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1920 — As a result of the new City Charter, adopted in 1919, a three-man Commission form of government went into effect. The three commissioners were the only officers of the city that were elected by the people. All other department heads were appointed by the commissioners for a term of one year, and could be reappointed. The business affairs of the City were conducted and carried out by the Board of Commissioners in three departments. Mayor Harry Cragin was Commissioner of Public Safety, J.S. Hutchins was Commissioner of Finance, and L.K. Meek was Commissioner of Public Property. The first city manager was Hugh Johnston, who also acted as chief of police.

The newly formed commission reorganized the municipal electric department and put it on a paying basis.

With the population of Ponca City at 7,000, the city was growing so fast, an average of one new house was completed every day.

The library loaned out more than 5000 books in one year, and the building was beginning to bulge.

Marland incorporated the refinery into the Marland Oil Company, creating an integrated company engaged in oil exploration, production, natural gas distribution, refining and marketing.

There were 1,000 telephones in Ponca City.

Garfield School opened on south Seventh Street. The school was comprised as four two-room frame bungalows on lots obtained from the federal government. Additional lots were purchased from local owners.

A new building for Lincoln School opened beside the original one-room schoolhouse.

The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, and women could now vote. Oklahoma elected its first congresswoman, Alice Robertson, from Muskogee. Her campaign message was "I am a Christian, I am an American, I am a Republican." Her slogan promised, "I cannot be bought, I cannot be sold, I cannot be intimidated."

E.W. Marland was responsible for bringing the sport of polo to Ponca City. He established three fields for practice and competition. George Marland, E.W.'s adopted son, was an accomplished player.

Virginia Marland, E.W.'s wife, was diagnosed with cancer and went to Kansas City for treatments.

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