Drumright, Aaron, House
403 S. Creek Ave., Drumright, OKBuilt in 1920, the two-story Drumright House is the last known surviving residence of Aaron Drumright, co-founder of the town that bears his name, donor of land on which much of it sits, and a strong civic leader in the town's social and commercial life. The brief association of two other men lend additional local significance to the house: son Everett Drumright, was U. S. Ambassador to China 1931-1943, a veteran foreign service officer in cities around the world until 1965; and L. E. Shanks, who purchased the house from Drumright in 1937, continued his strong public service role in the field of banking, real estate and insurance.
Aaron Drumright settled here in 1900 while still in his late teens, He and J. W. Fulkerson were farming adjacent plots in 1912 when the Wheeler No. 1 blew in (a mile to the north) to open the world famed Cushing Oil Field ... and create the need for a new supply town. Drumright and Fulkerson both gave land for the town, known first as Fulkerson and then, in 1913, officially as Drumright. (Broadway, the town's main street, is the old dividing line between the two men's properties.)
Both Drumright and Fulkerson were active in developing the downtown business district and in the building of schools and churches. Drumright was a leading organizer of the Washington School, Drumright's first, and a significant contributor to the Drumright Methodist Church. He was also the first president of the Drumright State Bank.
Drumright bought the Drumright House from Charles Kahl in 1920. He sold it to L. E. Shanks in 1937, but continued to live and work in the community for many years. He died in 1969 at 87. The house itself, though undistinguished, survived the devastating 1957 tornado and remains today much as it was when built sixty years ago.
Local significance of the building:
Aaron Drumright settled here in 1900 while still in his late teens, He and J. W. Fulkerson were farming adjacent plots in 1912 when the Wheeler No. 1 blew in (a mile to the north) to open the world famed Cushing Oil Field ... and create the need for a new supply town. Drumright and Fulkerson both gave land for the town, known first as Fulkerson and then, in 1913, officially as Drumright. (Broadway, the town's main street, is the old dividing line between the two men's properties.)
Both Drumright and Fulkerson were active in developing the downtown business district and in the building of schools and churches. Drumright was a leading organizer of the Washington School, Drumright's first, and a significant contributor to the Drumright Methodist Church. He was also the first president of the Drumright State Bank.
Drumright bought the Drumright House from Charles Kahl in 1920. He sold it to L. E. Shanks in 1937, but continued to live and work in the community for many years. He died in 1969 at 87. The house itself, though undistinguished, survived the devastating 1957 tornado and remains today much as it was when built sixty years ago.
Commerce; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Loading...
Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher was the first Black woman to attend law school in Oklahoma. In 1946, she applied to the University of Oklahoma College of Law but was denied admission because of her race. She sued the university, and her case eventually went to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in her favor. She went on to graduate from law school in 1951 and became a prominent civil rights attorney.
About Creek County
Creek County Timeline
Creek County, Oklahoma has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek Nation, which gave the county its name. These tribes thrived in the region, relying on the fertile land and abundant rivers for their sustenance.
In the mid-1800s, the U.S. government forced the Creek Nation to cede their lands through treaties, resulting in the establishment of Creek County. The area was then opened for settlement, attracting pioneers seeking new opportunities in the newly formed Indian Territory. The arrival of settlers brought significant changes to the region, with the growth of towns and the development of agriculture and commerce.
During the early 1900s, Creek County experienced a boom in the oil industry. The discovery of oil reserves led to a rapid influx of wealth and population in the area. Oil wells sprouted across the county, attracting workers and investors from far and wide. This oil boom brought a significant economic boost to Creek County, as well as infrastructure development such as roads and railways.
In recent years, Creek County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. While the oil industry remains a prominent player, the county has also seen growth in other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Creek County is home to a number of historical sites and natural attractions, including Keystone Lake and the Creek Nation Tribal Complex, which draw visitors from near and far.
Overall, Creek County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have overcome challenges and embraced opportunities to build a vibrant and thriving community in the heart of Oklahoma.
In the mid-1800s, the U.S. government forced the Creek Nation to cede their lands through treaties, resulting in the establishment of Creek County. The area was then opened for settlement, attracting pioneers seeking new opportunities in the newly formed Indian Territory. The arrival of settlers brought significant changes to the region, with the growth of towns and the development of agriculture and commerce.
During the early 1900s, Creek County experienced a boom in the oil industry. The discovery of oil reserves led to a rapid influx of wealth and population in the area. Oil wells sprouted across the county, attracting workers and investors from far and wide. This oil boom brought a significant economic boost to Creek County, as well as infrastructure development such as roads and railways.
In recent years, Creek County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. While the oil industry remains a prominent player, the county has also seen growth in other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Creek County is home to a number of historical sites and natural attractions, including Keystone Lake and the Creek Nation Tribal Complex, which draw visitors from near and far.
Overall, Creek County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have overcome challenges and embraced opportunities to build a vibrant and thriving community in the heart of Oklahoma.
Creek County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Creek County, Oklahoma.
- 1892 - Creek County is established as a part of Oklahoma Territory.
- 1907 - Oklahoma becomes a state, and Creek County is incorporated within the new state.
- 1908 - Oil is discovered in Creek County, leading to an economic boom.
- 1923 - The Creek County Courthouse, located in Sapulpa, is completed.
- 1937 - The Creek County Fair is established, becoming an annual event.
- 1961 - The Turner Turnpike, a toll road running through Creek County, is opened.
- 1979 - The Creek County Jail is built in Sapulpa.
- 1999 - A tornado strikes Creek County, causing significant damage.
- 2010 - Creek County celebrates its centennial anniversary.