National Register Listing

First State Bank

a.k.a. Albritton Realty Co.

239 S. Main St., Shattuck, OK
This building housed two of the first banking installations to serve the town of Shattuck and has since provided facilities for various businesses over the years. Built in 1908, the building first housed the First State Bank, chartered on July 7, 1905. This bank was later converted to the First State Bank of Shattuck and was liquidated in 1911. The newly formed German-American State Bank then occupied the building until November 9, 1912, when it was converted to the Bank of Shattuck and relocated in the Farmer building. During the above period, these banks provided individual services to the community and assisted in the growth of Shattuck and the surrounding settlements. This building continued to be utilized by the community and area businessmen. The first floor was used as a Maxwell Sales Agency in 1914 and was operated by Val Stephens. In 1920, a drugstore operated by W.F. Shapley was installed and operated for thirty years. The second floor of the building was also extensively used. Many of the town's first medical professionals, such as E.G. Fulton, DDS, and Dr. Archambault, specialists in EENT, were officed on this floor. The rear of this floor was also used as a meeting place. Local sources state that the Ku Klux Klan met here in the 1920s but was soon asked to leave. The Elks club later used these facilities for meetings. This building has also housed the Shattuck Phone Co., as evidenced by the many phone terminals still installed. uses for the building over the years have been as Lloyd Elmore's Bookstore, The Davis Paint Store, Reed's Furniture and Paints, Foster Insurance, Foofie and Dick's Day Care Center, and D.F. Jackson's Cafe. Currently, the building houses the Albritton Real Estate Co. and Sue Hendrix, a local hypnotist.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Economics

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

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.

commerce economics
Audiobooks about the history of Oklahoma.
The state song of Oklahoma, "Oklahoma!", was written by Rodgers and Hammerstein for their Broadway musical of the same name. The musical, which premiered in 1943, was set in Oklahoma territory in the early 1900s and tells the story of a young farm girl and her romance with a cowboy.
Oklahoma random facts
Ellis County, located in Oklahoma, has a rich history that dates back to the ancient times when Native American tribes inhabited the area. The area that is now Ellis County was originally home to the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, who lived off the land and utilized the region's resources for their sustenance and cultural practices.

In the 1800s, European settlers began to venture into the area, attracted by the promise of fertile land and abundant natural resources. The Land Run of 1892 led to a surge in population as settlers sought to claim their piece of the vast open prairie. Ellis County was officially established on July 16, 1907, as part of the newly formed state of Oklahoma.

Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the county's economy, as settlers cultivated crops such as wheat, corn, and cotton. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s further facilitated the growth of agriculture and enabled the transportation of goods to markets outside the county. The railroad also played a crucial role in the development of small towns within Ellis County, such as Arnett and Shattuck, which served as important trading and social centers for the local population.

Over the years, Ellis County has faced its share of challenges. The Dust Bowl era of the 1930s brought severe drought and wind erosion, leading to devastating agricultural losses and widespread economic hardship. However, the resilience of the local community allowed for recovery and growth in subsequent years. Today, Ellis County remains rooted in its agricultural heritage while also embracing modern industries and businesses that contribute to its continued development.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ellis County, Oklahoma.

  • 1850: The area that would become Ellis County is open for settlement as part of the Indian Territory.
  • 1868: The Medicine Lodge Treaty is signed, opening up the area for white settlement.
  • 1870: The first European settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1882: Ellis County is formally established.
  • 1898: The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad is built through Ellis County, leading to increased growth and development.
  • 1907: Oklahoma becomes a state, and Ellis County is part of the new state.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression hits Ellis County hard, causing economic hardship for many residents.
  • 1940s: Ellis County experiences a population decline due to the effects of World War II, as many young men leave to serve in the military.
  • 1950s-1960s: Ellis County sees a period of growth and prosperity, with the oil industry playing a significant role in the local economy.
  • 1980s-1990s: The oil industry experiences a decline, leading to economic challenges for Ellis County.
  • Present: Ellis County continues to be a rural area with agriculture and energy production as key industries.