Junior High School – Ponca City – Oklahoma's New Deal

Address:	612 East Grand Ave	County:	Kay
Started:		Completed:	1939
Agencies:	WPA	NRHP:

Current Usage:

East Middle School, Ponca City Public Schools

Description:

This was the original site of the very first school building in Ponca City. The original building was replaced in 1911 by another native stone building which was remodeled in 1923 but was condemned in 1938. After the condemnation, the building was torn down and the present building was built in 1939 at a cost of $441,216.43 including equipment. PWA funded 45 percent of the cost and it originally educated all seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students in the school district. The building was built to accommodate approximately 1,200 students, but during the first principal’s tenure enrollment was 1,500 students. As was stated in one of the old Blue and Gold Newspapers, “East is so crowded that during changing of classes, a student cannot stoop to pick up a pencil if he dropped one.” One of the most interesting features with the building was the underground tunnel running from the Administration Building located across the street under Grand Avenue to the main hall of the new building. This 500 foot tunnel was created to eliminate traffic hazards that could occur to the students having to cross Grand Avenue and insured an all-weather passage way. According to the dedication booklet, “The auditorium had symmetry and simplicity. The large stage is complete with front, proscenium, cyclorama, and concert curtains, as well as a full set of plastic interior and exterior scenery. The colorful lighting effects add much to its beauty. The piano is Steinway Grand.” The auditorium was later named the Ralph P. Lester Auditorium and carries that name today at East Middle School.[2]