The History of Emrick's Van & Storage

Humble Beginnings: Emrick’s Bus, Baggage and Transfer Line – THE OKLAHOMA TIMES JOURNAL – Oct 19th 1893

Emrick’s Established in 1894 – THE PERRY DAILY TIMES – Jan 12th 1894

This Perry Daily Times clipping showcases the Emrick Transfer Co.’s dependable freight delivery services and their newly outfitted bus running between the Perry station and local hotels. The bus was admired for its beauty and solid construction, thanks to the craftsmanship of blacksmith Bert Tuller and the finishing work of Keesa & Parmelee. Together, these pieces highlight the company’s reputation for reliability, quality, and strong ties to the community.

Purchasing Pelton Dray Line – THE ENID EVENTS – May 24th 1906

Warehouse Sold: Change of Base – THE ENID EVENTS – April 4th 1907

This article reports on George Emrick’s purchase of Albert Loewen’s broom corn warehouse in Enid, marking an expansion for the Emrick Transfer & Storage Company. The acquisition reflects the city’s shifting wholesale trade center toward Maple Street, where multiple businesses were establishing operations. The move positioned Emrick’s at the heart of Enid’s growing commercial district, reinforcing its role in the area’s rapid business development.

Enid Transfer CO. Incorporates – THE ENID EVENTS – June 6th 1907

Prosperity Tide is High: Volume of Wholesale Business Rapidly Expanding – ENID DAILY EAGLE – March 31st 1909

This Enid Daily Eagle article highlights Enid’s rapid economic growth, with Emrick’s Transfer & Storage Company noting a dramatic rise in families moving to the area and businesses establishing wholesale operations. The article emphasizes how Emrick’s was handling unprecedented shipments and demand, showcasing Enid’s phenomenal expansion as a thriving commercial hub.

Enid Transfer Co. Buys Old Alton Building – THE ENID EVENTS – June 10th 1909

Paul and Nikki Baker – Emrick’s Article

The article discusses the expansion and success of Emrick’s Van & Storage under new ownership. Paul and Nikki Baker purchased the company in 1977, and since then, the business has grown significantly. Emrick’s has expanded its staff, fleet, and revenue, making 1985 its best year in its 82-year history. The company, originally founded in 1904 by George Emrick, started with horse-drawn wagons before transitioning to motorized transport in the 1920s.

Paul Baker, an engineer, and his wife Nikki, a former Bell operator, took over the business from Paul Crosslin and modernized operations. They expanded into Oklahoma City in 1981 and projected $1 million in sales for 1986. Their marketing strategies, including toll-free numbers and Yellow Pages ads, helped them tap into the Western Oklahoma market. Looking ahead, they planned further expansion, including a third location in  Tulsa.

1939 Emrick’s Softball Team to Play in State Tournament

This vintage newspaper clipping highlights Emrick’s women’s softball team as they prepared to compete in the Oklahoma state tournament. The article notes the team’s remarkable record, winning 30 of 36 games in the season while facing tough opponents from surrounding towns. Representing the Transfer Company, the team photo showcases players in uniform, including Mary Ruth Baker, Mrs. Ray Hutchison, and several other dedicated athletes, along with their mascot, Mary Bell Baker. The piece reflects not only the community spirit of the era but also Emrick’s support for local athletics, capturing a moment where teamwork, determination, and company pride extended beyond business and into the ball field.

The Enid Morning News – 1940

The article highlights Emrick’s Van & Storage Co. as a cornerstone of Oklahoma City’s moving industry since its founding by George Emrick in 1904. It emphasizes that the company has seen no change in management since its establishment, maintaining the same principles of reliable service and customer trust over the decades. The piece underscores Emrick’s reputation for dependable moving and storage solutions, presenting the business as both experienced and steady in an ever-changing market. Alongside its history, the article showcases Emrick’s commitment to professional care and consistency, qualities that have made it a trusted name in the community for generations.

Emrick’s 1948 Article

This historic newspaper clipping from The Enid Daily Eagle, dated May, 1948, profiles George Emrick, a trailblazer in the freight hauling industry. The article, titled “Pioneer Freight Hauler Sees His Own Industry Grow Along With Community,” details how Emrick’s company developed alongside the city of Enid, Oklahoma. It reflects on the early days of freight transportation, the challenges of building a business in a growing community, and Emrick’s vision for the future. The feature includes photographs of George Emrick, early freight operations, and one of the company’s branded trucks, illustrating the steady progress of both his enterprise and the local economy.

The Enid Morning News 1940 – Emrick’s

The Enid Daily Eagle – 1948

Emrick’s Enid Transfer & Storage Co. Celebrates 33 Years of Service – The Enid Morning News 1937

This historic newspaper page from The Enid Morning News, dated September 12, 1937, highlights the growth of Emrick’s Enid Transfer & Storage Co., one of Oklahoma’s largest transfer companies at the time. Founded by George Emrick and later run by his son Russell, the company had expanded to a large warehouse, a modern fleet of trucks, and service routes across the state. The article notes that Emrick’s freight trucks traveled over 400,000 miles the previous year, underscoring its role as a major force in Oklahoma’s transportation industry. The page features photographs of the founders, their distinctive branded truck, and the company’s multi-story warehouse, capturing a moment of pride and progress in Enid’s business history.

Early Days of Emrick’s Enid Transfer & Storage Co. – Horse-Drawn Freight in Oklahoma

Emrick’s Enid Transfer & Storage Co. Bus Schedule

This vintage schedule from Emrick’s Enid Transfer & Storage Co. offers a nostalgic look at mid-20th-century travel between Oklahoma and Kansas. Featuring detailed departure and arrival times for both northbound and southbound routes, the timetable highlights service to cities such as Enid, Oklahoma City, Wichita, and numerous small towns along the way. With its bold typography, old-fashioned telephone numbers, and the company’s classic truck logo, the piece reflects an era when dependable motor coach service was a vital link for regional transportation.