Scene Inspection: Dillinger

The life and times of mobster John Dillinger was immortalized in the 1973 film, "Dillinger."  The story of the "gangster's gangster" was partially filmed in Oklahoma.  And the town of Ardmore served as one of the movie's locations.  Check out a screencap from this scene:

Never mind what these two are talking about.  The real draw here is the billboard behind the shoe shine chair.  If you're like me, then you're always looking in the background for interesting details...or even "interesting" details.

 For example, old advertisements in the background of old movies are "interesting" to me.  Looks like it's your lucky day!  So let's break down some of the old ads from Dillinger:

"Oil, Cattle and Beautiful Lake Murray"

The middle ad boasts about some of Ardmore's biggest money makers.  Sure cows and oil pay the bills but the town's crown jewel is definitely the lake. It was built over 1935 (a year after Dillinger died) to 1941 and still bills itself as the "most beautiful lake in Oklahoma."  The lake's other claims to fame are the largest state park in Oklahoma and the first Oklahoma state park listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"Sam P. Hall Ford"

This ad is on the right side toward the bottom (and partially obscured) with red letters and yellow-ish.  The Ardmore Ford dealership did big business in the area for decades.  Sam P. Hale was a Ardmore Rotary Club president and community leader.  And right above that ad is:

"Colverts Fine Dairy Products"

Colverts was another big business in Ardmore for the longest time.  It was mainly known for its tasty ice cream and unique sign outside which, unfortunately was taken down not too long ago.  But, thankfully, it was taken to the Greater Southwest Historical Museum.  Nostalgic milk enthusiasts can also join a Facebook Fan Page about the dairy.

The other ads aren't particularly legible but I haven't given up on them.  I'm just one eBay matchbook auction away from continuing to work my way through the rest of the sign.  Stay tuned...