Oil City Timeline Part I - From The Beginning Through 1960

The Town's History Told In Articles And Photographs Of The Day

 A continuous work-in-progress - check later for updates. 

1840

 U. S. Army engineers survey the Louisiana/Texas line, building rafts to cross Ferry (Caddo) Lake and then wading chest deep water while hacking through the swamp in Jim's (now Jeems) Bayou.
Steamboats, such as the doomed Mittie Stephens, traversed the waterways from the 1840s until early 1900s Once a dam sans a lock was built at the foot of Caddo Lake, river traffic was permanently halted. 
1895

 Kansas City Southern Railways completes the railroad through the area.
1896

The earliest found mention of Ananias, a flag stop on the rail line, is in an article referencing the move of S. H. Marshall and family to the nearby fishing club (from which the name came), of which he will be in charge. 
"Ananias Clubs" were popular at that time around the country for sportsmen and particularly fishermen. Named for a famous liar in the Bible, it was a humorous jab at those anglers who told wild tales about "the one that got away."



1898

Evidence of the community of Surry is documented as early as 1898, by the appointment of Mrs. Hattie Murray as U. S. postmaster. It was one of three that eventually were absorbed into present day Oil City; the others being the aforementioned Ananias, as well as Caddo (sometimes referred to as Caddo City).


Source: Appointments of U.S. Postmasters (1832-1971)


The Ananias railroad station and Surry post office are listed in an 1898 report of Shreveport area elevations above sea level. Considering an approximate one-half mile distance between the two locales, the 4.0 foot increase going southward represents a 0.15% grade, barely if at all noticeable.



Geology and Agriculture. 1899. Louisiana Geological Survey, Pages 205 & 207


 An account of an 1898 hunting trip to the area was published in the 19-Oct-1907 issue of a now-defunct periodical called "Forest and Stream". Though to, it was not affiliated with the familiar magazine "Field & Stream". The article is titled "Hunting in Louisiana" and tells of a journey by boat that begins in Mooringsport and winds through various unnamed lakes and bayous before the author and companions arrive at a large island (likely Pine Island) lush with game.including ducks, geese, partridges, turkey, muskrat, beaver, and deer. Even bear and otter are reported to have been observed.
1900
The 1900 Annual Report of the Railroad Commission of Louisiana (predecessor to the Public Service Commission) lists the rate per bale to ship cotton to Shreveport from outlying communities. Shown among other familiar area towns is Ananias. Interestingly, one mile north is a shipping point identified as Gallaway, that would be in approximately the area known as Caddo City. The earliest found reference to the latter has been 1904. So it appears Caddo City or some adjacent area was once known by that former name.


Annual Report of the Railroad Commission of Louisiana, 1901-1903, Page 66

1901

 An potentially abundant find near Ananias, LA is reported.

Source: St. Louis Republic, 27-May-1901, Page 2
However the story does have its skeptics as the name of the town is the same as the biblical character noted for lying.

1901-05-31 Lexington (KY) Morning Herals 31-May-1901 Page 2

1904

Favorable probabilities of oil in the area.


Source: Denton County (TX) News 19-Apr-1904, Page 2


No Oil Yet - A visit to a drilling site described.



Good flow of oil reported at Caddo City.


Dallas Morning News 13-Oct-1904, Page 13


The strike by the Caddo Lake Oil and Pipeline Company generates excitement.





 1905
Oil is found in the Savage-Morrical well, recognized as the first successful well in the Caddo-Pine Island field.


Source: Houston Post 05-Feb-1905, Page 6


A photo of Savage No. 1. Note the begun and completions dates in the caption are off by a year (should be 1904 and 1905 respectively).


Shreveport Times 10-Sep-1933, Page 10


Offenhauser No. 1 is producing 15 bbls per hour.


Source: Galveston Daily News 14-Apr-1905, Page 4


 Producers Well No. 3, which blew out 07-May-1905, had been continuously spewing gas which recently ignited. Compared to a small volcano, flames are shooting 80 feet high and said to be visible from Mooringsport, five miles away. No one can approach closer than 100 feet due to the intense heat. Described as being like a small volcano, it has become a local attraction.

Source: The New Orleans Daily Picayune 19-Jun-1905 Page 7

Source: Washington Times 03-Sep-1905, Page 24

Louisiana Governor Newton C. Blanchard and Shreveport Mayor Andrew Querbes visit the burning well.

New Orleans Times Picayune 05-Nov-1905, Page 13


1906

 Fire from the burning well in Caddo City reported to be visible over 25 miles away.

Source: The Jefferson TX Jimplecute 20-Jan-1906, Page 5
The Shreveport trolley line runs on natural gas from the Ananias field, said to be the only one in the south to be so powered.

Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune 03-May-1906 Page 16 

Standard Oil Company begins operations in Caddo oil field.




KCS picks Ananias over Caddo City to locate its railway station, apparently due to a disagreement with landowners in the latter.

New Orleans Times-Picayune 07-Dec-1906, Page 3


 1907
Ananias listed a a Kansas City Southern Railway station in 1907.


Source: The Official Railway Guide - North American Freight Service Edition, Jan-1907, Page 1149

Mentioned above, the Shreveport Traction Company operates an electric street car line of 20 cars running on 15 miles of track, and provides service westward to the state fairgrounds. Power is provided by steam generators fired with Caddo City-sourced gas.



The Street Railway Journal. v.29 (1907) 16-Mar-1907, Page 471

Ananias Assistant Postmaster Martin Geiser (incorrectly spelled in article) is killed in a Shreveport Saloon.

 Source: New Orleans Daily Picayune 21-Sep-1907 Page 2

 A longer account of the incident published in the Shreveport Caucasian 29-Oct-1907 indicates an argument between the two escalated to a fight with resultant stabbing by Wright. In the 1900 census, Geiser is listed as living in New Orleans having the occupation of bartender, which may have what brought him to Oil City.
Wednesday, 13-Nov-1907 was a monumental date in town history, for on that date Ananias was no more and Oil City established. Note this was enacted by KCS Railway, renaming their rail stop at the initiation of Howard Hughes, Sr., as the community was not incorporated until 1940 (see below).

Galveston (TX) Daily News 07-Nov-1907 Page 6
1908
The Oil City Machine (Works) Company was incorporated in 1908 to manufacture oilfield machinery (e.g., drilling rigs) and provide related supplies to area operations. In 1913, though keeping its name, it moved to Shreveport and in 1928 was renamed The Brewster Company, long a fixture on North Market Street in that city. Its owner and president, Harry Cyril Brewster (1869-1933) also partnered with businessman Denis Ricou in 1923 to build the Ricou-Brewster building that stood in downtown at 425 Milam Street until razed in 1995.


Source: The Iron Trade Review 05-Mar-1908, Page 480


The facility is currently used by CB&I Alloy Piping Products to manufactures pipe fittings in various materials and for applications world-wide. CB&I (formerly Chicago Bridge & Iron) acquired the plant when it purchased the Shaw Group who previously operated it.
Deputy Howard R. Hughes is arrested..


Source: Thibodaux (LA) Sentinel 14-Mar- 1908, Page 1


A tornado strikes the communities of Oil City and Gilliam.


Source: New Orleans Daily Picayune 14-May-1908
Oil City is Growing.


Source: Atlanta (TX) News 16-Apr-1908, Page 5


 A racial confrontation occurs when a contractor brings in black workers to build a natural gas pipeline to Texarkana.


Source: Dallas Morning News 28-May-1908 Page 1


 1909


The earliest found incident of a town-wide fire occurred in January 1909.

Winslow (IN) Dispatch 22-Jan-1909 Page 2

Identification of some of the buildings lost.

Manufacturers Record 21-Jan-1909

New Concrete Hotel Built - Perhaps in response to a fire that destroyed numerous wood structures the prior month, a more substantial building was constructed. This may be what became the Norman, and later Cheshier Hotel. During a sixth grade class project about Oil City history, I recall it being stated that was the oldest masonry structure in town. It was demolished in the 1970s.

Source: Western Contractor 03-Feb-1909, Page 6
Among investors in the Caddo-Pine Island fields was Adolphus Busch, co-founder of Anheuser-Busch; makers of Budweiser Beer.

Source: Technical World Magazine Mar-1909, Page 115
A casualty of the Jan-1909 blaze was the Oil City Hotel, Cafe, and Ice Cream Parlor; along with the adjoining pool room, shown below.


Source: Technical World Magazine, April 1909
"...principally noted for jiggers, bedbugs, fleas, and all sorts of vermin." So said Frank Massin of Oelwein, IA about his time spent in Oil City, LA; a place so hot he was weakened to the point of needing assistance to board the train for his return trip to Iowa.



 Oelwein (IA) Register 04-Aug-1909 Page 7


Concerns over the impact of oil and gas production on local water quality attracted the attention of the State Board of Health's chief medical inspector.



Source: New Orleans Picayune 16-Aug-1909
1910
Anheuser Busch President and Chief Executive Officer Adolphus Busch takes special train to Oil City to see local gas fields.


Arkansas Gazette 04-Nov-1910, Page 1


Deputy shoots an alleged bootlegger and a riot ensues.



Source: The (Shreveport LA) Caucasian 17-Nov-1910



A widow's kiss costs $500  Oil City postmaster J. K. Norman (also owner of the Norman Hotel) stole a kiss from a young widow, Mrs. Grace Hunter, while she was in the post office. She sued him for $2,000; however upon review the judge awarded $500. Rather than appeal, Mr. Norman relented and agreed to pay the settlement.

The treatment of the following incident by the press of the time shows the dramatic difference in attitudes of then versus now, as it is presented almost whimsical (see editorial "A Widow's Kiss" below), as if Mr. Norman was a mischievous school boy. The judge admonishes him as being old enough to have known better. Had Mr. Norman committed such an act today, as a somewhat public figure, he would at the least be issuing a public apology to show proper contrition to keep his job; and at worst might even be facing the possibility of jail time.



 Source: Seattle Times 11-Dec-1910, Page 14

Source: New Orleans Item 10-Dec-1910, Page 9

1911

 A well that burned uncontrollably for six years was finally extinguished. The estimated loss was between 3 million and 5 million cubic feet of natural gas.

Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune 22-Mar-1911, Page 8

Robbed in Storyville  Oil City resident George Johnson, perhaps seeking a change of pace from the allures of Reno Hill, ventured to the famed Storyville "red light district"  of New Orleans where a working girl relieved him of more than he bargained for, namely a $20 bill (equivalent to $500 today). The article doesn't state whether any of the other cash found on her person had also once been his, but handed over willingly for services rendered. Customhouse is now Iberville Street. Like Reno Hill, Storyville was closed by order of the military in 1917 to prevent temptation to troops stationed nearby. 


Source: New Orleans Daily Picayune 20-Jun-1911, Page 4

Resulting from his finding numerous health violations, Dr. Dowling recommends that Oil City become incorporated in order to establish local oversight and enforcement of related laws. However that would not occur until 1940.
Oil City is greasy, but not of Greece. So says this entry in a New Orleans Daily Picayune social column making mention of two local doctors.

Source: New Orleans Daily Picayune 21-Aug-1911 Page 6
Murder and Lawlessness in Oil City Just another day at the office, as these articles from the same day describe a murder, while prostitution and bootlegging is reported rampant.


The (Shreveport) Caucasian 07-Sep-1911
First an oil tank is struck by lightning and burns. At the price then, the oil lost was valued at $10,000. Adjusted for inflation, that would be the equivalent of $246,000 today or approximately $12/bbl. Using the market price of Friday, 11-Apr-2014 ($104/bbl), the loss would be valued at $2,080,000.

Source: Galveston (TX) Daily News 22-Sep-1911 Page 2

Gustave Morse is named postmaster.
Then later that year, the town east of the tracks burned.



The Thibodaux (LA) Sentinel 09-Dec-1911 Page 1
1912
Several local business people are indicted for violations of the sanitary code cited in a prior inspection by Dr. Dowling.
Epidemic of meningitis breaks out in town.


Source: Greenville (MS) Weekly Democrat 07-Mar-1912 Page 8
"I never held a public office, except that of deputy sheriff and postmaster at Oil City, La. Therein I lost my religion." - Howard Robard Hughes, Sr.
In his own words, the elder Hughes, Harvard-educated, inventor of the rotary drill bit, founder of Hughes Tool Company, and father of aviator and film producer Howard, Jr., sums up his two-year tenure in Oil City in two sentences included in his personal profile published in "The Harvard College Class of 1897 Fourth Report", dated June 1912.
Howard R. Hughes, Sr.
He's probably described the Oil City of his day more accurately, and in fewer words, than anyone before or since as below is the town he served.
Oil City, LA 15-Sep-1912

"And now Rocky Raccoon he fell back in his room
Only to find Gideon's bible
Gideon checked out and he left it no doubt
To help with good Rocky's revival"
(Lennon/McCartney)

These lines from The Beatles White Album aren't quite correct, since Gideon isn't a person, but a non-denominational evangelical Christian organization that took its name from the biblical Gideon. For over 100 years they have distributed free bibles, notably placing them in hotel rooms.

Below it is noted that the Gideons distributed 30 bibles to the Norman Hotel in Oil City. That was a two-story brick structure once operated by J. K. Norman, that stood over 60 years just northeast of the old Ford dealership and due south of current Dub Allen operations. Norman had an earlier wood structure at a different site that was destroyed by fire in 1909. Shortly afterward, Texarkana banker E. K. Smith began construction of a masonry hotel that likely became the new Norman, making it the first brick structure in town.


Monroe News Star 24-Sep-1912 Page 6



An international delegation of chemists touring the United States visits the Caddo field as part of their visit to the Shreveport area.


 New Orleans Weekly Times-Democrat 18-Oct-1912 Page 19


Apparently the availability of the 30 bibles had little effect on local conversions as three months later a Methodist minister, the Reverend Thomas Jefferson Holladay (misspelled below), reported difficulty recruiting members to his flock.


Source: Monroe News Star 12-Dec-1912 Page 8


Those charged for unsanitary conditions plead guilty and are fined.


New Orleans Times-Picayune 20-Dec-1912, Page 16


1913

An advertisement for lots for sale in the White Oak subdivision, which is the area around the school.




1914

Postmaster Gustave Adolphe Morse dies.

Source: 26-Mar-1914 The Bulletin 09-Aug-1914 Vol XX No 222

 The Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo is a fraternal organization.


 W. J. M. Tilley named Oil City postmaster.
Source: New Orleans Daily Picayune 08-May-1914
Local drugstore changes ownership.

Source: The Practical Druggist Aug-1914, Page 360


 1915
Jacob Ober (1884-1951) was named postmaster of Caddo, LA on 05-Mar-1915. A native of Lemberg, Austria (now Lviv, Ukraine),he emigrated to the U. S. in 1902 and, while an Oil City  resident, became an American citizen in 1911. His occupation per the 1910 census was "merchant - general store."
From "Appointments of U.S. Postmasters - 1832-1971"
Jacob Ober - Passport Photo 1923

Jacob Ober - Draft Registration 1918

 Ober replaced Robert L. Anderson, who assumed the position when established two years prior. In 1930 mail handling was transferred to the Oil City post office. He later moved to Shreveport and got into various business activities, including oil drilling. He is buried in the Agudath Achim cemetery, located there.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please  gather 'round. For the product I'm going to tell you about today will not only cure your ills, but restore vigor to your life!" (said in my best huckster voice)

There have always been pills and potions touted to be miracle cures or to restore energy and youthfulness. We even see them today on infomercials for dietary supplements, male enhancements, fat burners, etc.  But these were especially prevalent in the days before the Food and Drug Administration was created and put an end to unscrupulous drug makers making  fraudulent medicinal claims. Below is one of many advertisements published across the country in the early 1900s for a product called Vitalitis. Made to appear as news articles and typically containing the testimonial of a local person, the ads included claims of benefit,  of which examples included: 

"Vitalitis is a remedial agent not for the ills which he mentioned (rheumatism), but for disorders generally of stomach, liver, kidneys, bowels and blood. It is wholly and purely a natural product, free from harmful ingredients and is the greatest known tonic and corrective." 

"Nervous run down people, people who either suffer rheumatism, indigestion, stomach, or kidney ills should give the Vitalitis treatment a trial. Remember the remedy is free of alcohol, or dangerous drugs."

Basically it was "good for what ails ya." Others might have a term for said product, "snake oil" perhaps?

Oil City resident John Maddox (whose name they couldn't get right in the headline) was so impressed with the results that he gave a bottle to his father in Nashville, who in turn was himself so pleased he sent a bottle to his 70 year-old brother in Mobile with all achieving dramatic improvement of their respective conditions.

No record has yet been found of Mr. Maddox actuall residing in Oil City, though there was one living on Caddo Street in Shreveport in the 1920s, at about where the convention center is now. His occupation? Salesman.....of Vitalitis, perhaps?

As appeared in the New Orleans TImes-Picayune 30-Apr-1915:


Texas Company (Texaco) pumping station circa 1915 at Caddo City, LA. Caddo was a predecessor community eventually absorbed into Oil City that was located approximately at what is the intersection of Main Street and North Kerley Avenue (Hwy 538).

Rail cars loaded with compression (casing-head) gasoline.

1915 Texaco Star (Employee Magazine)
1916

 The Ferry Lake community west of Oil City briefly had its own post office, with Mary Cody named as postmaster in 1916.

Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune 04-Jun-1916, Page 10-A
Excerpts from a 17-Oct-1916 ruling by the Louisiana State Railroad Commission rescinding an earlier approval to establish a flag stop at Caddo City, describe the community of approximately 20 mostly transient residents and a single store; likely that of previously mentioned Jacob Ober.

Annual report of the Railroad Commission of Louisiana, 1916, Page 94 


Socialist Party candidate Allan L. Benson finished a distant second to incumbent Woodrow Wilson, in the U.S. Presidential Election of 1916. He did however receive more votes than Republican Charles Evans Hughes.


Girard (KS) Appeal To Reason 18-Nov-1916, Page 1

1917
Vaudeville troupe Crawford's Comedians performs in town in Feb-1917.

 Read about it in Entertainment In The Early Days
Patriotic outrage resulted in man being jailed.



Do residents of Caddo live within the general area of Oil City? This question may seem absurd to current/former residents today, regarding this area of town in the proximity of the intersection of North Land Avenue and Main Street. However a hundred years ago, it was not so clear. From a legal perspective, the issue was settled by the Supreme Court of Texas, in a decision issued 25-Apr-1917. The case was Western Union Telegraph v. Wilson, where the former was seeking to overturn lower court rulings in favor of the latter.  
Plaintiff E. L. Wilson had successfully sued Western Union for failing to make prompt delivery of telegrams notifying him of his mother's death, and thereby preventing his attendance at her funeral. On 19-Apr-1911, the Oil City Western Union office received two telegrams for Wilson. Inquiry was made regarding his whereabouts, he was in Oil City much of the day, and "generally known" in town. But no specific attempt to deliver the telegrams was made because he lived outside what was considered the general delivery area. The messages were held for two days, then mailed to him on the 21st through the local post office. He received them later that day; too late in his opinion to attend the funeral.

Western Union maintained a free delivery area within a 1/2 mile radius of its office and outside of that area, a special charge was levied. However the sender was not advised of this and given the option of paying for special delivery, resulting in the two-day delay. Plaintiff Wilson lived in Caddo (or Caddo City as it was sometimes called); 1/2 to 3/4 mile north of Oil City, and the older of the two communities, described as consisting of one store, a section house, and two or three other houses. Houses were also scattered along the road between the two communities. 

In its ruling the court observed that Caddo and Oil City had grown together and were "practically one place" as, for example, they shared the same rail station and post office*. In fact, it was at the Oil City post office that Wilson received the telegrams.  It also stated it was the responsibility of the company to advise the sender if the recipient's address fell outside the normal delivery area. The District and Court of Appeals opinions were affirmed. It was determined Wilson should not receive damages for mental grief caused by his mother's death, and therefore (unspecified) damages were limited to those for not being able to attend her funeral.


* Though irrelevant to this case, by the time of the Supreme Court's decision, a post office had been established at Caddo in 1913 that was in existence until 1930. (See  above under "Jacob Ober named Caddo postmaster").


 Jewelry Store repurposed to drug store.


 Source: The Jewelers Circular Weekly 06-Jun-1917, Page 59
The Ferry Lake post office proved to be short-lived, as the following year it closed, with related mail being then forwarded to Oil City.

Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune 28-Jun-1917, Page 3


Mooringsport, Oil City, Vivian, and surrounding areas were once occupied by federal troops in 1917-18, due to a major strike of Louisiana and Texas oilfields by unionized oil workers.
Read more at Military Occupation Of The Caddo Oil Fields 1917-1918.


Fire! (Again) As originally reported, some held suspicion of its ignition being related to labor strife present at the time. Striking oilfield workers instead aided occupying federal troops in extinguishing the blaze. This influx of manpower may have been the reason it ultimately proved to be a less severe, as were the resultant damages.

Source: 1917-11-04 New Orleans Times-Picayune 04-Nov-1917, Page 2

One article referencing the occupying troops.


The Franklinton (LA) Era Leader 08-Nov-1917
More troops moved into the area.

San Antonio Express 12-Nov-1917
The notorious Reno Hill vice district is closed.

Source: 1917-11-05 New Orleans Daily States 05-Nov-1917

 Though not stated as the reason in the above article, this later one about efforts to close Shreveport's "red light" district mentions the shutting down of Oil City's notorious Reno Hill was by order of the U.S. War Department.

Source: New Orleans Item 17-Nov-1917, Page 4
Whiskey was also banned and the sale of firearms restricted in efforts to minimize potential violence during the strike.

Source: New Orleans Item 24-Nov-1917 Page 2
In the midst of the strike by oilfield workers, a major well comes in having estimated production of 10,000 bbls/day, or based on $50/bbl oil, generated a $500 thousand/day of revenue at today's standards.


Source: Oil, Paint and Drug Reporter, Volume 92, 17-Dec-1917, Page 45

 Based on the section-township-range provided in the article (28-21-15), the location was in the vicinity of Parish Road 21 (Clyde Place Road), north of its intersection with Hwy 530 (Oil City-Belcher Road).


 1918

A prominent Shreveport businessman is lost on Caddo Lake while duck hunting. W.F. Dillon (1853-1918), a former steamboat captain, and president of the Shreveport Railway Company (Streetcar line), had set out from the Ananias Club, for which Oil City was originally named.



 Source: Galveston (TX) Daily News 14-Jan-1918 Page 3


A working oil well model built by students from the Boy's High School of Oil City is listed among the inventory of Louisiana State Museum artifacts per a 1918 curator's report.



 Sixth Biennial Report by the Board of Curators 01-Jan-1916 to 31-Dec-1917 Pages 57 & 104
Local Power Plant Expands.

Source: Electrical Review Volume 73 No, 21 Page 836 23-Nov-1918


1921
Description of storage capacity for Pine Island producer Choate Oil Corporation from a bond prospectus.

Source: The Fitch Bond Descriptions 1921, Page 291

Come One, Come All! What a spectacle! What a show! Per the website circushistory.org, the Rhoda Royal Circus and Old Buffalo Wild West Show performed in Oil City on 29-Nov-1921. 

Read about it in Entertainment In The Early Days

1922
Local refinery nears completion.

Source: National Petroleum News 05-Apr-1922, Page 33


Yet another fire burning a sizable chunk of downtown Oil City.

Source: 1922-08-10 Baton Rouge State Times 10-Aug-1922, Page 1


It appears more than petroleum was being refined in Oil City back in the day.
Page 141
Page 156
Source: Hunter-Trader-Trapper Magazine, September 1922

1923

 All the Way to the U. S. Supreme Court Two local legal disputes, one involving the Jeems Bayou Hunting and Fishing Club and both involving the federal government, were ultimately resolved by the United States Supreme Court.  At issue was ownership of land adjacent to Caddo Lake, the value of which had risen dramatically with the discovery of oil.

In the first case, lost by the feds, the court overturned a lower court ruling that the parties presenting the appeal (Messrs. Stockley, Stringfellow, and Hester et al ) did not hold title to land that it appears Gulf Oil Co. was interested in buying (likely from the government).

The second case ruled that the boundary of the property  owned by the Club, whose existence on its site predates the discovery of oil, did not extend to the water's edge, meaning the government owned the land (and any related mineral rights) in the disputed area.

Source: Hattiesburg (MS) American 02-Jan-1923, Page 6

National Bus Line Began with a Route Between Oil City and Shreveport Per an excerpt from 1943 newspaper article about the opening of a new Tri-State Trailways bus terminal in Tuscaloosa, AL:

"The enterprise was founded in 1923 by W. H. Johnson, president and general manager with its first service a 30 mile run between Shreveport and Oil City, La. Through Mr. Johnsons efforts, expansion has been rapid but carefully planned so that patrons would enjoy comfort and convenience in Tri-State travel. The present organization is said to be the largest independently owned bus company in the country."
Tri-State would later merge with two other bus companies to become the national Continental Trailways Bus Line, still in operation today.
"But Your Honor, these are for (ahem) scientific purposes." Well, the law eventually caught up with G. O. Shaver (see above under "1922"), who was fined $100 for advertising plans for constructing stills along with recipes for distilling alcohol in various national publications of the day. Acquitted of a second unnamed charge, Mr. Shaver had attempted to walk a fine line during the prohibition era, but was determined by the judge to have violated the spirit of the law.



A glimpse of the town, circa 1923. As described by a visiting newspaper reporter.




Shreveport Times 20-Oct-1923, Page 14

A visit by the Once and Future King(fish) occurred when Railroad Commissioner Huey Pierce Long, in his first race for Louisiana governor, campaigned in Oil City and other area communities on 14-Dec-1923 per Theory and Research in the Communicative Arts (1965) by Ernest G. Borman; it citing an itinerary published in the New Orleans Times-Picayune, dated 09-Dec-1923.



1923 Campaign photo



Long came in third in the Democratic primary, held in January 1924, but he went on to win the governorship in 1928 and was elected to the United States Senate in 1932.


Several days earlier the town had also received the man who would defeat Huey, Henry L. Fuqua. The event, attended by a reported 250 persons, was led by local dentist Dr. Sanders Fowler, and Elzie H White, an OC druggist.




 1924
One of several wood frame school buildings is remodeled for a teachers' residence, while the new brick school building is mentioned.
1925
Oil City is your land, Oil City is my land - An article about individuals filing fraudulent homesteading claims mentions one Zach Warren (origins unknown) claiming the land comprising the town of Oil City. The typical premise for such claims was that of filing against previously homesteaded land that had been returned to the state. No subsequent information was found regarding the validity of Mr. Warren's claim, likely relegated to the circular file.


New Orleans Times Picayune 24-Nov-1925 Page 10


1926

 Yet another major fire in OC.

Source: Monroe (LA) News Star 21-Sep-1926
Oil City High School receives membership in the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, the organization that accredits schools in recognition of meeting certain academic standards.

1927

 Sometimes It's Better to be Discreet About One's Accomplishments  This story from long ago that sounds like, had it happened today, it could be included in one of those "dumb criminal" reality shows.

George Little won a bet by demonstrating his eating prowess. His only problem was that the story made the newspapers and was read by an Arkansas sheriff who had outstanding warrants on him. The sheriff contacted Oil City Deputy Sheriff Will George who promptly arrested Mr. Little for return to Arkansas to stand trial.

EGG FONDNESS SENDS HIM TO ARKANSAS JAIL

George Little won a hat, but was also located in Shreveport for Officers.
(By Assocated Press)

Shreveport Louisiana, Jan. 8 (1927) - George Little's fondness and unusual capacity for eggs got him into jail. 

Last Saturday Little devoured 30 boiled eggs, 15 slices of toast, and a "stack of hotcakes" at an Oil City restaurant. For his trouble he received a hat, but it cost him his liberty.

The story of Little's feat got into the papers Monday, and the sheriff at El Dorado, Ark. read the story. Then the sheriff remembered he held a trio of warrants against Little on charges of violating the liquor laws. (JAR Note: This was during prohibition, so was likely bootlegging.) He also remembered that he had been searching for some time for the elusive George without avail.

Yesterday he notified local authorities and Little was arrested by Deputy Sheriff (Will) George of Oil City.

Today a deputy from El Dorado transferred Little to El Dorado, where he will face the charges in court.
1928

Numerous Oil City residents, mostly merchants and businessmen, contributed to the presidential campaign of Democrat candidates Al Smith and Joe T. Robinson in 1928. The ticket however lost in November of that year to Herbert Hoover and running mate Charles Curtis.





 1933

Another snapshot in time.





Shreveport Times 15-Apr-1933, Page 2


1934

A Visit By A Notorious Duo - Recently found information confirms a long-held local legend - that Oil City was once visited by outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, known to the public simply as Bonnie and Clyde. In a 1989 newspaper interview where she recapped events in her life, Susan "Sudie" Thacker (1899-1990) stated that while she and husband George (1891-1970) operated a mercantile store locally, she once waited on the infamous couple..


Hope (AR) Star 25-May-1934, Page 1 (Bonnie & Clyde pic)


Per information about their travels provided to authorities by convicted criminal and former companion Hilton Bybee (1911-1937), this would have occurred in January 1934.

"Beginning on Tuesday January 16th, The Barrow Gang visited Hillsboro, traveling country roads-- then onto Rhome via Grapevine. While in Rhome, Clyde, Raymond and Bonnie went into Dallas. The gang spent the night on a country road near Wichita Falls. Next, traveled into Oklahoma. Then turned back and got a car that night (Wednesday)-- at Vernon. Drove all day (Thursday) in Oklahoma and decided to come back to Texas and rob a bank. Then returned on Thursday night, staying near a river. It was onto Frisco on Friday. Next they visited McKinney for groceries. Friday night Palmer and Methvin went to Hugo to case stores and rob a filling station. Clyde was upset about the small haul ($7.00)-- and drove country roads to DeQueen, Arkansas on Saturday. Then the gang hit Fort Smith. Got a paper at a Fort Smith drug store Sunday morning, and headed back to Oklahoma. 'Stayed Monday night on country roads in Oklahoma. 

Next reportedly they went up into Joplin, Missouri-- staying around Joplin and that country due to the good gravel roads. 'Got $400. in a small town nearby. Bonnie cut the money. Then it was onto Texarkana Tuesday night-- and Shreveport on Wednesday. 'Came through Fulton-- then to Caddo Lake, Oil City, Marshall and Terrall (sic). Clyde, Bonnie and Hamilton then went back to Dallas."



 1935
Oil Citian named to state-wide PTA office - Former local PTA president Holman Haynes Dillard was appointed to the position of Chairman of High School Associations.




 1936

 Night marshal is robbed.


Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune 29-Feb-1936, Page 2
Another fire, this time started in the movie theater, burns several downtown buildings.

Source: New Orleans Times Picayune 05-Dec-1936, Page 1


1937

 T. L. McKinley named Oil City postmaster 12-Feb-1937.

Source: Hattiesburg (MS) American 12-Feb-1937 Page 11
1938

 Bid is awarded to Pittsburgh-Des Moines Steel Company to construct the Highway 1 overpass over railroad tracks south of town.

Source: Monroe (LA) News Star 25-Aug-1938
1939

 Voters approve sale of bonds to build gym at Oil City School. 

New Orleans Times-Picayune 15-May-1939 Page 24 (Approval of Gymnasium)
Donald Lavine named postmaster.




 Monroe News Star 01-Aug-1939, Page 1

The last (hopefully) of the major downtown fires. Based on the description, these were north of the Dixie Mercantile building on Land Avenue. Nathan's, Warren's, and Eggleston's would continue to conduct business for many years in other brick structures. 

Monroe (LA) News Star 25-Aug-1939

All Because of One Little Goose - Here's a heads up of what can happen to those who contemplate shooting at protected migrating waterfowl. Humorous from our perspective, though I'm sure not to those involved. The J. W. Reneau mentioned was my grandmother's brother-in-law, as he and my Aunt Goldie (Hayes) lived in Oil City at the time.




 Source: Hattiesburg (MS) American 11-Nov-1939, Page 10

A local chapter of the Lions Club was formed in 1939. Among its founding membere were three were future town mayors: O. B. Roberts (president), Donald Lavine (secretary), and Tilmon W. Greer (board member).




 Pictured below are some of the Lions Club founding members.

Source: Various
1940

Oil City Incorporated - LA governor signs proclamation incorporating Oil City and naming O.B. Roberts its first mayor.

Baton Rouge Morning Advocate 30-Aug-1940, Page 9-A
Below are the first officials of the newly incorporated town.

Shreveport Times 14-Sep-1940, Page 11

Post office is robbed. 

1940-Sep-10 Galveston Daily News

 An explosion occurs in town.


Biloxi Daily Herald 10-Oct-1940, Page 2


A building used by local Jehovah's Witnesses is burned. Two members, including grocer Nick George, were reported beaten. There appeared to be no connection to the dynamite blast mentioned above, that occurred at approximately the same time.
Baton Rouge Morning Advocate 11-Oct-1940, Page 10-A
Incorporation Challenged - Some local businessmen challenge the recent incorporation of Oil City in court.

Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune 06-Dec-1940 Page 30
1941

 Watermelon Queen - Oil City's Elaine Vaughan beats out 18 other girls, including fellow residents Ann Flash, Gloria Dawn Tabor, and Dorothy Warren for the Miss Tri-State title at Atlanta, Texas Watermelon Festival.

Source:  Atlanta (TX) Citizens Journal 07-Aug-1941, Page 1

1943

 To help with the war effort, Oil City merchants close early on Thursdays so their employees can tend to their victory gardens.

Monroe Morning World 11-Apr-1943, Page 6
A visit by Earl K. Long, brother of Huey, as a lieutenant governor candidate on the campaign trail. He eventually became governor, known affectionately as "Uncle Earl."

 
1944

 William Sherman Farquhar (1891-1973) becomes mayor.
Mayor William S. Farquhar


 1945
Local Lawman Slain  Long-time Caddo Parish Deputy Sheriff William White "Will" George was mortally wounded by a gunshot from Edward T. Krow, an allegedly drunk night watchman while he and another deputy were investigating a crime in Belcher, LA on 21-May-1945. He died three days later. Krow was himself shot by other deputies accompanying George, but survived.

George had been a deputy since 1926, and previously served as Oil City Constable and earlier than that, City Marshall of nearby Vivian, LA. Deputy He is buried in Forest Park East Cemetery in Shreveport, LA.
1946

 Mayor W. S. Farquhar resigns, and banker and former mayor  O. B. Roberts is appointed to fill his term.

Source: Baton Rouge Morning Advocate 05-Apr-1946 Page 18  (2-B)


 1947

A reported disagreement between mayor Roberts and the town council over the source of the town's potable water resulted in his resignation. He advocated drawing water from Caddo Lake while the aldermen preferred drawing from deep water wells. Alderman Oscar Gladstone, Lynch, Sr., who was also town clerk, temporarily assumed mayoral duties. 


Times 13-Sep-1947, Page 1



Times 13-Sep-1947, Page 10


The Louisiana Secretary of State later appointed alderman Austin Glynn Lee to serve out the remainder of the term..

A. G. Lee shown in 1959

Source: Baton Rouge State Times 28-Oct-1947, Page  3
1948

 John F. George's nomination is confirmed for Oil City postmaster. He had been acting in this role since 1946 due to Donald Lavine's resignation.


Source:  Baton Rouge Morning Advocate, 18-Jun-1948, Page 7-A


Local forest fire rages.

Source: Long Beach (CA) Independent 16-Aug-1948 Page 22
1950
After being without a local doctor for several years, in 1950 members of the Oil City Rotary Club formed a non-profit corporation that issued $30,000 of stock, the vast majority of which was purchased by members. The funds raised were used to construct a then modern two story clinic that included hospital rooms and a pharmacy. Read more here.

Oil City Clinic, circa 2010
1951

 Plans to build a new city hall are announced.


Shreveport Times 20-Sep-1951, Page 4


New waterworks is dedicated. At the time, water was sourced from wells.








1952

 Mayoral and council election results:





1953

Former Oil City school teacher Louise Lockwood Brooks (later Waldron) became OC's first female alderman (alderperson?) in November 1953.


Source: Baton Rouge State Times 26-Nov-1953, Page 47 (7-D)


Louise L. Brooks (1958)
Since this was between the normal election cycle, it's not clear if this was an appointment or the result of a special election to complete the term of another person. In 1956 she was elected to a full term (see below).


1954


Roberts named LBA Treasurer - Oil City Bank President and former Mayor O.B. Roberts was elected treasurer of the Louisiana Bankers Association.

Source: Baton Rouge Morning Advocate 28-Apr-1954, Page 17 (1-B)
Mayor Donald Lavine officially opens the Christmas season with the lighting of a 26 foot Christmas tree and oil derrick.

Source: Monroe (LA) News Star 10-Dec-1954 Page 4


1955

Mastin Robison named Oil City postmaster.


Dedication plaque for the "old" town hall dated 16-Sep-1955. The building is now used as a community center for senior citizens.




Oil City Town Hall, circa 1965


To mark the 50th anniversary of the first successful oil well completed in Caddo Parish, a monument consisting of a replica derrick atop a 25 ton block of granite was erected at the Louisiana State fairgrounds in Shreveport. Studies concluded the site of the original well north of Oil City was inaccessible and therefore an unsuitable location.


Times 10-Oct-1955, Page 3-C


Below, artist laureate Amos Lee Armstrong, designer of the fairgrounds monument, is shown paying a visit to the site of that first well, situated in an area then covered with weeds.

1956

Louisiana Secretary of State Wade O. Martin certifies the result of a 12-Jun-1956 election of Oil City officials including mayor, aldermen, and marshal.
  

Source: 1956-06-27 Baton Rouge State Times 27-Jun-1956 Page 1-C


Among investors in area oilfields was Memphis businessman Buster Williams, who owned Plastic Products, a pressing plant where recordings were manufactured for studios including the Sun and Stax Record labels. The former was the first label for rock/country legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins; while the latter was the recording home for 60’s soul artists Booker T & the MGs, Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, and others. He also pressed records for Leonard Chess, founder of Chess Records; who recorded Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and many others.

 Per this 01-Dec-1956 Billboard Magazine article, he purchased an airplane to fly into Shreveport and Oil City to check on oil interests.


1957

The Caddo Parish Police Jury voted to extend the boundaries of Oil City's water district to permit the town to access Caddo Lake for its water needs. Previously water was obtained from wells that proved unreliable during recent droughts. With this change was a proposal for the construction of a water treatment plant. That plant was in fact built and is still in use today (2018), located near Kool Point in the Ferry Lake community west of town.


Times 15-Mar-1957, Page 13-A


Below: The 60 year-old plant in 2013. Town officials are currently working to obtain funding for the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility.


Google Street View


Oil City gains "town" status as the result of annexing a one and one-half square mile section of property. The addition raised the population of the former village to approximately 2,000 persons.

Times 08-Jun-1957, Page 10-A
1958

 Before the "new" dam was built on Caddo Lake in 1971, the lake and surrounding bodies of water would occasionally flood, blocking roads and filling formerly dry waterways.

Below are pictures from one such flood occurring in May 1958. Per former resident Les Baker,

"That's the Caddo Oil Co. warehouse and yard and the Caddo Pine Island refinery. They were actually two separate outfits at the time I was around but may have been all one company before a Mr. Brown, or a bit later, Mr. Don Raymond bought what would become Caddo Oil. Co. The view is looking pretty much toward the southwest. You can see a bit of the company houses behind all the trees in the upper left of the picture."
The scene below is looking west on the Belcher Road (Hwy 530) at Black Bayou.





1960

Mayoral and council election results:

Source: Baton Rouge State-Times 16-Jun-1960, Page 26  (12-B)


Residents soundly rejected a tax measure that would have funded a municipal sewerage system. It would be years later before one was constructed, with federal assistance.





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