Claremore Library – Claremore – Oklahoma's New Deal

Address:	121 North Weenonah & West Fourth Street, Claremore	County:	Rogers
Started:		Completed:	1935
Agencies:	WPA	NRHP:

Current Usage:

Claremore Museum of History

Description:

This single-story, rectangular (61′ x 50′) structure is constructed of tan brick. Masonry of the building is running bond. The roof is flat with parapets and contains a continuous concrete lentil along the roof line. The double-door entryway, framed with red brick, is slightly recessed behind cut limestone pilasters with a stepped cornice that contains decorative ornaments. There is also a transom above the doorway. The sash windows, most of which are placed by threes, are elongated and have brick lentils. The rock fence around the structure was also constructed by the WPA. There is a brick addition on the north side. New doors, steps, and a ramp have been added to the entry. Metal bars have been attached to some of the windows. The alterations do not impeach the integrity of the building.
This WPA project provided additional educational opportunities. It gave jobs to unemployed and unskilled laborers in Claremore while infusing wages of some 21,500 manhours of labor into the local economy. It was reported in March of 1938 that projects such as this one kept down the insurrection and rioting during the crucial era of the Depression. Architecturally, the library is unique in type, scale, materials, workmanship, and especially its art deco style.

VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: All of Block 104, Claremore original.