2010 to 2020 – Part II
Note: Twelfth in a series of twelve monthly articles on Marland’s Grand Home. Some, but not all, of the information was taken from past articles by the P.C. News.
Marketing Expanded
A Marland Grand Home logo was created and used on updated marketing and educational tools such as stationary, letterhead, business cards, front yard sign, tour guide booklet, and website.
Technology Added
Audio-visual items of interest were added at the site and include a 15 minute clip of the hour long documentary “High Stakes: The Life and Times of E.W. Marland” located in the entry way, vintage 101 Ranch footage located in the basement exhibit area, and a 10 minute video on E.W. Marland in the Marland Oil office exhibit area.
Exhibits Upgraded
In an effort to better educate the public about local American Indian tribes and customs, an exhibit specialist from the Oklahoma State Historical Society was hired as a consultant regarding artifact exhibit arrangements, labeling, preservation, and lighting. Ponca exhibits were also expanded and highlighted to reinforce the local connection between the Ponca Tribe, the name of the town “Ponca City,” and E.W. Marland’s respectful relationship with the tribe.
New Marland era 1920 exhibits were developed to create ambiance of the bygone era, such as “Horse and Hounds,” “Marland Oil,” “Vintage Formal Dining,” “Medical Supplies,” and “Gardener Henry Hatashita,” as well as a Ponca City 1930 aerial map and E.W. Marland time line. Several oil paintings stored in the attic were resurrected, cleaned, repaired, and hung in the home. Other smaller period items such as lamps, photo, and other home furnishings were also added in keeping with the 1920 era.
Site Improvements
Various site improvements occurred, including the addition of a bridal dressing room decorated with a vintage bridal portrait collection, the completion of roof repairs around each of the chimneys on the east and west upper hip slopes, the addition of a vintage style awning to the east terrace, and the painting of all exposed exterior woodwork. In addition, roof tiles were replaced where needed using matching Ludowici tiles. The tiles were obtained from the same tile manufacturer that E. W. Marland ordered his original tile from in 1916.
Historic Landscaping
Some of the historical landscaping that had been lost over time was recreated. Research was done through a landscape horticulturist, in order to best determine what plantings Henry Hatashita, Marland’s Japanese gardener, might have planted during the 1920s. More modern species to replant were then selected based on adaptability and ease of care. Over forty trees and bushes were planted in both the front and back lawn areas, and vintage flowers were added to the flower beds. Vintage parking lot lamp posts with round globes also replaced non-original styles.
Educational Opportunities
Expanding the vision of Marland’s Grand Home to encompass a broader market and to be of more service to the local community, site staff developed several tools to be used by educators and tourists alike. A “Look and Learn” series of scavenger hunts was created to reflect three main subject areas: Marland Oil and Family, American Indians of the Great Plains Tribes, and the 101 Ranch and Wild West Show. The scavenger hunts are available on site and online at www.marlandgrandhome.com. “Listen and Learn” power point presentations were created on Henry Hatashita and the Marland Gardens and the 100 Year History of the Marland Grand Home, as well as a vintage “Mary Virginia’s Trunk Show and Tell” presentation.
A Grand Review
The magnificent 1916 home of E.W. Marland, founder of Marland Oil, U.S. Representative to Congress, and tenth Oklahoma Governor has served the Ponca City community for 100 years in many capacities; first, as a private residence hosting private parties and soirees, family gatherings, fox hunts and polo teams, and now it continues on as a City facility hosting special events, artworks, and museum space.
Jan Rodd
