This stately 17-room, 4,600 square foot Italianate Villa home has weathered a cross burning on its front lawn, played a role in the impeachment of a governor, served time as a boardinghouse and survived the loss of 23 windows from the force of the Murrah Building blast. It was built in 1918 by Walter Caldwell, President of the Caldwell Oil Company.

Five years later it was purchased for $50,000 by fellow oilman E. W. Maryland, who picked up the tab on behalf of Oklahoma's fifth Governor: John Calloway Walton. "Our Jack", as he was known, was an Oklahoma City Mayor who was elected governor in a landslide. Even though Walton was elected with the support of the Ku Klux Klan, he turned on his former allies after he was elected and declared martial law to curtail Klan terror.

The Klan had powerful allies and its membership included a majority of the legislature. Surrounded by armed bodyguards in his new home, Walton declared martial law in the counties with the worst KKK offenses. Soon he had suspended the civilian government of the entire state. The Tulsa Tribune was shut down for editorializing against him. Machine guns were set up at the state capitol to prevent lawmakers from meeting to discuss impeachment. Hooded Klansmen struck back, appearing in Walton's front yard to burn a cross and a flag, remnants of which are preserved in the home. Walton eventually was impeached, formally charged with 22offenses, and found guilty of half of them including Article IV: "the Caldwell house deal"! His impeachment made Walton the first Governor to be removed from office.

The house later became a boarding house during World War II. Other owners have included Lillie May and Clarence E. Trosper, and their children Elizabeth, Earl, Marian, Martha and Rose. Their family donated land in southeast Oklahoma City for Trosper Park.

Jane and William “Bill” K. Veazey purchased the home in 1959. They raised their children Cynthia, Marijane, Stephanie, Debra, and William in the home. The Veazey family owned the Veazey Drug Company which later became Bill Veazey’s Medical and Bill Veazey’s Party Store. Bill was born December 17, 1928. Jane was born October18, 1930, and grew up in Elk City. They were married on February 24, 1952, in Oklahoma City. Bill was active in many civic organizations and sang in the church choir for over 50 years. Jane played many musical instruments and sang in the church choir throughout her life. She also enjoyed sewing and knitting and was a Master Gardner. Jane died February 5, 2016. Bill died December 2,2017.

Other owners include Mr. and Mrs. Grant Pengilly, Mr. and Mrs. Kee McKee, Mr. and Mrs. George Bettis, Mr. and Mrs. Byron Dawson and Dr. and Mrs. Grover Harrison. The Harrisons completed a total rehabilitation both inside and out.

Denise and John Bode opened the home for the 1999 Historic Home Tour, showcasing Governor Walton's briefcase and the flag that was burned. John was an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture in the Reagan administration and Denise was a member of the Corporation Commission. The home was also the location for the OKC Philharmonic Decorator Showhouse in May of 2009.

In 2013, Rob and Autumn Abernathy purchased what had always been their favorite house in the neighborhood! They loved the prominent corner location and found its unique design, double-size yard, and features such as the tile roof, large front porch, and fountain in the front yard especially appealing. They appreciated the home's history, and all the care of its previous owners to maintain its beauty.

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The Abernathys shared their home on the 2018 Historic Home Tour the same year the home celebrated its 100th birthday. The floor plan and many features remained original. They installed period light fixtures throughout, renovated the powder bath, and replaced the worn 99-year-old gutters and downspouts, matching the originals. Outside they added a new period-correct wrought iron fence and replaced an old paddle tennis court with grass and flower beds. Excavating to add a pool, led to the discovery that this would be the home's third!

When the Abernathys bought the house, a non-original mirror hung above the fireplace, replaced now with a painting by David Holland (family friend)showing a storm over the Glass Mountains and Cimarron River in northwestern Oklahoma. Another close friend, DG Smalling, painted a representation of the home's history, also displayed in the living room. Throughout the home the Abernathys have a collection of historic pieces that have been in the family for generations as well as other items found at auctions.

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Without a doubt, Rob and Autumn have embraced their role as "lucky caretakers" helping to maintain this home's historic integrity while keeping it functional for current needs in its new century.