National Register of Historic Places listings in Kay County, Oklahoma facts for kids
Kay County, Oklahoma, is home to many important historical places. These special spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history and culture. In Kay County, there are 62 such places. Three of these are extra special and are called National Historic Landmarks.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worth saving. It is part of a program by the U.S. government to help protect historic sites. When a place is added to the Register, it means it is important for its history, architecture, or archeology. This recognition can help save these places for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
Historic Buildings and Homes
Many buildings in Kay County have been recognized for their unique history and design.
Notable Homes and Mansions
- Bennie L. Aupperle Dairy Barn: Located near Newkirk, this barn was listed in 2012. It shows the history of farming and dairy work in the area.
- Big V Ranch House: Found off State Highway 156 near Ponca City, this ranch house was added in 1984. It represents the large ranching operations that were once common in Oklahoma.
- Daniel J. Donahoe House: This house at 302 S. 7th Street in Ponca City was listed in 1982. It is an example of historic home architecture in the city.
- Henry C. Hatashita House: Located at 1408 Pioneer Road in Ponca City, this house was recognized in 2016. It adds to the collection of important homes in the area.
- Mahoney House and Garage: In Tonkawa, this property at 302 N. Main Avenue was listed in 1984. It shows how homes and garages were built in the past.
- E. W. Marland Mansion: This grand mansion on Monument Road in Ponca City is a National Historic Landmark. It was listed in 1973 and is a very important historical site. E. W. Marland was a famous oil businessman and former governor of Oklahoma.
- Marland-Paris House: Another significant home in Ponca City, located at 1000 E. Grand, was listed in 1976. It is connected to the Marland family's history.
- Sheets House: This house near Newkirk, at 1350 W. Peckingham Road, was added in 2011. It offers a glimpse into the past living styles of the region.
- Soldani Mansion: Found at 819 E. Central Street in Ponca City, this mansion was listed in 1982. It is now known as the Ponca City Art Center, showing how historic buildings can be used today.
Important Public and Commercial Buildings
- Blackwell Armory: Located at 6th and Doolin Streets in Blackwell, this building was listed in 1988. Armories were places where military reserves trained.
- First Church of Christ, Scientist: This church at 300 N. 3rd Street in Ponca City was recognized in 2015. It is important for its architecture and role in the community.
- First Presbyterian Church of Tonkawa: At 109 S. 4th Street in Tonkawa, this church was listed in 1994. It shows the history of religious buildings in the town.
- Hayes-Kennedy-Rivoli Theater Building: This building at 122-124 S. Main in Blackwell was added in 2015. It highlights the history of entertainment venues.
- Kay County Courthouse: The courthouse in Newkirk, located on Courthouse Square, was listed in 1984. Courthouses are often central to a county's history and government.
- Larkin Hotel: This hotel at 201 N. Main Street in Blackwell was recognized in 2013. Hotels played a big role in travel and business in the past.
- Newkirk Water Purification Plant: At 10th and Elm Streets in Newkirk, this plant was listed in 1988. It shows important developments in public services.
- Poncan Theatre: This historic theater at 104 E. Grand Avenue in Ponca City was listed in 1984. It is a beautiful example of old movie palaces.
- St. John Baptist Church and Rectory: Located at 1009 S. 11th Street in Ponca City, this church was listed in 2015. It represents the community's religious heritage.
- Santa Fe Depot: Near the junction of S. 1st and W. Oklahoma in Ponca City, this train station was listed in 2012. Train depots were once very busy places for travel and trade.
- Tonkawa Armory: This armory at 3rd and North Streets in Tonkawa was listed in 1988.
- Tonkawa Lodge No. 157 A.F. & A.M.: At 112 N. 7th Street in Tonkawa, this lodge was added in 2007. It is important to the history of local organizations.
Historic Districts and Sites
Some listings cover entire areas or special sites rather than single buildings.
Historic Districts
- Downtown Ponca City Historic District: This area, roughly bounded by Pine, Chestnut, 7th Streets, and Central Avenue, was listed in 2011. It includes many important buildings that show the city's growth.
- Lake Ponca Duck Pond Historic District: Located at L.A. Cann Drive and Edam Road in Ponca City, this district was recognized in 2015. It highlights a unique recreational area.
- Newkirk Central Business District: This area around Main and 7th Streets in Newkirk was listed in 1984. It shows the historic heart of the town's business activity.
- J.P. Tipton Farmstead: About 3.1 miles east of Newkirk, this farmstead was listed in 1998. It represents the history of farming in the region.
Archeological and Cultural Sites
- Bryson Archeological Site: This site near Newkirk was listed in 1979. Archeological sites help us learn about ancient cultures and people.
- Chilocco Indian Agricultural School: Located on U.S. Route 77 and E0018 Road near Newkirk, this school was listed in 2006. It was an important school for Native American students.
- Deer Creek Site: This site near Newkirk is a National Historic Landmark and was listed in 1966. It is a very important archeological location.
- Gov. William W. Jenkins Homestead Site: This site near Newkirk was listed in 1976. It is connected to an important historical figure.
- Kaw City Depot: West of Kaw City on Washungah Drive, this depot was listed in 1979. It is a reminder of the town's past as a transportation hub.
- Kaw Indian Agency: North of the Arkansas River near Washunga, this agency was listed in 1973. It is important to the history of the Kaw Indian people.
- Nez Perce Reservation: This site near Tonkawa was listed in 1974. It has historical importance related to the Nez Perce people.
- One-hundred-and-one Ranch: Also known as the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch, this site southwest of Ponca City on State Highway 156 is a National Historic Landmark. It was listed in 1973 and was a famous ranch and wild west show.
- Pioneer Woman Statue: This statue on Monument Circle in Ponca City was listed in 1978. It honors the brave women who helped settle the American West.
- White Eagle Park: North of White Eagle, this park was listed in 2007. It is important to the local community.
Schools and Education
Several schools in Kay County are also on the National Register, showing their importance to local history and education.
- Blaine Stadium and Fieldhouse: Located at 5th and Brookfield Streets in Ponca City, this stadium was listed in 1988. It is important for the history of sports and education.
- Darr School of Aeronautics Hangar No. 3: Southwest of the junction of Darr Park Drive and Lindsey Road in Ponca City, this hangar was listed in 2006. It shows the history of aviation training.
- Huston Elementary School: At 304 Vinnedge Avenue in Blackwell, this school was listed in 2009.
- Northside Elementary School: Located at 720 W. Doolin Avenue in Blackwell, this school was listed in 2009.
- Parkside Elementary School: At 502 E. College Avenue in Blackwell, this school was listed in 2009.
- Washington Elementary School: Found at 723 W. College Avenue in Blackwell, this school was also listed in 2009.
These schools highlight the importance of education and community buildings in the growth of Kay County's towns.