Hey there, fellow Oklahoma City history buffs and real estate enthusiasts! Today, I’m super excited to take you all on a little time travel adventure back to the 1940s, with a charming historical postcard of Oklahoma City skyscrapers as our guide.

Picture this: It’s the 1940s, and you’re standing at the intersection of Park Ave and Hudson, craning your neck to see the towering marvels of architecture that have come to define our beloved city. These skyscrapers aren’t just buildings; they’re symbols of Oklahoma City’s prosperous “gusher” years when our skyline shot up as quickly as the oil from our wells. Notice this postcard was mailed in 1954.

Now, let’s rewind a bit further to 1931, when Oklahoma City really hit the big leagues of the “Skyscraper City” club. The Roaring ’20s were in full swing, flapper dresses were all the rage, and Oklahoma City’s downtown was bustling with construction cranes and the promise of growth. It was during this time that our cityscape began to take on a new shape, reaching for the clouds with buildings like the Colcord Building, which was considered the first skyscraper in Oklahoma City when it was completed in 1910.

Before the mid-1920s, most of our buildings stood at a modest 10–12 stories tall. But then came the Petroleum Building, soaring to 18 stories and changing the game for Oklahoma City’s skyline. This was followed by the construction of other iconic buildings like the Ramsey Tower and the First National Bank Building, both of which stood proudly at 33 stories tall after their completion in 1931. These are the tall towers shown in the postcard.

These two giants were part of what’s known affectionately as “The Great Race,” where the First National Bank and the Ramsey Tower, located directly across from each other, competed to reach the skies first. It was a neck-and-neck battle, but ultimately, the Ramsey Tower claimed the victory, albeit by a small margin.

But it wasn’t just about height; it was about the spirit of the city. Even as the Great Depression loomed, Oklahoma City remained optimistic, with articles and headlines boasting about our ability to weather the economic storm. This can-do attitude was reflected in the continued construction of the Biltmore Hotel and other significant buildings, despite the financial hardships of the time.

Sadly, the economic downturn did eventually hit, and construction slowed. The ambitious 26-story Skirvin Tower was scaled back to 14 stories, and the city had to wait until the 1950s for another building boom, which brought us structures like the Park Harvey and the DEQ building.

Fast forward to 1931, and Oklahoma City was on top of the world—or at least, it felt that way. We had joined the ranks of the skyscraper cities, and our skyline was a testament to our growth, ambition, and the indomitable spirit of our people.

So, there you have it, friends—a snapshot of Oklahoma City’s storied past, captured in the form of a 1940s postcard. It’s a reminder of where we’ve been and how far we’ve come. And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll see our skyline reach new heights once again. Until then, let’s cherish these beautiful relics of our history and the stories they tell about our vibrant city.

The Role of History in Home-Buying

Thank you for joining us on this journey through Oklahoma City’s past! From this historic postcard we’ve shared with you, it’s easy to see why our city is beloved by so many. As realtors, we believe that understanding our community’s rich history and culture enhances the home-buying experience. That’s why we’ve created comprehensive neighborhood pages on this site and an easy-to-use search feature to help you find your dream home. Whether you’re looking for a charming bungalow or a modern marvel, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. So why wait? Contact us today, and let’s discover your perfect property together. Let’s embrace the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a bright future in OKC!

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The Oklahoma City Postcard Collection