The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1917-08-06
THE kIowA AND CoMANCHE OPENING

C1XTEEN years ago today great eNpanse OF territory
~ was opened for development in Oklahoma II en-
braces those counties OF which awton, Hobart and Ana
darko the county Fine business buildings hand
churches and magnificent, schools reflect the prn-
cpa part of the life of the people who settled that south
western section and caused euepsng cities to spring up
as the nucleus of farming area which is adding to the
wealth OF the world.
II is a magic tale the story of the opening Of the
kiowa and Comanshe country vast tract OF plain and
forest came into the hands of home builders City lots
sold like hot cakes the government conducted land
lottery and any citizen could take a. chance few men
acquired valuable farms without cost except the nominal
homestead price OF 81 Is If he chose to prove up
the end OF fourteen months of residence the land
OF course the most valuable fatm which was drawn
in 1901 the acreage adjoining the city of Law'on
that having been designated by the government as
the county seat Two homcseadS were drawn IN the sub
urbs OF Lawton That land afterwards plated, in part
least and made rich and OF those who were
fortunate secure city property at the rate OF 81 Is
an
OF course the activity connection with the opening
cntered the land office Fl Reno where the regsra
on took place People poured into RI Reno by thousands
All kinds OF estimates were made one claiming that on
one of the days OF registration the county seat OF
Canadian county contained 10000 visitors The regstra
of humanity flowed into Oklahoma from every par, Of
the nation tempted by the chance to get free homes.
As the registration proceeded through July Of 1901 FL
Rcnos capacity was ovcraxed and the surplus temporary
population dried into Oklahoma City Men slept the
sidewalks Of this city never disturbed by the police since
there were not enough beds in Oklahoma City for
the visitors
FL Reno was a mighty tented camp. Business hummed.
Boys with sandwich stands made money at the rate Of
hundreds of dollars day The earnings OF such estab-
shmens formed the basis for permanent mercantile bust
ness after the rush over.
Oklahoma permitted the sale Of liquor in those days.
Saloons of Oklahoma City, especially those the depots
gathered in wealth from the thirsty who fought for
places at the bars More than one small fortune was
founded the things that bought eat and drink
The brewers had difficulty in keeping FL Reno wet
enough satisfy the tourists who for holiday
while waiting the happy day when they might draw farms
OF great value One saloon Fl Reno knocked out the
wall and continued the bar the full length OF the
lot it said be the longes, bar in the world Thirty
men duty constantly at that bar to appease the
thirst of who ,ramped through dust which heaped
| like snow drifts Fl Renos unpaved streets.
Carroll Brough and Robinson, at that time located al
FL Reno bough, solid Of a single brand of chewing
tobacco Other purchases made the eabor att
scale in efforts supply the army of homeseekers Okla
homa City food houses were appealed to for aid ant
Aanloads OF food and drinks and tobacco rushed
! Fl Reno by fast local freight,
The streets of Fl Reno converted into might,
fair every kind of show licensed The city treasur,
enriched by thousands OF dollars Questionable games
of chance operated to separate money from persons who
wise enough keep their money in their pockets
Then the drawing; Lawton Anadarko and Hobart
assumed places the municipal map Those cities
organized the building OF cities commenced in otheI
parts of the great area and Oklahoma had added new
| empire to the original territory
Those who aided in developing that section can reflec
today with good deal Of pride the part they payec
in bringing the communities into being part of might,
commonwealth They performed their work well The,
have much to show for their enterprise Most Of then
have prospered They caused the rounding out of grea
commonwealth Their fellow citizens should honor then
today.