1085 - Emerson Elementary School

The first elementary school in Lawton, Oklahoma opened its doors in 1902. Like most pioneer schools, the building quickly saw a lot of change to accommodate growing enrollment and meet the educational needs of the community. Within four years, the quaint, eight-room school was replaced by a regal brick building, the first structure of its kind in Lawton. During World War I, another change took place. It became home to soldiers instead of students, utilized by the military as a recreational facility. In the years following the war, the Emerson school was used, for a short time, as a junior high, before being converted back to an elementary school. In 1942, a concrete school was built, marking the beginning of the end for Emerson Elementary School.

The story of the schoolhouse took a turn when it was sold to the City of Lawton in 1963 and became the City Hall. The center of operations was commanded by Wayne Gilley, a beloved member of the community who was elected as mayor in the early 1960s.

Lawton saw a lot of progress under Gilley. Under his leadership, the city created Lake Ellsworth, the Central Mall, a new police station, and a public library. Gilley was often heard saying “It’s a great day in Lawton, Oklahoma!” Indeed, as the city progressed and flourished, to him it certainly was.

Gilley was Lawton’s longest-serving mayor at 24 years. In honor of his memory, the City Hall was dedicated to him in 1986. However, just as the building had changed so much in its early years, the city eventually decided to demolish Wayne Gilley City Hall and move into the newly renovated old Lawton High School building.

People still have fond memories of Gilley. In 2022, the new City Hall Auditorium was named after him, a memorial for the citizens of Lawton to recall the mayor who truly served and loved their town.