Built in 1965, the Tulsa Skyride was one of ten remaining Von Roll skyrides in the USA and one of three at a state fair. This detachable gondola skyride was manufactured by Von Roll Ironworks of Bern, Switzerland. The Tulsa Skyride offered a unique experience not duplicated elsewhere in Oklahoma or most neighboring states. It was a family favorite, and the Tulsa State Fair tradition was deemed eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
Expo Square planned to demolish the skyride in 2022 without public notification. News of the pending demolition was leaked in May 2022. Public outcry halted the demolition but the skyride remained threatened. Demolition of the towers began earlier this year but halted for a time. Work resumed last week, and it seems all towers have been removed.
We have chosen to keep the structure on the list this year in hopes of raising awareness of properties of this type, that often get overlooked in the preservation process.