Kingston, Oklahoma

Kingston is located at 34°0′1″N 96°43′16″W (34.000146, -96.721133).[5]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.8 square miles (4.7 km²), all land.

As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 1,390 people, 552 households, and 381 families residing in the town. The population density was 791.8 people per square mile (304.9/km²). There were 629 housing units at an average density of 358.3 per square mile (138.0/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 78.56% White, 0.14% African American, 14.68% Native American, 0.95% Asian, 1.80% from other races, and 4.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.39% of the population.

Kingston and the surrounding area (towns of Madill and Oakland) has a large Hispanic community due to a large influx of immigration attracted to the area's manufacturing jobs. But the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce places a new estimate at over 10 percent.

There were 552 households, out of which 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.3% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $22,429, and the median income for a family was $30,259. Males had a median income of $25,278 versus $18,403 for females. The per capita income for the town was $11,850. About 18.1% of families and 22.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.6% of those under age 18 and 26.0% of those age 65 or over.

Kingston Is also Home to The award-winning "Kingston Show Choir", who have received superior ratings at district, state, and Tri-State.

Kingston was originally known as Helen. The community was named for Helen Willis, daughter of J.H. Willis, a prominent early-day resident. On April 4, 1894 a post office was established at Helen and was called Kingston, Indian Territory. The post office took its name from Jeff King, a longtime local resident.[7]

At the time of its founding, Helen, later Kingston, was located in Pickens County, Chickasaw Nation.[8]

The early settlement included a general store, cotton gin, and a schoolhouse that doubled as a church.[9]

Several of the older buildings in Kingston, were torn down in the late 80s to make way for a new hardware store and lumberyard. Kingston also has a new multipurpose activity building to the community; it is located on the high school campus. The oldest remaining building in Kingston, which used to serve as the town's bank in the early days, now houses Dee's Creative Corner.

Kingston's High School Alumni Association, is the oldest active alumni association in the state of Oklahoma, founded in 1911. Each year graduates of Kingston High School are given the opportunity to join the association. The association, through donations and fund raisers, helps to send local students to college.

Notable figures include country music singer, Dale Lay, and rock and roll drummer Greg Upchurch. Dale released several country albums, several radio singles and even performed on the Grand Ole Opry. Dale was responsible for the growth and support of the Kingston High School band. For several years, Dale raised money to buy new instruments and band uniforms at his annual benefit concert. Dale’s son, Anthony Lay, is a nationally syndicated radio personality. He goes by “The AntMan” and hosts a syndicated Saturday night show, Country House Party on more than 80 iHeart Country radio stations across the nation. Greg Upchurch began his rock career with the band Puddle of Mudd, and since 2005 has been the drummer for 3 Doors Down. Greg first learned his percussion skills in the Kingston High School band.

The high school used to be housed in the now present-day elementary building until a new building was made. Today, the elementary, middle school, and high school each have their own buildings.

The school reportedly also had a pool, until it was paved over into a parking lot. Then in 2019 the school built a building with more class rooms.

A.E. Findley was the band director of Kingston High School's first band. He was also the first elected into the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association in 1966.[10]

The high school has two blood drives each year and does a yearly food drive as part of their charity work.

Kingston High School and Madill High School have a football rivalry which is known as the “Marshall County Super Bowl.” Madill is now the home of the bowl until the next time the teams play again. Which will be Fall 2020.

• Kingston OK Visitor Guide