Alva in Woods County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

The Old Courthouse

— Alva Mural Society —

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024

1. The Old Courthouse Marker

Inscription.
The original Woods County Courthouse was built in 1904. In Alva’s early years, the courthouse lawn was a beehive of activity including circus parades, political speeches and 4th of July celebrations. In 1957 the old courthouse was condemned by the fire marshal, torn down and replaced by the existing courthouse.

Mural by Robbie Pierce and Don Prechtel, 2009
Based on a 1940 painting by Lester Raymer

Erected 2009 by Alva Mural Society. (Marker Number 19.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.

Location. 36° 48.269′ N, 98° 39.937′ W. Marker is in Alva, Oklahoma, in Woods County. It can be reached from Flynn Street just east of College Avenue, on the right when traveling east. The marker and mural are mounted on the west facade of the north wing of the Woods County Courthouse, near the courthouse entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 407 Government Street, Alva OK 73717, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically

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on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and Cherokee Outlet.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); In Honor of the Growth of Cooperative Extension Continuing Education in Woods County (within shouting distance of this marker); Holtzclaw's Jewelry (within shouting distance of this marker); Bass Reeves (within shouting distance of this marker); Rialto Theatre Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Harvest Cook Shack (within shouting distance of this marker); Thunderbirds (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Woods County Centennial Wall (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alva.

Also see . . .
1. Images for Woods County, Oklahoma (courthousehistory.com).

Excerpt: Alva, built 1904; Architect: John J. Huddart; Contruction: Woods County
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024

2. The Old Courthouse Mural & Marker
The mural and marker are mounted on the west facade of the north wing, near the Woods County Courthouse entrance.
Bldg. & Investment Co.

(Submitted on February 4, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. U.S. County Courthouses — Woods County, Oklahoma.

Excerpt: The brick and concrete Modern courthouse of Woods County is located on Flynn and College. It was built in 1956 using the designs of Joe E. Mason and Edgar B. Wilson. Previously a 1904 facility served the county since its founding on January 1, 1893 thus Alva has always been the county seat. The county was originally designated County M. Woods County is named for the Kansas populist, Sam Wood. Railroad attorney, Alva Adams, provided his name to the county seat.

(Submitted on February 4, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

The Old Courthouse Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 8, 2024

3. The Old Courthouse Mural

The marker is mounted just below the bottom right corner of the mural. The mural was painted by Robbie Pierce and Don Prechtel in 2009, based on a 1940 painting by Lester Raymer.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 125 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 4, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.