History

Scott Dingman (co-founder of Oak Tree Books)

Reviving a Tulsa Landmark

In 1993 Scott Dingman and Charles Curtsinger opened Oak Tree Books at 2812 E. 15th St in Tulsa, OK with the goal of selling rare and out of print books and a focus on Oklahoma and Native American History. Not long after, Curtsinger stepped away from the venture. For nearly 20 years Dingman continued to run the bookstore, opening a satellite store in Sapulpa called Oak Tree West and hiring a variety of employees before his brother, Rick stepped in to help with operations.

After Rick's passing, Scott handed over control of Oak Tree Books to Lee Roy Chapman, a friend and co-worker, and moved to Florida to be closer to family. Lee Roy's commitment to unearthing rare and often forgotten or neglected Oklahoma history and relics was integral to reinforcing Oak Tree Books' place in Tulsa and nationwide as a staple for uncommon and scarce pieces.

After Chapman's untimely passing, Oak Tree Books closed its doors in 2016, though Daniel Woodul, a longtime friend of Dingman and Chapman, maintained the name with hopes to one day revive the bookstore. In 2024 Woodul approached Sean Stanford, a former employee and manager of Oak Tree West, about reopening Oak Tree Books in the same location. Woodul and Stanford set out rebuilding the inventory, fixtures, and acquiring rare pieces worthy of the name.

In September 2024 the open sign came on again and Oak Tree Books is taking rare books back to the Tulsa.

Lee Roy Chapman 1969-2015

Renowned Associate - Artist, Activist, Local Historian, and Author

Oak Tree Books Tulsa World Article | Feb 2, 2005

A Fine & Rare Bookstore on The Plains

Founded by Scott Dingman and Charles Curtsinger in 1993, Oak Tree Books has been a staple of Tulsa, Oklahoma's Fine & Rare Book Market for more than 30 years. Through the development of successful links to the Academic world of Special Collections, Museum Archives, and assistance in the acquisition of important documents for many Native American Tribes Special Collections, Dingman and his many associates worked tirelessly to build the Oak Tree Books legacy.

Extraordinary Finds

With more than 30 Years Oak Tree Books has held some very special pieces.

Tulsa World Feb 2, 2005

Sean Stanford and Scott Dingman in 2005

Sean Stanford first came into Oak Tree Books as a customer in 1997 and began volunteering in 2003. Before long Scott was paying him $50 a week and eventually $50 a day. He ran the Oak Tree Books satellite store when it opened in Sapulpa, OK in 2005.

Sean brings a lifelong love of books and rare editions.

Our Passion

The staff at Oak Tree Books are lifelong book collectors and enthusiasts who share a deep love for literature. Our passion is reflected in the carefully curated selection of volumes we hold, ranging from the early 16th Century to contemporary works.