Have you ever heard the expression, “the greatest thing since sliced bread”? Well, the first machine-sliced, machine-wrapped loaf of bread was first sold on July 7, 1928. 1928 also brought us Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Charles Lindbergh received the Medal of Honor for his first trans-Atlantic crossing, the first regularly scheduled television broadcasting occurred, the Boston Garden opened and the US was at the height of the “Roaring Twenties” with no idea of what loomed around the corner. This was a time when quality and craftsmanship reigned over deadlines and profit margins.  

This was the era when Sunset Terrace in Maple Ridge was developed. Lot 1, Block 20  (or 1266 East 28th Street) was a perfect spot to be considered the Gateway to Sunset Terrace as 28th Street leads residents into Maple Ridge and is located just across from what is now the Philbrook Museum but at the time was country on the outskirts of downtown. This home, as many are in Maple Ridge, was designed to be a generational family estate. Many of the floor supports are steel I-beams! Intricately carved wood mouldings are found throughout. Even the fireplaces in the main living room and upstairs primary bedroom have hand carved details, reflective of the time artisans spent to make these homes special. Vintage chandeliers and sconces planned in 1928, still remain today. The white oak floors, familiar to many Maple Ridge residents still gleam with memories of festivities and gatherings that have occurred there over the years. 

 

The Gateway was definitely the source of many festivities. According to the Tulsa World, it has hosted guests from around the world, was the venue for meetings and many social gatherings and most notably was featured on the cover of the 1953 Thanksgiving Day issue highlighting the nostalgic way the homeowners celebrated the holiday. The last two decades, The Gateway’s caretakers have been Dan Brown and Susan Vineyard. They have thoughtfully brought the home into the 21st century by enhancing the kitchen to include custom cabinetry, granite countertops and all the modern appliances that the original homeowners would have likely considered science fiction! As an avid gardener, she also added fruit-producing apricot and peach trees. 

 

This home welcomes you with its warm Georgian Colonial design. Details like copper roofs over the front facing bay windows and a complete copper gutter system set it apart immediately as you approach the inviting front entryway with its grand columns. Dental moulding in the foyer and a custom designed stairway runner with matching hallway runners instantly remind you that you are entering a special home.  

The spacious living room off the entrance, features TWO sunrooms! One faces the east and has since been converted into a office space to capitalize on the morning light for focus. The south facing sunroom has been an artistic muse to its current artist homeowner. The dining room off the west side of the entrance includes vintage chandeliers and wall sconces (that are STILL operational) that cast a romantic ambience in the room for your dinner parties.  

The enormous primary suite upstairs goes the entire depth of the home from north to south. A decorative fireplace, dual closets (including one fully lined with cedar) and an updated but charmingly, historically accurate ensuite bathroom is attached. The oversized upstairs guest rooms are connected by a Pullman or Jack and Jill style bathroom.  

After decades of being lovingly cared for, The Gateway is officially for sale (as of this writing) and seeking new caretakers for the next chapter of its story. Your friendly neighborhood historian, secretary, volunteer and dog dad is also a realtor. If you are considering a move and would like to tour this incredible home or if you can help us find a new Maple Ridge neighbor, please feel free to contact me directly at  johnspillyards@kw.com or 918-344-9995 and I’d be happy to arrange for a private showing.  

I would love to tell the story of your home. Do you have historical knowledge of previous residents? Maybe old family photos? Please shoot me an email and let’s discuss! If you need help learning more about the history of your home, I can offer some tips to get you started, so please let me know how I can help you. Also, please consider paying your $100 annual fee and even getting involved with the neighborhood association. Small or large, every volunteer’s role is appreciated and helps make our neighborhood even more connected. 

In the meantime, if you have questions or want to share your story or get involved, please email:  contactus@mapleridgeneighborhood.com