Heritage Hills in Oklahoma City in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Hales Home

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 9, 2025

1. Hales Home Marker

Inscription. When built in 1916 by pioneer trader and financier W.T. Hales, this was the city's most elaborate home. In 1939 it became the chancery for the Catholic Diocese of Oklahoma.

Erected 1972 by Oklahoma City Historical Preservation Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.

Location. 35° 29.084′ N, 97° 31.163′ W. Marker is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in Oklahoma County. It is in Heritage Hills. It is at the intersection of Northwest 15th Street and North Hudson Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Northwest 15th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1521 N Hudson Ave, Oklahoma City OK 73103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Oklahoma — Frontier Country.

It is also in the American South,

specifically on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the

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Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Overholser Mansion (a few steps from this marker); Caldwell-Walton House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Susan Ferrell and Mary Rentie (approx. ¼ mile away); Osler Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); USS Oklahoma Anchor (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mid-Continent Life Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Historic Plaza Court (approx. 0.4 miles away); Kaiser's Ice Cream Parlour (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oklahoma City.

Regarding Hales Home. Excerpt from the National Register of Historic Places nomination (1978) for the house:

William T. Hales was 17 when he came to Oklahoma City from Missouri in 1890 … in a covered wagon with a dog, a pistol, and a rifle. He began selling horses and mules, eventually owning what was said to be the largest mule barn in the state. As he made money, he invested it wisely - in real estate, oil, and other ventures, this in a new and growing city
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 10, 2025

2. Hales Home Marker
and state - and became one of Oklahoma City's financial leaders. He was also a banker and played an important role in establishing the meat packing industry in the city. Just before and during the early years of World War I, when the horse and mule business was especially lucrative, Hales filled important contracts with both the U.S. and foreign governments. At last he was ready to move on beyond wealth to yet another of his goals in life - to own the largest home in Oklahoma City. He did, moving into it in July 1916. And the handsome Hales Mansion, sold to the church in 1939 following Hales' death in 1938, clings to its “largest” status even today.

The diocese owned the house until 1985. It has been a private residence since then.

Also see . . . W.T. Hales House (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination for the property, which was listed in 1978. (Prepared by Kent Ruth, Oklahoma Historical Society; via State Historical Preservation Office of Oklahoma) (Submitted on May 28, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller

3. Hales Home

View of the north and east facades. With more than 23,000 square feet of living space, it is the largest residence in Oklahoma City.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 184 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 28, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.