The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1916-10-27
A NTON H. CLASSEN
~ came to Oklahoma
when the territory

dence in Oklahoma was at
Edmond where he practiced
law and edited a newspaper.
But believing that Edmond
was not destined to become
a great metropolis, Mr.. Clas-
sen cast about for a city
which offered advantages
to a young man possessing
energy and courage. His
view never passed Oklaho-
ma CITY, almost in sight of
the little college communu-
ity of Edmond.
History has recorded that
| Anton Classen's judgment was
right and it was here that he
stepped from the Santa Fe
train to lay the foundation of
| development which is reflected
in a magnificent street railway
system and in hundreds of
homes which he was directly
responsible in building.
During dark days which en-
veloped Oklahoma City, when
less courageous men lost their
heads, gave up in despair and
moved on, Anton Classen never
wavered in his loyalty to the
city of his adoption.
Many before him had asked
the city council for street car
franchises, which were handed
out as scraps of paper. These
franchises were looked upon
as legitimate prey of specula-
tors. Yet no one succeeded in
interesting capital; none pro-
noted except on paper. But a
better day came, A. H. Classen
and associates asked for a
J franchise and BUILT A
STREET RAILWAY SYSTEM
which has expanded until now
it ranks far above most of
those in cities of our class.
But Anton Classen did not
stop when the rails were laid
through the best part of the
city where nickels were plenti-
full. His ideas were based on
the building of a city which
should be attractive for the
home builder. And at no time
since he first walked through
the dusty streets of Okla
J homa's capital has his conf
dence in the city and its lots
ever faltered.
As an officer in a loan and
building association. Mr.. Clas-
sen has aided in the construc-
ton of many homes now occu-
pied by happy families. In.
vesting his own money in lands
he urged others to do the same
Il Those who acted on the advice
given have prospered.
Il Mr.. Classen has had the
Il qualification of seeing city
j expand from hurry-up condi
= ton when less than 10000 peo
\ pie resided here to its present
y finished condition, where more
than 10000 people live il
| peace and comfort.
/ While the mere plating o,
town lots does not build city
no community progresses un
| less real estate is in demand
Such a condition has prevailed
in Oklahoma City on a gradua
scale, with an occasional TEN
Il porary interruption, and tn,
II Classen faith is stronger toda,
in realty values in Oklahom,
City than during the early day
when he and his associates ex
erted themselves to Undue,
buyers to invest. o.
Il Having invested his saving
II in Oklahoma City property, i'm
II proved the same, and believin,
/ values of realty in this city ar
! upon stable basis. Mr.. Classen be
II lieveS that investment IN realty offer
sure returns for the money To III
young man who considers the establish
ment OF his own home, Mr.. Classen wi
enthusiastically say TO him "Oklahom
II City long ago passed the experiment.
stage, We cannot 20 backward b,
must 20 forward, and the young ma
who has money enough 20 make IN
first payment on piece OF property !
II Oklahoma City can. hy such proceedur,
lay the foundation OF modest ior,ur
u for Use in the days when Father Tim
y asserts himself"