The Tulsa Flea Market has been a tulsa tradition for over 40 years. People may know that the tradition includes items that possibly can not be found any where else, admission is always free and Goddard the dog is the Tulsa Flea Market mascot. These facts may be a little more known, but Melissa Larry has provided us with a few little known facts about the long-standing tradition.
James E. Smith, a retired postal worker and entrepreneur, started the Tulsa Flea Market in 1972, after visiting some of the big outside flea markets, or swap meets in California. He thought Tulsa needed a place to sell various goods and chose the Tulsa Fairgrounds as a good location for his business venture. He didn't live long enough to see his dream become the success it has, and died in 1974. After his wife, Ella took over the business and thir daughter Patsy Larry and son-in-law, Louis Larry were there to help her run the growing business. Ella died in 1980, leaving Patsy in charge of the business, which grew further and fourished in the 1980's and early 90's. The third generation of Smith/ Larry women, Melissa Larry, is running the flea market, along with Patsy.
This family tradition happens most Saturdays and is open free to the public. For more info, check out www.exposquare.com.
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