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Blackburn, Oklahoma

Blackburn, Oklahoma

City/Town:
Location Class:
Built: 1893 | Abandoned: N/A
Status: Disappearing Town
Photojournalist: AbandonedOK TeamBilly DixonDavid LindeJohnny FletcherEmily Cowan

History of Blackburn

Blackburn, Oklahoma, is a town with a rich history marked by periods of prosperity and hardship. Located in Pawnee County, Blackburn developed following the Cherokee Outlet land opening in 1893. Named after Kentucky Senator Joseph C. S. Blackburn, it saw early growth due to its position on the Arkansas River, with various means of transportation like a toll bridge and ferry connecting it to the Osage Nation to the north. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Blackburn was known as one of the “whiskey towns” along the border of Indian Territory, which was dry and prohibited alcohol.

The town’s economy was initially driven by agriculture, with cotton and corn being key crops. It boasted a cotton gin, flour mill, and other local businesses, although a severe drought in 1901 led to the abandonment of many farms. Despite challenges, the community kept its spirit alive, hosting the Pawnee County fair from 1903 to 1909, and maintaining key institutions like banks, churches, and schools.

However, Blackburn faced significant obstacles to growth, particularly its lack of a railroad or state highway connection. While nearby oil discoveries could have spurred economic development, Blackburn remained largely agricultural. Population numbers fluctuated, with a peak in 1910 at 335 residents, but by 1970, the population had dwindled to 88. Despite these changes, Blackburn’s community held on, and by 2000, the population was recorded at 102 people.

The Denny family, who still calls Blackburn home, is a part of the town’s fabric. Mrs. Billye Denny, a longtime resident, shared her family’s history and stories of the town’s businesses and landmarks, including the historic stained-glass window designed by her daughter at the Blackburn United Methodist Church, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, despite its small size, Blackburn remains a place where the spirit of its founders lives on. It is a town of determination, where the residents continue to cherish the community and the dreams of prosperity that once fueled the town’s growth.

blackburn, ok, blackburn, blackburn oklahoma, german-american bank blackburn, blackburn bank, blackburn schoolBlackburn School

Built: 1905 Closed: ~1970s

The Blackburn School is undeniably a perfect example of early 1900s Pawnee County architecture. Bids were put out in April of 1905 for the construction of a four room school house in Blackburn School District No. 27. There were two propositions in the bid packet, one on a frame building and one on a stone building. The stone building was then nearing the finish line just a half year later in October.

As the construction wrapped up the furnishings and official order also had to be established. A bid for 25 cords of wood was put out for the wood-burning stove. Tuesday Ross Brubaker was re-elected to his position of Treasurer. Superintendent William R. Robinson had presented during a board meeting that a levy of 20 mill had been passed by voters to pay of the remaining $300 on the school building and provide funds for other school purposes.

The school board voted on a six-month winter term for the whole school and two months in the spring term for primary and intermediate grades. This was common as the spring and summer were oftentimes when older students would begin helping out on their family farms.

After the building of the brand new high school in 1925 this building became the Blackburn Grade School. It hosted grades 1st through 6th grade and eventually even developed its own 4H organization.

The need for the school diminished as the population of the town diminished. The town lost the high school around the same time they lost the elementary school. The building was then converted into a town hall of sorts for meetings.

Currently, the second floor of the school is in disarray with signs of moderate deterioration. The community has in the last few years begun a mission to get the school listed on the National Register of Historic Places in order to pursue grants for restoration.

german-american bank blackburn, blackburn bankGerman-American Bank – Blackburn

Built: 1903 Abandoned: ~1970s

Construction on a brand new bank building for Blackburn began in 1903. This was to be the German-American Bank and was constructed of the same popular sandstone that many other buildings throughout Pawnee County were. Opening officially on August 1, 1904 it quickly snatched up local businesses to house including Myers and Carlstrom Real Estate, which later became A.F. Meyers Real Estate Agency. A.F. Meyers was known for selling land throughout Pawnee County and lands in the Red River Valley of Texas. He also loaned money to local farmers and rented property.

Original stockholders of the bank included the following list; F.E. Carlstrom, A.F. Meyers, John Scheihing, J.D. Fisher, Henry D.C. Poos, G.R. McCullough, Palmer C. Jay, W.E. Doane, T.S. Saunders, Simpson Roach, E.C. Bradbury, C.E. Vandervoort, Frank Hudson, Cecil D. Jay.

Considering that Blackburn was at the time and still technically is a township this would have been a huge deal back in the day. Many thought that having a bank “solidified” you as a growing town, destined for success. Unfortunately, nobody knew what was in store for the future of small towns.

The town of Blackburn experienced a disastrous fire in 1906 that left three buildings destroyed. The fire, source unknown, started in the Coop Store of Mr. Murray and spread to the Tisdale harness shop and the residence of Roscoe Brady. The bank, which had a month prior put up an awning over the glass window, received minimal damage presumably to the awning. Luckily it was put out before it could destroy more of the town. W.S. Neithercut was hired to repair the damage to the building. Just a month later he was brought back to paint the front room of the bank.

Cecil Jay, who with his father Palmer Jay was one of the original stockholders, had served as the cashier for the bank from 1904-1907 when his father and he sold their stock of the bank to Solomon R. Morris. He then took over the position of cashier.

blackburn, ok, blackburn, blackburn oklahoma, german-american bank blackburn, blackburn bank, blackburn schoolOn the Wednesday morning of May 10, 1916, three men blew the safe open of the German-American Bank in Blackburn and got away with $348. The safe, located in the front window of the bank had some money within but a majority of it was located in the vault.

The explosion badly damaged the building shattering the windows and causing plaster to fall from the walls. The robbery was well thought out with the thieves even going as far as to set up a fake escape route to throw off the police. Additionally, they attempted to cut off the town telephone service but they missed one line allowing for them to call the Sheriff.

Two police cars came to find the three men that road out of town on stolen horses. They were able to track them down by the horse trail and tools that had fallen off of them. By noon the horses were found running in a pasture near Hallett at the Frank Meadow farm and the saddles were found stashed in a haystack nearby. The Meadow brothers were charged with the crime and held in the county jail. But a few months later the charges against them were dropped due to insufficient evidence.

Blackburn State Bank 1917-1929

A huge change came in when in late 1917 the bank changed names and became the Blackburn State Bank. The reason for the change? They said the “German” part of their previous name had “proven odious to officers and the depositors”.

Another break-in happened in March of 1920 when robbers using crowbars and chisels made a hole in the side of the vault. They escaped $100 in cash and a few hundred dollars in liberty bonds. Because they made no attempt to blow open the safe they lost out on a majority of the liberty bonds.

Because the town of Blackburn had no highway, railroad or river access it never boomed too much. In 1920 the population was 257, and ten years later it had 219. The population stayed pretty stead and stagnant causing the removal of the bank in 1929.

Stockholders had gotten together and moved the institution to Skedee where it was renamed the Skedee State Bank with George H. Smith as President. This building continued to be used for offices and went up for sale in 1935. It was then purchased by John Scheihing, one of the original stockholders, who had his office in the building.

First Baptist Church 1944-1950

John S. sold the building to the Baptist State Mission to use as a place of worship. They immediately started services. They resided here until 1950 when they had 92 members and had outgrown the building. Together they purchased the former Christian Church and moved services there.

While it’s not completely definitive at this time when the building became abandoned, it is clear that restoration isn’t likely going to happen. All that is left is a shell, the roof is completely gone and it has been open to the elements for decades.

Galleries Below of Blackburn Oklahoma




Bibliography

https://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/B/BL006.html

https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc965068/m1/1/zoom/?q=blackburn&resolution=1&lat=4251.142772316245&lon=3131.47009615034

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1984/07/01/blackburn-town-down-but-not-dead/62798354007/

School

https://www.newspapers.com/image/585188222/?match=1&terms=%22blackburn%20school%22

https://www.newspapers.com/image/585146304/?match=1&terms=%22blackburn%20school%22

https://www.newspapers.com/image/585124184/?match=1&terms=%22blackburn%20school%22

https://www.newspapers.com/image/585123433/?match=1&terms=%22blackburn%20school%22

Bank

https://www.newspapers.com/image/585116599/?match=1&terms=%22german-american%20bank%22%20blackburn

https://www.newspapers.com/image/585116262/?match=1&terms=%22german-american%20bank%22%20blackburn

https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc1827526/m1/52/

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/banking/documents/closed-merged/Closed%20Merged%20Banks%20.pdf

https://www.newspapers.com/image/585191136/?match=1&terms=%22german-american%20bank%22%20blackburn

https://www.newspapers.com/image/585044850/?match=1&terms=%22german-american%20bank%22%20blackburn

https://www.newspapers.com/image/585116499/?match=1&terms=%22german-american%20bank%22%20blackburn

https://www.newspapers.com/image/585181566/?match=1&terms=%22german-american%20bank%22%20blackburn

https://www.newspapers.com/image/585185637/?match=1&terms=%22german-american%20bank%22%20blackburn

https://www.newspapers.com/image/585175538/?match=1&terms=%22german-american%20bank%22%20blackburn

https://www.newspapers.com/image/585175845/?match=1&terms=%22brady%22%20blackburn

https://www.newspapers.com/image/585134528/?match=1&terms=%22fire%22%20bank%20blackburn

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https://www.newspapers.com/image/666588681/?match=1&terms=%22blackburn%20state%20bank%22%20

https://www.newspapers.com/image/588947210/?match=1&terms=%22blackburn%20state%20bank%22%20

https://www.newspapers.com/image/666590499/?match=1&terms=blackburn%20population

https://www.newspapers.com/image/666058277/?match=1&terms=%22blackburn%20state%20bank%22%20

https://www.newspapers.com/image/666618831/?match=1&terms=%22blackburn%20state%20bank%22%20

https://www.newspapers.com/image/666038168/?match=1&terms=%22german%20american%20bank%22%20

https://www.newspapers.com/image/666038269/?match=1&terms=%22John%20Scheihing%22%20bank%20blackburn

https://www.newspapers.com/image/906654479/?match=1&terms=%22bank%20building%22%20blackburn

https://www.newspapers.com/image/906654479/?match=1&terms=%22bank%20building%22%20blackburn

https://www.newspapers.com/image/665831011/?match=1&terms=%22bank%20building%22%20blackburn

https://www.newspapers.com/image/906753437/?match=1&terms=%22John%20Scheihing%22%20bank%20blackburn

https://www.newspapers.com/image/666063550/?match=1&terms=%22first%20baptist%20church%22%20blackburn

Blackburn, Oklahoma
Emily Cowan

Emily is a two-time published author of "Abandoned Oklahoma: Vanishing History of the Sooner State" and "Abandoned Topeka: Psychiatric Capital of the World". With over two hundred published articles on our websites. Exploring since 2018 every aspect of this has become a passion for her. From educating, fighting to preserve, writing, and learning about history there is nothing she would rather do.

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Emily Cowan

Emily is a two-time published author of "Abandoned Oklahoma: Vanishing History of the Sooner State" and "Abandoned Topeka: Psychiatric Capital of the World". With over two hundred published articles on our websites. Exploring since 2018 every aspect of this has become a passion for her. From educating, fighting to preserve, writing, and learning about history there is nothing she would rather do.

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Michael Miller
Michael Miller
3 years ago

It is the only town that I ever moved to where the morning after moving there (while sitting in the front porch swing) a lady walking down the street stopped and proceeded to enlighten me as to my history. Seems she had gotten the information from my parents who had lived in the house prior to my family moving there. Loved and will always treasure the time that we lived in Blackburn. I still return from time to time just to drive around and see the place.

Cynthia Hemingway
Cynthia Hemingway
4 years ago

My Grt, Grt,Grt Grandmother Jane Ivie lived here in 1920 she was 88 years old. She may have been Creek .

Wwwwwwww
Wwwwwwww
4 years ago

Man don’t go here there’s really no buildings and if there are they are locked, almost got arrested looking around

charities in ireland
8 years ago

This was a very interesting read! Lots of opinion and very good research to be shared! Good feedback from the online readers as well. I must commend the author and web designer as well. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

steven shepherd
5 years ago

I just recently purchased one of the abandoned stone houses in Blackburn, Oklahoma in August 2019 that is featured here on this web page. It’s caddy cornered from the old gas station, I’ve started the rebuilding process and plan to move into the house upon completion as my permanent residence. I’m very interested in any pictures or information that anyone out there may have concerning this little house. Even stories that can help me trace down it’s history would be very helpful. Anybody reading this that is interested, is more than welcome to stop by anytime, I’m happy to show… Read more »

harga laptop asus
9 years ago

Great article. I grew up in the 60's in area and remember the town well. McClary's store and post office, Fred Upshaw's gas station and Ruby Gerwell's store were Places I remember. You had a photo of an old Pepsi-Cola box looks like the one at Fred's station. I can almost fee the cold water as I pull out a Dr. Pepper.

Tecnico Madrid
9 years ago

All materials copied from a different supply

Anonymous
9 years ago

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Paige
Paige
9 years ago

I grew up their in the 90's & I wouldn't trade it for anything! By the way billy joe makes a mean sandwich! Being a kid in this town was awesome everyone knew everyone and it was so safe I rode my bike & played all over the town with all the other kids. .the old bridge was my get away, oh how I miss that pillar id climb down on it and watch the water flow past, it was the definition of serene.

Misty
Misty
4 years ago
Reply to  Paige

I was there from late 90’s to 2000

Clinton Carter
Clinton Carter
9 years ago

My family is from Blackburn. Anyone know: Elmer (Cat) Hendrix, Goldie Tucker Hendrix, Ross Hendrix, Beverly Hendrix, Jerry Tucker, Contact me: clintoncarter@charter.net

My great grandmother had a house in Blackburn along the river. I visited the ruins ~ 30 years ago and saw the very wood burning stove she used to cook family meals on Sunday after church. Anyway, don't know much but would like to learn anything more I can.

Tom
Tom
9 years ago

Great article. I grew up in the 60's in area and remember the town well. McClary's store and post office, Fred Upshaw's gas station and Ruby Gerwell's store were Places I remember. You had a photo of an old Pepsi-Cola box looks like the one at Fred's station. I can almost fee the cold water as I pull out a Dr. Pepper.

Howard Foust
Howard Foust
10 years ago

I went to church there sometimes,went 1 yr. of high school there. nothing but good memories. howard foust

focalpointfireplaces
12 years ago

Blackburn is a large town in Lancashire, England. It lies to the north of the West Pennine Moors on the southern edge of the Ribble Valley,

Richelle Jeffers
Richelle Jeffers
12 years ago

My great-great grandfather and g-g grandmother settled in Blackburn sometime in the turn of the century – – I have a postcard my g grandmother sent to her dad postmarked 1907 – -and another postmarked 1911. They were the Herringtons. I found the grave of my g-g grandmother Eliza Jane Herrington in the Blackburn cemetery. They were originally from Kentucky. G-g granddad was a Confederate veteran. He moved to Inola to live with his daughter and husband sometime in 1912-1913 (?) in Inola That part of the history is pretty fuzzy – – why he left and exactly what year

ellen blum
ellen blum
10 years ago

hey richelle

i friended you just now on Facebook. my name is ellen MARIE blum. my mother's half brother was william monroe. his momma, Leona Messenger Monroe died young and her sister Mildred, who married Clarence Jeffers – helped raise "uncle billy" whom i never got to meet.
Dying to hear what you know about the whole family drama from w-a-a-ay back. My mom-Billy's little sister–is alive (79) and she has such fond memories of him. would love to speak to you. 972 567 9804 or mulbe@aol.com
I WOULD greatly appreciate it.

Marilyn Pinkstaff
12 years ago

New Mayor of the town of Blackburn is Gary McClary as of April 12, 2012. The other two Town Trustees are Vickie Denny and Mike Caughlin. Town meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at 7:30 in the Schoolhouse. Phil Pinkstaff served as Mayor from October 2004-September 2011. Marilyn Pinkstaff served as Clerk-Treasurer from october 2004-August 2007.

Chess Millburn
Chess Millburn
12 years ago

My father, Rufus Millburn and his brother Rex Millburn(deceased) were born on the MIllburn farm not far from Blackburn. HIs mother's maidern name is Ethel Pinkstaff, so I know we are related. It's been several years since we brought Dad up to Oklahoma to visit his original home in Fairfax, and we stopped by the Blackburn cemetary to visit the graves. I have a cousin, Ronald Millburn that lives in Sand Springs. Dad is now 93, can't walk or see too well but his mind is sharp. Any history around these families would be of great interest.

kelly mcclary
kelly mcclary
13 years ago

grandmother owned the store there so many fun summers there

blackburn91
blackburn91
13 years ago

I HAVE LIVED IN THIS TOWN FOR A VERY LONG TIME, BUT THERE IS SECRETS THAT IS BURRIED IN THE TOWN OF BLACKBURN, PEOPLE HERE ISNT WHAT THEY CLAIM TO BE, DON'T GET ME WRONG I LOVE THIS TOWN AND I WOULDN'T LEAVE THIS TOWN BEHIND, I FEEL AND SEE THINGS THAT IS VERY UNEXPLAINABLE IN THIS TOWN, ALOT OF PEOPLE DOESN'T SEE WHAT I SEE AND HEAR, I HAVE BEEN STUDYING THE ROOTS OF BLACKBURN FOR A LONG TIME, I HAVE SEEN AND TALKED TO A OLD COWBOY SPIRIT, HE HAS TOLD ME STUFF THAT YOU COULDN'T IMAGINE, HIS… Read more »

Dan Day
Dan Day
13 years ago
Reply to  blackburn91

Does anyone in this town know of a family named Beaver, Lorenzo Beaver was married to a woman named Francis Scroggins , she was an aunt to my wifes grandmother who I believe was named after her Georgia Francis Scroggins , we were told she was born in a dugout in Blackburn in 1904 her family came from Arkansas to visit and she was born there.

H Blackburn
H Blackburn
12 years ago
Reply to  Dan Day

My name is Heather Blackburn, I lived in blackburn as a child, for 18 years or more. I am related to the Higgins, and Lowes in town. Lorenzo Beaver is a relative of mine. I have an account on ancestry.com. I am trying to trace family history. I have been unsure of the lorenzo's last name, thanks you for clearifing that.

My family tree is under Heather Blackburn my married name is Beaver, thought it was weird when I found Lorenzo Beaver.

Dan Day
Dan Day
12 years ago
Reply to  H Blackburn

The last time I checked the census records I believe that it stated that Lorenzo was from one of the southern counties of oklahoma , but I think they lived for a time in Barry County, Missouri, which is where the Scroggins family lived for awhile.

hbeaver
hbeaver
12 years ago
Reply to  Dan Day

after taking a closer look, My Lorenzo is a Bonfy, that was married to a woman named Alzada Beaver.

uralphamalewolfdaddy
uralphamalewolfdaddy
20 days ago
Reply to  blackburn91

tf are u ok

Denise Reed
Denise Reed
13 years ago

My father was raised part of his life by his Aunt Zora and his Uncle Joe. They lived in Blackburn and we visited many times when I was a small child. I do not remember their last names but do remember that they lived in a one room house with no amenities. If anyone knows of Zora and Joe, I would love any information you may have regarding this couple.

H Blackburn
H Blackburn
12 years ago
Reply to  Denise Reed

I am from Blackburn, I have a Zora and Joe in my family tree what where you Aunt and Uncles last name? My name is Heather Blackburn.

Tony Miller
13 years ago

I lived in Blackburn in the early 1990's and absolutely loved my time there. If I could I would move back to that area in a heartbeat. The small town is a great place to raise kids. Everyone there was like family and you were always welcome at anyone's house.

Michael Miller
Michael Miller
3 years ago
Reply to  Tony Miller

I know where you lived too!

Michael Deyo
13 years ago

Good pics of blackburn…We have a famly farm there where we go fishing…Love it there

Anthony Metcalf
Anthony Metcalf
13 years ago
Reply to  Michael Deyo

Awesome place ! Many years of happy memories.

Kenneth Beckham
Kenneth Beckham
14 years ago

I was born in 1936 at a house across the street from the Methodist Church. I was told that I cut my teeth on the pew. Looking at the photos I see a spot where my family would have sat, and it looks like the pews have been refinished, but teeth marks still show through.
My strongest memories were of a dust storm that lasted more than a day amd a grasshopper plague that stripped all the vegitation.

Kenneth Beckham
Kenneth Beckham
12 years ago

I returned to Blackburn on Sunday July 1, 2012 to attend the methodist church that I have such wonderful memories of. They say you can't go home, but I did. I was welcomed and even talked with at least one woman who remembered my family. Pretty good for having left in 1941.
It was sad to see so much of the town collapsing but a joy to see the church in such beautiful condition.
Keep up the good works.

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