06/08/2026
On September 24, 1935, George Coleman Jr. of Miami, Oklahoma, made headlines by setting a new world speed record in a Class X motorboat at Lake Spavinaw. Clocking an incredible 69.189 miles per hour, he shattered the previous record and earned international attention for his achievement.
The Coleman family is often remembered for their contributions to the theatre that bears their name, but their story extends far beyond the stage. From mining and business ventures to record-breaking speedboat racing, the Colemans left their mark on Oklahoma history in some surprising ways.
Imagine standing on the shore of Lake Spavinaw in 1935, watching a world record being set right before your eyes!
What hobby or sport do you think would surprise future historians if they discovered it was popular in Miami today? Let us know in the comments! 🚤💨