National Register Listing

Goff, William I. and Magdalen M., House

506 S. Evans, El Reno, OK
The Goff House is significant because it is the best local example in El Reno of residential architecture where the colonial Revival and Queen Anne styles of architecture are combined. Built at the turn-of-the-century, by W. I. Goff, the manager of the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company of El Reno, the house continues to possess a high degree of architectural integrity.

Located on a large corner lot, the house is larger than most in the neighborhood and is clearly a landmark in this area of residential homes that surround the Rock Island Railroad, the traditional commercial center for the city of El Reno.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

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.

architecture houses residential buildings
Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher was the first Black woman to attend law school in Oklahoma. In 1946, she applied to the University of Oklahoma College of Law but was denied admission because of her race. She sued the university, and her case eventually went to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in her favor. She went on to graduate from law school in 1951 and became a prominent civil rights attorney.
Oklahoma random facts
Canadian County is a county located in the state of Oklahoma in the United States. The county was established in 1889 as part of Oklahoma Territory, shortly after the Land Run of April 22, 1889. Its name is derived from the Canadian River, which runs through the county. The county seat is El Reno, which was named after Fort Reno, a historic military fort.

In the early years, Canadian County relied heavily on agriculture for its economy. Wheat, cotton, and cattle were the primary crops, and the county became known for its fertile soil and abundant water supply. With the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, the county experienced more rapid growth and development.

During World War II, Canadian County played a significant role in supporting the war effort. El Reno was home to the Fort Reno Internment Camp, which held German prisoners of war. The county also had several military installations, such as the El Reno Naval Air Station and the Reno Army Airfield, where bomber crews were trained.

In recent years, Canadian County has experienced rapid population growth and suburbanization. The county has attracted numerous residents who work in the nearby Oklahoma City metropolitan area, seeking a more rural and peaceful lifestyle. While agriculture continues to be an important industry in the county, Canadian County has also seen the expansion of industries such as manufacturing, energy, and retail.

Overall, Canadian County has a rich history rooted in agriculture, and has adapted to changing times to become a vibrant community with a diverse economy.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Canadian County, Oklahoma.

  • 1890 - Canadian County is founded as a part of Oklahoma Territory.
  • 1892 - The county seat is established in El Reno.
  • 1902 - The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad is built through the county.
  • 1909 - The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is established in Chickasha.
  • 1931 - The Great Depression reaches its peak, causing economic hardship in the county.
  • 1959 - The Canadian River is dammed to create Lake Overholser.
  • 1986 - The Canadian County Historical Museum is opened in El Reno.
  • 1999 - A tornado outbreak affects Canadian County, causing significant damage.
  • 2005 - Construction of the Canadian Valley Technology Center is completed.