Press Release: The Legacy of the First Miss America and Tulsa’s Philanthropic Icon
TULSA, OK — More than 5,000 well-wishers celebrated the arrival of 18-year-old Norma Smallwood, crowned Miss America in 1926, at Frisco Station. The delayed train finally pulled in after an hour, prompting cheers as Smallwood was escorted by marching bands and a Marine Corps honor guard to City Hall, where the mayor honored her with a bouquet. That evening, the Mayo Hotel, a landmark opened by John Mayo in 1925, hosted a lavish banquet for the newly crowned queen.
Amidst the festivities was 10-year-old Margery Mayo, whose father’s opulent hotel quickly became a hub for Tulsa’s elite, attracting stars like Charlie Chaplin and J. Paul Getty. Margery’s interactions with these luminaries left a fleeting impression on her childhood memory; she later reflected on her encounter with Will Rogers with sentimentality.
In 1927, Smallwood sparked a romance with oil tycoon Thomas Gilcrease, leading to their marriage in 1928, which captured national headlines. The couple’s initial residence at the Mayo Hotel showcased their glamorous life. Although Gilcrease’s art collection opened to little fanfare during World War II, it finally garnered attention with its official launch in 1949, post-divorce.
Margery Mayo Feather, later known as Margery Mayo Bird, became a prominent figure in local philanthropy. After marrying boxing champion Don Feagin, she dedicated her life to supporting the arts, including the Gilcrease Museum, where her efforts earned her a Governor’s Arts Award in 2006 and induction into the Tulsa Hall of Fame in 2002.
Margery passed away on August 29, 2012, at 95. Her unwavering commitment has left an indelible mark on Tulsa, ensuring the Gilcrease Museum’s upcoming $139 million renovation reflects her love for art and history.
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