— Oklahomans outside Muskogee soon will discover the historic Hayes House.

“Discover Oklahoma,” a weekly TV show that highlights destinations in the state, filmed a segment Tuesday on the bed and breakfast at 555 N. 12th St.

The Hayes House has been on the show’s radar for a while, producer Dino Lalli said. Lalli and videographer/editor Walt Cox recently were filming a segment at Lake Tenkiller and were looking for someplace else in the area to feature. Lalli said executive producer Shell Wagner suggested the short trip to Muskogee.

“Discover Oklahoma” is produced by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Lalli said the show, which airs Saturdays on KOTV, is No. 1 in its time slot.

“We like to highlight tourist destinations,” he said.

Jim Holder purchased the house in 1996 after finding it boarded up in deteriorating condition in 1995 — a far cry from its present state.

“Shooting a house like this is easy,” Lalli said. “The ambiance of the house dictates how you shoot it. It’s a beautiful home. I love older homes where there’s a history to them.”

The bed and breakfast received the 2005 Silver Spoon Award for Excellence at the annual meeting of the Oklahoma Bed and Breakfast Association in Rush Springs. The award is given to the Oklahoma bed and breakfast inn that receives the most nominations from guests based on excellence in bedrooms, bathrooms, breakfast and hospitality.

Lalli and Cox spent Tuesday filming the house. They will return to interview Holder, who was on his honeymoon with his wife, Jeanene.

No air date has been scheduled for the segment on the Hayes House. Information on programming can be found at www.discoveroklahomatv.com.

Reach Mike Carrels at (918) 684-2922 or mcarrels@muskogeephoenix.com.

About the Hayes House

Oscar Hayes was a wealthy businessman in Muskogee when Oklahoma was Indian Territory. His desire was to be the first governor of Oklahoma in 1907 when it became a state. He began construction on the house that year, intending for it to be the governor's mansion. He told everyone that he would make his inaugural speech from its balcony. Unfortunately for him, he did not win the race, but his home stands today as an elegant and welcoming abode to travelers.

Jim Holder found the home boarded up and in deteriorating condition in 1995 and purchased it in January 1996. The renovation of the home has been an ongoing project of love and devotion.

Source: www.historichayeshouse.com