Walker Gym – Marietta – Oklahoma's New Deal

Address:	199 S. Driftwood, Marietta, Oklahoma	County:	Love
Started:		Completed:	1940
Agencies:	WPA	NRHP:	No

Current Usage:

Abandoned

Description:

Walker Gym is rectangular (186′ x 112′, including addition) and is constructed of poured concrete. The roof is both arched and flat with parapets capped with pre-formed concrete blocks. Entryways are covered with concrete porch roofs, and window openings are situated high on the walls. Vertical lines and rounded corners give an art deco flavor. Unfortunately the front entry has been covered by a cinder block addition that pretty much impairs the architectural integrity of the structure.
Within the community of Marietta, the gym is architecturally significant in terms of type, materials, style and nature of workmanship. The use of poured concrete as wall materials also makes the gym notable as a WPA structure. Equally important is that the structure enhanced modern education in the region, facilitating the educational process. Also significant is that construction of the gym provided job opportunities for destitute workers long on the relief rolls of the state, enabling them to secure a measure of economic security for themselves and their families.

VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: Lots 4 and 5, Block 82, Marietta original

Visited April, 4, 2022.