PRESERVATION Spring 2005 vol.1 l no.3 OKLAHOMA NEWS A joint project of the State Historic Preservation Office and Preservation Oklahoma

2005 Most Endangered Historic Places list Announced

On January 3 1 at the Mayo Hotel in Tulsa HISTORIC DOWNTOWN TULSA beg~nconstruction of the Odd Fellows Home Oklahoma, Preservation Oklahoma and the From its Art Deco buildings. to its in 1900, w~thOklahoma architectJoseph Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office pedestrian friendly storefronts, Historic Foucart Closed in 1981, the orphanage has were pleased to announce Oklahoma's Most Downtown Tulsa reflects its community's been home to over 900 res~dentsAlthough Endangered Historic Places list for 2005. history and growth. a new use has been found, the property IS n In 1993, this annual list was established as Downtown Tulsa serves as a development need of attention a way to bring public attention to Oklahoma's tool, a sign oithe community's economic BOHEMIAN HALL, PRAGUE d~versehistoric resources. Each year, a call health, and a physical link to Tulsa's past. As Built in 1917, the Z.C.B. j. Lodge Hall for nominations goes out to the membership with all downtowns, careful thought should No. 46, or commonly known as the and public at large. The Endangered Places be taken when considering irreversible Bohemian Hall, IS the oldest Czech fraternal Committee revtews the nominations and changes-whether demolition. new order in Oklahoma. For nearly 100 years. selects the sites based on their architectural construction or adaptive reuse. Downtown the Bohemian Hall has stood as a symbol integrity and historical significance, the Tulsa is the center of the entire community, of the ethnic przde and heritage of Czechs identifiable threat, and the likelihood that and a place that "belongs" to everyone. In Oklahoma. their inclusion on this list will make a positive ODD FELLOWS WIDOWS AND ORPHANS Recent deterioration and lack of ~mpacton preservation efforts. Each listing HOME, CHECOTAH funds are the main obstacles facing this serves as a sample ofthe thousands of Datingfrom early 18th century England. community landmark. landmarks across Oklahoma in need of our the Odd Fellows charrtable work was attention and protection. afmed at helping the poor Members ofthe This year's list includes: See ''Endangered Places" on page 6 Checotah Lodge #20 gained permission to Oklahoma's 17th Annual Statewide PRESERVATION OKLAHOMA NEWS Preservation Conference Jo~nus June 8-10, 2005, in Stillwater forthe special short course Makmg the Grade in Preservation: Oklahoma's 17th Annual Statewide Preservotion Conference. Registration and most conference activities will be held in the Stillwater Community Center 315 West 8th. The class scheduie includes (I) Track A: Historic Preservation on Campus addressing the opportunltles and the challenges for colleges and univers~tiesand public schools as they plan for the future use of their h~storicbuildings: (2) Track B: Cammunrty Revitalmtion Workbook featuring sessons about federal tax credits for rehabilitatton and the economic benefits of Preservation Oklahoma News, other preservation strategies, such as historic district designation: and (3) Trock C: Preservation the newsletter of Oklahoma's CliffNotes providing the basics you need to build a successful local preservaton program, such h~storjcprerervaton cornmunlty, as information about who to contact with your preservation questions and concerns. is publ~shedquarterly as a jont project of Presewat~onOklahoma Fifty-two speakers from Oklahoma and across the nation comprise the conference and the Okiahoma State H~storic faculty. Keynote speaker Heather Macintosh, President, Preservation Action, Washington, D.C.. Preservation Office will discuss how to channel passion for preservation into posit~veaction. Other special guest speakers include Fab~oAngell, Preservation PlannerIMain Street Manager All correspondence. materials, and Fernando Flores, CDBG Director of Pharr, Texas speaking about the use of CDBG funds or address changes should be to foster preservation and heritage tourism in their community; Nancy Jane Baker, Manager, ernailed to: [email protected] Memphis Landmarks Commission and NAPC representative (see detailed arricle in this issue); or send by regular mail to: John 5. Bowman, Jr, Executive Director, Tax Credit Capital L.L.C., Donna G. Richard, Revenue Preservation Oklahoma. Inc. Agent Coordinator, Internal Revenue Service, and Angela Shearer, Tax lncent~ves Program. 405 Northwest Fifteenth Street National Park Service discussing the federal investment tax credits for rehabiiitation for all sizes Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73103 of projects; Travis Beckwith, U.5. Mtlitary Academy. Duane Boyle, U. 5. Air Force Academy, Lou Ann j. Broad, U. 5. Naval Academy, and Mark Buck, U. 5. Coast Guard Academy discussing the Editors: Melvena Heisch See Presewat~onConference on page 3 Deputy State Hstoric PresewatfonOfficer Oklahoma Historical Society (405) 522-4484

Heather Se~fert Executive Dlrector Preservation Oklahoma, Inc. Overhoiser Mansion 405 Northwest Fifteenth Street Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73103 (405) 525-5325

.nter,ar Howeverthe cantenti and ap,nioni do not ncce.rany reflect the vewr or poi'ler 01 he Department ofthe intenor, nor does the ment,cn aitrade names or commerc.ai product. Conlttrfe erdoiremen?orrecommendat an5 oy the Department ofthe Interlor TI, pragraw rerever rranra ari,tao

offire of o qua Opparrrnq US Depanment of the :oterar Wailngton. DC. 20140

2 Spring 2005 Route 66 Preservation Workshop A Route 66 workshop will be held in assistance on preservation challenges at the A reglstratlon fee of $150 w~llbe required Monrovia. California on September 13 and local, state, and federal levels. to part~cipatein the workshop. Please make 14,2005. This workshop is sponsored by the The workshop is intended for professionals, checks or money orders payable to the National Parkservice Route 66 Corridor advocates, and those who work. or plan California Route 66 Preservation Foundation Preservation Program. to work, in preserving historic properties and include w~thyour application to the Participants will learn from experts anywhere along Route 66. Attendees will address below: about standards, techniques, and tools for include advocates from Route 66-related Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program protecting and preserving travel related Associations, owners of histor~cproperties National Park Servwe historic properties along Route 66. You along Route 66, members of city planning PO. Box 728 will hear about available resources for staffs, chambers of commerce, economic Santa Fe, NM 87504-0728 preservation funding, about neon restoration, development offices, etc. Participation will (505) 988-6742 and road and bridge preservation. We be l~mitedto 40 attendees and will be wiil discuss how to rehabilitate historic selected based on the information provided. properties for new uses, what the Secretary A detailed schedule of the workshop is of Interior's Standards are all about, and find available at www.cr.nps.govlrt66. out how listmg on the National Register can To apply, download and complete the benefit property owners. We will discuss applicat~onform available at www.cr.nps.gov/m66 the importance of local zoning ordinances and submit the hard copy to the Route 66 and preservation-friendly General Plans, and Corridor Preservation Program, National how such plann~nglaws can benefit Route 66 Park Service, PO. Box 728, Santa Fe, NM related properties. Sessions will investigate 87504.0728, Deadline for application to the best practices in working with local planners, workshop is July I. 2005. Two spaces for commissions, councils, property owners, and each Route 66 Association will be reserved community development organizations to to guarantee representation across Route 66. forge cooperative strategies. Part~clpantswill Participants will be expected to attend the also learn how to access links to technical entire workshoo

Preservation Conference continued from page 2 mission and tradition of their institutions and the challenges and opportunities in the [email protected] or Kelli White, how they meet their historx preservation preservation of historic school buildings. Downtown Stillwater, at (405)624-2921 or responsibilit!es: Megan]. Brown. Hfstoric In addition to class work. you will enjoy [email protected]. Preservation Grants, National Park Service extracurricular activities including tours of explaining how to qualify and apply for Save Stillwateis historic places, receptions, and CONTACT INFORMATION America's Treasures grants: Daniel Carey, other events. for informotion on the i7th Annuai Southwest Office, Nat~onalTrust for Historic Conference cosponsors include the State Preservation Conference: Preservation hghlighting the Trust's financial Historic Preservation Office, Oklahoma Melvena Helsch and technical services programs: Pratt Cassity, Historical Society, Oklahoma Main Deputy, SHPO School of Env\ronmental Design, University Street Centei: Oklahoma Department of Georgia providing POK's luncheon address; of Commerce, Preservation Oklahoma. (405) 522 4484 Steve Kline, General Services Administration Downtown Stillwater: Payne County [email protected] discussing GSRs role in community Historical Society, Sheerar Museum, Stillwater Kelll Wh~te revitalization: Donovan D. Rypkema. Place Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Downtown St~llwater Economics presenting hts study results Stillwater Community Center Watch your (405) 624 2921 about the economic benefits of historic mailbox or visit www.ok-history.mus.ok.us in director@downtownstillwatercom district designation for neighborhoods: and early May for program and registration details. Royce Yeater, Midwest Director, Nat~onal Contact Melvena He~sch,Deputy SHPO Trust for Historic Preservation talking about with any questions, at (405) 522-4484 or

Spring 2005 3 Ardmore Designated a Preserve America Community

Mrs. Laura Bush has recently honored comm~tmentto the preservation of its local Foundation, Ardmore Community Activities Ardmore, Okiahoma as one of the Nation's landmarks, revitalization of its downtown Fund, Merrick Foundation, Goddard newest Preserve Amenco communities. commercal district which is listed in the Foundation, ONEOK Foundation, and the Ardmore and Shawnee (designated in National Register of Historic Places, and Great Amercan Train Foundation. The U.S. December 2004) now both will benefit from promotton of its many assets through heritage Department of Energy helped pay for energy- this special White House initative. tomsm. The project was the culmination of efficient windows and doors through the "Preserve America communities demonstrate years of effort by the Ardmore Ma~nStreet Stripper Well Overcharge fund, The State that they are commtted to preserving Authority (now officed in the depot) and its H~storicPreservation Office guided project America's heritage while ensuring a future many public and private partners. planners under the Section 106 review filled w~thopportunites for learning and The project's success was insured by process to Insure the work met the Secretary enjoyment," Mrs. Bush sa~d."Ths new this strong publ~clprlvatepartnership. The of the Interior's Standards for Rehabhtation. communlty designation program, provides Oklahoma Department of Transportation The Ardmore community not only insured strong incentives for continued preservation provided Transportation Enhancement funds preservation ofths important landmark of our cultural and natural heritage resources. which covered 59% ofthe project costs. but also provided a stimulus for economic I commend you for your commitment to The other 41 % came from private funds development in the area and improved preserving an important part of our Nation's from the Noble Foundation, Westhe~mer the visitor's experience in the historic historic past for vlsitors, neighbors, and, most Foundation, Southern Oklahoma Memorial See Ardrnore, page 5 importantly, for children.'' The City of Ardmore will recelve a certificate of designation signed by Mrs.

Bush stating that Ardmore 18 now a Preserve Amenco Community. The Preserve America initatlve is a new Whte House effort to encourage and support communlty efforts for the preservation and enjoyment of America's priceless cultural and natural herttage. The goals ofthe in~tiativeinclude: a greater shared knowiedge about the Nation's past; strengthened regonal identities and local pride: increased local participation In preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets: and, support for the economic vitality of our communit~es. Ardmore's Preserve America Community application featured the recently completed rehabilitation of its 1918 Santa Fe Depot. The project demonstrates the community's

Overholser Tour Guides Needed

Are you interested in Oklahoma City history? Cons~derbecomng a volunteer tour guide at the Overholser Mansion

The Overholser Manson is a sgn~ficantlandmark in Oklahoma Cty, filled w~thantlques and orlg~nalfurnjshings Its ornate arch~tectureand mterest~nghistory bring vlsitors from across the country

Hours are flexible, Traning is avalable. For more information contact: Heather at (405) 525-5325 or [email protected] Special Session for Historic Preservation Commissions at Statewide Conference

Experienced and new local h~storic properties. Priorto coming to Memphis, Ms. The SHPO is pleased to provide preservation commission members, city Baker served as Tennessee's Certified Local th~sspec~al opportunity for conference planning staff, and citizens interested in Government (CLG) Coordinator During partjc~pantsand encourages those concerned local historic preservation zoning issues will hertenure as state CLG Coordinator, the about the Important legal, admnistratne. and want to attend the special half day National number of CLG's across the state increased procedural issues related to the effective, Alliance of Preservation Commissions from 9 to 22 communities. She has presented consistent, and efficient enforcement of local (NAPC) workshop which will be featured papers and led sessions at numerous state preservation ordinances during the statewide preservation conference conferences, often dealing with thorny in Stillwater The session will be held on legal, ethical, and procedural issues. She led CONTACT INFORMATION Frday,June 9, 8:30-11:45 am with NAPC the effort to draft the first locally adopted representative Nancy Jane Baker conducting ordinance against demolition by neglect in for information on the Preservation Comm~ssmnSess~an the workshop. Tennessee as well as designation ofthe state's Ms. Baker has been the manager of the first local conservation overlay district. Ms. Melvena Helsch Memphis, Tennessee Landmarks Commission Baker has been a presenter at NAPC Forums Deputy, SHPO since 2000, where she and her staff are and a contributor to The Alliance Review (405) 522 4484 respons~blefor the day-to-day activities of She holds a Master of Arts in Community mhefsch@ok-h~storymusokus the Commission, which oversees thirteen Planning and Historic Preservation from designated Historic Districts with over 5,000 Auburn University.

Ardmore continued from page 4 district. Business owners n the area report a 50% ,"crease in traffic and agree the area has a safer atmosphere with the addition of the police substation. The depot's exterior is brightly lit throughout the evenlng hours so Heartland Flyer passengers have an inviting and safe place to wait forthe train. The percentage of train passengers in Ardmore has increased by 70% compared to last year's numbers, and the depot project will continue to help attract these tourists to stay longer in downtown Ardmore. Presewe America Communities receive national recognition for their efforts. Other benefits include appropriate use ofthe Preserve America logo on signs and promotional materials: notification to media, State tourism offices, and visitor bureaus: and lhrtlng n a Web-based directory to showcase presemation efforts and highlight heritage tourism destinations. The Bush Administration's fiscal year 2005 budget contains a request for $10 million in grant funds for which communities meeting the Preserve Amenco criteria will be eliglble to apply. These matching fund grants of $50,000 to $250.000 would go on a competitive basis to projects that preserve and use ~mportanth~stor~c resources for promotion of heritage tourism and other economic revitalization projects. "You are pioneers in thls initiative, which shows just how proud the people of Ardmore are of their city, State and the~rplace in our Nation's histow'' Secretary ofthe Interior Gale Norton said. "Each community's unique and diverse stories are part ofthe largerchapterof American heritage, culture and values. It is by visiting and experiencing these special places that we have an opportunity to touch the past, and can best understand how the past touches us.'' The Department of the Interior partners with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to adm~nisterthe Preserve America Community program on behalf of the Office of the First Lady, For more information and updates on the initiative, please v~sitwww.PreserveAmerica.gov. Melvena Heisch, Deputy SHPO invites communtty representatives to contact her at (405) 522-4484 or [email protected] to discuss how the SHPO can assist with the Preserve America Communty application. "Endangered Places" continued from pafe 1

THE RECENT PAST, STATEWIDE CHILOCCO INDIAN SCHOOL, KAY COUNTY Buildings from the 20th century are Chlocco was an Indian boarding school disappearingfrom Oklahoma. Whle older established n 1884 by the US Government structures have long been the focus of to educate chldren ofthe nomadic tribes of preservation efforts, the value of properties western Oklahoma. The school grew from from the recent past has not been widely one building in 884, to 35 buildings in 1907. embraced. These 20th century structures Built of native limestone, the majority of need to survive not only for their economic the buildings were built between 1900 and potential. beauty or fame, but also because 1920. Closed njune 1980 am~dconsderable they provide a continuous thread to our opposition, today the buildings are in need of archtectural history funding and a long range plan. original section of Route 66 between Afton and ~iamiserved as the main artery of US COUNTY COURT HOUSES. STATEWIDE BAKERY, FORT SILL 66 until it bypassed by a wder, more modern A historic county court house IS more This 889 bakery is one of fifty 19th roadbed in 1937. This three-mile section of than a building for government functions. century mllitary buildings located within the orlg~nalRoute 66 is threatened due to poor Standing with dignity and strength at the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark D~strtct. maintenance and improper pavng. center of dozens of Oklahoma cities, these The bakery contributes to the most complete frontier fort from the lndian Wars period in historic court houses serve as symbols of WILL ROGERS PARK GARDENS AND our communities. Abandonment, demolition. existence, and represents a unique historical ARBORETUM, OKLAHOMA CITY budget shortfalls and deferred maintenance function within this historic fort. Will Rogers Gardens began in 912 when threaten these one-of-a-kind landmarks. Today. the Fort 5111 Museum is faced with Oklahoma City leaders purchased 160 acres insufficient funds to restore this bakery, and of land once used as a daiy farm. The acreage WHEELOCK ACADEMY, MILLERTON competes with the many other priorities went unused for 25 years, until 1932, when American girls in the mid-19th century related to the Army's military mission. this land was developed for a cornerstone had Iimted options when it came to getting park. Throughout the 1930'8, the c~tyworked CADDOAN MOUNDS, an education. But in lndian Territory, SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA with the Works Projects Adminstratton young Choctaw women had an advantage: Dating from SOOAD, the Caddo lndian (WPA) and the Civilan Conservat~onCorps Wheelock Academy, a co-education school Nation was an influential group of lndian (CCC) to shape the land. hailed as a model for lndian education. After tr~besin the midwestern United States. They Without renewed interest in these a succession of ownership and over I00 were descendents of nomadic hunters before historic structures and plant collections, thts years of operation, the school closed in 1955. developing their own domesticated crops. irreplaceable landscape wll vanlsh. Decades of weather damage and lack of These mounds represent ceremonial places funding now prevent this national landmark ROSENWALD HALL. LIMA for the Caddoans. Unfortunately, they are also from reaching its potential. Started in 1913 by Julius Rosenwald. the focus for treasure seekers. It is estimated President of Sears Roebuck and Company, that 90 percent of the Caddoan mounds have LAUX BLACKSMITH SHOP, STERLING the Rosenwald Fund provided matching been vandalized to some extent. From horseshoes and wagon wheels, grants forthe construchon of 5300 schools through the evolut~onof the automobile, for African-Americans hvng in the rural south. ORIGINAL ROUTE 66 ROAD BED. three generatjons ofthe Laux famlly BETWEEN AFTON AND MIAMI Rosenwad's philanthropy underwrote have provided blacksmth serwces at this It began in the early 1920's with a vision of the construction of 98schools across 44 locat~onSince 1902 the Laux Blacksmith a paved hghway that would connect Chicago Oklahoma counties from I920 to 1932. Shop has played a v~talrole in the history to Los Angeles. By the time it was completed, Completed in 1921, this school IS one ofthe of the agricultural success of southeastern Route 66 would cover over 2400 miles. It was few remaining Rosenwald-funded schools in Oklahoma Both the blacksm~thshop and the road of dreamers and ramblers, drifters Oklahoma. Currently vacant, this property IS tools are in jeopardy of be~nglost and wr~ters.It was the h~ghwayof commerce: in need of immediate attention. hotels, truck stops and neon signs. Only small portions ofthe original road reman. I hs

6 Spring 2005 Special Opportunities for Architects, Planners, and Students

The State Historic Preservation Office is pleased to offer special opportun~tiesto architects, planners, and college and university students who attend Oklahoma's i7th Annual Statewide Preservation Conference to be held June 8-10 in downtown Stillwater (see also related articles in this issue). The SHPO believes that the conference program includes many beneficial sessions for architects and planners and encourages them to take advantage ofthe conference for professjonal development purposes. Registered architects can earn American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System (AIAI CES) learn~ngunit hours for their attendance. For details about this program, contact Catherlne Montgomery, Historic Preservation A Prairie Cathedral: The Schulz Barn Architect ofthe SHPO staff at (405) 522-4479 or catherinernaok-history.mus.ok.us.

BY BRET CARTER, POK BOARD MEMBER Also, the conference agenda has been in Noble County, the impressive Schulz Barn stands as a silent reminder of the agricultural age approved as a source of American lnst~tuteof of Oklahoma. Only a short walk from the loth largest man-made lake in Okiahoma, and within Certified Planners (AICP) continuing education sight of a large OG&E power plant, it was once fhe center ofthe 13.000 acres "40 Ranch.'' credits. Persons interested in either ofthese Richard Schulz constructed the barn in 941. It took 30 men neady 3 years: many ofthem programs should simply register forthe were Native Americans. It is 96 feet wide. 160 feet long, and 55 feet from floor to ceiling. and conference and check in at the SHPO's table truly fits the description. "Prairie Cathedral." The interior ofthe barn is open, with the sides when they arrive at the conference. framed as pens for livestock and grain storage. The barn's large interior will easdy hold 55,000 The SHPO encourages college and universty bales of hay When the barn caught fir^ in the late 1940'8, the contents were listed as: 25,000 students plannng preservation-related careers bales of alfalfa and pra~riehay, 900 bushels of seed wheat, 1000 bushes of oats and 3000 to attend the conference. SO, we are offering creosote posts. twenty (20) scholarships on a first-come The barn is well constructed and incredibly stable, with massive piers supporting the east and basis to qualified Oklahoma college and west wall, and a foundation that stretches deep into the Oklahoma Prairie. Laminated beams universjty students. The scholarship covers the offir and ash support the roof gracefully, extendfng from the floorto the peak ofthe roof. The conference registrat~onfee, and the appl~cat~on stone used in the barn's construction was collected from "40 Ranch's" immense acreage, and deadline is 5:OOpm. Friday, May 6. For details panstakingly moved to the buiidmg site. and an appiication form contact Melvena Overt's 60-pus year Ife, the barn has had only three owners and the current owner is Hefsch. Deputy SHPO at (405) 522-4484 or now searching for a sympathetic buyer Recently, the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation [email protected] or visit the Office has confirmed that this barn is eligible forthe National Register of Historic Piaces. Ths SHPO's website at www.ok-history.mus.ok.us I listing could qualify a new owner for historic rehabilitation tax credits. and seiect "Events." For more information, please contact Bret Carter at (580) 765-5383 or (580) 716-5649, or [email protected].

Spring 2005 7 PRESERVATION OKLAHOMA INC.

405 NORTHWEST FIFTEENTH STREET OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA 73103 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE STATEWIDE PRESERVATION NETWORK. TOIN PRESERVATION OKLAHOMA TODAY.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Preservation Oklahoma's goal is to encourage the preservation of Oklahoma's historic places through advocacy, education and leadershp President Bill Gumerson, Oklahoma C~ty As a member, you become part of a vital network of ind~vdualsand Vjce President Barret Williamson, Norman organizatons workng to rebuild communities, strengthen ne~ghborhoods, restore historic properties.. .you become part of Oklahoma's future. Secretory john Feaver, Ph.D., Chickasha

Treasurer Cathy Ambler, Ph.D., Tulsa NAME Stephen Boyd. Hobart ADDRESS Bret Carter, Ponca C~ty

Cassandra Gaines, Muskogee

Konrad Keesee, Oklahoma C~ty PHONE Jo Meachem, Oklahoma City

Jul~eMiner, Tulsa EMAIL Kathleen Page, Tulsa

Roger Rinehart, El Reno Partner - $10,000 or more John Snyder, Tulsa Mall. along with check to: 0 Benefactor - $1,000-$9,999 Preservaton Oklahoma, lnc Kay Wade. Guthr~e 0 Patron - $500-$999 405 Northwest F~fteenthStreet Sponsor - $250-8499 Oklahoma City OK 73103 Conne Yellowman, El Reno