The stock market crash crippled the new industry. As oil prices rapidly declined, people left as quickly as they had arrived and Odessa became a quiet community again. On March 29, the city council approved a measure to construct traffic signs and to create house address numbers. A test well drilled by Robert R. Penn, in connection with Humble Oil and Refining Co. and Atlantic Refining Co., strikes oil on Oct. 7 near Penwell. The Penwell Field, Ector County's largest, had produced almost 3.2 million barrels of oil by the end of 1930.
Information is drawn from news accounts, archives and other historical records.
20th Century Countdown. The Odessa American's daily countdown of the last 100 years, from 1900 through 1999, with a short summary of some news and newsmakers affecting residents of Odessa. Copyright 1999 Odessa American. All rights reserved. Refer comments to Webmaster .