Ponca City: We Love You Story & Photos contributed by Rich Cantillon
Before my 8th grade year, my parents announced to us that we were moving to a place called Ponca City. I was very upset, and told my dad that I would never forgive him for moving us. I was really happy with where we lived, my school, and the friends I had. But the decision had been made, and we made the move to Ponca City. When we first arrived, we saw historic lights, brick streets, and a lot of Spanish-looking architecture. As a young kid, I was not impressed. I thought it looked old. The downtown had a huge run-down place called the Arcade Hotel.
Today, I wish we still had the Arcade Hotel. While I was growing up, and now an adult, I see the unique look of Ponca City, and that is what I love the most about our amazing city. We came to Ponca City during the summer, and I immediately met kids in my neighborhood. They were very friendly, and took me in as one of them. I have always felt that Ponca City is a friendly city. At the chamber, I hear often about how friendly we are. I had a great summer with my new friends. We rode minibikes in the McCord area, where we lived at the time. We liked to camp out, and we would fish the Arkansas River. The interaction with the kids in my neighborhood helped me when I started at East Junior High. I already had a set of friends on my first day at my new school. However, finding out that our school mascot was a kitten did take me back a bit. It wasn’t fun hearing “meow” from the teams we played! I am certainly glad everyone is now a Wildcat! I was born and raised Catholic. We attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Little did I know, at the time, what an incredible parish this would end up being for me and my family for my entire life. While in high school, I loved our priest and I had many friends with whom I went to church. It was an active parish then, and it’s still a very active parish today. Every time I walk through the front doors of my beautiful church, I thank the Lord that this is my church and this is my hometown. We are so blessed to live and work in Ponca City, and I am blessed to call St. Mary’s Catholic Church my church.
Craig Stephenson, City Manager; Rich Cantillon, Chamber of Commerce CEO; Sue Lunsford, Retired P66; Diane Anderson, Retired P66 / Vice Mayor; Homer Nicholson, Mayor of Ponca City.
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When I graduated from Ponca City High School, my dad asked me at my graduation party if I had forgiven him for moving me to Ponca City. I had to laugh because it was one of the greatest gifts that he and my mom could have given me. My time from 8th grader to high school senior were incredible years filled with laughter and adventure. I am one of those
