The City Council approved a request from David Hess to bestow Fifth Street (between Delaware Avenue and Shawnee Avenue) the honorary name of “Jim Hess Boulevard” in honor of his late father, James A. Hess.
The Hess family was well known for owning and operating the 5th Street Liquor Store on the northwest corner of Fifth Street and Shawnee Avenue for nearly 57 years prior to Jim Hess’ death.
But much more than that, Jim Hess – who was fondly known as “Mr. Bartlesville” – was dedicated to the city’s history, education and the future of its youngest and brightest citizens, according to his son.
Hess was “a keeper of Bartlesville and Oklahoma history and a teller of stories that future generations need to hear,” David Hess wrote in his request letter.
Jim Hess loved his community and served in various capacities, including as two-term president of The Friends of the Bartlesville Library, three-term president of the Washington County Historical Society and president of the Bartlesville Area History Museum Trust Authority.
Hess notably founded the College High School Alumni Association and Scholarship Fund in 1986, which has helped 141 Bartlesville High School graduates attend college thus far. It was his father’s “proudest accomplishment,” David wrote, adding that his father’s legacy “promoted education and growth for the young people of our community in a way that continues to change lives.”
An honorary blue “Jim Hess Blvd.” sign will be placed above the Fifth Street signage. It should be noted that honorary names do not officially rename the street. Mailing addresses will remain as they currently are.