The model of Tulsa's Golden Driller Statue has passed away. John Stephens Jr. oversaw the construction of the Golden Driller in 1966 and then became the model for the 75-foot statue.

At the time of the Driller project, which was done for the 1966 International Petroleum Exposition in Tulsa, Stephens was working as a superintendent for project builder Dallas Meade Constructors.

Tulsa's Golden Driller statue is now wearing a red jacket in celebration of City Year Tulsa's 10-year anniversary of partnering with Tulsa Public Schools.

Tulsa’s Golden Driller has been standing tall in midtown since 1966. At 76 feet, the statue towers over Expo Square and is a popular spot with tourists, with a history you might not be familiar ...

On Wednesday, the driller was seen with a newly-added striped shirt and a mustache. Philbrook members can get a first look at the paintings from Feb. 18-19, and the public can see them Feb. 22-May 28.

Last year, Stephens was honored for his contributions to the Golden Driller project. January 30th, 2023 was declared John Franklin Stephens Jr. Day in Tulsa County.

On Wednesday, the driller was seen with a newly-added striped shirt and a mustache. Philbrook members can get a first look at the paintings from Feb. 18-19, and the public can see them Feb. 22-May 28.

TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa has a new holiday, honoring the man behind Tulsa’s Golden Driller. Monday, Jan. 30th was declared John Franklin Stephens Jr. Day in Tulsa County. In 1966, John Franklin ...

The Golden Driller is helping a nonprofit celebrate 10 years of working with Tulsa Public Schools. "The City Year red jacket is really an important part of how we show up in our schools.

The model of Tulsa's Golden Driller Statue has passed away. John Stephens Jr. oversaw the construction of the Golden Driller in 1966 and then became the model for the 75-foot statue.