| Address: | Streets unmarked, Poteau, Oklahoma | County: | Leflore |
| Started: | Completed: | 1939 | |
| Agencies: | WPA | NRHP: | No |
Current Usage:
Description:
A two room building, the black school in Poteau is a single story, rectangular ( 66′ x 21 ‘) structure with an offset constructed of rusticated and coursed native sandstone. Masonry is rather crude. The roof, now covered with composition shingles, is gabled; the front entryway is located on the corner; openings of windows that reach to the eaves have been filled with inserts and smaller windows installed. On the southeast corner of the structure an addition of rusticated and coursed native stone has been attached. Despite the alterations, the architectural integrity of the building remains intact.
This structure was the black school in Poteau before integration of education. The WPA laborers on the project were black. Thus this building is significant because construction of it provided work opportunities for destitue black laborers in the Poteau area at a time when few were available and because it created a new environment conducive to educational development. As an urban WPA school building, it is remarkable for its modest scale. Within the community it is unique architecturally because of its type (black school), style, scale, materials and workmanship.
VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: Lot 5, Block 26, Poteau original
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