This Week in Sapulpa History: “The largest liquor and gambling crackdown in several years”

Rachel Whitney, Curator, Sapulpa Historical Museum

There have been many stories of Sapulpa and Creek County being known for its vices of liquor and gambling. Many of these stories took place in the time of the outlaw eras, of pre-state to the 1910s. And other stories of liquor and gambling took place during the prohibition era, of the 1920s to mid-1930s. But most of the stories involved raids.

This week in Sapulpa, “the largest gambling and liquor crackdown in several years,” took place in two raids in one night.

This story, however, took place decades after the prohibition era, on August 23, 1964.

In the raids that Saturday night into Sunday morning, “city, county, and state officers raided two local night spots.”

“Jim Swartz, County Attorney, announced charges would be filed against 10 persons arrested at Paradise Lounge, 106 ½ East Hobson, and the Dixieland Club, located west of Sapulpa on Highway 66.”

Sheriff Dee Ausmus led the raids with an agent involved with both the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and the Crime Bureau. “The sheriff said the pair visited both the firms on Friday night, and then returned Saturday night, making their arrests at that time.”

The Sheriff had explained that the agent found gambling at both locations and was able to purchase “mixed drinks at both of the firms.”

After confirmation, local law enforcement raided the clubs. “County officers participating in the raids were Sheriff Ausmus and Deputies George Robertson, Paul Shipman, Willard Thompson, and Henry Simpson. City officers in addition to Police Chief Earl Sellers, included Larry Owen, Dale Scott, David Treib, Bill Jordan, Denny Lemons, and Frank Goins.”

“The county prosecutor said six felony charges are included in the charges, including two felony counts against one man. The felonies include five operating a gambling game charges and one possession of firearms after former conviction of a felony. In addition to the charges, Swartz said he will seek a district injunction closing both places and also attempt to have the beer license of each place revoked.”

Among the evidence at the establishments included “18 decks of cards, 16 full or partially full fifths of liquor and over $150 worth of money were confiscated, along with an assortment of clubs and two tables. The money included $115.40 taken from a poker game officers claim was underway at the Paradise Club and $49.30 from a blackjack or 21 game at the Dixieland.*”

*Note: at the time in 1964 to today, the $150 is roughly $1,500; $115 and $50 is roughly $1,100 and $490 today.

“All of the suspects are from Sapulpa. Scheduled to face two felony charges, conducting a gambling game, and possession of firearms after former conviction of a felony is Alvin D. McDonald. Also scheduled to face a felony charge of conducting a gambling game are Harold C. Sawyer, Wayne C. Sawyer, Kenneth Powell, and Marian McDonald.”

Others were charged with “operating an open saloon were: Wayne Sawyer, Vivian McDonald, Clifford Smith, Kenneth Powell, Marian McDonald, Harold Sawyer, and Lucille Morris.” Additionally, a misdemeanor was charged to Gary Bright and Clyde Johnson.

Sixteen charges were filed against them.

(Sapulpa Herald, August 24, 1964)