Claremore Boathouse – Claremore – Oklahoma's New Deal

Address:	Claremore City Park, Claremore, Oklahoma	County:	Rogers
Started:		Completed:	1938
Agencies:	WPA	NRHP:	No

Current Usage:

Boathouse

Description:

This boathouse is a two-story, rectangular (34′ x 681) structure constructed of cut, coursed, and rusticated native stone. It has a parapet roof. The entry door is recessed behind a segmental arch. The first floor has one room with a chimney. The lower level where boats dock, contains a small room that Claremore policemen once used as a jail. The roof is now made of tin and the doorway has a partial insert of wood attached, but these alterations do not impeach the integrity of the building. This structure is now designated for boat storage.
This boathouse is significant because construction of it provided work for unemployed and unskilled laborers at a time when few opportunities existed. It enabled the WPA to infuse wages of some 16,200 man-hours of labor into the local economy and the jobs generated by the construction of this building helped maintain the pride of men who thereby found the means to support their hungry families. This project also contributed to recreational activities available in the area. The boathouse once contained a jail, which makes this building very unique. It is also unique in type, style, and quality of workmanship. It is one of few WPA boathouses found in Oklahoma.

VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: Within Claremore city park, the property begins at a point 1872 feet east and 416 feet north of the SW corner of the NE 1/4 of Sec. 3, T 21 N, R 16 E, and goes east 208 feet, north 208 feet, west 208 feet, and south 208 feet.