The encyclopedia of Texas, V.1, Part 15

Author: Davis, Ellis Arthur, ed; Grobe, Edwin H., ed
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Dallas, Texas Development Bureau
Number of Pages: 1204

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While of course we welcome all we have fallen heir to as a result of the discovery of oil, still I want to impress the fact strongly that we were rapidly getting to be a city of importance before that came. Without knowing it, we had been getting ready to take advantage of the things which were to come.

The wonderful growth made by the motor truck factory and the progress of the other important manufacturing concerns was rapidly bringing us into prominence as an industrial center. The growth and extension of our trade territory were constantly adding to our importance as a distributing and ship- ping point.

That we were in a position to derive so much benefit from the boom following the big oil rush was not merely a matter of chance. If we had not al- ready had a substantial city the oil boom would only have been a mushroom growth and but very little of the many millions of wealth would have remained to give us any permanent growth. Because we had built substantially we were in a position to take many advantages of the boom and as a result we see the many refineries and other industries as well as the great building growth which have been con- tributed to our permanent wealth.

The oil boom is the only thing that has added growth and wealth to Wichita Falls in greater pro- portions to the efforts expended. Previous to that everything this city gained was the result of the thought, work and expense of a comparatively few faithful ones.

Our location has no natural advantages over our neighboring towns. Henrietta was for years ahead of us in population, railroads and wealth and was the county seat of a larger and richer county, yet today she doesn't compare with us in size or import- ance. We were simply one of those cities fortunate enough to include in its citizenship men of broad vision, liberal minds and high characters who take a keen personal interest in the development and progress of their communities. We have grown be- cause we have all pulled together. We have had capable leaders to direct us and eager workers to fol- low their direction. We have kept free of factional fights and petty jealousies. Instead of the mere hand- ful of "wheel horses" of years ago we have a hun- dred today and all in harmonious co-operation, work- ing under the name and direction of the Chamber of Commerce. We have religiously stuck to and prac- ticed the true western hospitality. We have tried to make strangers feel welcome and have given a helpful hand to any new industry or business which would add to our stability and increase our desirable citizenship. Our growth has been due to our men and to the spirit and faith they have instilled into the minds of our citizens.

The bond issue just voted by the city amounting to one and three-fourths millions to provide for sani- tary and storm sewers, water system and paving; the four and a half million dollar irrigation bond issue just voted and the great amount of money now available for road improvements are all sub- stantial evidences of the continued growth we are to enjoy.

Our city of forty thousand today with its enormi- ous banking, railroad and business facilities and the millions to be immediately spent in the various improvements should see us a city of twice our pres- ent population by 1930, and of correspondingly greater importance.

BURKBURNETT AMONG THIE OIL DERRICKS By A. R. THOMAS

President Chamber of Commerce

I N 1907 some enterprising citizens saw the oppor- tunity of turning ranch lands into a productive farm- ing country. The Wichita Falls and Northwestern Rail- road was constructed north through Wichita County and the City of Burkburnett sprang into existence, being surrounded by one of the richest and most productive farming territories in Wichita County, in fact, in North Texas. In 1912, the oil in- dustry was added to the re- sources of Burkburnett, but only in a small way. In 1918 the famous Fowler well was "ruck and Burkburnett became famous throughout !: « entire country, and developed into what is now the greatest oil industry town in Texas, and perhaps in the United States. There are approximately 3,000 od wells producing in the territory immediately sur- . rounding Burkburnett in what is known as the Texhoma field south of the town, the northwest field shich includes many small sub-divisions, and also what is known as the Oil Field west of the city. This territory includes about 13,000 acres of actual production with much undeveloped territory. South of the City we also find a very productive gas field which is only slightly developed but is now furnish- a:" a considerable amount of gas for both domestic and industrial purposes. The largest gas well is estimated at fifty million feet daily. Naturally this

production of oil and gas brought all affiliated in- dustries including seven refineries, several casing head gas plants, one of which is the largest in the world, a number of tank farms and all necessary pipe lines. In accordance with the wonderful development of the oil, gas and farming industries of the surrounding territory the business establish- ments necessary for every thriving city has shown an amazing increase. Burkburnett's business enter- prises include, three banks with total deposits of $3,362,000.00, five lumber yards, sixteen dry goods stores, fifteen grocery stores, five drug stores, five jewelery stores, two newspapers (weekly), oil well supply stores, six wholesale houses, and numerous other smaller establishments. Within these estab- lishments is to be found the service and merchandise in strict keeping with the unprecedented growth in wealth of Burkburnett and the surrounding territory. The 1920 census gave Burkburnett a population of 5,000, but the townsite is very small and does not cover all the residence territory, it has been con- servatively estimated that the city serves 15,000 or more people.

The town has, of course, suffered as all boom towns do, but at the present many civic improve- ments are being made. An excellent system of paved streets is now being put in, about twenty blocks of paving being under construction.

With the lull in the boom has come the undaunt- ing will and spirit of the citizens of Burkburnett to make this city one of settled and determined ideas with a view to realizing and exacting the many ad- vantages and opportunities that are offered by the unequalled wealth that lies in the territory surround- ing this city.

Oil Derricks, Tank Cars and Business Houses. The Unusual Spectacle, Presented by the City of Burkburnett

BURKBURNETT: YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW By R. D. LANEY

T HE Burkburnett of to- day, of yesterday and tomorrow, are three different things. Events move so rapidly, changes are so numerous and developments so rapid that it is an almost unbelievable story, when the events of the past two years are unfolded.

To those in touch with the situation, it is impossible to overdraw the picture, or to cover to the full extent, the development, in their entirety as has been witnessed in the past. To picture the future is indeed another story, for even the optimistic fear to state their beliefs because the estimate would be so high as to appear ridiculous.

From a village of 600 people, struggling under ad- verse circumstances and depending upon farming for a scant living, Burkburnett has grown and expanded to a city of several thousand people, hustling and bustling and developing the world's greatest and most profitable industry.

The early days of Burkburnett are not talked of by the people, they are pages from the past that have been torn from the book. The hardships, the disappointments and the trials of the past have been forgotten and population, old timers and new com- ers alike, work harmoniously for a bigger Burk- burnett and one that will offer all attractions as a place of permanent residence for the oil population.

Two years ago last July, to be exact, July 26th, 1918, S. L. Fowler, through accident, brought in the famous Fowler gusher just north of the city limits of Burkburnett. It was found to be a very difficult matter to sell $10,000 worth of stock to promote the drilling of this famous 7,500 barrel gusher. Since this incident, which is now history, Burkburnett is known the world over and is consid- ered the most wonderful field in existence. It has produced some of the most sensational wells in the history of the Mid-Continent Area.

of the world. Lumber yards and lumber supply houses, both private and retail, are scattered in all parts of the field and loading racks line the rail road for miles in every direction.

The future holds many promises which are be- coming realities daily. Burkburnett is becoming a refining center and there are numerous companies now searching for sites, with several plants in op- eration and construction.

New buildings are going up in the town to take care of the ever increasing business, and several new additions will be offered the public where good substantial homes can be built. There have been reports circulated over the country that Burkburnett was a dirty, nasty hole, and an unfit place in which to live. True, the living conditions have been noth- ing to brag about as compared with some substan- tial city, but comparatively Burkburnett is the most healthy oil town in the state that has participated in the "big boom" of the past few years. Accord- ing to health officials of the city, there has been but few cases of Typhoid fever, and a few cases of small pox, but the city is furnished with typhoid serum free of charge and steps were taken long ago to ef- fect a strict quarantine of all small pox cases.

The sewer system is now about to be completed and all possible haste is being used to have it completed before another summer is far under way.

Living conditions are improving as additional ho- tels and rooming-houses are completed. There are a number of good play houses in operation which adds to the amusements in the city. There is also to be found in Burkburnett a Y. M. C. A. where rooms and baths are obtainable at a small charge.

A Chamber of Commerce has been organized with several hundred members, who are doing every thing in their power to try to keep up with the demands and are working overtime in assisting new industries to find quarters, sites and locations. This organiza- tion has been of untold benefit to Burkburnett.

Burkburnett has a modern newspaper plant with a circulation of more than 2000 copies of the pub- lication each week; two substantial church build- ings with large attendances, and commodious school buildings with pupils aggregating near 2000 and 40 instructors.

Burkburnett The City and the Oil Field. A Striking Combination of Business Houses, Residences and Oil Derricks

At present the resources of Burkburnett are great. It would be hard for an intelligent estimate of the money involved in supplies, lumber yards, loading racks, pipe lines and storage tanks. The figures will run up to several millions. Every supply house of importance has a branch house here with large stocks, the large companies have many tank farms; pipe lines are in operation and building in every di- rection connecting Burkburnett with the oil markets

The combined deposits of the three banking insti- tutions in Burkburnett aggregate deposits of more than two million dollars.

Burkburnett has let a contract for one mile of street paving within her boundaries, and about one fourth of the work has already been completed. Other street improvements will follow in their order as fast as plans and estimates can be worked out to meet the required needs.

HISTORY AND PROGRESS OF BRECKENRIDGE By BRECKENRIDGE S. WALKER

F AROM a hamlet of six hundred souls, without fame, without railroads, without everything, Brecken- ridge has grown within the short space of two years to a city that is known nationally and internationally as an oil center to a city upwards of 15,000 inhabitants served by three railroads, many first class hotels, banks with de- posits of more than $6,000,000 and a new post office with 1,649 lock boxes.

February 4, 1920, is a me- morable date for this city. When the Chaney No. 1 well began suddenly on this day : spout oil at a rate of 3,700 barrels per day, the *rws was flashed across the wires far and wide and the future of Breckenridge as a city was as- .ured. The railroads now running into Breckenridge are the Cisco & Northeastern, Wichita, Ranger & Ft. Worth and the Wichita & Southern. These roads centering in Breckenridge located at the very heart of one of the great oil districts of this country, mak- ing of it a logical clearing house, oil center and meet- ing place for the transaction of business concerning this rapidly developing Eldorado. While the produc- tion does not come up to the 100,000 barrel per day mark at this time, yet the prospects are good for : to come back to this point. Lack of water for drill- ang and bad market conditions caused considerable depression in the production. Experienced oil men are convinced that the district is not one-half de- seloped and that many big producers are still looked Or in the fields.

There are now close to 2,000 derricks within three miles of the Breckenridge court house, over three- hundred of these are in the Breckenridge townsite, wer seven hundred of the total number of the wells are producers while practically all of the remainder are temporarily shut down for drilling.

Up until recently it must be admitted that the city lacked water and the streets needed paving « hile other numerous inconveniences that always ac- o mpany a new oil city were present. However, the progressive citizenship of the oil metropolis rapidly took the necessary steps to remedy these conditions

and the mayor and city commissioners met February 2, 1921, to make plans for the floatation of $300,000 worth of bonds for sewerage system and $600,000 for street improvements. Also plans were made for a floatation of a $250,000 bond issue for the erection

The First National Bank of Breckenridge, one of the Strong- est Banking Institutions in West Texas

of a high school and $175,000 additional for gram- mar school buildings. The wide awake merchants and business men pledged themselves to a man to put- new fronts on their buildings which improve- ments are rapidly being carried out. To take care of the water situation, the Walker-Caldwell Water Company, at a cost of over a million dollars, have

A Portion of Breckenridge from the Intersection of East Walker Street aud Breckenridge Avenue

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

1 built one of the most complete and up to date water systems of Texas, supplying the city with an ade- quate supply of water brought from the Brazos River, ten miles distaint. This splendid system was built and paid for in full without bonding the system for a dollar.

So it is to be seen that Breckenridge today is in its period of transition. Those who have never seen an oil boom town, those who have read of the days of '49, Cripple Creek and Goldfield and wish they had lived to witness the romantic side of that period

and those who have resided all their lives ir peaceful and slowly growing cities-all such per. ple should go to the wonder city of Breckenridge immediately if they desire real atmosphere ar .. local color. Within another year the greater par: of the town's picturesqueness will have disap. peared and in its place will be found a very live little city of modern brick buildings, paved streets and will resemble any other wide awake busy municipality of the same degree of prosperity and enthusiasm.

BRECKENRIDGE, THE OIL CITY By BRECKENRIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

B RECKENRIDGE, one of the latest and most progressive oil centers of the Southwest, is al- ready a city commanding a prominent share of industries of North Texas. The industries are principally oil, refined oil products, gas, coal, fire brick clay, agriculture and cattle raising. The population is conservatively estimated at 15,000. The city has a banking deposit upwards of $6,000,000 and has one of the finest water systems in Texas, built at a cost of $1,000,000, with a splendid filtra- tion plant, a standard motorized fire equipment, paid fire department, four railroads with common point freight rates and has a sufficient number of well supported schools, churches, clubs and hotels, that would be a credit to any city of the Southwest.

The "Breckenridge oil pool" is the greatest oil producing area in the United States. Oil records

and these plants refined over 800,000 gallons of crude oil during September. Ten of the leading oi! companies of the world maintain operating head- quarters here as well as 700 of the smaller com- panies whose holdings comprise from 10 to 500 acres. The monthly payroll of the oil companies operating within the-"Breckenridge oil pool" is over $3,000,000.

There are thousands of acres of undeveloped land in Stephens County, which lands are located within proven and semi-proven oil territory, awaiting the coming of outside capital for development. Stephens County has just sold $2,100,000 road bonds. This sale of road bonds assures the county of an ade- quate highway system upon which construction im- mediately started. The plans as outlined include construction of the Bankhead Highway which tra- verses the county east and west and passes through

THEN

West Walker Street, Breckenridge. The Largest Building in the Background is the Stephens County Court House. The Three-Story Building in the Foreground is the First National Bank Building.

and statistics bear out this statement. The "pool" . comprises 34 square miles and embraces over 2,100 standing oil derricks, 1,620 of which are producers, approximately 290 in state of drilling with but ap- proximately 190 dry holes. The production for Sep- tember, 1921, was one-third as much oil as either California or Oklahoma produced and 12 per cent of all oil produced in the United States. The "Breck- enridge oil pool" produced over 2,500,000 barrels of oil during September. Within the "Breckenridge oil pool" are located 23 refineries and casing-head plants representing an investment of over $8,000,000

Breckenridge; also the highway north and south, together with lateral roads throughout the county. Federal aid has been obtained for the Bankhead Highway in the sum of $300,000.

Breckenridge is the wholesale and retail distribut- ing center of all classes of oil supplies for the entire "pool." Forty-seven oil supply houses are located here and carry stocks that reach a total of more than $18,000,000. Breckenridge is the county seat of Stephens County, which county's assessed valua- tion has increased from $18,000,000 to $50,000,000 during the past two years; is being served by four

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TEXAS

', 'roads; is the largest and only incorporated city : the county, is located geographically in the coun- center and enjoys the surrounding territory's wholesale and retail business to the extent of mil- ns of dollars.

City Pumping Plant of the Walker-Caldwell Water Co.

Breckenridge has made rapid strides in the matter { public improvements. Many first class permanent wouldlings have been erected which give it the air ..! a much larger city. The streets are being rapidly improved and many of the principal streets will eventually be paved.

The general spirit of the business people of this " West Texas Oil Metropolis is to make it a city of formanent prosperity. During the last two years, three railroad lines have been completed connecting Breckenridge with Ranger , Cisco and Graham, putting the city in close communication with the out-

Interior View, and the Officers and Employees of the First National Bank of Breckenridge

able world, both with the North, East and West. This has given great sesame to the mercantile busi- :*** s, both wholesale and retail.

The city of Breckenridge has a large surrounding 'rrritory which makes it a commercial center. The ablic highways are also being rapidly improved vi Breckenridge is already connected with Graham, fallo and Ranger with good automobile roads. Cher roads are being improved to the oil fields and "var by eities. The greatly increased population of Breckenridge during the last two years and due primarily to the oil business, has brought to the city many kindred industries and has given permanent

employment to hundreds of men in various lines of occupation.

Stephens County, of which Breckenridge is the county seat and principal business center, was formerly devoted to stock raising. In the memory of many of the local citizens, herds of cattle grazed on the open range which covered a large portion of this part of the State. In recent years, with the dividing of the land in smaller traets, the raising of small grain became the principal industry. The greatest drawback to this section is the lack of rain in some seasons.

The assessed valuation of Breckenridge for 1921 is approximately $12,000,000. This is an increase over 1920 of $10,000,000. More than fifty one, two

Coadulation and Sedimentation Basin of Walker-Caldwell Water Company, Breckenridge

and three story fireproof buildings have been con- structed recently. Bonds have beeen voted in the sum of $600,000 for street improvements; $300,000 for sewerage; $350,000 for additional school build- ings, the work for which will begin immediately. Breckenridge has a first class post office, employing 31 persons. Total receipts for the past four months were $413,563.92. Stamp sales totaled $28,130.33, while money orders issued totaled $390,233.59. Breckenridge has a building program for 1921-1922 calling for an expenditure of $300,000, of which $2,500,000 has already been expended. This build- ing program included hotels, business blocks, o.l.ce buildings, churches and schools. The Baptist and Presbyterian churches have now under construction

Pump Station at Dam at Crystal Falls, from which the Water Supply of Breckenridge is Secured

new buildings costing $100,000 and $45,000 respect- ively. Breckenridge today is the largest and morally the best city in the "West Texas Oil Belt," and with its rapid growth and permanency assured we heartily invite the "new comer."

HISTORY OF RANGER By M. H. HAGAMAN

T HE story of Ranger, through the years of struggle for a bare and scant existence, to the present prosperous City reads like a fairy story of old. Less than six years ago, with a popula- tion of seven hundred native West Texans, there was no indication of what would be the future history of this little village. Though there were some whose optimism, even in the face of hardships occasioned by the drought, led them to believe in the possi- bility of finding oil beneath the rocky surface, yet few, if any, foresaw the growth the phenomenal development which was destined to make Ranger known throughout the whole world as she is today.

When oil was first discovered in October 1917, on the McClesky farm, through the united efforts of Mr. Marston, Mr. Gordon and several enterprising citizens among whom were Mr. John M. Gholson, H. R. Gholson, M. H. Hagaman, strangers began to arrive in large numbers and by July, 1918, four thousand pilgrims to the promising El Dorado scurried hither and thither in a mad disorderly fashion, com- peting for the almighty dollar. There was no City Government, but the old citizens of Ranger were destined to maintain the good reputation of their home town and in order that she might go forward accellerated quickness, a Chamber of Commerce was organized and an experienced Secretary placed in charge. The result was a clean-up both from moral and sanitary standpoint. New industries and mer- cantile establish- ments came every week. Streets, room- ing houses, trains be- came so conjested so as to tax every re- source of the com- munity.

In the early part of 1919 a movement was started to incorpor- ate the city, and at the election in Feb- ruary, a large ma- jority was cast in favor of incorpora- tion. Later in April, a charter election, ac- cepting the Commis- sion plan was car- ried, and though the administration was hampered by reason of not having any funds the benefits of the organized ma- chinery of City Gov- ernment have been in- numerable. In the

meanwhile an unprecedented development was taking place in the surrounding oil field. Leases commanded fabulous prices and in a very short time practically every tract of land within a radius of thirty miles was leased. Farmers who had struggled for years for a scant living became suddenly rich and a large number moved to nearby cities to enjoy a well earned rest. All the large oil companies and inde- pendent as well as scores of newly organized com- panies secured holdings and vied with one another in drilling into the pay sand until the country for six miles about the city is a veritable forest of oil rigs.

Ranger became a city of 25,000 to 30,000, streets were paved, modern schools and office buildings were erected and a fine clean city was built where oil men and ranchers could bring their families to live in order to properly educate their children.

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The encyclopedia of Texas, V.1, Part 15

Author: Davis, Ellis Arthur, ed; Grobe, Edwin H., ed Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Dallas, Texas Development Bureau Number of Pages: 1204

Author: Davis, Ellis Arthur, ed; Grobe, Edwin H., ed
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Dallas, Texas Development Bureau
Number of Pages: 1204