Oklahoma History

It's Monday again and I've fallen behind and can't catch up...........on everything. I'm going to share a story with you today that's exciting, romantic, creepy, but fascinating and it's part of Oklahoma's history.



The Marland Mansion

This mansion was built in Ponca City, Oklahoma way back in the 1920's. I believe it was begun in 1925 and finished either one year or 3 years later.  It's huge!!!! Most of the original furnishings have been recovered because they were sold at auction because E.W. Marland fell on hard financial times. He was an oil man that struck oil on Ponca Indian land in 1911.

I can't give you the whole history simply because it would take up too much space and you would get tired of reading. His first wife Virginia died and never lived in this mansion, but he married his adopted daughter after he had the adoption set aside. See, I told you it was somewhat creepy.



This is the magnificent hallway that runs between  the living room

and the ballroom, then at the end of the hall is a larger ballroom.

 

This is one of the hand painted wood ceilings. There are some ceilings that

are trimmed with 14 and 24 karat gold. The one that has the 24K gold

cannot be evaluated today because it is so priceless.

That one made my jaw drop as I looked up at it.

This particular ceiling is hand painted wallpaper that was painted in place while the artist layed on his

back and created the beautiful piece of artwork.

E.W. Marland

Lydie Marland

The once adopted daughter, then wife of E.W. Marland

These statues are of George and Lydie Marland,

brother and sister. Both were adopted by E.W. and Virginia Marland.

These children were Virginia's niece and nephew.

Mary Virginia (Collins)Marland

She never lived in the mansion because she passed away before it was finished.

This mansion was state of the art in the 1920's and it will inspire you, the story of the adoption/marriage kind of disgusts you, but it's all history and it's true. I tried to imagine what it was like back then, living an elegant life full of parties, 1920's latest fashions, servants to supply your every need and want. A home that was way in front of its time.

So if you want a weekend trip and you love history, I suggest you travel to Ponca City, Oklahoma which is in Kay County and make a visit to the Marland Mansion. I believe they charge $7.00 for the tour, which is well worth it.

The Grand Home is open to the public also, which was built before this mansion. Virginia Marland did reside in that home. I haven't seen it, but make no mistake, I'm going to make another trip to Ponca City and explore some more. I may even go back to the mansion and this time I'll get to see the kitchens that are in the basement. I can hardly wait!

So...................

Until Later,

Okie Girl @ Home