Renaissance in Tulsa in Tulsa County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Borden's Restaurant
— Tulsa's Historic Route 66 —
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 15, 2022
1. Borden's Restaurant Marker
Inscription.
Borden's Restaurant. . In 1935, brothers Leroy and Richard Borden opened their first restaurant in downtown Tulsa. The five-stool café was purchased with $300 of borrowed money and sold hamburgers and other cheap fare during the Depression. The restaurant was a success and Borden's expanded, eventually consisting of locations all around town. Each location was different: not only did each restaurant have its own distinct theme but many were cafeterias and allowed diners to serve themselves. The restaurants became known for their wide variety of food choice and their delicious desserts, such as chocolate ice box pie and lemon chess pie., Visitors to the various Borden's locations could be greeted with décor ranging from a French Quarter design to a Colonial theme to an old west motif. The 11th Street Borden's offered a modern and streamlined appearance, featuring a neon sign and rows of octagonal windows. A large parking lot was available for travelers and locals alike. The last Borden's (on Lewis Avenue) closed in 1989 after a devastating fire.
In 1935, brothers Leroy and Richard Borden opened their
first restaurant in downtown Tulsa. The five-stool café was
purchased with $300 of borrowed money and sold hamburgers
and other cheap fare during the Depression. The restaurant
was a success and Borden's expanded, eventually consisting of
locations all around town. Each location was different: not
only did each restaurant have its own distinct theme but many
were cafeterias and allowed diners to serve themselves.
The restaurants became known for their wide variety of food
choice and their delicious desserts, such as chocolate ice box
pie and lemon chess pie.
Visitors to the various Borden's locations could be greeted
with décor ranging from a French Quarter design to a Colonial
theme to an old west motif. The 11th Street Borden's offered a
modern and streamlined appearance, featuring a neon sign and
rows of octagonal windows. A large parking lot was available
for travelers and locals alike. The last Borden's (on Lewis
Avenue) closed in 1989 after a devastating fire.
Erected 2019 by Tulsa Route 66 Commission. (Marker Number 7.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.
Location. 36° 8.875′ N, 95°
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57.156′ W. Marker is in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in Tulsa County. It is in Renaissance. Marker is at the intersection of East 11th Street (U.S. 66) and South Birmingham Place, on the right when traveling west on East 11th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2627 E 11th St, Tulsa OK 74104, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. Reverse side photo on Borden's Restaurant Marker.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 15, 2022
3. Looking west at marker on Route 66.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2022, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 578 times since then and 134 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 17, 2022, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
