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. 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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Muscogee Nation

and specifically in the Cherokee Nation.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Casa Loma Hotel (Campbell Hotel) (within shouting distance of this marker); Bama Pie Company (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The University of Tulsa. (approx. 0.4 miles away); Dry Cleaners (approx. 0.7 miles away); Tulsa Monument Company (approx. 0.7 miles away); Wolf Robe Hunt's Indian Trading Post (approx. ¾ mile away); Whittier Square (approx. 0.9 miles away); a different marker also named Whittier Square (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tulsa.

Reverse side photo on Borden's Restaurant Marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 15, 2022

2. Reverse side photo on Borden's Restaurant Marker.

Looking west at marker on Route 66. image. Click for full size.

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 2,006 times since then and 101 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 17, 2022, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.