The Griffith Park Railroad is a 1/5 scale train station and track designed jointly by both Charles and Ray in 1953. By now, the two had learned the balance between each others romantic and classical design methods. The railroad is neat, orderly, and functional- note the no-nonsense ordering of the stalls and ticket window. It is also aesthetically pleasing and innovative- the crown design on the station and whimsical elements on the clock tower show Ray’s influence. This design is a perfect example of the team-work and strength-balancing that typify the Eames’ work.

The Entenza House was designed with the Eames House as part of the Case Study Homes project. Ray took the lead on this structure, and her passion for beautiful spaces is clear to see. Less influence from Charles resulted in the Entenza House being less functional as a living space than the Eames house. Perhaps this is the reason this design did not become a permanent residence.

St Mary’s Catholic Church was designed in 1935 by Charles Eames with much less imput from Ray. The result, as you can see, is a structure in Charles’ style: angular, symmetrical, and functional, but not particularly innovative or beautiful.

Charles and Ray Eames were a married couple as well as architectural partners. Charles thought more classicly, prefering right angles, symmetry, and sleekness over form. Ray, who was also a painter, moderated her husband’s inclination to create functional spaces at the expense of beauty of design. You can clearly see the infulence of each in the Eames House in Los Angeles.

Summation

Though physically unassuming, the little rectangular building on 10th and Walker conceals not just a carefully cultured period dinner, but also a rich history connected to several parts of Oklahoma’s experience. I’m glad to have made these discoveries about my childhood hangout, and I strongly recommend either the bison chili or vegan chili, if that’s your thing.  While you enjoy it, be sure to take a long look around and appreciate the painstakingly crafted environment, as well as reflect on the historical role of the seat you’re sitting on.

Architectural Interest

Architecturally, Kaiser’s seems very unimposing from the street. The small building has been, over the years, engulfed by the ever expanding sprawl of St. Anthony’s. Outside, the building presents as a simple, white-brick construction with no flair or pomp other than 1920’s-style awnings over the doors. Inside however, the aesthetic of the Roaring Twenties has been painstakingly maintained. Checkerboard wall tiles, earth-tone flooring, a vintage soda fountain, and carefully selected barstools all combine to remind the patron of the historical significance which the exterior belies. I was lucky enough to work for the company that remodeled the bar area in 2016, and I can attest to the very strict standards of period-placement that were employed in the renovation.

Historical Significance

Originally built in 1917, Kaiser’s is one of Oklahoma City’s longest standing eateries. Although the building has experienced a lot of history in the last century, the most significant event to take place here, and the primary reason I chose this building, occurred in 1957. On August 19th, Kaiser’s was home to Oklahoma’s first sit-in. 12 African Americans, who could not legally be served in white establishments at the time, sat at Kaiser’s counter and calmly waited to be served or arrested. Mr. Kaiser, a Swiss immigrant who opposed Oklahoma’s segregation laws, had given approval for the protest to go on in his cafe.

Kaiser’s Grateful Bean Deli

Situated in Midtown underneath the imposing rise of St. Anthony’s Hospital, Kaiser’s Deli doesn’t seem to project itself much. However, this small deli, where the discerning connoisseur can try bison chili or one of thirty flavors of hand dipped ice cream, has left an interesting mark on history and on me. Growing up, my mom worked at St. Anthony’s hospital and would often not be done with her work until after her shift ended, so my dad and I would enjoy an ice cream cone and wait for her at Kaiser’s.  I have a lot of fond memories of the building, but it wasn’t until I was an adult that I learned its historical significance, which will be the topic of my next blog.