Kilgore Historical
Preservation Foundation
Preservation Foundation
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The Kilgore Historical
Preservation Foundation
was founded in 1987 to
preserve and restore the
unique oil derrick skyline of
boomtown Kilgore. Initially
concerned about vanishing
derricks, the foundation has
evolved into protecting the
unique heritage of Kilgore
as well.
Preservation Foundation
was founded in 1987 to
preserve and restore the
unique oil derrick skyline of
boomtown Kilgore. Initially
concerned about vanishing
derricks, the foundation has
evolved into protecting the
unique heritage of Kilgore
as well.
(903) 984-1333 P O BOX 885, KILGORE, TEXAS 75662
A non-profit organization promoting, protecting and preserving the heritage of Kilgore, Texas.
In just ten short days,
the town's population
exploded as more than
10,000 fortune seekers
swarmed Kilgore from all
over the world. By 1939, a
forest of nearly 1,200 oil
derricks crowded together
within the city limits - most
concentrated within one
square block that became
known as the World's
Richest Acre. One well
was actually drilled
through the terrazzo floor
of the Kilgore National
Bank that once stood in
the area. Kilgore quickly
became known as the
capitol of the huge East
Texas Oil Field.
In sharp contrast to the
thriving boomtown of the
1930's, Kilgore today is a
city that blends its rich oil
heritage with a
technologically advanced
business community that
provides residents with an
incomparable quality of
life. The people who live
here see Kilgore as a
friendly small town that
has many characteristics
of a larger community. A
high tech industrial base,
an outstanding public
school system and
community college,
abundant recreational
opportunities and
extraordinary cultural
events make Kilgore a
unique small city, a city
that has an eye on the
future but still remembers
and honors its historical
past.
| BOOM! |
| The Crim Theatre |
| The Texan Theatre |
By KATHRYN PENROSE news1@kilgorenewsherald.com
Kilgore Historical Preservation Foundation walked away with the prestigious "Best Downtown
Partner" award from the Texas Downtown Association during the Texas Downtown
Revitalization Conference.
Best Downtown Partner recognizes a private or civic organization that positively impacts the
community and actively contributes to revitalization efforts in the downtown or commercial
district.
The other finalist in this category was Southwestern University in Georgetown.
KHPF was chartered in 1987, just prior to the dissolution of the community's first Main Street
Program.
Now, 21 years later, the foundation continues to preserve, promote and protect the unique
history of Kilgore.
KHPF has saved historic structures from demolition, re-erected 60 oil derricks, created the
World's Richest Acre Park, which recognizes the past in the oil industry and defines
downtown. The foundation also produced full-scale musical titled 'Boom," which featured a
cast of more than 30 people and told the story of Kilgore's role in the East Texas oil boom.
The foundation has also acquired Kilgore's oldest home — the Deen- Keener Crim — and is
currently restoring the old post office as an archival facility.
The group is heavily involved in the community's newfound involvement in the Main Street
Program since the city's re-certification two years ago.
All of the foundation projects are conveniently located in the KHPF Historic Corridor and in
the Main Street area.
Sue Brown, KHPF president, said she is pleased and honored to accept the award on behalf
of all of the KHPF volunteers who made receipt of the award possible.
"The volunteers have put forth so much time and energy across more than 20 years and
are dedicated to KHPF projects that have helped and enhanced downtown Kilgore," Brown
said. "KHPF volunteers worked with the Main Street Program 20 years ago, continued
working through years without it, and now have opportunity to work with Main Street again.
KHPF volunteers have always been willing to do whatever they can for the betterment of
Kilgore.
Finalists make a presentation at the Texas Downtown Revitalization Conference "Creating
Partnerships for Downtown," in Temple on Nov. 13. Winners are announced at an awards
gala held that evening.
The other finalist is Southwestern University in Georgetown.
Kilgore Historical Preservation Foundation walked away with the prestigious "Best Downtown
Partner" award from the Texas Downtown Association during the Texas Downtown
Revitalization Conference.
Best Downtown Partner recognizes a private or civic organization that positively impacts the
community and actively contributes to revitalization efforts in the downtown or commercial
district.
The other finalist in this category was Southwestern University in Georgetown.
KHPF was chartered in 1987, just prior to the dissolution of the community's first Main Street
Program.
Now, 21 years later, the foundation continues to preserve, promote and protect the unique
history of Kilgore.
KHPF has saved historic structures from demolition, re-erected 60 oil derricks, created the
World's Richest Acre Park, which recognizes the past in the oil industry and defines
downtown. The foundation also produced full-scale musical titled 'Boom," which featured a
cast of more than 30 people and told the story of Kilgore's role in the East Texas oil boom.
The foundation has also acquired Kilgore's oldest home — the Deen- Keener Crim — and is
currently restoring the old post office as an archival facility.
The group is heavily involved in the community's newfound involvement in the Main Street
Program since the city's re-certification two years ago.
All of the foundation projects are conveniently located in the KHPF Historic Corridor and in
the Main Street area.
Sue Brown, KHPF president, said she is pleased and honored to accept the award on behalf
of all of the KHPF volunteers who made receipt of the award possible.
"The volunteers have put forth so much time and energy across more than 20 years and
are dedicated to KHPF projects that have helped and enhanced downtown Kilgore," Brown
said. "KHPF volunteers worked with the Main Street Program 20 years ago, continued
working through years without it, and now have opportunity to work with Main Street again.
KHPF volunteers have always been willing to do whatever they can for the betterment of
Kilgore.
Finalists make a presentation at the Texas Downtown Revitalization Conference "Creating
Partnerships for Downtown," in Temple on Nov. 13. Winners are announced at an awards
gala held that evening.
The other finalist is Southwestern University in Georgetown.
| Sue Brown accepts "Best Downtown Partner" award from Susan Campbell. |
In the News...
KHPF cited for downtown efforts!
| BOOMTOWN BULLETIN 2010 EDITION Click here for current edition. (May be slow in loading) |
Kilgore News Herald, Sunday, November 16, 2008
Each ornament is $15. Please add $2 for shipping and handling if ordering by mail. KHPF, P. O. Box 885, Kilgore, Texas, 75662 TX 75663 |
| "Echoes from Forgotten Streets," the first Kilgore history-photo book by Caleb Pirtle and Terry Stembridge, has been revised, enhanced and reprinted. Books can be purchased at two locations: Downtown Kilgore, 105 N Kilgore Street, Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Or at the East Texas Oil Museum, Kilgore College campus, during their hours, Tuesdays-Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays, 2-5 p.m., closed on Mondays. KHPF still has copies of the second book of the series, "Visions of Forgotten Streets" available at both locations. Call 903-984-3038 for more information. To order by mail, send check to - KHPF, P. O. Box 885, Kilgore, TX 75663 Hardback books are $75.00 and leather bound books are $150.00. If book is to be shipped, please add $5.00 s/h. Checks should be made to KHPF. |
An original red brick school once housed Kilgore
schools on Longview Street but was razed in 1932
when a new building for the Kilgore Junior and Senior
High School was built on the site. Later an elementary
school, Campus Ward, was added. During the boom
derricks for drilling were erected on all sections of the
school property. Oil from these wells provided much
needed funds for an excellent public school system in
Kilgore. This building still stands on Longview Street
as Kilgore High School through renovated several
times. KHPF aided by KHS graduates restored a
derrick to the north of the building's new entrance. It
proudly stands as the lone derrick on a site where so
many once stood. Echoes resound from this building.
"Kilgore High, oh how we love to sing thee,
Kilgore High, our grateful hearts we bring thee...
Here's to thee our alma mater, here's to old K H S"
schools on Longview Street but was razed in 1932
when a new building for the Kilgore Junior and Senior
High School was built on the site. Later an elementary
school, Campus Ward, was added. During the boom
derricks for drilling were erected on all sections of the
school property. Oil from these wells provided much
needed funds for an excellent public school system in
Kilgore. This building still stands on Longview Street
as Kilgore High School through renovated several
times. KHPF aided by KHS graduates restored a
derrick to the north of the building's new entrance. It
proudly stands as the lone derrick on a site where so
many once stood. Echoes resound from this building.
"Kilgore High, oh how we love to sing thee,
Kilgore High, our grateful hearts we bring thee...
Here's to thee our alma mater, here's to old K H S"
| ON SALE NOW! |
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
We were delighted to receive the Dresser Derrick from Halliburton this year. The
derrick was donated along with all costs of taking the derrick down. KHPF paid only the
expense of transporting the derrick from the site. Thank you to Mr. James Wright,
Halliburton Location Manager, for contacting us and for arranging the details and to
District Manager Mr. Tom Coleman, for his help. Click here to see the disassembly of the
Dresser derrick.
derrick was donated along with all costs of taking the derrick down. KHPF paid only the
expense of transporting the derrick from the site. Thank you to Mr. James Wright,
Halliburton Location Manager, for contacting us and for arranging the details and to
District Manager Mr. Tom Coleman, for his help. Click here to see the disassembly of the
Dresser derrick.
KILGORE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION FOUNDATION Proudly Announces LIFE on KILGORE’S UNFORGETTABLE STREETS: A Memoir of the 1950’s and 60’s in America’s Oil Capital. by Caleb Pirtle Publication Date: Fall 2010 |
Please note: Life on Kilgore's Unforgettable Streets - A Memoir of the
1950's and 60's in America's Oil Capital by Caleb Pirtle (KHS '60) is on
schedule for delivery Fall 2010. Reduced pricing has been extended at $60
hardback and $125 leather until the end of September (add $7 per book for s/h).
October 1st prices will be $75 and $150.
To order your copy send name, address, and phone number with check to
KHPF, P. O. Box 885, Kilgore, TX 75663 .
1950's and 60's in America's Oil Capital by Caleb Pirtle (KHS '60) is on
schedule for delivery Fall 2010. Reduced pricing has been extended at $60
hardback and $125 leather until the end of September (add $7 per book for s/h).
October 1st prices will be $75 and $150.
To order your copy send name, address, and phone number with check to
KHPF, P. O. Box 885, Kilgore, TX 75663 .