President's Residence Westby House

The Westby House

The historic Westby House serves as the home of TU President Steadman Upham and his wife, Peggy, but its role in the life of the University goes well beyond that of a residence. Often described by the Uphams as “the University’s living room,” this 5,250 square-foot midtown Colonial is an ideal venue for receptions, dinners, and other events.

Westby House, built in 1938, is listed in John Brooks Walton’s book 100 Historic Tulsa Homes. Its traditional interior features hardwood flooring, a formal dining room, a country kitchen, generous windows overlooking the manicured grounds, and a grand piano in the living room. The home’s library is filled with hundreds of volumes, reflecting the Uphams diverse interests ranging from the archeology of the American Southwest to contemporary silversmithing. The striking Oklahoma Room features rough-hewn timber walls and a fireplace constructed with timber recovered from a prairie homestead. Westby House’s current décor was designed by Tulsan Phil Long.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, Westby House is well equipped for formal dining, including 50 settings of official TU china in blue and gold.

Westby House is the former home of the late Katie Westby, a prominent Tulsa arts patron who was a longtime supporter of TU and served on the Board of Trustees. As the site of many community functions during Mrs. Westby’s residence, the property took on its name, which TU proudly retains today.