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The Chamber’s Ponca Politics Committee recently embarked on an insightful journey to the Oklahoma Capitol, where vibrant discussions and learning about our state government and Capitol building occurred. Our committee had the opportunity to visit with our local legislators, Senator Bill Coleman, Representative Ken Luttrell, and Representative John Pfieffer, in a private conference room where we engaged in fruitful discussions with our lawmakers, informing them of concerns and advocating for policies that will impact our area. All three local lawmakers provided us with a comprehensive update on the current legislative process at the Capitol.
Following our private discussion, Senator Coleman gave us a tour of the Senate Chamber. Often serving as a presiding officer, Senator Coleman’s discussion of the Oklahoma Senate Chamber offered a fascinating glimpse into the heart of legislative decision-making, where the intricate balance of democracy unfolds. In the Senate Chamber of Oklahoma, strict protocols are observed to ensure the orderly conduct of legislative business and maintain decorum.
From there, we moved to the House Gallery to observe action on the floor. It was a very busy day in the Capitol and the gallery was full, and the Ponca Politics Committee received floor recognition from Representative Luttrell. Much to our surprise, once all the groups were recognized, the House adjourned as no bills had come out of committee as anticipated.
We ended the day with a docent-led tour of the most beautiful state capitol in the US. The Oklahoma State Capitol stands as a majestic testament to both beauty and history. Its grandeur is immediately apparent upon entering the Rotunda, where visitors are greeted by an awe-inspiring sight of the Capitol’s 157-foot dome, adorned with colorful stained glass. We viewed artistic masterpieces throughout the Capitol transporting us through time and offering a wonderful glimpse into the state’s rich heritage. The Capitol houses many works by renowned artists that narrate a story of resilience, progress, and the vibrant spirit of the Sooner State.
The experience that had direct ties to Ponca City was our search for a steamboat painting done by Oklahoma artist Mike Wimmer depicting characters painted from a photograph of Ponca City men. Mayor Homer Nicholson attended the committee’s day at the Capitol and he wanted to find this specific painting for which he was a character. Our docent led us to Mike Wimmer’s painting “Steamboats on the Red River” which is a prominent piece displayed in the Oklahoma State Capitol. The painting depicts a scene from Oklahoma’s history, specifically showcasing the importance of steamboats along the Red River during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The oil painting measures 60” x 90” and was commissioned in 2008 through the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc., and later transferred to the Capitol Art Collection on permanent display.
Mike Wimmer often uses photographs of live models as a reference in his paintings. So, how did the Ponca City men come to serve as the live models in this painting? Well, Mike Wimmer was in Ponca City because former Governor Frank Keating authored a children’s book titled The Trial of Standing Bear, which tells the story of the anguish and resolve of Ponca Chief Standing Bear and the Ponca people. The illustrator of the book was Mike Wimmer, and he was in Ponca City to research to ensure his illustrations were historically accurate.
I called Mike Wimmer to learn more about why the Ponca City men were used as the live models in “Steamboats on the Red River”. He was eager to tell me the story of how he had gotten acquainted with Carl Renfro while researching for his illustrations in the Trial of Standing Bear. Mr. Wimmer told Mr. Renfro about being commissioned to paint “Steamboats on the Red River” and said he needed a photo of some live models to depict in the painting. Mr. Renfro and Mayor Nicholson gathered up a group of well-known figures in the community to serve as live models. Mr. Wimmer provided period-relevant costumes for the men to wear and took several photographs to get that perfect picture to achieve his artistic goal. He said they had the best time and it was a memorable experience for him!
The Ponca City men depicted front and center in “Steamboats on the Red River” are from left to right: Phil Bandy, Carl Renfro, Tim Burg, John Raley, and Homer Nicholson.
All of these men are particularly esteemed for their contributions to the community and their leadership in various capacities and all have connections to the history of the Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce, which I enjoy sharing with readers.
Phil Bandy was the owner of the long-time business Bandy’s Around the Corner, and he passed away in 2014. He served and volunteered in many organizations such as United Way, Land of Opportunity Tennis Classic; Cherokee Strip Golf Classic; Ponca City Tourism Authority, Pioneer Technology Center, and the Chamber of Commerce to name a few. He was named the Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year in 2003 and Citizen of the Year in 2008.
Carl Renfro currently lives in Ponca City and is a visionary leader who dedicates his time, talents, and experience to projects that make a significant difference in our city and state. He serves on numerous boards and committees. He has established endowment funds for the Standing Bear Foundation, The University Center Foundation, the restoration of the Marland Mansion through its Foundation, and a lectureship series through the Northern Oklahoma College Foundation. He was named the Chamber’s Outstanding Citizen in 1995.
Tim Burg served as the Assistant Director for the Ponca City Development Authority from 2001-2008. In 2007, he was the recipient of the International Economic Development Council’s Private Public Partnership Award. He owned and operated his own general contracting firm. In addition to his numerous civic and professional positions, Burg was the Chamber of Commerce Ambassador for the Year in 1994, was a member of the 1994 Class of Leadership Ponca City, and served as the Chair of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce in 1996.
John Raley passed away in 2018. In 1969, following eight years as a federal prosecutor, he joined the Northcutt Law Firm in Ponca City. John was actively involved in civic and charitable activities.
In 1980, John was elected Mayor of Ponca City and later was appointed Associate Municipal Judge. He was named the Chamber’s Outstanding Citizen in 1984. In 1991, he was appointed by President George H.W. Bush to serve as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
Homer Nicholson was elected Mayor of Ponca City in 2007 after a 38-year career with Conoco and still serves in this role today. Mayor Nicholson has served on the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority board since 2008 and became the Board Chair in 2020. Mayor Nicholson is actively involved in the Chamber of Commerce and seldom misses an event. He is a member of the 1998 Class of Leadership Ponca City, an initiative of the Chamber.
We had a wonderful day of learning at the Capitol and found a meaningful gem of artwork for our group! I highly encourage you to consider taking a tour of the Oklahoma State Capitol. I do not doubt that you will be captivated by its beauty and enriched by the stories it has to share.
For more information about the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.poncacitychamber.com.
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