An Oklahoma Town Wants To Change Name

SULPHUR, Okla. -- The Sulphur City Council met Monday to decide whether to adopt the town's original name.

Several residents in Sulphur believe a name change is important to the town's future growth. Many agree downtown Sulphur looks a little rundown in spots, but they hope change will come soon.
"We're going to have a discussion on changing the name of the town of Sulphur to Sulphur Springs," said Sulphur Vice Mayor Karen Duck.

Sulphur Springs was the town's original name, but it was shortened a century ago. Changing the name back is appealing to many.

"I think it's an excellent idea. I'm for anything that helps our community," said Roger Williams, a Sulphur resident.

Dan Comm, a Sulphur resident, agreed the name should be changed back.

"If that's the original name, I wouldn't really have a problem with it," Comm said.

Whether Sulphur or Suphur Springs, it really doesn't matter. The town's springs have a high sulphuric content. The water is drinkable, but you have to get past the smell.

Decades ago the Sulphur springs attracted tourists who valued the water's medicinal properties. These days the name may be more of a disadvantage.

"The word 'sulphur' has a smell to it and the word 'springs' has a light, airy, refreshing taste to it," Duck said.

City leaders hope the name change will be a springboard to new investments, new businesses and a new hotel to replace the Artesian Hotel that burned down.

"I think if it went back to Sulphur Springs, I think you would see an improvement in the town a whole lot," Sulphur resident Thomas Arles said.

A name change would require many downtown businesses to make adjustments, but many believe the key to Sulphur's future lies in its past.

Gan Matthews, NEWS 9