School proposals emerged. Community leaders entertained ideas for a Presbyterian college, a Baptist university, and a Catholic school [1]. Considering the debate, one newspaper reporter envisioned Lawton as a "modern Athens." [2] More realistic thinkers undoubtedly understood that limited resources would necessitate difficult decisions regarding which of the proposed schools to create.

1. "To Make Lawton a Modern Athens," Lawton Constitution Democrat, May 21, 1908; "Lawton And Chickasha Submit Propositions After The New Baptist University Will Erect Thoroughly Equipped University Beginning With Expenditure of at Least $250,000," Daily News Republican, September 6 1907, 1; "University Addition Will Be Placed On Sale Next Week," Daily News Republican, April 14, 1908, 1; "Another Move Started For A Great School," Lawton Constitution, August 20, 1908.

2. "To Make Lawton a Modern Athens."