Do you want to go faster? The story of Bell's with Bob and Robby Bell

Welcome to Tulsa Talks presented by Tulsa Regional Chamber. I’m your host Tim Landes. I’m really excited to share this conversation with you. For over 50 years, Bell’s Amusement Park was the spot for fun for many Oklahoma kids, including myself. Growing up in Claremore, the trips to Bell’s were among the biggest highlights of my summer for many summers. There was the Zingo and the Wildcat. The Himalaya and Phantasmagoria. The log ride and the arcade. And lots more. 

The story of Bell’s Amusement Park is an example of the classic American dream. A family builds a business, the people come and the business grows. It’s also a story of fathers and sons, which is perfect for this week as we celebrate the fathers in our lives on Father’s Day. 

I sat down with Bob and Robby Bell on a recent Saturday morning and they recounted the history of the park and their family’s story that spans over 100 years in Tulsa. 

We start this conversation with Bob, who is now 80, reflecting on how Bell’s came to be and his many roles in helping his father’s dream become a reality. Bob’s father, Robert Kiwanis Bell, opened a kiddie park post World War 2 with the help of his young son. Bob grew up and took over operations as he raised his own family in the business. Robby, 55, chimes in from time to time to help his father share their story and then he shares his own story about what it was like to be the next generation of the Bells to help his father run the park before taking it over. Did you know the Bell’s founders lived in an apartment in the middle of Zingo? 

It was amazing to sit with both of them as they recounted the long, unique history of the family business and what it was like to be sons and then fathers of Bell’s employees. There were a whole lot of laughs and some tears.

It’s been 14 years since Bell’s closed. It remains a sensitive subject for the Bell family. Bob and Robby discuss what happened in 2006 that forced them to shutdown the park and how it brought them even closer as family. They also discuss their plans to open a new Bell’s in the near future. They’ve heard your angst and complaints about it taking too long. They explain why the wait has been long, and how it will hopefully be over soon. More on that later. 

This episode is broken down into three sections. The origins of Bell’s is the first 25 minutes, Bob and Robby’s time at the park is the second part and at about the 50 minute mark is the third part, which covers the closure and the future.

Bell’s Amusement Park played an important role in our city and county’s history. It created lifelong memories for lots of people. I’m thrilled to share Bob and Robby’s story with you. As you’ll hear, they are two characters who far from finished having a fun time together.

Let’s get this going. 

This is Tulsa Talks with Bob and Robby Bell.