HISTORIC TREASURE - BELVIDERE MANSION, CLAREMORE, OKLAHOMA

Belvidere Mansion is the 1907 home designed and built by John Melville Bayless[1] in Claremore, Oklahoma, for his wife, Mary Melissa Stubblefield Bayless, who he lovingly referred to as Mollie,[2] and their children. “He drew the plans himself,”[3] recalled Wayne Bayless, Bayless’s youngest son.

Mr. J.M. Bayless of Cassville, Missouri, was an entrepreneur, builder, and real estate agent who arrived in Claremore, Indian Territory, August 2, 1901.[4] Though born in Tennessee,[5] Mr. Bayless grew up in Missouri[6] where he helped establish two banks (Monett State Bank^[7] & Barry County Bank^[8]) and the J.M. Bayless and Co., mercantile.^[9] In Cassville, he also built his family residence, The Bayless-Salyer Home^[10] (located on the corner of 9^th and Townsend, Cassville, MO), and the Hotel Barry^[11] (now the Ellis, Ellis and Cupps Law Firm, Cassville, MO, 7^th and West Street^[12]); both still stand today. This pioneer businessman was involved in a multitude of real estate and railroad ventures across Indian Territory; his goal was to improve commerce and become a millionaire in his lifetime.^[13] Though Mrs. Bayless and the younger children did not move to Claremore until 1907, in 1901 Mr. Bayless traveled in and out of the city “up building” (developing) the downtown for its population of 855 souls.^[14] He felt that Claremore had great potential having two fine railroads running through town.[15]

Mr. Bayless established his Bank of Claremore, May 26, 1902,^[16] (J.M. Bayless President) and put his daughter, Francis Josephine Davis (cashier), his son-in-law, George Decatur Davis (cashier),^[17] in charge. His oldest son, Guy Orlando Bayless joined the bank as cashier in1904. J.M. Bayless also commenced building the grand Sequoyah Hotel (started 1901; opened May 3, 1902)^[18] and the much-acclaimed Windsor Opera House (opened 1902).[19] These two large buildings faced each other on Missouri Avenue and Third Street[20] (now Will Rogers Boulevard). Only the original footprint of the Windsor Opera House and part of the rear walls remains today housing the Hudson & Metcalf Antique Mall. The parking lot of RCB Bank now lies on the original Sequoyah Hotel property.

On September 19, 1905, Mr. Bayless purchased “lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in Block 103, in the Town of Claremore, Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory,” for $5100.[21] He purchased the land from A.L. Kates (editor of the Claremore Progress) who had purchased the land that same day from Nannie (Nancy) G. and Lucien W. Buffington for $5,100.[22] It was on lots 2 and 3 that Mr. Bayless built a barn and prepared to build his Victorian Castle, Belvidere.

1907 was a year of change for the Bayless family. In January, J.M. and Mary Bayless, sold their Cassville home^[23] and moved their five dependent children,[24] Earle Grantham, Bland Brunner, Ross Raymond, Bourke Hamilton, and Wayne Winton to Sulphur, Indian Territory, for the winter[25] where Mr. Bayless had other building projects in process (Hotel Bland – 1903/4; Artesian Hotel-1906^[26]). By March 1907, Mr. Bayless’ third public building, a three-story athletic club, was approved for building in Claremore.[27]

Also reported in Claremore, on March 22, 1907, J.M. Bayless “commenced breaking ground on the block east of the Mo.-Pac. Depot for the erection of a three-story brick residence. He will use granite brick and it will have a tile roof. It will be one of the finest residences in the Territory. He will also erect a brick barn with a tile roof.”[28] The Bayless Home first shows up on Claremore’s Sanborn fire insurance maps in July 1907 where it is merely drawn in with a notation “from plans” signifying it was not yet complete.[29] Mr. Bayless built his home in the shade of the First Presbyterian Church to the north and the First Baptist Church to its south where his wife and children would attend in future years. (The Bayless and Davis families later donated two stained glass windows for the First Baptist Church.)

But tragedy struck this gifted city planner. In late May 1907, Mrs. Bayless was summoned from Sulphur.[30] Mr. Bayless had taken ill.[31] The local doctors diagnosed that he was having an acute attack of the appendix and would need an operation to survive. A specialist, Dr. Jackson, was summonsed from Kansas City and performed the operation,[32] but by Sunday evening, June 2, 1907, Mr. Bayless had died.^[33] Several cities throughout Missouri (Monett & Cassville) and Indian Territory (Claremore & Sulphur) mourned the well-respected Mr. Bayless’ passing, closing their businesses the afternoon of Tuesday, June 4, 1907, for the duration of his funeral.

At the time of his father’s death, Earle Bayless, who had been seeing to his father’s affairs throughout Indian Territory, relocated to Claremore^[34] to complete his father’s building projects. Earle was instrumental in completing Belvidere, sparing no expense, expecting the home to have all the latest modern conveniences. Originally called “the Bayless” it cost nearly $50,000 to complete and the family was moved in by December 7, 1907, in time for Christmas. [35] Eight months for the construction of such a large home seems like a record.

Exterior

Looking at the exterior of the mansion one observes that it is three stories high. The roof is made of red tiles; the walls are made of three colors of brick (grey, yellow, and red), which are built three bricks thick for stability. Towers anchor the building’s four corners north, south, east and west, like points on a compass; two round towers face the front and two square ones face the back with carved finials at each pinnacle. There are 62 windows,[36] and doors open on all four façades. There are two chimneys, and a roof fence surrounds the roof skylight. An original two-tiered porch appears at the front of the building, the roof above supported by columns and a detailed floor mosaic “BELVIDERE” decorates the first floor below.

An Italian craftsman created the mosaic work of blue, black, and white porcelain tile. The name, “Belvidere,” is created from the Italian phrase “bello per vedere” or “beautiful to see.” It is uncertain if the mansion was so named because of the beautiful, captivating view from the third story windows above or since the mansion itself was beautiful to see from the surrounding wide-open prairie and streets below.

A totally restored coach porte-cochère and carriage entrance is found on the 4^th Street side of the mansion. Restored to its former beauty by prison inmates,[37] a local judge sentenced offenders to community service at the Belvidere.[38] A freestanding garden view veranda (1998[39]) to the west and an iron spiral staircase (1995[40]) in the back are not original to the home but were added for weddings and special events during the presidency of RCHS President Joan Lois Hawkins. Interestingly, Mrs. Bayless donated the original iron fence that surrounded the property to the Woodlawn Cemetery Association about 1919 when she vacated the mansion.[41]

First Floor

As one enters the Belvidere Mansion through the front door one notices the intricate porcelain tiled floor (each piece laid one at a time), the white marble wainscot, the pressed tin tiled wall and ceiling (reminiscent of the relief work on the plaster ceilings of Europe), the plaster and lath walls, and the intricate woodwork and fretwork. Many of the architectural features found in the home were repurposed by Mr. Bayless, an economizing entrepreneur turned ecologist.

In 1904, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, otherwise know as the 1904 St. Louis Worlds Fair, was held in St. Louis, Missouri.[42] The event covered a sprawling 1,200 acres and held over 1,500 buildings.[43] After the fair was over, many of the magnificent buildings were torn down and salvaged by the Chicago Wrecking Company for $386,000.[44] This company produced a massive catalogue filled with the items they salvaged to resell at bargain prices to people who needed building supplies. J.M. Bayless purchased many of these items not only for his public building^[45] but also for his dream home. An original Bayless and 1904 Worlds Fair piece, a secretary complete with tall bookcase, can be seen in the Gift Shop. [46] This also holds a collection of original Bayless books.

There are six rooms and a large L shaped hallway on the first floor. The hallway connects the main front entrance and the coach entrance to the east side. The ladies’ parlor and former dining room are now used as the tearoom. The gentlemen’s parlor, toward the front of the home, is now used as the Gift Shop. A bathroom (two more are found on the second floor) and kitchen on the first floor used the top notched technology of the day having hot and cold running water and indoor plumbing. There is a library between the gentlemen’s parlor and the kitchen with a secret back stairway connecting it to the second floor. A cellar stairway is accessed through the kitchen; the cellar covers only about half of the back of the house.

The home was heated by gas heat coming through the four downstairs fireplaces. Pocket doors were used to close off rooms and contain the heat during the day, and doors and transoms were opened at night to allow heat to rise to the upstairs bedrooms. Notice the large central atrium in the middle of the foyer where the hallways meet. This also allowed circulation of warm air in winter and cool air in the summer. A skylight at the roof level can be opened or shut allowing warm air to escape to promote ventilation in summer. Music and voices can also circulate up the atrium. Be careful telling secrets in the Belvidere.

Second Floor

The door at the landing is where the back library stairs ascend. The second floor houses the bedrooms of the Bayless family. There are six bedrooms on this floor; two have fully tiled bathrooms. The floors are intricately designed parquet made of cherry, oak and walnut, and there is more beautiful woodwork all around. The expense of the marble wainscot and tin ceiling were reserved for show in the first floor public rooms. There is a front door to access the balcony and a back door to access the spiral staircase (added 1995). At one time there was a bathroom added in the hallway that now exits to the spiral staircase. You will notice there are no heating units on this floor. The home was quite drafty and cold in the winter and warm in the summer. Wayne Bayless, the youngest child explained, “We put our beds in those little alcoves (formed by the turrets) and always had a nice breeze.”[47]

There were seven Bayless children. Francis (29) married George Decatur Davis and had the Bayless’ first grand daughter Mary Ella Davis[48]. The Davis’ ran the family bank, the Bank of Claremore, and were living in their own home at 4^th & Choctaw[49] by the time the rest of the Bayless family moved to Claremore. In 1907, Mrs. Bayless moved into Belvidere and lived there with her children. By 1910, her mother, Eliza Stubblefield and a servant (Mary Wagoner) had also moved in to help.[50] Wayne Winton (11) (who became an Oklahoma City Lawyer and Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court of Oklahoma[51]) was just 11 when his father died. Ross Raymond (17) (who became a banker[52]) and Bourke Hamilton (13) (who became postmaster at Claremore[53]) were teenagers. Bland Bruner (22) lived at Belvidere and was married there in 1908. She and her husband Pharis Martin then moved to Kansas City.[54] Guy Orlando (25), a banker, and his wife Maud lived at Belvidere until they built their own home on the southwest corner of 4^th & Seminole.^[55] Their second son, Guy, Jr. was born at Belvidere.^[56] “We used to go there every Sunday afternoon and would visit with grandmother,” Mrs. Guy O. Bayless recalled in 1959. “It’s sweet to remember, but it seems a long time ago.”[57] Earle Grantham (23), a banker,[58] served as president of the Bank of Claremore and completed his father’s building projects. He never married and died at age 35 of an appendicitis attack like his father.[59] Mrs. Bayless left the Belvidere mansion and moved to a smaller home shortly after Earle’s death.[60] (The ages of the children at their father’s death are in parenthesis.)

The bedrooms on this floor are furnished with Victorian period furniture donated by RCHS members, friends, and the Questers Club, but are not original to the home. However, the green chair in the master bedroom belonged to Mary Bayless. Other green Victorian chairs in that room were also Bayless family pieces. The display case in the hallway holds a few family pieces, a pair of Bayless spectacles, Maud Paul Bayless’ family Bible, a few hand painted pieces by Bland Bayless, a family photo album, and a transcription of J.M. Bayless’ journal. Family portraits hang on the wall. A dress of Mrs. Bayless’ is in the glass case. It is said to be the dress she wore to the opening of the Windsor Opera House (1902).

Third Floor

Moving upstairs to the third floor you will see the beautiful view talked about earlier. We call this third floor the ballroom. Wayne Bayless remembered, “There was much discussion after his (J.M. Bayless’) death over whether to make it a two-story or a three-story house. The third story was finally built as he (Mr. Bayless) had planned and never cut into rooms. He had intended that it should be a recreation room, where there would be plenty of space if everyone wanted to come for Christmas, or some other occasion.”[61] Now the large open space is crowned with a skylight that opens to allow a gentle breeze and a ceiling that depicts a blue Oklahoma sky enhanced with puffy white clouds.

When Mrs. Bayless moved out of the Belvidere in 1919, the Belvidere became home to “a private high-class institution”[62] called the Cinnabar Hospital (A Tulsa Corporation) for treatment of skin and diseases of the blood. [63] (In 1920, Louis Fields, of Collinsville, died at this Cinnabar Hospital.[64])

In 1926, the Bayless family sold the Belvidere property to John and Anna Bell[65] who subdivided the mansion into apartments, four on each floor. At the time, housing was scarce in Claremore. The tiny furnished efficiency apartments, rented for $30 a month, utilities included. Each had a bathroom, living room, and kitchen, with bedrooms placed in the towers. If one looks closely at the floor, one can still see where the partitions used to be.

One apartment resident remembers the extra energy needed to carry her groceries and laundry up the long flights of stairs. Many young couples lived in the Belvidere before moving to the newer Bell Apartments next door. Mary Bell Moore, with her husband Joe, eventually purchased the mansion from Mary’s mother in 1965,[66] and another Mary became mistress of the mansion. A grand daughter of the Bells (Kim Moore Gunnells) remembered the Belvidere was freezing in winter, drafty and a little bit shabby when she lived there as a child. She said lightning once struck one of the finials on the top of the ladies’ parlor tower, blowing off a few shingles as well.

A former resident, Ferris Bell remembers “the whistle and chill of the north wind blowing beneath the doors.”

“The Belvidere was so cold. I told this one guy that if we closed the doors we could fly a kite in the lobby,” said Ferris Bell as he went on and told another story. “I used to sit on the roof top and reach down between my legs to paint the gutters. Everyone was afraid I’d fall. But I didn’t. I like the Belvidere better than any place I ever lived.” [67]

Canned goods and the laundry room were downstairs in the dark cool cellar. Teachers from the high school across the street roomed at Belvidere. For 30 years the slowly deteriorating mansion continued to function as an apartment house, but the property was in need of extensive and expensive repairs. In 1984, the property was sold to a Limited Partnership group who had plans to build a business here. [68] Mary Bell Moore’s brother, Mr. Farris Bell continued to live as caretaker and sole inhabitant of the mansion, if you don’t count the flocks of pigeons that took up residence upstairs. When the property went into foreclosure [69] the Rogers County Historical Society came to the rescue, purchased Belvidere (April 9, 1991) and saving it from the wrecking ball when it was condemned by the city. [70]

With a rally cry of “Old friends are worth keeping” for the past 30 years the society has spent countless hours doing fundraisers and restoration work, to return the mansion to its former beauty. Their work has proven to be a great success.

But restoration and preservation is an ongoing process at Belvidere. Gift Shop proceeds go to the restoration efforts. Rental opportunities are available for weddings, showers, family reunions, business events and banquets. Fund raising events like our Fancy Teas, Mystery Dinner Theaters, and Home Tours fund the costly restoration and preservation efforts. 503b tax-exempt donations are cheerfully accepted. Now that you know the history of the Belvidere Mansion and its first family you can more fully understand the importance of preserving this rare and beautiful treasure and the story that makes the Belvidere Mansion so vitally important to Claremore’s history and a valuable asset to the community.

Dr. Will Barnes: “The Belvidere is a treasure in our midst threatened now by the wear of time and inattention.”[71]

We hope you enjoyed your Belvidere Mansion tour.

by Christa Rice and Melissa Grubb, RCHS Historians

Sources:

[1] Howell, Joseph E. “Claremore Landmark Echoes the Past of Famous Oklahoma Family.” The Tulsa Tribune, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tuesday, November 10, 1959. p.7.

[2] Journal of John Melville Bayless”. Ancestors Unlimited Quarterly. Special Edition. Volume 11, Number 4. November 2000. Barry County Genealogical and Historical Society. Cassville, MO. p.81.

[3] Howell, Joseph E. “Claremore Landmark Echoes the Past of Famous Oklahoma Family.” The Tulsa Tribune, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tuesday, November 10, 1959. p.7.

[4] The Daily Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 2, No. 213, Ed. 1 Friday, August 2, 1901. Accessed November 20, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[5] Census of the United States: 1860 - Population. Department of Commerce - Bureau of the Census. State: Missouri, County: Barry, Township: Sugar Creek, Washburn Prairie, Page No.48.

[6] Census of the United States: 1860 - Population. Department of Commerce - Bureau of the Census. State: Missouri, County: Barry, Township: Sugar Creek, Washburn Prairie, Page No.48.

^[7] Ancestors Unlimited Quarterly. Special Edition. Volume 11, Number 4. November 2000. Barry County Genealogical and Historical Society. Cassville, MO. p.94.

^[8] “Of Fifty-three Years”. Ancestors Unlimited Quarterly. Special Edition. Volume 11, Number 4. November 2000. Barry County Genealogical and Historical Society. Cassville, MO. p.85.

Source: Harris, Geo. E., Editor. “ Of Fifty-three Years”. Republican, Historical Edition. Cassville, MO, July 9, 1896.

Now Commerce Bank. Chapman, Steve. “Oklahoma historical society members visit Bayless House.” Barry County Advertiser,. Oct. 1, 2014. p. 10B.

^[9] “Of Fifty-three Years”. Ancestors Unlimited Quarterly. Special Edition. Volume 11, Number 4. November 2000. Barry County Genealogical and Historical Society. Cassville, MO. p.85.

Source: Harris, Geo. E., Editor. “ Of Fifty-three Years”. Republican, Historical Edition. Cassville, MO, July 9, 1896.

^[10] “Of Fifty-three Years”. Ancestors Unlimited Quarterly. Special Edition. Volume 11, Number 4. November 2000. Barry County Genealogical and Historical Society. Cassville, MO. p.85.

Source: Harris, Geo. E., Editor. “ Of Fifty-three Years”. Republican, Historical Edition. Cassville, MO, July 9, 1896.

^[11] Ancestors Unlimited Quarterly. Special Edition. Volume 11, Number 4. November 2000. Barry County Genealogical and Historical Society. Cassville, MO. p.93.

^[12] Chapman, Steve. “Oklahoma historical society members visit Bayless House.” Barry County Advertiser,. Oct. 1, 2014. p. 10B.

^[13] “J.M. Bayless Dead.” Cassville Democrat - Cassville, Barry County, Missouri, June 8, 1907.

^[14] Hampton, Joy. “Claremore prospers in early decades, local banks support growth. A stalwart citizen who went down with his bank.” Claremore Daily Progress. December 15, 2009. p.1&2.

[15] http://www.claremoreprogress.com/local/x546098436/-b-Ghosts-of-bankers-past-b-A-visionary-who-helped-build-Indian-Territory/print. Retrieved May 1, 2014.

^[16]http://www.claremoreprogress.com/local/x546098436/-b-Ghosts-of-bankers-past-b-A-visionary-who-helped-build-Indian-Territory/print. Retrieved May 1, 2014.

^[17]http://www.claremoreprogress.com/local/x546098502/Claremore-prospers-in-early-decades-local-banks-support-growth. Retrieved May 1, 2014.

Source: Hampton, Joy. “Claremore prospers in early decades, local banks support growth. A stalwart citizen who went down with his bank.” Claremore Daily Progress. December 15, 2009.

^[18]http://www.claremoreprogress.com/local/x546098436/-b-Ghosts-of-bankers-past-b-A-visionary-who-helped-build-Indian-Territory/print. Retrieved May 1, 2014. Source: Claremore Progress, May 3, 1902.

[19] The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 8, No. 32, Ed. 1 Friday, October 24, 1902. Accessed November 20, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[20]http://www.tulsalibrary.org:2204/sanborn/image/download/pdf/ok/reel04/7040/00013/Claremore+Sept.+1903%2C+Sheet+2.pdf?CCSI=3976n. retrieved July 8, 2015.

[21] “Warranty Deed”. (J.M. Bayless) Records of the County Clerk in and for Rogers County, State of Oklahoma, Book 12. September 16, 1905. p. 48.

Source: Abstract of Title to the Following Described Lands Situated in Rogers County, Oklahoma. The easterly 58 feet of Lot 2 and all of Lot 3 in Block 103 of the City of Claremore, Oklahoma, according to the U.S. Government Plat thereof. Rogers County Abstract Company. Claremore, Oklahoma. p. 7.

[22] “Warranty Deed”. (A.L. Kates) Records of the County Clerk in and for Rogers County, State of Oklahoma, Book 12. September 19, 1905. p. 48.

Source: Abstract of Title to the Following Described Lands Situated in Rogers County, Oklahoma. The easterly 58 feet of Lot 2 and all of Lot 3 in Block 103 of the City of Claremore, Oklahoma, according to the U.S. Government Plat thereof. Rogers County Abstract Company. Claremore, Oklahoma. p. 5.

^[23] Smith, Clark, editor. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 4, Ed. 1 Friday, January 18, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[24] http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=14048114. Retrieved July 11, 2015.

[25] Smith, Clark, editor. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 4, Ed. 1 Friday, January 18, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

^[26] http://artesianhotel.com/about-us. Retrieved July 4, 2015.

[27] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 15, No. 9, Ed. 1 Saturday, March 23, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[28] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 15, No. 9, Ed. 1 Saturday, March 23, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[29] Sanborn Maps. Claremore+July+1907,+Sheet+5.

[30] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 15, No. 19, Ed. 1 Saturday, June 1, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[31] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 15, No. 19, Ed. 1 Saturday, June 1, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[32] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 15, No. 19, Ed. 1 Saturday, June 1, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

^[33] “John M. Bayless Dead.” Cassville Democrat, Cassville, Barry County, Missouri, June 8, 1907. Reprinted Ancestors Unlimited Quarterly, Volume 11, Number 4, Barry County Genealogical and Historical Society, Cassville, Mo. Nov. 2000. p. 91.

^[34] Smith, Clark, editor. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 24, Ed. 1 Friday, June 7, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[35] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 46, Ed. 1 Saturday, December 7, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[36]DeFrange, Ann. “Bizarre Mansion Gets New Lease on Life.” The Sunday Oklahoman, April 5, 1992. p. 1A&12A.

[37] The Belvidere Mansion, Claremore, Oklahoma. Movie. Produced by Watts Video.

[38] DeFrange, Ann. “Bizarre Mansion Gets New Lease on Life.” The Sunday Oklahoman, April 5, 1992. p. 1A&12A.

[39] The Belvidere Mansion, Claremore, Oklahoma. Movie. Produced by Watts Video.

[40] The Belvidere Mansion, Claremore, Oklahoma. Movie. Produced by Watts Video.

[41] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 27, No. 50, Ed. 1 Thursday, November 13, 1919. Accessed December 03, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[42] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_Purchase_Exposition. Retrieved June 20, 2015.

[43] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_Purchase_Exposition. Retrieved June 20, 2015.

[44] http://atthefair.homestead.com/Misc/AftertheFair.html. Retrieved July 8, 2015.

^[45] http://digital.library.okstate.edu/oktoday/1960s/1966/oktdv16n3.pdf

Ruth, Kent. "Platt National Park," Oklahoma Today Summer 1966. pp. 3-4. Retrieved July 4, 2015.

^[46] Letter from Mrs. Wayne W. Bayless, Jr. (Julie) to Wanda Moore. 28 January 1986. Belvidere Mansion Museum Archives.

[47] Howell, Joseph E. “Claremore Landmark Echoes the Past of Famous Oklahoma Family.” The Tulsa Tribune, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tuesday, November 10, 1959. p.7.

[48] http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=28889538 . Retrieved April 18, 2015.

[49] http://www.tulsaworld.com/archives/restored-home-in-claremore-rich-in-history/article_4434dfc7-776a-5ef4-a8ab-5490f2d77f3c.html. Retrieved October 31, 2014.

[50] Thirteenth Census of the United States: 1910 - Population. Department of Commerce - Bureau of the Census. State: Oklahoma, County: Rogers, Township: Claremore, Claremore City, Ward 3, Sheet No.16B.

[51] Howell, Joseph E. “Claremore Landmark Echoes the Past of Famous Oklahoma Family.” The Tulsa Tribune, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tuesday, November 10, 1959. p.7.

[52] Howell, Joseph E. “Claremore Landmark Echoes the Past of Famous Oklahoma Family.” The Tulsa Tribune, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tuesday, November 10, 1959. p.7.

[53] Howell, Joseph E. “Claremore Landmark Echoes the Past of Famous Oklahoma Family.” The Tulsa Tribune, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tuesday, November 10, 1959. p.7.

[54] Smith, Clark, editor. Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 13, No. 43, Ed. 1 Friday, October 16, 1908. Accessed July 13, 2015. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Retrieved July 11, 2015.

^[55]http://www.claremoreprogress.com/local/x546098502/Claremore-prospers-in-early-decades-local-banks-support-growth. Retrieved May 1, 2014.

Source: Hampton, Joy. “Claremore prospers in early decades, local banks support growth. A stalwart citizen who went down with his bank.” Claremore Daily Progress. December 15, 2009.

^[56]http://www.claremoreprogress.com/local/x546098502/Claremore-prospers-in-early-decades-local-banks-support-growth. Retrieved May 1, 2014.

Source: Hampton, Joy. “Claremore prospers in early decades, local banks support growth. A stalwart citizen who went down with his bank.” Claremore Daily Progress. December 15, 2009.

[57] Howell, Joseph E. “Claremore Landmark Echoes the Past of Famous Oklahoma Family.” The Tulsa Tribune, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tuesday, November 10, 1959. p.7.

[58] Howell, Joseph E. “Claremore Landmark Echoes the Past of Famous Oklahoma Family.” The Tulsa Tribune, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tuesday, November 10, 1959. p.7.

[59] Zinn, Leila, Notary Public. “Affidavit, State of Oklahoma: County of Rogers” G.O. Bayless regarding Earl G. Bayless. April 16, 1929.

[60] Thirteenth Census of the United States: 1910 - Population. Department of Commerce - Bureau of the Census. State: Oklahoma, County: Rogers, Township: Claremore, Claremore City , Ward 3, Sheet No. 16B.

[61] Howell, Joseph E. “Claremore Landmark Echoes the Past of Famous Oklahoma Family.” The Tulsa Tribune, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tuesday, November 10, 1959. p.7.

[62] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 28, No. 1, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 4, 1919. Accessed December 03, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[63] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 28, No. 1, Ed. 1 Thursday, December 4, 1919. Accessed December 03, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[64] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 33, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 22, 1920. Accessed December 03, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[65] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 33, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 22, 1920. Accessed December 03, 2014. The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[66] “General Warranty Deed”. Records of County Clerk, Rogers County, Oklahoma, Book 380. Aug. 14, 1965. p. 384.

Source: Abstract of Title to the Following Described Lands Situated in Rogers County, Oklahoma. The easterly 58 feet of Lot 2 and all of Lot 3 in Block 103 of the City of Claremore, Oklahoma, according to the U.S. Government Plat thereof. Rogers County Abstract Company. Claremore, Oklahoma. p. 72.

[67] Cavanaugh, Shannon. “Belvidere Home to Many Memories.” Claremore Progress, May 31, 1991. p.2.

[68] “General Warranty Deed”. Records of County Clerk, Rogers County, Oklahoma, Book 745. Nov. 18, 1986. p. 858.

Source: Abstract of Title to the Following Described Lands Situated in Rogers County, Oklahoma. The easterly 58 feet of Lot 2 and all of Lot 3 in Block 103 of the City of Claremore, Oklahoma, according to the U.S. Government Plat thereof. Rogers County Abstract Company. Claremore, Oklahoma. p. 87.

[69] “Special Execution and Order of Sale in Foreclosure.” Abstract of Title to the Following Described Lands Situated in Rogers County, Oklahoma. The easterly 58 feet of Lot 2 and all of Lot 3 in Block 103 of the City of Claremore, Oklahoma, according to the U.S. Government Plat thereof. Rogers County Abstract Company. Claremore, Oklahoma. p. 162.

[70] “Real Estate Mortgage with Power of Sale”. Records of County Clerk, Rogers County, Oklahoma, Book 851. April 9, 1991. p. 642.

Source: Abstract of Title to the Following Described Lands Situated in Rogers County, Oklahoma. The easterly 58 feet of Lot 2 and all of Lot 3 in Block 103 of the City of Claremore, Oklahoma, according to the U.S. Government Plat thereof. Rogers County Abstract Company. Claremore, Oklahoma. p. 189.

[71] Williams, Dorothy. “Historical Society proceeds with restoration of circa 1902 mansion,” Claremore Progress. July 17, 1994. p.4B.