Links to Historical Documents and Articles
History of Our Neighborhood
Welcome to the Shepherd Historic Neighborhood. Before this area became a residential neighborhood, it was part of a 160-acre farm owned by the George Shepherd family. In the 1920s, the area now known as Swatek Park included a lake, boathouse and small golf course.
Our neighborhood was platted and dedicated February 11, 1931, by M.A. and Lottie Swatek who owned this portion of the Cashion Place addition to Oklahoma City. The neighborhood was designated for residential brick, stone or stucco homes only. One good indicator of the historic nature of the neighborhood is that the original dedication required that homes built in Shepherd Neighborhood cost no less than $4,000. Over 300 neighborhood homes were built mostly in the 1930s, but the area was not included in the Oklahoma City limits until shortly after World War II. The homes in the neighborhood are mostly brick Tudor revivals, with a few colonial revival houses as well. The neighborhood is also lucky to have one outstanding home in the modern art deco style. With no thru streets, the neighborhood maintains a calm and quiet atmosphere.
As an official Historic Preservation District within the City of Oklahoma City, Shepherd Historic Neighborhood homes are protected from exterior changes which are inappropriate to the historic character of the neighborhood. Homeowners are required to gain approval from the Historic Preservation Committee of the City Council before beginning work on the exteriors of their homes. As a result, all residents of the neighborhood can rest assure that the charming historic neighborhood we call home will maintain its uniqueness.
A neighborhood association has been maintained since the 1970s. Currently, the association is known as the Shepherd Historic Neighborhood Association. The officers and block captains meet monthly to discuss issues facing the neighborhood unity and appearance. The association supports issues a quarterly newsletter, awards a Shepherd Yard of the Month for impressive landscaping or holiday decorating, and hosts gatherings throughout the year for residents.
We have the Swatek’s to thank for the lovely park which is a wonderful gathering place for residents to enjoy an oasis of nature only a short walk from home. The Shepherd Historic Neighborhood holds its annual cookouts, picnics and ice cream socials in the park. The City of Oklahoma City installed new playground equipment and a lovely stone picnic pavilion in the park in 2000. The park also includes a softball diamond and plenty of space to roam.
Shepherd Historic Neighborhood is just a few short blocks from Cleveland Elementary, an outstanding public magnet school. Also within walking distance are Taft Middle School and Northwest Classen High School. The Neighborhood is centrally located and just a few minutes drive to Baptist Integris, Deaconess, Saint Anthony and University Hospitals. The commute to downtown or the Capitol area is less than 10 minutes. Many wonderful restaurants and shops are also only a short drive or bike-ride away. The neighborhood is home to many professionals who appreciate the historic charm, the quality homes and neighbors and the perfect midtown location.
Our neighborhood was platted and dedicated February 11, 1931, by M.A. and Lottie Swatek who owned this portion of the Cashion Place addition to Oklahoma City. The neighborhood was designated for residential brick, stone or stucco homes only. One good indicator of the historic nature of the neighborhood is that the original dedication required that homes built in Shepherd Neighborhood cost no less than $4,000. Over 300 neighborhood homes were built mostly in the 1930s, but the area was not included in the Oklahoma City limits until shortly after World War II. The homes in the neighborhood are mostly brick Tudor revivals, with a few colonial revival houses as well. The neighborhood is also lucky to have one outstanding home in the modern art deco style. With no thru streets, the neighborhood maintains a calm and quiet atmosphere.
As an official Historic Preservation District within the City of Oklahoma City, Shepherd Historic Neighborhood homes are protected from exterior changes which are inappropriate to the historic character of the neighborhood. Homeowners are required to gain approval from the Historic Preservation Committee of the City Council before beginning work on the exteriors of their homes. As a result, all residents of the neighborhood can rest assure that the charming historic neighborhood we call home will maintain its uniqueness.
A neighborhood association has been maintained since the 1970s. Currently, the association is known as the Shepherd Historic Neighborhood Association. The officers and block captains meet monthly to discuss issues facing the neighborhood unity and appearance. The association supports issues a quarterly newsletter, awards a Shepherd Yard of the Month for impressive landscaping or holiday decorating, and hosts gatherings throughout the year for residents.
We have the Swatek’s to thank for the lovely park which is a wonderful gathering place for residents to enjoy an oasis of nature only a short walk from home. The Shepherd Historic Neighborhood holds its annual cookouts, picnics and ice cream socials in the park. The City of Oklahoma City installed new playground equipment and a lovely stone picnic pavilion in the park in 2000. The park also includes a softball diamond and plenty of space to roam.
Shepherd Historic Neighborhood is just a few short blocks from Cleveland Elementary, an outstanding public magnet school. Also within walking distance are Taft Middle School and Northwest Classen High School. The Neighborhood is centrally located and just a few minutes drive to Baptist Integris, Deaconess, Saint Anthony and University Hospitals. The commute to downtown or the Capitol area is less than 10 minutes. Many wonderful restaurants and shops are also only a short drive or bike-ride away. The neighborhood is home to many professionals who appreciate the historic charm, the quality homes and neighbors and the perfect midtown location.
