This Week in Odessa History

There was optimism in the spring of 1961 about the possibility of big oil strikes in the Odessa area.

An exploration drilling firm had just released its geology report on a test well it had drilled several months earlier in the area west of Odessa.

Here is The Odessa Record’s story in the issue of April 27, 1961:

The geology report on findings of Basalt Explorer #1, drilled west of Odessa last fall in quest of oils and gas, was made public in a geological report issued by the drilling company.

C&D Minerals, Inc. and Associates have released a technical report of the effort, which has spurred much scientific interest.

Joe Jantz, speaking at a meeting of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce said much consideration is being given to further exploration in this area because of the data developed by Explorer #1.

Greatest interest lay in the fact that the well pierced the basalt going through at 4,465 feet and hitting granite at 4,682 feet.

Jantz explained that geologists had contended that this area once was covered by seas which rose and receded over millions of years and furnished the sedimentary deposits found under the basalt. It was contended that lava flows which followed and placed the basalt had burned out these deposits. The well here showed 76 feet of shale, now known as Irby shale, which had formed an insulation cover and protected the deposits.

Publication of the report has stimulated much interest. The Spokane papers on Sunday, carried an interpretation of the report, which is expected to help ease future drilling efforts in the region.

C&D has been active again, renewing leases and getting ground work complete for further activity. The test well cost an estimated $250,000.

100 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

April 18, 1913

Tuesday and Wednesday were the days appointed by the council and mayor for a general clean-up of the town and surface indications about town show that the citizens entered generally into the spirit of the occasion. All the streets and alleys were raked and the rubbish piled up and either burned and hauled away, while the citizens also put their premises in order, and the results of the two days’ activities are very gratifying to all who take pride in having the town present a clean appearance.

75 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

April 7, 1938

Through a deal completed this week, Burgans of Odessa has taken over the local Safeway store and will combine both stores in the Safeway building, starting a chain of business changes.

The room vacated by the Burgans store may be rented by the Schmauder grocery.

Farmers of the Odessa region met with C.N Adams and A.W. Jessett of the Washington Water Power company on Wednesday night to study facts about the proposed farm electrical line for this area and named a committee consisting of W.C. Raugust and J.C. Michaelsen from the commercial club; H.G. Heimbigner, D.A. Laney, George Gies, Dave Weber and Con Walter Jr., from the south country; and Hugo Zagelow, Fred Stehr and William Zagelow from the north, with instructions to secure a sign-up of all interested ranchers.

Mr. Adams, district manager for the company outlined the costs, stating that an average cost of $450 a mile, without labor, would be required; that the line could be extended to give 20 years of uninterrupted service. It would be necessary for the farmers to incorporate.

50 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

April 4, 1963

The Lions Club heard a report from its project contest committee. There had been a good response, indicating strong public interest in town improvements.

The winning project was planting trees and grass on the triangle east of Finney field to create a park for the benefit of families coming to Little League activities, rodeos and other attractions.

25 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

April 7, 1988

Odessa’s town council Monday night discussed plans in conjunction with the chapel construction committee for town acceptance of the cemetery structure.

During the session, mayor Harold Kern told the council that members of the chapel group had suggested acceptance of the facility by the town prior to May 11, when present insurance coverage will expire.

"They said there’s some grading and leveling needed around the building," Kern said of the proposal, "with a bit of a buildup needed to smooth the entry into the chapel."

Council members saw no barrier to acceptance provided title would be transferred clear of any encumbrances.

10 Years Ago

From The Odessa Record

April 10, 2003

This is the weekend of the Desert 100 sponsored by the Stumpjumpers M.C. The event offers a variety of riding events for the two days. The off-road motorcycle race will feature a 100 mile race, 50 mile race, ironman event, mini race for those under 15, dual sport ride and a poker run.

This will be the 33rd annual Desert 100 race.

The P.C. Jantz Elementary School music department and the 21st Century combined their abilities, along with many talented young people, to produce one magnificent show, with a matinee performance and then their final one that evening. It was a five-star production.

The play, "The Emperor’s New Clothes", was presented by the grade school students.