Grant Foreman House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Grant Foreman House
|
|
Grant-Foreman House
|
|
 Location in Oklahoma
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 1419 West Okmulgee Ave., Muskogee, Oklahoma |
|---|---|
| NRHP reference No. | 73001565 |
| Added to NRHP | September 19, 1973 |
The Thomas-Foreman Historic Home, also known as the Grant Foreman House, is a special house in Muskogee, Oklahoma, United States. It was built by a judge named John R. Thomas. Later, it was named after his son-in-law, Grant Foreman, by the Muskogee Historical Society. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Grant Foreman and his wife, Carolyn Thomas Foreman, were both important historians. They wrote many books and articles about the history of Oklahoma. Today, you can see many of their personal items inside the house. These include their books, photos, important papers, and beautiful Native American artworks.
Building a Home in Muskogee
In 1897, Judge Thomas moved to Muskogee. He had been appointed as a new judge. He wanted to build a house but had trouble finding the right land. He and his daughter, Carolyn, stayed in a hotel while he looked.
Judge Thomas talked with Pleasant Porter, who was the leader of the Creek Nation at that time. Mr. Porter agreed to sell him a large piece of land. It was a 300 foot (91 m) by 300 foot (91 m) area of open grassland. The Thomases moved into their new home in 1898.
The House and Its Trees
When the house was first built, there was only one small log cabin nearby. There were no trees, just grass. Judge Thomas planted 350 trees around the property. These trees provided fruit and shade for the family.
Today, only one of these original trees is still standing. It is a large red oak tree in the northwest corner of the property. Carolyn and Grant collected acorns while on their honeymoon in California in 1905. These acorns also grew into trees that are still there today.
Three Rivers Museum
The Grant-Foreman House is now managed by the Three Rivers Museum. This museum was started in Muskogee in 1989 by a local historian named Dorothy Ball. She was the chairman of the Muskogee Historic Preservation Commission.
The main building for the museum, the old Midland Valley Railroad Depot, was bought in 1998. The museum decided to take over the Grant Foreman House in 2002. They made important repairs and opened it to the public.
