Guthrie, Oklahoma is full of history. Each episode of this podcast focuses on one of the historic site markers located around the community. Whether walking, driving, or virtually, these episodes combine to give a lovely tour through downtown Guthrie. Learn about architecture, historic characters, and the history of Oklahoma's first capital!
Transcription from historical marker:
This is the first Carnegie Library in Oklahoma. Frank Frantz, last Territorial Governor and Charles Haskell, First State Governor, were inaugurated on the steps here. The mock wedding of Miss Indian Territory and Mr. Oklahoma Territory was here. The first state flag was made here by 90 Oklahoma women on June 16, 1908.
Erected by the Fogarty Jr High Oklahoma History Classes of 1954-1955.
17 Apr 2020
U.S. GOVERNMENT LAND OFFICE - 201 W Oklahoma Ave
Transcription from the historical marker:
With the opening of the approximately two million acres of "Oklahoma Country" for homestead settlement at 12 noon, Monday, April 22, 1889, thousands of settlers rushed to claim free land. Those making claims were required by law to register at one of two U.S. Government Offices, one located at Kingfisher and one at Guthrie.
The modest 18x30 feet false-fronted frame building of the U.S. Land office stood alone that day, capping the hill east of the railroad station. Almost immediately, it was surrounded by hundreds of eager settlers, seeking to register claims. By nightfall, it stood in a sea of tents that collectively made up Guthrie.
The Kansas City Gazette on April 23 reported: "The crowd around the land office is too great to be numbered. Those who did not get in to file their claims last night slept where they were in the line to be on hand this morning."
The Land Office continued its "land office business" rush for weeks, as the thousands of homesteaders filed claims and counterclaims for free land. Lines of claimants crowded "Hell's Half Acre" outside the Office.
Land Office Register John Dillie of Huntington, Ind., and Receiver Cassius Barnes of Fayetteville, Ark., who became the 5th territorial governor in 1897, worked all day and late into the night on many occasions. In many cases more than one individual claimed a single piece of land leading to bitter arguments and court disputes that lasted for years afterwards.
After a brick U.S. Post Office was built in 1903 on "Hell's Half Acre", the old frame land office was removed.
17 Apr 2020
DeFord Building
Transcription from the historical marker:
Built in 1890 by Irwin S. DeFord, self-described “money-lender” and capitalist, the DeFord Building is perhaps the gem of Joseph Foucart’s architecture in downtown Guthrie.
The sidewall, facing “Government Acre” surrounding the Land Office, is even more distinguished than its front, featuring contrasting-colored arched windows with worked wooden fans above corbelled brick, with a small turret marking the south end. Detailed acanthus leaves decorate capitals of defining pillars.
DeFord lived upstairs in the building when completed, and the New York Clothiers (Cohen and Strauss) were on the first floor. By 1892, however, the U.S. Post Office temporarily replaced the clothing store. Offices for lawyers were located on the 2nd floor. The U.S. Courtroom was located in the basement until the Federal Building (Post Office and Courtroom) was completed in 1903.
Flora M. Willis purchased the building in 1904. She and her first husband, Joseph Willis ,operated their general store there. Later, the store was used exclusively for furniture, and they added the Willis Building immediately south in 1914.
After Willis died, his widow operated the store alone until she married E. W. Knightlinger in 1923, and he joined her in the business. She died in 1955, and Mr. Knightlinger continued operation of the store through 1981. Both the DeFord and the Willis Buildings have been scrupulously maintained by the owners.
Mr. Knightlinger (whose picture is shown) deeded the DeFord building as a gift to the Logan County Historical Society on Dec. 7, 1981.
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