Robert E. Lee School – Durant

Current Usage:

Description:

A building of twelve or more rooms, Robert E. Lee school is a single story, L-shaped (189′ vertically, and 114′ horizontally) structure constructed of buff brick laid with a running bond. The roof is flat with parapets; the doors are recessed within towers capped by pyramidal roofs of spanish tile. Entryways into the towers are arched. Decorative cornices midway on the wings, the towers, red roof tile, archways and buff brick give a Spanish colonial motif to the building. Window placement on concrete sills is by twos and threes. Original windows have been replaced by ones more energy efficient. The new windows do not infringe upon the architectural integrity of the building.
SIGNIFICANCE: 1937; builder/architect: Albert S. Ross
The school building is significant because construction of it enabled destitute laborers in the Durant area to find useful employment after months, if not years, of unemployment. Also the structure created an educational environment more conducive to learning. As a WPA school building, the structure is notable for its stylistic allusion to Spanish colonial architecture and its use of brick building materials. It also suggests the relative “prosperity” of urban school districts as opposed to those in rural areas. Within the community the building is unique architecturally because of its style and workmanship.

VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: Lots 7 and 8, Block 246, Durant original

Sources:

1. Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory Nomination
2. The Living New Deal
3. Waymarking.com
4. National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form

Supported Documents:

1. WPA Properties Bryan County – Robert E. Lee School

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