Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion
Completed in 1903 for one of Oklahoma City’s truly remarkable figures, the Overholser Mansion is a glimpse back in time to the life one of the men responsible for the thriving city we know today. The home showcases original furnishings, stained glass, and ornate canvas painted walls. Preserved to honor the “spirit of the 1889ers,” the Overholser Mansion is an opportunity to discover this remarkable family at an extraordinary time in Oklahoma City’s history.
About the Mansion
In 1901 Henry Overholser purchased land north of Oklahoma City for the purpose of building a home. W. S. Matthews, an architect trained at London’s Kensington Academy, supervised the construction and furnishing of the three-story, French chateau-style house. Decorative arts included Brussels lace curtains, English carpets, and French stained-glass windows. The furniture reflected the high style of the period. The mansion has been a focal point of Oklahoma City society since it was opened with a gala reception in 1904. It was often used to entertain prominent cultural figures such as opera singers Ernestine Schumann-Heink and Amelita Gala-Curci.
Later, the mansion served as the official residence of US Senator Mike Monroney from 1956 to 1968. The mansion was acquired by the Oklahoma Historical Society in 1972 through funds raised primarily by the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Restoration and operation of the mansion has been aided through the efforts of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America; Historical Preservation, Inc.; the Women’s Architectural League; and Friends of the Overholser.
The mansion is located on the northwest corner of North Hudson Avenue and Northwest 15th Street. The Henry and Anna Overholser Mansion is an affiliate of the Oklahoma Historical Society, and is operated by Preservation Oklahoma, a private non-profit dedicated to preserving Oklahoma’s historic places. For more information, visit overholsermansion.org.
Explore More
- Read more about Henry Overholser and Anna Ione Murphy Overholser in the The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture
- View the package left to Overholser descendants in the Oklahoma Century Chest
- Read a transcript and list of items in the Century Chest
