Reasons I Love Tulsa Architecture

I think architecture has some tremendous impacts on our development. Some might say that what we are surrounded by visually tells something of what kind of culture we were raised in and/or care about now. Perhaps this is true for you, perhaps not, I don't know. But I do know that its something real for me. 

For example, my absolute favorite interior design style is a combination of the 1950s and 60s Mod with a slight present day flare. I have come to realize that this is actually influence greatly by my grandmother's taste in interior design (and this wasn't some throw-back-musty-old-left-over style, no it was up-to-date cool) and the getting to play with my mom's old toys while I was visiting her house. Because I loved being at my grandparent's house and felt so safe, secure and loved there, I believe that is one of the reasons the design style I was surrounded by there has become a favorite of mine. (I also totally dig all the goofy gadgets that came out of the mass automation of the 1950s)

So, if you follow this logic out - perhaps my reason for loving Art Deco architecture and 1950s ranch home style - with the beautiful rock brick work - is because these are the two major style influences in Tulsa. Tulsa was first settled by the Creek Indians in 1830 during the Trail of Tears. (A side note: When the Creeks finally settled here they chose a tree just a little ways away from the Arkansas River as a central meeting place and deposited the ashes from their last fires in their native Alabama. This tree became known as the Council Oak Tree and was established as where the tribe would gather to create law and order in their new land. Today this tree still stands and is a symbol to Tulsans of our history and our future in seeking to work together to make the best of our circumstances.) 

Tulsa was later established as a incorporated city in 1898 by the influx of Western expansion into Indian Territory. Around the same time Oklahoma became a state (1907), the first oil pool was drilled (1901) and the largest discovery called the Glen Pool found in 1905. This lead to a huge oil boom, putting us on the map for decades to come as the "Oil Capital of the World" and garnering international influence on the culture, architecture and lifestyles of Tulsans. Tulsa exploded in population by 700% in just 20 years and as a result became one of the largest concentrations in the US of the very popular Art Deco style architecture of the 1920s and 30s (South Beach in Maimi is first). Some of the primary designers during this time, and who all have buildings in Tulsa, were: Frank Lloyd Wright, Bruce Goff, Francis Barry Bryne and many others. (Go here or here to get some looks at the buildings we have)

I love this style of architecture and I truly believe that this is because it was all over the place in Tulsa as a result of our first heyday in the 1920s. The second heyday was after WW II and the boom of the 1950s in Modern design. Perhaps my favorite part of this is this style of rock/brick work (look at the fireplace). So, I just thought I would show you some of my favorite pieces of architecture in Tulsa. Below are just a few pictures, I will show you more after I take pictures at Christmas. I believe God speaks to us through design and that buildings are our form of public art. So, know that this style of architecture has an influence on my spiritual walk as well. 

Enjoy...

Boston Avenue United Methodist Church are these first few and the second ones are the house Frank Lloyd Wright designed. I can't seem to get these to lay out like I want, but I think you get the idea.