The Active Historian

Hey, friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I want to show you the Old North Tower at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. This was the first building constructed for higher education in Oklahoma Territory. Let’s get stared!

History

The plaque in the photo above reads:

Old North Tower

“First structure erected by the Territory of Oklahoma for the purpose of higher education. The initial class of the Territorial Normal School met in the Methodist Church, 19 North Broadway, on November 9, 1891, and later in a building on west First Street. The “Normal Building” was constructed during the fall of 1892 and occupied January 2, 1893.

Dedicated as a National Historic Site in honor of A.H. Classen, who donated the original 40 acres of land for the school; J.W. Howard, who introduced the Normal School Bill; and John L. Mitch, former regent who worked tirelessly for the advancement of the institution.

This plaque so inscribed on behalf of the honorable David Hall, Governor of Oklahoma, and Garland A. Godfrey, President, O.S.U., on November 9, 1972, by the Old North Memorial Committee: Alvin Alcorn, Bill Burghardt, Reba Collins, Stan Haig, and Joe G. Jackson.”

The Territorial Normal School of Oklahoma kept this name from 1890 to 1903. The name then switched several times before becoming the University of Central Oklahoma in 1991.

The Old North Tower was built in the Romanesque Revival architecture style by Gail Whitley. Construction work began in 1891 and was completed in 1893. Students were able to attend class in January 1893 in the new building. The wings and tower were added in 1894.

Old North Tower was added to Oklahoma’s National Register of Historic Places in 1971. You can find more information with the following code: 71000671.

Old North closed for renovation in 2001 and it was completed in three phases. Renovations on the building cost $14.4 million. Many of the original features of the building were able to be preserved. Some of the classrooms have been set up as replicas of the earlier classrooms with chalkboards and tin ceilings.

Old North reopened in February 2017 with classrooms, offices, and gathering spaces for UCO students and staff.

Concluding Thoughts

I had been to the University of Central Oklahoma several times and walked by the building years ago so I had been wanting to go back and take photos for my blog. I was glad to find some time over Christmas Break when the campus was empty! I recommend stopping by and seeing the building when you’re driving through Edmond. You can also check out the Chief Touch the Clouds statue on UCO’s campus too!

Happy Traveling! I’ll talk to ya soon 🙂

Visit

400 East Hurd

University of Central Oklahoma campus

*This is the address for the University of Central Oklahoma. You have to find guest parking and walk to Old North.

100 N University Dr

Edmond, OK 73034

Sources

University of Central Oklahoma – website

“UCO Celebrates Reopening of Historic Old North with Public Open House.” University of Central Oklahoma, February 17, 2017.

“University Traditions.” University of Central Oklahoma.

“University of Central Oklahoma – Old North.” Visit Edmond.

“Old North Tower (71000671).” Oklahoma’s National Register of Historic Places.