Cemetery Pavilion and Fence – Wetumka

Address:	Vicinity of Wetumka, Oklahoma 040, Hughes County 063; Sec. 24, T 9 N, R 10 E	County:	Hughes
Started:		Completed:	1936
Agencies:	WPA	NRHP:	No

Current Usage:

Description:

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The cemetery pavilion is a single story, rectangular (20′ x 23′) structure constructed of undressed and uncoursed native sandstone. The roof is flat with a parapet. The front facade extends to include a double doorway; windows are wood sash and symetrically placed. Immediately to the rear of the pavilion is a circular watertower that is 15 feet tall and 36 feet in circumference. Because of the curved walls, the masonry is unusually skilled. To the front of the cemetery, some 683 feet west of the pavilion is a native stone fence that stands three feet tall and sixteen inches wide and runs 845 feet in distance. The length of the fence and the placement of the undressed stone make it a work of art.
The Wetumka Cemetery Pavilion and Fence are important because they suggest the broad range of public works undertaken by the WPA, especially during its genesis. Moreover, the water tower and the fence were constructed with such care and skill that they stand as remarkable works of art. The length of the fence, without reinforcing pedistals, is itself architecturally impressive, at least within southeastern Oklahoma. The improvements are most significant because construction of them provided jobs to individuals who had been long unemployed, resulting in a measure of economic security and more self esteem.

VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: On the northeast corner of Wetumka where U. S. highway No. 75 turns north, go straight east on paved county road one and one-fourth miles and turn right to the cemetery. The nominated property begins at a point 450′ south of the NW corner of the SW 1/4 of Sec. 24, T 9 N, R 10 E and runs south 870 feet, east 30 feet, north 870 feet and west 30 feet; and then 340 feet south and 67 5 east of the above point of beginning, go south 40 feet, east 50 feet, north 40 feet, and west 50 feet.