(FREE) Grand Design
Story by Marlys Cervantes | Staff Writer
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Marland’s Grand Home sits proudly at 1000 East Grand Avenue, with a lovely yard in front, flowers and plants around, a regal flag flying in the Louise Fluke Flag Plaza and an inviting porch on which to relax. Melinda Littlecook has been involved with the Grand Home’s Board of Directors since before they were known by this name. Previously called the Cultural Center, they were rebranded in 2000 to ensure the community and others understood the significance as it relates to the overall history of E.W. Marland and Ponca City.
This rebranding was a good move. Marland and his family lived at this location from 1916 to 1928 before moving into the Marland Mansion. Virginia Marland passed away in 1926 while the Mansion was being built, so the warmth of the Grand Home was hers. History and intrigue permeate within these walls.
Outside, the Louise Fluke Flag Plaza stands just east of the Grand Home and is named after a member of the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) chapter who designed the Oklahoma State Flag after entering a contest. The Oklahoma State Legislature adopted her design for our State Flag on April 2, 1925.
The DAR chapter has met at the location since 1967 and assists in its upkeep. Littlecook, a member of DAR, says she’s even taken her turns in polishing silverware and dusting furniture and the wonderful pieces found in the Home.
There are numerous exhibits inside to admire: American Indian Museum, 101 Ranch Museum, Marland Family Museum and the DAR Museum. There is so much history and beauty to explore inside the lovely Grand Home.
The DAR organization is active alongside the Friends of Marland’s Grand Home Board in working to raise needed funds for upkeep and other necessities. This is where Littlecook has used her creativity a couple of times on the Board and then other times as a volunteer working to raise both funds and awareness for the organizations and Grand Home.
Even though it is extremely elegant, Littlecook says, “Don’t you just feel the warmth when you walk into the Grand Home and look around?”
You can tell immediately how important the place is to her. Her first larger volunteer time was when her husband, Chris, served on the board and they were hosting a tablescape at Christmastime. He thought she should do that and, of course, she did. Melinda remembers that as her first real contribution, and she’s been hooked ever since.
If you’ve been watching activities at Marland’s Grand Home, you’ve seen their fox-related activities, with clay Whit ornaments, Whit color books, Whit Storytime and so on. You’ve also noticed Swedish woven hearts made from old Christmas cards, new awning replaced on the side and a wonderful recipe book that includes family stories. They’ve hosted reenactors events and every year 3rd graders come for a day of history and fun. As Littlecook says, every time creativity is needed for an event, her 8-year-old self shows up to help.
Oh, and you certainly cannot have missed the recent 150th anniversary celebration that began weeks in advance with artists picking up photographs from the various aspects of Marland’s Grand Home to paint on a 5x5 canvas that would later sell for donations during the Grand Home birthday celebration. Artists could be unique to their own styles in the painting, which led to a beautiful diversity of paintings offered to the public.
Marland’s Grand Home Operations Specialist Sonya Abercrombie explains that Marland’s Grand Art Collection was Littlecook’s idea, and that “it was an opportunity to build a sense of community between Ponca City residents and talented artists from across the United States.”
The big day on May 4 was a day of music, revelry and visiting, with reenactors of the Marland family inside and vintage cars from the period outside, and the fund-raiser was a hit. It was a fitting fund-raiser since Marland was a supporter of the arts. Abercrombie says, “E.W. Marland loved art which was demonstrated through both his private art collection and through the art demonstrated in the architectural styles of his homes.”
Guest speakers on May 4 included U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas, Oklahoma House Representative Ken Luttrell and Senator Bill Coleman, who served as Master of Ceremonies. Numerous local dignitaries were also in attendance. Littlecook expresses how fortunate we are that Ponca City supports so many historical sites and parks. The Grand Home was full on its birthday celebration, just as it should be.
As Littlecook says, “We must educate the community about Marland’s Grand Home and other treasures in Ponca City. We all love this town dearly, but people have to know about it to care.” Abercrombie says they have introduced activities to highlight all four of the museums over the past year: “It is a goal of Marland’s Grand Home to embrace the tremendous history of Ponca City and share it in interesting ways with generations to come.”
You can find more information about Marland’s Grand Home at their website marlandgrandhome.com or on their FB page The Friends of Marland’s Grand Home of Ponca City, or by calling
580-767-0427. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. On their website, you will find a wonderful interactive tour which will be helpful for your visit. Abercrombie says to watch these online pages for upcoming events!
Littlecook considers these major events like hugs for the place and says, “Grand Home has brought so much interest to people. Sometimes places go dormant — you must give it a hug and wake it up.”
Photos by Jesse McClelland | Jesse M. Photography
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