Cecil Gomez Press Release

October 9, 2010
Embassy Suites Hotel - Embassy Ballroom
3332 S 79th E Ave. (I-44)
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145
Free to the Public: 9AM-4PM
Author Display set up starting 8 AM
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Bio Brief

Cecil’s latest book, “West Tulsa – 1939 – Before & After” is a historical novel about the early days of the small town on the west bank of the Arkansas River in the shadow of ‘mother city’ Tulsa, Oklahoma.

            Cecil is a native son of Oklahoma, born in Sapulpa, Oklahoma in 1923 and grew up in West Tulsa. His book captures the bustling heyday of West Tulsa – a ten square block community of fabulous god-fearing folks who survived the great depression and World War II. He takes us back to the little town that ‘once upon a time’ was situated just south of the 11^th street bridge and nestled squarely on Historic Route 66.  He reminds us how West Tulsa once possessed practically every type of retailer imaginable....grocery stores, drug stores, restaurants, clothing stores, hardware stores, lumber yards, cleaners, barber shops, beauty shops, filling stations, used car lots, a Post Office, fire station, ambulance and funeral services, a jail house, schools, churches, community centers, movie theaters, parks and hotels.

            But like he says, “Now it’s all gone – swept away like an Oklahoma tornado.” And because West Tulsa is no longer the way it used to be, or ever will be again, is why Cecil felt compelled to recreate its legendary authenticity before all memories became clouded and mythical.

To recreate the awesome events of old West Tulsa, Cecil interviewed dozens of early day residents and through their eyes, he recounts the life and times of the community as they shared stories of the landscape where they once lived. Their recollections, much like the book’s cover photo, immediately reminds us of a place and time very dear to every westsider’s heart.

Remembering the past and recording its history for posterity is the reason for Cecil’s book as he records West Tulsa’s rich culture of a ‘time-gone-by’ era. Fantastic photos, which tenderly support Cecil’s nostalgic rendition of the past, have been collected for first-time publication and posted in his book along with others from the outstanding Beryl Ford Collection.

Cecil’s “West Tulsa” book – a 348 page rendition – vividly recaptures the original settings of those days of old and the treasured memories of the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s.

 Cecil says “You didn’t have to have lived in West Tulsa to feel the tremendous warmth of an era gone by to identify with its vivid recollections. Anyone, no matter where they lived, if they lived through the depression years in any small-town in America, whether it be Arkansas, California, or Oklahoma, they will definitely relate to the stories of West Tulsa’s old timers.”

A biography of the Gomez Family and how
they came to settle in West Tulsa along the
Frisco railroad tracks
(Out of print)

“A Mexican Twilight”
 A dramatic rendition of the successful journey by two
Mexican national immigrants (my parents) who
migrated to  America in search of a better life during
turbulent times in their own native land – Mexico.
($22.00)

Check it out on website:  http://www,cecilgomez.com

cecilgomez@cox.net

Also that weekend:

Saturday, October 9 - 9AM-3PM
Genealogical Seminar: Resources in the Research Division of OHC
Mr. William D. Welge, Director
Research Division Oklahoma History Center
Admission for the day of learning - $25.00/lunch included.
Have friends join you for lunch: extra lunch reservations - $15.00 each
Click here for PDF brochure

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