Oaks Mission School (Bus Garage & Gym) – Oaks

Address:	Main Street, Oaks, Oklahoma	County	Delaware
Started:		Completed	1939
Agencies:	WPA	NRHP:	No

Current Usage

Description:

Bus Garage – This rectangular shaped (60′ x 33′) structure is constructed of randomly laid native limestone. It has a gabled roof. Originally there were five garage doors on the south side of the structure, but three of these have been filled with rock. Two have been converted into entries. Windows are singly placed with stone sills. The two converted south entries are protected by porches. The alterations to this structure are so extensive that they damage the integrity of the structure and disqualify it for inclusion to the National Register.
Oaks is a community that has grown up around a Cherokee Mission School. The school garage is significant because it constituted an economically important community resource. Its construction provided wages from some 8400 man-hours of labor for local families which were infused back into the depressed local economy. Jobs generated by the construction of the garage restored a sense of pride to many men who might otherwise have been unable to provide for their families. Architecturally, the building is notable for its adaptability of use, passing from a bus barn to a city government center.[1]

Gym – This rectangular shaped (106′ x 60′) gym is constructed of cut and rusticated limestone laid randomly. It has a gabled roof with stepped parapets. The two double-door, recessed entries on the east have poured concrete awnings supported by stone brackets. Two other entrieson the north are accessed by steps with stone sidewalls. The windows have stone sills and concrete lintels, but, sadly, most are covered with concrete blocks. The window alterations and an addition built on the west facade have destroyed the integrity of the structure.
This Cherokee Mission school gymnasium is significant because it constituted an economically important community resource. Its construction provided wages from 37,000 man-hours of labor for local families which were infused back into the depressed local economy. Jobs generated by the construction of the gym restored a sense of pride to many men who might otherwise have been unable to provide for their families. The gym has served for almost fifty years as an educational facility for primarily Cherokee Indian children of the community. Architecturally the structure is significant for its stepped parapets, remarkable limestone materials, excellent masonry and vernacular design.[2]

VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: Block 8, Oaks original

Sources:

1. (Bus Garage) Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory Nomination – http://oli_shpo.okstate.edu/query_result.aspx?id=66880&pbc=P 
2. (Gym) Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory Nomination – http://oli_shpo.okstate.edu/query_result.aspx?id=66882&pbc=P
3. The Living New Deal – https://livingnewdeal.org/projects/oaks-mission-school-gymnasium-oaks-ok-2/

Supported Documents:

1. WPA Properties Delaware County – Oaks Mission Bus Garage
2. WPA Properties Delaware County – Oaks Mission School Gym

Photos: