The William A. Frazier home and the pond that remains of Silver Lake, which it now sets by, have a lengthy rich history. Stories of the house and Silver Lake hold warmhearted memories for many Guthrie residents. Now home to Be Well Spa, the charming house and
it's beautiful surroundings are enjoyed by more than a thousand local patrons and visitors each year.
This beautiful early pioneer home established by William A. Frazier, wholesale Guthrie grocer in 1904, was built near historic downtown Guthrie. Located at 317 N. Broad, behind The First United Methodist Church, it set nestled among other homes of equivalent
size and beauty. It was used as the church parsonage until 1969, when the house was moved to make way for the church's parking lot. Bill and Shirley Blake purchased the house for a mere $500, provided they haul it off. The house was cut in half and taken down Noble Street to
1724 East Oklahoma Ave., where it now remains.
The Blake family added on two kitchens for baking and rooms to the north side of the house to accommodate their large family. For many years the home remained the beloved residence to the Blake family and was well cared for until Bill Blake fell ill.
The house stood empty for 5 years, where it would fall victim to vandalism, water damage and Oklahoma's harsh climate. In 2004, Castagna Rasmussen purchased the devastated home from Shirley Blake to relocate her business, Be Well Spa, already established in Guthrie.
By December 2006, she had restored the house to nearly its original state, adding a large deck overlooking the pond, landscaping and a small parking lot. The trim, windows, doors, pocket doors and staircase in the foyer and front room are original, as well as the wood floors.
The Blake family signatures remain exposed and beautifully framed in the foyer reminding all visitors of the rich history of the home. The house retains its warm allure and welcomes all who visit it.
The property's rich history belongs to Guthrie. The lake was created along with the city, after a natural spring filled the quarry that had provided the building material for downtown Guthrie buildings. The Blake property, originally 160 acres, and Silver Lake were once home to the
most popular recreational park in this area, including beach-like swimming areas, two tennis courts, a croquet facility, three fountains, a gold fish pond, refreshment stand and a bath house.
In 1923 Will Blake built a dance hall on Silver Lake that provided Saturday night music and entertainment to all, until it was converted into a roller rink in 1927. Some of the most famous acts to perform at the Silver Lake Dance Hall included Bob Wills,
Hank Williams and Roger Goodrich. Silver Lake provided the inspiration to Bob Wills for his popular song "Silver Lake".
Today the historic home and beautiful landscape create the perfect spa setting providing Guthrie with its own quaint get-away. Its guests fall in love with its charm and are struck by its timeless beauty. We hope you will be, too.
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