Pyeatt's, J. J., General Store
Off OK 33, Custer, OKJ.H. Pyeatt's General Store is significant because it is one of the best extant examples of Plains Commercial architecture in Custer City, Oklahoma. Built in 1905, Pyeatt's impressive two-story brick building provided tangible evidence that Custer City was prospering. Pyeatt's General Store provided a variety of dry goods and other finished products to the community. The second floor of the building served, a variety of functions over the years. Originally, Pyeatt resided above his store. An opera hall, a roller skating rink, and a movie theater have also been housed in the upper story.
During the early 1920s, Pyeatt sold the front half of his store to Henry Harmon, who moved into his drugstore. In the early 1930s, Pyeatt went out of business and his half of the building became a beer tavern. Austin Veetch, a local businessman, purchased both the tavern and drugstore. Veetch operated these businesses until 1960. Since 1960, the building has been vacant and has deteriorated until the interior second floor collapsed.
Local significance of the building:
During the early 1920s, Pyeatt sold the front half of his store to Henry Harmon, who moved into his drugstore. In the early 1930s, Pyeatt went out of business and his half of the building became a beer tavern. Austin Veetch, a local businessman, purchased both the tavern and drugstore. Veetch operated these businesses until 1960. Since 1960, the building has been vacant and has deteriorated until the interior second floor collapsed.
Commerce
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
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.
Oklahoma is known for its oil industry, which began in the early 1900s when oil was discovered in the state. Today, Oklahoma is still a major producer of oil and natural gas.
About Custer County
Custer County Timeline
Custer County, Oklahoma, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the early days of the American West. The area that is now Custer County was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne and Arapaho. Europeans began to settle in the area in the late 1800s, drawn by the promise of fertile land and the opportunities offered by the expanding frontier.
The county was officially established in 1892, named in honor of General George Armstrong Custer, the controversial military figure who played a prominent role in the Indian Wars. In its early years, Custer County experienced a boom in agriculture, particularly wheat production. The introduction of railroads in the area further facilitated economic growth, as it allowed farmers to transport their goods to larger markets.
Over the years, Custer County faced its share of challenges. The Dust Bowl, a period of severe drought and soil erosion during the 1930s, devastated the region's agriculture. Many farmers were forced to abandon their land and seek employment elsewhere. The county also played a role in World War II, as the Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base was established in 1942 and served as a training facility for pilots.
In more recent years, Custer County has continued to diversify its economy. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the 1950s brought economic prosperity and new opportunities for the county. Today, Custer County thrives on a combination of agriculture, energy production, and a growing tourism industry. The county is known for its natural beauty, with the picturesque Red Rock Canyon and the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site being popular attractions for visitors.
The county was officially established in 1892, named in honor of General George Armstrong Custer, the controversial military figure who played a prominent role in the Indian Wars. In its early years, Custer County experienced a boom in agriculture, particularly wheat production. The introduction of railroads in the area further facilitated economic growth, as it allowed farmers to transport their goods to larger markets.
Over the years, Custer County faced its share of challenges. The Dust Bowl, a period of severe drought and soil erosion during the 1930s, devastated the region's agriculture. Many farmers were forced to abandon their land and seek employment elsewhere. The county also played a role in World War II, as the Clinton-Sherman Air Force Base was established in 1942 and served as a training facility for pilots.
In more recent years, Custer County has continued to diversify its economy. The discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the 1950s brought economic prosperity and new opportunities for the county. Today, Custer County thrives on a combination of agriculture, energy production, and a growing tourism industry. The county is known for its natural beauty, with the picturesque Red Rock Canyon and the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site being popular attractions for visitors.
Custer County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Custer County, Oklahoma.
- 1892 - Custer County is established.
- 1897 - The town of Arapaho is incorporated.
- 1901 - The town of Clinton is incorporated.
- 1916 - The Battle of Turkey Springs takes place in the county during the Mexican Border War.
- 1954 - The Foss Dam is completed, providing irrigation and flood control for the area.
- 1983 - The National Route 66 Museum is opened in Clinton.
- 1992 - Clinton becomes the county seat of Custer County.
- 2007 - The Stafford Air & Space Museum expands and reopens in Weatherford.