Purcell Community Hall – Purcell

Address:	2nd and Adams Streets, Purcell, Oklahoma	County:	McClain
Started:		Completed:	1937
Agencies:	WPA	NRHP:	No

Current Usage:

Description:

The Purcell Community Hall is a single story, rectangular building (51′ X 104′) and is constructed of dark red native sandstone laid in a cob web pattern. The masonry is splendid. On the rear the roof is arched, while along the front it is flat. Window openings, with cut sandstone sills and limestone lintels, are filled with either original metal casement windows or with recently added wood inserts. On the front a limestone frieze and water table line provide decorative relief, as does the segmental arch entryway. The window inserts do not impeach the beauty or the integrity of this remarkable building.
The significance of the Purcell Commmunity Hall lies primarily in its architectural style and workmanship. Reminiscent of a National Guard Armory, it has a style unlike any other civic center constructed by the WPA in Oklahoma. Its artistic frieze, segmental arch entry, vivid red hues of construction materials and cobweb masonry further set it apart; indeed, make it a work of art. That it was constructed early in the life of the WPA program, when the skills of workers still lacked refinement, makes the structure even more unique. It is also significant because construction of it provided needed job opportunities for workers made destitute by the national depression. The Community Hall is notable because it became a central focus of community life and activity for the next 50 years.

VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: Lot 1, Block 96, Purcell original plat.