Del City, Oklahoma

Del City, Oklahoma
City
Flag Seal
Location in Oklahoma County and the state of Oklahoma.
Del City, Oklahoma Location in the United States
Coordinates: 35°26′34″N 97°26′28″W / 35.44278°N 97.44111°W / 35.44278; -97.44111Coordinates: 35°26′34″N 97°26′28″W / 35.44278°N 97.44111°W / 35.44278; -97.44111
Country	United States
State	Oklahoma
County	Oklahoma County
Settled	1940s
Incorporated	October 9, 1948
Founded by	George I. Epperly
Named for	Delaphene Campbell
Government
• Type	Council–manager
• Mayor	Brian Linley
• City Manager	Mark Edwards
Area
• Total	7.5 sq mi (19.5 km2)
• Land	7.5 sq mi (19.5 km2)
• Water	0.06 sq mi (0.0 km2)
Elevation	1,201 ft (366 m)
Population (2010)
• Total	21,332
• Density	2,935.8/sq mi (1,133.5/km2)
Time zone	Central (CST) (UTC-6)
• Summer (DST)	CDT (UTC-5)
ZIP codes	73115, 73135
Area code(s)	405
FIPS code	40-19900[1]
GNIS feature ID	1092026[2]
Website	City of Del City

Del City is a city in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, United States, and a part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. The population was 21,332 at the 2010 census.

Del City is located near two major interstate highways, both of which connect it to Oklahoma City. Interstate 40 bisects the town from the northwest to southeast, and Interstate 35 lies just a short distance west of the city. The city borders southeast Oklahoma City, Midwest City and Tinker Air Force Base. George Epperly founded the city, which was incorporated by a vote of its residents in 1948. Del City is named after Epperly's eldest daughter Delaphene.^[3] Since its incorporation Del City has expanded three times, first by annexing Carter Park in 1954, Midway Village in 1963 and the acquisition of an undeveloped piece of land between the city and Tinker AFB^[3] A large area of Del City was significantly impacted by the May 3, 1999 tornado outbreak that passed through the Oklahoma City metro area.^[4]

History

Founded in Boone Township, Oklahoma County as a "bedroom" community, Del City lies three miles (5 km) east of Oklahoma City and one mile (1.6 km) west of Midwest City. At the turn of the 21st century, Del City was a 7.5-square-mile (19 km²) community surrounded on the north, west, and south by Oklahoma City and on the east by Midwest City. Interstate Highway 40 bisects the town from the northwest to southeast. Oklahoma City streets define the boundaries: NE 10th Street on the north; Sooner Road on the east; SE 44th Street on the south; and Bryant Road on the west. Northwestern corner of the city is a mile from the junction of Interstate 35 and Interstate 40, justifying its claim to being "the Crossroads of America."^[3]

In the Land Run of 1889, Jordan Pybas and his wife settled in what is current day Del City. Five generations later the family still lives in the house that was completed in 1907.^[5] Before 1946 there were only two families living in what would become Del City.^[6] Developer George Epperly purchased a wheat field 160 acres (0.65 km²) large at the corner of SE 29th Street and Sunnylane Road in 1946 with a plan to build fifty houses.^[3] In 1948 there were 582 homes in Del City, 75% of which were built by George Epperly, Despite opposition, the unincorporated Epperly Heights and its 200 families voted to approve incorporation on October 9, 1948.^[6] In February 1959, Del City adopted a charter and a council-manager form of town government.^[3] The city was named for Epperly's daughter, Delaphene Campbell.^[3]

The city expanded through the annexation of Carter Park in 1954 and Midway Village in 1963. Del City attempted to annex the Rose Smith Addition but its residents incorporated and became the town of Smith Village. The city also acquired a piece of undeveloped land that separated it from Tinker Air Force Base. Oklahoma City annexed this same piece of land, and a court fight ensued. In District court, Del City won and Oklahoma City appealed to the State Supreme Court. Del City officials, while awaiting the hearing, pursued negotiation again with Oklahoma City this time accepting 20 acres (81,000 m²) along the Tinker AFB boundary. Del City, having expanded to its greatest possible physical limits in 1964, joined Midwest City and Norman in underwriting the Little River Reservoir Project that became Lake Thunderbird.^[3]

The Del City Historical Society was organized in 1975 with Andy Evans as its first president. Several children of the Eighty-niners (89ers) still lived in the area, and they identified every original homestead within city limits. Residents also learned that their town was on the path of the 1870s Arbuckle Trail, a Texas to Kansas cattle trail. Wrestler and two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner John Smith resided in Del City.^[3]

With home building and family-oriented amenities the founding focus, industry was slow to develop in Del City to create any jobs (99 percent of Del Citians commuted to work in 1948, while only 96 percent commuted in 2000). Don's Alley Restaurant and Midwest Trophy Manufacturing are two businesses of long standing. Don Moore opened his hamburger grill at 4601 SE 29th Street in 1955, and as of 2014, still serves food in there. Midwest Trophy Manufacturing began in David R. Smith's garage in Del City in 1971. Midwest Trophy Manufacturing (now known as MTM Recognition) employs over 750 people throughout North America, 400 of them in Del City. It is the city's largest industry. MTM Recognition's corporate headquarters are in Del City at 3405 SE 29th Street.^[3]

Del City is represented in the Oklahoma Legislature by District 94 Representative Scott Inman and District 42 Senator Jack Fry who is in his first term.^[7] On the national level Del City is represented by 5th district Representative Steve Russell, and by U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe and James Lankford. Del City as had four newspapers Del City Leader, Del City Sun, Del City Times, and the Del City News. The City also has its own Government-access Channel (KDEL).

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.5 square miles (19 km²), all of it land.

The city is located in the Frontier Country region in the center of the state. Del City lies in the Sandstone Hills region of Oklahoma, known for hills of 250 to 400 feet (120 m) and two species of oak – blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica) and post oak (Q. stellata).^[8]

Del City is in a region dominated by the Cross Timbers, an area of prairie and patches of forest at the eastern extent of the Great Plains. The region is essentially a transition buffer between the wetter and more forested Eastern Oklahoma and the semi-arid high plains of Western Oklahoma, and experiences extreme swings between dry and wet weather patterns. Climate is dominated by large differences in annual rainfall totals, with Central Oklahoma's western boundary receiving far less rain than compared to its eastern boundary. Because of these convergences of dry and wet weather patters, Del City is located at the heart of what is known as Tornado Alley, and is in one of the most tornado-prone areas in the United States.^[9]

Eagle Lake located within Del City the lake is located in the northern part of the city and is the only large body of water. The lake is stocked with Bass, catfish, bluegill, carp, and crappie.^[10]

Climate

Demographics

At the 2010 census,^[1] there were 21,332 people residing in the city. The population of the city peaked at 28,523 in 1980, just before the oil bust and subsequent economic downturn.^[3] In 2000, the population density was 2,935.8 per square mile (1,133.1/km²). The population 66.04 percent white, 17.07 percent African American, 4.03 percent Native American, 1.06 percent Asian, 0.02 percent Pacific Islander, and 7.06 percent of mixed race. Hispanics or Latinos of any race made up 7.02 percent of the population.^[17]

There were 8,669 households and 5,538 families in the city in 2010. There were 9,580 housing units at an average density of 1,290.2 per square mile (498.0/km²). Of those 8,669 households, 27.6 percent had children under the age of 18, 38.9 percent were headed by married couples living together, 18.8 percent were headed by a female householder with no husband present, and 36.1 percent were non-families. 27.2 percent of all households were made up of individuals and 2.9 percent had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.04.^[17]

In 2010, 26.1 percent of the population were under the age of 18, 9.01 percent from 18 to 24, 26.0 percent from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.7 percent who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 89.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.6 males.^[17]

The median household income was $32,218 and the median family income was $36,515. Males had a median income of $28,806 versus $21,997 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,717. About 10.5 percent of families and 13.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.8 percent of those under age 18 and 7.2 percent of those age 65 or over.^[17]

Government

The City of Del City has operated under a council-manager form of city government since 1959.^[3] Brian Linley has served as mayor since 2003. Four councilpersons represent each of the four wards of Del City. The city manager is currently held by Mark Edwards, he has held the position since 1999.^[18] The Del City Police Department is headed by Police Chief James Taylor and is staffed by 34 full-time officers.^[19] The Del City Fire Department is headed by Fire Chief Jim Hock and is staffed by 28 full-time firefighters.^[20]

Economy

Del City borders Tinker Air Force Base, the largest single-site employer in Oklahoma.^[21] Other major employers in the area include Rose State College, AllianceHealth Midwest, base-affiliated companies and many of the major employers in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

Education

Del City High School

The Mid-Del School District is the main provider of education in Del City with one high school (Del City High School), two middle schools (Del Crest Middle School and Kerr Middle School), three elementary schools (Del City Elementary School, Epperly Heights Elementary School and Townsend Elementary School) located in Del City.^[22]

Del City also has two private schools (Destiny Christian School and Christian Heritage Academy).^[23] Rose State Community College is located within 15 miles (24 km) of Del City.^[24]

Arts and culture

Annual cultural events

An annual Armed Forces Day Parade is put on by the city and Shriners in May each year.^[24]

Museums and other points of interest

Historical exhibits can be found at the Oklahoma County & Western Museum, Del City Preservation & Historical Society, and War Memorial. The Oklahoma Country Western Music Hall of Fame hosts regular bluegrass and country events.^[10]

War Memorial

Del City war memorial

Armored personnel carrier

The War Memorial located opposite the Del City Community Center hass several monuments dedicated to those who were killed in combat who were ether born or lived in Del City. The memorial is dedicated to twenty one servicemen killed while serving in various branches of the U.S. Military during World War II, the Vietnam War and the Iraq War. Dedicated in November 2010, the memorials include an armored personnel carrier and a Fallen Soldier Battle Cross being watched over by two crouched U.S. servicemen. The memorial also has a time capsule.^[10]

Fallen Soldier Battle Cross

Parks and recreation

Outdoor recreational areas include the Del City Ball Park, three bicycle and pedestrian trails, and Eagle Lake. The Eagle Harbor Aquatic Center water park is located behind the community center.^[25]

Religion

Del City's largest church, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, was founded in 1956 as the St. Francis Xavier Church. The parish had grown to 340 families by 1966 and broke ground on a new building on 10 acres (40,000 m²) along Sunnylane Road. Its name was changed to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in 1967.^[26]

1999 tornado

Aerial view of Del City after the tornado

Tornado victims memorial

A large area of Del City was significantly damaged by the Bridge Creek-Moore F5 tornado that passed through the Oklahoma City metropolitan area on May 3, 1999.^[4] The tornado first touched down southwest of the community of Amber. The funnel was approximately a half-mile wide when it entered Del City as an F4 from the west near the intersection of S.E. 44th Street and Spiva Drive. The tornado continued on a north-northeast trajectory, exiting the city near Sooner Road and Woodview Drive.^[27] Hail and high winds were experienced by residents in the surrounding area. President Bill Clinton visited Del City and the surrounding areas a few days later to view the damage caused by the storm.^[28]

Tornado victims Monument

The tornado was the last to be classified as an F5 tornado in the United States under the original Fujita scale system before the Enhanced Fujita Scale was implemented in February 2007.^[29] Even so, within a few years most of the area had been rebuilt. The only visible evidence of the tornado's path today include the cluster of newly constructed homes, the absence of large trees, and an interruption in the row of evergreen trees that lined Sooner Road between 44th Street and 29th Street.

A memorial stands along a walking and bike path on Sooner Road and is dedicated to the seven people who lost their lives during the May 3 tornado.^[30] United States Air Force Staff Sergeant James Day was killed in an ATV accident on May 8, 1999, while he was patrolling an area of Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, which had been damaged in the tornado. He is also listed on the memorial.^[31]

The tornado was the worst of the numerous tornadoes that were part of the 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak. A 2006 National Geographic Channel documentary, Ultimate Tornado, discusses unusually violent tornado events and includes footage of the outbreak. The Bridge Creek-Moore tornado claimed a total of 36 lives throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.^[32]

Notable residents

• John Smith, a two-time Olympic gold medalist who competed in the 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympics, grew up in Del City where he started amateur wrestling, Del City High School's Field House is named in his honor.^[24]
• Bob Kalsu, an All-American tackle at the University of Oklahoma and NFL player for the Buffalo Bills, attended Del City High School. Robert Kalsu Stadium is named in his honor.^[33]
• Nick Blackburn, is a Major League Baseball player, pitching for the Minnesota Twins from 2008–2011.^[34]
• James T. Draper, Jr., pastor of First Southern Baptist Church of Del City in the early 1970s; Texas Southern Baptist clergyman
• Scott Inman, Democratic Leader and member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives grew up in Del City and attends St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church.^[35][36]
• Josh Scobey, an ex-NFL player, is now playing for the UFL Las Vegas Locomotives football team.^[37]

See also

• List of towns and cities in Oklahoma by population

References

External links

• City Website
• Del City Chamber of Commerce
• Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture – Del City

Municipalities and communities of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, United States County seat: Oklahoma City Cities Bethany Choctaw Del City Edmond Harrah Midwest City Nichols Hills Nicoma Park Oklahoma City‡ Spencer The Village Warr Acres Towns Arcadia Forest Park Jones Lake Aluma Luther Smith Village Valley Brook Woodlawn Park Unincorporated communities Britton Lake Hiawasse Newalla Wheatland Woods Footnotes ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties