E.K. Gaylord

Edward King Gaylord (1873-1974) came to OK in Dec. 1902. Gaylord bought an interest in the Daily Oklahoman from Roy Stafford in 1903. Stafford served as president and publisher, Gaylord secretary-treasurer overseeing business, advertising, and circulation. He was named general manager of The Oklahoman in 1912. Eventually Gaylord purchased stock and gained controlling interest and became president of the Oklahoma Publishing Company in 1918.

While also serving in a leadership role at the Oklahoman, Gaylord served in leadership roles in the community as well. He was chairman of the campaign committee attempting to get the state capital moved from Guthrie to Oklahoma City. He later served on a citizen’s advisory committee to assist in the construction of the capitol building, and as president of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. Gaylord also served as president of the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association, and a director of the Associated Press.

E. K. Gaylord would continue to run the Oklahoman until his death in 1974 at the age of 101.