April 2006 Volume XII, No

PRESERVATION

OKLAHOMA NEWS April 2006 Volume XII, No. 3

Franklin Hall, Goodwell

Oklahoma’s 2006 Most Endangered Places Unveiled

Preservation Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State Historic • Watertower, Boley Preservation Ofﬁ ce unveiled the 2006 Most Endangered Historic Boley was established in 1903 as a settlement where African-Americans Places list on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 in a ceremony held at the could escape oppression and govern themselves. This water tower Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. Approximately 125 is threatened due to a lack of maintenance. people attended from all over the state. This annual list is just a sample of the thousands of landmarks • Chilocco, Kay County across Oklahoma in need of our attention and protection. This Chilocco was an Indian boarding school established to educate children designation has been a powerful tool for raising awareness, and of the nomadic tribes of western Oklahoma. The school grew from one rallying resources. The 2006 list includes: building in 1884 to 35 buildings in 1907. The school is now abandoned and threatened by neglect. • Archaeological Sites, Statewide Oklahoma’s archaeological resources embody a rich heritage of human UPDATE: ConocoPhillips, Inc. has contributed $3000 to the National experiences and cultural identities. They tell us about people from Chilocco Alumni Association to construct a fence to enclose the cemetery the past and establish important connections to the present. These sites are located on the school grounds. Due to years of neglect, only one of the threatened by vandalism and looting. hundreds of graves in the cemetery remains marked. The alumni association intends to have a fence installed during the summer of 2006. • Bank of Maramec, Maramec Over the years, this structure has been home to several occupants, including • Cross S Ranch, Olustee vincinity the original bank and a US Post Offi ce, which also sold over-the-counter Built of locally quarried limestone by two itinerant Swedes, this property was medications and was called the P.O./Pill Shop. The bank is threatened home to L.Z. Eddleman family. This two story home became the center of area by demolition. social activities. This property is threatened due to its isolated location. continued, page 7

A joint project of the State Historic Preservation Oﬃ ce and Preservation Oklahoma Pearl Sale Raises Money for the Overholser Many thanks to Judy Fox-Goodrich, Buzz Goodrich, and Cecilia and Rick Lane of Fox Lane for sponsoring “Anna’s Pearls” show and fund raiser on February 7th at the Overholser Carriage House. Over $1200 was raised to benefi t the Overholser Mansion. Just in time for Mothers Day and Graduation, Fox Lane will hold another pearl sale on May 8th from 11am to 7pm. And again, a portion of the proceeds will go toward the Overholser Mansion. Come browse through strands of fresh- water pearls, to fabulous Tahitian pearls the color of candlelight. There is something for everyone: necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and much more. For more information, call 405/525-5325 or [email protected] Meg Salyer, Dannie Bea Hightower and Raina Pelofsky enjoy ”Anna’s Pearls.” Bartlesville: Named Distinctive Destination If you would like to receive

The National Trust for Historic Arrow Rock, Missouri; Bowling Green, email notices regarding Preservation named Bartlesville to its Kentucky; Lewes, Delaware; Milwaukee, 2006 list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Wisconsin; Monterey, California; Palm preservation related grants, Destinations. Bartlesville was selected Springs, California; Phillipsburg, workshops and upcoming events, from 93 nominated destinations in 39 Montana; Prescott, Arizona; Saranac please forward your states. This honor is the second for Okla- Lake, New York; Waimea, Kaua’i, email address to: homa. Guthrie was selected in 1994. Hawaii; West Chester, Pennsylvania. [email protected] Bartlesville joins the following destina- For more information, please visit tions on the 2006 list: www.nationaltrust.org

Preservation Oklahoma News, the newsletter of Oklahoma’s historic preservation community, is published quarterly as a joint project of Preservation Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Oﬃ ce.

Co-Editor Heather Seifert Co-Editor Melvena Heisch Executive Director Deputy State Historic Preservation Oklahoma, Inc. Preservation Offi cer Overholser Mansion Oklahoma Historical Society 405 Northwest Fifteenth Street 405/522-4484 Oklahoma City, OK 73103 www.ok-history-mus.ok.us 405/525-5325 www.preserveok.org All correspondence, materials, or address changes should be sent to: Preservation Oklahoma, Inc. Preservation Oklahoma Board of Directors 405 Northwest Fifteenth Street Oklahoma City, OK 73103 SAVED President Bill Gumerson, Oklahoma City [email protected] Vice President Barrett Williamson, Norman e activity that is the subject of this publication has been fi nanced in part with WPA Fountain, Mangum Secretary John Feaver, Ph.D., Chickasha federal funds from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. How- Treasurer Cathy Ambler, Ph.D., Tulsa ever, the contents and opinions do not necessarily refl ect the views or policites Restoration of the four granite fountains Bret Carter, Ponca City of the Department of the Interior, nor does the mention of trade names or com- merical products constitute endorsement or recommendations by the Department on the courthouse square is complete. The Jeannette Elliott, Oklahoma City of the Interior. is program receives fi nancial assistance for identifi cation and Suzette Hatfi eld, Oklahoma City protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1972, fountains were created from a design by the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of Blake Hoenig, Oklahoma City race, color, national origin, or handicap in its federally assisted program. If you J. R. Willis, civil engineer, and built by the Konrad Keesee, Oklahoma City believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility as WPA. The fountains had been inoperable Julie Miner, Tulsa described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Kathleen Page, Tulsa Offi ce of Equal Opportunity for many years before this collaboration John Snyder, Tulsa U.S. Department of the Interior Connie Yellowman, El Reno Washington, D.C. 20240 of City, County and Mangum Main Street made their renovation a reality.

2 PRESERVATION OKLAHOMA NEWS, April 2006 Statewide Preservation Conference Coming Soon

Just a reminder that May 31 - June 2 highly illustrated presentation based on his with elected are the dates for Preservation Inside and recent book. offi cials. Out: Oklahoma’s 18th Annual Statewide Developing a Comprehensive Also, she will Preservation Conference. Fundraising Strategy (Thursday, June 1 be Preservation It will be held in Wilburton/Robbers in Track B): Sheri Stuart , Program Oklahoma, Cave State Park with registration at the Offi cer, National Trust Main Street Center, Inc.’s annual Park’s Belle Starr View Lodge, Burien, WA, will conduct this half-day luncheon 2500 Park Cabin Road. workshop on one of the most critical speaker that day. It’s the perfect setting for relaxed issues facing local preservation efforts. Effective Charles A. Birnbaum, interaction among conference participants. The Oklahoma Main Street Center is Design Review Keynote Speaker So, plan to wear your jeans and walking responsible for making this special session in Local shoes and get in the spirit of this year’s possible. Historic program. Keynote Session (Thursday, June 1): Districts The agenda features three concurrent Charles A. Birnbaum, FASLA, (Friday, June 2 in Track B): Jack tracks with an emphasis on historic Coordinator, Historic Landscape Initiative, Williams, Hoshide Williams Architects, landscapes, recreational resources, National Park Service, Washington, D.C., Seattle, WA, representing the National heritage tourism, and community preser- will deliver the keynote address entitled Alliance of Preservation Commissions, vation program development. Tours and Change, Continuity and Civic will conduct a half-day workshop on other special events round out the agenda. Ambition: Preserving America’s design review issues facing local Over fi fty speakers from Oklahoma and Cultural Landscapes. historic district commissions and city staff, across the country will participate, and Advocacy Workshop for Historic including district designations, consistant some of the program highlights include: Preservation Leaders (Thursday, June 1 application of design guidelines, and much Parks, Politics, and the People: A in Track B): Emily Wadhams, Vice more. National Overview of the CCC/NPS State President for Public Policy, National Trust That afternoon he will facilitate a Park Collaboration (Wednesday, May 31 for Historic Preservation, roundtable discussion of specifi c design in Track A): James W. Steely, Senior His- Washington, D. C., will conduct this work- review cases that have come before local torical Consultant, SWCA Environmental shop designed to help preservation leaders commissions. Bring your own examples Consultants, Phoenix, AZ, will deliver this increase their capacity to work effectively and plan to participate in the exchange.

SHPO Announces May Workshop Schedule May Workshops May 10 (9:30am-12:00noon) The Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Offi ce is pleased to The Section 106 Review Process: announce its May workshop series. Introduction and Overview The sessions will be held May 10-12 in the Bartlett-Carnegie Public Library, 27 West Dewey, Sapulpa, OK. May 10 (1:30pm-5:00pm) The workshops are free and open to the public, but we ask that Determination of Eligibility under Section 106 you register by 5:00 pm, Wednesday, May 3. To register contact Shea Otley at 405/521-6249 or [email protected]. May 11 (9:30am-12:00noon) Registered architects who attend these workshops can earn Federal and State Tax Incentives for Rehabilitating American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System Historic Buildings (AIA/CES) learning unit hours. Many of the sessions meet the AIA/CES Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) criteria. For May 11 (1:30pm-5:00pm) further details about the credits, contact Catherine Montgomery, Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings Historic Preservation Architect, at 405/522-4479 or [email protected]. May 12 (9:30am-5:00pm) If you have questions about any of the workshops, contact Working with the National Register of Melvena Heisch, Deputy SHPO, at 405/522-4484 or Historic Places [email protected].

PRESERVATION OKLAHOMA NEWS, April 2006 3

NHPA Celebrates 40th Anniversary

The National Historic Preservation Act development in or- them, and the encouragement of their turns forty in October 2006, and preser- der to give a sense preservation will improve the planning vationists across the country will focus of orientation to the and execution of Federal and federally special attention on the many ways it has American people; assisted projects and will assist economic fostered the identifi cation and treatment (3) historic proper- growth and development; and of the buildings, structures, sites, districts, ties signifi cant to (7) although the major burdens of historic and objects signifi cant in our past. the Nation’s heri- preservation have been borne and major Federal, state, tribal, and local govern- tage are being lost efforts initiated by private agencies and ments all rely on the Act as the foundation or substantially al- individuals, and both should continue to for their preservation programs. tered, often inadver- play a vital role, it is nevertheless neces- For example, the Act established the tently, with increas- sary and appropriate for the Federal Gov- National Register of Historic Places, State ing frequency; ernment to accelerate its historic Historic Preservation Offi ces, the Historic (4) the preservation preservation programs and activities, to Preservation Fund, the Advisory Council of this irreplaceable give maximum encouragement to agencies on Historic Preservation, and, in subse- heritage is in the public interest so that its and individuals undertaking preservation quent amendments, the Certifi ed Local vital legacy of cultural, educational, aes- by private means, and to assist State and Governments Program and Tribal Historic thetic, inspirational, economic, and energy local governments and the National Preservation Program. benefi ts will be maintained and enriched Trust for Historic Preservation in the It is particularly appropriate at this time for future generations of Americans; United States to expand and accelerate to refl ect on the purpose of the Act and to (5) in the face of ever-increasing exten- their historic preservation programs consider its impact on preservation efforts sions of urban centers, highways, and and activities. across Oklahoma. The Act states: residential, commercial, and industrial Watch Preservation Oklahoma News and Section 1 (16 U.S.C. 470) Purpose of developments, the present governmental other preservation publications throughout the Act and nongovernmental historic preservation the year for information about (b) The Congress fi nds and declares that programs and activities are inadequate to accomplishments under the Act. (1) the spirit and direction of the Nation insure future generations a genuine op- Also, visit the special website are founded upon and refl ected in its his- portunity to appreciate and enjoy the rich established by the Advisory Council on toric heritage; heritage of our Nation; Historic Preservation and the National (2) the historical and cultural founda- (6) the increased knowledge of our his- Conference of State Historic Preservation tions of the Nation should be preserved toric resources, the establishment of better Offi cers to celebrate the anniversary at as a living part of our community life and means of identifying and administering www.nhpa40.org. National Register Nomination Grants, Round 2

The Oklahoma State Historic Preserva- property nomination for the National tion Offi ce (SHPO) reminds readers about Register of Historic Places. its annual matching grants to state, local, The National Register is the catalogue To obtain a National and tribal governments and nonprofi t or- of our nation’s signifi cant buildings, ganizations for the preparation of National structures, sites, districts, objects, and Register Nomination Grant Register of Historic Places nominations. landscapes important in our past. Application or further The SHPO reserved $10,000 of its FY While listing in the National Register information about the 2006 Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) is not a guarantee of preservation or of National Register, contact the allocation from the U.S. Department of the fi nancial assistance, it is one of the most SHPO at 405/521-6249 or Interior for award in two grant rounds. important components of the preservation Applications and detailed instructions strategy for any signifi cant property. visit our website at are available from the SHPO. The designation provides increased www.ok-history.mus.ok.us/ The deadline for Round 2 applications is public awareness of these irreplaceable shpo/shpom/htm 5:00pm on June 1. Each grant is limited to resources, provides limited protection Go to programs and $900.00, and the applicant must provide a for them, qualifi es property owners for follow the menu to the nonfederal, cash match of at least $600.00. federal and state tax credits under certain Grant recipients will use the funds to re- circumstances, and may qualify the prop- National Register. tain an appropriately qualifi ed professional erty owner for grant assistance when such to complete preparation of an individual programs are funded. 4 PRESERVATION OKLAHOMA NEWS, April 2006 Buildings by Harold Gimeno - Jim Gabbert Architectral Historian, SHPO Harold Gi- meno was the son of a noted artist, Patricio Gimeno. Patricio was a professor at the University 5of Oklahoma and collaborated as a designer on many of Harold’s creations. Educated in music and mathematics at the University of Oklahoma, Harold Gimeno obtained a Masters in Archi- Beta Theta Pi House Patricio Gimeno House tectural Engineering from Harvard. He Norman Norman returned to Norman to establish his practice around 1925. His works reflect Completed in 1929 after two years of Harold Gimeno designed at least nine a predilection for designs that reflect his construction, this fraternity house was houses in Norman; one of the most Spanish heritage. Spanish Renaissance designed in the Renaissance Revival style. impressive is the house designed for his and Spanish Colonial Revivals mark the Clad in smooth dressed limestone, the parents, Patricio and Margaret. The 1927 bulk of his work, but he also worked three story building is dominated by a full Spanish Colonial Revival style house in other popular styles of the 1920s. height, rounded portico capped with six juxtaposes rough textured stucco walls Throughout his career, Gimeno designed large stone urns. The first floor windows with finely molded window and door sur- churches, commercial buildings, houses, are topped by round arched panels featur- rounds. Patricio Gimeno added his own and even a theater. ing cartouches. artistry to many of the interior finishes.

Sooner Theater Holy Name of Jesus Roman Smith & Kernke Funeral Home Norman Catholic Church, Chickasha Oklahoma City

The Sooner Theater is another collabora- The 1926 Holy Name Catholic Church is In 1939, Harold Gimeno designed a tive effort by the Gimenos. Completed viewed by some as Harold Gimeno’s most new building for Smith & Kernke in 1929, the Sooner is an atmospheric beautiful design. The basilica-type church Funeral Directors. He used a restrained theater, one that carries its design motif is noted for its beautiful rose window Spanish Colonial Revival design. from outside to inside, giving the customer and its sixty foot tall gothic bell tower. The smooth, stark white stucco walls an experience beyond the featured show. Constructed of red brick with limestone are highlighted by a series of round arch The interior features original artwork by highlights, the Holy Name of Jesus windows along the side walls and Patricio Gimeno on the ceiling beams and Catholic Church marks Gimeno’s largest a large window set on the front, or wall panels. commission. streetside, façade. PRESERVATION OKLAHOMA NEWS, April 2006 5 Volunteers Review New Orleans Demolitions

- John R. Calhoun Planner, City of Oklahoma City

The National Trust for Historic Preser- vation’s February newsletter on hurricane recovery includes: “At the invitation of the City of New Orleans and FEMA, the National Trust and the PRC [Preservation Resource Center] were recently asked to participate in the federally mandated review of demolitions planned of historic structures in the city of New Orleans. As a first step in the process, the National Trust and the PRC used expert volunteers to provide second assessments.” For a week in January, I joined two volunteers from Tennessee, with local volunteers and staff members, to document over 100 properties proposed for demolition within flooded areas of the National Register and local historic districts. We took photos and filled out documentation forms on the exterior condition of each property. Our conclusion was that over 80% should not be demolished. Most appeared to be structurally sound, or had minor structural problems. Most of the rest had collapsed, or had significant structural damage pre- dating the storms. A few had shifted off their piers and sunk, twisted. Contrary to common impressions, the Lower 9th Ward was not totally wiped out. toric District, located on high ground next during the day. About 20% of the city did not flood; these to the Mississippi River, and away from We indeed contributed to the city’s higher elevation areas included most of the the breaks in the Industrial Canal. Almost recovery. It will take the combined efforts French Quarter, the Garden District, and all those houses are quite salvageable, and of governments, private organizations, and the Audubon Park area. We spent about many people were working on them, even hundreds of thousands of residents and half our time there, in the Holy Cross His- though they were allowed to be there only owners to return the city to full vitality.

The Archeological Conservancy in Oklahoma

- Amy Espinoza-Ar with a combined national staff of 15. Our with landowners, state agencies, federal staff works closely with landowners, local agencies, and tribes to develop manage- The Archaeological Conservancy is experts and state archaeologists to develop ment strategies to ensure site integrity, a national non-profit organization that regional priority lists of sites that are in security, and research potential. Research acquires and protects significant archaeo- need of protection and stabilization. conducted on our preserves must follow logical sites located on private land. We Preserving the past...for the future is our the guidelines and accepted practices of acquired our first property in 1980. In mission. We have protected a wide range conservation archaeology. We encourage 2005 we celebrated a milestone, 25 years of sites, from the earliest human campsites professional research with an emphasis of acquiring and protecting significant to Civil War battlefields and forts. The on non-invasive techniques. One goal in archaeological sites on private land. In Conservancy’s properties are available the preservation of these sites is to give those 25 years we have accumulated some for professional research, public tours, advancing and changing technologies of impressive numbers: 300 sites in 39 and private ceremonies of the descendent archaeological fieldwork places to test and states, 24,000 members, 5 regional offices communities. The Conservancy works continued, page 7

6 PRESERVATION OKLAHOMA NEWS, April 2006 Downtown Tulsa Bank of Maramec Wheelock Academy

Oklahoma’s 2006 Most Endangered Places continued from page 1

• Downtown Tulsa • Mid-Century Architecture, Statewide From its Art Deco buildings to its pedestrian friendly storefronts, From the glass walled office buildings, to the geodesic domes, to the Historic Downtown Tulsa is both a reflection of its community’s everyday split level, 20th century architecture represents the history and of its growth. Downtown Tulsa is threatened due to achievements of our recent history. This portion of our architectural demolition and subsequent development. history is often overlooked and undervalued.

• Former Pawnee Indian Health Center, Pawnee • Route 66, from Miami to Sayre The former Pawnee Indian Health Center was constucted to Oklahoma has nearly 400 miles of Route 66, more miles of original administer to the health and welfare of several American Indian tribes. road than any other state. This American legend, its towns and The Center is threatened by demolition because of the completion of attractions, however, are vanishing due to the construction of new, a replacement facility. adjacent highways.

• Franklin Hall, Goodwell • Stag Bar, Ardmore The oldest building on the Oklahoma Panhandle State Univeristy The Stag Bar is the oldest remaining building in Ardmore. Its rich past campus, this dormitory was built by area residents as a community speaks to the history of a resilient business which catered to a colorful project. Franklin Hall lacks the funds for renovation. assortment of Ardmore citizens and visitors. This downtown building is quickly deteriorating. • Masonic Lodge #157, Tonkawa This Masonic Temple and its members played an important role in the • Wheelock Academy, Millerton history of Tonkawa. In 1905, the members helped lay the cornerstone Wheelock Academy was founded shortly after the forced migration of the Northern Oklahoma College. This 18,000 square foot temple known as the Trail of Tears. Here, two New England missionaries contains original furnishings, complete with a 184 light ceiling. A developed a sophistacated educational program. Years of weather lack of maintence threatens this community landmark. damage threaten this National Landmark.

Burnham Site. The Grobin Davis Com- grateful for the support we receive from The Archeological plex is the largest and best preserved pre- all the archaeologists at the universities, historic Caddoan civic-religious center in survey stations, and state agencies in Conservancy the Little River Basin. Radiocarbon dates Oklahoma and look forward to the award range between A.D. 1280-A.D. 1400. The banquet to celebrate our success with continued from page 6 Alford Mound Site is a Fourche Maline everyone who contributed to our efforts. habitation site along the Fourche Maline In addition we have had the opportunity develop new field methods, and to push Creek near Red Oak and dates to a period to work with some fantastic landown- the envelope of research questions at sites between 250 B.C. and A.D. 100. The ers whose commitment to archaeological with intact deposits. Another purpose Burnham site is near the Kansas-Okla- preservation is the foundation of our work. of preservation is to give the descendent homa border near Freedom. Tools from We look forward to future collabora- communities an active role in the man- this site have been dated to roughly 40,000 tions with the professional and avoca- agement strategies of ancestral lands and B.P., making them some of the oldest tional experts and citizens of Oklahoma access to places of sacred and historical man-made objects known to date. to protect and preserve even more of the importance. Along with the Roy Alford family, The state’s unique prehistory and to sharing To date we have acquired three sites Conservancy is a proud recipient of the more about our work in our presentation in Oklahoma; the Grobin Davis Mound State Historic Preservation Officer’s at Oklahoma’s 18th Annual Statewide Complex, the Alford Mound Site, and the Citation of Merit for 2006. We are Preservation Conference on May 31. PRESERVATION OKLAHOMA NEWS, April 2006 7 preservationoklahoma NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION 405 Northwest Fifteenth Street U.S. POSTAGE Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73103 PAID OKLAHOMA CITY, OK PERMIT NO. 2579

SAT Grant Aids Fort Reno Historic Fort Reno, Inc. received a 2004 materials abatement. historic military post. Save America’s Treasures (SAT) grant from Since 1948, the United States Department The USDA/Historic Fort Reno, Inc. is the U. S. Department of the Interior, National of Agriculture (USDA) has had management another excellent example of a public/private Park Service, for restoration of several responsibility for the 6,740 acres of land and partnership working to preserve Oklahoma’s buildings in the nationally signifi cant Fort facilities that were once the property of the heritage. USDA funded rehabilitation of the Reno Historic District . The exterior restora- U.S. Army and carried out important research historic building that houses the Fort Reno tion of the Offi cers Duplex (Building 6) was on grazing lands. With the demands of their Visitors Center and provides other fi nancial the fi rst of the projects undertaken and was scientifi c mission and limited budget, USDA assistance. The agency has authorized the completed in February 2006. could not restore many of the historic mili- nonprofi t to raise funding and help manage the Miller Architects, Inc. of Oklahoma City tary buildings and make them available to the Fort Reno Historic District, a property listed in designed the restoration project, and the public. The agency encouraged formation of the National Register of Historic Places. work was executed by R. D. Sumner, Inc., Historic Fort Reno, Inc. which was incorpo- Historic Fort Reno, Inc. has identifi ed the of El Reno. Project work included installa- rated in 2000 as a non-profi t (501c3) corpora- Commander’s Quarters as its next priority. The tion of a new roof, foundation stabilization, tion. Its purposes are to increase awareness of organization is engaged in fundraising activi- restoration of eaves and doors, replication Fort Reno’s signifi cance, conduct educational ties to generate the required nonfederal match of several historic windows, re-screening the events to interpret the fort’s history, so it can utilize the remaining amount of the front porch, replacement of about 25% of the operate the Fort Reno Visitors Center, and SAT grant. historic wood siding, painting, adding copper secure funding for the preservation of the For more information about the organization guttering and downspouts, and hazardous remaining buildings associated with the and its work visit www.fortreno.org.

8 PRESERVATION OKLAHOMA NEWS, April 2006