Western Oklahoma: Cordell's UMC

Located at the south end of the main north-south route through town, HWY 153 or Glenn English Avenue, this interesting Oklahoma church has a unique story to share.  Founded when the region was first opened  around 1900 their building was called the "Union Church" because it was shared space among the other denominations in town until their own building efforts were successful. Members have included the family of notable operatic talent Roberta Knie, as well as photographer-painter Bob Taylor and politician-educator Glenn English.

CUSHING - HEART OF THE CIMMARON RIVER COUNTRY

Let's Look at: Cushing, Oklahoma. Born of the hectic land expansion of the 1890's in Oklahoma and Indian Territories, Cushing in Payne Co. OK was founded in the heart of the Cimmaron River country where once vast cattle herds grazed on land leased from the federal government.

Later, as oil gushed in the 'Cushing Oil Field" encompassing Oiltown, Drumright, and Yale, as well as a few other now ghost towns, the small community boomed. The population by 1920 had risen from 700 to over 7,000 people. With that came a great and quick response to the need of housing and supplies, education, healthcare, and so much more for those new citizens. Most of the changes were good but like other boom towns a livelier crowd also sought out the lure of people with money in their pockets and a need to let off steam at work week's end.

Long known as the "Pipeline Crossroads of the World", Cushing has changed and like any place connected to the roller coaster world of oil production and use there have been good times and more challenging ones.

Still existing, and recognized as historic, are several buildings dotting the downtown area. These include the "Karr Building" built in 1922 at 118 E. Broadway, site of the first C.R. Anthoy's store in 1918.

Leading citizen, Hiram Dunkin built a fine prairie style craftsman at 309 E. Broadway. he also built the Dunkin Theatre, at one time one of four theaters providing entertainment to Cushing and surrounding areas.

Remnants of the first business district, "Old Jericho" dot the south side of Main Street (HWY 33) between Noble Street and Katy Street and the east side of Steele Street along the old M, K, T, Railroad line.

I will be adding photos and more stories about this town on HWY 33 that is once more experiencing some "boom" as the oil and gas industry stir to life in the region.  Efforts to revitalize the downtown area, to clearly link the community to the "Red Dirt Music Corridor" running from Tulsa, to Bristow, and Chandler are all under way.

All through the community are delightful reminders - in cottages and business buildings -of a historic past just waiting for people to buy them up, restore them with love, and return them to their former charm. The heavy traffic on Hwy 33 (connecting Guthrie and Tulsa) and Hwy 18 (connecting Shawnee and Stillwater) promise a bright potential future for those with an eye to building and crafting a future.

To learn more:  http://www.digitalprairie.ok.gov/cdm/ref/collection/stgovpub/id/290644