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Volume 7, Issue 12 - Feature #184

NEW Alva OK Mural - Hot Rod Days

Check out the <a href="http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&pnpID=348&NewsID=620543&CategoryID=7227&on=1">Alva Review-Courier</a> - dated 3/27/2005 newspaper for Helen Barrett's article concerning THE ALVA SPEEDWAY during the 1950's in NW Oklahoma. A racing circuit evolved which included Alva and Enid. Legends like A.J. Foyt, Joey Cheatwood and Billy Mears drove the Alva Speedway, opened in 1951 by Alva's Lee and Mary Haley. Haley leased the land from the city for one dollar and ordered $100 worth of newsprint flyers which his brother (Nelson) dropped from his plane over area towns to advertise the first race. Some of you might remember Lee Haley as a teacher/coach at Washington Elementary, Alva, OK. Later he was prinicipal of Longfellow Elementary.

NW Okie - 2005-03-28 11:29:42

That swimming pool behind the south side of Barnes St was still there in the 60's, but it was full of weeds and hadn't been used in years. My mom used to tell me that she swam there in her youth.

Scott Downs - 2005-03-28 06:56:14

I think the pool was almost behind Bill Brands pool hall. I played lots of dominos there. Nothing but soda to drink. When I went out the back door, I seem to remember going around the edge of the pool. Never remember it having been used. This would have been around '54 or '55. Wow, has it really been that long ago? How time flys when you're having fun! Hope you are too!

Steve Nicholson - 2005-03-27 12:53:28

Hi Linda, I remember the swimming pool, used it often in the 30's. Can't remember it being open in the 40's, but there was a pool room either right or left of where the pool entrance was. It didn't sell beer and was a hangout for the teen-agers. I can't remember the name of the guy who owned it. I and several of my close friends hung out there during the summer of about 1940 or so. Max McAlister, Jimmy Appleman and I. Those were the days!!

Max Strickland Vickers - 2005-03-27 12:17:11

Linda: The street was Barnes ave, of course. As I recall, Bob Shorts Dad had a store their and next door was a barber shop. You walked between the stores, by the old pool, to the alley. Across the alley was the Doctors offices and clinic.

Richard Quinn - 2005-03-27 10:20:33

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