Success in Progress

Blanchard City Hall

Blanchard City Hall, built in 1909 and all but doomed for destruction just a few years ago, recently has been spared. In favor of demolishing the old building that has stood empty for a few years after city offices moved to another building, the Blanchard Historical Society has rallied together to not only keep the building standing, but to rehabilitate and renovate it. Their plan is to turn the old courtroom into a place for activities, and to create a museum to showcase and preserve archives, documents, and artifacts about Blanchard’s history. This is extremely necessary because until now there has been no central location to house the city’s archives and other important documents. This is the beginning of a long but very exciting process for the city of Blanchard, and more community involvement and volunteers are always needed and appreciated.

Saline Courthouse and Spring House, near Rose:

With a master plan in place, and a partnership with the Cherokee Nation, the Saline Preservation Association has made major progress restoring the old Saline Courthouse. Built in 1884, it is one of only 9 standing rural courthouses built during the 1880’s by the Cherokee Nation. Though it has changed hands several times, it was returned to the Cherokee Nation in the 1980’s, and its restoration is currently overseen by the Saline Preservation Association. The teamwork and success of this project continues to build, with volunteers and donors across the state getting involved in the revitalization of this historic complex.  Work on renovation of the courthouse is well underway, and the spring house is now back in working order.