Press Release
April 7, 2022
Contact: Matthew Pearce, Ph.D.
State Historic Preservation Office, Oklahoma Historical Society
Office: 405-522-4479
Fax: 405-522-0816
mpearce@okhistory.org
www.okhistory.org/shpo
New Oklahoma National Register Listings
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is pleased to announce the National Register of Historic Places designation for the following properties in Oklahoma. The National Register of Historic Places is our nation’s official list of properties significant in our past.
Oklahoma County
First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City
600 NW 13th St., Oklahoma City
First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City was listed in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C at the local level of significance for Architecture. Constructed in 1929, with additions completed in 1958 and 1974, First Unitarian Church is an excellent local example of a religious building designed in the Colonial Revival architectural style. Original building sections, including the sanctuary and Daniel Hall, were designed by the firm Smith and Walker of Boston, Mass. These sections retain much of their original layout and historic features, including multi-light arched windows and a prominent copper-clad spire. Subsequent additions reflect midcentury interpretations of the Colonial Revival style and completed the building’s unique, U-shaped footprint around an elevated open courtyard. The overall design and construction of First Unitarian Church reflects the evolution of the congregation’s community outreach and education programs. The property remains a community landmark symbolizing downtown Oklahoma City’s historic development.
Seminole County
Seminole High School
501 North Timmons St., Seminole
Seminole High School, located in Seminole, Seminole County, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the local level of significance for its association with Community Planning and Development, Education and Architecture. The property is significant for community planning and development as a tangible product of the City Beautiful Movement in Seminole. Construction of a new, expansive high school building that was modern in every respect provided for an expanded curriculum, including a junior college, making the property significant for education. Seminole High School is also architecturally significant as an exemplary local example of a pre-New Deal, Art Deco-styled school building designed by prominent Oklahoma architect Josephus Overton (J. O.) Parr. The period of significance extends from 1930 to 1940. In addition to the three-story school building, an expansive front lawn, metal flagpole and stone retaining wall all contribute to the property’s historic significance.
Listing in the National Register of Historic Places is an honorific designation that provides recognition, limited protection and, in some cases, financial incentives for these important properties. The SHPO identifies, evaluates and nominates properties for this special designation.
The State Historic Preservation Office is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit www.okhistory.org.
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