Marland’s Grand Home to Celebrate E.W. Marland’s Birthday on Saturday

The public is invited to visit Marland’s Grand Home, 1000 East Grand Ave, on Saturday, May 6, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm to celebrate E.W. Marland’s 149th birthday.

Ernest Whitworth Marland was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 8, 1874.

After law school, Marland returned to Pittsburgh where he started a private practice. Through his experiences as an attorney, he became interested in geology and entered the developing oil industry in Pennsylvania. He invested in new wells and companies and, by the age of 33, Marland had become a self-made millionaire.

That same year, Marland lost millions in the panic of 1907. By 1908, Marland was broke and without a job. Hoping to start their lives over, Marland and his wife Virginia moved to the new state of Oklahoma. They settled in Ponca City, where he resumed his oil career.

On January 15, 1935, Marland was inaugurated as governor of Oklahoma. Through more than 1,300 WPA projects, he had created jobs for more than 90,000 Oklahomans. One of the most important achievements of E.W. Marland was the establishment of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in 1937.

After his term, he returned to Ponca City in 1939.

Guests will be greeted by reenactors in the roles of E.W. Marland, Lew Wentz, Col. Miller, Virginia Marland, and Lydie Marland.

There will be live music, cake and beverages.

Those attending the party can sign a birthday card for Mr. Marland to be displayed at the Grand Home or bring a card of their own.

• Senator Bill Coleman will present a citation to former Governor E.W. Marland for some of his many accomplishments as Governor.
•  The Chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Col. Pat Mays will attend the presentation of the citation.
•  Representative Ken Luttrell will be present at the celebration.

The citation presentation ceremony will take place at 11:00 am.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol will provide a vintage 1937 Oklahoma Highway Patrol car for guests to enjoy.

Guests can tour Marland’s Grand Home during the celebration at no charge.

For more information visit Marland’s Grand Home on Facebook or call (580) 767-0427.