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Hobart Public Library
200 S. Main • 580/726-2535
HISTORICAL MARKER/LANDMARK
The Hobart Public Library was
established and built in 1912 with the donation of city lots by an
individual and a Carnegie Foundation grant of $10,000. In 1982 it
was placed on the National Register for Historic Sites and in 1987 an
annex was added which doubled the floor space to accommodate the present
inventory of over 28,800 books. This created a 3 level structure
with elevator access and a community room available for meetings.
The library is a source of great pride for the community. It has an
exceptional genealogical section and is associated with the Oklahoma
Library Department for loan books.
Kiowa County Courthouse
300 S. Main • 580/726-5286
HISTORICAL MARKER/LANDMARK
The Kiowa County Court House, which was designed by J. Riley Gordon
and constructed in 1902. This courthouse is now on the National
Register for Historic Sites. It is a Neo-classical and Second
Renaissance Revival architecture which was popular for the period.
The arched bay and oval windows as well as cut stone achieved this
historical facade. The front lawn has two statues....Navy and Army
men. These were placed here to honor all veterans. Originally cast in 1929, these
military figures had stood as a war memorial on State Highway 9.
“Old City Hall” &
"Old City Hall Theatre
Main & 3rd • 580/726-2341
HISTORICAL MARKER/LANDMARK; Built 1912
The "Old City Hall" building was also constructed in 1912 by the
City Administration. All city offices were located there, including
the 2-horse Fire
Department! The upper floor was an auditorium seating 1200 people.
Through the 1930's it was the site for all school activities as well as
major entertainment and city-wide events. During the Depression
years the WPA (District Works Administration) located its offices there.
In the 1940's the upper floor was used by Teen Town and several square
dance clubs, plus USO dances. After abandonment for several years,
the Shortgrass Playhouse Community Theatre took over and rehabilitated the
auditorium area. It has been on the National Registry for Historic
Sites since 1980.
Kiowa County Museum
518 S. Main • 580/726-6202
MUSEUM; Restored Rock Island Depot
The Rock Island Train Depot was built in 1910 and used until December of
1979. The Historical Society acquired the site in 1988 and have
established the Kiowa County Historical Museum there. There is an
"Indian Room" which features Kiowa Indian traditions. The
Railroad Depot was a busy location during the growing years of Hobart,
including World War I and World War II. The rapidly growing farming
industry depended on rail transport of its products. There are many
different facets to this museum including a large local interest in
antique tractors.
Courthouse Gazebo
HISTORICAL LANDMARK
The Gazebo was originally built
around 1918 and is located on the same property as the Kiowa
County Court House. Band concerts were a Saturday night event
for many years. Public speakers used it on specific occasions.
Unfortunately, it was demolished in the late 1930's after being
deemed unsafe. As an 86th Birthday gift to the City of Hobart,
a duplicate was erected with funds which were raised through city-wide
donations. Again, today it is the focus of many public activities.
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