Warwick, Oklahoma – 66 Ghost Town
Nestled eight miles west of Chandler, Oklahoma, a poignant reminder of a bygone era exists along the historic Route 66: the ghost town of Warwick, Oklahoma – 66 Ghost Town. Once a vibrant hub of activity, brimming with the promise of prosperity and community, Warwick, Oklahoma – 66 Ghost Town now stands as a silent testament to the shifting tides of progress and the enduring allure of the Mother Road. The story of Warwick is a microcosm of the experiences of many small towns across America, impacted by changing transportation infrastructure and economic realities.
The narrative of Warwick, Oklahoma – 66 Ghost Town is one of gradual decline. What was formerly a thriving town, bustling with several grocery stores catering to the needs of its residents, multiple filling stations fueling both vehicles and the local economy, two hotels providing respite to weary travelers, a cotton gin processing the region’s agricultural bounty, a bank safeguarding the community’s finances, and even a local newspaper chronicling its daily life, eventually succumbed to a slow demise. The primary factors contributing to this decline were the abandonment of its crucial railroad depot, a decision influenced by the neighboring town of Wellston, and the rise of the Interstate 44 superhighway, which rerouted traffic and economic activity away from the heart of Warwick.
The genesis of Warwick can be traced back to 1891 when David and Norah High, pioneering spirits seeking new opportunities, homesteaded the land that would eventually blossom into the town. Their arrival marked the beginning of a community that would initially thrive on agriculture and the promise of a connected future. The establishment of a post office in October 1892 solidified Warwick’s presence on the map, with J.A. Ramsey serving as its first postmaster. In those early days, mail arrived via stagecoach from Guthrie, a grueling 50-mile journey that consumed an entire day, highlighting the challenges and resilience of the early settlers.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought significant developments to Warwick. In September 1896, the St. Louis & San Francisco Railway demonstrated its commitment to the region by purchasing a right-of-way from David Hugh, paving the way for the construction of a railroad line that would connect Warwick to the wider world. Further solidifying its transportation infrastructure, in 1903, another right-of-way was deeded to the Fort Smith & Western Railway Company. With improved transportation links secured, plans for the town’s formal layout were put into motion, and in 1903, lots were platted, marking the official birth of Warwick as a recognized community.
Initially an agricultural community, Warwick quickly diversified as businesses began to emerge, catering to the needs of the growing population. The first school, a humble log building that also served as a church, reflected the community’s commitment to education and spiritual life. By 1909, the town’s commitment to education was further solidified with the construction of a solid block building dedicated solely to the education of its children. Beyond education, Warwick also boasted a diverse range of businesses, including a saloon offering refreshment and social gathering, a blacksmith shop catering to the needs of farmers and travelers, a drug store providing essential medicines and supplies, a sawmill processing local timber, and a veterinarian caring for the community’s animals.
The year 1940 marked a significant milestone for Warwick with the construction of a brand-new stone school building, a project undertaken by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal agency that aimed to alleviate unemployment during the Great Depression. This impressive new schoolhouse symbolized the community’s continued investment in education and its optimistic outlook for the future. However, this decade also brought challenges. Both the Frisco Railway Company and the Fort Smith & Western Railway faced financial difficulties, leading to their eventual abandonment. Although freight service continued under the Burlington Northern Railroad until 1986, the discontinuation of passenger service dealt a blow to Warwick’s connectivity and economic vitality.
The 1960s brought further changes and challenges to Warwick. In 1963, the neighboring town of Wellston proposed annexation, a move that was met with resistance from Warwick residents who felt that it would not be in their best interests. However, five years later, in 1968, the Warwick School was consolidated with the Wellston School, leading to the closure of the old Warwick school building. Today, the former school building serves as the area’s voting district, a testament to its continued importance as a community gathering place. In 1996, the Warwick School was recognized for its historical significance and added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The decline of Warwick continued into the 1970s. In December 1972, the town’s post office, a vital link to the outside world, closed its doors forever. Today, Warwick’s once-bustling business district is largely gone, replaced by scattered homes that serve as quiet reminders of a more vibrant past. While the town itself may have faded, the spirit of Warwick, Oklahoma – 66 Ghost Town lives on along Route 66.
Despite the disappearance of much of Warwick, travelers making their way west on Route 66 will quickly encounter a landmark that embodies the enduring spirit of the Mother Road: the Seaba Station, located just one mile beyond the intersection of Route 66 and US-177. This historic station, a survivor of countless changes and challenges, stands as a beacon of the past, inviting travelers to step back in time and experience the golden age of American road travel.
The Seaba Station has been in operation since 1924, predating the official designation of Route 66 by two years. The business was established by John and Alice Seaba, who initially operated a NevrNox garage and service station. In the 1930s, John Seaba expanded his services by installing machinery to repair automobile connecting rods. This specialized service proved to be so successful that he eventually transformed the station into the Seaba Manufacturing Company, catering to the growing needs of the automotive industry. In 1951, the Seabas sold the business, marking the end of an era for the family-owned establishment.
The Seaba Station experienced a revival in 1995 when Sonny and Sue Preston, recognizing its historical significance, meticulously restored the building and reopened it as Seaba Station Antiques, Gifts, and Collectibles. This new incarnation of the Seaba Station provided travelers with a unique opportunity to browse through a curated collection of vintage items and souvenirs, capturing the essence of Route 66 nostalgia. After another change in ownership and further renovations, the building reopened in 2010 as the Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum, a fitting tribute to the spirit of freedom and adventure that Route 66 represents. Today, the Seaba Station continues to welcome travelers from all walks of life, offering a glimpse into the past and a reminder of the enduring allure of the Mother Road. The Seaba Station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, cementing its place as a significant landmark on Route 66.
The story of Warwick, Oklahoma – 66 Ghost Town, is a complex and multifaceted one, encompassing themes of settlement, growth, decline, and resilience. While the town itself may have faded into the annals of history, its legacy lives on through the enduring spirit of Route 66 and the landmarks like the Seaba Station that continue to welcome travelers and remind them of the rich and vibrant past.