The area almost had two titles to brag about. Odessa ranked fourth among the state's metropolitan areas in employment, with only 4 percent of the work force without a job. Jobs in mining, manufacturing, real estate and insurance all increased during the year. Mining, which includes the oil industry, gained the most jobs with a rise of 14 percent. Teledyne Wah Chang, an exotic metals manufacturer, bought an option on 600 acres west of Odessa.
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 .