William Skelly
William Grove Skelly | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | April 11, 1957 (aged 78) Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Founder of Skelly Oil Company; president of International Petroleum Exposition; founder of Spartan Aircraft Company and Spartan School of Aeronautics; philanthropist |
William Grove Skelly (June 10, 1878 – April 11, 1957) was a prominent American businessman who amassed significant wealth through ventures in the oil sector. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, he relocated to Kansas in 1916 before settling in Tulsa in 1919, where he established the Skelly Oil Company. By 1923, his enterprise had become one of the leading independent producers of oil and gasoline in the United States. That same year, he initiated the inaugural International Petroleum Exposition in Tulsa and held the title of its lifelong president. Additionally, Skelly played a key role in founding the Kansas-Oklahoma division of the United States Oil and Gas Association, which was then referred to as the Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association.
Although not a pilot himself, Skelly was a strong advocate for the aviation sector. In 1926, he took over the struggling Mid-Continent Aircraft Company and successfully converted it into the Spartan Aircraft Company. He spearheaded fundraising efforts in 1928 to develop the Tulsa Municipal Airport and launched the Spartan School of Aeronautics that October.
Skelly’s contributions extended beyond oil and aviation; he generously supported community initiatives by providing funds to the University of Tulsa for constructing a football stadium in 1930 and later for establishing Oklahoma’s first FM radio station, KWGS, in 1947.
Early life
Bill Skelly was one of six siblings born to William and Mary Jane Sweatman Skelly. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early as he earned income selling newspapers during his grammar school years. After completing public school at age 14, he attended business school for a year before joining his father in transporting oil-well equipment in Venango County, Pennsylvania. He quickly advanced to become a tool dresser within the Venango oil fields.
In 1898, amid the Spanish–American War, Skelly enlisted with the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers and saw combat at the Battle of Coamo in Puerto Rico. Following his military service, he managed Citizens Gas Company in Gas City, Indiana, where he developed expertise in natural gas transportation and pipeline management.
Career in oil and gas production
Motivated by booming oil discoveries across Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, Skelly pursued independent production. After a short stint in Texas, he moved to El Dorado, Kansas in 1916 and began operating Midland Refining Company by 1917. In 1919, he formally established Skelly Oil Company and moved its base to Tulsa.
Serving as president of the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce in 1923, Skelly was instrumental in organizing the first-ever International Petroleum Exposition (IPE), a significant industry event drawing oil producers and equipment manufacturers from across the country. He maintained his role as IPE president from 1925 until his passing.
Aviation
In 1928, Skelly purchased the struggling Mid-Continent Aircraft Company located in Tulsa and restructured it into the Spartan Aircraft Company. That October marked the opening of the Spartan School of Aeronautics, designed to provide training for pilots and mechanics while supporting Spartan aircraft sales. In 1935, he sold off the manufacturing segment to J. Paul Getty but kept ownership of the aviation school.
In 1927, alongside other leading Tulsa businessmen, Skelly invested $172,000 to acquire 390 acres designated for a municipal airport. The facility opened in July 1928 as Tulsa Municipal Airport, was transferred to city ownership in 1929, and came under management by the Tulsa Park Board.
Radio and television
In 1928, Skelly acquired the radio station KVOO (currently known as KOTV), transforming it into a dominant clear-channel station famously called the "Voice of Oklahoma." He also played a key role in financing the University of Tulsa's radio outlet, KWGS, which was launched in 1947 and named to honor him. In 1954, Skelly, a dedicated Republican, collaborated with Senator Robert S. Kerr, a leading Democrat, to establish the television station KVOO-TV (now KJRH-TV).
Death
William G. Skelly passed away in Tulsa on April 11, 1957, and was laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery. Following her death on October 8, 1959, his wife Gertrude was interred alongside him.
Skelly Mansion
In 1923, Skelly purchased a residence located at 21st Street and Madison Avenue in Tulsa. After his passing, Gertrude gifted the mansion along with its furnishings to the University of Tulsa, which subsequently sold the property to private owners in 1959. The Skelly Mansion earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The university reacquired the property in 2012 to serve as the official residence for its president, with the main floor designated for hosting special events. It is presently referred to as Skelly House.
Legacy
Skelly’s contributions continue to be recognized through various institutions and commemorations. The International Petroleum Exposition achieved record attendance in 1966 and remained active in Tulsa until 1979.
In recognition of his influence, the 51st Street Bypass—linking the Turner Turnpike and Will Rogers Turnpike (now incorporated into Interstate 44)—was named Skelly Drive in 1952.
He was the principal sponsor behind Skelly Field at the University of Tulsa, inaugurated in 1930. Renamed Skelly Stadium over time, it once accommodated over 40,000 spectators; after renovations during 2007–2008, it became known as Skelly Field at H. A. Chapman Stadium with seating for 30,000.
The institution originally founded as Spartan School of Aeronautics continues its operations today under the name Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology since March 31, 2015.
The town of Skellytown, Texas carries his namesake.