State House dedicates restored chamber

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma's state House chamber was only 30 years old when former Rep. Easter Brown served in it in 1947 and 1948. But it was already beginning to show signs of wear. "It was

Thursday, January 20th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma's state House chamber was only 30 years old when former Rep. Easter Brown served in it in 1947 and 1948. But it was already beginning to show signs of wear. "It was beginning to need some restoration work," said Brown, 82, of Pauls Valley.

More than 50 years later, former House members joined their contemporary counterparts Wednesday in dedicating the state's newly restored House chamber. "This restored chamber is truly an expression that the people of Oklahoma can be proud of," House Speaker Loyd Benson, D-Frederick, said during ceremonies on the 83rd anniversary of the first joint session of the Oklahoma Legislature in the chamber. "It looked real nice, restored it real well," said Brown, who also served as sergeant at arms in the House for 24 years. "It's dignified. It's historic. It's in good taste," said former governor and U.S. Sen. Henry Bellmon, a House member in 1947. "I think it will add a lot to the ambiance in which our laws are made."

The $1.2 million restoration project, begun seven months ago, revamped the chamber from floor to ceiling. Under the direction of Oklahoma City architect Paul B. Meyer, layers of paint and grime were peeled away and windows that had been shuttered for more than three decades were uncovered. "It's our day to stand in the sunlight," said Benson, a 16-year veteran of the state House.

All seven living current and former House speakers attended the dedication: Benson; Glen Johnson; Steve Lewis; Jim Barker; Dan Draper; Rex Privett; and Clint Livingston. Fresh coats of bright paint -- 140 gallons worth -- were applied to the chamber's walls and new carpet and furnishing were installed. Lamps that replicate a surviving World War I-era original were installed along the chamber's walls and stained glass panels were placed in the ceiling to simulate Victorian-era skylights.

Former House member and former Attorney General Larry Derryberry was one of more than 100 House members who joined 101 current members in the restored chamber. "When I was here in '68, we spruced it up," Derryberry said. "That was just a hint of what today is," said Derryberry, who described the chamber as "beautiful."

"I think it's gorgeous," said former Rep. Dwayne Steidley of Claremore, who helped launch the project to renovate the House and Senate chambers in 1992. The renovated Senate chamber was dedicated in May 1994. "It shows a lot of beauty, which I think is representative of the state. And it lets light in," Steidley said. "When I was in the House, it was a little dingy," said Lt.Gov. Mary Fallin, who served in the House between 1990 and 1994.

Brighter paint and more light has made the chamber more attractive. "I think it will attract a lot of visitors," Ms. Fallin said. "All I can say is I'm impressed," said U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., who served in the state House between 1988 and 1994. "I'm pleased to see that my old friends made the right decision in restoring the chamber in the glory that was intended in 1917."