Stone Tower at Original CHS Campus
BACKGROUND:
Choctaw High School (CHS) facilities were located on the “hilltop” at Third & Main Streets in Choctaw for 56 years (1918-1974.) This “original” CHS campus served as the inspiration for initial stanza of the CHS Alma Mater – “Standing firmly on the hilltop …” The 1961 CHS Student Council funded construction of the Stone Tower, a flower bed, and a sign at the campus entrance. It was completed in May 1961.
Following CHS Class of 1974 graduation, the CHS campus was relocated to its current site on NE 10th Street. Existing facilities at the “original” CHS campus site were then used by Choctaw Elementary and Middle Schools until their demolition/replacement in 2009-11 as part of the 2009 school bond-related construction. Today, the CE Warren Field House, the WPA-era building (old Shop & Industrial Arts), Cox Field, Bill Jensen Field, and the Stone Tower are the remaining structures from the “original” CHS Campus.
Phase I – Preservation Vision – Installation of Commemorative Plaques
The first phase of efforts to preserve this historical community/school landmark began in 2023 when the Lay family – Zeke & Nate {father & son CHS alumni (1972 & 1998)} began research into the Stone Tower’s origin. With help from the CAA, the Stone Tower’s history was determined. Nate Lay then devised a plan to commemorate and preserve its historical significance via the design, purchase, and installation of two bronze plaques. One of the plaques had the CAA Logo at the top and the CHS Alma Mater below. The other plaque had pictures of the Tower during and following its construction along with a brief history.
Nate presented his plan to the CAA Board on 02/14/2024. Since it aligned perfectly with one of the CAA’s core missional pillars – Preservation of the Past; the CAA Board voted unanimously to provide financial, publicity, and other support to this effort contingent upon coordination/approval from C-NP School District leadership (subsequently obtained.) The approved bronze plaques were ordered and subsequently installed on the southern face of the Stone Tower by the Lay Family on 04/05/2024.
Phase II – CHS Class of 1974’s 50th Reunion Commemorative Bench & Plaque
In conjunction with the Lay family effort, the CHS Class of 1974 obtained permission from school district leadership to install a commemorative bench and plaque on the west side/face of the Stone Tower. With Jennifer (Points) McElvany, Mona (Jernigan) Chartney, Gale Gendron, and other 1974 class members guiding the planning, fund-raising, and related efforts; the bench – along with a concrete slab – and plaque were subsequently installed.
Phase III – Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony
The formal “ribbon cutting” ceremony for these efforts was held in conjunction with the CHS Class of 1974’s 50th Reunion celebration during the CAA’s 2024 All Class Reunion on 06/22/2024. It was attended by City of Choctaw Officials, C-NP School District Administration leadership, CAA Board Officers, the Lay Family, CHS Class of 1974 members and other 2024 All Class Reunion attendees.
Phase IV – Fabrication & Installation of “Charlie” Replica Atop The Tower
As a follow-on to these efforts, members of the CHS Class of 1974 and CAA leadership pursued the idea of placing a “Charlie” atop the Stone Tower. Jennifer (May) Barba, CHS Class of 1994 and CAA Board Secretary, volunteered to investigate the manufacture and installation costs of a sturdy “Charlie” replica. During this process, she contacted BJ and Jessica Ogden – owners of Scores & Bores LLC – a local metal fabrication company.
Upon hearing the project details and learning about the historic significance of the Stone Tower, the Ogden’s eagerly volunteered their expertise. They generously consented to fabricate and install the “Charlie” replica at no cost to the CAA or the community. The Ogden family attended the CAA Board meeting on 08/21/2024 and displayed the finished replica. The CAA Board and the C-NP School District Superintendent, Mr. David Reid, were very impressed with the expert craftsmanship and durability of the replica. Mr. Reid gave verbal and written approval to proceed with mounting the “Charlie” atop the Stone Tower.
The Odgen’s subsequently installed the “Charlie” replica atop the Stone Tower where it now resides. The CAA sincerely thanks the Ogden family for their selfless efforts and generosity associated with this project. For more information about the Ogden’s and their “Scores & Bores” business, check out their website: https://scoresandbores.com/
Preservation and Partnership – CAA Core Values & “Giving Back” Commitment
These combined efforts further illustrate the CAA commitment to its guiding Principle – “Giving Back” – through “Preservation” projects and “Partnership” with dedicated CHS Alumni, C-NP Schools leadership, City of Choctaw officials, and local community business owners for the betterment of our schools and communities. The CAA facilitated these efforts by providing coordination, publicity and financial support. Donors can continue to support this and other historical preservation efforts via their donations. Check the Donate/Pay Now section of the CAA website for instructions on available donation methods.
Click on the following links for pertinent pics: Stone Tower Photos – Then, Now, & Preservation Installation of Stone Tower Plaques Stone Tower Bench – Class of 1974 Charlie Replica for Stone Tower
For related information and/or questions, Contact Us or send an email inquiry to info@choctawalumni.org.
Once A Jacket, Always A Jacket.