This modified Italian Villa was constructed in 1919 for Erasmus K. Thurmond. A native of Texas, Thurmond moved to western Oklahoma in 1892 after the opening of the Cheyenne and Arapaho reservation. He started a bank in Cheyenne, then expanded into other towns until he owned all or parts of 17 banks. With this banking empire, he was elected a Director of the Federal Reserve Bank and a Director of the First National Bank of Oklahoma City.

In July of 1919, two years after buying the lot on 15th, Thurmond hired noted architect J.W. Hawk to start work on a $30,000 home. Elements of the Italian Villa style included the extended eaves, tile roof, arched windows, and the classical entryway. The Thurmonds lived in the home until 1938. The home was then purchased by former governor, Martin E. Trapp, and his wife, Lulu “Lou” Strang, daughter of Judge Jeremiah C. Strang.

Born in Robinson, Kansas, on April 18, 1877, Martin came to Oklahoma with his family in 1889. He was raised near Guthrie, then attended college, taught school, and entered politics. In 1907 he was elected the state’s first auditor. Defeated for reelection, he ran for lieutenant governor in 1914 and was successful. He was reelected in 1918 and again in 1922. The following year, when Governor John “Jack” Walton was impeached and removed from office, Trapp became governor.

During his three years as governor, Trapp was credited with several important reforms and achievements. Under his guidance, the state created the first Bureau of Criminal Investigation, re-organized a stronger State Highway Commission, and effectively destroyed the political power of the Ku Klux Klan. Restricted to one term under the state constitution, the popular governor returned to private business, where he prospered in oil production and large construction projects. After moving into the house on 15th, the Trapps added a second story room on the east side and redecorated the interior. Martin died July 26, 1951.

In 1953, the home was passed down to Martin E. Trapp, Jr., and his wife Geralda, a native of Oklahoma City and the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J. R. McLauchlin, Sr. At the time the Trapps had two children, Christopher and Kirsten. They redecorated the interior in hues of blue, put on a new roof, and restored the classical landscaping of the original design. Over thirty years later in 1989, Chris and Cathy Trapp moved into the home and began a complete renovation.

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