Built in 1937, this home was constructed by Harrison Smith for his mother-in-law, Mary A. Wilson, the widow of pioneer businessman, Boston Wilson. Mary remained in the home until her death in 1942.

The home was then purchased by Josephine A. and Frederick L. Hunzicker. Josephine was born in Columbus in October 1884. A native of Indiana, Fred was an attorney and inventor who came to Oklahoma City during the statehood boom. He and his electrical engineer brother, Walter W., founded the Hunzicker Brothers Electrical Distributors in May of 1920. Their very first purchase was a train carload of $7500 worth of Mazda lamps (light bulbs from the company that would become General Electric). Their first Lighting Showroom and wholesale operation was located on East California Street in present-day Bricktown. Items sold included lighting fixtures, lamps, waffle irons, toasters, mixers, hair dryers, electric ranges, washing machines and vacuums.

Frederick was married to Ora Snider until her death in 1937. A few years later, he married Josephine in 1941. Josephine had two sons from her previous marriage to James Reed. Robert B. was a professor at Purdue University, and James L. was a designer and planner. Following Josephine’s death in 1984 at age 99, James and his wife, Mary, moved into the house.

Today, Hunzicker Brothers is still family owned over one hundred years later with 11 locations across the state. The lighting company has enhanced some of Oklahoma City’s most noted projects including the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Scissortail Park.

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