Otasco (Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company) Ceramic Ornament
Round / One size
$15.99
Sale price
$15.99
Regular price
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Add a chapter of Oklahoma retail history to your collection with this ceramic ornament honoring Otasco. The business began in Okmulgee in 1918, moved its headquarters to Tulsa, and eventually served customers through 455 stores in 12 states. Its journey from a family-founded company to employee ownership and the closure of company-operated outlets is a distinctive part of American retail history. A considered keepsake for former customers, Oklahoma history fans, and collectors of memorable local brands.
Otasco, short for Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company, was a Tulsa-based retail chain specializing in auto parts and appliances. Sam, Maurice, and Herman Sanditen, three Jewish Lithuanian immigrant brothers, established the business in 1918 and opened its first store in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. The company moved its headquarters to Tulsa in 1925 and built its business around offering products on credit. In 1960, the McCrory Corporation bought Otasco while retaining the Sanditen brothers. By 1968, the chain had 455 stores in 12 states. Employees bought the company from McCrory in 1984, making it one of the largest employee-owned companies in America. During the 1980s, struggling sales prompted a new logo and advertising campaign, but these drew little attention. Otasco filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1988; 171 stores closed across 11 states, with 1,600 jobs lost. On March 30, 1989, 43 stores reopened in an effort to keep profitable locations operating, but the attempt failed. All outlets were ordered to close permanently at the end of business on June 3, 1989. A source cited in the article says franchisees received 99-year licenses to use the Otasco name. As of 2014, two Oklahoma stores remained in Beaver and Marlow, and a locally owned Otasco Associate store continued in Many, Louisiana.
Otasco (Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company) Ceramic Ornament
$15.99
Sale price
$15.99
Regular price
Add a chapter of Oklahoma retail history to your collection with this ceramic ornament honoring Otasco. The business began in Okmulgee in 1918, moved its headquarters to Tulsa, and eventually served customers through 455 stores in 12 states. Its journey from a family-founded company to employee ownership and the closure of company-operated outlets is a distinctive part of American retail history. A considered keepsake for former customers, Oklahoma history fans, and collectors of memorable local brands.
Otasco, short for Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company, was a Tulsa-based retail chain specializing in auto parts and appliances. Sam, Maurice, and Herman Sanditen, three Jewish Lithuanian immigrant brothers, established the business in 1918 and opened its first store in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. The company moved its headquarters to Tulsa in 1925 and built its business around offering products on credit. In 1960, the McCrory Corporation bought Otasco while retaining the Sanditen brothers. By 1968, the chain had 455 stores in 12 states. Employees bought the company from McCrory in 1984, making it one of the largest employee-owned companies in America. During the 1980s, struggling sales prompted a new logo and advertising campaign, but these drew little attention. Otasco filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1988; 171 stores closed across 11 states, with 1,600 jobs lost. On March 30, 1989, 43 stores reopened in an effort to keep profitable locations operating, but the attempt failed. All outlets were ordered to close permanently at the end of business on June 3, 1989. A source cited in the article says franchisees received 99-year licenses to use the Otasco name. As of 2014, two Oklahoma stores remained in Beaver and Marlow, and a locally owned Otasco Associate store continued in Many, Louisiana.
| Heart | Round | |
| Diameter, in | 3.21 | 2.80 |
Product features
- 100% white ceramic construction — strong and durable
- Double-sided print with matte finish option
- Golden hanging string included
- UV-decorated for lasting color
- Available in white or gold gift packaging (single ornament per pack)
Care instructions
- Use a microfiber cloth to gently remove any dust or dirt build-up. Avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners. Instead, dampen a cotton wool swab in warm water (just a few drops per liter of water) and gently roll the swab over the ornament and refrain from scrubbing