THE MEN WHO WORKED THE RIGS

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The Texas oil boom of the early 20th century was a period of dramatic change and economic growth. Oil diversified the region’s economy (which was previously based on agriculture) and fueled the beginning of the automobile industry. By 1929 there was an automobile for every 4.3 Texans. The January 11, 1920 issue of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported, “Nocona, since the discovery of oil in adjoining territory, is gradually taking on the aspect of a ‘boom’ town. The influx of oil men into Nocona has been so great that the price of all commodities has soared skyward, all are at a premium. An official estimate places the need of new homes at 1,000.” By February 1st the same newspaper reported, “Oil men from all directions are pouring into Nocona every day on learning the facts about oil prospects near here. …Eating and rooming houses are crowded and it is expected that these places will not be able to accommodate the crowds that will be sure to arrive almost any hour. Nocona is taking on quite an oil town appearance.”

The lure of the oil field for farm boys, saw and grist mill hands, and others was higher wages. Farm boys were accustomed to long hours doing physically exerting work in hot weather, so oil field conditions were not unusual for them. Pay for unskilled workers ranged from $2.50 to $3.00 a day for a 12-hour shift. Drillers typically earned $5.00 a day. A seven-day work week was the norm, with not even a Sunday off. Jobs normally lasted two to four weeks, before the workers moved on to another well or another oil field. During periods of unemployment, the workers went home and waited for the next oil discovery and drilling boom.