Howe School Campus (Two Bldgs) – Howe

Current Usage:

School

Description:

The Howe school campus includes two WPA buildings: the high school and the elementary school. A building of at least six classrooms, the high school is a single story, essentially rectangular (85′ x 64′) structure constructed of red brick. The roof, now covered with composition shingles, is gabled, with intersecting gables on either end and on both sides. On the rear is a third gable, centrally placed, which rises above the entryway and a small porch. On the front, the roof between the gables, supported by four small shafts, covers a veranda. Classroom window openings, with concrete sills, which rise to the eaves, have been reduced in size by wood inserts and smaller, metal sash windows installed. This alteration and a wood frame and clapboard addition on the porch have not impeached the integrity of the structure.
Immediately west of the high school is the elementary school. Also constructed of red brick, the elementary school is a single story and an inverted T -shaped (72′ x 21′ horizontally; 84′ x 54′ vertically) building with a gable roof and classroom window openings that rise to the eaves. The front entry is recessed. To the rear has been added a rectangular (33′ x 84′) auditorium, placed at a 45 degree angle to the stem of the T. This addition and the reduction of window size with wood inserts have not impaired the integrity of the building.
The school buildings are significant because as rural WPA buildings their scale and their brick construction material are rather unusual. Within the community they are unique because of their type, scale and workmanship. The structures also provided a modern educational environment more conducive to learning, producing an enthusiasm noted by appreciative teachers. Construction of them also provided work opportunities for unskilled and unemployed laborers placed on the verge of starvation by the general failure of the economic system. During the 1930s.

VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: At the intersection of North Railroad and Plum streets, go north 200 feet to a point of beginning, then west 200 feet, north 328 feet, east 200 feet, and south 328, all in Block 24, Howe original

Sources:

1. Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory Nomination

Supported Documents:

1. WPA Properties Leflore County – Howe School Campus

Photos:

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