THE FIRST public water fountain in Ponca City, acquired in 1902 by the city, was given to the DAR Ponca City Chapter in 1954 by the Blackard family. Made of old iron, the structure of the bowl at the street level was for the dogs, a larger bowl for horses, and another for people. After several locations, it was moved to the northwest corner of Fourth Street and Grand, near its original location.
The celebration of a past century and the future century of the Ponca City DAR will come full circle on Saturday, July 21, when Lelia Sue Suthers Allen will become the first Ponca Citian to lead the Oklahoma Daughters of the American Revolution.
As the new Oklahoma State DAR Regent, Allen’s inaugural celebration for the 2018-2020 term will take place at the Marland Mansion as part of the Centennial Celebration for the Ponca City DAR.
The Ponca City Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution was organized in 1918 with Mrs. Cecilia Wiker as first regent in a meeting at the Arcade Hotel. The Chapter was officially chartered the following year. From an initial membership of 24, the Chapter has grown to almost one hundred in 2018.
The Ponca City Chapter has been honored to be joined by other DAR Chapters over the years as they felt the need to merge. The parent chapter was the Kay County Chapter in Blackwell, organized in 1914. Representing Tonkawa, Blackwell, Ponca City and Newkirk, 26 charter members met and chose the name of Mrs. Beatty’s grandmother, Sarah Harrison, who was descended from Benjamin Harrison, as the Chapter name. They merged with Ponca City Chapter in 1998.
In 1926, the Tonkawa Chapter was organized with 15 charter members under the leadership of Mrs. Mimie Whinery, who served as organizing regent. They merged with Ponca City in 1999.
The Ponca City Chapter has repeatedly fulfilled requirements for enrollment on the national Gold Honor Rolls by preserving History, promoting Education, and supporting Patriotism as part of the National Society guidelines. Its members have given generously to DAR Schools and presented flags to schools and public institutions in the area. Since 1926, annual awards have been given for patriotism. Activities are planned every year to observe Constitution Week.
The Oklahoma State DAR Conference met in Ponca City in 1924, 1937, and 1966.
Among the initial projects undertaken by the newly organized Chapter was our first historical monument, located in front of the Civic Center of Ponca City on Grand Avenue. Over twenty members helped fund and plan for a fountain, equipped with a set of sprays illuminated by multi-colored flood lights creating spectacular effects at night. Placed in front of the fountain was a large granite stone with bronze tablet honoring the 293 Kay Countians who served in World War I. On November 11, 1925, stores and schools closed as the Civic Center Fountain was dedicated on Armistice Day.
On September 16, 1928, the Chapter honored the pioneers who made the run into Oklahoma Territory thirty-five years earlier. A granite boulder measuring five feet wide and five feet thick and six feet tall, with a bronze tablet on the face, was placed on Highway 77 at the northern boundary of Oklahoma. Through efforts of Madalynne Peel, the monument was
THE PONCA City chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, as photographed circa 1916.
A collection of first-hand account oral histories from citizens of the Kay County area was published in 1939. The first printing of The Last Run book was very popular. Six hundred copies of the book were printed and sold for $1.50.
The second printing occurred in 1968 and third in 1970. In 1993, for commemoration of the Opening of the Cherokee Strip Outlet, the local Chapter once again printed (fourth edition) of The Last Run which carries the notation, “Centennial Issue” along with the official logo used by the City of Ponca City for its Centennial. This book is valuable with accounts of the Cherokee Run. Proceeds funded Chapter projects.
In 1941 the Chapter presented a cherry wood grandfather’s clock with original brass works made during the Revolutionary era to the Oklahoma Historical Society in Oklahoma City. During World War II, the Chapter participated in the National DAR project of purchasing a mobile blood plasma unit for use on the battle field. The Chapter helped raise money to support blood donor centers and gave thousands of hours of volunteer work for the project.
The original source of water for the first settlers of Ponca City was a spring located near 14th Street and South Avenue. In 1952, the Chapter dedicated a grey granite monument at this site. On it is an engraving depicting an early resident, riding in a horse drawn buggy, which was stopped at the old watering place.
The first public water fountain, acquired in 1902 by the city, was given to the DAR Ponca City Chapter in 1954 by the Blackard family. Made of old iron, the structure of the bowl at the street level was for the dogs, a larger bowl for horses, and another for people. After several locations, it was moved to the northwest corner of Fourth Street and Grand, near its original location.
In September 1968, the Chapter began meeting at Marland’s Grand Home. That same year a flag plaza was placed in the east garden area of the home. Permanent outdoor lighting was paid for in 1989. The Chapter provides flags as needed for the plaza. Ongoing preservation of the home continues yearly.
On February 22, 1972, a museum patterned after the museum in the DAR national headquarters in Washington, D.C., was opened on the third floor of the Cultural Center, which was later renamed Marland’s Grand Home. It has become a major attraction to tourists. Starting with thirty-seven items, there are now over three hundred articles exhibited. Included is a 1838 spinning wheel and a flag which is believed to be from the Revolutionary War era. An 1832 square grand piano and cherry china cabinet are on display.
In 1980, a campaign was launched by the Chapter to repair the Memorial Fountain in front of City Hall. A
PONCA CITY’s Lelia Sue Suthers Allen will become the first Ponca Citian to lead the Oklahoma Daughters of the American Revolution on Saturday, July 21. Allen’s inaugural celebration for the 2018-2020 term will take place at the Marland Mansion as part of the Centennial Celebration for the Ponca City DAR.
A bird bath that was originally in the gardens of the E. W. Marland Mansion in 1923, was restored by the Chapter and placed behind Marland’s Grand Home. A dedication was held on Sept. 16, 1973, by the Chapter following the regular meeting. Presiding was Mrs. Kemper, Regent; Mrs. Pruitt, Chairman of Historical Restoration; and Mrs. Kelley, DAR State Regent. A marker is placed on a small granite slab at the base of the birdbath. The marker reads: “Originally in E. W. Marland gardens – 1923. Restored by Ponca City Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution – 1973”.
Augmented by gifts from individual members, genealogy books valued at more than $10,000.00 have been given to the Ponca City Library. In 1988, a $3,000.00 contribution was made by the Chapter to the Charitable Trust Fund at the Library.
In 1982, Mrs. Frances Clark Eubank, an associate member, established the W. B. Clark Memorial DAR Scholarship Fund to provide four scholarships annually for seniors graduating with highest grade averages from Ponca City High School.
In 1983, the Pearl R Pruitt Memorial Scholarship was established. Scholarships are awarded from interest earnings, as appropriate.
For the official Diamond Jubilee Project #743 commemorating Oklahoma’s 75th anniversary as a state, Ponca City Chapter compiled books of marriage records from 1893 to 1900. Helen Spore compiled the names. Member Doris Stanley compiled the 1900 to 1902 years for Kay County, Oklahoma. The books were published in 1983 and 1986, respectively.
In 1991, Mrs. J. W. Burns and Mrs. Harold Prough served as co-chairman for the “We the People” city wide celebration commemorating the ratification of our United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. During the celebration, a permanent plaque was unveiled at the site of a newly planted Atlas cedar tree, our “Living Legacy”. Also in 1991, the Chapter presented a 25 volume set of books “We the People” to West Junior High School library.
In 1993 the city updated the fountain at City Hall. The plaque remained and the time capsule was updated.
The 1993 Centennial of the Cherokee Outlet Run was celebrated by preparing a prize winning float for the city parade. A picture of the float appeared in the May 1994 issue of the DAR magazine, American Spirit. State Regent Mrs. Hunter joined the celebration. Engraved bricks were purchased for the City Hall Plaza. The Chapter purchased a large special American flag that was presented to the city. It was the first to be flown over the new brick plaza. Many members dressed up in costume and were at the state line monument at the stroke of noon. Others participated in the run via horseback or wagon.
The Centennial Committee of the Cherokee Celebration
PONCA City Daughters of the American Revolution honored the pioneers who made the run into Oklahoma Territory thirty-five years earlier by erecting this monument at the northern boundary of Oklahoma on Hiway 77 on September 16, 1928. Through efforts of Madalynne Peel, the monument was moved in 1968 to a new site at Chilocco Indian School.
Also in 1993, Mrs. Leslie Rardin, along with Earl Sutton, researched and wrote for the Centennial Cherokee Strip Celebration an original musical titled “The Gift of Willie Cry”. The story is about discovery of oil near Ponca City. First in the nation to receive the DAR medals for Community Service were Mrs. Saylors and Mrs. Rardin.
A community monument honoring the POW-MIA military personnel was dedicated in War Memorial Park. Regent Carol Bouldin helped with the design of the area.
In 2000, the local DAR museum moved to first floor to allow for easier viewing of artifacts. Items are constantly added. A lighted display cabinet now enhances the glassware collection.
Many distinguished members have contributed to the national and state recognition of the Chapter as a strong and energetic organization. In 1924, a state-wide contest sponsored by the OSDAR, was won by Louise Fluke, who designed new flag for Oklahoma. It reflected an Osage War Shield, she viewed at the Oklahoma Historical Society that year. Very soon afterward, she moved to Ponca City, became a DAR member and used her talents in Ponca City and Oklahoma City, to promote Oklahoma. She was honored by DAR in 2005. A theatrical presentation, A Great Design, was written by volunteers and performed in two locations in Ponca City and at State Convention. Programs given around the state explain her design and creation in 1924 of the flag. Marquetta Brown authored a book, The Oklahoma Flag…designed by a Fluke. In 2005, her family donated the first flag with her design, to the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Other undertakings DAR participated in include a Centennial Flag Plaza honoring Regent Louise Fluke during the 100th anniversary of Oklahoma Statehood.
Pioneer women of Kay County, many of whom were DAR members, were videotaped telling stories of their younger days in their professional life. “I See No Boundaries” is the name of the collection.
Judith Hampton Million donated nine city lots to Habitat For Humanity in 2015, on which to build homes for persons needing permanent housing. The area is named Hampton’s Hope. She received a DAR national award for an Outstanding Contribution to the Community.
Ponca City Chapter members serve on the Ponca City Veterans Day Parade Committee, and Frontier District Chapters also help with this project. We have honored over 1,000 Veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, (600 for the 50th Anniversary of Vietnam), Iraq, Afghanistan, and other avenues of military service.
Afternoon meetings are held on the third Friday of each month between September and May at Marland’s Grand Home, 1000 East Grand Avenue.