Spaulding of Spaulding Park

Both Spaulding Park and Spaulding Boulevard are named for Homer B. Spaulding. Spaulding was born on February 27th, 1862 in Lexington, Tennessee. At the age of 17, he moved to Sulphur Springs, Texas. There he met and married Josephine, the daughter of S. B. Callahan of the Creek Nation.

Following his marriage in 1884, H. B. moved to Muskogee. The next year he began working at the Patterson Mercantile Company and was soon a buyer. Quickly he progressed to manager. About 1890 he left the company to go into business for himself.

With $2,000 of his savings, he purchased a ranch outside of Checotah on Cloud Creek. Within only a few years, he was grazing 20,000 head of cattle there. Eventually, Spaulding's financial standing reached the point that he was able to buy an interest in the company of his former employer.

About 1901 he reportedly drove the first automobile seen on the streets of Muskogee. Unfortunately, documentation for this claim has not been found. If true, this would identify him as one of the more progressive residents.

Spaulding became Muskogee's third mayor in 1902. During his tenure, he promoted Muskogee as a convention destination. Because of his efforts, the Indian Territory Press Association met in Muskogee in April, 1903.

In 1904 Spaulding was elected the president of the Muskogee Commercial Club. This club was the forerunner of the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce. He served as its president for about four years.

About 1910 he built the steel Spaulding Bridge across the Arkansas River, connecting Muskogee and Wagoner Counties. The piers of this bridge may yet be seen to the west of the US 69 Hwy.

Spaulding was generous by nature throughout his life. He gave liberally to the First Methodist Church. After the fire that burned the Harrell Institute, his donations and fundraising resulted in a new school that was named the Spaulding Institute. Between 1904 and 1907, the street just west of the college, and one block away from his church, was named after him. Spaulding Park now occupies part of the land where the Spaulding Institute once stood.

Spaulding twice ran for the office of Sheriff on the Democrat ticket, but lost both times. He was a County Commissioner at the time of his death. When he dropped dead in his home on September 4th, 1918, the community was shocked. The day before he died, he had been conducting business at the courthouse with a joviality that belied his weak heart.

Homer B. Spaulding had four sons and two daughters. This energetic man and early builder of Muskogee is buried in the Greenhill Cemetery.