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Photograph of Old North Tower, University of Central Oklahoma
Photograph by Houstonman6, Public domain. Via Wikimedia Commons.

Old North Tower, Central State College

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

From the record

“Old North Tower is the oldest building on the University of Central Oklahoma campus in Edmond, Oklahoma, and the oldest building of higher education in the state of Oklahoma. Originally built in 1892, it was the first permanent building on the Territorial Normal School campus.”

Wikipedia article Old North Tower, University of Central Oklahoma, CC BY-SA 4.0.

One of 170 National Register listings published here for Oklahoma County · listed in 1971 · category: Building.

Sources: the Wikipedia article · the case file at the National Archives · the National Register database, National Park Service · the Wikipedia article

The listing

  • What is counted as historic. The nomination lists 1 building as contributing to the listing.
  • Address. 400 E. Hurd St., Central State College campus, Edmond, 73034
  • When was it listed? June 1971
  • Category. building
  • Census division. Oklahoma City Northwest
  • National Register reference number. 71000671 - the number the National Park Service assigned this property when it was listed, and the key its nomination file is catalogued under at the National Archives.

Mines and quarries near this property

2 within 5 miles

Regional context, not property-specific evidence. The federal mineral resources record lists 2 workings within 5 miles of Old North Tower, Central State College: 2 past producers. None of them still produces. What was taken out: Sand and Gravel, Construction. Distance is straight-line from the map coordinates, so a quarry counted here may appear on a neighbouring settlement's page as well.

Where SiteCommodity StatusRecorded
Unknow Sand PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionPast Producer
Unknown Sand PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionPast Producer

Every working recorded in Oklahoma County

Storms near this property

60 of 285 shown

Regional context, not property-specific evidence. The National Weather Service names Edmond, the town this property stands in, in 285 storm reports between 1993 and 2026: 144 hail, 88 thunderstorm wind, 26 flash flood, 11 lightning. The reports record 5 injuries. Each account below is quoted exactly as the forecast office filed it, from the NOAA Storm Events Database, and each date opens the federal record of that event.

WhenEvent Place namedHarm What the report says
May 2003Tornado (F3)Edmond2 hurt, $7,000,000This long track tornado began 0.25 miles northeast of the intersection of North Kelly Avenue and East Wilshire Boulevard, just northeast of the KWTV-9 TV station and near the WB-34 TV station...neither tall tower was toppled. As the tornado moved northeast to Interstate 35, the width of the damage consistently was a third of a mile wide, and the maximum damage was F1 with widespread tree damage, snapped power poles, and roof damage to a number of homes south of Britton Road. The damage intensified to F2 on the west side of Interstate 35 where the roof was taken off of one wing of the Clara Waters Community Corrections Center. South of East Hefner Road and east of Interstate 35, an industrial building at a horse ranching operation sustained F3 damage. At that location, the steel frame, fastened to the concrete foundation with four one-inch diameter steel rods, was destroyed and steel reinforced concrete was pulled out of the ground. The tornado next produced F2 damage to the front portion of the Oakdale School at North Sooner Road and East Hefner Road. The Witcher Baptist Church, just south of the school, sustained F1 damage. East of Sooner Road and north of Hefner Road, the tornado weakened, producing F1 damage on the southeast side of the River Oaks Golf Club/Community. South of Northeast 122nd Street, between North Air Depot Boulevard and North Midwest Boulevard, the tornado strengthened again and the path widened to over three-quarters of a mile wide as the tornado turned more to the northeast. South of Northeast 122nd, between Midwest Boulevard and Douglas Boulevard, significant damage occurred to homes and trees. One home was completely destroyed (F3), two homes were heavily damaged (F2), and a vehicle was tossed 25 yards. The tornado turned to the southeast and damage weakened to F1 approximately 0.3 miles west of the intersection of North Post Road and Hefner Road. The tornado then turned back east-northeast causing a sheet metal hay barn to be completely blown down with hay intact. Several poles were downed towards the north, 0.25 miles west of the barn. Partial barn roof removal was found southwest of location in an open field. Another area of F1 damage began 0.3 miles north of the intersection of North 108th Street and Westminster Boulevard. A metal roof was peeled off and several tree limbs downed in this location. The tornado intensified to F2 just shortly after this, downing high tension poles 0.5 miles north of the intersection of Anderson Road and 108th Street. A farm just to the west of this location had a roof missing. The roof slid off the garage to the east. Large barn on west side lost west end of roof with debris inside. Northeast wall section of barn was essentially undamaged. A house also had shingle damage and broken windows. To the north of the farm, trees were damaged and poles were snapped.The tornado continued northeast causing the metal roof of a building, located 0.4 miles south of the intersection of Hiwassee Road and Memorial Road (North 136th Street), to peel off and be thrown 30 yards to the south. Tree damage was also found south of this location. A farm was damaged 0.8 miles south of the intersection. A barn was heavily damaged with debris thrown to the north. A pecan fork was also downed. There was also shingle damage just south of the barn. The tornado then caused damage to an outbuilding at the corner of Northeast 122nd Street and Henney Road. In an area just west of the intersection of Choctaw Road and Memorial Road, the northwest part of the roof of a house located on Spruce Valley Drive was removed, along with removing the roof of a mobile home located on Cedar Bend Road.As the tornado continued northeast, it uprooted trees and downed tree limbs. Shortly before the tornado dissipated, a mobile home rolled off of cinder blocks, but was otherwise undamaged. The tornado did some more minor tree damage before dissipating.The tornado first moved northeast causing a damage path which was located from 6.9 miles south of Edmond to 4.8 miles northwest of Jones. The tornado then turned southeast with a path from 4.8 miles northwest of Jones to 3.9 miles west-northwest of Jones. After the tornado turned back to the northeast, the path extended from 3.9 miles west-northwest of Jones to 2.8 miles south of Luther. The tornado traveled a total of 17.8 miles before dissipating.
September 1999LightningEdmond2 hurt, $7,000no account filed
August 1999LightningEdmond1 hurtno account filed
May 2004Tornado (F2)Edmond$5,000,000Sporadic F1 to low-end F2 damage occurred in the Deer Creek area, from Council Road between 206th and 220th Streets, east-northeast to near Highway 74 (Portland Ave.) and Sorghum Mill Road. As with earlier tornadoes, much of the damage in this area may have been the result of strong straight-line winds, although the concentration and severity of damage in this area suggests a probable tornadic spin up.In the Deer Creek area, 135 homes sustained minor damage, 7 major damage, and 7 homes were destroyed. Six mobile homes were damaged. Three were reported to have minor damage, while three others sustained major damage. Two businesses were also destroyed. The Deer Creek/Edmond public school received damage along with the First Baptist Church which was heavily damaged.
September 2010Thunderstorm WindEdmond$2,500,000Widespread damage was reported between Council Road and MacArthur Avenue, and between NW 150th and Hefner Road. Thousands of tree limbs were blown down. A roof at a nursing home was partially removed. A large portion of the roof at James L. Dennis Elementary school was also removed. Dozens of fences were blown down. At least five large power poles were snapped, with several other smaller poles/lines downed. A couple of highway signs were also blown over along the Kilpatrick Turnpike. The peak wind gust was estimated at 75 mph, with several other gusts over 60 mph. Monetary damage estimates were not available.
August 2004Thunderstorm WindEdmond$750,000Numerous trees and power lines were downed across town. The hardest hit areas were in southeast sections of town near Interstate 35. Trees up to 30 feet tall were down in roads and across roofs and lawns in this area.
July 2023LightningEdmond$500,000Lightning struck a house causing a fire start in the attic. Broadcast media reports that an adult male was transported to the hospital with critical injuries as a result of the fire. Time is estimated.
October 2000Flash FloodEdmond$500,000Widespread flash flooding developed after 4.71 inches of rain fell in just a few hours in the city of Edmond. Forty-seven homes and businesses were flooded by water depths averaging 1 foot, resulting in damage mainly to floors, carpet and furniture. Seven people were also rescued from their vehicles.
March 2008Tornado (EF1)Edmond$450,000From the official National Weather Service damage survey, the tornado appeared to have developed near the intersection of NW 178th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. The tornado caused most of its damage in the Valencia neighborhood. It was here that many homes sustained roof, window, garage door, and fence damage. One home sustained especially heavy damage, with a large portion of the roof being lost and extensive damage to the inside of the home. The tornado continued northeast and appeared to have dissipated just northeast of the subdivision, where some tree damage was noted. After a gap, additional damage was observed near the intersection of NW 192nd Street and Western Avenue, where several large power transmission poles were blown down, and some fence damage was also observed. While there was not a continuous damage path between the two damage sites, they do appear to be in line with the storm's path. A storm chaser also observed this tornado as far northeast as at least Covell Road between Santa Fe Avenue and Kelley Avenue where it is believed to have dissipated. Monetary damages were estimated.
April 2013HailEdmond$400,000Hail ranged in size from ping pong balls to baseballs. Hundreds of vehicles lost windshields and homes had substantial roof damage. Damages estimated.
April 2013HailEdmond$200,000Hail ranged in size from ping pong balls to golf balls. Minor damage to cars and homes was also reported. Damages estimated.
May 2012HailEdmond$200,000The hail was reported at 15th and Santa Fe.
July 2000Thunderstorm WindEdmond$150,000Trees and power poles were downed city-wide.
April 2025Flash FloodEdmond$100,000Roadway flooding at several locations around the community of Edmond. The most significant flooding occurred at the intersection of 15th Street and Kelly Avenue and along Coltrane Road between Danforth Road and Covell Road. Multiple vehicles were stranded in floodwaters. Event time is approximate.
May 2012Thunderstorm WindEdmond$100,000Ten power poles were blown down near 150th and Western avenue. Monetary damages estimated.
May 2000LightningEdmond$100,000no account filed
August 1996LightningEdmond$55,000no account filed
August 2002LightningEdmond$50,000Lightning struck a house on Morningstar, causing a fire.
July 2000Thunderstorm WindEdmond$50,000Widespread damage occurred to trees and house roofs, however damage to roofs consisted mostly of shingle damage. More significant damage was sustained to the roof at Edmond Memorial High School, along with downed light poles.
May 2000LightningEdmond$50,000no account filed
June 1996LightningEdmond$50,000no account filed
October 2018Tornado (EF0)Edmond$30,000Initial damage was observed near NE 122nd Street and Interstate 35 in northeastern Oklahoma City. The tornado moved generally northeast across east Edmond, crossing the northwestern portion of Arcadia Lake, then dissipating southeast of Danforth Road and Midwest Boulevard. Except for power pole and fencing damage at the beginning of the path, damage was limited to sporadic tree damage.
January 2026LightningEdmond$25,000A suspected lightning strike caused a tree to fall onto a car, just north of the Broadway and Covell Road intersection. An occupant in the vehicle was injured. The event location is approximate.
August 2005Thunderstorm WindEdmond$25,000The strong winds moved two, 450 pound air conditioners about 15 feet on the top of an Autozone at 9th and Broadway. The roof was eventually blown off into the parking lot. Many tree limbs were also observed down on the east side of Edmond on Coltrane Road from 33rd Street North to Coffee Creek Road.
September 1998Thunderstorm WindEdmond$20,000no account filed
September 2025Thunderstorm WindEdmond$15,000Relayed images show damage to trees, power poles and the road sign of a church near the intersection of Northwest 234th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. The event time is estimated from radar observations.
August 2024Flash FloodEdmond$15,000Social media image showing roadway flooding, including at least one vehicle stranded in floodwaters, along Danforth Road between Pennsylvania and Western Avenues. Event time is approximate.
June 2024Thunderstorm WindEdmond$10,000Social media image showing multiple power poles snapped, blocking portions of Sorghum Mill Road. Time is radar estimated.
July 2015Flash FloodEdmond$10,000Several vehicles were trapped in high water.
July 2015Flash FloodEdmond$10,000Water flowed into a business at North 2nd and Broadway.
May 2008Thunderstorm WindEdmond$10,000Severe winds blew down 15 tents at the the Downtown Edmond Arts Festival. Much of the artwork inside the tents was damaged or destroyed. Monetary damages were estimated.
July 2009Thunderstorm WindEdmond$7,000Two power poles were snapped near Edmond Road and Santa Fe Avenue. Two other poles were severely damaged. Monetary damages were estimated.
July 2009Thunderstorm WindEdmond$7,000Several trees were downed near Bryant Avenue and Danforth Road. Monetary damages were estimated.
May 2024Thunderstorm WindEdmond$5,000Social media report of shingles removed from the roof of a residence. Time is radar estimated.
August 2022Thunderstorm WindEdmond$5,000Power poles snapped.
May 2021Flash FloodEdmond$5,000Stalled vehicles in deep water.
May 2021Flash FloodEdmond$5,000Two cars stalled out and road closed at 33rd and Kelly.
August 2012Thunderstorm WindEdmond$5,000Multiple power poles were downed at the intersection of 164th street and MacArthur boulevard. Some of the power poles fell onto homes, causing light structural damage.
April 2008Flash FloodEdmond$5,000Several streets in the Oklahoma City area were closed due to water over the roadways. Other roads and city streets around the county were also closed due to high water running over top of them. No damages were reported.
April 1994Thunderstorm WindEdmond$5,000no account filed
August 2021Thunderstorm WindEdmond$3,000Tree limbs downed. Power pole damaged. Covered porch damaged.
May 2024Thunderstorm WindEdmond$2,000Powerlines down in the roadway near the intersection of Northwest 220th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Relayed by emergency management. Time is radar estimated.
April 2017Flash FloodEdmond$2,000Water over road at Danforth and Western. 5-6 cars stalled out.
June 2003Thunderstorm WindEdmond$2,000Trees and power lines were downed near the intersection of Coffee Creek Road and Meridian Avenue in northwestern Oklahoma county.
August 1996LightningEdmond$1,250no account filed
February 2023Thunderstorm WindEdmond$1,000Three sections of a fence were blown down.
August 2021Thunderstorm WindEdmond$1,000Powerlines downed at I-35 and Memorial Rd. Radar estimated time.
July 2013Thunderstorm WindEdmond$1,000Numerous large tree branches down in Edmond, with gusts estimated at 60-65 mph.
August 2002LightningEdmond$1,000Lightning struck a power pole on the east side of Broadway, causing a power outage.
December 1999Thunderstorm WindEdmond$200no account filed
May 1998Thunderstorm WindEdmond$100no account filed
October 1997Thunderstorm WindEdmond$10Severe thunderstorm winds downed numerous limbs to the south and west of Edmond.
November 1998Thunderstorm WindEdmond$10no account filed
March 2026HailEdmond-The report was relayed through mPING.
April 2025HailEdmond-The report was relayed through mPING. Original event time (2259 LST) adjusted based on radar observations.
June 2025HailEdmond-Hailfall at the intersection of Northwest 178th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.
June 2025HailEdmond-The report was relayed through mPING.
June 2025HailEdmond-The report was relayed through mPING. The event time is adjusted based on radar observations and additional nearby reports.
July 2025Tornado (EF0)Edmond-A weak tornado was observed and recorded by citizens in the Edmond area. No damage was reported. Triangulating videos taken from near E 15th and Littler Avenue facing northeast, and from just north of Kelley Blvd and Edmond Road facing east-southeast, the tornado is estimated to have occurred northeast of E 9th Street and Rankin Street.
July 2025Flash FloodEdmond-Several roads were impassable/closed due to flooding. This included Broadway between 9th and 11th Streets and Kelly Avenue between 15th and 33rd Streets. At least three vehicles were stranded in floodwaters near the intersection of Kelly Avenue and Centennial Avenue. The event time is approximate.

Every storm recorded in Oklahoma County

Map coverage status

No historic map-sheet match is published for this property yet. That does not mean no map exists. This record needs a coordinate-quality review before it can be joined to a sheet boundary. Browse the county's mapped places while that work is pending.

Listed places nearby

6 within 8 miles

Other National Register properties close enough to walk or drive between, ordered by distance from this one. Both positions come from the same geocoding pass that matched these properties to their map sheets.

Photograph PropertyDistance Listed
The "Y" Chapel of Songunder 500 feet2001
Kivlehen House0.3 miles2008
Citizens State Bank0.4 miles1980
Edmond Armory0.5 miles1991
American Legion Hut0.5 miles1993
Edmond Ice Company0.6 miles2016

Sources for this property

National Archives recordThe nomination case file for reference 71000671 in Record Group 79.
Wikipedia articleCommunity-written account of this property, licensed CC BY-SA.
Oklahoma CountyAll 170 listed properties in this county.

Provenance

  • Listing record. National Park Service National Register of Historic Places, listed-properties dataset, current to 2026-05-22.
  • Map join. Address geocoded through the United States Census geocoder, then tested against the published boundary of every sheet in the USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection.
  • How this page is made. Listing fields come from federal records; map-sheet coverage is a labelled coordinate-to-boundary calculation, not a source-field claim.
  • Mines and quarries. USGS Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS) https://mrdata.usgs.gov/mrds/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105.
  • Storms. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/stormevents/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105. Narratives are quoted verbatim from the National Weather Service report and are not edited or summarised.