Address: 121 North Weenonah & West Fourth Street, ClaremoreCounty: Rogers
Started: Completed: 1935
Agencies:WPANRHP:

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 manĀ­hours 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.

Sources:

  1. Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory Nomination
  2. The Living New Deal
  3. Waymarking.com
  4. “The Old Will Rogers Library,” More Claremore [blog], November 10, 2013
  5. Accomplishments of the Works Progress Administration for Oklahoma, July 1, 1935 to March 1, 1937

Supported Documents:

  1. WPA Properties Rogers County – Claremore Library

Photos: