Oktoberfest Benefits the Marland Estate Foundation
The Ponca City Oktoberfest is a community event put on by a group of volunteers. The event is also a fundraiser for the Marland Estate Foundation, whose mission is to preserve and restore the historic, architectural landmark and to educate others on the E.W. Marland story.
E.W. Marland and the Marland Mansion
E.W. Marland moved to Ponca City in 1908 and built and oil empire. It's estimated that he owned one-tenth of the world's oil reserved before leaving the oil industry to become first a U.S. Congressman, then the 10th governor of Oklahoma.
The Marland Mansion & Estate was built between 1925 and 1928 at a cost of $5.5 million, after a trip to Florence, Italy where E.W. Marland was quite taken with the Davanzatti Palace. Master architect John Duncan Forsyth, along with artists, decorators and sculptors of international reputation combined their talents to create this "Palace on the Prairie."
The Marland Mansion contains 43,561 square feet distributed over four levels. There are 55 rooms, including 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, seven fireplaces and three kitchens. During the guided tour of the palatial home, guests will discover breathtaking details such as Waterford crystal chandeliers, gold leaf covered ceilings, an elevator lined in buffalo skin, hand carved details in limewood and oak paneled walls, rich tapestry and sheffield plate wall sconces. Guides also help visitors uncover the story of Lydie, Marland's adopted daughter who became his second wife, and learn about the rise and fall of the Marland Oil Company, now Conoco.
Also on the grounds of the mansion are an artist studio, oil museum, Lydie's cottage and Lake White Marsh, named after Mr. Marland's yacht. The Ponca Military Academy Museum is also located in the Oil Building on the Marland Mansion & Estate grounds. During 1940-1974 the Cadets received an accredited education and disciplined training through competitive drills and athletic programs. The current PMA collection depicts the uniformed Cadets in their barracks quarters, medals, scrapbook, photographs and other memorabilia.