Old Atoka State Bank
Court and Ohio Sts., Atoka, OKConstructed in 1906, the old Atoka State Bank building is significant because of its economic symbolism, community planning value, and its architecture. Organized the year the building was constructed and one year before Oklahoma statehood, the Atoka State Bank was capitalized at $10,000. Under the leadership of Thomas F. Memminger, a Nebraska native who bought an interest in the bank in 1908, the institution was noted for its conservative lending practices and sound financial management. Of the three banks that existed in the community, it was the only one to survive the stock market crash of 1929 and the depression of the 1930s. The bank sold the building in 1929 and moved to another location just across the street; in the late 1960s it occupied its present quarters. Following the departure of the bank, the building was utilized in whole or in part by a hardware store, an ice cream parlor, a drug store, and a dress shop. The upper floor at one time or another contained offices of physicians, dentists, attorneys, the National Guard, the Works Progress Administration, and the Kiamichi Production Credit Association. In short, the old Atoka State Bank building participated in the economic and commercial development of the entire community through its growth, depression, and decay.
The structure is one of seven substantial buildings in the present commercial district of Atoka that were constructed before 1915 that retain some economic usefulness. If there is to be any revival of "downtown" Atoka, now in a state of decay, old Atoka State Bank and the other six buildings must be conserved. The bank building, then, is significant, even vital, to the future character of Atoka's business district.
The structure is also significant architecturally. The oriel-like design of its cornice is unique to the community, as is the extent to which the eyebrow windows have been employed. Equally unique are the horizontal lines beneath the windows. The integrity of the original design of the building has been impeached by the aluminum facade on its south front, but that integrity could be retrieved by skilled craftsmen and a modest investment of capital.
Local significance of the building:
The structure is one of seven substantial buildings in the present commercial district of Atoka that were constructed before 1915 that retain some economic usefulness. If there is to be any revival of "downtown" Atoka, now in a state of decay, old Atoka State Bank and the other six buildings must be conserved. The bank building, then, is significant, even vital, to the future character of Atoka's business district.
The structure is also significant architecturally. The oriel-like design of its cornice is unique to the community, as is the extent to which the eyebrow windows have been employed. Equally unique are the horizontal lines beneath the windows. The integrity of the original design of the building has been impeached by the aluminum facade on its south front, but that integrity could be retrieved by skilled craftsmen and a modest investment of capital.
Community Planning And Development; Economics; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain.
About Atoka County
Atoka County Timeline
Atoka County, Oklahoma has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Caddo and Choctaw nations. These tribes enjoyed a prosperous and harmonious existence in the region, focusing on agriculture, trade, and communal living. However, their way of life was disrupted in the early 19th century with the arrival of European settlers and the subsequent Indian Removal Act of 1830, which forcibly relocated many tribes to present-day Oklahoma.
In 1854, the Choctaw Nation signed a treaty with the United States government, establishing their own government and jurisdictional boundaries. Atoka, originally known as Atoka Station, became an important stop along the Butterfield Overland Mail route, a stagecoach line that connected St. Louis, Missouri, to San Francisco, California. This led to the development of Atoka as a trading post and transportation hub, boosting its economy and attracting settlers.
The county was officially established on October 13, 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. Atoka served as the county seat, and the surrounding area flourished with agriculture, particularly cotton farming, and the lumber industry. The discovery of oil in the 1910s also brought economic growth, attracting oil companies and leading to the establishment of oil wells and refineries in the county.
Throughout the 20th century, Atoka County experienced ups and downs in its economy, with periods of prosperity and hardship. The Great Depression and the decline of the cotton industry hit the county hard, but it managed to recover with the construction of infrastructure projects like roads and bridges through government programs such as the Works Progress Administration. Today, Atoka County stands as a reflection of its resilient past, with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and recreational activities shaping its economy and culture.
In 1854, the Choctaw Nation signed a treaty with the United States government, establishing their own government and jurisdictional boundaries. Atoka, originally known as Atoka Station, became an important stop along the Butterfield Overland Mail route, a stagecoach line that connected St. Louis, Missouri, to San Francisco, California. This led to the development of Atoka as a trading post and transportation hub, boosting its economy and attracting settlers.
The county was officially established on October 13, 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. Atoka served as the county seat, and the surrounding area flourished with agriculture, particularly cotton farming, and the lumber industry. The discovery of oil in the 1910s also brought economic growth, attracting oil companies and leading to the establishment of oil wells and refineries in the county.
Throughout the 20th century, Atoka County experienced ups and downs in its economy, with periods of prosperity and hardship. The Great Depression and the decline of the cotton industry hit the county hard, but it managed to recover with the construction of infrastructure projects like roads and bridges through government programs such as the Works Progress Administration. Today, Atoka County stands as a reflection of its resilient past, with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and recreational activities shaping its economy and culture.
Atoka County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Atoka County, Oklahoma.
- Atoka County was established on October 25, 1907.
- In 1911, the first courthouse in Atoka County was built.
- During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Atoka County was heavily affected by economic hardship.
- In 1948, Atoka Dam and Reservoir were completed, providing water and recreational opportunities to the area.
- In the 1950s, coal mining became a major industry in Atoka County, leading to economic growth.
- In the 1980s, the completion of the Indian Nation Turnpike improved transportation in the county.
- In 2009, Atoka County celebrated its centennial anniversary.
- In recent years, Atoka County has seen growth in tourism and outdoor recreational activities.