National Guard Armory – Claremore

Address:	Patti Page Boulevard and Lynn Riggs Boulevard in Claremore, Oklahoma	County:	Rogers
Started:		Completed:	1935
NRHP:	No	NRHP Date:	(Checked)
Agencies:	WPA

Current Usage:

Demolished

Description:

This armory is a single-story, rectangular (121′ x 142′) structure constructed of cut, coursed, and rusticated native stone of buff color. The central portion of the roof is arched, while the remainder of it is flat. Parapets are on all sections. The strategic placement of light and dark buff colors in square shapes makes a beautiful design and raises the masonry quality to an artistic level. The pilasters at the doorways and along the walls and corners provide decorative variation. These variations and the elongated metal encased windows give the structure a “fortress” appearance. Garage door openings have continuous concrete lentils and contain new garage doors. Concrete flower beds have been added to the entrance, but does not impeach the integrity of the building.
As a WPA building this armory is exceptional for its quality of workmanship that reaches the level of artistic expression. It is unique within the city of Claremore in terms of type, materials, style, and most notably workmanship. This project provided work for destitute laborers and infused wages of some 57,000 man-hours of labor into Claremore’s economy. It also contributed to the military readiness of a National Guard unit that was very important during World War II. The armory is now used as a recreation center for the people of Claremore.