ABOUT

Del City, OK 73115  is a city in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, United States, and a part of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. The population was 21,822 at the United States Census 2020, a 2.3% increase from 2010.

Del City, OK 73117, is located near two major interstate highways connecting it to Oklahoma City. Interstate 40 bisects the town from the northwest to the southeast, and Interstate 35 lies just a short distance west of the city. The city borders southeast Oklahoma City, Midwest City, and Tinker Air Force Base. George Epperly founded the town, which was incorporated by a vote of its residents in 1948. Del City, OK 73135, is named after Epperly’s eldest daughter, Delaphene Campbell. Since its incorporation Del City has expanded three times, first by annexing Carter Park in 1954, Midway Village in 1963, and acquiring an undeveloped piece of land between the city and Tinker AFB. A large area of Del City was significantly impacted by the May 3, 1999, tornado outbreak that passed through the Oklahoma City metro area.

History

Founded in Boone Township, Oklahoma County, as a “bedroom” community, Del City lies three miles east of Oklahoma City and one mile west of Midwest City. At the turn of the 21st century, Del City was a 7.5-square-mile community surrounded on the north, west, and south by Oklahoma City and on the east by Midwest City. Interstate Highway 40 bisects the town from the northwest to the southeast. Oklahoma City streets define the boundaries: NE 10th Street on the north; Sooner Road on the east; SE 44th Street on the south; and Bryant Avenue on the west. The city’s northwestern corner is a mile from the junction of Interstate 35 and Interstate 40, justifying its claim to being “the Crossroads of America.

In the Land Run of 1889, Jordan Pybas and his wife settled in present-day Del City. Five generations later, the family still lives in the house completed in 1907. Before 1946 only two families were living in what would become Del City. Developer George Epperly purchased a wheat field of 160 acres large at the corner of SE 29th Street and Sunnylane Road in 1946 with a plan to build fifty houses. In 1948 there were 582 homes in Del City, 75% of which were made by George Epperly; despite opposition, the unincorporated Epperly Heights and its 200 families voted to approve incorporation on October 9, 1948. In February 1959, Del City adopted a charter and a council-manager form of town government. The city was named for Epperly’s daughter, Delaphene Campbell.

The city expanded through the annexation of Carter Park in 1954 and Midway Village in 1963. Del City attempted to annex the Rose Smith Addition, but its residents incorporated and became the town of Smith Village. The city also acquired undeveloped land that separated it from Tinker Air Force Base. Oklahoma City annexed this same land, and a court fight ensued. In District Court, Del City won, and Oklahoma City appealed to the State Supreme Court. While awaiting the hearing, Del City officials pursued negotiation again with Oklahoma City, this time accepting 20 acres (81,000 m2) along the Tinker AFB boundary. Having expanded to its most significant possible physical limits in 1964, Del City joined Midwest City and Norman in underwriting the Little River Reservoir Project that became Lake Thunderbird.

The Del City Historical Society was organized in 1975 with Andy Evans as its first president. Several children of the Eighty-Niners (89ers) still lived in the area, and they identified every original homestead within city limits. Residents also learned their town was on the 1870s Arbuckle Trail, a Texas to Kansas cattle trail. Wrestler and two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner John Smith resided in Del City.

With home building and family-oriented amenities as the founding focus, the industry was slow to develop in Del City to create any jobs (99 percent of Del Citians commuted to work in 1948, while only 96 percent commuted in 2000). Don’s Alley Restaurant and Midwest Trophy Manufacturing are two businesses of long standing. Don Moore opened his hamburger grill at 4601 SE 29th Street in 1955, and as of 2018, he still serves food there. Midwest Trophy Manufacturing began in David R. Smith’s garage in Del City in 1971. Midwest Trophy Manufacturing employs over 750 people throughout North America, 400 in Del City. It is the city’s largest industry. MTM Recognition’s corporate headquarters are in Del City at 3405 SE 29th Street.

Del City is represented in the Oklahoma Legislature by District 94 Representative Andy Fugate and District 46 Senator Kay Floyd, who is in her third term. On the national level, Del City is represented by 4th District Representative Tom Cole and by U.S. Senators James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin. Del City has had four newspapers Del City Leader, Del City Sun, Del City Times, and the Del City News. The city also has its own Government-access Channel (KDEL).

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.5 square miles, all land.

The city is in the Frontier Country region in the state’s center. Del City lies in the Sandstone Hills region of Oklahoma, known for hills of 250 to 400 feet and two oak species – blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica) and post oak.

Del City is in a region dominated by the Cross Timbers, an area of prairie and forest patches at the Great Plains’ eastern extent. The part is essentially a transition buffer between the wetter and more forested Eastern Oklahoma and the semi-arid high plains of Western Oklahoma and experiences extreme swings between dry and wet weather patterns. The climate is dominated by significant differences in annual rainfall totals, with Central Oklahoma’s western boundary receiving far less rain than compared to its eastern boundary. Because of these convergences of dry and wet weather patterns, Del City is located at the heart of what is known as Tornado Alley and is in one of the most tornado-prone areas in the United States.

Eagle Lake is located within Del City; the lake is located in the northern part of the city and is the only large body of water. The lake has bass, catfish, bluegill, carp, vancuren trout, and crappie.

35°26′34″N 97°26′28″W

Education

The Mid-Del School District is the leading provider of education in Del City with one high school (Del City High School), one middle school (Del City Middle School), three elementary schools (Del City Elementary School, Epperly Heights Elementary School, and Townsend Elementary School) located in Del City.

Del City also has two private schools (Destiny Christian School and Christian Heritage Academy). Rose State Community College is within 15 miles of Del City.

Recreation

Outdoor recreational areas include Del City Ball Park, three bicycle and pedestrian trails, and Eagle Lake. The Eagle Harbor Aquatic Center water park is located behind the community center.

Arts and Culture

Annual cultural events
The city and Shriners put on an annual Armed Forces Day Parade in May each year.

Museums and other points of interest
Historical exhibits are at the Oklahoma County & Western Museum, Del City Preservation & Historical Society, and War Memorial. The Oklahoma Country Western Music Hall of Fame hosts traditional bluegrass and country events.

War Memorial
The War Memorial, located opposite the Del City Community Center, has several monuments dedicated to those killed in combat or born or who lived in Del City. The memorial is dedicated to twenty-one service members killed while serving in various U.S. military branches during World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Iraq War. Dedicated in November 2010, the memorials include an armored personnel carrier and a Fallen Soldier Battle Cross being watched by two crouched U.S. servicemen. The monument also has a time capsule.