Castle on the Hill — Its Destruction

On March 1, 1935, tragedy struck Northwestern when the Castle on the Hill was destroyed by fire. Flames had spread through much of the building and were well beyond control when first discovered around 2 A.M. Efforts to control the roaring flames were futile, and a strong southwest wind and the building’s oiled wooden floors were blamed for making firefighting almost useless. Flames raged from every window as pianos crashed through burning floors from the third story and library books burned on shelves melted into distorted shapes. The inferno destroyed historical documents, treasured pieces of art, museum relics, government publications, band instruments and uniforms, pictures, and unique furnishings. Thick smoke from broken windows cast a pall over much of the town, and wind carried sparks as far as the downtown square, setting fire to one residence and threatening many other structures. As the fire raged, much of the populace converged on the campus and watched helplessly in horror and sadness as the beloved building burned, many weeping. By daylight, the teetering walls of the revered Castle stood like a gaunt skeleton over masses of charred debris.

Alva, Oklahoma · United States