De Ford Building
Built in 1890 by Irwin S. DeFord, self-described "money-lender" and capitalist, the DeFord Building is perhaps the gem of Joseph Foucart's architecture in Downtown Guthrie. The sidewall, facing "Government Acre" surrounding the Land Office, is even more distinguished than its front, featuring contrasting-colored arched windows with worked wooden fans above corbelled brick, with a small turret marking the south end. Detailed acanthus leaves decorate capitals of defining pillars.
DeFord lived upstairs in the building when completed, and the New York Clothiers (Cohen and Strauss) were on the first floor. By 1892, however, the U. S. Post Office temporarily replaced the clothing store. Offices for lawyers were located on the 2nd floor. The U. S. Courtroom was located in the basement until the Federal Building (Post Office and Courtroom) was completed in 1903.
Flora M. Wills purchased the building in 1904. She and her first husband Joseph Wills, operated their general store there. Later, the store was used exclusively for furniture, and they added the Willis Building immediately south in 1914.
After Willis died, his widow
this page online
Mr. Kightlinger (whose picture is shown) deeded the DeFord Building as a gift to the Logan County Historical Society on December 7, 1981.
Erected 1980 by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Notable Buildings. A significant historical date for this entry is December 7, 1981.
Location. 35° 52.647′ N, 97° 25.652′ W. Marker is in Guthrie, Oklahoma, in Logan County. Marker is on South 2nd Street south of West Oklahoma Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: South 2nd Street, Guthrie OK 73044, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Office of E.P. McCabe (a few steps from this marker); U. S. Government Land Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Bonfils Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Reeves Brothers Casino (within shouting distance of this marker); Blue Bell Bar (within shouting distance of this marker); Post Office
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 334 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 26, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
