I recently visited Ponca City and had the opportunity to tour the spectacular Marland Mansion. I, first of all must admit that I have limited experience with mansions, or even visiting spectacular homes. So, I was very impressed. Currently valued at $55,000,000 this amazing building once housed one of the richest men in the world. Unfortunately for the Marland family the life in the mansion was short lived.
Photo of the Marland Mansion. The ceiling was hand painted by an Italian Artist. Each of the floor tiles was individually set.
The dining room - the walls are complete with imported wood from the Royal Forest in England.
Featured on A&E's Palaces on the Prairies episode the story of E.W. Marland, wild catter, founder of Marland Oil (which became Conoco) and former Governer of Oklahoma who once owned 10% of the worlds oil. Not only was he wealthy he was a generous man who it seems upon visiting Ponca City, gave a lot back to the community. I was told that the Marland Mansion was the largest home in Oklahoma and with 55 rooms I believe it. Designed by John Duncan Forsyth, and built with the feel of an English Manor and Italian Villa it is a testament to the excess of the 1920s. The story behind the Mansion also reflects the boom of the 20s, so quickly followed by the bust of the 30s.
The gold you see on the ceiling in this room is, indeed gold.
Link to Ponca City Tourism. I can post pictures of this mansion, but they won't do it justice. Words do not do it justice either. Ponca City is one town I would put a strong plug in for going to see it yourself. Between the theater, the Pioneer Woman Statue, Conoco Museum, and even the gorgeous city hall Ponca City is a place I will be returning to. Ponca City houses the first indoor swimming pool in Oklahoma. I believe the only thing the Marlands were missing in their amazing castle was the internet and cell phones!
While standing on this carpet we were told it was valued at $20,000!
A pink marble fireplace in Lydie Marland's bedroom. I believe I would be ok with such decor.
I can see that this will be more than one posting. It is a place that you must see if you are in North Central Oklahoma. Right off of Interstate 35 on your way to Wichita, its a quick journey to visit a spectacular place.
In the shadow of your life is very happy, I have your footprints in the blog, I am satisfied, friends you name I'm proud. Mountains, but can cut off each other not cut off from friends, you can pull open to me, but not the real love, time can forget past, but forget forever friend!
Posted by: Nike Shox Turbo | Monday, September 27, 2010 at 09:26 PM