Marland Mansion - Ponca City - Steve Kennedy

The Marland Mansion, built between 1925-1928, is a Mediterranean Revival-style mansion significant for its architecture. The structure was designed by John Duncan Forsyth for the Oklahoma oilman, congressman, and eventual governor, E.W. Marland.  The house features 55 rooms, including 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, 7 fireplaces, and 3 kitchens. It takes 861 light bulbs to light the mansion.  It represents a display of wealth at the peak of the oil boom in Ponca City.  It went on to be declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977.

Interestingly, E.W. Marland is known as the father of modern benefits.  He started helping his employees during the beginning and growth years of his little company, known as Conoco.

I have toured the mansion and found it pretty amazing.  I remember the fox hunting room in the lower level where large breakfasts would be served before hunts.  The colors of the room made me think I was in an English fox hunting room, from which the design was inspired.

Today it can be toured, group and corporate functions are held there, and it is a popular sight for weddings.  – Definitely and Oklahoma treasure.