POTEAU, Oklahoma – A housewarming party was held at the Kerr Legacy and Historical Center, in Poteau on Thursday evening to let the public know what the future holds for the historic home.
The Kerr Mansion, also known as the Kerr Conference Center, was originally a home built by U.S. Senator Robert S Kerr.
Kerr began construction on the home in 1957 and the home was completed in 1961.
The Senator only got to enjoy the home for a few years, when in 1963 the beloved Senator Kerr died from a heart attack.
In 1978 the state of Oklahoma acquired the home when it was donated by the Kerr family to the Oklahoma State Board of Regents for Higher Education.
At that time the home was used as a retreat and was developed into a hotel and conference center under the operation of Carl Albert State College.
Through the years several of the Kerr’s grandchildren continued to visit the Robert S. Kerr Conference Center at different times over the ensuing decades and, over the last several years they witnessed firsthand the continuing deterioration of the home and its grounds.
In 2013, CASC decided to close the center and a group “Friends of the Kerr Mansion” began efforts to operate and improve the facility, but the home was in much needed repair and a decision was made to put the home up for auction. But, because of their love for their grandparent’s and the legacy he built in Poteau, the family made the decision to keep the home and restore back to home it once was, and the Dream No Little Dream Foundation, Inc foundation has taken over the ownership of the property and oversee the restoration of the home to its original form and elevating the overall operational character of the property to function as a center of learning and service to the broader community.
According to Bill Kerr, grandson of Robert S Kerr, restoration will be done in phases and at a cost of approximately $2million.
First thing is to get the electrical and the HVAC system updated. As well as replacing windows and updated the home, without losing any of integrity of the home.
Plans are to re-due the back-patio area, bring the kitchen back to a family kitchen and offer a catering area for larger events. According to Bill Kerr, he is looking into the idea of adding solar panels to the home and glass doors in the dining area that will open to make more space for an event if needed. He is also thinking about putting two balconies coming off the upstairs bedrooms.
The current swimming pool will be removed to make way for an amphitheater and conference room.
A new pool will be moved closer to the cabins that will also be available for rent.
According to the Kerr Legacy & Historical Center website, they will honor the former home of Senator and Mrs. Kerr as a venue that serves to bring people together in a way that affords the opportunity to share in the theme of their lives – faith, family, business and public service. All activities are focused on serving the people of Oklahoma; the region; and our nation.
Ours Is A Sustaining Commitment
Our abiding belief in the sanctity of the living earth which favors us all with …
” …’Land, wood and water’ – nature’s gifts for life and survival, man’s hope for future progress.”
“It is in our power, under the watchful eyes of God, to determine the physical form of the world in which we live. We can make it a paradise… or by neglect, permit it to become a desert. The choice is ours.”
“To use, to understand, to love the soil, is a civilizing process.”
Senator Robert S. Kerr
The original home is an architectural masterpiece with much of the home’s construction performed by craftsmen from the area and materials indigenous to the region were used wherever possible – some of the building elements were harvested directly from the property.
It was conceived as a gathering place for family and friends – a theme of community as viable today as it was more than six decades ago. The property has enjoyed a rich and distinguished heritage over the last half-century. The home’s historic legacy includes visits by several U.S. presidents and vice presidents, as well as hosting many civic, political, academic and business leaders that came to congregate and share in the allure of the surrounding environment – to relax as well as to discuss important matters concerning their respective spheres-of-influence.
The Kerr Legacy Center wants to continue that tradition, with the idea that will be sustainable and be host to scholarships for students not just in Oklahoma but across the nation.
More photos of how the home looks today
Mr Kerr’s bedroom – plans are to place a balcony outside this room
Mrs Kerr’s Bedroom
Mrs Kerr’s sewing room
Upstairs sitting area
Bill Kerr, Grandson of Robert S Kerr visits with Ron and Amy Hall
Karen Wages with Poteau Chamber visit with Bill Kerr
Guest visiting during the openhouse event
Beautiful view from the back deck
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