Slipstream - July 2007

Rain, Shine or Oil?
by Clint Blackman
Sunday morning, June 3rd, started with dark, almost black rain
clouds interrupted by bright flashes of lightning and loud claps of
thunder. Then the rain came...and it rained hard. But as quickly
as the rain came...it passed! So by noon, 14 “storm fearless”
Mavericks met in Mesquite and we took off in eight cars to see the East
Texas Oil Museum in Kilgore, Texas.
The storms cleared and it was a beautiful day for a Porsche
Sunday Drive. We opted for a direct route and took Interstate 20 east.
I-20 is a fine highway with ample places to stop for “potty breaks.” It
is always amazing to see how our Sunday Drive cars always draw a
crowd of car lovers wherever we stop. As we drove east, the forests of
East Texas were in spring time “prime.” In two short hours we
arrived in Kilgore to venture into the world of oil production and
exploration.
We were greeted by the museum director who conducted a personal
tour for our group...her son owned a Porsche...so we got special
treatment! We started with a
movie that helped both the children
and adults learn about
where petroleum comes from
and how it was found in the
1930s. Oil, the lifeblood of our
cars, is really quite difficult to
come by. Afterwards, in a few
short steps, we were taken back
to the 1930s when Kilgore went
from a population of 800 people
to 15,000 overnight. The Daisy
Bradford No. 3 oil well “came in”
and it was “a gusher.” We “talked” with the editor of the Gusher
Gazette newspaper, stopped by the Boom Town barber shop, the post
office and the bank. The banker told us about “black gold” and the
riches that were right underneath our feet!
movie at the Boom Town Cinema.
Looking for Hannah Montana?
We even caught a
After the tour we all had a new appreciation for the “wildcatters”
and “roughnecks” who produced one of the largest oil fields the
world has ever seen. We adjourned to the finest barbeque stand in
Texas...Bodacious Barbeque! And after a meal of those fine ribs and
sliced beef sandwiches...no one argued with me.
Our next Sunday Drive is special...we are going to ride the Texas State
Railroad! October 7, 2007 will be an all day affair! Picnic lunch and a
Maverick party in the Club Car...Don't miss it.
Photos by Wendy Shoffi
Oil derrick. (duh)
Photos by Wendy Shoffi
Photo provided by Wendy Shoffi
The group enjoying the beautiful weather.
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