Corey House/Hotel
N. Main at 2nd St., Grove, OKTaken together the Corey House and adjacent Corey Hotel - provided a remarkably authentic picture of small-town innkeeping in Oklahoma in the early years of the 20th century. C. H. Corey came to Indian Territory in 1891, and built his two-story frame house in 1899. Mrs. Corey promptly made it a boarding house, charging 25 cents for a meal and renting an occasional bed for 50 cents. The food was apparently good. By 1909 business was brisk enough that Mr. Corey built the Corey House a few feet to the south. It, too, was a two-story frame affair, almost identical to his house. The two buildings were operated together by the Corey family as a boarding house/hotel for another 40 years. And they stand today pretty much as they always have well cared for, many of the rooms boasting original furniture and furnishings.
In the small town of Grove - established in 1889 and still has a population of less than 2,000 the Corey House/Hotel was a center of social and commercial activity for more than a half-century. Strategically located on Main Street, with the depot a block to the north and other businesses to the south, it continued to operate long after most similar establishments had closed shop. In the years that followed retained family ownership, a growing awareness of traditional values, and perhaps a modicum of nostalgic sentimentality, have all conspired to assure its preservation. Today the plan of the three heirs/owners is to restore it and make it available to the public as a tribute to their grandparents and an authentic memorial to the turn-of-the-century small town boarding house.
Local significance of the building:
In the small town of Grove - established in 1889 and still has a population of less than 2,000 the Corey House/Hotel was a center of social and commercial activity for more than a half-century. Strategically located on Main Street, with the depot a block to the north and other businesses to the south, it continued to operate long after most similar establishments had closed shop. In the years that followed retained family ownership, a growing awareness of traditional values, and perhaps a modicum of nostalgic sentimentality, have all conspired to assure its preservation. Today the plan of the three heirs/owners is to restore it and make it available to the public as a tribute to their grandparents and an authentic memorial to the turn-of-the-century small town boarding house.
Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
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.
In 1988, the residents of Boise City, Oklahoma, were tricked into believing they were under attack by aliens. A local radio station aired a fake news report about a UFO sighting, and many residents saw lights in the sky that they believed were alien spacecraft. The hoax became national news and has since become a part of the town's history.
About Delaware County
Delaware County Timeline
Delaware County, Oklahoma, has a rich and diverse history that spans back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Delaware, Cherokee, and Osage. The Delawares were the first tribe to establish a permanent settlement in the area, which is how the county got its name. The Native American heritage is still celebrated and preserved today by many tribal communities in Delaware County.
European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, primarily through the Cherokee Nation's forced relocation on the Trail of Tears. The Cherokee Nation established itself in the area, and during the mid-19th century, the community thrived. Several towns and communities were developed, and agriculture became a significant industry. However, this prosperous period was interrupted by the American Civil War, during which the area witnessed various conflicts and struggles.
In the late 1800s, the Kansas City Southern Railway was built in Delaware County, leading to increased commerce and growth. This also brought more settlers to the region, expanding the population and the development of towns such as Jay, Grove, and Colcord. The county continued to thrive agriculturally, with farming and ranching becoming the primary economic activities.
In the 20th century, Delaware County experienced both progress and challenges. The construction of Grand Lake, a popular recreational area, in the 1930s provided a boost to the county's tourism industry. However, like other parts of Oklahoma, the area was significantly affected by the Dust Bowl and the economic downturn of the Great Depression. Despite these setbacks, the county rebounded during World War II and continued to grow throughout the 20th century. Today, Delaware County is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant communities.
European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, primarily through the Cherokee Nation's forced relocation on the Trail of Tears. The Cherokee Nation established itself in the area, and during the mid-19th century, the community thrived. Several towns and communities were developed, and agriculture became a significant industry. However, this prosperous period was interrupted by the American Civil War, during which the area witnessed various conflicts and struggles.
In the late 1800s, the Kansas City Southern Railway was built in Delaware County, leading to increased commerce and growth. This also brought more settlers to the region, expanding the population and the development of towns such as Jay, Grove, and Colcord. The county continued to thrive agriculturally, with farming and ranching becoming the primary economic activities.
In the 20th century, Delaware County experienced both progress and challenges. The construction of Grand Lake, a popular recreational area, in the 1930s provided a boost to the county's tourism industry. However, like other parts of Oklahoma, the area was significantly affected by the Dust Bowl and the economic downturn of the Great Depression. Despite these setbacks, the county rebounded during World War II and continued to grow throughout the 20th century. Today, Delaware County is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant communities.
Delaware County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Delaware County, Oklahoma.
- 1830s - Delaware County is originally inhabited by the Delaware Tribe of Native Americans.
- 1828 - The Delaware Tribe signs a treaty with the United States, ceding their lands in the area.
- 1832 - The Cherokee Nation signs a treaty with the United States, acquiring the lands that include present-day Delaware County.
- 1907 - Oklahoma becomes a state, and Delaware County is officially established as a county.
- 1930s - The construction of dams and reservoirs, such as the Grand Lake o' the Cherokees, leads to increased tourism and economic development in the county.
- 1950s - The creation of the Cherokee Turnpike facilitates transportation and brings more visitors to the area.
- 1980s - The construction of the Pensacola Dam on the Grand River further boosts tourism and water-based recreational activities in Delaware County.
- 2000s - The county's economy continues to rely on tourism, agriculture (primarily poultry farming), and manufacturing industries.