and is a very popular young man with a bright future. The bride has been a teacher at the University for a number of years in the fine arts department, and is a beautiful and accomplished young lady.” The couple made their first home in Cushing as Frank organized the Fortuna Oil Company. It was quickly successful, making him a millionaire when the company sold in 1918 and he founded one of the nation’s largest oil operators at the time—Buttram Petroleum Company. The Buttrams had relocated to Oklahoma City and lived in the now historic Heritage Hills neighborhood. There they raised their five children: twins Myron and Merle, Dorsey, Donald, and Harold. Naturally, Merle was a member of the Ladies Music Club and, in 1921, she started The Buttram family, standing from left, are Dorsey, Merle, Myron and Mrs. Buttram. Seated from left are a string choir with other members. In order Frank, Harold, and Donald, 1930. Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society. A view of the Nichols Hills estate and gardens. Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society. The Buttrams’ Heritage Hills home, 1930. Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society. to evaluate the interest Oklahoma City might have in a symphony orchestra, a free concert was organized at Central High School by Merle with the help of Frederick Holmberg, dean of the University of Oklahoma’s School of Music. On May 21, 1924, a crowd of 1,500 people attended the city’s first local symphony concert. The program from that first concert stated, “A series of Symphony concerts marks a big step forward in the marvelous growth and history of our city. Perhaps no city of such few years growth has ever achieved a like accomplishment. Cities which have Symphonies regard them as their very best, highest civic advertisement.” At that time, according to Music Courier, there Frank and Merle Buttram in their favorite room of their new home,1938. Courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society. were only twelve symphony orchestras in the 50