| Address: | 4384 SE Hwy 63, Vicinity of Talihina, Oklahoma | County: | Latimer |
| Started: | Completed: | 1942 | |
| Agencies: | WPA | NRHP: | No |
Current Usage:
Public School
Description:
A ten room or more building, the Buffalo Valley school and gymnasium is a single story, L-shaped (147′ x 54′ vertically and 63′ x 116′ horizontally) structure constructed of untooled and uncoursed native sandstone. The masonry rises to the level of art. The roof is flat with parapets except for that above the gym, where it is arched. The recessed entryway is at the outer angle of the L. Window placement is generally by fives, reaching to the level of the interior ceiling. Sash windows rest on concrete sills.
The school building is significant because it provided work opportunities for unskilled and unemployed laborers in the isolated Buffalo Valley area, permitting them a measure of economic security. It was important as well because it promoted the cause of learning and provided a focus of community activity and spirit. School basketball teams became a source of pride at a time when there was little else in which to take pride. As a rural WPA building, the structure is notable for its size, quality of masonry, colorful rocks and lateness of construction. To the community it is unique architecturally because of its type, style, scale, workmanship and materials.
VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: Follow state highway No. 1 west from Talihina and its intersection with state highway No. 2 approximately eleven miles to the site of the building on the north side of the road, it being on property described as starting 150 feet north and 309 feet west of the SE 1/4, of the NW 1/4 of Sec. 18, T 3 N, R 20 E, and running 268 feet north, 318 feet west, 268 feet south and 318 feet east.
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