Moore Manor, 1918

228 West 17th Place (older photo courtesy of the Beryl Ford Collection/Rotary Club of Tulsa, Tulsa City-County Library and Tulsa Historical Society)


The Moore Manor, built only eleven years after Oklahoma’s statehood, is significant for its association with the oil boom of Tulsa. Frank L. Moore started business as a small drilling contractor and parlayed a few drilling interests into an oil empire. With his new-found wealth, he purchased a prime lot within the new Buena Vista Park Addition and built Moore Manor. Such oil industry giants as the Sinclairs, Cosdens, Roesers, and the McFarlins resided in this addition.


The house is the finest example of Colonial Revival residential architecture constructed during those early oil boom years. It is also an outstanding example of excellence craftsmanship and detailing. Its four stories consist of a full basement, first and second floors and a finished attic. Brick veneer is of rough red-brick, laid in very light gray mortar, with coursing of a common running bond. Building corners are done with brick quoins while all trim is of light gray limestone. The four-way hipped roof is covered with slate shingles, pierced with wall dormers on the entire perimeter.


This tract of land includes the famous Creek Council Oak Tree. Of the many opulent homes built on the block containing the Council Oak Tree, only the Moore Manor remains today to remind us of a glorious episode of American history. (Excerpts are from Tulsa Preservation Committee)


The Moore Manor and the Creek Nation Council Oak are on the same block of land. Moore Manor on the northwest corner and the Council Oak on the southeast corner. To see my earlier post on the Creek Nation Council Oak click HERE.