Historic Day For Winnsboro
by Maryann Miller

The September 28th celebration of OIL FIELD DAYS, which harkens back to the time when this city was a boom town, included two special historical designations. A marker was dedicated in honor of the Union Pacific Depot that has been in Winnsboro since 1878. The original structure burned in 1907 and was rebuilt on the same site in 1908.


A second historical marker recognizing the town's contribution to oil field work, was unveiled by David (Scotty) Scott. He was an appropriate choice for the honor since he worked for Getty Oil which was the Tidewater Oil Company back when the oil boom was on. "It meant quite a lot to me to be asked to read the inscription on the maker," Scotty said. "I grew up in the oil fields. My father worked on rigs in Oklahoma when I was three. Then when I was twenty-two, I started working."

Scotty talked fondly of the boom days in the late forties and early fifties, mentioning the oil companies that had offices in Winnsboro or Pickton. Magnolia Oil, which is now Mobil, had an office here in Winnsboro and the Humble Oil and Refining Company, now Exxon, was based in Pickton. "Times were different then," Scotty said. "Now someone in White Plains, New York, controls everything with a computer. Used to be that the bosses would visit the fields and meet everyone and the companies were good to us. It was better then to know who you were working for."

Citing the importance of honoring all the people who worked to build the community and the country, Scotty expressed a hope that OIL FIELD DAYS continues to be an annual event. "Folks worked hard then," he said. "Farmers, oil workers, railroaders. And we shouldn't forget what they did."

As part of the day's festivities, John Burke demonstrated a 1910 12H.P. Krueger - Atlas Jack Motor. Musical entertainment was provided by Lindy Hearne, Lynn Adler, and Bobby Pickle. Bill Jones served as Master of Ceremonies and Cody Tippie and David Williams of Boy Scout Troop 379 posted the colors.

Lou Mallory, chair of the Wood County Historical Society presented a special Patriot Awardto the Winnsboro Heritage Society for its contribution to preserving historical structures. Maurine Lindsay accepted the award on behalf of the Heritage Society.