Preservation El Reno...

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Preservation El Reno, Inc. is a not-for-profit Oklahoma Corporation with a three-fold mission of Preservation, Restoration, and Beuatification of the architecture and structures located in and around El Reno, Oklahoma. The group formed in 1994 and later received 501 (C)(3) tax exempt status from the IRS. Preservation El Reno, Inc. adopted Marie Ramsey's pen and ink drawing of the Old Canadian Courthouse as a logo. The three story ornate, domed courthouse on a square city block was built around the turn of the century and demolished in 1965 to be replaced by a modern one story building, which quickly became outdated and cramped. The drawing of the old courthouse symbolized all too dramatically what happens without the goals of preservation and restoration.

In 1995 Preservation El Reno entered into a 99 year lease with Canadian County for the "Old" Canadian County Jail and Sheriff's stable buildings located on west Rogers. The earliest records indicate that the stable was built around 1908 and used as a horse stable and tack room for the sheriff and his deputies. The architects have determined that there were originally three horse stalls down below with hay storage and a trustee's sleeping quarters up above. The original entrance faced east.

After the advent of the automobile in the 20's or 30's, a steel beam and double doors were added to the South facade of the building on Rogers to accommodate cars. At this time there was an iron-fenced yard between the jail and the stable as a yard for the inmates. Some time later - probably in the late 1940's - the building was modernized by removing the cupola off the roof, installation of plumbing, electricity, modern stairs, and subdivision into office space.

At various times, the building was used by the County Welfare Department, Department of Human Services, Department of Public Safety, and the sheriff's department. At one point the jail and the stable building were connected together by a concrete block building and the entire structure was painted white with red trim. The Canadian County Jail and Sheriff's stable were jointly named to the National Register of Historic Places on November 11, 1985, but not efforts were made to restore or maintain the stable building. When Preservation El Reno took possession of the building it was being used to store "excess" county property, and was hardly recognizable to its former stature. After leasing the building, Preservation El Reno had the paint cleaned off and the mortar repointed. A matching grant from the National Trust Preservation Services fund was received for an architectural restoration study shortly thereafter. Using this study as a guide, and with funds from many different businesses, groups, and individuals the building has been restored back to its former glory. The restored stable is now used as a meeting place and headquarters for Preservation El Reno, Inc. This restoration project symbolizes the true community spirit that is the head of our town and State. Thanks to these efforts, a truly unique piece of the architectural fabric of El Reno, Canadian County, and the state of Oklahoma has been rescued and put to new use.

Also in 1995, Preservation El Reno entered into an agreement with the City of El Reno for the relocation of the "Sonic" Caboose to the City owned property south of Petree Plaza and began extensive restoration efforts. This caboose is now used as a visitor's center for downtown events.

Current projects of Preservation El Reno, Inc. Include:

1. Monthly Citations of Merit for Appropriate Historic Preservation Projects.
2. Raising funds for and architectural restoration study of the El Reno Municipal Pool House. Preservation El Reno applied for and received a matching grant from the Preservation Services fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation in conjunction with this project. The pool house was recently designated as on of Oklahoma's "endangered" historic Properties by Preservation Oklahoman and as an American Treasure.
3. Restoration of the US Army Air Corps insignia and flag plaza located at the entrance to the El Reno Municipal Airpark which was formerly known as Mustang Field.