Old Gilbert Building?

[okiegal1967]

I've recently started working at The Daily Ardmoreite in the mailroom and was told about a Viking head above the area that I work in. Well, I found the viking and was wondering if anyone knew what the name of the old theater was. This has me very intrigued and want to learn more about it. I guess Phantom of the Opera rubbed off on me a bit. I really appreciate any info you can give me on this.

[okiegal]

I finally found out the name of the Auditorium was called the "Gilbert Building Auditorium". Now I'm curious as to what venues played there and who some of the acts were. According to the cornerstone the building was erected in 1930. If anyone else has more info please reply to this thread. Thank you.

[Butch Bridges]

The building you work in was a lot more than a theater when it opened up in 1930. The were many offices scattered throughout the floors. The Masons built the building, but not to many years went by and they were in financial straights, unable to afford the building any more, so they sold it and open another temple on Main Street at C street SW. Anyway, the new 1930 Masonic Temple had a record setting attendance on the first day of open house unmatched by anything before or after in this county, even in recent times with over 5,000 people attending the open house that Saturday in 1930. Here is the complete story..........

www.oklahomahistory.net/masonictemple.html

[Butch Bridges]

Viking's Head? I am appointing you as of today, the official person to obtain a picture of that Viking's head so you can post it here for the world to see. lol

[okiegal1967]

Butch,
I'll sure try to get a picture of that majestic viking head. I'll make sure I take my digital camera with me to work this afternoon. I hope it comes out pretty clear but it's sure enough there.

[okiegal1967]

I took this today right before I was going to work. There he is in all his glory. I was going to try to take a couple more shots but my batteries died before I could.

[Butch Bridges]

Wow! What a fantastic photo you took of the Viking's Head at the old Gilbert Building (now the Ardmoreite Building). Thanks! You can tell by looking at the details it was made by a true artist/craftsman. It was made in 1930. People took such pride in their work years ago. Thanks for sharing it! -Butch

[okiegal1967]

It was my pleasure to post the viking pic so everyone can see how magnificent it is. The pic turned out surprisingly well considering my digital camera is a cheap one.

[julieinokc]

Great picture!

I never knew about the Gilbert Auditorium. The only thing I could find on Google referencing it is on the Ardmore Army Air Field (1942-46) website:
[a href="www.brightok.net/~gsimmons/1jogger.html"]www.brightok.net/~gsimmons/1jogger.html[/a]

It is referencing an event in 1944. So, I wonder when it ceased to serve its purpose as an auditorium?

"The 702nd AAFld band will give free concert at the Gilbert Building auditorium at 4PM, March 12, 1944. The program is under the sponsorship of the Enlisted Mens Wive's Club and the USO."

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing this!

[RW Century]

One might google "Ardmore Little Theater" as they put on several years of productions in this theater in the late 50's and 60's before moving to their new home "The Goddard Center". I'm pretty sure you will find some pics of the stage and maybe even the Viking Head!

[thebrut]

What I remember was the old elevater. I used to ride it in the late 70's, when I would go up to KVSO to read Tiger Tales once a week. There was and old black gentleman who was the operater. Anyone remember his name?

[Guest]

Aug 26, 2009 15:02:06 GMT -6 thebrut said:

What I remember was the old elevater. I used to ride it in the late 70's, when I would go up to KVSO to read Tiger Tales once a week. There was and old black gentleman who was the operater. Anyone remember his name?

Pelly.