Hell Raising Stroud, Oklahoma
Stroud, Oklahoma, a town nestled in the heart of the Sooner State, possesses a history as vibrant and multifaceted as the landscape surrounding it. Founded in 1892 and named in honor of James Stroud, a prominent trader, the town quickly gained notoriety for its spirited, some might say "hell-raising," character. Its early days were marked by a confluence of factors, including its proximity to the then-dry Indian Territory and the influx of cowboys seeking respite after long cattle drives. This combination brewed a unique atmosphere that would shape the town’s identity for years to come.
The genesis of Hell Raising Stroud, Oklahoma, can be traced back to the late 19th century when the area was still relatively untamed. The lure of the West, with its promise of opportunity and adventure, drew a diverse population to the region. As the railroads expanded and settlements began to emerge, Stroud found itself strategically positioned to cater to the needs of both travelers and the burgeoning cattle industry.
Initially, Stroud’s economic engine was fueled, in part, by the sale of whiskey. The parched throats of cowboys and travelers, forbidden from indulging in alcohol within the boundaries of the adjacent Indian Territory, found a welcome oasis in Stroud. The town blossomed into a haven for those seeking libations, and it wasn’t long before saloons became a dominant feature of the Stroud landscape. By the turn of the century, a remarkable nine saloons operated within the town’s limits, solidifying its reputation as a place where revelry reigned supreme.
The moniker "Hell Raising Stroud, Oklahoma" was not merely a colorful exaggeration. It reflected the raw energy and unbridled spirit that permeated the town’s atmosphere. Cattlemen, weary from weeks or months spent on the open range, would descend upon Stroud seeking relaxation and camaraderie. The saloons buzzed with activity, filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. While the town offered a welcome escape for many, it also attracted its share of less savory characters, contributing to its reputation for lawlessness and occasional outbursts of violence. By 1900, the population had reached 800, drawn to the economic opportunities and the lively, if somewhat chaotic, social scene.
However, the era of "Hell Raising Stroud, Oklahoma" was destined to be short-lived. The winds of change were blowing across the Oklahoma Territory, and the impending arrival of statehood would bring with it a wave of reforms that would reshape the town’s character. In 1907, Oklahoma officially joined the Union, and with statehood came the enforcement of prohibition laws. Stroud, once a haven for those seeking alcoholic beverages, was forced to go "dry." This abrupt shift had a significant impact on the town’s economy and social fabric. The saloons, once the vibrant heart of the community, were forced to close their doors, and the era of unrestrained revelry came to an end. The population, which had grown to 1,312 by the time of statehood, experienced a decline in the years that followed.
The early 20th century witnessed Stroud undergoing a period of transition and adaptation. With the saloon culture relegated to the history books, the town sought new avenues for economic growth. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, emerged as a key industry. By 1909, Stroud boasted a robust agricultural infrastructure, including two banks, two newspapers, four cotton gins, and a cottonseed-oil mill. These businesses provided employment opportunities and contributed to the town’s economic stability. Despite these efforts, the population dipped to 1,220 in 1910, reflecting the challenges of adapting to a new economic reality.
Yet, even as Stroud transitioned away from its "hell-raising" past, the spirit of the Wild West lingered. The town’s history took another dramatic turn on March 27, 1915, when it became the scene of a daring bank robbery orchestrated by none other than the infamous Cherokee outlaw, Henry Starr.
Starr, a notorious figure in the annals of Oklahoma’s criminal history, chose Stroud as the target for an audacious double daylight heist. Inspired, perhaps, by the ill-fated attempt of the Dalton Gang in Coffeyville, Kansas, Starr and his gang of six other men decided to rob two of Stroud’s banks simultaneously: the Stroud National Bank and the First National Bank.
Word of the holdup spread like wildfire through the town, and the citizens of Stroud, displaying a spirit of defiance, quickly armed themselves and confronted the bandits. A fierce gun battle erupted in the streets, transforming the once-peaceful town into a scene of chaos and violence. In the ensuing melee, Starr and another outlaw, Lewis Estes, were wounded and captured. The remaining members of the gang managed to escape with $5,815, but the robbery had proven to be a costly and ultimately unsuccessful endeavor.
Starr was subsequently tried and convicted for the robbery and sentenced to a term in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary at McAlester. However, his time behind bars was relatively short-lived. After serving just four years, he was granted parole. Starr’s life, however, remained steeped in violence. In February 1921, he met his end in Harrison, Arkansas, after being shot during another robbery attempt.
Following the turbulent events of the early 20th century, Stroud gradually settled into a quieter existence. Agriculture and oil became the mainstays of the local economy. However, the town’s fortunes were once again intertwined with the currents of history when Route 66, the "Mother Road," was constructed through the heart of Stroud.
Like countless other small towns along the historic highway, Stroud embraced the opportunities presented by the influx of travelers. Businesses sprang up to cater to the needs of those traversing the iconic route, offering lodging, food, and other amenities. One such establishment, the Rock Cafe, has endured as a beloved Route 66 landmark.
The Rock Cafe, the brainchild of Roy Rieves, opened its doors on August 4, 1939. Rieves, who had spent years saving his money, poured his resources into creating a unique dining experience for travelers along Route 66. He built the cafe almost single-handedly, using the rocks that were removed during the paving of the highway.
The cafe quickly became a popular stop for travelers, serving up home-style cooking and providing a welcoming atmosphere. For many years, the Rock Cafe also served as a Greyhound bus stop, further solidifying its role as a vital hub along Route 66. Thelma Holloway was the first manager to operate the cafe and shortly after Mamie Mayfield took over in 1959 and ran the business for almost 25 years, keeping the cafe open 24 hours a day.
In 1993, Dawn Welch revived the Rock Cafe and is still serving home cooking to Route 66 travelers today. The only hiccup in its long tenure was from May 2008 to May 2009, when a fire gutted the structure except for its rock walls. However, Welch hired a historically-minded contractor who rebuilt the restaurant better than ever.
Stroud was devastated by the 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak, which destroyed the town’s 53-store Tanger Outlet Center and a distribution center owned by foodservice company Sygma. Neither of these facilities was rebuilt, resulting in the loss of 800 jobs, which caused significant economic distress to the town.
Dawn Welch, the owner of the Rock Cafe, served as the inspiration for the Sally Carrera character in the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated movie “Cars.” A crew from Pixar, researching Route 66 for the film in 2001, stopped for dinner at the Rock Cafe and met Welch.
Stroud’s population peaked at 3,148 in 1980. Though the population has fallen since to about 2,700 people today, Stroud is currently enjoying increased economic activity in the oil and gas sectors and is home to Service King, a manufacturer of oilfield workover rigs. Renewed interest in Route 66, and Stroud’s strategic location as the center point between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, also contribute to the town’s success.
While in Stroud, you can also see the Skyliner Motel at 717 N Main Street (Route 66) as well as several historical buildings, including the Graham Hotel at Main and 2nd Avenue, the Hotel Lincoln at 232 Main, the James W. Stroud House at 110 East 2nd Avenue, and the Joseph Carpenter House, which is the oldest and best-preserved prairie style house in Stroud at 204 W 6th Street.
The headquarters of the Sac & Fox Indian Nation is located in Stroud. The tribe provides an annual summer pow-wow. In addition, the City of Stroud promotes several annual events such as the Route 66 Wine and Food Festival and more.
Nearby, Stroud Lake offers camping, boat ramps, swimming, and riding trails. Stroud Lake is three miles north of Stroud on Highway 99, then three miles east on Lake Road.
Route 66 continues just about seven miles to the southwest to the small town of Davenport, Oklahoma.
More Information:
City of Stroud
220 W. 2nd St
P.O. Box 500
Stroud, Oklahoma 74079
918-968-2571