The Oklahoma Historical Society and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) are pleased to announce the National Register of Historic Places designation for the following properties in Oklahoma. The National Register of Historic Places is our nation’s official list of properties significant in our past.
Logan County
Melvin B. Tolson House
316 N. Tolson St., Langston, Logan County
The Melvin B. Tolson House in Langston, Logan County, has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the National Level of Significance under Literature and Ethnic Heritage/Black for its association with Liberian Poet Laureate and post-modernist poet Melvin Beanorus Tolson. The Tolson House is significant as the home of Dr. Tolson during his tenure as an English and drama professor at Langston University. It is also where three of his books were written: “Libretto for the Republic of Liberia,” “Harlem Gallery: Book I, The Curator” and “A Gallery of Harlem Portraits.” Tolson also served as Langston’s Mayor from 1954 to 1962. The Tolson House is currently being transformed into a museum and community learning center honoring Dr. Tolson.
Payne County
Hotel Cushing
214 E. Broadway, Cushing, Payne County
Built in 1928 and designed by Oklahoma City-based Hawk & Parr architects, Hotel Cushing represents the city of Cushing’s ambition to attract both tourists and entrepreneurs during the heyday of Payne County’s oil-boom years. The seven-story Art Deco high-rise stands out as the heart of the downtown Cushing area and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance at the local level. The 98-year-old building is being converted into modern housing with historic tax credits through the National Park Service and the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office.
Tulsa County
Garden Park Historic District
2126 E. 59th St., Tulsa, Tulsa County
The Garden Park Historic District in Tulsa was developed and built in 1963 by Howard Grubb and designed by Tulsa architect Donald Honn. Garden Park represents a mid-century residential design strategy for luxury apartments that connect the indoors with the outdoors. Garden Park is significant under Criterion C as an excellent example of Mid-Century Modern architecture in Tulsa, with a period of significance from 1963 to 1974.
Listing in the National Register of Historic Places is an honorific designation that provides recognition, limited protection and, in some cases, financial incentives for these important properties. The SHPO identifies, evaluates and nominates properties for this special designation.
The State Historic Preservation Office is a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society. The mission of the Oklahoma Historical Society is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Oklahoma and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Territorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, historic sites, and affiliates across the state. Through its research archives, exhibits, educational programs and publications, the OHS chronicles the rich history of Oklahoma. For more information about the OHS, please visit okhistory.org.
