I heart the Philbrook

I took Vivi to the Philbrook today.  She loved it!  We viewed the new black and white exhibit and made our way around the main halls.  We spent a majority of our time in the gardens though.  It was a nice day and there were a lot of families out.  It felt festive.  The Philbrook Museum of Art is one of my favorite things about Tulsa.  The history is fascinating.  Since I do teach third grade Tulsa history...let me spout out some facts for you.  Did you know that Waite Phillips, of Phillips Petroleum, and his wife Genevieve lived in this Italian Renaissance Villa for only about 10 years before they donated it to the City of Tulsa?  The original home had 72 rooms and 23 acres in the heart of midtown.  They then moved into a penthouse in one of his buildings downtown.  Did you know that he sold his company for $25 million dollars?!  Now, that's a lot of money now, but could you imagine that same amount in the 1920's and 1930's?  Obviously, he was a generous man.  Not only did he donate his home to become an art museum, but he donated millions and a ranch in New Mexico to the Boy Scouts of America.  (If I was a millionaire, I'd do the same thing.  We say that every time we play the lottery....let us win...we'll do good with the money, we promise...hee hee)  Did you know Waite Phillips had a twin brother named Wiate who died from a ruptured appendix when he was just a teenager?  Did you know that Waite Phillips built two buildings downtown, called the Philcade and the Philtower?  Did you know there are tunnels underground between the two buildings because he was afraid of kidnappers?  I kind of feel like the Phillips family and the Philbrook is Tulsa's version of the Biltmore Estate and the Vanderbilts.  Well, sort of.

Here's this great website you should check out if you're interested in this family like I am.  Click here.