Tulsa Camelot destroyed
December 27th, 2007
No huge explosions or candlelight vigils for this oldie. Though not exactly Modern, the Camelot Inn near Brookside certainly had a Mid-Century charm to it. Pictured below in it’s prime, the building had fallen short of required maintenance over the years and destruction has now commenced.
photo from Beryl Ford Collection/Rotary Club of Tulsa and Tulsa City-County Library.
It could be argued that landmarks such as this have a historical significance to our city and should be preserved to tell their tale. Interestingly enough this building is falling silently. No rallies to stop the process or even any spectators on the scene.
Why did the Camelot Inn fall? Did it deserve to be destroyed? Was another Quicktrip really what you wanted? Does anyone care?
The demolition process began this month and will drag on for at least a week or more. No dramatic explosions on this jobsite. Instead, a more controlled approach of hydraulic scissors has been employed slowly knawing the structure to the ground.
I will personally miss this building. Not because it was particularly attractive, but because it was unique and interesting. Each time I drive by this site, instead of thinking about the many memories had at the Camelot I will look over and see the semi trucks lined up for diesel fuel and corn dogs.
Tags: camelot, demolition, tulsa
Posted in Historical | Comments (4)
moderntulsa | 2008 | all right reserved
January 15th, 2008 at 5:06 am
The Tulsa Camelot was one of a pair. The other was in Little Rock. Gayle Carnes the remaing brother of Carnes Construction Co. still lives in Tulsa and can tell us more. As I recall he and his brother were partial owners origonally. [they had a similar arraingement on the Sheraton Hotel on the Interstate - now '12 by 12']
January 16th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Rex do you know how to get a hold of Gayle Carnes?
maybe they have some old photographs etc.
February 9th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Wow. This is truly a Tulsa Landmark, at least in my memory. What a shame. What is going to sit in its place? another Walmart neighborhood market? Another suburban apartment complex or “tudor” townhouses. Whatever comes next there will be lucky to have 1/2 the character and imagination of the Camelot. Sure, it wasn’t spectacular, but it was fun. It will be missed.
July 12th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Saturday I was looking for blog sites that were about forclosed properties and specifically preservation service.