Beckham County Courthouse: A Journey Back in Time
Once upon a time, back in the early 20th century, a fierce competition took place between Sayre and Erick, two towns in Oklahoma competing for the coveted title of the county seat. The stakes were high, as the designated town would become the newly formed Beckham County administrative hub. The year was 1908, and the air was thick with anticipation.
Sayre emerged victorious in a contest that could have gone either way, winning the designation by a whisker. The decision was historic, setting the stage for the erection of an impressive tower that would become a symbol of pride and a beacon of resilience for the people of Sayre.
This was the genesis of the Beckham County Courthouse, an iconic structure that commands respect and admiration today.
The courthouse’s construction began shortly after the designation, with the building being completed in 1911. The individuals behind this architectural marvel were none other than the esteemed architects from the firm of Layton, Smith & Hawk. At the same time, the Oklahoma Quarries & Construction Co. was responsible for the construction.
A Monument of Elegance and Resilience
The Beckham County Courthouse grandly towers over downtown Sayre, nestled at the crossroads of Third and Walnut Streets. The tower extends 66 feet in the east-west direction and a whopping 99 feet in the north-south direction, making it the tallest building in the city.
Its stature is made more impressive by the tan bricks and stone that cloak its exterior, reflecting the sturdiness of the people it serves.
The architectural design of the courthouse is a harmonious blend of Neo-Classical and Second Renaissance Revival styles, a testament to the versatility and innovativeness of its architects.
The east and west entrances each feature two Tuscan columns spanning the second and third floors, with brick pilasters flanking the columns. Encircling the building at the roof line is a dentil cornice and a brick parapet, further enhancing its grandeur.
But the most distinctive feature of the courthouse is its large dome, an octagonal structure supported by twelve sturdy Doric columns.
Resting atop the central dome is a smaller, similarly styled dome supported by twelve columns. The large dome also houses flat panels for clocks facing four directions, a feature added in 2007 to commemorate Oklahoma’s centennial.
Solomon Andrew Layton: The Mastermind Behind the Majesty
The design of the Beckham County Courthouse is the brainchild of Solomon Andrew Layton, a renowned American architect whose influence is deeply etched in the architecture of Oklahoma. Born in 1864, Layton came from a family deeply involved in carpentry and building, setting the foundation for his illustrious career.
He started practicing architecture in Denver in 1887 and moved to Oklahoma in 1902, where he began designing buildings in the El Reno-Oklahoma City area. He boasts a prolific portfolio comprising over a hundred public edifices in Oklahoma, with an impressive twenty-two entries on the National Register of Historic Places, a state record for Oklahoma.
Layton designed sixteen courthouses, including the Beckham County Courthouse and forty-six public schools, during his career. His major projects include the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University campuses, where he designed some of the most prominent buildings.
His contributions to the architectural landscape of Oklahoma City earned him the title of “dean of Oklahoma City architecture.”
More Than Just a Building: The Cultural Significance
The Beckham County Courthouse is more than just a building; it’s a cultural symbol and a silent witness to the history of Sayre. Its cultural significance was immortalized when it appeared in the 1940 film adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel “The Grapes of Wrath.”
The film chronicled the hardships families like the Joads faced while traveling along U.S. Route 66 to California. With the courthouse standing tall, Sayre was these families’ gateway to the West.
The courthouse’s appearance in this classic film was not its only claim to fame. The National Register of Historic Places, on August 23, 1984, recognized the courthouse, thereby firmly engraving its legacy in the rich tapestry of American history. Today, as it continues to serve as the county courthouse, it is a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the people of Sayre.
A Beacon of the Past and a Gateway to the Future
As we look back at the architectural marvel that is the Beckham County Courthouse, it’s hard not to be filled with a sense of awe and admiration. This tower, a product of the early 20th century, has stood the test of time and has also been a symbol of the city of Sayre and its people.
It has come a long way from its inception as the fruit of fierce competition to its current role as the tallest building in Sayre and the county courthouse.
This journey, however, would not have been possible without the architectural genius of Solomon Andrew Layton and the resilience of the people of Sayre, who have maintained and cherished this cultural landmark.
As it continues to dominate the Sayre skyline, the Beckham County Courthouse is a beacon of the past and a gateway to the future. It serves as a reminder of the city’s rich history and a symbol of its potential. As long as it stands, the people of Sayre will continue to look up to it – quite literally – and draw inspiration from it.
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