Old North was the first structure erected by the Territory of Oklahoma for the purpose of higher education. The initial class of the territorial normal school met in the Methodist church, 9 North Broadway, on November 9, 1891, and later in building on West First Street. The “normal building” was constructed during the fall of 1892 and occupied January 2, 1893.

Dedicated as a national historic site in honor of A.H. Classen, who donated the  original  40 acres of land for the school; J. W. Howard, who introduced the normal  school  bill;  and John l. Mitch, former  regent, who worked  tirelessly for the advancement of the institution.

This plaque so inscribed on behalf of the honorable David Hall, Governor of Oklahoma, and Garland A. Godfrey, President, C.C.U., on November  9, 1972, by  the Old North  Memorial Committee: Alvin Alcorn, Bill Burchardt, Reba Collins, Stan Hoig, and Joe C. Jackson.