Tulsa Roller Coaster Pops Up on eBay

Bit of sad news comes to us via Facebook today. A piece of Tulsa history is up for sale on eBay- the Zingo roller coaster from Bell's Amusement Park.

Zingo Roller Coaster on eBay

While not what most people consider "architecture," I consider a wooden roller coaster built in 1968 an intriguing piece of design. Not to mention a historically significant piece of local history, and roadside Americana!

Bell's was opened on Tulsa Fairgrounds in 1951. They were forced to close in 2006 after a squabble over the amusement park's lease. Efforts were under way last year to relocate the park to Coweta, but the deal is still in the formative stages.

If you'd like to test drive Zingo before you bid here's a video filmed in 2003...

Comments

Patrick said…

One last ride...thanks

January 10, 2011 at 9:04 PM

Chris Ensor said…

Nice! Great memories of my childhood. The last time I rode the Zingo though, it felt like the thing was splintering around me...I needed a chiropractic adjustment afterwards.

January 14, 2011 at 2:16 PM

Home of ORU Architect on the Auction Block

Frank Wallace is best known as the man behind the futuristic look of the Oral Roberts University campus. On October 14, 2010 his unique home overlooking ORU will be sold in a public auction conducted by Mister Ed's Auctions. Jackie and I recently had a chance to visit with Mr. Wallace and learn more about the house, his career and his thoughts on architecture.

When we visited we expected to snap a few photos of an empty house and speak with a representative from the auction company. To our surprise the door opened, and we were greeted by Mr. Wallace himself! After assuring him we were not architects, he let us look around. Unfortunately we were not prepared to interview the man whose buildings incite such extremely diverse reactions- but that didn't stop me from asking him several questions anyway.

The home, completed in 1980, was designed and built by Wallace who is now 87. The expansive home is so large that Wallace spends most of his time in a room that was his late w…

Futuristic Acorn Hull House

Today the sign out front says "Acorn Hull House."

I've also heard it called the Zebco House (aka Zero Electric Bomb Company, an oilfield business that later became a famous maker of fishing reels). The rumor goes it was built for a Zebco executive and designed in the shape of a fishing reel. From above the home does have the shape of a fishing reel- as in round- but beyond that I don't really see that much resemblance.

I have no idea if the fishing reel story is true, or who designed the circular abode. Here's an aerial view from Google Maps- click to enlarge the image and see if you think it looks more like an acorn or a fishing reel...

It definitely has the look of a Frank Wallace design with that Klingon inspired skylight. But the Tiki-esque look also suggests a Blaine Imel. No matter who is to responsible, they did a great job creating a unique and fascinating exterior. Now if we can just get a tour of the inside!

This unusual house is located off US-412 near …

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