Fanshawe School Campus (Two Bldgs) – Fanshawe

Current Usage:

Description:

The Fanshawe school campus includes two WPA structures: a gymnasium/auditorium facility and a four room educational building. Measuring 95 feet by 65 feet with an offset, the gym has high ceilings with an arched roof and parapets, although over the educational section the roof is flat with parapets. The walls are constructed of rusticated and coursed sandstone. Window openings with pre-formed concrete sills and lintels have been enclosed with concrete blocks or native stone, surrounding on the south side enery efficient windows. These and a small concrete block structure on the rear of the building do not impeach its structural integrity.
The school building is situated just northeast of the gym. It is a single story, rectangular (40′ x 74′) structure constructed of rusticated and coursed native sandstone with some random placement of larger blocks. The roof is hipped, and entry is through archways at either end of the structure. Classroom window openings, which rise to the eaves, have been reduced in size by brick inserts and smaller, energy efficient windows installed. An enclosed concret block walkway connects the building with an older structure on the east. The walkway and a small unattached wood frame building on the south are not part of this nomination. The school retains its architectural integrity.
Fanshawe is a “town” that never grew, although during the 1930s its hinterland was rather densely settled with coal miners-coal miners who had not held gainful employment for more than two years. Construction of the WPA buildings on the Fanshawe campus provided work opportunities for these dispossessed and hungry miners, giving them hope for the future. Obviously they provided an educational environment that gave students an ethusiasm for learning. As WPA rural school buildings, the number at Fanshawe is notable. Within the community they are unique architecturally because of their type, style, scale, materials and workmanship.

VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: Situated on U.S. highway 270 on the west edge of the Fanshawe community, the nominated property begins at the SW corner of Lot 8, Townsite No. 8, and runs 17 5 feet east, north 350 feet, west 17 5 feet, and south 350 to the point of beginning.

Sources:

1. Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory Nomination

Supported Documents:

1. WPA Properties Leflore County – Fanshawe School Campus

Photos:

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