Margery Mayo Bird at Historic Mayo Hotel in Tulsa OK - Built by her dad in 1920s

Rare interview around 1995 with Margery Mayo Bird inside Tulsa’s historic Mayo Hotel which was closed and derelict at the time.

Margery was the daughter of John. Mayo who founded the hotel with his brother Cass in 1925. The Mayo would be Tulsa’s most luxurious hotel. The hotel was closed in 1981 and sat vacant for roughly 30 years. It was during the time that it was closed that Margery toured the hotel with video producer Jack Frank for his documentary on downtown Tulsa (Let’s Go Downtown). Margery died in 2013.

When The Mayo Hotel officially opened in 1925, it instantly became the social hub of high society. Known for its champagne brunches and martini lunches, it was the place to see and be seen. Notable guests included President John F. Kennedy, Bob Hope, Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth, Lucille Ball, Charlie Chaplin and Elvis Presley as well as revered oilmen J. Paul Getty and Waite Phillips who took up residence for a time. As a result, famous deals were often brokered among oil barons in the opulent lobby, private meeting spaces or Crystal Ballroom. In addition, a plethora of other events, such as galas, weddings, fashion shows and star-studded receptions, also filled The Mayo calendar. It was not uncommon to see even the biggest names just strolling through the building.

The Mayo was destined for the wrecking ball until the John Snyder family of Tulsa purchased it in 2001 for $250,000. They remodeled the lobby and hosted events there until 2008. At that time, they began restoring the remainder of the hotel to its former glory, undertaking the project with the same passion and determination as the Mayo brothers themselves.