Galt-Franklin Home
400 Country Club Rd., Ardmore, OKThe Galt/Franklin Home is both historically and architecturally significant because: (1) its historic association with Edward Galt and Wirt Franklin, co-founders of the first petroleum company to buy leases and drill wells in the Healdton Oil Field, one of the most important petroleum discoveries in Oklahoma, and (2) it is the best remaining example of Neo-Classical vocabulary applied to a dwelling in Ardmore.
While living in the home only a short period, Galt was during that time the secretary of the Crystal Oil Company, the first such operation in the Healdton Oil Field, one of Oklahoma's most prolific producers from 1913 to ca. 1930. Franklin's residency in the home spanned the most productive years of his career as a petroleum executive and political figure. His petroleum-related activities included president of Wirt Franklin Petroleum Corporation, 1927-1937; first president of the Independent Petroleum Association of America, 1929-1935; official in the Petroleum Administration for the War, 1942-1944; and lifetime member of the Board of Directors of the American Petroleum Institute. Politically, he was an unsuccessful Republican candidate for United States Senator from Oklahoma in 1932 and also served on the Resolutions Committee of the Republican National Convention that year.
The Galt/Franklin Home exhibits Neo-Classical decorative elements as well as minor Prairie features, Classical decoration includes the fluted wood columns and pilasters flanking the entryway and separating the openings in the east wall. The entryway columns and pilasters support an entablature highlighted with scrolled modillions above each Tuscan-like capital and dentils accentuating the projecting cornice. Prairie features consist of the low-pitch hip roof with wide overhanging eaves, and stucco wall finish. The exposed fafter ends and Neo-classical.
The Galt-Franklin Home was occupied from 1915 until 1935 by two of Oklahoma's most famous petroleum executives and their families, Edward Galt (1915-ca. 1922) and Wirt Franklin (ca. 1922-1962); both of whom made significant contributions to the petroleum heritage of Oklahoma and the nation during that 20-year period and continued to be active thereafter.
Local significance of the building:
While living in the home only a short period, Galt was during that time the secretary of the Crystal Oil Company, the first such operation in the Healdton Oil Field, one of Oklahoma's most prolific producers from 1913 to ca. 1930. Franklin's residency in the home spanned the most productive years of his career as a petroleum executive and political figure. His petroleum-related activities included president of Wirt Franklin Petroleum Corporation, 1927-1937; first president of the Independent Petroleum Association of America, 1929-1935; official in the Petroleum Administration for the War, 1942-1944; and lifetime member of the Board of Directors of the American Petroleum Institute. Politically, he was an unsuccessful Republican candidate for United States Senator from Oklahoma in 1932 and also served on the Resolutions Committee of the Republican National Convention that year.
The Galt/Franklin Home exhibits Neo-Classical decorative elements as well as minor Prairie features, Classical decoration includes the fluted wood columns and pilasters flanking the entryway and separating the openings in the east wall. The entryway columns and pilasters support an entablature highlighted with scrolled modillions above each Tuscan-like capital and dentils accentuating the projecting cornice. Prairie features consist of the low-pitch hip roof with wide overhanging eaves, and stucco wall finish. The exposed fafter ends and Neo-classical.
The Galt-Franklin Home was occupied from 1915 until 1935 by two of Oklahoma's most famous petroleum executives and their families, Edward Galt (1915-ca. 1922) and Wirt Franklin (ca. 1922-1962); both of whom made significant contributions to the petroleum heritage of Oklahoma and the nation during that 20-year period and continued to be active thereafter.
Industry; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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About Carter County
Carter County Timeline
Carter County, Oklahoma, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Choctaw nations, who relied on the fertile land for farming and hunting. European explorers, such as Hernando de Soto in the 16th century, also passed through the region.
In the early 1800s, the United States government began negotiating treaties with the Native American tribes in the area, leading to their forced removal to Indian Territory. During the 1837 Chickasaw Removal, the Chickasaw Nation established its capital in present-day Tishomingo, which became a prominent town in the county.
After the founding of Oklahoma Territory in 1889, Carter County was officially established in 1907. Its name honors Captain Ben W. Carter, a well-known Cherokee Indian scout and leader in the region. The county's main industries at that time were agriculture and ranching, with cotton and cattle being the primary commodities.
Oil was discovered in the Healdton Field in the early 1900s, sparking an oil boom that significantly impacted the county's economy. The population increased rapidly, and towns such as Ardmore and Healdton saw tremendous growth. The oil industry continues to play a significant role in the county's economy.
Today, Carter County is home to numerous historical sites, including the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, which was established in 1902 as the first national park in Oklahoma. The county also boasts a diverse economy, with sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism contributing to its growth and development.
In the early 1800s, the United States government began negotiating treaties with the Native American tribes in the area, leading to their forced removal to Indian Territory. During the 1837 Chickasaw Removal, the Chickasaw Nation established its capital in present-day Tishomingo, which became a prominent town in the county.
After the founding of Oklahoma Territory in 1889, Carter County was officially established in 1907. Its name honors Captain Ben W. Carter, a well-known Cherokee Indian scout and leader in the region. The county's main industries at that time were agriculture and ranching, with cotton and cattle being the primary commodities.
Oil was discovered in the Healdton Field in the early 1900s, sparking an oil boom that significantly impacted the county's economy. The population increased rapidly, and towns such as Ardmore and Healdton saw tremendous growth. The oil industry continues to play a significant role in the county's economy.
Today, Carter County is home to numerous historical sites, including the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, which was established in 1902 as the first national park in Oklahoma. The county also boasts a diverse economy, with sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism contributing to its growth and development.
Carter County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Carter County, Oklahoma.
- 1837 - The land that is now Carter County is part of the Chickasaw Nation's territory.
- 1856 - The Chickasaw Nation enters into a treaty with the United States, establishing a reservation in present-day Carter County.
- 1872 - The Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad begins construction through the area, leading to increased settlement.
- 1901 - Carter County is established as part of the Oklahoma Territory.
- 1907 - Oklahoma becomes a state, including Carter County.
- 1910 - The city of Ardmore becomes the county seat of Carter County.
- 1933 - The construction of Lake Murray State Park begins, providing a recreational area for residents and visitors.
- 1964 - The Turner Falls Park is established in the Arbuckle Mountains, becoming a popular tourist attraction.
- 1995 - The Murray State College Arbuckle Center opens in Ardmore, providing educational opportunities to the community.