
- Two homes in Beaver were designed by Bruce Goff (okay, that doesn't count)
- Hosts the World Cow Chip Throwing Championship
- Beaver Dunes State Park is nearby and actually has sand dunes
- They still have an operating OTASCO*
Square State Scare
At one time the panhandle had aspirations of statehood. A short-lived movement hoped to turn No Man's Land into Cimarron Territory. They declared Beaver City their capital and petitioned Congress to officially recognize it. Fortunately the vote failed and preserved our state's unique shape- pan with a handle.


The Beaver County Free Fair is hosted in this awesomely angular building designed by Tommy Jay Shaw and built in 1960. The roof extends almost to the ground. Towers out front have a distinctive similarity to oil derricks.
It looks like some windows have been covered over the years- not unusual for buildings of this period. The seemingly free energy of the Sixties met with reality during the energy crisis of the Seventies. Many Mid-Century Modern buildings suffer from single-pane windows and inefficient heating and cooling systems. But the building's overall condition appears to be quite good.

But the real gems in Beaver are found off the main drag. Driving through the residential areas we found quiet neighborhoods lined with nice ranch-style homes. Two residences here were designed by our favorite eccentric architect, Bruce Goff.
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The Barby House in Beaver, OK |

Beaver Jackpot
This spaceship was built for William Dace in 1964. A carport extends from the front of the home, and that's about the only conventional feature. The house is a series of two-story tall cylinders. Viewed from the rear the similarities to the "storage pods" of the Bavinger House are quite noticeable.
While some modifications to the exterior are evident, the house appears generally sound and very well maintained.

Looking for more Goff?
Goff in the Desert is a video tour of Goff's work, including several no longer standing.
*Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company
3 comments:
Great design. The house is really done by an expert as evidenced by the design. Thanks for sharing this one.
Ya think? Just one of the greatest architects of the 20th century.
I love reading about people appreciating the Goff houses in Beaver Oklahoma! It is a very small town and my grandfather was one of the primary carpenters in the area so naturally he worked on many of the surrounding projects. I have a copy of blueprints for the Dacy house which I could see from my grandparent's home. The Barby house was right across the street from my grandparent's. Naturally, I was intrigued. Grandpa told me to go knock on the door and ask to see the house. It was like stepping into a different World!
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