The
Belvidere Mansion Another Claremore treasure
The 1907 vintage mansion is located two blocks east of downtown Claremore
and is furnished with period pieces.
The third story ballroom is completely restored, containing around 3,000
square feet of sheer elegance. All four towers open into the beautiful
expanse. Blue sky and clouds adorn the vaulted ceiling which is crowned
by an old-fashioned sky-light. The room is painted completely in shades
of ivory and is graced by four gold chandeliers and gold sconces on the
walls. Large windows are covered in lace and look out in all directions
providing lovely views of Claremore, especially at sunset and at night.
The Belvidere is a unique three story Victorian mansion. The house is
brick with a tile roof and has four towers, one on each corner. A portico
on the north side provided cover for the guest carriages as they arrived
for gala parties.
A large porch covers the front entrance with matching balcony directly
above. Much of the trim and woodwork used in the mansion were brought
from the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.
A wide entry L-shaped hall meets the carriage entrance to form a gathering
place. The floor is covered in tile laid by a man from Italy. The walls
are wainscoted marble and pressed-tin. Sliding pocket doors and fireplaces
accent several rooms. Just
as unique as the Belvidere are the stories behind the mansion and the
man who built it.
Attracted by Claremore's two railroads, John M. Bayless brought his wife,
Mary, and six children to Indian Territory from Cassville, Missouri in
1901. By 1902, Bayless started building his castle-like mansion located
at Fourth and Chickasaw. Unfortunately, Mr. Bayless died before the Belvidere
was completed in 1907.
