The children of Grandfather William (Black Bill) and Tommie Lee Anderson …..Noma, Orren, Virgil, Lillie, Jack, Leona and Georgia Faye and the children of our Grandparents Elmer J.  Guernsey and Lena Guernsey … Curtis, Luella, Alida, Minnie, Pauline and Lowell ……all lived in the Strong City area when the town had its formal opening on June 25, 1912.

On this day a huge celebration was held with people coming from near and far.  Dedication ceremonies were held naming the town, dedicating the streets and alleys to the public, and the right-of-way and station ground to the C & O.W. RAilroad.  AS THE CELEBRATION WENT ON THE LIQUOR SUPPLY RAN OUT, SOME OF THE YOUNG MEN “BORROWED” THE TRAIN TO GO TO HAMMON OK. TO RESTOCK, CAUSING QUITE A COMMOTION.  None of our kinsfolk ever admitted to borrowing the train .

*In the early days of Strong City, entertainment and social gatherings were important.  Church social and baptisms in the Washita River  had a role, but so did the picnics, carnivals and circuses.  Once there was a rabbit drive between Hammon and Strong City because the rabbits  were destroying crops.  The men lined up and drove the rabbits untill they could be shot.  The women were at the park providing a picnic for those taking part.  The group effort saved the crops and the picnic added to the reward.

Gun fight at the Strong City OK Corral.  I guess Orren Anderson (far right) and friends decided to add some excitement to the day!

Family gathering in Strong City.  Left to right Eva Anderson, Jack Anderson, Georgia Faye Anderson, Alida and Orren Anderson, Tommie and Bill Anderson, Leona Anderson
*Strong city showed enormous growth as the railroad greatly expanded the trade area.  Over a million dollars worth of broom corn was shipped out in 1913.  Strong City became known as the “Broom Corn Capitol of the world.  The hog market also flourished.  By 1913 Strong City  had grown in population to around 600.  It became the largest town in Roger Mills County and one of the largest in Western Oklahoma.  Strong City has now dwindled to only a few residents, the 2000 census showed the town had a population of 42.  Fate may have changed its substance, but the spirit is still there.  Although listed in the book Ghost Towns of Oklahoma,  it is still an incorporated  town.  It has a Mayor, a City Board and a small but loyal population.

If you are fortunate enough to have a connection with Strong City, past or present, it has a piece of your heart.

Jim Lee

*Stories taken from the Cheyenne Star newspaper, dated April 5, 2012.