Preservation Oklahoma is pleased to announce the 2021 list of Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places. POK aims to promote the places where Oklahoma history lives by bringing awareness to historic landmarks across the state. Although inclusion on the list does not guarantee protection or funding, recognition for these structures may increase restoration efforts and possibly ensure their longevity. 

“Fortunately, no structures from our 2020 list have been demolished in the last year,” POK Executive Director Chantry Banks said. “In fact, thanks to the list, the French-Parks home in Tahlequah is seeing new life and will be restored. Stories like these are why the list exists. Bringing awareness to our historic resources is so important and we are doing what we can to advocate for these landmarks. I’m excited for the diversity of list this year. There are all types of buildings representing much of the state.”

The 2021 list of Oklahoma’s Most Endangered Places include:

Fire Station #1, Guthrie

Housing Guthrie’s first fire station, the building at 111 S. 2nd St in Guthrie, Oklahoma, is rich in history. First used by a local café, the building welcomed the Heim and Waite Hose Company in 1903.The building was then occupied by the Guthrie fire department until it was voted to be sold in 2005. Preserving this site would honor the countless hours of service and protection provided by the many fire fighters housed in this structure. Now vacant, the building is in fair condition. Many original features are still present including an advertising mural and wood hose tower. The hose tower was used for hanging and drying the cotton hose after the fire fighters returned on their horse-drawn fire apparatus. Fire Station #1 contributes to the Guthrie Historic District and Guthrie National Historic Landmark District.

Flour Mills, Yukon

An icon of the skyline, the elevators/flour mills flanking Route 66 have been the topic of much discussion about progress and preservation in the town of Yukon. Built around 1900, the mills are a staple of the community, so much so the high school mascot is “the Millers.” Talk in the town is that the mills may be torn down to make room for a five-story, high-end office park, apartment building, and two multi-level parking garages. The mills are a source of pride for residents and the massive sign atop one of the mills was refurbished with donated funds a few years ago. The future is uncertain for the mills, as the sale is expected to close in October 2021.

Canadian County Jail and Stables, El Reno

The Canadian County Jail, designed by Solomon A. Layton and built in 1906, has deteriorated to the point that there are holes in the roof. Although in extremely poor condition, the building remains a striking example of the Italian Renaissance style as applied to a jail. The red brick stable, in better condition, is also a wonderful example of early 20th century functional architecture. As the oldest extant county buildings in Canadian County, the jail and stable would benefit from increased public awareness. The jail was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and the stables added in 1995.

Tallchief Mansion, Fairfax

Alexander Tallchief was a member of the Osage Nation who obtained his wealth like many others in the Osage tribe through the 1920’s oil boom. A 10-room structure constructed of terracotta bricks was built to sit on a hill overlooking the reservation in Fairfax, Oklahoma. This became known as Tallchief Mansion. Alexander Tallchief owned other buildings in Fairfax including a pool hall and the Tallchief Theatre which he designed and built in 1928. The mansion was the childhood home of Maria, born January 24, 1925, and Marjorie Tallchief, born on October 19, 1926. With their family wealth, the girls could afford music and dance lessons. It was discovered a short time later that Maria and Marjorie had an unbelievable talent for ballet. In 1933 the family decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue better opportunities for the dancers. The home stands today as a monument to the Osage Nation and is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Old First National Bank, Kingston

The First National Bank of Kingston was built in 1905. It was the second brick building built in, at that time, Helen, Indian Territory. The building served as a bank from 1905-1935 and was also a grocery store for many years. It is essentially in its original condition other than a few windows that were bricked over. After closure of the grocery store it sat empty for several years before seeing new life as a craft store. It was at one time nominated for inclusion in the National Register but the process was never completed. Old First National now sits empty, but it is for sale. It is in danger of destruction from neglect and disrepair.

Old City Jail, Oklahoma City

This building was constructed in 1935 as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) program under President Roosevelt during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. The Police Headquarters and Jail building plays a key part in keeping the story alive. From an architectural standpoint it has beautiful Art Deco details, a style celebrated by design enthusiasts as the golden era of architecture, a style which was demolished all too often in Oklahoma City amidst the Pei Plan. The building is the western-most building of the city’s Civic Center, which includes the County Courthouse, Municipal Building, and Civic Center Music Hall. With the recent construction of a new Police Headquarters, the fate of the original building is uncertain. The police proposed demolishing it for additional parking to City Council in 2019, however a recent City Council meeting deferred any decisions until the end of the 2021.

Not much is known about the builder or date of the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Terral, but it is a beautiful example of what many consider to be the most important buildings in any small town. The FUMC of Terral was a social center for many years, home to weddings, funerals, plays, youth clubs, dinners, and other community events. Almost all of its contents remain in the property, something rarely seen in a building of this age and condition. The beautiful stained glass still hangs in the window; it is currently protected by plexiglass. Action does need to be taken to secure the building, as there are many access points to get inside. The current owner purchased the building around ten years ago with hopes of a renovation. Unfortunately, ill health has prevented restoration work, and he is currently looking to sell the church to someone who will help bring it back to its former glory. 

Old City Hall, Theater, and Masonic  Lodge, Heavener

A recent addition to the National Register of Historic Places, the Old City Hall/Masonic Lodge was built in 1928 in the neoclassical style. It is the only extant neoclassical style in Heavener as applied to buildings along the First Street corrider. Heavener’s social history is entwined with that of the fraternal orders that bound businessmen and women together in social and public service. The building is in solid condition and there are hopes to restore the interior, including the theater where it can once again be a social center of the town. 

WWII Hangars, Chickasha Airport

Opened in 1941 as Wilson-Bonifils Field, the airport conducted contract basic flying training for the United States Army Air Forces. Flying training was performed with Fairchild PT-19s as the primary trainer. Around 8,000 troops were trained at Wilson-Bonifils as part of the 31st Flying Training Wing. During wartime, the airport had six grass runways. The airfield was deactivated in 1945 and turned over to civil control.  The WWII era hangars still standing are a testament to Oklahoma’s important role in wartime training. They are eligible for listing in the National Register for Historic Places and are in fair condition. Preservation and renovation is needed on the hangars and public awareness may help keep the buildings standing for many more years.

W.S. Kelly Merchandise, Cogar

This little building, sitting at the intersection of state highways 37 and 152, has seen a lot of action since it was built in the 1920s by Wilbur Kelly in the town of New Cogar. Legend has it Pretty Boy Floyd made frequent stops, along with other notorious crooks and bootleggers. The building has served as a general mercantile, grocery store, and gas station over the years, before closing its doors  in 1980. All contents were left behind as well. For film buffs, the building can be seen in the 1988 Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise vehicle, Rainman. In 2020, The Abandoned Atlas Foundation began a small restoration project on the W.S. Kelly Merchandise building. They hope to preserve this little slice of history in Cogar and are currently accepting donations.