Hey, friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I’m going to show you all of the historic markers I found in Guthrie, Oklahoma. I have transcribed the text on the markers below each photo so it is easier for you to read!
Victor Building
“Triumph of its time, the ‘Victor Block’ was built in 1893 as the finest commercial building in Guthrie by Winfield S. Smith, who constructed many of the downtown business structures. Besides Lillie’s Drug Store, the building also held a number of Territorial offices, several saloons, a wholesale liquor business, and a ballroom on its third floor. Its basement connected with other downtown buildings via tunnels. Associated Order of United Workmen Insurance Offices were later in the building, as well as state headquarters of that mutual organization. The basement became a bowling alley in the late 1960’s.
Restoration began in 1981 as part of Historic District Preservation Movement. It is considered one of Joseph Foucart’s best designs.”
Foucart Building
“Restored in 1980 to its original look, the Foucart Building was built in 1891 by Edward T. Patten to house the Boston Store (dry goods) managed by J.M. Brooks, later builder of Brooks Opera House. Geo. King’s New York Racket Store (notions, general) succeeded the Boston by 1899. (Racket was ‘society’ slang for a fashionable crowded fete.)
National Biscuit Co. leased the space for offices in 1911. Later occupants were a repair shop and, in 1920, E.A. Neher’s Paige Automobile agency.
The building was returned to retail merchandising in 1928 when John E. Gaffney moved his furniture store there. Successive owners were continued furniture sales until 1974, after which the building became vacant.
The building was designed by Joseph Foucart, who had his office in the 3rd floor tower from 1893 to 1897. There were among Foucart’s most productive years as an architect in the growing Territorial capital’s business district. As his office site and because the native sandstone edifice emphasizes his distinct style, the structure became known by his name rather than that of the builder.
The 1980 facade restoration was the first completed in the Guthrie Historic District Restoration Program, sponsored by the Logan County Historical Society.”
Guthrie Daily Leader
“Home of the Guthrie Daily Leader since 1894, the ‘Waite Block’ was built in 1891 by A.H. Waite, manager of the Kansas City Mercantile Co., to house two separate retail establishments.
The Leader was founded in 1892 as the Territory’s Democratic newspaper. Brought to prominence by editor Leslie Niblack, it moved by 1894 into the east half of the building with presses on the ground floor and editorial offices above.
By 1903, the Leader expanded to use both bays, with a book-binding operation on the second floor above the presses and office.
After purchasing the assets of the State Capital in 1911, the Leader expanded if circulation. The editorial offices were again on the second floor during the 1920’s, moving back to the first floor during the 1930’s. In 1953, the interior separating wall was removed in extensive remodeling which included an exterior coat over the original brick and stone construction. Several changes in editors and ownership occurred during this period. Offset printing presses were installed in 1967.
In 1976, the structure was completely remodeled inside and out by the present owner, Donald W. Reynolds of Donrey Media Inc. The facade does now follow the original design, but it is derivative of Victorian architecture of the period when the Leader’s establishment saw Harrison Avenue bloom as the center of commercial Guthrie.
The Leader, with its annual ’89er Special Editions, has long been in the forefront of Guthrie’s Historic Preservation Movement.”
Same Old Moses Saloon
“During the 17 Territorial years, open saloons thrived in Guthrie. One of the most popular was the ‘Same Old Moses’ operated by Moses Weinberger, a settler from Wichita, Kan.
Weiberger made the Run selling bananas April 22, 1889, and soon established a fruit stand at 218 West Oklahoma. Thinking liquor more profitable than perishable fruit, he obtained a government liquor license and opened one of the first legal saloons and wholesale liquor businesses in the area. Although he moved his saloon several times, he was a popular ‘mein host’ and his business at 211 West Harrison flourished.
Carry Nation, well known prohibitionist leader, was living in the capital city and repeatedly threatened the local saloon keepers. She reportedly wielded her bar-breaking hatchet against the ‘Same Old Moses,’ and Weinberger, seeing the publicity good for business, responded with a sign: ‘All nations welcome except carry.’
Strict prohibition came with statehood in 1907 and Weinberger, by then located in the basement of the Lyon Building, 102 West Harrison, sold his stock and swung the saloon doors closed for the last time.”
International Building
“Erected in 1890, the International ‘Block’ was named for its builders, the International Loan and Investment Company. H.J. Whitely and George D. Orputt, prime movers of the Guthrie Club booster organization, were heads of the company, financed by New York and Pennsylvania investors. The Guthrie Club later became the Chamber of Commerce.
Lillie’s Drug Store occupied the first floor of the building when completed, and offices for Oklahoma Territory were on the upper floor. A basement barber shop was operated by F.E. Knowlton, who developed his famed Danderine Hair Tonic there.
Stables for horses of the occupants were an adjunct to the basement. These stables extended out under the sidewalk adjoining the structure, and included stalls with harness racks and other refinements.
The building was one of several built in similar pattern throughout the Territory by the company. It gradually lost its glory and was condemned as unsafe in 1963. It was then razed.”
Blue Bell Bar
“One of the most popular of the numerous saloons in Guthrie during Territorial times, the Blue Bell was an 1889 enterprise of John Selstrom and Jack Tearney. It boasted Tom Mix as a bartender before he departed for stardom in silent films, and Temple Houston, famed attorney, as a favorite customer.
The original Fram structure was replaced in 1903 by the present brick edifice, probably Guthrie’s only commercial building with two bevelled entryways, front and back. The ‘C-11’ crest over the front doorway is the insignia of Ned Cheadle, local agent and bottler for the Fred Heim Brewing Co., whose brother company, Fremont Land and Improvement Co., built the structure.
Besides the saloon, the building in 1903 housed a restaurant on the Harrison Ave. side and a music store on the South Second St. side. Its upper floor, officially called a ‘hall,’ consisted of 17 small rooms surrounding a lobby and was probably a bordello. It was connected in early days by an iron sky-walk to the Elks Hotel across the alleyway.
After prohibition (concurrent with statehood, 1907) various businesses occupied the lower floor. A bar was re-established when prohibition was repealed in 1959, and it was re-named ‘Blue Bell’ in 1977. Much of the original interior is still in place.”
Reeves Brothers Casino
“One of the most notorious gambling houses of the Southwest, opened in a tent April 23, 1889. Soon a frame building went up later replaced by brick. The owners claimed their doors never closed, day or night, for 15 years. When closed by prohibition in 1907, a key could not be found. Inside a sign proclaimed:
‘We the citizens of Guthrie are law-abiding people. But to any one coming here looking for trouble, we always keep it in stock with a written guarantee that we will give you a decent burial. We will wash your face, comb your hair, and polish your boots. Place your sombrero on your grave, and erect a momento as a warning to others saying… ‘he tried and failed.’”
Office of E.P. McCabe
“Oklahoma – an all Black state with a Black governor – was the dream of E.P. McCabe, lawyer, farmer, and Republican activist. McCabe vigorously promoted Black settlement and assumed role as spokesman for Black people in Washington with President Benjamin Harrison.
As a candidate for Territorial Governor, he was quoted in the St. Louis Globe-Democrat: ‘Should I become governor, I promise to rule fairly and fearlessly.’ McCabe became Logan County treasure by appointment of Gov. Steele in 1890. He served as secretary of the Territorial Legislature in 1890, and was deputy auditor of the Territory from 1897 to 1907.
He was chiefly responsible for the founding of Langston and helped in the location and establishment of Langston University.”
De Ford Building
“Built in 1890 by Irwin D. DeFord, self-described ‘money-lender’ and capitalist, the DeFord Building is perhaps the gem of Joseph Foucart’s architecture in downtown Guthrie.
The sidewall, facing ‘Government Acre’ surrounding the Land Office, is even more distinguished than its front, featuring contrasting-colored arched windows with worked wooden fans above corralled brick, with a small turret marking the south end. Detailed acanthus leaves decorate capitals of defining pillars.
DeFord lived upstairs in the building when completed, and the New York Clothiers (Cohen and Strauss) were on the first floor. By 1892, however, the U.S. Post Office temporarily replaced the clothing store. Offices for lawyers were located on the 2nd floor. The U.S. Courtroom was located in the basement until the Federal Building (Post Office and Courtroom) was completed in 1903.
Flora M. Willis purchased the building in 1904. She and her first husband, Joseph Willis, operated their general store there. Later, the store was used exclusively for furniture, and they added the Willis Building immediately south in 1914.
After Willis died, his widow operated the store alone until she married E.W. Kightlinger in 1923, and he joined her in the business. She died in 1955, and Mr. Kightlinger continued operation of the store through 1981. Both the DeFord and Willis Buildings have been scrupulously maintained by the owners.
Mr. Kightlinger (whose picture is shown) deeded the DeFord Building as a gift to the Logan County Historical Society on Dec. 7, 1981.”
Post Office
“Dennis T. Flynn (afterwards delegate in congress from Oklahoma) with no authority beyond a telegram from Senator Plum of Kansas saying he was to be appointed postmaster, opened the post office in a tent on April 23, 1889. At first, he just handed out the mail with volunteer help – all day and half the night – to the hundreds lined up anxious to get definite information as to what day ‘mama and children would arrive.’
On May 14, 1889, postmaster Flynn telegraphed Washington: ‘Am selling $50 stamps daily. Clerks work 5 a.m. to midnight every day. When mail is opened the line as the window if half-mile long. We handle 3,000 letters and 1,000 newspapers daily. No trouble of any kind. Town has 5 banks and 6 newspapers.’
The west portion of the present building was constructed in 1903; addition of east portion was in 1913.”
Guthrie City Hall
“Guthrie’s building spree peaked in April 9, 1902, with laying the cornerstone for its commodious City Hall, designed by Joseph Foucart in his best belfry and turret style. The building’s second floor assembly room was used for the Constitutional Convention beginning November 1906, as elected delegates hammered out Oklahoma’s State Constitution.
Almost as soon as the villages of Guthrie united into a city, a fitting municipal building for the Territorial Capital was envisioned, and lots were purchased in 1891. When built, the $25,000.00 City Hall held all city offices and a jail as well as the assembly room.
The assembly room was freely used for civic purposes; inaugural balls for Territorial Governor Frank Frantz and first State Governor Charles N. Haskell; early county fairs; and many public events through the years, including basketball games during the 1920’s. Use was denied Carry A. Nation in 1906, however, on one of her prohibition speaking tours, to her bitter and vocal fury.
Somehow, the City Hall lots were not removed from the county’s tax rolls, and in November 1912, F.L. Williams paid the $7.47 taxes due and received title to the lots. He sold them back to the City for $8.00 in December 1915.
By a slender margin, bonds were voted for a new City Hall and the old building was razed in July 1955. Bricks from the old buildings were used for the entryway paving of the present structure.”
Land Office
“This stone marks the site of the U.S. Land Office where each of 20,000 persons making the ‘historic run of 1889’ had to appear in person and file his claim. This also is the site of the first post office in old Oklahoma.
Erected by Fogarty Jr. High Oklahoma history classes 1954-55.”
Guthrie National Bank
“Rushed to completion in the summer of 1889, the Guthrie National Bank building was the first brick structure built in what became Oklahoma Territory. It also proudly claimed many other firsts. It was located where J.W. McNeal of Medicine Lodge, Kansas, opened the McNeal-Little bank with his partner, A.W. Little, the afternoon of April 22, 1889. It became, as the Guthrie National Bank, June 14, 1890 the first national bank chartered in either of the twin territories.
“As premier structure in the infant city, the building housed the ‘grand reception’ for the visiting delegation of Congressmen in September, 1889.
Once finished, the building was crowded with tenants. Besides the bank, it housed Beadle’s shoe store on the west side, ‘Oklahoma Farmer’ newspaper and the Guthrie Club, a booster organization, shared the basement. Territorial Governor Steele in 1890 had an office on the 2nd floor for a few months, until larger quarters were available.
After consolidating and acquiring various other Guthrie banks, the parent company crowded out its tenants. It became known as the First National Bank of Guthrie in 1912. The present building replaced the first structure in 1923.”
Smith’s 2-Story Privy
“Winfield S. Smith, Guthrie City Councilman and builder of many early commercial buildings, granted by deed on July 28, 1899 to Nathanial McKay the right to build a two-story, 8×10 feet brick privy on his property (Lot 23) with right of access to occupants of that lot as well as those of lots 24 and 25. McKay, a transplanted easterner who became a Guthrie developer, was charged with keeping the privy maintained and in good repair when he purchased the lot and its ‘Triumph Building.’ Tenants of the building were assured of two seats on each floor of the privy.
While no photograph of the privy exists, the artist’s sketch indicates the type of structure and the covered walk assuring access from the second floor of the building.”
Gray Bros Building
“Wm. H. ‘Harry’ Gray, a naturalized Canadian, homesteaded the lot bearing the west half of this building. He staked it April 22, 1889 and immediately relocated his grocery and wholesale business from Udall, Kan. His brother, George, joined him in buying the corner lot, where they built in 1890 the elaborate brick and sandstone structure that commands the intersection.
Gray Bros. continued the grocery business, adding queensware and feed, in a frame building, razing it and adding the west half of the present structure in1903. It can be distinguished by slightly different spacing of the cornice ‘torches’ and facade treatment.
The west hand housed Gray Bros. store followed by F.E. and J.F. Houghton’s Bank Grocery and subsequent varied retail establishments. W.H. Gray kept an office on the 2nd floor, managing his extensive holdings.
The east half of the building originally housed the Bank of Indian Territory and later the Oklahoma State Bank. Guthrie’s superintendent of schools had offices on the 2nd floor in 1892 and by 1893, the town’s first telephone exchange was also there.
The property was leased in 1926 to Jelsma Abstract Co., which company continues operation in 1981. A barber shop was located in the basement until the mid-1970’s. The building’s Russian capped oriel, bevelled corner, elaborate metal cornices, arched windows, and combined use of native sandstone and dark red brick suggest it was a Joseph Foucart design.”
Oklahoma Building
“After successful settlement of rival claim to the lots by one Xenophon Fitzgerald, The Logan County Investment Co. built this imposing structure in 1901, financed by St. Louis, Missouri investors who foresaw a solid future for the town and territory.
Immediately upon completion, its ground floor was occupied by the Logan County Bank. Its upper floor was leased to the Territory for offices of the last Territorial Governors: Jenkins, Grimes, Ferguson, and Frantz. A basement stable for horses and carriages of tenants was provided, forerunner of today’s parking garages.”
De Steiguer Building
“Two buildings designed to look as one, the De Steiguer building was an ornament of East Guthrie. Built in 1890 by the banking pioneer De Steiguer brothers, Rodolph and Louis, it housed their Bank of Guthrie in the west section, and a tobacco company operated by E.G. and A.J. Millikan (brothers) in the east part. The De Steiguers and later the Millikans lived in apartments above.
One of the few historic downtown structures with a facade of Oklahoma’s native red sandstone, the building was a grace note for the street with its double oriels, each flanked by arched windows outlined with two shades of coursed stone.
The De Steiguers and their troubled bank soon passed from the scene. The building saw many changes in occupants and numerous tax-title changes in ownership before reaching the tranquility of its present ownership and occupancies.”
First City Hall
“This stone marks the site of the first city hall and water works of Guthrie. The old well is a few feet east of this marker. The jog in the alley is due to building the alley around the first city hall and jail.
Erected by Fogarty Jr. High Oklahoma History Classes 1954-55.”
Brooks Opera House
“Built in 1899 as an adjunct to the Royal Hotel, the Brooks was praised in its day as the finest theater in the Southwest. It presented popular entertainments and was also the setting for many dazzling ‘first nights’ for territorial society.
Some historic events of its golden years: the opening session of the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention, and an address by William Jennings Bryan, the Great Populist, in a campaign tour. Lon Chaney, famed motion picture actor, began his career here as a stagehand. Later years saw the Brooks become the Avon motion picture theater before it was razed in 1967.”
Rough Riders
“Two weeks after war was declared on Spain, 85 volunteers, mostly members of the Territorial National Guard, on May 5, 1898 filled the Territory’s quota as Troop A of First United States Volunteer Cavalry, the famed ‘Rough Riders.’
Examined and issued orders from ‘Camp George W. Steele’ in the McKay Building, 102 East Harrison, they were sworn into federal service on the vacant lots across the street. There was much fanfare; the City of Guthrie also presented a horse to Capt. Robert B. Huston, troop commander. They were joined at San Antonio, Tex., by units from Arizona and New Mexico Territories for brief training before fighting as dismounted Troop D at the July 1 and 2, 1898, Battle of San Juan Hill under Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt, who later visited veterans of the troop in Guthrie. (see photograph)
In response to the clamor to serve, formation of the First Territorial Volunteer Infantry allowed more Guardsmen to enlist for the Territorial quota. Guthrie’s group was joined by men from Pawnee to make Company 1. After mustering ceremonies on the vacant lots, the company marched under command of Capt. Harry C. Barnes to the depot to entrain for Fort Reno. They were joined by four other companies from Oklahoma and Indian Territories. Later, units from Arizona and New Mexico joined them for training in Kentucky and Georgia before they were mustered out of service in February 1899.”
State Seal Stolen
“This building was the state capitol when the state seal was stolen from here and taken to Okla. City, on the night of June 11, 1910, thus moving the site of the state capitol. The first University of Oklahoma was located here in 1892. It operated as such for two years.
Erected by Fogarty Jr. High Oklahoma History Classes 1954-55.”
Birthplace of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Oklahoma
“On October 4, 1899, William L. Eagleton, Grand Master of Masons for Oklahoma Territory, laid a cornerstone at this site for the construction of the first Scottish Rite Masonic Temple in Oklahoma.
The Temple occupied the south half of this block and boasted a larger auditorium, stage and proscenium than the Brooks Opera House, also located in downtown Guthrie. It was fitted with all modern improvements, including electric lights. The architect for the building was D.W.F. Turbyfill, Oklahoma City.
The Dedication Reunion of the Guthrie Scottish Rite Bodies was held on May 29-31, 1900. A class of 47 candidates as 32 Masons, thus launching what would become one of the largest Scottish Rite Masonic organizations in the United States.
In 1920, a new edifice was constructed by the Scottish Rite at 900 East Oklahoma Avenue. The first Scottish Rite Temple in Oklahoma was finally razed in 1956.”
Carnegie Library
“Built in 1902 with a grant of $25,000 from Andrew Carnegie, it housed the first tax-supported library in Oklahoma. It was the site of the inaugurations of Territorial Governor Frank Frantz in 1905 and 1st state governor, Charles N. Haskell, in 1907.
Scene of many public and club meetings, the building was the meeting place for the Betsy Ross Society’s women who sewed Oklahoma’s ’46th Star’ U.S. flag after statehood.
It was given by the City of Guthrie to the Oklahoma Historical Society in 1969, entered in the National Register of Historic Places, 1971 and opened as Oklahoma Territorial Museum, Nov. 13, 1973.”
First Library
“This is the first Carnegie Library in Okla. Frank Frantz, last Territorial Governor and Charles Haskell, first State Governor were inaugurated on the steps here. The mock wedding of Miss Indian Territory and Mr. Oklahoma Territory was here. The first state flag was made here by 90 Okla. women on June 16, 1908.
Erected by Fogarty Jr. High Oklahoma History Classes 1954-55.”
Santa Fe Depot
“The Santa Fe Depot, completed in 1887, was the only railway into Oklahoma Territory and the only direct connection with the ‘outside’ world during the hectic days of 1889. The first depot was a small red Fram building located on the west side of the tracks. For the world’s first big land run, the Santa Fe has only a single track leading through the new country, Guthrie was a watering station with rudimentary yards. Twenty trains carrying 1200 to 1500 passengers each were scheduled out of Arkansas City and Purcell on April 22, 1889; Guthrie was target destination for most of these.
The present two-story red brick station was completed in 1903 and housed passenger service, mail service, ‘Harvey House’ restaurant, news stand, employee living quarters and offices.”
Concluding Thoughts
I had fun searching for these historic markers in Guthrie, Oklahoma. I printed off a list from the Oklahoma Historical Society which can be found on their website.
Most of these markers are within walking distance of one another. So, wear a pair of comfortable shoes and be prepared to get your steps in!
I hope you have fun searching for them. Happy Traveling! I’ll talk to ya soon 🙂
The Active Historian 
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