Oklahoma Modern

Looking for all the world like a Palm Springs motel, you'd expect to find a swimming pool behind that wall! This low-slung modern abode is located in Johnston Acres, a Tulsa neighborhood between Sheridan and Memorial south of 21st Street. Homes in this area aren't just ranch-style, they really are ranches. Each home was originally on a one acre lot. Most are classic Fifties ranch or minimal traditional. You'll also enjoy a few flat tops and lots of sandstone brick.

Some people know this as the Glass House, others know it as the world's largest McDonald's. I remember it from childhood as a symbol of transcontinental travel. It was built spanning I-44, aka the Will Roger's Turnpike, in 1958 as a Conoco gas station and the Glass House restaurant. Located near Vinita, Oklahoma, it marked the halfway point between Tulsa and Joplin, Missouri. It was the first restaurant in the U.S. built over a public highway. In addition to the distinctive steel arches, the windows were covered by large aluminum shutters that slowly turned throughout the day to shade the interior. The mechanism can still be seen today, but the shutters have long since been static. The Glass House was an instant hit with tourists and well-to-do locals. Area high schools even had their proms inside the futuristic hall. It was not uncommon for confused visitors to exit on the opposite end and think their car had been stolen. Today exits are designated as "westbound...

Several years ago we noticed an interesting real estate listing. It was a home for sale in Osage County "only 15 minutes from downtown." It was advertised as a custom-built home on 5 acres. Seems like it mentioned something about being designed by a well-known architect (although I do not recall or know who did design this house).