History of Norman, Oklahoma, USA

1893 - SIXTY-TWO ARE KILLED. FRIGHTFUL RESULT OF THE CYCLONE IN OKLAHOMA. PROPERTY DAMAGE INESTIMABLE.
ONE CYCLONE JOINS ANOTHER, AND WITH THEIR COMBINED STRENGTH THEY SWEEP DOWN UPON DEFENSELESS TOWNS AND LEAVE DEATH AND DESTRUCTION BEHIND.

Oklahoma City, April 27. - The half has not been told concerning the awful storm which swept this country. Two distinct cyclones, a terrific hail storm, and a waterspout combined to wreak awful destruction. It is reported that sixty-two human lives were sacrificed. It is positively known that forty were killed, while several were fatally and scores seriously injured. The damage to property is inestimable.

The names of the victims so far as known are:
NATHAN BANKS, wife and two children.
WILLIAM BROUGHTON.
REV. JOHN CORLE.
SMITH ELLIS.
MISS FINNEY.
ANNIE HEDDINS.
EDWARD JOHNSON.
MRS. WILLIAM MARONLEY and four daughters.
MISS NUNSINGER.
JAMES O'MALLEY.
JOHN O'CONNOR, SR., wife and three young children.
JOHN PEARRY, eight in his family.
MRS. PLEMONS.
MRS. JOHN ROONEY.

The wounded who are in a serious condition are as... Read MORE...

1906
Norman, a banking post-town, capital of Cleveland co., Okla., near the Canadian River and on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe R., 18 miles S. by E. of Oklahoma city, t is the seat of the University of Oklahoma and has a territorial hospital for the insane, cotton-gins, grain-elevators, and manufactures of flour and cotton-seed oil. Pop. in 1900, 2225.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1918 - THIRTY-SIX AFFLICTED BOYS DIE IN FLAMES AT NORMAN. WOODEN BUILDINGS AT STATE INSTITUTION PROVE DEATH TRAP.
(By the Associated Press.)
Norman, Okla., April 13. - Between thirty and thirty-seven boys, aged from ten to fifteen years, were burned to death in the state hospital for the insane here this morning. All of the boys were inmates of the institution and were helpless as the flames wrapped around them. Being confined in the houses, the young boys were unable to get out of the fire before their bodies had been charred by the onrushing flames.
The fire was of unknown origin. It completely destroyed wards 10, 14 and 15 and the institution dining room. It started in the engine room of the hospital, according to the best information obtainable and spread to the other buildings.

DR. D. W. GRIFFIN superintendent of the institution, said early this morning that the death list may be even greater than thirty-seven. Efforts are being made now to compile a complete list of the dead.
The institution is located several blocks east of the city proper, and the fire department could not reach... Read MORE...

1934 - SEVEN KILLED IN DYNAMITE BLAST NEAR NORMAN, OK.
Norman, Ok., June 5 - (AP) - The mangled bodies of seven men lay in funeral homes here today, victims of an accidental explosion of dynamite intended for use in seismograph explorations for petroleum deposits.

As relatives sped toward Norman to assure themselves of the identification of their dead, undertakers and their assistants continued piecing together the shattered bodies of the members of the Petty geophysics engineering company crew who met horrible death on a rural roadside eight miles southeast of here late yesterday.

The victims, identified from the company rolls, were:
VERNON H. WEDDEL, 26, Chandler, single.
PRESTON BARNES, 20, Guthrie, married.
LLOYD B. FLOYD, 26, Norman, married.
DON McDONALD, 22, San Antonio, Texas, single.
DAVID McCLELLAN, 37, Santa Anna, Texas, married.
HERMAN VOIGT, 29, single.
JOE FANNIN, 29, May, Texas, single.

Officials investigating the accident were at a loss to explain its cause, although some attributed it possibly to static... Read MORE...

Whether you're a local looking for something new or a visitor exploring the area, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Norman:
University of Oklahoma (OU) Campus:

Take a stroll around the beautiful campus of the University of Oklahoma. Visit the iconic Bizzell Memorial Library and enjoy the architecture of the campus.

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History:

Explore the fascinating exhibits at the Sam Noble Museum, showcasing the natural history of the state. It's a great place for both kids and adults to learn about Oklahoma's past.

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art:

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, featuring a diverse collection that spans various periods and styles.

Main Street:

Spend some time wandering around Main Street in downtown Norman. You'll find a mix of local shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

The Mont:

Experience the local nightlife at The Mont, a popular spot known for its laid-back atmosphere and great burgers. It's a favorite among locals.

Thunderbird Casino:

If you're feeling lucky, head to Thunderbird Casino for some gaming... Read MORE...