Published in 1957, “The History of Carter County” provides a comprehensive visual and textual history of Carter County Oklahoma. Covering the period from its Native American origins to the mid-20th century, the book focuses on the themes of Native American presence, settlement, churches, utilities, transportation, and industry. In doing so, it serves as a tribute to the people who shaped Carter County.
The book documents the transformation of Carter County, detailing the arrival of settlers, the impact of the oil boom, and subsequent economic development. The Ardmore Junior Chamber of Commerce contributed to the book, which also draws on a variety of community sources. To ensure historical accuracy, the authors incorporated existing research such as theses into the narrative.
“The History of Carter County” preserves the achievements and struggles of the people who shaped the region’s history. It offers insights into the lives of early settlers, oil boom speculators, and the figures who contributed to community development. In this way, the book provides a window into the life and development of Carter County, past and present.
The combination of pictures and stories aims to preserve Carter County’s unique history for future generations. Unfortunately, there is no index to the book, but it is searchable.
The History of Carter County
Table of Contents
- History before Statehood
- The Good Old Days
- From Wooden Rigs to Test Tube Methods
- It Happened Like This
- When Dalton Was a Scourge
- “Ragtown, U.S.A.”
- The Town That Was Always Burning
- Cotton, Cattle and Conflict
- Junior Livestock Shows
- Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association
- Ardmore, Center of Commerce
- Daubes’ Store
- Looking Back in Time
- The Blast that Shook a City
- Old 1108 Brought the Doctors
- Easley and the Ardmoreite
- Charles E. Fraley
- They wanted a Zoo, and Got It
- Civic Pride Makes a Swimming Pool
- No Age of Barter
- Medical Services
- A Country Doctor
- Dr. J. H. Smith
- The Noble Foundation
- Recreation Right at Home
- Community Backing Builds a Golf Course
- The Hamburger King
- About Hotels and Things
- Ardmore Air Force Base
- The Community and the Airmen
- Hardy and Old Buck
- From Luck to a Planned Program
- There’s R’s in a Wagon
- Mission and ‘Scription Schools
- The Business World
- Ardmore Public Schools
- Lowenstein and Music
- Carter Seminary
- The Baptist Institute
- The Healdton System
- Dundee School
- Education in Fox
- The Wilson System
- Lone Grove School
- Berwyn School
- Churches
- First Presbyterian, Ardmore
- Assembly of God
- Pentecostal Holiness Church
- Ardmore First Methodist
- Methodist Church, Wilson
- Christian Missionary Alliance
- Orthodox Baptist
- Rose Holl Missionary Baptist
- Wilson Church of Christ
- Ardmore First Baptist
- Healdton Bethel Baptist
- Calvary Presbyterian
- Ardmore First Christian
- Bethel Missionary Baptist, Ardmore
- United Church Women
- Clubs
- Ardmore Junior Chamber of Commerce
- The Jaycee Janes
- Ivy Garden Club
- Ardmore Chamber of Commerce
- Toastmasters Club
- VFW Post 4574
- Optimist Club
- American Association of University Women
- Anthenaeum Study
- Dogwood Garden Club
- Geologists’ Wives
- Ryonis Club
- Leaflet Study Club
- Ardmore B&PW
- Heraldton Study Club
- American Legion Auxiliary
- The Civic Chorus
- Bride-a-Wee Club
- Chickasaw Chapter 299, UDC
- Arno Art Club
- Ardmore YMCA
- Ardmore Rotary Club
- Credit Women’s Breakfast Club
- Great book Study Club
- Healdton IOOF
- Pansy Garden Club
- American Red Cross
- Ardmore YMCA
- Delta Omicron Chapter
- Beta Rho Chapter
- The Insurance Women
- Phi beta Phi Alumnae
- Altrusa
- Pieran Study Club
- Iris Garden Club
- The Writer’s Club
- Music Club
- Ardmore Chapter, DAR
- Ardmore Newcomers Club
- Ardmore Iris Society
- Healdton B&PW Club
- Ladies of the Leaf
- Best Yet Club
- Knife and Fork Club
- Ferndale Review Club
- VFW Auxiliary
- Transportation
- From Red Dust to Concrete Ribbons
- Dray Line Service
- Taxicabs
- Bus Lines
- Aviation with Growing Pains
- Spikes, Ties and Steel in Oklahoma
- Utilities
- Telephone Service
- The OG&E Story
- Gas Service
- Industries
- Colvert Dairy Products
- Lockheed Aircraft
- The Allison Division
- Fairchild Aircraft
- Service Pipe Line Company
