Douglass High School Auditorium
800 M St., NE, Ardmore, OKDouglass High School Auditorium is historically significant because: (1) it is one of the few remaining properties associated with the all-black community of Ardmore, (2) it is the only educational resource still standing identified with the all-black Douglass High School in Ardmore, and (3) it is one of the oldest and largest buildings of its type in southern Oklahoma.
Ardmore was established in 1887 as a rail outlet for agricultural products when the Santa Fe extended its tracks across the Chickasaw Nation. With the coming of the railroad, the largely undeveloped area around Ardmore was occupied by farms and ranches; and cotton, corn, and cattle became the principle products. Ardmore grew steadily and by 1910 had become the regional trade center for south central Oklahoma with a population of 8,618.
Because of Ardmore's preeminence as a regional agricultural center, it developed substantial business districts for both blacks and whites. Ardmore's black population by 1910 reached 1,628, or roughly 19 percent of the city's total. By 1920 the black population of Ardmore had increased to slightly more than 2,000.
Separate schools for blacks and whites were legalized by the Oklahoma state constitution of 1907. The funding for black educational facilities, however, was different than for white educational properties. Black school systems were allocated funds from only county wide tax levies, whereas white schools were allotted funds from both individual school district property taxes as well as county tax assessments. Based on this tax system, black schools did not always have equivalent facilities as compared with white schools. This was the case in Ardmore.
The first and only black high school in Ardmore was Douglass, established in the early 1900s. The black youth, however, were deprived of an auditorium until 1930 when the nominated property was constructed near the high school. From 1930 to 1969 the Douglass High School Auditorium served as a significant social, educational, and recreational focal point for the black community. Hundreds of black youth participated in music programs, dramatic productions, graduation exercises, and athletic contests held in the auditorium. The 60' x 90' structure was the largest black facility of its type in southern Oklahoma. The only other comparable facility for black high school youth in southern Oklahoma was at McAlester and it was constructed in 1934 with P.W.A. funding.
In 1969 the old high school was replaced with a new high school complex, which included an auditorium, and the high school system was integrated.
The auditorium is still owned by the Ardmore Public School System. Located near the new high school complex, the property is currently used as a bus barn and for maintenance personnel offices. For over 53 years, the Douglass High School Auditorium has remained an integral part of the educational and ethnic history of Ardmore.
Local significance of the building:
Ardmore was established in 1887 as a rail outlet for agricultural products when the Santa Fe extended its tracks across the Chickasaw Nation. With the coming of the railroad, the largely undeveloped area around Ardmore was occupied by farms and ranches; and cotton, corn, and cattle became the principle products. Ardmore grew steadily and by 1910 had become the regional trade center for south central Oklahoma with a population of 8,618.
Because of Ardmore's preeminence as a regional agricultural center, it developed substantial business districts for both blacks and whites. Ardmore's black population by 1910 reached 1,628, or roughly 19 percent of the city's total. By 1920 the black population of Ardmore had increased to slightly more than 2,000.
Separate schools for blacks and whites were legalized by the Oklahoma state constitution of 1907. The funding for black educational facilities, however, was different than for white educational properties. Black school systems were allocated funds from only county wide tax levies, whereas white schools were allotted funds from both individual school district property taxes as well as county tax assessments. Based on this tax system, black schools did not always have equivalent facilities as compared with white schools. This was the case in Ardmore.
The first and only black high school in Ardmore was Douglass, established in the early 1900s. The black youth, however, were deprived of an auditorium until 1930 when the nominated property was constructed near the high school. From 1930 to 1969 the Douglass High School Auditorium served as a significant social, educational, and recreational focal point for the black community. Hundreds of black youth participated in music programs, dramatic productions, graduation exercises, and athletic contests held in the auditorium. The 60' x 90' structure was the largest black facility of its type in southern Oklahoma. The only other comparable facility for black high school youth in southern Oklahoma was at McAlester and it was constructed in 1934 with P.W.A. funding.
In 1969 the old high school was replaced with a new high school complex, which included an auditorium, and the high school system was integrated.
The auditorium is still owned by the Ardmore Public School System. Located near the new high school complex, the property is currently used as a bus barn and for maintenance personnel offices. For over 53 years, the Douglass High School Auditorium has remained an integral part of the educational and ethnic history of Ardmore.
Black; Education
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
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.
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.
About Carter County
Carter County Timeline
Carter County, Oklahoma, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations, who relied on the fertile land for farming and hunting. European explorers, such as Hernando de Soto in the 16th century, also passed through the region.
In the early 1800s, the United States government began negotiating treaties with the Native American tribes in the area, leading to their forced removal to Indian Territory. During the 1837 Chickasaw Removal, the Chickasaw Nation established its capital in present-day Tishomingo, which became a prominent town in the county.
After the founding of Oklahoma Territory in 1889, Carter County was officially established in 1907. Its name honors Captain Ben W. Carter, a well-known Cherokee Indian scout and leader in the region. The county's main industries at that time were agriculture and ranching, with cotton and cattle being the primary commodities.
Oil was discovered in the Healdton Field in the early 1900s, sparking an oil boom that significantly impacted the county's economy. The population increased rapidly, and towns such as Ardmore and Healdton saw tremendous growth. The oil industry continues to play a significant role in the county's economy.
Today, Carter County is home to numerous historical sites, including the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, which was established in 1902 as the first national park in Oklahoma. The county also boasts a diverse economy, with sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism contributing to its growth and development.
In the early 1800s, the United States government began negotiating treaties with the Native American tribes in the area, leading to their forced removal to Indian Territory. During the 1837 Chickasaw Removal, the Chickasaw Nation established its capital in present-day Tishomingo, which became a prominent town in the county.
After the founding of Oklahoma Territory in 1889, Carter County was officially established in 1907. Its name honors Captain Ben W. Carter, a well-known Cherokee Indian scout and leader in the region. The county's main industries at that time were agriculture and ranching, with cotton and cattle being the primary commodities.
Oil was discovered in the Healdton Field in the early 1900s, sparking an oil boom that significantly impacted the county's economy. The population increased rapidly, and towns such as Ardmore and Healdton saw tremendous growth. The oil industry continues to play a significant role in the county's economy.
Today, Carter County is home to numerous historical sites, including the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, which was established in 1902 as the first national park in Oklahoma. The county also boasts a diverse economy, with sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism contributing to its growth and development.
Carter County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Carter County, Oklahoma.
- 1837 - The land that is now Carter County is part of the Chickasaw Nation's territory.
- 1856 - The Chickasaw Nation enters into a treaty with the United States, establishing a reservation in present-day Carter County.
- 1872 - The Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad begins construction through the area, leading to increased settlement.
- 1901 - Carter County is established as part of the Oklahoma Territory.
- 1907 - Oklahoma becomes a state, including Carter County.
- 1910 - The city of Ardmore becomes the county seat of Carter County.
- 1933 - The construction of Lake Murray State Park begins, providing a recreational area for residents and visitors.
- 1964 - The Turner Falls Park is established in the Arbuckle Mountains, becoming a popular tourist attraction.
- 1995 - The Murray State College Arbuckle Center opens in Ardmore, providing educational opportunities to the community.