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Ponca City, Oklahoma

Built in 1927, this atmospheric theatre was the grandest in town. Live performances and silent features were accompanied by a Wurlitzer organ, two pianos and the Poncan Orchestra. It was really darb to visit the Poncan Theatre to see such superstars as Ethel Barrymore and Will Rogers. Today, the Poncan has been restored to its original glory and special events are scheduled regularly.

Designed by the Boller Brothers of Kansas City, it was the fifth and grandest theatre in a town of 16,000 people. Several of the Boller Brothers' theatres, including the Poncan are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When constructed, the Poncan cost $280,000. It is one of the few surviving atmospheric theatres in the country. The Poncan was Spanish Colonial Revival in style and the interior was created to simulate an outdoor Mediterranean courtyard. By 1929, when it was apparent that the "talkies" were here to stay, the theatre was remodeled. The marquee was enlarged, seats replaced, and a waterfall-type curtain replaced the original. The theatre was closed on October 11, 1985 after 58 years in operation. In 1989, a group was formed to restore and operate the Poncan. The grand reopening was held on September 11, 1994.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Ponca City Art Center

The stately Soldani Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a work of art in itself, is home to the Ponca City Art Center and its many activities. These include artists' exhibits, art classes, workshops and the annual Fine Arts Festival.

Ponca City, OK Arts

Marland Estate Mansion

Marland modeled his dream home after the Davanzati Palace in Florence, Italy. Breathtakingly beautiful, this "Palace on the Prairie"

Ponca City, OK Museums


E.W. Marland

E.W. Marland was born May 8, 1874 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He studied to be an attorney, graduating from University of Michigan Law School at the age of nineteen. Marland?s years of practicing law led him to an interest in geology and a career in the oil industry. He prospered in

Ponca City, OK Notables

101 Ranch Memorial

101 Ranch - A National Historic Landmark, this picnic area commemorates the 101 Ranch which was home to the hundreds of participants in the famous 101 Wild West Show. This show, which traveled throughout the world in the 1920

Ponca City, OK Memorials

Things to do near Ponca City, OK

Lake Vincent/ Ellis County Wildlife Management Are

Lake Vincent offers 160 acres of fishing, hunting, boating and primitive camping. A boat ramp and restrooms are available. ...

SUN 'N' FUN Waterpark

SUN 'N' FUN Water park has water slides, wave pool, kiddie pool, go-carts, bumper boats, miniature golf, volleyball, picnic a...

Alva Municipal Airport Museum

The Alva Municipal Airport Museum provides an interesting look into the past with a section on the World War II prisoner of w...