Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.

Next on the 2026 Most Endangered Places list is Lodge Laska in Oklahoma City. Also known as the Czech Hall of Oklahoma City and Bohemian Hall, this structure was built in 1924 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. The Lodge is a rare, surviving, intact early 20th century social hall. It’s listed as endangered due to its proximity to development areas around it, but the structure is also failing rapidly.

Historic cemeteries are the next sites highlighted on the 2026 Most Endangered Places list. Two locations were chosen to represent many cemeteries across the state. Bruner Cemetery, near Seminole, and Earl Cemetery, near Mannsville. Many of these cemeteries are no longer maintained by municipal entities and rely on local residents or family members to maintain. Some are being encroached by new development. Along with the two that are highlighted here, there are many more across the state that are deteriorating and in need of preservation and restoration.

Earl Cemetery was one of, if not the first, cemetery in the Johnston County area. The oldest marker preservationists have found is 1882, and they fear there are many lost graves. There are pieces of the monuments strewn throughout the area, and many markers are moved from their original spot.

Bruner Cemetery is the final resting place of many Black Seminoles who arrived in Oklahoma from Florida on April 13, 1839, signing in at Ft. Gibson. The cemetery site has been divided into two sections, with one being maintained and the other not being maintained.

Next on the 2026 Most Endangered Places list is the Ingalls Hotel in Ingalls. It is believed to be the original building from the 1920s. The nomination to the State Register from 1980 describes it as “a 1920s building used as a hotel and Masonic lodge during oil boom days.” Seems that the Masonic lodge did some renovations/alterations to replicate the original hotel for reenactments the town once held, but there’s no information showing how much it has strayed from the original design. Today, Ingalls is described as a ghost town. A notorious gunfight between members of the Doolin/Dalton gang and law enforcement occurred near the hotel in 1893.

Oklahoma is the heart of Route 66. More drivable miles, more iconic stops, more history than anywhere else on the Mother Road.

This year it turns 100, and Congress has a chance to help preserve it.

H.R. 5470/S. 2887 would designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail, securing preservation for the small businesses, landmarks, and communities that have defined this stretch of American road for a century.

Oklahoma's heritage deserves a champion in Congress. Tell your Members of Congress to be one.

Visit https://savingplaces.org/stories/route-66-in-oklahoma to learn other ways you can celebrate and advocate in Oklahoma for Route 66 in 2026!

Today’s Most Endangered Location is the Bert McCarty Furniture Building in Ponca City. It was built in 1920 and is a contributing structure for the Downtown Ponca City Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a two-story stucco-clad building with two storefronts. In 1909, Bert McCarty purchased a furniture business he had previously worked in, later adding undertaking as well. Around 1920, he took over this building and moved his businesses there. It’s endangered because it’s rapidly deteriorating due to a leaking roof, falling rear facade and asbestos. If it is lost, it will be a large missing piece in historic downtown Ponca City.

We would love to have you as a member of Preservation Oklahoma! More details at PreservationOK.org/partnership

Another selection on the 2026 Most Endangered Places in Oklahoma list is Covenant Presbyterian Church in The Village in Oklahoma City. The church campus was completed in 1972. The building and stained glass elements were designed by Harold Hite, a church member and architect. The building features great mid-century design, including and intricate decorative guttering system. The building itself was designed to look like Noah’s Ark. After 70 years, the congregation has dissolved. The property is currently for sale, and the congregation hopes another church will purchase and make its home in that location.

Celebrate 100 Years of Route 66 By Protecting It Preserve the Mother Road before its 100th birthday in 2026! Designating it a National Historic Trail means jobs, tourism, and saving a piece of Americana. Let your Congressmember know today: Protect Route 66.

Next on our list of Most Endangered Places in Oklahoma is the Walters Depot. The historic train depot in Walters is an irreplaceable landmark that tells the story of the community’s founding, growth and connection to Oklahoma’s rail era. It once served as a vital gateway for people, goods and agricultural commerce, shaping Walters’ economic and social life. The depot was completed in 1920 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. It is significant for its role in transportation in Cotton County. The depot faces serious threats from age, deferred maintenance and limited local resources, which can put it at risk of irreversible deterioration.

Up first on the 2026 list of Most Endangered Places in Oklahoma is the Commerce Building in Okmulgee. It stands as a striking architectural landmark. Built in 1921 at 117-121 South Grand, this Beaux Arts structure was erected during Okmulgee’s early 20th century oil boom and remains the tallest and most grandiose commercial building from that era. It features an ornate terra cotta exterior, detailed pilasters, frieze work, and classical proportions. The structure is 56,000 square feet, spanning seven floors, a mezzanine and a full basement. It’s located in the Okmulgee Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a defining symbol of Okmulgee’s rich historical identity.

Why It’s Endangered: The Commerce Building sits vacant and at risk of further deterioration without active preservation efforts. Its long-time owner, who cared for and protected the property while working toward its future, recently passed away. It’s in need of new ownership to steward it for its next 100 years.