In many ways, homes like the one built by Hickam revealed the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright and his Prairie Style of design, which emerged in the Chicago area at the turn of the century and spread quickly throughout the heartland. Here the influence is even more apparent, seen in the low, horizontal lines of the roof and porch, the wide projecting eaves, the porte-cochere, the banks of windows, and the massive brick columns and porch walls. Although the basic floor plan differed little from the Colonial Revivals sprouting throughout the neighborhood, this house was distinctly Prairie.

It was built in 1917 by Mr. and Mrs. William D. Wright. Little is known about them other than he was owner of the Wright Produce Company. A year later, they sold the home for $15,000 to Mr. and Mrs. Willard S. Bulkley, who had moved to Oklahoma Territory in 1905 from their native Chicago. After three years of operating a dry goods store in Pawnee, he formed a partnership with George F. Kerr, moved to Oklahoma City, and opened the Kerr Dry Goods Store. Within a year they occupied a four-story building with 20 different departments, from pots and pans to modern appliances. The Bulkleys remained in the home on 17th until 1931.

Subsequent owners have included Walter Harrison, editor of the Daily Oklahoman, Mrs. Leta Rooks, who lived here for 21 years, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Kerr, III. Kerr served as the Lt. Governor of Oklahoma. The Kerrs stripped paint from the oak trim, repaired floors, rebuilt the kitchen, and remodeled the entire house. In 1982 the Kerrs sold the home to John and Marsha Funk, who continued the work on the improvements on the home.