Telling the History of Claremore…one story at a time
This article was written by Claremore Museum of History Board of Directors Chairman, Steve Robinson on August 12, 2024.
Claremore’s mild-mannered man who humbly wore a giant “S” on his chest hidden from public view has flown on to new heights where he can oversee an even larger playing field. Claremore lost a “mainstay” with the passing of Tom Pool. Tom impacted so many lives through the years, it would actually be impossible to try and summarize them. While he will be remembered for his mild manners, don’t confuse that character trait with timidity. The Tom Pool we knew was persistent with his causes, consistent with his expectations, loyal to his friends, inspirational to those he worked with, and passionate about the preservation our local and state history.
It is impossible to look around the Claremore we see today without seeing the influence Tom and not immediately realize why he was named a Progressive Citizen of the Year in 2015. From the development of one of the most vibrant downtowns in the state of Oklahoma to the establishment of amenities that citizens continue to enjoy to this day, former Mayor Tom Pool shaped the city so many of us are proud to call home. Even after his retirement, he continued to volunteer on projects that would benefit our community.
Tom was introduced to Claremore when his family moved here during his fifth-grade year. He went on to graduate from Claremore High School. Friends remember when Tom was named captain of the football team as a junior, the first time that honor had been bestowed upon an underclassman at Claremore High School. The leadership skills teammates recognized in him at a young age carried forward in many different roles that he held during his lifetime.
Although our Clark Kent didn’t work at the Claremore Daily Progress, he chose the next best field where he could hide his superhuman abilities. Tom graduated from Central State College and received a Master’s degree from NSU before embarking on his career in education. It was while teaching social studies that Pool made his first run for public office, seeking a seat on the Claremore City Council. He made his decision to run after realizing many of his students were unfamiliar with how local city government worked.
Pool stepped in to lead the city following Mayor Stan Thomas’s death, and later was elected Mayor in his own right. For a brief time, he also served as Interim City Manager. Almost immediately, he focused his attention on revitalizing Claremore’s downtown – the first efforts for developing the area we know today as the Lilac District. He later worked passionately for the construction of a new library, a city airport and the Claremore Expo and Recreation Center. Under this watchful eye of Claremore’s version of Clark Kent, the city established a path of growing and moving forward.
Those who know Tom say one his best attributes was to motivate those around him to do their best. That attribute continued in his service as a volunteer, which was extensive. Tom was the first Chairman of the Claremore Museum of History. During his tenure, he led the effort to lease the old Will Rogers Library from the city for the sum of $1 per year, as well as oversaw the development of many of the early exhibits now seen in the MoH. From the perspective all of all who knew him, no one ever saw signs of any kind of “kryptonite” that could weaken him.
On a personal level, I’ve known Tom Pool since my childhood days when he was Manager at the Claremore Swimming Pool every summer. I knew him as my 8th Grade American History Teacher. I knew him as Terri and Allen’s dad and Mrs. Pool (Barbra’s) husband. I knew him as my coach and also as Assistant Principal. Tom was my Mayor and finally, I knew him as a mentor to the role I now have as Chairman of the Board for Claremore Museum of History. In later years, we all came to see that the only “kryptonite” that Tom had to deal with was Father Time. That was great news for our community because he led all of us for so many years when we needed a Superman!
