Ponca City in Kay County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

William H. McFadden

1869-1956

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 10, 2024

1. William H. McFadden Marker

Inscription.
Pioneer Mayor — Financed Marland Discovery Well — Built tank farm — Executive Vice Pres Marland Oil Co — Head of Southland Royalty — Donor Girls’ Camp McFadden — Co-founder of American Legion Home School

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.

Location. 36° 42.227′ N, 97° 4.868′ W. Marker is in Ponca City, Oklahoma, in Kay County. It is at the intersection of North 3rd Street and Grand Avenue East (Business U.S. 60), on the left when traveling south on North 3rd Street. The marker is located beside the sidewalk at the northeast corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 Grand Avenue East, Ponca City OK 74601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Barnes Store (here, next to this marker); The Miller Brothers (a few steps from this marker); Bill Pickett (a few steps from this marker); Ponca Indians (within shouting distance of this marker); E. W. Marland (within shouting distance of this marker); Frances Smith Catron (within shouting distance of this marker); Marland Building

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(about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); B. S. Barnes (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ponca City.

Also see . . .
1. William Hartman McFadden (Wikipedia).

Excerpt: American businessman and an essential factor in opening up the oil fields of Oklahoma. In 1910 he was approached by John G. McCaskey, a social acquaintance from Pittsburgh, and E. W. Marland, president and founder of the 101 Ranch Oil Company of Ponca City, Oklahoma, that was on the verge of failure, having run out of money after drilling seven wells and only having found natural gas. McFadden was impressed with Marland and, after visiting the Miller Brothers 101 Ranch property, decided to invest in the company. Shortly thereafter a drilling lease was obtained on the Willie Cry Ponca Indian allotment, and on June 11, 1911, the well “Willy-Cries-For-War” struck oil, bringing wealth to the company and its investors.
In 1914 McFadden was elected mayor of Ponca City, serving until 1920. McFadden funded and sponsored a private camp, Camp McFadden, for Camp Fire Girls, with over 5,000 girls attending the camp through 1950. He also financed the American Legion Orphans Home School
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 10, 2024

2. William H. McFadden Marker
Looking north along North 3rd Street from Grand Avenue East. The marker is located in the concrete planter box beside the sidewalk.
in Ponca City.

(Submitted on December 27, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. William H. McFadden (Oklahoma Hall of Fame).

Excerpt: William Hartman McFadden was born in West Virginia and moved with his parents to Pennsylvania. He made his entry into the industrial world in Pittsburgh as an employee of the McIntosh-Hemphill Steel Company. He worked there for twenty-seven years before he became president of the company and met wealthy Oklahoma oilman and Governor E.W. Marland in Ponca City around 1909. Five years later, McFadden was elected mayor of Ponca City and served in the role for the next seven years. McFadden was also active in Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls and was always ready with material assistance to promote the welfare of these two organizations.

(Submitted on December 27, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 212 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 27, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.