Semi-weekly herald., 1910-01-20
THE BLUFF OIL FIELDS.

From time to time capitalists bound
for the oil fields pass through Du-
range on their way to and from Bluff
Very few OF them are willing to dis
cuss the situation, but we understand
from reliable sources that the land is
being absorbed rapidly by the differ
ent big combinations OF capital al
ready operating or preparing 20 oper-
ate in the field
All in a position to speak authori
tatively, say that the field is little
short of marvellous. that so far as is
known, there is no similar tract in
the United States equal in promise to
It, The oil field was discovered as
early as 1882 by F.. l.. Goodridge. who
is actively interested In several large
concerns and is looking after the field
management for a large oil company.
Mr.. Goodridge did not care to take
hold of the project at the time he
discovered it. In 1901 while prospect
ing for placers he made another visit
to the oil field, but the time for de
velopment had not yet arrived,
Two years ago Mr.. Goodridge came
down to the fields from Oregon, with
the idea of commencing systematic
development work Associated with
him were Colonel Ellis and a few
other citizens of Salt Lake City. In
that length OF time Mr.. Goodridge has
put down eleven wells. While some
of them are shallow, three would be a
credit TO any field This part of the
work was done with the idea of get.
ting land in presentable shape so as
to be able to hold it for the com
pany. The firm is now going ahead
with definite work to determine the
lower sands. Al present there are
all producing oil at depth of 300
feet. From now on the company will
work to reach the deeper sands.
The product of the oil field is the
cream of the oil world. about 40 per
cent light bearing oil, 13 per cent par
aftine and Is per cent gasoline, with
3 per cent dross.
With a good outlet to the east and
south, a fine climate making work
possible all the year round. the field
has natural advantages that will as.
sist in the development of the indus
try and facilitate production. 1t has
an altitude of 5000 feet. The near
est point is Bluff, wide awake, well.
eo-do little community, with thrifty
class of citizens who lend loyal sup.
port to the field.
The time is come and conditions are
ripe for any who may have the de-
sire to get in on the ground floor,
although it is doubtful If much de.
sirable land may now be obtained
None of the companies are selling
stock, and none of them are asking
for money from citizens.
While the oil fields are developing.
a vast area lying west from Durango
comprising some thousands of acres
are awaiting the homeseeker. Ideal
fruit farms may be formed out of this
land that has been idle except as
used for stock ranges for many years
The opportunities of the section men
toned will be bounded only by the
outlook.
The growth and prosperity of the
oil field will be source of benefit
to all that large section which lies
tributary The farms that may grow
up around the oil fields will reap a
harvest of good prices for their prod
ucts. At present hay and grain is
shipped from this county AMI in time
an ever incr easing supply will be in
demand. This one item alone will be
a source of revenue worthy of consid.
Grafton.