"L" visited here with S's Mom and Dad on May 28, 1997.
The Governor's Mansion today is endowed with a new sense of history and state pride. In 1995, Oklahomans enthusiastically participated in the mansion's restoration -- a reflection of the people's generous spirit. Individuals and organizations donated their time, talents and gifts -- from furnishings and picture frames to family heirlooms and symbolic treasures. And, an important first for the mansion is the exhibition of artwork from acclaimed museums and private collections.
The Governor's Mansion's new beauty is a tribute to Oklahomans, past and present. We hope you enjoy the fascinating heritage that resides within these walls -- as we did.
Sincerely, "S & L"
At the time of this writing, Governor Frank Keating and his wife Cathy were living here with their childen -- Kelly, Carrie, and Chip.
In 1927, the Oklahoma State Legislature ended its long-standing debate over funding for a Governor's Mansion by allocating $100,000 of state money -- $75,000 for construction and $25,000 for furnishings -- to build a home for Oklahoma's Governors. Two years later, another $39,000 was set aside to complete outbuildings and landscaping.
The Oklahoma City architectural firm of Layton, Hicks and Forsyth created the Dutch-Colonial-style Governor's residence. An exterior of Carthage limestone was chosen to compliment the State Capitol, the mansion's prominent neighbor to the west. The 14,000-square-foot interior was originally divided into 19 rooms, including a library, parlor, dining room, grand ballroom, kitchen, sun room and five bedrooms. (Today it has 12 rooms.) The home was dedicated in October 1928.
In years past, the main floor LIBRARY was altered to reflect the design trends of the day. Today, walnut paneling and moldings have been restored to their original luster, and rich burgundy, gold and green tones replicate the mansion's 1928 color scheme. Additionally, the leaded glass doors (removed during the '50s) have been returned to the bookshelves, which encase an impressive collection of works on Oklahoma and by Oklahomans.
The library contains many of the gifts received by the mansion in 1995, including an Old English lectern (early 19th century) and dictionary donated by the family of Lewis Meyer, the well-known Tulsa literary critic and bookstore owner. A Ponca City family gave the bust of Oklahoman Will Rogers -- famed newspaper columnist and cowboy philosopher -- that rests on the mantle.
Some say the spirit of Governor William H. ("Alfalfa Bill") Murray (1931-35) -- one of the states most colorful leaders -- still inhabits the house. His most-publicized antic was letting the lawn grow knee-high -- he said, "Lush crops become more lush if they're allowed to go seed." He also plowed up mansion grounds to plant a vegetable garden to feed the poor.
During the term of Governor E.W. Marland (1935-39), an oil derrick rose from the mansion gardens. In fact, scores of derricks dotted the Capitol grounds throughout the oil boom years of the '30s and '40s.
The west entrance -- originally intended to be the front door -- faced an unpaved road for 24 years (a hazard for guests) until it was corrected by a 1952 paving project. The north entrance is now the official front door, with the Governor's home office just inside.
The Governor and his family live in the five SECOND-FLOOR rooms. During the David Walters administration (1991-95), a wall was removed to turn two rooms into a comfortable FAMILY ROOM. As on the first floor, the major furnishings were donated by Oklahomans and will remain in the mansion.
Up to 60 people can be seated for state functions in the newly remodeled third-floor GRAND BALLROOM. In fact, the entire third floor was enhanced to make it more functional and inviting -- the stairwell ceiling was even raised to improve accessibility. The new ballroom windows, chandeliers and elaborate moldings are replicas of the 1928 originals, and the limestone fireplace is the work of an Oklahoma sculptor, James Michael Kelley. A Persian Dorokshe area rug now accents the ballroom's original maple floor.
The OKLAHOMA ROOM is the site of many state ceremonies. The new state seal rug, the inspiration of First Lady Cathy Keating, is already a valuable mansion heirloom.
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