In northeast Oklahoma, several miles from anywhere in any direction, you'll find the small town of Strang, four blocks long by five blocks wide. The Missouri, Oklahoma and Gulf Railway line drove a golden spike there, and it was named after the railroad executives' new daughter-in-law. Over 350 people lived there with the Cherokee Grain & Mercantile Company, a cotton gin, a grain elevator, and cream stations. A bank, hotels, restaurants, and a theater opened. Other commercial establishments included a livery stable, grocery stores, a variety store, a lumberyard, blacksmiths, a second-hand store, a meat market, gas stations, and a garage. Two doctors cared for the residents. Telephone service was available, and children attended classes in a two-story school building.
In 1950 the railroad, which had become the Kansas, Oklahoma and Gulf Railway, ceased business and Strang dropped from 350 to 76 residents. The building was built in the beginning days, and it's siding originally was wooden oak slats, now partially replaced by corrugated tin, and it's cover starting to be covered by five leaf Virginia Creeper, showing the age of a full hundred years.
Ralph E Peck
Photo by Ralph Peck
Strang, Oklahoma
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