Loco School Gymnasium and Auditorium - Loco, OK
N 34° 19.625 W 097° 40.813
14S E 621414 N 3799211
Constructed in 1940, the old Loco School Gymnasium and Auditorium stands empty and neglected today on East St at its intersection with A St, Loco, OK.
Waymark Code: WM128Y5
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 04/01/2020
Views: 3
While this old gymnasium is popular with photographers, information about it is elusive. The Living New Deal website doesn't have any information, but a a search of the Oklahoma Landmarks Inventory database (see website, below) turns up a little something. It was constructed in 1940 -- there are no signs to be found -- and $55,146 was appropriated from WPA funds for it. There is a shed attached to the north elevation.
A sign out front says "State Property Do Not Molest". Whatever kind of story prompted that is unclear, but the entrances are wide open, with no signs advising against trespass. When "WPA Survey, III" was done in 1987, the condition of this building was described as "Fair (somewhat in need of maintenance)". Times have changed, and the building has deteriorated terribly in spite of that sign that clearly indicates that the State of Oklahoma is keeping an eye on it. Visitors should exercise caution: While the building is constructed of stone, the wooden roof is coming down in bits and pieces, although the steel supports look sturdy. Most of the windows are gone, while some of the bleachers remain on the east end. Note the adjacent utility closet on the south side. If anything, the basketball backboards are in the best condition, with newer nets that suggest that the kids probably sweep up the floor and then play. "Loco Hornets" is still legible on the east end, while only bits remain at the west end, and a circle with "LHS" -- Loco High School -- is still in fairly good condition at center court. The shed is piled with junk and debris, and surprisingly, vandalism appears to be minimal.
Project type: Government building (non-park)
Date built or created: 1940
City: Loco, OK
Condition: In great disrepair
Website for additional information: [Web Link]
Location: Not listed
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