Carol & T.D. Williamson, Jr. were inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame in 1990

Carol and T.D. Williamson, Jr. are native Tulsans whose tireless efforts in all facets of the city’s development eloquently express their love for their hometown.

As a leader in Tulsa’s cultural affairs, Carol Williamson has had a dramatic impact on the success of numerous performing arts organizations.  Her talents as an effective fundraiser are evidenced by her role as chairman of both the Cinderella Ball and the Ballet Ball.  Mrs. Williamson has exhibited long-standing interest in local theater, not only in her role as a charter member of the Tulsa Little Theater Guild, but also in her numerous performances with that ensemble under the direction of Richard Mansfield Dickinson.  She has served as president of Tulsa Town Hall, Pro America, the Tulsa Cerebral Palsy Association and the Women’s Auxiliary of the Salvation Army.  Mrs. Williamson’s commitment to education led to her work in founding the Holland Hall Book Fair and continues with her chairmanship of the endowment fund of the Children’s Day Nursery.

T.D. Williamson, Jr. began his active role in the operations of his family’s pipeline service company in 1937.  Under his leadership the firm became a major employer in the city and extended Tulsa’s influence within the petroleum industry around the globe.  His activities in the business community include his participation on the boards of the Metropolitan Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, the Tulsa Manufacturers Club, the National Alliance of Business-Tulsa and the Pipe Liners of Tulsa.  Mr. Williamson has actively participated in the development of local institutions of higher learning including the University of Tulsa, Tulsa Jr. College and the University Center at Tulsa.  He has been active in the social service arena through his board involvement with the Salvation Army, the North Mabee Community Center, the Tulsa Area United Way and the Tulsa Council on Alcoholism.  While laying groundwork for Tulsa’s future, Mr. Williamson has not ignored the city’s past.  He serves as president of the Tulsa Central High School Foundation and his work as chairman of the Neighborhood Conservation Commission led to the creation of historic preservation zoning in Tulsa.  Mr. Williamson’s interest in saving the best of Tulsa is a tribute to the city that he has so generously served.

Thelma & Henry C. Whitlow Jr. were inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame in 1990

Thelma and Henry C. Whitlow, Jr. have left their mark on Tulsa’s future through their motivation of several generations of the city’s young people. 

Mrs. Whitlow, a native of Texas, taught high school English upon her arrival in her new home.  Her interest in assisting young people to realize their potential marked her professional career with the YWCA and the Tulsa Job Corps.  Within the public forum, Mrs. Whitlow has served on the Board of Directors of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, INCOG, the Tulsa Area Action Group and Tulsa Housing Authority.  Recognition of her outstanding service has come from a broad range of organizations on the local, national and international levels.

Mr. Whitlow is a native Tulsan whose career with the Tulsa Public Schools spanned four decades.  In addition to his system-wide administrative duties, he served as the principal of Carter Jr. High and Booker T. Washington High School.  Mr. Whitlow’s commitment to Tulsa’s young people is further evidenced by his service on the boards of the Tulsa Child Guidance Clinic, the Indian Nations Council of Boy Scouts and the Tulsa Council of Social Agencies.

Thelma and Henry Whitlow’s example of dedicated service to Tulsa has been instrumental in fostering an understanding among the many geographic, economic and social spheres within the city.

Waite Phillips was inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame in 1990

Waite Phillips epitomized a tradition of generosity that has become the hallmark of Tulsa’s success.  A native of Iowa, Phillips and his family arrived in the city that was to bear the mark of his philanthropy in 1918.  He became established as a prominent independent oilman in the oil fields near Okmulgee around 1916, operations which he would sell in 1925. 

The Tulsa skyline was impacted by Phillips during the 1920’s and 1930’s with the construction of the Philtower and Philcade, two office buildings which solidified Fifth Street and Boston Avenue as the center of the city.  His gifts to the community included not only Philbrook Museum, his former residence, but also buildings supporting endowments for the Community Chest, the Junior League, the Home for Crippled Children, Saint John Hospital and the University of Tulsa.  Phillips’ contributions toward the construction of the Municipal airport laid the groundwork for what was to become one of the city’s principal industries. 

Following the donation of Philbrook, he and his wife Genevieve, divided their time between Tulsa and Philmonte, a 10,000 acre New Mexico ranch which was donated to the Boy Scouts of America.  Phillips settled in California in 1944 and lived there until his death in 1963.  During his twenty-six years of residence in Tulsa, Phillips’ overwhelming generosity created a quality of life in the city that will benefit its citizens forever.

Raymond F. Kravis was inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame in 1990

Raymond F. Kravis, has dedicated himself to improving the lives of his neighbors, whether they live down the street of half a world away.  Kravis, who was born in England, arrived in Tulsa in 1924 as a newly graduated engineer.  His technical expertise was quickly noted and in a short time his engineering consulting firm was advising the petroleum industry on projects stretching around the globe. 

Having achieved unqualified success within his professional life, Kravis began a career in philanthropy noted for its energy and generosity.  His support of the community touched the areas of higher education, human relations, cultural affairs and the health and welfare of both the young and old.  Kravis has served on the boards of Children’s Medical Center, the Tulsa Community Chest, the Tulsa Psychiatric Foundation, St. John Hospital, the Tulsa Philharmonic and Philbrook Museum.  His exemplary support of Jewish institutions has earned him recognition by numerous organizations, including the prestigious Brotherhood Award conferred by the National Conference of Christians and Jews. 

Perhaps the best symbol of Kravis’ impact upon Tulsa is the recent dedication of a wing to Philbrook Museum honoring his generosity.  New luster will be added to an institution which for fifty years and served as the emblem of personal commitment to the people of Tulsa.

Jenkin Lloyd Jones was inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame in 1990

Jenkin Lloyd Jones, in his roles as publisher, columnist and world traveler, has spread the name “Tulsa” to the antipodes.  Mr. Jones was introduced to Tulsa as a small boy when his parents moved to the boom town from Wisconsin.  His career with THE TULSA TRIBUNE began in the 1930’s with the job of reporter.  Mr. Jones’ editorial duties with the newspaper bridged five decades and he has been publisher of The Tribune since 1963.  In addition, his Tulsa-based weekly newspaper column appears in 30 newspapers throughout the United States. 

Mr. Jones’ extensive travels have taken him to 120 countries and the North and South Poles.  He has been the recipient of numerous national awards in the field of journalism and has earned distinguished service awards from several universities.  Additionally he is a Charter member and past president of the Tulsa County Historical Society.  For over 50 years Mr. Jones has been at the center of the affairs of the city and has played an integral role in formulating Tulsa’s identity.