Montgomery Ward Building

The Montgomery Ward Building was the third and final structure built on this block by philanthropist oilman E.W. Marland. The middle building was completed first, and Marland planned to spend $250,000 to complete the block in harmony with it. Architect John Duncan Forsyth, a close friend of Marland's who also designed the second Marland Mansion, began preliminary plans for this building in 1926, but it was not completed until 1929 at a cost of $35,000. As Marland's fortunes declined during that period, the building was somewhat less exuberant than the other two. Construction had not yet begun when Montgomery Ward signed a five-year lease for $800 a month. The store originally had a double entrance, three large plate glass show windows, and more than 22,000 feet of floor space. The main floor held household articles, jewelry, shoes, and men's wear; the mezzanine sold women's ready-to-wear and children's clothing; the second floor displayed household furnishings; and the basement, called "a man's paradise," offered hardware, tires, sporting goods, seasonal gardening supplies, and even baby chickens. Cashier and office space stood on a front balcony, where a central change system with an endless chain carried cash boxes to and from departments throughout the store. In 1934, Montgomery Ward renegotiated its lease and the rent fell by half to $400 a month, reflecting the hard economic times of the Depression. The building was altered in 1946, including the addition of air conditioning. In 1977 Montgomery Ward left and opened a catalog store. In Ponca City, Forsyth was best known for Spanish-influenced and traditional designs, but after moving to Tulsa he became involved in the late-1930s Art Deco movement, and this building represents one of his first works in that style.

Ponca City, Oklahoma · United States