From My Oklahoma City Historical Postcard Collection…

On my journey through the rich tapestry of Oklahoma City’s past, I recently stumbled upon a treasure—a historic postcard featuring the original Guthrie City Hall. This isn’t just any old building; it’s a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s history, literally and figuratively.

The postcard itself is a window into the early 1900s, with an approximate date of circa 1910. It showcases the Guthrie City Hall, located at the intersection of Harrison and Division, a site of profound historical significance. This was where Oklahoma’s Constitutional Convention took place, a pivotal event in the state’s history.

My personal connection to Guthrie City Hall runs deep. It’s astonishing to think that Guthrie’s building spree culminated on April 9, 1902, with the laying of the cornerstone for this grand municipal edifice, designed by the renowned Joseph Foucart. His signature belfry and turret style is unmistakable in the architecture. The building’s second floor assembly room became a crucible of democracy beginning November 1906, as delegates meticulously crafted Oklahoma’s State Constitution.

The vision for a municipal building worthy of the Territorial Capital came to fruition swiftly after the villages of Guthrie unified. The lots for the City Hall were acquired back in 1891, and when it was finally erected, the $25,000 City Hall housed all city offices, a jail, and the storied assembly room.

That assembly room wasn’t just for political gatherings; it was the heart of the community. It hosted inaugural balls for Territorial Governor Frank Frantz and Oklahoma’s first State Governor Charles V. Haskell, early county fairs, and a multitude of public events, including basketball games in the 1920s. Interestingly, the temperance advocate Carry A. Nation was famously denied access to the hall for a prohibition speech in 1906, which led to quite the uproar.

In a bizarre twist of fate, the City Hall lots somehow remained on the county’s tax rolls, leading to an unexpected change in ownership. In November 1912, R. L. Williams paid the overdue taxes of $7.45 and gained the title to the lots. Thankfully, he sold them back to the City in December 1915 for a mere $8.00.

As time marched on, the winds of change blew through Guthrie. By a narrow vote, bonds were approved for a new City Hall, and in July 1955, the old building was demolished. Yet, its legacy lives on; bricks from the original City Hall were repurposed for the entryway paving of the current structure, a poignant homage to its predecessor.

For those of us who cherish the history of the Oklahoma City metro and its real estate, these postcards are more than just images; they are stories etched in stone and ink, reminders of where we’ve been and the foundations upon which we build our future.

The Power of Artificial Intelligence in Dating Historic Postcards

As an aside, I’ve discovered that AI can be very helpful in trying to date some of these historic postcards. Here is a summary of research I did for this card and what AI returned.

Based on the details you provided about the postcard of the Guthrie City Hall, we can make an educated guess about its date. Here are the key points to consider:

1. F.B. Lillie & Co, Guthrie, OK: This company was likely active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a common period for such publishers.
2. Made in Germany: Many postcards were printed in Germany before World War I due to their advanced lithographic processes. This suggests the card could be from the late 1800s to pre-World War I (before 1914).
3. C.E. Wheelock & Co, Peoria, IL: This company was known for importing postcards, particularly in the early 1900s.
4. Postage Rates: The postage rates mentioned (“Domestic Postage One Cent, Foreign Postage Two Cents”) are particularly useful for dating. In the United States, the one-cent domestic postage rate for postcards was in effect from 1898 to 1917, and again from 1928 to 1952. However, considering the other factors (like the “Made in Germany” mark), the earlier period is more likely.
5. Divided Back Era: If the back of the postcard is divided (a space for the message on the left and the address on the right), this would indicate it’s from 1907 or later, as that’s when divided back postcards became common in the U.S.

Considering all these factors, the postcard is most likely from the early 1900s, possibly between 1900 and 1914. The exact year might be hard to determine without additional specific historical references related to F.B. Lillie & Co or C.E. Wheelock & Co during that period.

Given that the postcard has a divided back, we can further narrow down the date. In the United States, postcards with a divided back, where one side was for the address and the other side for the message, became common starting in 1907. This practice continued onwards.

Considering this along with the other details:

• Made in Germany: Suggests a pre-World War I era, as the import of German postcards significantly decreased after the war began in 1914.
• Postage Rates: “Domestic Postage One Cent, Foreign Postage Two Cents” was typical for the period from 1898 to 1917.
• F.B. Lillie & Co and C.E. Wheelock & Co: Both companies were active in the early 20th century.

Based on these factors, your postcard of the Guthrie City Hall is likely dated between 1907 and 1914. This timeframe fits the era of divided back postcards, the active period of the companies mentioned, and the “Made in Germany” mark before the onset of World War I.

The Role of History in Home-Buying

Thank you for joining us on this journey through Oklahoma City’s past! From this historic postcard we’ve shared with you, it’s easy to see why our city is beloved by so many. As realtors, we believe that understanding our community’s rich history and culture enhances the home-buying experience. That’s why we’ve created comprehensive neighborhood pages on this site and an easy-to-use search feature to help you find your dream home. Whether you’re looking for a charming bungalow or a modern marvel, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. So why wait? Contact us today, and let’s discover your perfect property together. Let’s embrace the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a bright future in OKC!

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The Oklahoma City Postcard Collection

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