Palace on the Prairie: The Marland Family Story

The saga of the Marland Family of Ponca City is perhaps the most intriguing story in the bold and exciting history of Oklahoma. Ernest W. Marland came to Ponca City in 1908 looking for oil. Within a dozen years, he had amassed a $100-million fortune, founded the company that became the energy giant Conoco, and controlled 10% of the world's oil reserves. A gracious and benevolent man, Marland provided his employees with extraordinary benefits and gave Ponca City everything from parks and a golf course to the Pioneer Woman statue. Even after losing control of his oil company and marrying his former adopted daughter, Lydie, Marland was elected Governor of the State of Oklahoma in 1934. Along the way, he built the Marland Mansion, one of the most luxurious and magnificent homes in American. This is the story of the good times and the bad times of the Marlands of Ponca City. More important, is it the story of a man who lavishly gave back to the community and people that made his great wealth possible.