Thrift
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(Ghost Townsite, 1.25 miles north) "Newtown," or "Thrift," originated about 1919 in the northwestern extension of the Burkburnett oil field. Early in its existence it gained prestige by the founding of a bank -- the only one in the area at that time. Mostly a tent city, Thrift suffered many fires. One of these, started by lightning striking an oil tank in 1920, caused two deaths and wiped out much of the town. Thrift's post office opened in 1925. After the population shrank to 30 in 1929, the bank, a church, school and store served people living at oil field pump stations, but all of Thrift's buildings are now gone. (1977, 2002) Located on SH 240 near Fairview Road, Burkburnett, Texas.
GPS coordinates: 34-degrees 05' 46.8" N 98-degrees 37' 50.9" W |
Note: The original location of the marker was closer to the town site, nearer to the Red River. After it was damaged by gun fire, it was replaced with funds from Precinct 2, and then moved in 2002 to its present location.
Standing side by side on SH 240 near Fairview Road, the markers for Thrift and the Northwest Field Extension give a glimpse into the history of the area.
For more information about Thrift at the Handbook of Texas Online, click the button below.
For more information about Thrift at the Handbook of Texas Online, click the button below.