Depew, Oklahoma – Boom to Bust Town
Nestled approximately seven miles west of Bristow, Oklahoma, along the iconic Route 66, lies the unassuming town of Depew. A place where time seems to slow, and the echoes of a vibrant past resonate through its quiet streets. According to the 2020 census, Depew, Oklahoma, is home to a modest population of 411, a testament to its enduring, though somewhat diminished, presence on the Oklahoma landscape. This small community, once a bustling hub fueled by agriculture and, more significantly, oil, now stands as a poignant reminder of the boom-and-bust cycles that shaped many towns along the historic Mother Road.
Before the arrival of settlers and the establishment of towns like Depew, Oklahoma, the area was an integral part of the Creek Nation within the Indian Territory. The landscape was characterized by rolling hills, dense timber, and abundant wildlife, a haven for the indigenous people who called it home. However, the winds of change swept through in 1896, as the U.S. government implemented a policy of land allotment, dividing the Creek Nation’s communal land into individual parcels. The remaining land was then opened to homesteaders, forever altering the region’s social and economic fabric. The very ground upon which Depew, Oklahoma, would later stand was initially allotted to Lydia Barnett, a Creek Indian, who held title to approximately 115 acres, with a small portion reserved for the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad.
The arrival of the railroad in 1898 marked a turning point for the area. A small settlement, initially known as Hall, began to coalesce around the tracks, providing a crucial link to the outside world. The railroad facilitated the transport of goods and people, laying the foundation for future development. However, the true genesis of Depew, Oklahoma, as a distinct town, can be traced to the vision of W.F. Malley, a resident of nearby Bristow.
Malley, upon hearing of the area’s potential, with its abundant wildlife and valuable timber resources, visited the site on January 15, 1901. Recognizing the commercial possibilities afforded by the existing railroad line, Malley, along with Henry W. Sims, purchased the land for $10 an acre. This marked the beginning of a concerted effort to transform the area into a thriving town.
Malley spearheaded the effort to establish a post office, a vital step in legitimizing the settlement. His petition proposed the name Depew, in honor of Chauncey M. Depew, a prominent U.S. Senator from New York. The proposal was approved, and the Depew post office officially opened on May 17, 1901. While the post office served as an anchor, the formal establishment of the town would take a few more years.
In June 1905, the Depew Investment Company took the initiative to formally plat the town, dividing the land into individual lots for sale. This marked the official birth of Depew, Oklahoma. Shortly after, the first telephone company arrived, connecting the nascent town to the broader communication network. During 1905 and 1906, a subscription school, led by Florance Atwell, provided education to the local children, marking the beginnings of a formal educational system. The arrival of Dr. O.S. Coppedge from St. Louis, Missouri, further solidified Depew’s status as a growing community. He established his office and a drugstore in a small frame building on Main Street, a testament to the pioneering spirit of the early settlers.
The year 1907 was a landmark year for Oklahoma, as it achieved statehood. This event ushered in a period of growth for Depew, Oklahoma, transforming it into an agricultural support center for the surrounding region. The First State Bank opened its doors in October 1907, providing essential financial services to the burgeoning community. In 1908, W.C. Coop established the first newspaper, the Depew Independent, which would serve as the town’s primary source of news and information until the late 1940s. By 1909, the population had grown to approximately 150, necessitating the construction of a new public school. The Methodist Church became the first established church in Depew, catering to the spiritual needs of the residents. Additional businesses, including two cotton gins and a livery, further diversified the town’s economy.
The discovery of oil near Depew, Oklahoma, in 1911 dramatically altered the town’s trajectory, propelling it into a period of rapid growth and prosperity. By 1915, a full-fledged oil field had been developed, attracting workers and investment. The Sapulpa and Oil Fields Railroad constructed a line connecting Depew to Shamrock, another oil boom town located approximately 12 miles to the northwest, further enhancing transportation and trade.
The 1920s marked the zenith of Depew’s prosperity. Dr. O.S. Coppedge constructed a modern brick building to house his drugstore and office, a symbol of the town’s progress. A second bank, the Depew National Bank, was established, reflecting the growing financial activity. Two additional cotton gins were built, further solidifying the town’s agricultural base. By the mid-1920s, Depew, Oklahoma, boasted an impressive array of businesses, including three lumberyards, another drugstore, a dentist, three grocery stores, two barbershops, two mechanic shops, a pipe yard, three service stations, a baker, a Ford automobile dealership (later a Chevrolet dealership), two indoor theaters, two hardware stores, four hotels, several grain mills, three gasoline plants, and a funeral home. The community also saw the construction of more churches, including a Baptist Church, the Grace Assembly, and The Church of God, reflecting the growing religious diversity.
Prior to the 1920s, the roads in and around Depew were unpaved. The completion of Route 66 in 1927 brought a new era of accessibility. The iconic highway, running through the town on top of the hill, brought a steady stream of travelers and commerce, further stimulating the local economy. The Depew Chamber of Commerce, boasting a peak membership of 106, played a significant role in promoting the town and attracting investment during this period.
The onset of the Great Depression in 1929 marked the beginning of a decline for Depew, Oklahoma. The oil boom, which had fueled the town’s rapid growth, began to wane. The town’s peak population, recorded at 1,126 in 1930, would never be surpassed. Over the subsequent decades, Depew experienced a steady decline as residents migrated elsewhere in search of better opportunities. Businesses closed, the Chamber of Commerce dissolved, and even houses were moved out of town. By the late 1930s, the town’s commercial landscape had significantly diminished, with only two grocery stores, one bank, one dry goods store, a hardware store, two service stations, and a handful of other businesses remaining. By 1940, the population had fallen to 876, and by 1960, it had dwindled to 686.
Today, the town presents a contrasting image. While still picturesque, the numerous empty business buildings lining Main Street serve as a stark reminder of its more prosperous past. However, Depew, Oklahoma, continues to support an elementary school and a high school, providing education to the local children. The majority of residents are employed in jobs in nearby Bristow and Sapulpa, reflecting the shift in the region’s economic landscape.
Despite the decline, Depew, Oklahoma, retains vestiges of its past. The original 1920s Route 66 concrete still runs through the center of town, serving as a tangible link to the Mother Road’s rich history. Several historic buildings, including the old Coppedge Drug Store and the Gimmel Gas Station, stand as testaments to the town’s vibrant past. While small, the residents of Depew remain proud of their history and heritage along Route 66. Before continuing the journey down Route 66 for approximately ten miles to Stroud, Oklahoma, a city with its own unique and sometimes tumultuous history, visitors are encouraged to stop and engage with the friendly residents of Depew.