Tulsa's Population Holds The Key To A Piece Of Tulsa History

Friday, June 1st 2007, 5:36 pm

By: News On 6

Tulsa's magic number is 382,457. That's how many people live in the city, and the number that will win someone a 1957 Plymouth Belvedere. The News On 6â€™s Joshua Brakhage reports this centennial prize comes with a jackpot that's been growing for 50 years.

It drew a crowd to downtown. Everyone wanted a piece of the Plymouth Belvedere. But they'd have to wait 50 years to take her home. She's still brand new, buried in a vault next to the county courthouse. She comes fully loaded with a full gas can, a case of beer and thousands of numbers on rolls of microfilm stashed inside.

The numbers are guesses to Tulsa's population when the car is dug up later this month. The closest guess drives home with the car.

"Three hundred eighty-two thousand, four hundred fifty seven people, so if you remember 50 years ago that was your guess. That is the official population by which you can win this fabulous Belvedere when it's unveiled," said Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor.

Taylor verified the numbers with the U.S. Census Bureau. Event coordinator Sharon King Davis says the car's not the only prize.

"And also, there is a $100 savings account that was placed with the chamber of commerce in 1957, and we are pleased to announce after 50 years, 50 years of growing interest, it's a little more than $700. But that also goes with the car. We have kiddingly said, â€˜Mayor, that will get it gassed up and get the title changedâ€™," Davis said.

Since the guesses are buried with the car, the winner won't be announced until a week after the Belvedere is resurrected. Auditors will tabulate the votes. If the winner has passed on, the prize goes to his or her next of kin. The winner has five years to come forward, although organizers hope it happens a lot quicker than that. After that, a court would decide what happens to the car.

Event organizers want to publish all the guesses on their website.

Watch the video: The Magic Number For Tulsa's Buried Belvedere Announced

To find out more about the time capsule, visit www.buriedcar.com.

Related stories:

2/15/2007 - Car Show Entries Sought

4/17/2007 - Unearthing Tulsaâ€™s History