Oklahoma oil boom town still pumping away
The year was 1912, and Tom Slick had poured his hopes into the Wheeler No. 1 well. After hitting a series of “dusters,” the leaser was determined to strike oil on the Wheeler farm 40 miles southeast of Tulsa. His dreams became a reality when the bit struck its vein, sending a geyser of black gold into the town that would become known as Drumright. Though this town of 2,500 citizens has seen its share of hard times, the well still stands as a tribute to the power of perseverance. “Wheeler Number One is still running and pumping as we speak,” says Angela Titus, president of Drumright’s Chamber of Commerce. “Covid hit Drumright really hard, and we lost a couple of businesses. So we’re a work in progress, but we’re a wonderful community with a lot of heart and soul. Every day, we’re taking a little more pride in our town.” Linda Manning, Realtor with Kerri Marks-Options Realty, echoes these sentiments. “Drumright would be a good, friendly town to raise your children in,” Manning says. “People are friendly and helpful. You can’t beat that.”
Pastries and pub grub on Broadway
Mornings begin with pastries and juice at Donut Palace on Broadway, one of many stops along Drumright’s primary thoroughfare. Local shops include Spirit Heads, a T-shirt emporium offering embroidery and screen printing, and Fergy’s Designs, specializing in crocheted and handmade items. Creative pub grub and southern favorites populate the menu at The Derrick Craft Bar + Kitchen, while El Catrin Mexican Grill slings south-of-the-border specialties across the street. Williams Foods also has a Broadway location, making it the most convenient place to pick up groceries. In addition, every Saturday, the downtown area plays host to the Drumright Monthly Market, where shoppers can show their support for local vendors. Somewhat off the beaten path is Joseph’s Fine Foods of Drumright, a steakhouse known for its comfort food. The nearby Tidewater Winery is a scenic spot for sampling the latest vintages. It also serves as a venue for weddings and other special events.
From fixer-upper bungalows to luxury estates
Drumright offers a potpourri of architectural styles with prices to suit almost any budget. Most construction occurred in the latter half of the 20th century, but some homes are older than that. “Around the 1920s and ’30s, after the oil boom, there was a lot of temporary housing put up for the oil workers, then gradually it got to be more permanent homes,” Manning says. Bungalows needing renovations cost as little as $50,000 to $75,000, while two-story Craftsman homes cost $120,000 to $250,000. A spacious ranch-style house with vaulted ceilings might be priced at $200,000 to $300,000. Some residential streets are overgrown and unpaved, and many are too narrow for two cars to pass each other without slowing or stopping entirely. Houses near the heart of town sit on lots measuring a quarter to a half-acre. But on the outskirts of town, ranches and luxury estates on multiacre lots might sell for $400,000 to $1 million.
The beat of Drumright High School
Area schools are on the western edge of town, where residential streets give way to rural land. Students begin at Bradley Elementary School, which gets a C-plus from Niche. Then they’ll funnel into Virgil Cooper Middle School and Drumright High School, both of which have a Niche grade of C.
Wet and wild at Whitlock Park
Near the high school sports fields, Whitlock Park features a cool splash pad and playground with swings, a jungle gym and a corkscrew slide. Because the park is so close to the school, it’s a convenient place for kids to gather after class. Visitors pass through a distinctive stone archway off Broadway to access Way Park, where they can explore hilly terrain, a creek, a large gazebo and a two-story rock amphitheater. Though the amphitheater is no longer in use, it once served as a central gathering place for the community.
Drilling for fun at the Oil Patch Jamboree
Citizens pay tribute to the town’s oil boom history during October’s Oil Patch Jamboree. “That’s when things get hopping. It’s our biggest event,” Titus says. The Oil Patch Parade rolls through town in the morning and serves as the centerpiece of the one-day celebration. Other highlights include live music, food booths, vendors, contests and games at Whitlock Park.
A confluence of three state highways
Drumright is separated from Tulsa by 40 miles, and Oklahoma City is 75 miles southwest. However, Oklahoma State Highways 16, 33 and 99 converge on the eastern edge of town, giving motorists several options for exploring the area. With no public transportation options available, owning a vehicle is a must. Students who live south of Broadway might be able to walk to school, but most will have to rely on the bus.
Photography Contributed By
Nick Branston
Video By
Hunter Severtson
