The Story of Goodholm Mansion (Old and Abandoned)

The Goodholm Mansion, a striking Victorian-style residence, began as the personal vision of Swedish immigrant Andrew Goodholm. A respected figure in early Oklahoma City, Goodholm was a builder, city councilman, and founder of the Acme Milling Company. In 1899, he initiated the construction of his own grand home, a process that would span nearly three years, concluding in 1901.

Designed to impress, the mansion featured a ballroom on the third floor where the Goodholm family hosted lively gatherings and games. Andrew, his wife Agnes, and their six children made it their home—two of the children were even born within its walls. The family lived in the house until 1918, when they relocated to Stillwater to pursue a business opportunity.

The mansion’s history becomes hazy between 1918 and 1954, with little known about who lived there during those years. In 1955, the house found new owners in Manzy Leon Jones and his wife Gracelyne. Like Goodholm, Jones was a well-known builder in Oklahoma City. He transformed the house into apartments, a move that significantly altered the original layout. As part of the conversion, porches were removed, and the once-distinctive design of the house became obscured.

In 1977, preservationist James Fentress of Fentress Sound Company acquired the property. Determined to restore it to its original glory, he sought to return the mansion to its initial form, using original blueprints and calling upon any willing group to assist in moving and preserving the house. If no one stepped in to help, the house faced demolition to make room for new development.

In a final push to preserve the house, Fentress donated the mansion to the Oklahoma State Fair. State Fair President Sandy Saunders recognized its historical value and accepted the donation. On August 14, 1979, the house was carefully disassembled, loaded onto trucks, and transported to the fairgrounds. There, reassembly began and sparked public interest as efforts to restore the home took shape.

Architect Jack Scott was brought in to estimate renovation costs, which amounted to approximately $100,000 just for the interior. The restoration team took great care in their efforts—removing layers of wallpaper to reveal the originals, salvaging historic items like a 175-year-old rocking chair and an antique baby carriage, and restoring woodwork to match the home’s initial design. Two of the Goodholm daughters provided invaluable assistance by helping map out the original blueprint lines from memory, aiding in the reconfiguration of architectural elements.

Restoration proved a slow process, ultimately taking more than a decade. The home reopened to the public in 1990, but only during the Oklahoma State Fair. Tours were confined to the first floor, and though there were efforts to furnish the house with authentic pieces from the era, many items were on loan or displayed only sporadically.

The Goodholm Mansion stands today as a testament to both early Oklahoma history and the enduring value of preservation. Through the combined efforts of historians, builders, and descendants, the mansion continues to share its story with visitors curious about life at the turn of the 20th century.

Goodholm Mansion, moved twice to avoid destruction, reduced to rubbleStoried Oklahoma City mansion now in a field in eastern Oklahoma CountyVictorian Mansion, Turret, Oklahoma City [Pictures] | Jennifer Chronicles

Goodholm House – The Gateway to Oklahoma History