Our History
Tolson Real Estate, LLC , located at 509 Kihekah Avenue is part of the oldest established business in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. In 1905, the Tolson Agency began its businesses in Pawhuska with insurance, real estate, and bonds.
Our company was established by Joseph B. Tolson, who came to Oklahoma from Alabama in July of 1905, having sold out his mercantile business, home, and acreage in Gadsen, Alabama to move westward. Landing in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma early in July, Joseph Tolson heard, from a traveling man, of the Osage Reservation and of Pawhuska. In late July he arrived in Pawhuska in time for the sale of lots.
After buying several lots, renting some space in the old Citizens National Bank Building, and opening the Tolson Agency, Joseph Tolson then sent to Alabama for his wife, Ruth and two sons, Joseph and Ralph S.
In 1914, the Tolson family businesses moved into their new office on the 3rd Floor of the Triangle Building while workmen were still completing the building and remained in the Triangle building for 49 years.
In 1935, Ralph S. Tolson took over the family business following the death of his father and in 1951. His oldest son, Stratford joined the company after graduating from the University of Oklahoma. It was at this time that the Tolson family business moved to the 1st floor of the Triangle building.
Melvin Tolson and Ralph M. Tolson joined the company in 1958 and 1961 respectively. Ralph M. Tolson retired October of 1999. All three sons, Strat, Ralph, and Melvin have served our country and are veterans of World War II and Korea.
In 1963, due to the need for more space, the Tolson family businesses again moved their offices, but now across the street to 511 Kihekah Avenue, Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
In 1987, Steve Tolson, Ralph’s youngest child, moved back to Pawhuska to raise a family and join the company.
Jeff Phillippi joined the company in 1999 as a partner. He left the business in August 2020 to move closer to aging parents, children, grandchildren and to pursue other interests in Eufaula, Oklahoma.
Although officially retired, this family business is fortunate that Mel still drops by on a regular basis to assist and keep the staff "in line".
Steve Tolson is the managing broker and operates the business with a talented and knowledgeable staff which includes Ben West as a sales associate for Tolson Real Estate. In 2022, the real estate business was changed from a corporation to a limited liability company and the office relocated to
509 Kihekah Avenue.
Tolson Real Estate, LLC lists and sells Real Estate consisting of Residential, Commercial, Acreage, and Rural Properties. Tolson Real Estate is the largest locally owned and operated real estate company in Pawhuska.
The office staff is active in Rotary, City of Pawhuska boards, Osage County boards, churches, and supports many other civic and community organizations.
Steve Tolson
Steve is the fourth generation to operate Tolson Real Estate. With over 35 years of experience in commercial and residential real estate, he has an extensive understanding of real estate transactions. He is currently managing broker.
The Tolson family has always believed that you give back to the community where you live and work. Steve has continued this family value during his 35 years at the Tolson Real Estate. He is an elected City Councilor, serves as Elder for the Presbyterian Disciples Church, and is active in Rotary. His past involvements include Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce, Osage County Industrial Trust Authority, Osage County Historical Society, Pawhuska Library, Constantine Arts Council, Pawhuska Hospital Board of Incorporators, and Treasurer at Presbyterian Disciples Church.
Ben West
Ben has assisted people in their search for their dream homes since April 2017 when he joined the Tolson Real Estate sales team. He came to our business after a long career in education and being the Superintendent of Pawhuska Schools. He maintains his Oklahoma Real Estate Sales Associate license.
Dedicated, knowledgeable, and flexible are qualities that Ben possesses and home buyers appreciate. As the listing agent, Ben offers exclusive care of your property when showing it to prospective buyers.
Pawhuska Rotary Club, Pawhuska United Methodist Church, Pawhuska Hospital Governing Board of Directors, and Osage County Excise & Equalization Board are just a handful of volunteer and membership activities in which Ben actively participates.
Quality family time, gardening and yard work with his wife Linda, cooking, grilling, and trying new recipes, shopping, eating out, and attending movies are some of the interests and hobbies that Ben enjoys.