Hex House of Tulsa

The Photograh of 10 E 21st is the Property of the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum (THSM). Permission to use the image on this website was granted with the written approval of THSM. Permission to use this image must be requested through the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum Website.

The house located at 10 East 21st Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma was dubbed the "Hex House" in 1944 due to two young women who claimed they were hexed by a high society widow named Carolann Smith and forced to live in the basement of the home.

The Hex House was built for Irvin Vernon Horner and Mae Horner. Mr. Horner was the President of Tank Car Stations Inc., which was a company headquartered in Tulsa. Mr. and Mrs. Horner lived in the home from 1928 to 1933. After 1933 the home was converted into a duplex and used as a rental property. The west side of the home continued to use house number 10, while the east side of the home became house number 12.

It is not known if Mr. and Mrs. Horner kept ownership of the home or sold the home in 1934. Mr. and Mrs. Horner are not related to Willetta Horner. The duplex was rented to various people between 1934 - 1983. The duplex was demolished in 1984.

Some sources state the duplex was demolished in 1975. However, the duplex was bought by the Akdar Shrine in 1975, and the Akdar Shrine continued to rent the duplex to occupants until 1983. The Akdar Shrine had difficulties with the Maple Ridge Association that rejected proposals to the City of Tulsa for a multi-level parking lot.

In 1984 the Maple Ridge Association accepted the proposal for a single level parking lot by the Akdar Shrine. The duplex was demolished, and the parking lot was built.

Note to readers: We have made our best effort to provide the most accurate information about the history of the Hex House of Tulsa. We collected newspaper articles, researched genealogy, and historical documents like marriage licenses, census information, city directories, and draft cards.