Ponca City in Kay County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Mrs. W.T. Oates
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 10, 2024
1. Mrs. W.T. Oates Marker
Mary Eliza Oates was the third President of the 20th Century Club. The 20th Century Club operated a book exchange in the early 1900s which started events that resulted in the establishment of the Ponca City Library. Mrs. Oates wrote and submitted a $6500 grant application to the Carnegie Foundation which helped finance the construction of the original library.
This monument, sponsored by the Ponca City Noon Lions Club, was dedicated on August 23, 2007, as part of Ponca Citys commemoration of the Centennial of the State of Oklahoma.
Erected 2007 by Ponca City Noon Lions Club.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Women.
Location. 36° 42.223′ N, 97° 4.709′ W. Marker is in Ponca City, Oklahoma, in Kay County. It is at the intersection of Grand Avenue East and North 5th Street, on the right when traveling west on Grand Avenue East. The marker is located beside the sidewalk at the northeast corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and Cherokee Outlet.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: E. W. Marland (within shouting distance of this marker); Burton Seymour "B. S." Barnes (within shouting distance of this marker); Montgomery Ward Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Oklahoma Centennial Bench (within shouting distance of this marker); Ponca City World War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Ponca City Library (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis Haines (Lew) Wentz (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Royalty Building (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ponca City.
Related markers.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 10, 2024
2. Mrs. W.T. Oates Marker
Looking northeast from the Grand Avenue & 5th Street intersection; the marker is visible at the bottom left. The 1935 Ponca City Library, built in part with Federal Depression era WPA funds, is in the background.
Also see . . . Ponca City Library: A Reflection of our Community.
(by Chelsea McConnell) Excerpt: In 1904, Ponca City had a population of 2,000 and Oklahoma had yet to achieve statehood. A pioneering group of women, members of the Twentieth Century Club, spearheaded a book exchange for their group. The women were given use of the back room of an insurance office to house their books. Soon, interest grew in the book exchange with citizens outside of the Club wanting to borrow books. This marked the auspicious beginnings of our local library.(Submitted on December 24, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 10, 2024
3. Ponca City Library
The current library (opened in 1935) was built in part with Federal Depression era WPA funds.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 24, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 143 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 24, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
