Forum: Oklahomatidbits.com General Forum (go)
Moderators:  /  David Smith Jr

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Register_of_Historic_Places

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands 
in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he 
stands at times of challenge and controversy." 
Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Erich Petersen 

seems to me it would be best to get the state to designate it such. local probably has other plans int he near future - of course I'm of the opinion that if some of us hardcore folks of SFS show that we'll make it an extremely negative and costly venture for them then they would at least think twice. by costly I mean in VOTES.

If a few dozen mobilized the rest of the fan base at the speedway - along with speaking with other folks at certain events that are open to the general public and bringing positive attention to the situation - its very very possible. look at many things that come to vote in OKC - there aren't as many people voting on it as it sometimes seems. so a few thousand votes could make a hell of difference. but ain;t much need for all that right now - that is - as long as they don't get a puppet firm to make a friendly decision to some local politicians and businessmen on the structural soundness of the grandstand. that structure is fine. I'm more worried at Memorial Stadium in Norman or any high school sports venue than I will ever be at our racetrack.

How much would could a wouldchuck chuck if a 
wouldchuck could chuck would

About three years ago I really went after the whole Historic designation, did hours and hours of research and met with the Historic Preservation people with the state. They would have to be convinced first, and they are the ones who would push it uphill. I should have spent my time training Chihuahaus to run the Iditarod. I can't give you chapter and verse anymore (I've slept since then) but the bottom line is what they want just isn't there. Another point is the Fairgrounds itself could protest the designation if somehow it was granted, and that just wouldn't fly. There is another designation, "historically interesting" or something, which means nothing, really. Qualifies you for a plaque, I think. A lot of wonderful history has happened in front of that grandstand.....an early Billy Graham crusade drew over a quarter million people over the course of a month, Adlai Stevenson made a speech there (too bad he lost) Senator John Kennedy hosted a luncheon upstairs above the offices, etc, etc, but not the culturally or historically unique or significant things needed. Oh, by the way, even if a structure is designated, that doesn't necessarily mean it can't be demolished. That surprised me.

I was told a few years back that the speedway already was a state historical site thus the reason the horse people couldnt get it torn down to make way for their "Grand entrance" into the fairgrounds.(Like we need some horses running around).This was along the same time when the rumors were rampid about tearing the speedway down,then rebuilding it somewhere out by lake Draper.

Steve Moyer CKS Fabrication & Welding                  
CKS Chassis                                            
I want my last words to be "damn this is fun"