The small city of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, has a vibrant history and culture. Numerous landmarks, parks, and museums that have had a big impact on the city’s past and present can be found there. The Frank Phillips Home, a historic house museum that offers a glimpse into the life of Frank Phillips, an oil baron who helped shape the oil industry in Oklahoma, is one of these landmarks.
Located at 1107 Cherokee Avenue in Bartlesville, the Frank Phillips Home, also referred to as the Phillips Mansion, was built in 1903. Frank Phillips and his wife Jane built it in 1908. Edward Buehler Delk, a Kansas City architect, created the mansion, which combines elements of the Colonial Revival, Georgian Revival, and Classical Revival styles.
Frank Phillips died in 1938, and the Phillips family continued to reside there. Following a donation to the city of Bartlesville, the mansion became a public museum in 1939. Since that time, it has gained popularity as a tourist attraction where people can learn about Frank Phillips’ life and his contributions to the oil industry.
The Frank Phillips Home’s architecture is one of its most striking features. There are 26 rooms in total, including 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and 5 fireplaces, spread across the mansion’s three stories. The mansion’s brick exterior includes a spacious front porch with white columns. The mansion’s interior is equally impressive, featuring soaring ceilings, elaborate woodwork, and elaborate chandeliers.
A guided tour of the mansion, which includes a peek at the family’s private quarters, the formal dining room, and the library, is available to guests of the Frank Phillips Home. The basement, which served as a bomb shelter during World War II, is also included in the tour. A recreation of a bomb shelter from the 1940s, complete with bunk beds, a radio, and a gas mask, can be found in the basement, which has been returned to its original state.
The Frank Phillips Home’s collection of artwork and antiques is another highlight. The Phillips family was well known for their passion for art, and they acquired a large collection while traveling the globe. The family amassed a large collection of artwork over the years, which is displayed throughout the mansion. Many of the family’s personal items, such as furniture, clothing, and jewelry, are also on display for visitors to see.
The family’s involvement with the oil industry is one of the Frank Phillips Home’s most intriguing features. One of Oklahoma’s early oil industry pioneers, Frank Phillips was crucial to the growth of the sector. He contributed to the growth of one of the biggest oil companies in the world, the Phillips Petroleum Company, which he helped found in 1917.
The history of Oklahoma’s oil industry and its effects on the state and the country are available to those who visit the Frank Phillips Home. The museum showcases tools and equipment used in the oil industry as well as the history of the Phillips Petroleum Company through exhibits and displays. The environmental effects of the oil industry and the initiatives being taken to lessen those impacts are also available for visitors to learn about.
The Frank Phillips Home, in addition to being significant historically, is a well-liked venue for events and weddings. The mansion’s exquisite landscaping and architecture make for a stunning backdrop for any event. The museum also holds a number of events all year long, such as concerts, lectures, and holiday tours.
In conclusion, anyone interested in the history and culture of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, must visit the Frank Phillips Home. The mansion and museum offer a fascinating look into one of the most prominent families in the area, and the exhibits and events present a rare chance to learn more about the fascinating history of this area. The Frank Phillips Home is undoubtedly worthwhile a visit, regardless of whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a special and memorable experience.