Book About Downtown Tulsa Intersection Strikes Chord With History Lovers

A Tulsa family wanted to record the history of a key intersection in the city's history, and now it wants to share that history with everyone.

John Bumgarner and his son and business partner, Chris Bumgarner, own and operate the 320 South Boston Building, the Kennedy Building and the Mid-Continent Tower. All three buildings stand at the corner of 4th and Boston. 

The three buildings will be turning 100 years old in the next three years, so to celebrate the Bumgarners commissioned Mullerhaus Legacy, a Tulsa company, to tell the story of the three classic structures.

The result is a book called "4th & Boston, Heart of the Magic Empire." Douglas Miller, the man behind Mullerhaus Legacy, was the creative force behind the project and the author of most what the book contains.

Mullerhaus Legacy is a publishing studio that specializes in creating limited-edition custom history books of the highest standard. That's why it's so unusual for a work like "4th & Boston" to be made available to a wider audience. 

The Bumgarners originally intended to print only enough for the tenants in the three buildings they own at 4th and Boston. As the project evolved, the Bumgarners realized it would be a shame not to share the history with anyone who loves downtown Tulsa. 

Miller said he put about three years' worth of work into 18 months to get the project finished. 

11/16/2016 Related Story: New Book Highlights Historic Part Of Downtown Tulsa

"Magic Empire" was a euphemism for the Oklahoma oil fields that created fabulous wealth almost overnight, Miller said. 

The book is divided into sections based on different eras in the intersection's history. Each section contains photographs and details about that particular point in time, as well as the history of the people who shaped it. 

In telling their story, Miller said he developed deep respect for those people.

"It was about the rugged individuals who had the courage, and who had the risk tolerance. You couldn't do anything here without tremendous courage," he told News On 6 reporter Rick Wells.

He's been very pleased by the book's reception.

"It's tremendously encouraging and humbling to hear that the book is being well received and that it is contributing to the enjoyment and sense of value people have in our beautiful city," said Miller.

The book is available at Ida Red, Decopolis, On a Whim at 91st & Yale, Belvedere Barber Company at 4th & Main and Dwelling Spaces. It's also available on Amazon or at the offices of Mullerhaus Legacy at 918-747-0018.