Historic downtown Sulphur is struggling to rebuild and is gradually emerging from the catastrophic destruction wrought by the tornado that struck on April 27, 2024. A year later, much debris remains in the devastated three-block area on W. Muskogee Avenue.
Appearances to the contrary, some buildings survived the deluge that night, and rebuilding is underway. While progress is slow now, the town is beginning to see a light at the end of this dark tunnel.
An iconic symbol of progress is the fascinating story of the Arbuckle Historical Society Museum. The structure that is set at the edge of the debris path from the storm is more than 100 years old. It suffered major wind and water damage that destroyed the roof, took out some brickwork, and ruined some wood fixtures and trim inside the two-story building.
According to Mary Lou De-Fratus Heltzel, Sulphur native and president of the historical society, the roof is replaced and work is ongoing to repair brick and concrete damage to the parapet around the roof edge.
In a recent interview, she emphasized the commitment to bringing the museum back to life, saying, “We want it back. We love our town.”
The museum’s many and varied exhibits had to be removed from the building until repairs are made. This was done quickly after the tornado. Mary Lou explained, “The exhibits were carried out by volunteers on the Tuesday after the (Saturday) tornado and moved to a secure location.”
The building’s return to opening is not imminent, however.
“We might not be able to be back in the building for two years,” Mary Lou said, recalling a recent City Council meeting where it was discussed. The building and the next door art gallery are city owned structures.
The city apparently has a plan to bring the structure back to life. This could involve hiring entities to restore the historic character of the structure.
Mary Lou reported, “The state building inspectors were very impressed with the construction of the museum. The strength of it.” The main wooden roof support beams date back to 1917 and are still there, she said. The second
PHOTO BY MIKE WEST
floor is solid concrete.
Mary Lou describes herself as the “volunteer administrator” of the museum.
She has realistic expectations about reopening it. “We look forward to getting back into the museum, but it is going to be a giant task” she said.
Rebuilding the historic downtown is not the first big challenge Sulphur has faced. In the early 1900s, people picked up their homes and businesses and moved them to the current location,” Mary Lou recalled.
The Arbuckle Historical Society Museum in the downtown historic district amazingly survived the tornado but with considerable damage. A year later, the century old iconic structure has a new roof and repairs are being made to the parapet surrounding the top. A lot of work remains on the exhibits, which have been removed and stored. PHOTO BY MIKE WEST
When it comes to downtown history, Mary Lou is a valuable source of information. She fondly remembers, “The First Christian Church is a beautiful building, inside and out. Flower Bluff Mansion had the most unusual architecture.”
Located just north of Muskogee Avenue, the U.S. Post Office is an historic building dating to the 1930s. It was heavily damaged in the storm, and Sulphur was without a local post office for several months.
The post office is one of her favorite buildings, Mary Lou explained. “Word has it that the outer walls are OK, and they will rebuild the inside. The wood was ruined but the tile is good” she reports.
The post office featured a framed painting that was commissioned in 1939 as part of a depression-era WPA project. The large Western image had some damage in the storm when something fell on it. She says it is currently being repaired and might be saved.
Finding something positive about the tragic tornado, Mary Lou explained, “I am so grateful that the east half of the park is undamaged and is as lovely and healing as it ever was.” The Platt Historic District is part of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, located just south of the historic downtown.
Other Damaged Structures
Damaged or destroyed structures in the historic district are currently being restored, including: 3rd & Broadway is open now in a store at W. 2nd Street and Muskogee.
Mix Mercantile is under construction, and is expected to open later this year.
Raina’s Sports Bar plans to rebuild. The only thing remaining from the original building that was destroyed is the old tile entryway and interior floor. Reports are that this will be retained in the new structure.
Hassen Building will need major repair and replacement work on windows and roof.
Outside the historic downtown, other businesses heavily damaged in the tornado’s destructive path are rebuilding, too. These include two retail stores and a funeral home.
The rubble pile is what remains of Raina’s Sports Lounge on Muskogee Ave. downtown. Plans are underway to rebuild the entertainment venue. Across the street is the heavily damaged Hassen Building, an historic structure that is starting new life with plans to fix damage to the roof, windows and other structure elements. PHOTO BY MIKE WEST
