Skip to product information
GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.
Show your connection to Oklahoma retail history with this Otasco Embroidered Dad Cap Hat. The Sanditen brothers opened the first Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company store in Okmulgee in 1918, then moved the headquarters to Tulsa as the business expanded. Otasco later became employee-owned, adding another chapter to its unusual company story. For former customers, retail-history enthusiasts, and collectors, this cap brings the name of a once-familiar chain into everyday wear.
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) Embroidered Dad Cap Hat
$29.99
Sale price
$29.99
Regular price
Show your connection to Oklahoma retail history with this Otasco Embroidered Dad Cap Hat. The Sanditen brothers opened the first Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company store in Okmulgee in 1918, then moved the headquarters to Tulsa as the business expanded. Otasco later became employee-owned, adding another chapter to its unusual company story. For former customers, retail-history enthusiasts, and collectors, this cap brings the name of a once-familiar chain into everyday wear.
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.
Product features
- Unstructured 6-panel body for a relaxed, low-profile fit
- Permacurv® precurved visor with 4-row stitching and color-matched underbill
- Self-fabric hideaway strap with antique brass buckle and grommet for adjustable fit
- 100% cotton construction (Green Camo variant 65% polyester / 35% cotton)
- Sewn-in label and brand sticker on visor; adult sizing (not for ages 0–3)
Care instructions
- Use warm water and dish soap and clean spots off your hat. It's not necessary to soak the whole item. For hard to clean spots use a soft bristled brush.