Royalty Building

Royalty Building. . , The Royalty building is one of many architectural legacies left by oilman E.W. Marland. This Mission-styled structure was designed by architect John Duncan Forsyth, who also created the two buildings to the east of the Royalty building. According to the oilman's biographer, Marland was fascinated by southwest Indian architecture and this is reflected in this block. The Royalty building reportedly cost $100,000 to construct. Although initial plans for this building started in 1926, they were not realized until 1929. During this time Marland suffered severe financial problems and in May 1929 he resigned from the Marland Oil Company. From his new offices in this building he intended to create a new oil empire. , The lower floor of the Royalty building has always been used for retail. Piggly Wiggly was located at the corner until the 1940s. The grocery store allowed customers to pick their own grocery items instead of a clerk handing the item over the counter. In the 1920s this was a new and popular concept. During the store's grand opening customers were treated to a sampling of 298 different types of cakes which could be purchased at the store. Ladies were given flowers and gentlemen received cigars. , The store located to the east of Piggly Wiggly was originally leased to Sears, Roebuck and Company. The store advertised they stocked over 6,000 separate items. The first floor sold clothing and sporting goods and the basement displayed automotive and household accessories. Sears Roebuck only stayed at this address for a few years. , The Harold J. Barnes Shoe Store was the first tenant east of Sears. After a few years this address was converted into a paint and wallpaper store, which it remained for almost 50 years. , The top floor of the Royalty building contained twenty-eight offices, including a suite of six for Marland's personal use and four for the E.W. Marland Company. Southland Royalty Company, another company in which Marland had interest, occupied eight offices. Architect John Duncan Forsyth also had an office here as well as several attorneys and small oil companies. , Marland had large land holdings in Mexico and the decorative tile which enhance the second story and the Fourth Street entrance are undoubtedly from that country. The Aztec and Mayan influence is especially visible on the door surround at this entrance. , In the late 1940s another well-known Ponca City family gained ownership of the Royalty building. Daniel J. Donahoe came to Ponca City shortly after the 1893 land run and became prominent in business and real estate circles. Today his heirs continue stewardship of this rich architectural heritage.