DoubleShot Coffee, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, distinguishes itself with a deliberately limited menu focused on expertly crafted, non-milk drinks such as americanos, espressos, and pour overs. Owned and roasted by Brian Franklin, the company emphasizes a hands-on, manual approach to coffee roasting, eschewing computer control to create a nuanced flavor profile. Franklin, who travels globally to source coffee and connect with farmers, encourages patrons to appreciate the inherent flavors of their coffees without additives. ‘
The iconic building housing DoubleShot is a meticulously reconstructed 1850s Amish dairy barn, fostering a unique and authentic atmosphere. Sustainability is integral, with 70 solar panels generating a third of their power, and the use of reclaimed materials from various sources.
Complementing their exceptional coffee offerings are freshly made pastries designed to enhance the overall coffee experience. DoubleShot’s mission extends beyond profit, aiming to educate and share the true essence of coffee with those who may not yet appreciate its nuances, inviting everyone to indulge in a genuine coffee experience at their distinctive establishment.
You can help support Uncovering Oklahoma by subscribing to The Show Starts Now, an Oklahoma-based streaming app. Your subscription there will help me continue this series and create more content. Special thanks to my superstar supporters on Patreon: Revovle Productions, The Keller-Kenton Family, Christopher Lloyd, and Phi Nguyen.
During a morning jog, two friends take a detour to explore a mysterious spiral staircase that leads to a trap.
Sydney had long since accepted Chloe’s need to pause, change course, and explore during their weekly jog together. In the beginning, Sydney was annoyed by her friend’s curiosity as she preferred to keep a steady pace. After several exciting detours, she grew to love the deviations as they added a sense of adventure. Sydney often found herself jogging alone for brief periods before realizing Chloe wasn’t by her side, but this time, Chloe put her arm in front of Sydney to stop themselves.
“Look at that,” Chloe said, pointing out toward the woods.
Sydney scanned the scene. Behind a battered and boarded manufactured house stood a spiral metal staircase that reached up into the treetops.
“That’s weird,” Sydney commented. “It reminds me of that suspended staircase public art piece in Automobile Alley.”
Chole raised both arms into the air. “We should climb it!”
“I don’t know if that’s safe…”
“I bet it was put there on purpose so you can see the birds. Don’t you want to see the birds, Syd?”
Sydney sighed. “I’ll do it for the birds.”
“Yay!” Chloe cheered as she jogged to the staircase.
Sydney followed. Without a second thought, Chloe ran up several steps while Sydney stopped to inspect the staircase for safety. The staircase didn’t fall with Chloe going full force, but Sydney wasn’t sure how exactly the steps were standing as she couldn’t see any wires or beams holding the structure in place.
Chloe ran up several more stairs. “Come on. It’s safe.”
Sydney chased after her friend, who ran up higher, giggling. They reached the top, which led to a metal-enclosed balcony capable of holding a small group of visitors. The sun started to rise off in the distance as Sydney stood next to Chloe.
They soaked in the warmth of the sunrise as the sun painted the sky a vibrant orange. Neither of them said anything to each other. Sydney glanced over at Chloe, watching the sunlight glide over her freckled face. She turned back to the sky, searching for any birds.
After a moment, Sydney could sense Chloe’s restlessness. “Ready to head down?”
Chloe bolted. “Last one down has to buy brunch!”
“Cheater!” Sydney shouted as she after her friend.
Chloe only managed to stay a few steps ahead. Sydney knew she could beat her, but as hard as she tried, she couldn’t seem to get past her. She kept running and running and running, never gaining on her.
Sydney stopped to catch her breath, and so did Chloe. “Shouldn’t we be down by now?”
“Yeah, going downstairs is always easier and faster.”
“I see the bottom,” Sydney said, trying to rationalize their predicament.
“Me too,” Chole said as she started to walk down. “Come on, let’s keep going.”
The two walked down the stairs, keeping an eye on the grassy floor. Neither could explain the phenomenon, but the more they went down, the more they did not get any closer to the bottom.
“I’m starting to freak out a bit now,” Chloe confessed.
Sydney looked over the rail. We’re too far to jump safely, she thought. Out of a sense of placement, she looked up. There were two people on the balcony.
“There are people up there.”
Chloe looked up. “How did they get there?”
“Let’s go find out.”
In the balcony viewing area stood a tall, slender man in a white and pink suit with a woman of a similar build, but a little shorter and in a red dress holding a tablet device. Their similar hair and face structure made Sydney assume the two were siblings. Behind them was a white metal door with a golden accent strip.
“Looks like they found us, Raven,” the man said as Sydney and Chloe reached the top.
“Indeed they have, Loki,” the woman said.
“Do you think they know what’s wrong, Raven?”
“I think they suspect something, Loki.”
“I think you are correct, Raven.”
“Okay, what’s going on?” Sydney demanded.
“Shall we tell her, Raven?” Loki asked.
“I think you should tell her, Loki,” Raven responded.
“But you have a way with the words, Raven.”
“As do you, Loki.”
“Would one of you explain what’s going on?” Sydney interrupted. “I don’t care who. Take turns if you must.”
“This staircase is a construct of your fears, Sydney,” Loki explained.
Raven tapped on her tablet. “Like any fear, the only way to break free is to confess your truth.”
Loki opened the door. On the other side was an impossible night scene of a series of office cubicles. Raven stepped inside, followed by Loki. “Good luck.”
Loki closed the door behind him. The door disappeared in a blink the moment the door shut.
“What truth do you need to confess?” Chloe asked, visibly freaked out.
Sydney looked into Chloe’s eyes. Actions are more powerful than words, she thought to herself right before she kissed Chloe. Chloe returned the embrace. When they parted, they discovered they were on the ground where the staircase once stood.
“Been waiting for that,” Chloe admitted.
Sydney smiled. “So, who has to buy brunch?”
“I think we’ll count that one as a tie.”
Out of sight in the abandoned home, Loki and Raven watched as Chloe and Sydney jogged off together. Loki tossed Raven a golden coin, which she caught and put in her dress pocket.
“You won that one,” Loki admitted. “I thought it would’ve taken them much longer to escape.”
“Don’t worry. You got more opportunities.”
This week’s short story was inspired by the following writing prompt: “You’re walking home and you see a solitary staircase in the woods behind an abandoned house. They go up into the treeline. Out of curiosity, you start walking up them. After walking up for a while you decide to go back but never reach the bottom. When you look back up again you see the top.”
Thank you to Janine De Guzman at Design Pickle for bringing the platform scene to life. If you want to read another story with Chole and Sydney, check out The Oak Tree Box.
For my second Tulsa story this year, I visited with chefs Sarah & Jean-Baptiste Saint Amon. They’re a married couple from the U.S. and France that has brought the vision of French baking to Tulsa. With scratch-made baked goods, Saint Amon Baking Co has a motto that everyone should be able to afford good, quality food. With options ranging from things people may have never heard about to treats for children to high-end desserts to enjoy.
Visit them for yourself at 6333 East 120th Ct F in Tulsa or online at SaintAmonBakingCo.com
For my first proper Uncovering Oklahoma episode for 2020, I traveled to Tulsa where I interviewed Venita Cooper of Silhouette Sneakers & Art. Silhouette is a retail experience where fashion, art, and community converge. In my interview with Venita, she shared the story behind her passion for sneakers and her goals of becoming an inclusive space in Tulsa.
As part of my goal to improve the quality of my episodes this year, for the first time, I’ve released this video in 10-bit 4K HDR HLG. In the past, I’ve typically released episodes in 8-bit 1080p SDR as 4k felt like overkill, plus it allowed me to crop the video without losing quality. This year, I’m also doing interviews with at least two cameras. There are new graphics to go with the new year. Basically, I wanted to flex my skills and be better so I hope you enjoy.
Visit Silhouette Sneakers for yourself at 10 North Greenwood Avenue Suite C (facing Archer) in Tulsa or their website at SilhouetteTulsa.com
Thank you to my supporters on Patreon for helping to make Uncovering Oklahoma possible! Big thanks to superstar supporters: Lynn and Steve Keller-Kenton Family and Revolve Productions.
Sam and Geoff travel to see Teri French, founder of the Tulsa Spirit Tours, who has been sharing Tulsa’s colorful past with locals and visitors alike for over a decade. They meet at Foolish Things Coffee where Teri discusses the city’s history, including stories of the Tulsa Race Massacre, serial killers, and prohibition scandals.
We would like to thank Teri French for sharing stories with us and Foolish Things Coffee for letting us record on their patio.
If you love what we’re doing, want us to keep being artist owned and patron supported, click here. In return, you can get bonus content, including early access to my other shows and stories.
Behind the Scenes Commentary (Spoilers)
Our original plan to feature Tulsa was to include it in connection with our Route 66 storyline. However, with logistics and schedules, we made Tulsa its own trip. On the way back home, Jeff and I did take Route 66 with the intent of hoping to get some stories on the way to Chandler from Tulsa. Since it was Sunday, the few towns we did pass through were closed and we had no luck. We may try again next season.
I did reach out to the Cave House and Gilcrease Museum for interviews, but I never heard back. I would love to go back for more personal stories about Tulsa, but Teri did give us a great overview of the city.
