Page 3. THE GAZETTE-TIMES. Heppner. OR. Thursday. April
J. A. MARBKE AND TOE OIL GAS WELLS
DRILLED NEAR THE CARTY RESERVOIR SITE
A few weeki ago Invited guests only witnessed the
dedication of the Carty Reservoir Site near the Oregon Trail
stopping place known as Wells Springs. This 5,000 acre,
man-made reservoir Is a significant beginning to the
development of nuclear power, and its Irrigation and cooling
water may contribute a great deal to the future potential of
Morrow County. . . .
How many can recall the big excitement of Just 45 years
ago this spring when the Wells Springs Gas & Oil Company
was drilling In that area and was selling company stock to
interested investors? Any person who still has a stock
certificate in that company is asked to contact Mrs. Harnett
at the Morrow County Museum. She has gathered the
information herewith presented about this 45-year-old energy
boom from old newspapers.
In its March 19, 1931 issue, the Gaiette-Times reports that
John A. Harbkeand L. H. Estes, officers of the Wells Springs
Gas and Oil Company, visited in Heppner. Other company
officers included Wilbur Henderson, the company's attorney,
Mrs. Leding and J.L. Richardson of Portland.
'Fred Nichoson, a local man, is drilling the test hole on the
Wells Springs Ranch is now down 225 feet. He has an outfit for
drilling to a depth of 1200 to 2500 feet. The company plans to
go to 4000 or 5000 feet if necessary, although deeper drilling
will necessitate Installing different equipment.
"The amount of gas coming from the well is Increasing and
a trace of oil shows. This is encouraging to Mr. Harbke who
farmed in the desert land north of lone for many years and
for more than 25 years has been convinced that oil underlies
the sand and sagebrush. The Wells Springs Gas and Oil
Company, under a state permit, is selling stock in the
company."
The April 2, 1931 issue adds more facts. "The Wells Springs
Oil and Gas Company has leased 30,000 acres of land
surrounding the eight-inch hole drilled into the historic Wells
Springs out of which flows artesian water filled with gas
bubbles. The first hole is to be abandoned and drilling
operation swill be moved to the top of an adjacent hill several
hundred feet higher. A geologist says It Is more proper to drill
as the substrata there is convex Instead of concave as in the
canyon where the present hole is located. Many examples
have been cited which substantiate the geologist's theory,
notably the famed Tea Pot Dome.
"Company President Harbke did not make a glowing
promise of quick wealth in an interview Monday. He
displayed leas forms being given farmers of the district and
a Mock of lithographed share certificates for stock that are
being offered at 110 each. The company is now incorporated
for $100,000. He spoke of the cooperation the company is
getting and told of their arrangement with Fred Nichoson,
driller, and Louis Padberg. farmer whose farm is but a short
distance from the well. Both men are taking stock in
exchange for their services and supplies. Louis Padberg has
deeded 2.520 acres of land to the corporation.
The April 16 report says. "At 320 feet the drill In the springs
hole brought forth twice the amount of gas bubbles that
before filled the artesian flow, giving company officers more
hope and increasing public Interest. Sunday saw In largest
number of visitors yet at the test hole and Mrs. Louis
Padberg was busy most all day keeping the coffee
percolating on the flame at the gas Jet to serve spectators
By Mav 28 the paper had a long story about veteran oil and
gas driller Sam Foster who drilling experience has
reached all the way from South America to Canada. He
talked with officers giving instructions In procedures to
separate the gas from the water. Foster Mid "I am satisfied
(hat gas in paying quantity has already been struck, and that
a ready market exists for all the gas that may be
found-advising that gas would be more profitable than oil
and would require less attention."
Foster declared the remoteness of the field from markets
was no deterrant to the saleability of the gas. and he
described gas lines that are now being laid over long
distances. He said a network of lines is planned to touch
every center ol population in the country and that there is a
virgin market for natural gas everywhere.
In the last report given in the Gazette-Times on June 11.
1931 tells that Sam Foster, engineer for the company, did not
recommend going to the expense necessary to shut the water
off in the first hole, advising rather the drilling of another
hole higher up and shutting out the water from the start
H G Harris. Osage. WY. a veteran driller who was in
charge of production for Standard Oil Co. for 17 years and
held a like position with the Union Oil Co. for J years, visited
the well Friday evening with Foster. Harris also declared
Wells Springs prospects to be as good as any he had seen in
the northwest." . .
The published account seems to end here. People who
remember a bit about the excitement say that lots of money
was lost at that time.
Cartv Reserv oir is named in honor of James Carty an earl
partner of John Kilkenny and John Sheridan who was born in
Countv Leitrim. Ireland in 1854 and emigrated to Morrow
Count'v in 1890. He owned and operated a substantial sheep
and callle ranch in the Tub Springs area most of his life.
Shamrocks and Shepherds" states: "At the commencement
of World War II. the VS. Army took over the Carty ranch
including Jim's home. On the occasion of serving the initial
papers and on each succeeding occasion, although then in his
ieventies. he refused to move from his home and chased the
members of the Air Corps from the ranch. Being in a
quandary, the military sought the assistance of Federal
Judge James Alger Fee. by scheduling of formal proceeding
before him.
At the commencement of the proceeding, the representa
tives of the military outlined. In considerable detail, the
difficulties thev were having and asked the court for an oroVr
of possession lth a writ of assistance. After pondering he
problem for few moments. Judge Fee stated: If the
military of the t nited States cannot dispossess Jim Carty. I
moo t even trv.' Fortunately, patriotism and the persuasion
of familv friends overcame Carty s ill to resist and saved
the milu'arv from complete defeat After 40 years he gave up
his home, so full of memories of the singing. dncinjr and
fighting Irish and moved to a new location on Willow Cm.
PIBLIC.UCTIOX
LAND SALE
Mai.li;t.Ipm.
Tfce Oregi Trspert.tli Cemmb. Ill after for sale
I Mblle aHHi the folding ftnti al Una" tecated t
sJlh side W High, at 3 at the .est end lal lrrlm sear
the Mate Wreel Jctli. TW sale UI ke keM ttf
pre mtaes at S .. a- May I. Ill Th. properly Is fartker
47X! ' Tt 1 ft
H.Nir East. W.M.. Marrow Canatjr. Ore. The parte I
ui la M dmrlplM applies cantatas IS H-art
feH. mre less.
TFRM.H OF SALE: Tie mlnlm.m price thai .III be
.ctepud k IIJIS.H. payable at Mm W TJf Wat
Jemve. the r1M to .crept a reject I a.y
Lblrrt la special nmmtM. If my. restriction.
.&. W reccd. If sale to subject!.
mlrkll-t i all-b-rd. yJ
h,k,.rU. t Bi Na arrets la Ike klgk.ay. and (CI sakjecl to
a permit to Pacific Nartk-e.l Bell. ,....
INFORM TIOM Regnal rrerty Age!, lit K
ijGraitde. . f-toM Hl-MI! V
sale, trile Nt, UH
rublliked April 11. II.
All officers were present
when a rodeo meeting was
held at the Telephone building
Monday evening. It was voted
to improve the grounds with
Powder River equipment,
gates, chutes and corrals
within a cost of Jl.ooo. One
hundred dollars was voted for
parade entry prizes.
Doug Iloskcn. Spray High
principal was present in the
interest of the high school
students again having charge
of The Hut and serving ham
burgers through the rodeo.
. The association stales they
are anticipating up to 200
participants for Spray's 10th
annual half-marathon to be
held in conjunction with the
rodeo. Saturday. May 29.
Terry Shaw, trick rider.
Oregon City, has been con
tacted for May 29-30.
Terry is an experienced
performer, having made hi
ghly acclaimed appearances
throughout the Northwest.
Officers of the Spray Rodeo
Association are: Tuck Jack
son. President. Don Griffith,
vice president. Myrna Ger
vais. secretary-treasurer. Jo
anne Griffith, rodeo secre
tary: Effie Stirewalt. court
chaperone and advisor. Dir
ectors arc: De Wayne Sim
mons. Wilbur Alford. Jim
Stirewalt. Bob Troxell. Frank
Robison. Ed Kendall and Joe
Petit.
Plans are underway by the
Ladies Auxiliary for the Flea
Market to be held at the
Legion Hall May 9. Pie and
coffee w ill be served while you
browse and make selections.
The Auxiliary ladies spon
sored a most successful bake
sale at the General Store.
April 16.
Hubert and Goldie Asher
are combining business and
vacationing while spending a
week in San Jose. CA.
Mr. and Mrs. Claude Britt
spent Sunday in Long Creek
visiting their grandson. Willie
Adams and his parents. Verna
and Gary.
Judge Itkie and Gus
Strecker ere business visi
tors in lone Thursday.
The Bobby Fishers. Krisli.
Bobby J and Denis Dennis
were in Portland Friday for
shopping and medical ap
pointments and on Tuesday
the Fisher family were in
Prinvvillc attending business.
When Ihe Don Grilfiths
returned from a business trip
to Pendleton Tuesday they
stooped enroute fr visiting
and dinner at Ihe Sid Brill and
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Big 16" bat and cham felts tree nearly 3 feel thick
Automatic plus manual odmg
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HI
SPRAY
f.Ury
Al Wiley homes at Echo.
Judge and Mrs. Andrew
Ix-ckie spent the Easter vaca
tion in Corvallis at the home of
their daughter. Ihe David
Goulds and daughter Jasmine.
They were accompanied by
Anne Coiner. Fossil.
Clara Strecker and Celia
Reed were in Heppner early in
the week, the latter for
medical treatment due to
injuries sustained in a recent
fall at her home. Mrs. Reed
will return to Heppner Mon
day for further observation.
Letha Harsh is here from
Dayton. WA for a two weeks
visit with her daughter and
son-in-law, Ellen and Lee
Brisbois. Another visitor at
the Brisbois home is Larry
Brisbois II. His parents, the
Larry Brisbois and his sister
Marc'ie are expected for the
weekend from Boardman.
June Troxell was in Vale
Thursday to meet her daughter-in-law
and daughter Mich
ele who are here from
Germany and will visit her
parents, the Marvin McNeils,
Vale, the Don Troxells here
and other relatives before her
return overseas in June.
Walter Brill, formerly of
Spray, now of Slanfield, who
bcciiiiie critically ill while
vacationing- in &m Francisco,
remains hospitalized in that
city bill rcortcdly in some
what improved condition.
Marvin and Uuise Brillh.
KK ina and Carolyn and Ar
maud Brill visited the men's
lather there through the
weekend, slopping enrmile for
overnight nl the home of an
aiml. Mrs. Helen Boone.
I kiali. CA. who accompanied
them on the remainder of the
Mi and Mrs. Brisbois
have Im-n in Boardman Ihe
past week where they were
quests at the Larry Brislniis
home at kepi a medical
aiMiintiiiciit while away.
Paul Shen. Helttvca and
Margo Adams are here I mm
Keiiocwirk. WA. visiting al
he (M. II and Clillord Adams
and U-c Bi"islis homes and
with their grandmother. Ituth
Vl.llUH
Ikm and Bob Troxell were in
Portland Friday t meet Mrs.
Hotm Troxell and daughter
Michelle, who arrived Iroin
llcilbioin. Germany thai day
Hny are visiting the Don
I'roxelN here and Mrs Trox
,U parents. Colleen and
M.imn McNeil at Vale They
I it. , 1 1 in reiuin !o Germany
,.i K mi June.
tha Drotssiional aaletv
FMIM AM
II DKIt M'I'Pl.Y
676-9157
NEWS
Vlllluns
The rodeo kick-off dance
was held al Ihe High School
gvm Saturday evening. April
lii, with John Day's Midnight
SHt ials furnishing the music.
The queen's saddle, a pro
duel of U'onard Osier's Sadd
lerv. Baker, was on display.
The Spray Rodeo Court,
with their chaperone. Mr.
and Mrs. Jim Stirewalt. were
in attendance and included
Tina Cox. Mitchell: Colleen
Milton. Monument: Cindy Do
ugherty. Heppner. and Zorrita
Potter. Spray.
due of these girls will be
chosen queen at the dance.
May 28 prior to the rodeo May
2!) :io and will be flown to
Pendleton where she will be
out rilled al Ihe Kound-l'p
city's New York Store.
- The court 's next appearance
will be at Arlington's annual
rodeo and parade May 1.
Plans are nearing comple
tion ror the second Spray
reunion scheduled for June
19-20. The committees are
extending invitations to all
those people who may have
attended the Spray schools or
U-en a member of the local
school system al any time,
and all former residents to be
here for the two days with
triends. old and new .
Registration will start Sat
urday . June 19. to a.m.
A lull program has been
prepared, with varied day
lime activities and a Western
style dance ou Saturday
evening.
A baby silting service will
lx- provided al a nominal lee.
A meal w ill be served Satur
day evening and a Sunday
morning breaWusl. both tor a
small charge.
A non-denominational chur
ch service will be held Sunday
morning al the High School
g
Overnight accomoda
tions must be personally
arranged Tor. with excellent
r no
For future financial security if you're currently without
If you're a wage earner or self
employed and not presently
covered by any other quali
fied retirement plan, you can
act now to establish your own
First Individual Retirement
Account URA).
Ta Shtltered.The First
IRA enables you to save 15 o
of your gross wages or earned
income up to SI. 500 per year,
whichever is less, and deduct
this sum from your taxable
Federal and State of Oiegon
income. ,
This can mean a substantial
lax savings eveiy year until
you retire What's more, you 11
Im3 earning a high rate of in
terest 7 " annually. com
led and credited quarterly
which is tax deferred until
retirement
At that time, when you
begin withdrawing Kinds, the
amount withdrawn wilt bu
treated as taxable income, but
you will probably b in a
lower tax bracket
Rapid financial growth.
For example, if you are 25
now end take advantage of
FIRST
camping facilities, camper
space, etc. in the area.
Please send information on
your acceptance by telephone
or return mail to: Margaret
Ashmead. Box 255. ph. 468
2345 or Clara Jenkins. Box 64.
phone 48-2i61. Spray. OR
97874.
Slate Ihe number in your
group, your name and add
ress. Ladies will please in
clude their maiden names.
Pass the word along and plan
to lie in Spray. June 19-20.
HOW'S THE TIME . ...
FOR SPRING WEED C0HTR0L
You can depend on
xmmw FAM.1 SERVICE
CUSTOM SPREADING & SPRAYING
NH , - Aqua - Dry Fertilizer
AC Chemicals Seed
Animal Health Products
Boardman
481-2921
Borlex
989-8525
Heppner
676-9103
i n
r ?;
In tho business o! lifo
fjgSBSsJ llr.FPM'R BR Mil
NATIONAL BANK or ortgon
LUBE SPECIAL $14.
Due to the good response to my $14
lube special where I furnish oil,
filter, and give a complete lube job,
I have decided to continue it
indefinitely. The only change will be
$15 for 4-wheel drives. Also see me
for new or used tires and recaps,
exhaust system work, shocks, sport
wheels, batteries, wheel packs, etc.
Competitive prices.
VERM'S Uillwll STATION
Heppner, OR. 67fr5iw
UJESTERn
Ell
LJLSL
FORITI SERVICE
mi
---n n mi j
(OJIUIK
the
thenys a list timo
for everything-
Bill Wondra
SALES
Dick Kelly
OPERATIONS
KEN SMITH
n
n
I 3 Q
a retirement plan.
First IRA contributing the
maximum 51.500 each year,
you U be eligible to receive
upon retirement at age 65 up
to S338.243'
If both husband and wife
work and neither participate
in an employer plan, then both
may have an IRA and receive
a combined maximum tax
deduction of S3. 000 per year
Easy to Open. Opening
your IRA is as easy as open
ing a savings account Just
visit your Firat National branch
and apply You can start your
plan with as little as S100 with
additional deposits of S25 or
more made as often as you
want up to your maximum
For more convenience, you
can authorize First National
to deduct IRA deposits, start
ing at S25. automatically from
your checking account
U you're without a ftrt:r'
ment plan, tee your First
National branch about an
IRA The tooneryou start
yours today, the more hnan
cuil security you'll havt
tomorrow
i