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History
in an Oil Can
Once known as Ingerton, Texas, the site was near a school on the Yake Ranch.
In the 1920s an oil camp set up here along the tracks of the Chicago, Rock Island
and Gulf Railway.
Despite its unimaginative name, the town had every intention
of thriving. A new school was built, a depot was added and more importantly, a
post office was granted in 1927.
But even with a railroad connection, the
writing was on the wall. The post office closed its doors when the paint was barely
dry (1929). The school managed to stay open until after WWII
when it merged with schools in Stinnett.
As the Great Depression was winding down Oil City was too. In 1940 there were
only 40 Oil Citizens served by a single business. The railroad was abandoned in
1972 and by then nearby Sanford and Stinnett
offered work (and companionship). |
1940s
Hutchinson County map showing Oil City
(Under "T" in "HUTCHINSON")
Courtesy
Texas General Land Office |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories, and vintage/historic
photos of their town, please contact
us. | |
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