Reel 6 – Claremore’s Movie Theater Magic – Claremore’s Lyrical Lyric (1909) and Electrifying Electric (1910) Theatres, Part 3

REEL 6 – Claremore’s Movie Theater Magic – Claremore’s Lyrical Lyric (1909) and Electrifying Electric (1910) Theatres, Part 3

To start at the beginning to rewind and read “Claremore’s Movie Theater Magic” – Reel 1, Reel 2, Reel 3, Reel 4, or Reel 5 – please click the appropriate reel.

An Electric Theatre and Claremore highlight electrified the city in the spring of 1913, when local banker and eligible bachelor Earle Bayless had the honor of escorting Princess Stefania Kaunitz of Austria and her maid to the Electric Theatre for entertainment. Princess Stefania had come all the way from her homeland to improve her health by using Claremore’s renown and medicinal Radium Waters. “The princess proved to be a person of much interest, and during the show was the cynosure of nearly all the eyes of the people present, at some time or other. While the pictures were being shown, the princess raised her veil to get a better view, upon the raising of which those who saw her were surprised to note her face was, so far as one could see, not broken out with eczema, but of course the light was rather poor and we might have been mistaken… Those who witnessed the [February 25, 1913, Thanhouser released] two-reel feature, Sherlock Holmes Solves the Sign of Four, [starring Harry Benham and Charles Gunn] at the Electric Theatre Friday night, were unanimous in their expression that it was a masterpiece. Many of the people in the audience had read the story, which made it doubly interesting. Mr. Webber is to be complimented upon securing such a meritorious picture for his patrons.”[lxx]

Over at the Lyric, “A treat was enjoyed” in March 1913, “by the presentation of the [17-minute-long, D.W. Griffith] Biograph drama, The One She Loved, [starring Henry B. Walthall, Mary Pickford and Lionel Barrymore] which was good, as the pictures of this company always are. On account of the bad weather, not a very large crowd was in attendance, but those who were fortunate enough to see this picture were delighted.”[lxxi]

“Harry Martin, the genial manager of the Lyric Theatre, presented for the approval of his patrons,” in April 1913, “an excellent picture namely, The Twilight of Her Life, which was played by an all-star cast. The picture was in one reel, but those who saw the one reel wished that more was to follow. This picture was accompanied by two others of merit, and on the whole, the show was a dandy.”[lxxii]

“In acknowledgement of his appreciation of the liberal patronage which his picture show has been accorded by the people of Claremore, Harry Martin, manager of the Lyric Theatre, gave a carnation to each lady who passed into his theatre… This was rather a unique idea of Mr. Martin’s, and to say that it proved to be a winner would be putting it mildly. The program presented was especially good. Nowhere in Oklahoma, or any other state for that matter, can there be found any more up-to-date picture shows than right here in our home town.”[lxxiii]

One, two, or even three reel movies were becoming more common, but movie lengths were still considered “short” by today’s market; most were not more than half an hour.

Then Satan came to the Electric. “The great five-reel feature, Satan, which was shown at the Electric Theatre Saturday afternoon and night and Sunday afternoon and night, was absolutely the greatest picture of its kind that has ever been projected upon a screen in this town containing a moral throughout every foot of the picture. Not only was the acting of all the players who helped produce this masterpiece good, especially that of the man who played the part of the devil, but the scenic effect throughout the entire picture was superb.

“The opening scene showed Satan being thrown from heaven and his fall to earth. The first reel dealt with Satan doing evil on the earth in the days of Adam and Eve. The lesson of what happened to those who yield to the temptation of the devil was laid bare and brought home to the minds of all who witnessed the first reel as it was throughout the entire five, coming down step by step unto the present day, showing the devil always wielding an influence over men and women and finally bringing them to ruin, after which he would enjoy a hearty laugh.

“Such pictures are of unlimited value educationally and morally, for much was shown of the crucifixion of Christ. No one who saw this picture went away without giving some concentrated thought. It made one think.”[lxxiv] “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I [Jesus] am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 KJV”

“A beautiful duet by the ever popular singers, Miss Lois Wiggins and brother, Lawrence, was the next number on the program,” in May 1913, “and to say that their number was pleasing would be putting it mildly. It scored a hit. These two young people are gifted with wonderful voices and the harmony which they draw from a song is especially pleasing to the ear. When it is announced that they will sing at the Lyric Theatre a good crowd is generally the result.”[lxxv]

Community fundraising events continued to be offered at the Lyric. One in May 1913, “was a benefit for the members of the Junior class of the E.U.P.S. [Eastern University Preparatory School at Claremore, now Rogers State University]. The Claremore Progress gave details. “Harry Martin, manager of the Lyric Theatre, gave a benefit show to the Junior class of the state school Friday night which was well attended and reflected credit upon Mr. Martin for his generosity. The juniors share of the proceeds from the benefit show given at the Lyric Theatre Friday night was $22.70. The money goes into the class treasury. The members of the class wish to publically thank Mr. Martin for his kindness.”[lxxvi]

“The two-reel feature, The Kings of the Forests,” shown at the Lyric Theatre, “was an excellent picture in every respect, and was well attended. Several line parties were in evidence… Misses Maude Littlefield, class mother of the Senior class of the E.U.P.S., and Miss Brooks, mother of the Junior, entertained the Junior class, some thirty in number, at Hall & Gilkerson’s Drug Store, Thursday evening, first having enjoyed a line party at the Lyric Theatre.”[lxxvii]

The Lyric Theatre also “gave a benefit show for the Episcopal church… which was well attended. The programme shown was interesting and held the attention of the audience from beginning to end.”[lxxviii]

“Mrs. Wiggins, the efficient piano player at the Lyric Theatre,” was “placed in charge of the same during the absentee of H.M. Martin” that July.[lxxix] This was also the month the Lyric Theater was robbed! “Have you seen anyone spending a whole lot of nickels? If you have just let us know for we will then have the criminal. On Thursday night, Harry Martin left money in the money drawer at the Lyric Theatre to the amount of $1.55 all in nickels, little thinking that a thief would commit a theft for so small an amount, but upon his return to the theatre Friday morning, he found that such had been the case, the nickels were all gone. The thief had cut the screen through which the admission fee is passed and from the vantage point of having his arm inside had relieved the till of the change. As yet, no trace has been found as to who is the guilty party. It is hoped that the thief is found and punished as a lesson not to do childish things again. Whoever did this is a dangerous criminal. Why he may even rob a baby’s bank the next time.”[lxxx]

Line parties continued to be a rage in the summer of 1913. “Miss Winnifred Jennings entertained a few of her girlfriends with a line party to the Lyric Wednesday evening followed by a bunking party at the home of her parents. It is needless to say that the girls had a grand time… And Mrs. A.L. Kates entertained a few young folk at her residence on Second street, Tuesday evening, with a seven o’clock dinner, after which a line party to the Electric Theatre was enjoyed, followed by liquid refreshments at the Hall-Gilkeson Drug Co. The guests of honor were Misses Dorothy Davenport, of Vinita, Alleene McClure, of Springfield, Mo., and Lois Chandler, of Cassville, Mo. A good time in general was had.”[lxxxi]

And a number of “Little Tots Have Bunking Party. Little Eloise Bishop, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Bishop, gave a slumber party to a few of her little friends last week at the home of her parents. Mrs. Bishop, assisted by Byna Murphy and Mrs. J.C. Lipe, served the guests with a picnic luncheon on the lawn, after which a line party was indulged in at the Electric Theatre. Those to accept Little Miss Bishop’s hospitality were Lillian Adams, Margaret Adams, Ruth Flippin, Rebecca Flippin, Charlotte Payne, Fleta Davis, Muriel Lipe and Miss Thelma Bishop. All report a good time.”[lxxxii]

In August 1913, Charlie Church officiated “in the capacity of operator at the Lyric Theatre, during the absence of Roy Wilson, the regular operator, who” spent “his vacation in Missouri visiting homefolk.”[lxxxiii]

Also that August a plea was made to support the Boy Scouts through a “Scouts Benefit. Billy Webber, owner of the Electric Theatre, gave the Boy Scouts a benefit Friday night and the boys cleared $7 after all of the expenses had been paid. Come business men and get in line and help the Scouts as Mr. Webber and Mr. O’Neil have started the ball rolling, so come on and help the Scouts out as they have reorganized under a new scoutmaster and promise to do some good work with the help of the business men.”[lxxxiv]

August 1913, “perhaps for the first time in the history of the city a boy scout baseball team matched a similar visiting team on the local diamond. It was a return game and the Wagoner boys came up on the morning train, twenty-seven strong… After the game, a large number of the boys went to the swimming pool for a plunge, and this was followed by a benefit picture show at the Lyric Theatre… Harry Martin gave a benefit show for the boy scouts at the Lyric… The money derived from the show was used to help defray the expenses of the Wagoner baseball team’s trip to this city.” A card of appreciation on behalf of the Claremore boy scouts, was published in The Claremore Progress. “I wish to publically thank the owners and managers of the Electric Theatre, the Lyric Theatre, and the Swimming Pool for the benefits given the Boy Scouts, John Barrett for the use of his car Friday, and the business men and the different homes for the courtesies shown our visitors from Wagoner. D. Ferrara, Scoutmaster.”[lxxxv]

The Claremore Progress affirmed, ”To a crowded house throughout the entire evening Saturday, the Electric Theatre showed that great photo-play, Tannhauser, by the famous Thanhouser Company, in three parts, which was by far the most superbly staged and well-acted motion picture feature ever shown in Claremore. Not only was the scenery most elaborate but the ‘Violets’ and ‘My Cabaret,’ sung by Miss Link, pleased the large audience. Costumes were par-excellence. Mr. Webber, the manager of this popular show house, is endeavoring to secure the finest programs obtainable, and it is due to the showing of such features as Tannhauser that he owes the liberal patronage his theatre is enjoying.”[lxxxvi] By September, “Lee Pitts, former operator at the Olympic Theatre of Oklahoma City [had] accepted a position as operator at the Electric Theatre.”[lxxxvii]

Excellent motion picture programs continued to be shown at the Lyric Theatre. “A well-acted Biograph drama, The Hero of Little Italy, was especially interesting, as was also The School Principle [or Principal?], by the Lubin Co., When Dreams Come True and One Can’t Always Tell, completing the evening program, were well received. The Lyric Trio, singing ‘Baby Rose, My Moonlight Pal,’ was enjoyed by all, the selection being rendered in their usually pleasing manner. Mr. Martin, the manager, enjoyed a most liberal patronage during the evening, the verdict of all being an excellent and interesting program.”[lxxxviii]

Claremore’s movie houses continued with benefit events. The benefit at the Lyric “for the Odd Fellows Orphanage was one of the most liberally patronized ever given in the city. The theatre was crowded from beginning to end of the program.”[lxxxix] “The Electric Theatre put on a benefit for the Junior class of the Prep school, and by hard work the students had sold tickets to about everyone in town, which with the Lyric and the Opera House also running, gave amusement for all.”[xc] The Electric Theatre will give a benefit tonight for the Royal Neighbors lodge.[xci]

The movie theatre business was booming; it was time for expansion in December 1913.  Harry Martin, manager of the Lyric Theatre, told the editor of The Claremore Progress, “that while in Collinsville he purchased the Royal Theatre at that place. He says that he has remodeled the place and made it look like new. He has changed the name of the place of amusement to the Lyric. He says that he kept the doors open only three days last week and that he enjoyed a nice business at the hands of the Collinsville people and that the prospects are very bright for a successful business at that place. [Harry Martin’s son] Victor Martin will take charge of the new show at Collinsville, and as Victor is a bright energetic fellow, who is willing to work, he may well be expected to make a success of his new undertaking”.[xcii] Victor Martin moved to “Collinsville to take charge of the Lyric Theatre.”[xciii]

To close 1913, the two-reel Vitagraph feature, The Test, starring Clara Kimball Young and Herbert Barry played at the Lyric Theatre in Claremore, and “was one of the best pictures… seen for some time. It was a society drama, part of the second scene being laid in Australia.”[xciv]

With fierce commercial competition continuing between the Electric and Lyric, the movie paying public would “test” which theatre provided the best movie theatre magic. But, could the Claremore community continue to provide enough patronage for the two competing movie houses to survive?

By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

Coming Attractions Coming Soon: Reel 7- Claremore’s Movie Theater Magic.

Sources:

Oklahoma newspapers sourced through  The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[lxx] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 11, Ed. 1 Friday, April 11, 1913.

The Inola Register. (Inola, Okla.), Vol. 7, No. 29, Ed. 1 Thursday, February 27, 1913.

https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/787307-sherlock-holmes-solves-the-sign-of-the-four?language=en-US

[lxxi] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 9, Ed. 1 Friday, March 28, 1913.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_One_She_Loved

[lxxii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 11, Ed. 1 Friday, April 11, 1913.

[lxxiii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 12, Ed. 1 Friday, April 18, 1913.

[lxxiv] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 14, Ed. 1 Friday, May 2, 1913.

[lxxv] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 16, Ed. 1 Friday, May 16, 1913.

[lxxvi] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 17, Ed. 1 Friday, May 23, 1913.

[lxxvii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 18, Ed. 1 Friday, May 30, 1913.

[lxxviii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 23, Ed. 1 Friday, July 4, 1913.

[lxxix] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 24, Ed. 1 Friday, July 11, 1913.

[lxxx] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 25, Ed. 1 Friday, July 18, 1913.

[lxxxi] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 26, Ed. 1 Friday, July 25, 1913.

[lxxxii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 27, Ed. 1 Friday, August 1, 1913.

[lxxxiii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 27, Ed. 1 Friday, August 1, 1913.

[lxxxiv] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 29, Ed. 1 Friday, August 15, 1913.

[lxxxv] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 30, Ed. 1 Friday, August 22, 1913.

[lxxxvi] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 30, Ed. 1 Friday, August 22, 1913.

[lxxxvii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 34, Ed. 1 Friday, September 19, 1913.

[lxxxviii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 30, Ed. 1 Friday, August 22, 1913.

[lxxxix] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 39, Ed. 1 Friday, August 29, 1913.

[xc] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 45, Ed. 1 Friday, October 10, 1913.

[xci] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 18, No. 52, Ed. 1 Friday, November 28, 1913.

[xcii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 44, Ed. 1 Friday, December 5, 1913.

[xciii] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 2, Ed. 1 Friday, December 12, 1913.

[xciv] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 21, No. 46, Ed. 1 Friday, December 19, 1913.

Local Bank Offers $33,000 Bid For Old Sequoyah Hotel Here – 1961

“Local Bank Offers $33,000 Bid For Old Sequoyah Hotel Here.

“When the Sequoyah Hotel opened for business back in [May 1902[i]], many oldtimers say it caused the grandest celebration in Claremore’s history.

“A brass band came from Missouri and as Bourke Bayless recalls ‘they opened a keg of nails.’

“Elite social gatherings, ballroom dances, concerts, operas and high political meetings at one time were characteristics of the Sequoyah hotel.

“Today the hotel that was once a meeting place for the elite is condemned, and may soon become the property of the First National Bank which is housed in the lower part of the hotel building.

“The First National Bank was the high bidder recently for the old hotel with a bid of $33,000. The sale has to be confirmed at a hearing in county court this Monday.

“Officials at the bank say they do have plans for the building but would not disclose the plans until after the sale is confirmed.

“The building was constructed in 1901 [finished and dedicated 1902] by John M. Bayless, father of Bourke Bayless, postmaster here. John Bayless was a builder, banker and railroad man.

“According to Bayless, the front half of the building was erected in 1901 [through 1902] to house a hotel and [The Bank of Claremoe]. He said his father was working on the back half of the building when he died [June[ii]] 2, 1907.

“The building was finished by the Bayless Estate with Bourke’s brother Earl in charge. The back half of the building later was used as a bath house.

“The hotel and bath house have been closed by the First National Bank and several commercial establishments still occupy the lower floor.

“John M. Bayless was a pioneer builder in this area. He built two railroads, several hotels and also built the original McLellan building in Claremore, known by many as the ‘old opera house.’ He also had several banking interests in this area.”[iii]

[August 1, 1961] “Sequoyah Hotel Sale Confirmed. Sale of the old Sequoyah Hotel, established here in Claremore in 1901, to the First National Bank, was confirmed Monday by County Judge Ava Powell for $40,700. The bank had originally offered a sealed bid of $33,000 for the Claremore landmark, topping all sealed bids, said Judge Powell. Powell said oral bids were held in open court Monday with the bank offering the highest final bid of $40,750. The front half of the Sequoyah building was built in 1901 [through 1902] to house a hotel and bank. At the time it was the biggest hotel in this area. The rear half was built in 1906 as a bath house. The building was built by John M. Bayless, father of Postmaster Bourke Bayless. The bank occupies a part of the building and already owns the portion it occupies. Bank officials say they have definite plans for the building which includes expansion. C.W. Arthurs, president, said expansion plans are pending at this time.” [iv]

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[i] The hotel project started in 1901, but the building’s completion and grand opening of the Sequoyah Hotel did not happen until May 1, 1902.

[ii] Article incorrectly says “Jan.”

[iii] Claremore Daily Progress (Claremore, Oklahoma. Wednesday, July 26, 1961. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

[iv] Rogers County News (Claremore, Oklahoma). Tuesday, August 1, 19621. P. 1. Newspapers.com.

Belvidere Mansion – Claremore’s Rare and Beautiful Treasure – Part 1

“Bayless Residence, Claremore, Oklahoma.” Belvidere Mansion, located at 121 North Chickasaw Avenue, Claremore, Oklahoma. Built by the Bayless family in 1907. Atkinson Studio. Publisher: Wheelock.

Mr. John Melville Bayless

Mr. J.M. Bayless of Cassville, Missouri, was an entrepreneur, builder, and real estate broker who arrived in Claremore, Indian Territory, August 2, 1901,^[vi] seeking a land of opportunity in which to build an empire.  Though born in Tennessee,^[vii] Mr. Bayless grew up in Missouri^[viii] where he established two banks (The Monett State Bank^[ix] and Barry County Bank^[x]) and the J.M. Bayless and Co., mercantile.^[xi]  In Cassville, he also built his family residence, The Bayless-Salyer Home^[xii] which, thanks to the Barry County Historical and Genealogical Society, still stands proudly on the corner of 9^th and Townsend, Cassville, Missouri. The Hotel Barry^[xiii] on 7^th and West Street,^[xiv]now restored as the Ellis, Ellis, and Cupps Law Firm building, Cassville, Missouri, is also a Bayless built structure. 

Mr. John Melville Bayless circa 1904. The photo was taken in St. Louis, Missouri, perhaps when the Bayless family visited the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Photo Courtesy the Rogers County Historical Society, Belvidere Mansion Archives.

Pioneer businessman John M. Bayless was also involved in a multitude of real estate and railroad ventures across Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, and Indian Territory; his goal was to become a millionaire in his lifetime.^[xv]  Though Mrs. Bayless and the younger children did not move to Claremore until 1907, Mr. Bayless had in mind to “upbuild” (develop) the small town of Claremore, Indian Territory, population 855, in 1901. ^[xvi]  He felt that Claremore had great potential having two substantial railroads, the Frisco and the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern,^[xvii]running through town. ^[xviii]

“Third Street, Looking West, Claremore, Okla.” circa 1908, corner of Third Street (now Will Rogers Blvd.) and Missouri Avenue. Bayless Buildings: The Sequoyah Hotel is the first building on the left. The Windsor Opera House is the first building on the right.

May 26, 1902,^[xix] [xx] Mr. Bayless established and became President of the Bank of Claremore.  His daughter, Francis Josephine Davis (cashier) opened the family’s bank and ran it until her husband, George Decatur Davis,^[xxi] was free to move from Cassville to Claremore to run the bank.  Mr. Bayless’s oldest son, Guy Orlando Bayless joined the bank as a cashier in 1904.  Mr. Bayless commenced his building projects in Claremore, creating the grand Sequoyah Hotel (1901^[xxii]/ dedicated May 3, 1902),^{[xxiii] [xxiv]} which housed the Bank of Claremore, and the elaborate Windsor Opera House (1901^[xxv]/1902)^[xxvi] with its retail space on the first floor.  These two large buildings faced each other on what was then Missouri and Third, ^[xxvii] but which is now Missouri Avenue and Will Rogers Boulevard.  Due to a devastating fire, only the footprint of the Windsor Opera House remains today the space housing Spectrum Paint. The parking lot of RCB Bank now blankets 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 $5,100.^[xxviii]  He purchased the land from A.L. Kates (editor of the Claremore Progress) who had purchased the land from Nannie (Nancy) G. Buffington and her husband, Lucien W. Buffington, for $5,100.^[xxix]  This was the allotment from the Cherokee Nation that Nannie bought for $218.^[xxx] It was on lots 2 and 3 that Mr. Bayless built a barn and prepared to build his castle, Belvidere.

The John Melville Bayless family, circa 1900. Standing left to right: Ross Raymond, Bland Brunner, George Davis (son-in-law); Earle Grantham, Guy Orlando. Seated left to right: Wayne Winton, Francis Josephine Bayless Davis; Mary Melissa Stubblefield Bayless (mother), John Melville Bayless (father), Bourke Hamilton Bayless. Photo Courtesy the Rogers County Historical Society, Belvidere Mansion Archives.

1907 was a year of change for the Bayless family.  The Claremore Messenger reports, January 18, 1907, “J.M. Bayless has sold his home place at Cassville, Mo., and contemplates removing from there.  He will take his family to Sulphur, I.T., for the summer, and Claremore people are very anxious to see him settle here to make his future home.”^[xxxi] So in January 1907, John and Mary Bayless, sold their Cassville home^[xxxii] and moved their five dependent children, Earle Grantham (23 years old), Bland Brunner (21), Ross Raymond (16) Bourke Hamilton (13), and Wayne Winton (11) to Sulphur, Indian Territory,^[xxxiii] where Mr. Bayless had built other fine buildings.  As previously stated, Francis Josephine (28) and Guy Orlando (25)^[xxxiv]  were already living at Claremore. Because of a U.S. governmental initiative to extend the Chickasaw Nation land of the Sulphur Springs Reservation into the already established town of Sulphur, the four-story luxury Hotel Bland, started in Sulphur in 1903 by Mr. Bayless and his partner C.J. Webster, was never finished.  Mr. Bayless and his partner gave up the project in 1904, sold the land and the building to the U.S. government, then instigated a new plan for another hotel, The Artesian Hotel, Sulphur, I.T., in 1906.^[xxxv]  

Refocusing his efforts in Claremore, in March 1907, Mr. Bayless’s third public building, a three-story athletic club, was approved.^[xxxvi]  Also reported in Claremore, on March 23, 1907, “J.M. Bayless yesterday 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.  The residence will be built on the northeast corner of the lot. We are glad to see that he has decided to locate in our city and believe as the years roll by that he will not regret making this his choice of home.”^[xxxvii] 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.^[xxxviii]  Mr. Bayless built his home in the shadows of the First Presbyterian Church and the First Baptist Church where his wife and children would attend in future years. (The Bayless and Davis families later donated two stained glass windows for the Baptist Church.) 

But tragedy struck this gifted capitalist.  In late May 1907, Mrs. Bayless was urgently summoned from Sulphur.^[xxxix]  Mr. Bayless had taken ill in Claremore. ^[xl]  The local doctors diagnosed that he was having an acute attack of the appendix and would need an operation to save his life.  A specialist, Dr. Jackson, was summonsed from Kansas City to perform the operation,^[xli] but by Sunday evening, June 2, 1907, Mr. Bayless was dead.^[xlii]  Several cities throughout Missouri (Monett and Cassville) and Indian Territory (Claremore and Sulphur) mourned the well-respected Mr. Bayless’s passing, closing their doors to business the afternoon of Tuesday, June 4, 1907, for the duration of his funeral.  The funeral was held at the luxurious Windsor Opera House for there was no other building large enough in Claremore to hold the nearly 1,000 people who came to pay their last respects.

At the time of his father’s death, 23-year-old Earle Bayless, John’s second son who had been seeing to his father’s affairs throughout Indian Territory, relocated to Claremore^[xliii] to complete his father’s building projects.  Earle was instrumental in completing Belvidere, continuing his father’s aspirations to spare no expense, expecting the Bayless home to have all the latest modern conveniences.  John Bayless prepared the plans and collected the materials for the magnificent Victorian structure.  Much of the interior woodwork and architectural embellishment materials were purchased from the Chicago House Wrecking Company who had demolished and repurposed the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair buildings. These materials were shipped to Claremore by rail. But it was left to John’s son, Earle, to finish the task.  Once built, the “Bayless” became a memorial to the man who created it.

The projected cost of building the Bayless residence was $20,000 to $25,000.^[xliv]  But a later report states, “Claremore possibly boasts one of the finest residences on the east side of the new state – the Bayless, which will cost near $50,000.00.^[xlv]   

Mrs. Mary Stubblefield Bayless, Photo Courtesy the Rogers County Historical Society, Belvidere Mansion Archives.

The December 7^th, 1907, edition of The Claremore Progress reported, “Mrs. John M. Bayless and family have moved into their new residence at the corner of Fourth Street and Chickasaw Avenue,”^[xlvi] just weeks after Oklahoma received statehood (November 16, 1907), and just in time to celebrate Christmas.  Much had changed in the Bayless’s world between the time the first shovels-full of dirt were unearthed and the final architectural detail was set in place.  Eight months for the construction of such a large home seems like a record, so it is uncertain as to the state of completion in which the family settled into their new castle-like home, minor work may have still remained. A bachelor, Earle Bayless moved in with his mother and younger siblings upon the completion of the Belvidere Mansion. In fact, one vintage publication, a Souvenir Booklet, by photographer L. Ida Lawley, lists the home as belonging to Earle Bayless.^[xlvii]

To continue with Part 2, please click here.

By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

Sources: Unless otherwise noted, Oklahoma newspapers prior to 1922 are sourced through The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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

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

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

^[iv] 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.

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

^[vi] The Daily Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 2, No. 213, Ed. 1 Friday, August 2, 1901. Accessed November 20, 2014.

^[vii] 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.

^[viii] 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.

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

^[x] “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.

^[xi] “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. 

^[xii] “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. 

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

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

^[xv] “JM Bayless Dead.” Cassville Democrat – Cassville, Barry County, Missouri, June 8, 1907. 

^[xvi] 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.

^[xvii] Churchill, April, & Kizer-Dennis, Dorothy. Claremore, Postcard History Series. Chicago: Arcadia Publishing. c. 2007. p. 7.

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

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

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

^[xxi]http://www.claremoreprogress.com/local/x546098502/Claremore-prospers-in-early-decades-local-banks-support-growth. Access Date:  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.

^[xxii] The Daily Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 2, No. 226, Ed. 1 Saturday, August 17, 1901. Accessed November 20, 2014.

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

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

^[xxv]The Daily Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 2, No. 255, Ed. 1 Friday, September 20, 1901. Accessed November 20, 2014.

^[xxvi] The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 8, No. 30, Ed. 1 Saturday, October 11, 1902. Accessed July 25, 2015.

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

^[xxviii] “Warranty Deed”. (JM 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.

^[xxix] “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.

^[xxx] “Patent”. W.C. Rogers, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation,  Records of the County Clerk in and for Rogers County, State of Oklahoma, Book 299. January 9, 1906. p. 178.

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. 4.

^[xxxi]Smith, Clark, editor. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 4, Ed. 1 Friday, January 18, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014.

^[xxxii] Smith, Clark, editor. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 4, Ed. 1 Friday, January 18, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014.

^[xxxiii] Smith, Clark, editor. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 4, Ed. 1 Friday, January 18, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014.

^[xxxiv] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14048114/john-melville-bayless Accessed: November 24, 2020.

^[xxxv] http://artesianhotel.com/about-us. Access Date:  July 4, 2015.

^[xxxvi] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 15, No. 9, Ed. 1 Saturday, March 23, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014.

^[xxxvii] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 15, No. 9, Ed. 1 Saturday, March 23, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014.

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

^[xxxix] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 15, No. 19, Ed. 1 Saturday, June 1, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014.

^[xl] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 15, No. 19, Ed. 1 Saturday, June 1, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014.

^[xli] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 15, No. 19, Ed. 1 Saturday, June 1, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014.

^[xlii] “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.

^[xliii] Smith, Clark, editor. The Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 13, No. 24, Ed. 1 Friday, June 7, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014.

^[xliv] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 15, No. 39, Ed. 1 Saturday, October 19, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014.

^[xlv] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 43, Ed. 1 Saturday, November 16, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014.

^[xlvi] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 15, No. 46, Ed. 1 Saturday, December 7, 1907. Accessed November 21, 2014.

^[xlvii] Lawley, L. Ida. Souvenir Booklet, Claremore, Oklahoma 1910-1915. p.22.

Francis Josephine Bayless Davis – Claremore Banker, Gentlewoman, and Trendsetter, Part 5

If you would like to read “Francis Josephine Bayless Davis – Claremore Banker, Gentlewoman, and Trendsetter,” Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, or Part 4, first, just click on the appropriate part to begin.

The Claremore Progress, Sunday, June 28, 1953. page 8. Fourth from the left is Mrs. George (Francis J.) Davis. 5th from the left Mrs. Bourke (Marguerite) Bayless, 7th from the left is Mrs. Evan (Mary Ella) Davis.

New Year’s Day, 1919, Mrs. G.D. Davis’ brother, Earle G. Bayless, was deathly ill at the Physicians and Surgeon’s Hospital at Muskogee, Oklahoma, battling for his life.  January 9, 1919, The Claremore Progress reported, “Mrs. G.O. Bayless (Maud Bayless, Guy’s wife) and Mary Ella Davis went to Muskogee Wednesday to be at the bedside of E.G. Bayless.”[i] This was the beginning of a chain of events that would rock the Bayless’s world once again. Mrs. G.D. Davis attended to E.G. Bayless at Muskogee as did brother-in-law Pharis Martin.[ii] Though Earle never married, upon his death, E.G. Bayless left a beloved mother (Mary Bayless) and grandmother (Mrs. Eliza Stubblefield), sister (Francis) and brothers (Guy, Ross, Bourke, and Wayne), and the entire extended family and community of Claremore who grieved his passing.

January 1919, it was reported, “After battling gamely for his life for the past few days during which his existence hung in the balance, E.G. Bayless, President of the National Bank of Claremore and Vice-President of the Johnston Abstract and Loan Co., died at the Physicians and Surgeon’s Hospital at Muskogee shortly after noon Wednesday. The sad news was phoned to G.D. Davis by relatives at the bedside when the end came.  On Tuesday, December 31^st, Mr. Bayless underwent an operation for appendicitis at Muskogee.  It was not thought he was dangerously ill, but when Dr. Fite cut into his side he found a ruptured appendix in a bad condition. (This was a time before penicillin.) Complications set in and since that time his life has been hanging by a slender thread.  The thread broke Wednesday and another good man has gone hence.

“Earle had many friends here.  He was prominent in business and social circles and his loss will be deeply felt.  Kind of heart and always just, he was a man that one could tie to.  His place will be hard to fill and his going has cast a shadow over the town in which he has made his home for so long.  The kindness shown his mother, Mrs. M.M. Bayless, and his aged grandmother is one of the memories that may be mounted on a shrine.  His father, John Bayless, died of appendicitis a number of years ago and Earle was made executor of the Bayless estate.  He never married.

The body arrived in Claremore Thursday morning and the funeral will take place tomorrow.  Interment will be made in Woodlawn.”[iii]

Despite the bank’s significant loss of its president, at the January 11^th annual meeting, the National Bank of Claremore reported it had one of the most successful business years in its experience. With Earle Bayless deceased, G.D. Davis became the bank’s new president; “the following officers and directors were elected for the ensuing year: G.D. Davis, President; W.F. Hays, Active Vice President; G.O. Bayless, Cashier; Claude Nichols and Bourke Bayless, Asst. Cashiers. On account of the bank’s enlarged business, Dr. Hays, who has been well known in Claremore for a number of years, has decided to become active in the bank and will have a desk together with Mr. Davis in front, and devote part of his time to duties at the bank. Present Directors: G.D. Davis, W.F. Hays, G.O. Bayless, R.R. Bayless, M.M. Bayless, and F.J. Davis (aka Francis Josephine, Mrs. G.D. Davis).” Also included in this edition of The Claremore Progress was a “Card of Thanks – We wish to thank our many friends for the many favors and courtesies shown us through the recent illness and death of our son and brother.  Mrs. Mary M. Bayless, Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. G.O. Bayless, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Bayless, Mr. and Mrs. Bourke Bayless, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Bayless, W.P. Martin.”[iv]

Time passed and life went on as the Davises and Baylesses returned to their customary agendas though there would always be one more vacant chair at the family table

Convention Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma, built 1914, Brady Street and Boulder Avenue. This building still exists.[v]

A party of Claremore citizens traveled to Tulsa’s Convention Hall to hear violinist Jascha Heifetz. Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Davis and daughter, Mary Ella, Mrs. G.O. Bayless, Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Godby, Mrs. M. Hass, Mrs. Wayne Bayless, “all pronounce the concert of the great violinist a work of real art.”[vi]

The following week, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Moore, Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Davis, Mrs. P.W. Holtzendorff, Mrs. C.B. Holtzendorff, Misses Elna Helm, Clementine Rogers, Eula Buchanan, Mary Ella Davis, and Mrs. Ed Lightner attended soprano, Alma Gluck’s concert in Tulsa.[vii] (Alma Gluck was remembered for her song “Carry Me Back to Ol’ Virginny.” She was the mother of actor Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.[viii])

When another famous soprano, Galli Curci, sang at the Convention Hall, Mrs. G.D. Davis, Guy O. Bayless, Mr. and Mrs. Bourke Bayless and Mary Ella Davis were in attendance.[ix] The advertisement of this event announced this as “an opportunity which every music lover will embrace. It presents the unique opportunity of a direct personal observation of her wonderful voice and to hear STEINWAY, standard of the world, the artist’s supreme accessory. Great artists always choose this wonderful instrument when they wish the one piano that they know from past experience will be perfect.”[x]

Mrs. G.D. Davis continued attending the regular club meetings of the Kappa Delphians, hosting the April 1919 meeting at her home.  “The following program was given which was found to be very interesting and instructive: Roll Call Quotation from Egyptian History. Text Reports. Egyptian Houses, Mrs. J.Q. Adams. Family Life, Mrs. Guy Bayless. Dress, Mrs. Jas. Moore. Sports and Pastimes, Mrs. George Davis. Occupations, Mrs. W.F. Hays. Education, Mrs. C.B. Holtzendorff. Business of War, Mrs. A. N. Lerskov. Religious Customs, Mrs. E.W. Martin. At the close of the program, delicious refreshments were served by the hostess.  Adjournment to meet with Mrs. Tom Brown Monday- Reporter.”[xi]

As in the past, there were family gatherings. “Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Davis entertained with a family dinner Sunday at 1:00 o’clock.  Those present were Mrs. Mary Bayless, Mr. and Mrs. G.O. Bayless (Guy and Maud), Mr. and Mrs. Ross Bayless (Ross & Emma), Mr. and Mrs. Bourke Bayless (Bourke & Marguerite), Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Bayless (Wayne & Blanche) and Dr. Wm. P. Mills and family (wife Gertrude Bayless Mills is a niece of J.M. Bayless).”[xii]

Perhaps as a celebration of life and as a family distraction, July 2 being the birthday of their recently deceased brother Earle Bayless, in early July 1919, Mrs. G.D. Davis helped her sister-in-law, Maud Bayless entertain family and friends. The Claremore Progress went to great lengths to describe the event.  “MRS. G.O. BAYLESS ENTERTAINS – Mrs. G.O. Bayless charmingly entertained her many friends at two delightful functions.  The first, Thursday at 10:00 am.  With an auction bridge party and 1:00 o’clock luncheon at the Bayless home on Fourth street and Seminole.

“Decorations were carried out in pink and white, the general decorations of the rooms being pink and white carnations in cut glass vases and baskets of pink and white roses.  The tables were decorated with pink and white sweet peas.  Six games of auction bridge were played, the tables numbering from one to eight, each number fastened onto the table with the national flag and red, white, and blue ribbon. Mrs. A.L. Kates won first prize, a sachet of rose in a silver and rose box.  The second prize was won by Mrs. W.C. Kates, a beautiful Madeira handkerchief. The guests remained seated at the card tables during the serving of the luncheon which consisted of creamed chicken on toast, new potatoes with drawn butter sauce, perfection salad, ripe olives, hot rolls, brick ice cream, Angel Food cake with pink icing, ice tea and pink and white mints.

“Place cards were in the form of a Japanese fan, which also served as a tally card.  Each lady received a dainty little favor.   Mrs. Ross Bayless was an out of town guest.  Mrs. Bayless was assisted in serving by Mrs. Bourke Bayless and Mrs. G.D. Davis.

“On Saturday Mrs. Bayless again entertained, her guests being those who do not play cards. The reception hall and parlors were decorated with carnations and roses, the dining room with nasturtiums. Forty guests were received and two interesting contests engaged in.  A pin contest in which the pins, after having been removed from the papers were replaced in a given length of time, and which proved to be a contest with many “points” to it, as any lady with pricked fingers can testify.  Mrs. Ray K. Hart of Independence, Kansas, winning the first prize, a gold hatpin.  The booby prize was won by Mrs. W.W. Bryan, a paper of pins. Another contest much enjoyed and which caused some thought on the part of the contestants was the outline drawing of an animal.  Each guest was provided with a piece of white cloth on which was written the name of an animal, a needle, and black thread.  The contest was to prove who could fist correctly outline an animal in fifteen minutes.  Mrs. Ross Bayless won first prize, a bottle of toilet water, while the booby prize went to Miss Gazelle Lane, a toy towel. In an automobile contest, Mrs. Hart won the prize of a beautiful hand-painted plate. Out of town guests were Mrs. Ray K. Hart of Independence, Kan., and Mrs. Ross Bayless, of Commerce.

“Mrs. Bayless was assisted in serving by Mrs. G.D. Davis, Mrs. Ross Bayless, and Mrs. Wayne Bayless. A gracious hostess in her beautiful home, the many features of her entertainment, and her charming hospitality combined to make these two social functions of Mrs. Bayless the most delightful that Claremore ladies have ever enjoyed.”[xiii]

That April 1920, Mrs. Mary Bayless, “Mr. and Mrs. G.O. Bayless and children, Mr. and Mrs. Bourke Bayless, and Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Davis and daughter, Miss Mary Ella, spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Ross Bayless in Miami, Oklahoma.[xiv] It would be the last time the family was all together before the death of their grandmother (Mary Bayless’s mother), Eliza Stubblefield. 82-year-old Grandma Stubblefield died at the home of Ross R. Bayless. Mrs. G.D. Davis and Bourke and Guy Bayless attend the funeral at Cassville.[xv]

Less than a month later, Mrs. G.D. Davis and Mrs. A.L. Kates traveled to McPherson, Kansas, to attend the funeral of their longtime friend Mrs. H.G. (Mary A.) Davis who had suffered from tuberculosis and other ailments. Mrs. Mary A. “Davis was quite a prominent figure in Claremore and had a wide circle of friends here. As City School Superintendent she showed beyond question a degree of education and refinement much to be admired. She was one of the most efficient educators of the state and until ill health overtook her was still preparing for other achievements. It is indeed with acute regret that the writer, who was one of her former pupils, chronicles her death.”[xvi]

First Baptist Church, Claremore, Oklahoma, dedicated 1915, Located on the Southeast corner of Will Rogers Boulevard (aka 3rd Street) and Chickasaw Avenue. This building no longer exists.

May 1920, was a happy moment as The Claremore Progress announced, “The largest class in the history of the Claremore high school graduated Friday night.  The class numbered thirty-one.” Mary Ella Davis was a member of this graduating class. “Commencement exercises were held at the Baptist church and were excellent throughout.  A church full of people saw this fine class formally finish their high school course with individual credit and receive their diplomas as a mark of honor and merit.  The exercises were opened with the song “America,” after which T.C. Coup gave the invocation.  The church was prettily decorated and the school board, faculty, and G.W. Austin, the speaker of the evening, sat on the rostrum.  The Seniors filed down the aisles to their places while two little misses strewed the path with rose petals. The chorus, “Forget-Me-Nots,” by the Girl’s Chorus, under the direction of Mrs. A.T. Challburg, was very enjoyable and received due appreciation after which A.W. Bevers, City Superintendent, introduced the speaker of the evening, G.W. Austin, president of the Oklahoma College for Women at Ada who spoke to the class in an engaging manner and left with them much food for thought as to the future.

The quartet, “Sweet and Low,” Messrs. Robert Lee, Clark Mason, Heiney Hall and Henry Ball, was another beautiful number and added a delightful feature to the program, after which W.E. Lane, principal of the high school, presented the Senior class to the Board of Education.  It was following this that the students received that for which they had worked hard for four long years – their diplomas in book form and bound in leather with the class roll, motto, colors, etc., therein inscribed.  E.J. Humphrey, president of the City Board of Education, presented them.  There followed a beautiful chorus, “Merry June,” by the Girl’s Glee Club while A.B. Mayberry pronounced the benediction.  Selma Bishop throughout the program handled the piano music in a very creditable manner for one of her age.[xvii]

Yet this was not the last event The Claremore Progress shared about Miss Mary Ella Davis before she headed off The University of Oklahoma, at Norman. One July morning, she gave her family quite a fright. This is the story that was reported.

“Mrs. Thornton Knocked Down by Car – Mrs. C.E. Thornton, wife of the undertaker, received minor injuries Friday morning when she was struck by G.D. Davis’ Packard, driven by Mary Ella Davis.  The accident occurred near the rummage Filling Station.  Mrs. Thornton was crossing Third Street from the south and Mary Ella was driving slowly east on Third.  Neither saw the other. Mrs. Thornton was knocked to the pavement, her arm skinned and other minor bruises were sustained. Just a careful examination by a physician revealed that no bones were broken.  She suffered some from the nervous shock sustained.  Persons who saw the accident thought she had fallen out of the car to the pavement.  Luckily, she was knocked away from the car instead of in front of it.”[xviii] Thankfully, nothing worse occurred.

That September, the Davises delivered their daughter to OU safely. Their home on 4^th street would be very quiet without their engaging daughter.

If you would like to read “Francis Josephine Bayless Davis – Claremore Banker, Gentlewoman, and Trendsetter, Part 6,” please click here.

by Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

Sources: Unless otherwise noted, Oklahoma newspapers are sourced through The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

[i]Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 51, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 9, 1919, accessed July 30, 2017.

[ii]Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 51, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 9, 1919, accessed July 30, 2017.

[iii]Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 51, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 9, 1919, accessed July 30, 2017.

[iv] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 52, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 16, 1919, accessed November 29, 2014.

[v] Built 1914 at Brady Street ad Boulder Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Tulsa Times. A pictorial History: The Boom Years. Text by Susan Everly-Douzer. Terrell Lester, Editor. Tulsa World Publishing Company. c. 1987.

[vi] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 27, No. 7, Ed. 1 Thursday, March 6, 1919, accessed April 14, 2018.

[vii] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 27, No. 9, Ed. 1 Thursday, March 20, 1919, accessed April 23, 2020.

[viii] https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/gluck-alma Accessed: April 28, 2020.

[ix] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 27, No. 13, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 17, 1919, accessed November 28, 2014.

[x] Lorton, Eugene. The Morning Tulsa Daily World (Tulsa, Okla.), Vol. 13, No. 203, Ed. 1 Monday, April 14, 1919, accessed April 23, 2020.

[xi] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 27, No. 13, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 17, 1919, accessed November 28, 2014.

[xii] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 27, No. 25, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 10, 1919, accessed November 28, 2014).

[xiii] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 27, No. 25, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 10, 1919, accessed October 04, 2016.

[xiv] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 28, No. 20, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 15, 1920, accessed April 17, 2018.

[xv] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 28, No. 21, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 22, 1920, accessed November 29, 2014.

[xvi] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 28, No. 23, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 6, 1920, accessed April 24, 2020.

[xvii] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 28, No. 26, Ed. 1 Thursday, May 27, 1920, accessed August 22, 2015.

[xviii] Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 33, Ed. 1 Thursday, July 22, 1920, accessed January 24, 2018.

The Untimely Passing of Earle Grantham Bayless, January 8, 1919

The Untimely Passing of Earle Grantham Bayless

Earle Grantham Bayless, John Melville Bayless (father), Guy Orlando Bayless. Photo courtesy the Rogers County Historical Society, Belvidere Mansion Archives, Claremore, Oklahoma.

It was the fall of 1918, the beginning of the local Spanish Influenza Pandemic. The Claremore Progress noted in October 1918, “Three Hundred Cases of Flu in City – Many Families are Hit. The closing of the schools and theaters and discouraging all public gatherings of any nature will no doubt lend weight to the fight against the spread of the disease… No one in Claremore has died from the epidemic to date.[i]

By December 27, 1918, E.G. Bayless[ii] had contracted the disease but was “up again at work after a siege of the flu.”[iii]Earle had struggled with health issues in the past. October 1900, Earle Bayless returned from Southwest City (Missouri) and was “confined to his home by sickness. The physicians say he has typhoid fever.”[iv] Again in November 1906, it was reported that Earle Bayless had been sick with typhoid fever at Sulphur, Indian Territory, but “recovered as to be able to travel and is spending a few days here with his sister, Mrs. G.D. Davis” in Claremore.[v] The man was “at risk.”  Tragically, in January 1919, it was reported that “Mrs. G.O. Bayless (sister-in-law) and Mary Ella Davis (niece) went to Muskogee to be at the bedside of E.G. Bayless.” [vi] Mrs. G.D. Davis (Mrs. Francis Josephine Bayless Davis, sister) had just returned from his bedside, and William Pharis Martin (brother-in-law) also traveled to Muskogee to attend to Earle’s needs.[vii]

The saddest news possible was announced on January 9, 1919, in The Claremore Progress.

“E.G. BAYLESS DIED WEDNESDAY AT MUSKOGEE – After battling gamely for his life for the past few days during which his existence hung in the balance, E.G. Bayless, President of the National Bank of Claremore and Vice-President of the Johnston Abstract and Loan Co., died at the Physicians and Surgeon’s Hospital at Muskogee shortly after noon Wednesday.  The sad news was phoned to G.D. Davis by relatives at the bedside when the end came.

“On Tuesday, December 31^st, Mr. Bayless underwent an operation for appendicitis at Muskogee.  It was not thought he was dangerously ill, but when Dr. Fite cut into his side he found a ruptured appendix in a bad condition.  Complications set in and since that time his life has been hanging by a slender thread.  The thread broke Wednesday and another good man has gone hence.

“Earle had many friends here. He was prominent in business and social circles and his loss will be deeply felt.  Kind of heart and always just, he was a man that one could tie to.  His place will be hard to fill and his going has cast a shadow over the town in which he has made his home for so long.  The kindness shown his mother, Mrs. M.M. Bayless, and his aged grandmother is one of the memories that may be mounted on a shrine.  His father, John Bayless, died of appendicitis a number of years ago, and Earle was made executor of the Bayless estate.  He never married.

“The body arrived in Claremore Thursday morning, and the funeral will take place tomorrow.  Interment will be made in Woodlawn.” [viii]

“The bereaved relatives have the utmost sympathy of the entire community.”[ix]

“EARLE G. BAYLESS IS LAID TO REST – Largest Funeral in History of Town Took Place at the Baptist Church – BURIAL AT WOODLAWN – Masonic Order Present in a Body and Had Charge of “The Service There – Friday afternoon at 2:30 at the Baptist Church Claremore paid tribute to the memory of Earle G. Bayless in one of the largest and widely attended funeral services ever held in this city.  The Baptist church was filled to the doors by friends who desired by their presence to pay their last respects to a man who meant much to Claremore, socially, in a business way and morally.

“Beneath a bank of flowers, estimated to cost at least $1,000.00, lay the body cold in death, yet living strong in the minds of all.  The choir rendered “Lead Kindly Light,” one of Earle’s favorites, Miss Agnes Evans sang “A Perfect Day,” and the house was swept with tears.

“The family occupied the center section of the downstairs and the Masonic Lodge members the east side of the house.

“Rev. T.M. Hunter, assisted by Rev. H.M. Gardner and Rev. C. (Cortez) Stubblefield, of Miami, conducted the services in a consoling manner.

“After the closing services at the church the Masonic Lodge, of which Earle was an honored member, took charge of the body and conducted the closing services at Woodlawn Cemetery where the body was interred.

“Earle Grantham Bayless, son of John Melvin [sic – Melville] Bayless, deceased, and Mary M. Bayless was born July 2, 1883, at Cassville, Barry County, Mo., and departed this life on Jan. 8, 1919, at Muskogee, Okla.  He was thirty-five years, six months, and six days of age.  He was survived by his mother, Francis J. Davis, Guy. O., Ross R., Bourke H., and Wayne W. Bayless.  His early years were spent at Cassville where he attended public schools.  Later he attended the University of Missouri at Columbia, Missouri.  At the age of sixteen, he took the management of the Cassville and Western railroad, which was built by his father.  Four years later he became cashier of the Barry County Bank at Cassville, which was founded by his father and two brothers, W.K. and Jas. M. Bayless, and his sister, Mrs. M.C. Allen.  After a few years he went to Tulsa, Indian Territory, as vice president of the Old City National Bank of Tulsa, where he remained until its consolidation with the First National Bank of Tulsa.  Mr. Bayless then went to Sulphur, Indian Territory, where he was elected vice president of the First National Bank of Sulphur.  Following the death of his father in 1907, he came to Claremore and was elected president of the National Bank of Claremore, which position he held until his death.  In addition, he took charge of his father’s estate and completed the annex to the Sequoyah Hotel and the residence started by his father.  He was very active in the social business and political affairs of the State.  He was a member of Governor Cruce’s staff.  He never neglected an opportunity upbuild and better Claremore and community and took special interest in the erection of the First Baptist Church, serving on the building committee during the construction.

“Mr. Bayless was very active in all Masonic Lodges of the State, and it was partly thru his untiring efforts that the Akhdar Temple of the Mystic Shrine was established at Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Consistory at McAlester, Okla., the Knight Templar at the A.F. & A. M. Lodges of Claremore, Okla.  Among other fraternal organizations he was a member of the B.P.O. Elks and the Phi Gamma Delta College Fraternity.  “Mr. Bayless was a strong supporter of the government and all War Activities, serving as county chairman of all the Liberty Loan drives, all of which were very successful, and as district chairman of the last Red Cross campaign, but due to his last illness was unable to give the same attention as he did to the other drives.[x]

“E.G. BAYLESS DIED AT MUSKOGEE – E.G. Bayless, president of the National Bank of Claremore and vice-president of the Johnston Abstract and Loan Co., died at the Physicians and Surgeons’ Hospital at Muskogee, Okla., shortly after noon Wednesday, following an operation for appendicitis.

This article was published in The Monett Times Monett, Missouri. “Mr. Bayless is a prominent man and is well known to Monett people.  His father, John Bayless was a stockholder in the First National Bank in Monett a number of years ago and after his death, his son, Earl G. Bayless was made executor of the family estate.  The family moved from Monett to Claremore where they have since resided.  He was very prominent in business and social circles and his loss will be greatly felt.  He never married. The body arrived in Claremore Thursday morning, and the funeral services were held this afternoon. Interment was made at Woodlawn cemetery.[xi]

“Commercial Club – On motion the business houses were asked to close their various places of business on Friday afternoon from 1:30 until 3:30, the same being the hours designated for the funeral of E.G. Bayless. On motion, the club ordered an expenditure of $20 to be used in purchasing floral offerings for the funerals of E.G. Bayless and Lieutenant John M. Kates.  It was then decided to raise the necessary funds among the members of the club.”[xii]

“Card of Thanks – We wish to thank our many friends for the many favors and courtesies shown us through the recent illness and death of our son and brother.  Mrs. Mary M. Bayless, Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. G.O. Bayless, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Bayless. Mr. and Mrs. Bourke Bayless. Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Bayless, W.P. Martin.”[xiii]

by Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer

The John M. Bayless Family circa 1900. Top Row: Ross Raymond, Bland Brunner, George Decatur Davis (Francis’ husband), Earle Grantham, and Guy Orlando.
Bottom Row: Wayne Winton, Francis Josephine Bayless Davis, Mary Melissa (mother), John Melville (father), and Bourke Hamilton. Photo Source: Belvidere Mansion Archive Collection.

Source:

Unless otherwise noted, Oklahoma newspapers are sourced through the Oklahoma Historical Society, The Gateway to Oklahoma History, http://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

[i] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 38, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 10, 1918.

[ii]

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/16326610/earle-grantham-bayless# Accessed April 24, 2020.

Earle Grantham Bayless. Birth 2 July 1883. Death 8 Jan 1919 (aged 35). Burial Woodlawn Cemetery, Claremore, Rogers County Oklahoma. Memorial ID 16326610. Parents John Melville Bayless (1851-1907) Mary Melissa Stubblefield Bayless (1856 – 1928). Siblings Francis Josephine Bayless Davis (1878 – 1954) Grace Bayless (1880 – 1881) Guy Orlando Bayless (1881 – 1959) Bland Brunner Bayless Martin (1885 – 1913) Ross Raymond Bayless (1890 – 1967) Bourke Hamilton Bayless (1893 – 1970) Wayne Winton Bayless (1895 – 1975).

[iii] Sutton, R. R. & Sanders, J. J. Claremore Messenger (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 24, No. 1, Ed. 1 Friday, December 27, 1918.

[iv] https://digital.shsmo.org/digital/collection/p17228coll26/id/199/rec/37 Accessed: September 27, 2019. Cassville Republican (Cassville, MO), 1900-10-04. Vol. 29. No. 10.

[v] Claremore Progress. (Claremore, Indian Terr.), Vol. 14, No. 43, Ed. 1 Saturday, November 17, 1906.

[vi]Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 51, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 9, 1919.

[vii]Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 51, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 9, 1919.

[viii]Kates, W. C. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 51, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 9, 1919.

[ix] Sutton, R. R. & Sanders, J. J. Claremore Messenger (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 24, No. 3, Ed. 1 Friday, January 10, 1919.

[x] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 52, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 16, 1919.

[xi] The Monett Times. Monett, Missouri. Jan 17, 1919 p. 6.

https://www.newspapers.com/image/174222886/?terms=mary+bayless

[xii] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 52, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 16, 1919.

[xiii] Kates, W. C., editor. The Claremore Progress (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 26, No. 52, Ed. 1 Thursday, January 16, 1919.