Oklahoma’s celebrated Thunderbird Division saw extensive action both in WWII and Korea. The 45th’s Signal Unit was based in Alva. Mural painted by Robbie Pierce and Don Prechtel, 2012 — — Map (db m265599) HM
The Alva Prisoner of War camp began receiving German prisoners in July of 1943. Prisoners arrived by rail and were marched 2½ miles to the camp located on the south edge of town. Mural Painted by Don Prechtel and Robbie Pierce, . . . — — Map (db m265600) HM
The Alva Speedway was a popular stock car racing venue in the 1950s attracting such drivers as A. J. Foyt, Billy Mears and Bobby Swegart. Mural painted by Kenny Youngblood, 2005 — — Map (db m265593) HM
Born to slave parents in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas, Reeves became the first black U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi River and one of the most respected lawmen working in Indian Territory. He served for 35 years and brought in more . . . — — Map (db m265591) HM
Originally known as the Science Annex, the building that was later named Carter Hall was erected in 1935-36 in connection with the construction of Jesse Dunn Hall. It housed all science departments and a natural history museum until 1963, when a . . . — — Map (db m265989) HM
Legislation that established Northwestern Territorial Normal School in 1897 also directed the Board of Education to “advertise for plans and specifications for a suitable building… with an estimate of the cost thereof.” With the support of area . . . — — Map (db m265793) HM
Work on the new building was so far advanced by July 1, 1898, that town leaders formed a committee to plan a major celebration for the laying of the cornerstone. The entire population got into the spirit of the occasion. Stores were decorated with . . . — — Map (db m265795) HM
Northwestern’s first building was designed by Joseph Foucart, the first professional architect in Oklahoma; however, the castle-like character of the building is believed to have evolved under the influence of the school’s president, James E. . . . — — Map (db m265794) HM
Tragedy struck Northwestern on March 1, 1935, when the Castle on the Hill was destroyed by fire. Flames had spread through much of the building and were well beyond control when first discovered around 2 A.M. Efforts to control the roaring flames . . . — — Map (db m265796) HM
• Son of pioneer merchants, Lizzie and Charles Share. • Served in U.S Armed Forces in WWI. • Active in the Presbyterian Church. • Established the Charles Morton Share Trust which has funded the Library, Hospital, Professional Building, Wellness . . . — — Map (db m265592) HM
Completed in 1907, a structure known originally as the Science Hall became the second building on the campus of Northwestern Normal School, as the institution was then known. Designed by S. A. Layton, architect of Oklahoma’s State Capitol, it . . . — — Map (db m265890) HM
In the early 1900s, Woods County farmers knew threshing season had begun when the cook shack arrived followed by the threshing rig and a crew of up to 15 men. The cook shack served as the kitchen and dining facility, sleeping quarters for the cooks . . . — — Map (db m265667) HM
Recognizing Northwestern as a vital part of the state’s higher education system, the Oklahoma Legislature in 1923 appropriated funds for a new campus building that became Herod Hall. Contract controversies delayed construction, which was completed . . . — — Map (db m265800) HM
In May of 1954, John and Darlene established Holtzclaw's Jewelry Store on this location. The site formerly had been a coal yard, later converted to a barber shop and beauty salon. Holtzclaw's Jewelry offered a full range of services from expert . . . — — Map (db m265699) HM
A state bond issue provided funds for a new library, erected in 1962-63 in a joint project with a new science building. With more funds available in 1967, a two-story addition of the library was built on the west. It extended to the Education . . . — — Map (db m265892) HM
After a fire in 1935 destroyed Northwestern’s first building, the “Castle on the Hill,” funds to replace it were provided by the Oklahoma Legislature and the Federal Public Works Administration. The new building, Jesse Dunn Hall, was designed by . . . — — Map (db m265968) HM
The building, known originally as Horace Mann Hall, was erected in 1935-36 to house a teacher training school. It was utilized as such until 1946 when, to fulfill a community education need, it was turned over to the Alva Public School system and . . . — — Map (db m265884) HM
The school was organized on August 30, 1894, and was first held in the dugout home of the Hulets. During the 1894-1895 school year, Dick McKeever purchased the Hulet claims and donated the southwest corner of section 24 for a school located 6 miles . . . — — Map (db m265789) HM
Monfort Drug and Book Store J.W. Monfort opened Monfort Drug and Book Store in 1894. His son, Marion, joined him in 1929. For 59 years the store was a hub for farmers, college students and families wanting textbooks, prescriptions and . . . — — Map (db m265595) HM
Nathan Boone, the youngest son of Daniel Boone, made his mark as an explorer and military officer in the early 1800s. In the summer of 1843 Boone led an exploration force of Dragoons into the western prairies. During this reconnaissance the Boone . . . — — Map (db m265700) HM
Built by Homer C. Jones, the Rialto was the realization of a showman’s dream come true. After 15 years of careful planning, the Rialto was dedicated on Sunday, August 21, 1949. It took one year, one month and 15 days to complete the structure. 315 . . . — — Map (db m265698) HM
This monument to honor the adventurous pioneers of the Cherokee Outlet Strip, marks the site of M County United States Land Office Building, Sept. 16, 1893. — — Map (db m265586) HM
Dedicated to one of Alva’s oldest family-owned businesses and its founder, Wilson Worth Starr. Mural painted by Roger Cooke, 2003 — — Map (db m265696) HM
A depiction of Alva’s celebration on the day Oklahoma became the 46th State, November 16, 1907 Sculpture by Georgia Gerber Mural by Roger Cooke, 2007 — — Map (db m265688) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m265697) HM
Camp Supply was established in Indian Territory in 1869 to support the campaign against the Southern Plains Indians. All food, ordinance and other supplies were transported to the fort from the railhead at Kiowa, Kansas by wagon or stagecoach. The . . . — — Map (db m265598) HM
Alva’s Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railway station, built in 1908, served as the town’s transportation hub until passenger service was terminated in 1983. Mural painted by Robbie Pierce and Jack Koonce, 2003. — — Map (db m265594) HM
Alva, Oklahoma Home of the 45th Signal Company CampaignsWorld War II — 511 Combat Days Sicily (with Arrowhead) Naples — Foggia (with Arrowhead) Anzio Rome — Arno Southern France (with Arrowhead) Rhineland Ardennes — Alsace Central . . . — — Map (db m265690) HM
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Cherokee Outlet Chapter, honor the pioneers who made the Land Run into the Cherokee Outlet and those who lived here during the first 100 years. Committee: Marcile Lancaster, . . . — — Map (db m265588) HM
In grateful memory of the men of Woods County who made the supreme sacrifice in the World War. 1917—1918William G. Armstrong • Orlie Black • Francis H. Bartlow • Vester T. Brown • Henry H. Barber • Leroy Craig • Charles C. Cheek • Owen Davaney • . . . — — Map (db m265658) WM
Robert Pershing Wadlow, the tallest man in recorded history, visited Alva in 1940 on a promotional tour for the Peters Shoe Company. Driven by his father, he arrived in a 1938 Ford sedan specially modified to accommodate his size. A few months . . . — — Map (db m265596) HM
Last known encounter between Indians & U.S. Army in Okla. here Sept. 13-14, 1878. Northern Cheyenne led by Dull Knife & Little Wolf fled Darlington Agency at Ft. Reno to return to Dakotas. Crossing Woods Co. they killed 2 cowboys employed by W.R. . . . — — Map (db m181586) HM
On September 12, 1878, the bodies of Reuben Bristow and Fred Clark were found near here. It was believed they had been killed by Northern Cheyenne Indians led by Chief Dull Knife. Bristow and Clark were cowboys hauling salt for Comanche pool cattle . . . — — Map (db m19213) HM