McBirney House, 1414 South Galveston Avenue, Tulsa

Source document Quoted word for word from HALS OK-18. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

The McBirney Mansion, built in by John Long, was the home of James H. McBirney, a prominent Tulsa citizen. The mansion is an excellent example of the Tudor Gothic style, while the landscape is of the naturalistic style. Numerous mansions were constructed in the downtown area in his Childers Heights subdivision, but the McBirney Mansion is the only mansion from the development remaining today. The McBirney Mansion was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in History: James H. McBirney, born in Ireland in came to America with his parents in search of land. In McBirney, participated in "the run" to claim ownership of property in the present day area of Enid, Oklahoma.

After claiming his land, McBirney found out that it was previously surveyed for public improvements, and as quickly as he gained the land it was taken from him. This loss caused him to look elsewhere for opportunities. In McBirney received a job working as a janitor for the Tulsa Banking Company. Soon after being hired as a janitor, he was promoted to cashier. Seven years later in McBirney had risen to Vice President of the company. Within that year, McBirney and his brother formed the Bank of Commerce in Tulsa. From the success of this bank, he built several other buildings including what was referred to as the Childers Heights subdivision along the Arkansas River which became very popular among Tulsa's high society.

Of these glorious mansions, the McBirney mansion is the only one still present providing a glimpse into Tulsa's past. McBirney's four-level Tudor Gothic inspired house was built in by John Long on 3.5 acres of land. It is square feet of brick, stucco and stone decorated with copper guttering, stained glass windows with brass and iron elements overlooking the Arkansas River. On a hillside sloping down towards the river is a beautiful rock garden. The property is fully fence with an iron gate located at the entrance. Several ponds dot the landscape including a natural spring which was often used as a swimming hole. Flowering magnolias and fragrant cedars provide ample shade and magnificent views from the slated terraces. MCBIRNEY HOUSE HALS NO.

OK-18 PAGE 2 Today, the mansion serves as a small luxury inn/ bed and breakfast.

Source document Quoted word for word from HALS OK-18. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

Steve Eilers, May 7, West Stillwater, OK steve. eilers (alokstate.edu Dr. Charles Leider Professor and Director of the Landscape Architecture Program Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Department 360 AG Hall Stillwater, OK Office: charles.leiderfalokstate.edu MCBIRNEY HOUSE HALS NO. OK-18 PAGE 3 ;. *, i.' ''. ' * * " VA ' " JS| View of front accessed May 7, >.l . x ** s- View of front accessed May 7,