in the GAR cemetery, not too far from his friend and businesses associate Jim Fribley. In fact, that part of the memorial park is marked by a sign that says “Millner-Fribley.” He bequeathed $10,000 gifts to the chamber of commerce, Miami Baptist Hospital, and the Presbyterian church that he attended.
An early 60’s trade show featuring NEO manufacturers Newman Industries, Burlington Manufacturing, Corbus Springs, Dumas Manufacturing, and Safe Anchor Co.
Once upon a time in the early 70’s, an American ping pong player got on the wrong bus. He found himself surrounded by Red Chinese players. He was pretty shook up, but one Chinese player, who spoke a little English, reached out to him and made him feel welcome. This eventually led to Richard Nixon visiting China, and ultimately to American manufacturing nearly dying, as China became the maker of the world’s goods.
Once upon a time, Miami and surrounding communities had dozens of manufacturing facilities. We made everything from boats to gun holsters, from pottery to clothing, from giant tires to mattresses.
George Newman, boat manufacturer, gets an award
Newman Industries began making boats in Commerce in 1959. By 1968 they were making 13 different models of fiberglass boats. That year, they were manufacturing in North Miami and were expanding. They continued as an independent company until 1986, when they were purchased by Bayliner.
Burlington Manufacturing ad, 1954
In 1952, clothing manufacturer Burlington opened up a facility in Miami. They started out at 22 S Main, but moved to 226 N main in 1959. By 1968, they were still going strong. The Miami facility closed sometime after 1969, and the company itself went bankrupt in 2001.
Dumas Manufacturing ramps up production in 1946
Dumas Manufacturing started up about 1929, making a variety of stuff like toy hoops for kids to roll around with a guiding stick, boat seat cushion/life preservers, lawn mower guards, dog mats, and other items. W.L. Dumas also purchased the Miami Tin Shop in 1919. He employed a bunch of Miami and local residents over the years. Dumas Manufacturing was still in business as of 1968.
1957 article about the Safe-Anchor Co. of Quapaw
In 1955, Joe Smith of Quapaw began making anchors which he invented, and marketed as Safe-Anchors. I was unable to find anything on the company on the internet, or any mention of them after 1961 in the News-Record. But two years after opening up shop, they had shipped anchors to all 48 states and to Canada.
At presstime, there is still manufacturing in Miami, but a tiny fraction of what was once here. Newell Coach in Commerce is a bright spot, so is ThermoFisher Scientific. But the days of families being supported by the manufacturing of a wide variety of products are sadly over. Things are hopping in China, though. :-/
It was the summer of 1941. World War II was raging in Europe. While not involved in the conflict directly, the US was doing what it could to help. This included training British pilots.
Spartan School is announced, headline
Details of Miami’s branch of the Spartan School of Aeronautics. Click to enlarge.
Sign in front of Spartan School of Aeronautics, 1940’s. Photo by Ken Ellwood
Spartan School of Aeronautics, aerial view, 1941
Very rapidly, the acreage provided free of charge by George L. Coleman would be transformed into barracks and hangers. In a matter of months, Miami had this proud facility in place.
Spartan School opens for RAF pilots, October 26, 1941. Click to enlarge.
By October 26, the RAF pilots had arrived and begun training. But pilot training was a dangerous business, and in all 13 British students lost their lives, and are buried in Miami’s cemetery.
On December 7, of course, the US entered the war. The Spartan School was ramped up to include training for American pilots.
Spartan School ad, 1943. Click to enlarge.
Women wanted to work as mechanics’ helpers, Spartan School, 1943
There was a shortage of able-bodied men during the war, so Spartan sought out their own version of Rosie the Riveter.
Spartan announces civilian school in 1944
The school began training civilian pilots in June, 1944.
Spartan barracks used to house veteran students at NEO, 1946
After the war ended, the school closed up shop. It was still a useful place, though, being used to house veterans taking advantage of their GI bill to get an education at NEO.
Spartan School reopens, July 27, 1947
In 1947, the school reopened, with services offered in servicing and repairing airplanes as well.
Ad for Spartan School, 1948
Spartan students killed in mid-air collision, May 24, 1949
On May 24, a mid-air collision took place involving a Spartan student who was soloing, killing three. This incident evidently cast a pall over the school. While no official closing was announced in the News-Record, this was the last time the school was referred to as a running business. Five years later, in 1954, Crane announced that they would be opening up shop in the empty Spartan facilities, that would permanently close the chapter of the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Miami.
Charley Doan was born in 1882. By 1900, he had opened up a tin shop, one of several that he would own during his lifetime. By 1927, Doan’s Radiator and Tin Shop was open at 18 SE A.
As the years went by, Doan set his eyes on retirement. On November 20, 1947, he sold out to Irvin “Red” Smith. Doan sought out a partner, nephew Charles Trussler, and opened Doan & Trussler Radiator & Tin Shop that year.
In 1954, the business changed its name to Trussler Sheet Metal. Phil Trussler started working for his father in the business as a teenager in the mid-50s. He graduated from Oklahoma State University School of Technical Training at Okmulgee in 1962 in Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning. In 1974, he opened up his own business: Trussler Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning.
Flash forward to 2018. Trussler Service Company is still in business, having survived the post-Goodrich economic turmoil of Miami. Phil is 78 years old at the time of this article, and is still going strong.
Miami has survivors like Phil Trussler, and that’s essential as it slowly gets back on economic solid ground and begins returning to the prosperity of the Goodrich years. Here’s to you, Trussler Service.
Articles outlining the history of Doan’s Radiator and Tin Shop, which eventually became Trussler Service
Articles about Doan & Trussler Sheet Metal & Radiator
