The old municipal auditorium now known as the Rec Building
was built in 1934 in downtown Ranger across the street from
where the old three-story high school stood. Construction
was part of a Civil Works Administration project. Bricks
were used from Tiffin School which was the first of the
four elementary schools to close after the Ranger oil boom
days. The building was designed by William Bourdeau, his
son Bill (RHS-1936), and brother Clease. It has a stage,
beautiful wooden floors, and numerous windows. The building
also included offices and an apartment where coaches and
football players could stay. Over the years, the city has
used the building for many events and functions. The school
district has used the building for basketball games, pep-
rallies, talent shows, PE classes, and fundraisers.
Every two years the Ranger Exes Association holds homecoming
activities in the building. Many ex-students feel the
building is the last part of an era of their old high
school which was torn down in 1979. When they walk into
the building, it's like going back-in-time. The school
system still uses the building at times.
Article by Alfred Rogers