Deep Deuce in Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

James “Doughbelly” Brooks

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 21, 2025

1. James “Doughbelly” Brooks Marker

Inscription. James Brooks was the last resident to leave Deep Deuce, his home for almost a half-century. Born on March 12, 1920, Brooks was called L.W. (for LoneWolf) by his mother because of her Cherokee and Choctaw heritage. He was nicknamed “Doughbelly” when a classmate saw Brooks eating cookie dough at nearby Page Elementary. Brooks later ran a shoeshine business on 2nd Street and sold the Black Dispatch and Black Chronicle newspapers. But it was as a fun and talented vaudeville dancer that “Doughbelly” became a legend during the prosperous days of Deep Deuce.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is March 12, 1920.

Location. 35° 28.173′ N, 97° 30.415′ W. Marker is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County. It is in Deep Deuce. It is on Northeast 2nd Street east of North Center Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Marker is embedded in the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 306 NE 2nd St, Oklahoma City OK 73104, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

this marker is in Central Oklahoma — Frontier Country.

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: James (Jimmy) Andrew Rushing (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles (Charlie) A. Christian (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. William Lewis Haywood (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles “Bird” Christopher Parker Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); Russell M. Perry (within shouting distance of this marker); Roscoe Dunjee (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Lyons Mansion (about 400 feet away); Dr. Inman E. Page (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oklahoma City.

Also see . . . Sentimental Journey | Proposals Revive Deep Deuce Memories. According to the state Historical

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 21, 2025

2. James “Doughbelly” Brooks Marker

Society, Doebelly was the last resident to leave his beloved Deuce, where he propped up a hand-painted sign pointing folks into a chair for a good shoe shine. Doebelly called Deep Deuce home for 65 years before leaving for good in 1995. (Steve Lackmeyer and Penny Owen, The Oklahoman, Feb. 21, 1991) (Submitted on August 3, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 87 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 3, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.