http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=070926_1_A1_hAalu63781
quote:
Will Rogers makes the A-list
Photo by KELLY KERR / Tulsa World
Will Rogers High School Principal Kevin Burr and alumna Betty Trinka pose in the school's auditorium, which still boasts its original lighting fixtures, floor-to-ceiling murals and cast iron-framed seats. The school has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, due in part to Trinka's efforts.
By ANDREA EGER World Staff Writer
9/26/2007
Last Modified: 9/26/2007 2:07 AM
A 1955 alumna worked for years to get her high school recognized.
Betty Ann Trinka always knew Will Rogers High School was something special.
Now her sentiments for her alma mater are backed by the National Register of Historic Places, which just recognized the 68-year-old school property as having national significance.
In November 2004, Trinka set out on a personal quest to get Rogers nominated for the National Register.
"People in the alumni association told me there was no way it could be done," said Trinka, who was known to her 1955 classmates by her maiden name, Brown. "I just didn't believe it, because the school is just so beautiful. The art deco architecture is so fabulous, and it has been kept in great condition."
So Trinka trudged forward with her idea anyway.
She raised money from her classmates and contracted with Cathy Ambler, vice president of Preservation Oklahoma, to research and prepare the nomination.
The process took nearly three years, but it paid off Tuesday morning when Trinka received news of Rogers' listing on the National Register from the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office.
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So, how how many Nationally Registered Art Deco buildings does Tulsa have now?
Congrats to her for her hard work at getting Rogers recognized--we need more people like her around.
Glad to hear it...a long-overdue addition to the Nat'l Register! I've always thought it was a gorgeous building...and I've always wondered if the students appreciate just how cool it is.
I are a graduate of Will Rogers.
quote:
Originally posted by recyclemichael
I are a graduate of Will Rogers.
Are you historic?
No, just old.
me were a roper likewise. me always thunk school pretty.