The Belvidere Mansion

The Belvidere Mansion

THE BAYLESS FAMILY HOME - RENTAL RATES
JOIN THE "FRIENDS OF THE BELVIDERE

WEDDINGS, RECEPTIONS AND PARTIES
BELVIDERE RENTALS

Front of Belvidere

Are you looking for a beautiful vintage setting for your wedding, reception, or party? The Belvidere Mansion, conveniently located just 2 blocks east of downtown Claremore, offers a beautiful setting for your wedding and reception. This 1907 vintage Mansion is furnished with period furnishings. A restored south veranda and the adjoining lawn also offer a setting for weddings, receptions and parties in nicer weather.

The third story ballroom is completely restored. It contains 2400 square feet of sheer elegance. All four towers open into the beautiful expanse. Blue sky and clouds adorn the vaulted ceiling which is crowned by an old-fashioned sky-light. The room is painted completely in shades of ivory and is graced by four gold chandeliers and gold sconces on the walls. Large windows are covered in lace and look out in all directions providing lovely views of Claremore, especially at sunset and at night.

The rates to rent the mansion are as follows:
The rates to rent the mansion are as follows:

Ballroom and South Veranda *	$1000
Ballroom *	$800
South Veranda *	$300
* 6 hour event ** 2 hour Event
For reservations or information, call 918-342-1127
All events subject to approval. Prices subject to change

BELVIDERE MANSION HISTORY

Belvidere Mansion as it appeared in 1910

The Belvidere is a unique three story Victorian mansion. It was built in 1907 just before statehood. The house is brick with a tile roof and has four towers, one on each corner. A portico on the north side provided cover for the guest carriages as they arrived for gala parties. A large porch covers the front entrance with matching balcony directly above. Much of the trim and woodwork used in the mansion were brought from the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.

A wide entry L-shaped hall meets the carriage entrance to form a gathering place. The floor is covered in tile laid by a man from Italy. The walls are wainscoted marble and pressed-tin. Sliding pocket doors and fireplaces accent several rooms.

The Mansion is furnished in period furnishings and is open for tours from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. January, February, and March hours are from 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday through Saturday.

Admission is by donation. Tours are $2 for adults.

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BELVIDERE MANSION - THE BAYLESS FAMILY HOME

Just as unique as the Belvidere are the stories behind the mansion and the man who built it. Attracted by Claremore's two railroads, John M. Bayless brought his wife, Mary, and six children to Indian Territory from Cassville, Missouri in 1901. By 1902, Bayless started building his castle-like mansion located at Fourth and Chickasaw. Unfortunately, Mr. Bayless died before the Belvidere was completed in 1907.

Mr. Bayless was successful in banking, railroads, hotels, land development, and other projects. He was president of the Bank of Claremore at the time of his death in 1907. Mrs. Mary Melissa Stubblefield Bayless and her children completed the mansion after Mr. Bayless died in 1907 and lived there until 1919.

The oldest Bayless boys worked in the Bank of Claremore, and Earle became president of the bank. Guy and Ross were also involved in banking. Bourke became the local postmaster and Wayne became a State Supreme Court Judge.

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BELVIDERE GIFT SHOP

Visit our Victorian Gift Shop offering gifts of fine lace, period dolls, antiques and collectibles. The Gift Shop is open from 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday. January, February, and March hours are from 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday through Saturday.

CHRISTMAS AT THE BELVIDERE

This is an annual gala winter event held at the Belvidere starting November 1st. The Belvidere is decorated for the holidays and the gift shop is filled with Christmas items. The mansion looks its very best during this season. Hours for the show are Wed.-Sat. 10-5, Sun 1-5. Christmas at the Belvidere ends around December 31st.

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JOIN THE "FRIENDS OF THE BELVIDERE"

In 1989 a group of local citizens met at Wanda Moore's urging to discuss the future of a deteriorating local landmark. They were concerned Claremore would lose the Belvidere Mansion built in Indian Territory by a prominent citizen, John Bayless. It soon became apparent that the buyer they were searching for would be the Rogers County Historical Society.

The Historical Society's goal is to completely restore the Belvidere by 2007, the centennial of both the State of Oklahoma and of the completion of Belvidere Mansion. Donations by friends of the Belvidere will hasten achieving this goal and insure that the Belvidere will be restored by 2007.

Donations to the Belvidere may be mailed to the Rogers County Historical Society, Belvidere Mansion, P.O. Box 774, Claremore, OK 74018. Thank you for your support.

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If you have any suggested updates or corrections,
please e-mail the Rogers County Historical Society jcary-3@sbcglobal.net.

Back to the Rogers County Historical Society home page.

This Page Last Updated 11 September 06 by Leslie Swatek

This page has been accessed () times since 13 September 1999