Some homes are beautiful because of their architecture. Others are memorable because of the people who lived there. At 1145 East 16th Street, you get both. 

Nestled beneath a canopy of mature trees in Maple Ridge, this stately Colonial Revival home was built for Frederick W. Insull, the founder and first president of Public Service Company of Oklahoma. Long before PSO became a household name, Fred Insull was helping bring reliable electricity to communities across Oklahoma while playing a major role in shaping the future of Tulsa itself. 

When Insull arrived in Tulsa in 1913, the city was still finding its footing. The population was only about 30,000, electricity was inconsistent, and many local generating stations served double duty as ice plants during Oklahoma's hot summers. What we now take for granted was still very much a work in progress. 

Insull saw opportunity. 

Born in England and raised in Canada, he came from a family deeply connected to the electrical industry. His father managed the Winnipeg branch of Edison Electric, and his cousin, Samuel Insull, was one of the most influential utility pioneers in America. 

In Tulsa, Fred Insull was tasked with organizing a collection of small electric companies scattered across Oklahoma. Under his leadership, that patchwork system evolved into Public Service Company of Oklahoma. By the time of his death in 1939, PSO had become one of the state's most important utilities and a driving force behind Oklahoma's growth. 

His influence extended well beyond the electric industry. Insull served as president of the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, helped support the development of Tulsa Municipal Airport, worked with the International Petroleum Exposition, and served as president of the Tulsa Community Fund. He was one of those civic-minded leaders who believed a stronger Tulsa benefited everyone. 

The home he built reflected that same sense of permanence and confidence. 

Constructed in the Colonial Revival home with strong Federal influences, the residence features a symmetrical brick façade, limestone accents, arched window surrounds, decorative balustrades, and an impressive columned entrance. More than a century later, it remains one of the most recognizable homes along East 16th Street. 

Following Fred Insull's death in 1939 and Margaret Insull's passing four years later, the home entered a new chapter when Robert L. Rush and his wife Mary purchased the property in1943. Rush was another of Tulsa's early business leaders. A native of New York, he arrived in Tulsa in 1918 and spent much of his career with Sinclair Oil Company, eventually serving as chief accountant. He retired in 1955 after helping guide the finances of one of the nation's major oil companies during some of the industry's most transformative years. 

Like many Maple Ridge homes, 1145 East 16th Street tells more than one story. 

It tells the story of electricity coming to Oklahoma. It tells the story of Tulsa's oil boom years. It tells the story of civic leaders who invested their time, talent, and resources into building a city they believed in. 

Today, the house remains a remarkable reminder of that era. While Tulsa has changed dramatically since Fred Insull first walked through its front door, the home stands as a tangible connection to the people whose vision helped shape the city we know today. 

If these walls could talk, they would tell the story of a man who helped bring power to Oklahoma and helped power Tulsa's future. 

Do you have memories, photographs, or stories connected to a historic Maple Ridge home? We'd love to hear from you. Please share your stories so we can continue preserving the rich history of our neighborhood. 

And while you're thinking about preserving Maple Ridge's history, please consider supporting the Maple Ridge Neighborhood Association with your voluntary annual membership contribution of $100. The association works year-round to protect and enhance the neighborhood we all love. To learn more or get involved, contact the board at  contactus@mapleridgeneighborhood.com.