Monday, October 26, 2009

Ruby Tuesday

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Click on any photo to enlarge.

The red in the flags above are just to satisfy the Ruby Tuesday requirement of having something red in the photo. The real reason for this post is the building itself. Recently another blogger, Tulsa Gal posted a banner photo similar to the one below. Click to enlarge and enjoy the detail.

The photo reminded me of one of my favorite buildings in Tulsa, the Fairgrounds Pavilion. I grew up in Tulsa and lived most of my life within a mile of this building.

This grand old lady was built in 1931 with a budget of $800,000. A $500,000 bond issue provided the bulk of the funding. Today, you couldn't buy the terra cotta on this building for $800,000 dollars. In fact, I don't believe you could purchase the terra cotta at the main entrance for $800,000! The Pavilion building has hosted Elvis Presley in 1957, the Ice Capades for many, many years as a part of the Tulsa State Fair, Pro Wrestling, and Tractor Pulls. It fell into disrepair in the early 70's. After a several pitiful attempts to "update" the facility, someone finally took the bull by the horns, and did a proper renovation of this architectural jewel. Below is a detail of the terra cotta panels above the windows. There are three themes. The ram, as shown, a horse, and a bull.

Each corner of the building featured an entry shown below. Personally, I find the arch and the terra cotta decoration just stunning! Again, take a look at the terra cotta panel that is at the top of the building, above the arch.


The ram's head corner details at the main entry just might be the most spectacular detail of all.

The interior of the building has always been very utilitarian. After all, it has to be flexible enough to handle a wide variety of events. Currently the seating configurations range from about 4,800 -5,800 depending on the event and whether or not floor seating is involved. Still, I love the honesty and integrity of the original, exposed structure.

Those involved in this renovation should be very proud of what they have accomplished and Tulsans should be very thankful for those who made this project happen. This is a wonderful building and deserves to serve the community another eighty years.

21 comments:

  1. It is indeed beautiful. I hope it stands for many wonderful years. It appears it's given you a great deal of pleasure.

    Have a terrific day. Big hug. :)

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  2. The Ice Capades, now that is a blast from the past, a favorite outing with my parents on several occasions when I was young!

    The building is fabulous. I love terra cotta.... Thanks for sharing the beauty!

    My RT

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  3. Oh, wow, this is a grand building?...I guess that is what you would call it. I would love to see it in person.

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  4. I like all the beautiful details. The building is aging well!

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  5. What a beautiful building. Great series of photos!

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  6. it is a stunning building
    thank you for all the photos!!

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  7. What you don't really see in modern buildings are the details of long ago. Like the arch over the entryway, The rams and surrounding art are dramatic. And there isn't obstructed views inside. This looks like an intimate place to watch basketball or hockey, and the the fans of the home team will be as one as they cheer. The art of this building is outstanding!

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  8. The architectural details of the building is beautiful, I was a little surprised to see goats on it though. Must have meant something significant I guess =D

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  9. Love the stadium!

    Come and see what I’ve got for Ruby Tuesday

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  10. That is absolutely a work of art.. Great building architecture..

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  11. That is absolutely a work of art.. Great building architecture..

    My entry is here:
    http://pinkyshelo.blogspot.com/2009/10/ruby-tuesday-crown-relocations.html

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  12. Amazing photos....that's ram's head is so great!!!

    Thanks for visiting with me today.

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  13. Wow, this building is absolutely stunning! I love all the architectural details. (The others said the same, I know, but that was my reaction as well).

    Thanks for sharing the close-up views of the detail. I agree that the ram's head is quite unique. The blue in the sky is so beautiful as well.

    I really enjoyed this post!

    Happy Ruby Tuesday ~

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  14. Wonderful photos! And thanks for the mention ;o)

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  15. Driller, thank you so much for sharing the architectural beauty of the Fairgrounds Pavilion. It is an astounding building! Happy Ruby Tuesday! :)

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  16. Boy that is a grand building. Love all the detail. Happy RT too you...

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  17. A most intricate building it is quite lovely. I enjoyed enlarging your photos to see all the details Drill this post was a real treat!

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  18. What WONDERFUL photos of this marvelous building on those Fairgrounds. Simply beautiful ;-)
    Hugs and blessings,

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  19. Great series of photos. Those terra cotta pieces are beautiful. Such a simple building in some ways enriched by that lovely art.

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  20. What a wonderful structure...

    SO glad a group revived it instead of having it be bulldozed for a shopping mall

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