Urban Legends Living

HARRINGTON HOUSE
ON
CAREY PLACE
Welcome to Harrington House on Carey Place!

We, Tom and Melody Harrington, are retired teachers. Tom has taught Technical Theatre at three universities and at Classen School of Advanced Studies, a specialty school for the visual and performing arts as well as an International Baccalaureate degree. Melody is a Licensed Professional Counselor and teaches as an adjunct, Psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, and Mid-American Christian University in OKC. We have two adopted Russian children, Svetlana and Genya. Our family loves animals and we have quite a herd these days, three dogs (all rescued/mixed breeds), and two rescue cats and two fish to keep the cats entertained.

We live nearby, so please do not hesitate to call us if you need anything. We mean it!

Welcome to Harrington House on Carey Place!

Carey Place abounds with urban legends. It is commonly referred to in Oklahoma City as the “Twilight Zone”. Some of the legends include the belief that Carey Place is haunted. It is included in a book of Oklahoma haunted areas that you can read more about. Halloween is a huge event for Carey Place, homes decorated more for Halloween than Christmas, because of this legend. We have so many trick-or-treaters that we actually obtain a parade permit from the City of Oklahoma City that allows us to barricade the street and provide private security to create a huge block party in a safe, fun manner. When my husband and I were in high school, the “Twilight Zone” was the place to come and bring your dates, because when you turn into the street, all you can hear is the sound of your own vehicle and voice. Kind of spooky…
There is a great deal of history regarding Carey Place. As you may have noticed, this two-block street is quite narrow and does not have any curbs. In the late 1920’s and early 1930’s, the street was originally intended to be a streetcar line that was to link the burgeoning downtown with the “distant” new neighborhoods. (Actually, we are only less than 3 miles away from downtown.) The streetcar line never did materialize, and this narrow street was developed, and homes were built. The styles of the homes on this street are unique and not seen anywhere else in Oklahoma City. Carey Place is a designated historical neighborhood. In the 1930s, the adjacent Plaza District was a commercial hub including a movie theater, grocery and drug store, and dress shops. After years of decline in the 1980’s, the Plaza District has seen a major revitalization, with unique shops, bars and restaurants, live theatre, art galleries, and arcade. The developers of this area have been intent on restoring much of its historical character while mixing in innovative and creative properties and venues.

This house, now referred to as Harrington House was built in 1935, one of the first to be built on Carey Place. The house was built as a duplex and a garage apartment over the 3-car garage, that continues to this day. You can see copies of the original house plans that hang over the fireplace. Please enjoy reading the complete history in the Carey Place folder on the table. Also read the Haunted Places in OKC book.
We had always wanted to live on Carey Place, and this was a dream come true to actually own a home here. We lived and loved it here for ten years and in fact, stay here on occasion ourselves., especially on Halloween! Still feels like home to us.

We are intent on maintaining its historical character and much of the house has original doors, windows, floors, kitchen cabinets, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. We love this home and living on Carey Place. We hope that you enjoy your stay and thank you for now becoming part of its history, too.