Address: Adams and Dorcas Streets, Roland, OklahomaCounty: Sequoyah
Started: Completed: 1939
Agencies:WPANRHP:No

Current Usage:

Description:

This building is a rectangular shaped (94′ x 89′) structure constructed of uncut native stone. The building contains a single story in front and two stories in the rear. The gable roof with projecting eaves has a long steep slope over the front and a gentler sloped roof over the two story rear portion of the structure. The front door is recessed behind an arched entryway with keystone. All of the original paired windows on the first story have been covered with energy efficient wood insets. Second story windows are uncovered; all have concrete sills. The window insets do not destroy the integrity of the building.
SIGNIFICANCE: 1939; builder/architect: unknown
This auditorium is one of several buildings constructed on the Roland school campus by the WPA, although it is the only one that is extant. The buildings proved to be exceptional community resources. The wages earned by the laborers for more than 40,000 man-hours of work were infused back into the local economy stimulating recovery from the depression. The jobs provided to destitute farmers and miners preserved their sense of pride and helped slow the depopulation of the area. Educationally the auditorium provided facilities for local school children to view cultural performances thus instilling within them a sense of their own culture and their own worth. This auditorium is also significant for its unique style and quality of workmanship which reflects the pride of the workers in constructing a lasting monument to their endeavors.

VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: Lot 2, Block 4, Roland original plat

Sources:

  1. Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory Nomination

Supported Documents:

  1. WPA Properties Sequoyah County – Roland School Auditorium

Photos: