Ratliff City, Oklahoma
Ratliff City is a small town in northwestern Carter County, Oklahoma, situated at the junction of State Highways 7 and 76. Its history is tied directly to the mid-20th-century oil industry in southern Oklahoma.
The town emerged as a community settlement serving local workers, oilfield crews, and passing travelers. It was named after Ollie Ratliff, who owned and operated a popular local garage at the highway crossroads.
Ratliff City was officially incorporated on January 1, 1953. Its U.S. Post Office opened that same day.
Positioned in the heart of the prolific Sho-Vel-Tum oilfield region— one of the largest oil-producing areas in Oklahoma— the town’s economy historically centered around oil and gas drilling, trucking, pipe supply, and field services.
The town experienced its peak growth during the energy booms of the 1970s and 1980s, reaching a population of around 350 residents in 1980. As oilfield technology modernized and production shifted, the population contracted. By the 2020 census, Ratliff City had a population of 64 residents.
Today, Ratliff City remains a key rural crossroads connecting Davis, Duncan, Healdton, and Foster, maintaining its long-standing connection to the southern Oklahoma oil patch.
The Sho-Vel-Tum Oil Field is the largest oil and gas complex in Oklahoma, spanning roughly 241 square miles across eastern Stephens and western Carter counties just west of the Arbuckle Mountains. The field was discovered in 1905 and drilling started in 1914. The name is a portmanteau derived from its major component fields: Sholem Alechem, Velma, and Tum
The original Holiday Inn in Ardmore opened in the 1960s at the I-35 and U.S. 70 interchange. “The Legendary Gushers Lounge”—was established in 1976 inside the original Holiday Inn complex.
Q. “I never knew the dance studio was called Betty Brown House of Health. My sister took dance lessons there along with one of my classmates and a friend, Warren Henderson. He took dance to improve his agility. It worked because after college he spent five years in the Canadian Football League.” -Monroe Cameron
A. Betty’s dance studio was upstairs. Her health food store was on the first floor. I been there many times buying vitamins, etc.
From This Weeks Mailbag
In 1973, February 14th. I was driving, very slow, a red station wagon in front of Dickson school,, cross walk, yellow light flashing, kids in the school yard. I was hit from behind by a 18 wheeler pulling two trailers and driving 90 mph. I was knocked unconscious immediately while my car rolled end over end a long ways then caught on fire. The first thing I remember is a voice saying, “don’t be scared, we are going to turn the sirens on so we can drive a little faster.” I thought that sounds like Butch Bridges talking to me. I never opened my eyes, never moved. However, it made me feel good. I thought he was excellent at his job, I worked some as an aide at the hospital and had seen him bring people in. Then I don’t remember anything else, until I woke up at the hospital. I was 5 months pregnant. We were both fine! I always thought Butch saved our lives. I never told you thank you! So, I’ll say it now! Thank you!!! -Regina Eubanks
Q. Where is Breezy Point?
A. Breezy Point is located 1 mile south of Springdale Road and Harvey Road. Breezy Point was located at McLain Road and Harvey Road – Ardmore. In the SE corner of that intersection was a grocery store owned by retired railroad worker Ernest Paul Scholz. The store went out of business during World War II.
Q. Butch, would you have access to information about the most beautiful Magnolia tree located on the corner of Cottonwood & Chickasaw street? Someone is now cleaning out all the different trees growing around the bottom of that beautiful tree. Just wondering how old that tree is?? The address is 1004 Cottonwood, it’s rental property now.
A. I remember a lady who worked at the DAs office lived there when she was alive. I took a couple pictures of it in 2024. The house was built in 1956.
HAM Radio Talk
As of July 28, the Boredom Breaker Net in Claremore, Oklahoma is back up and running, after several false starts. I access the Net (using the free app EchoLink) between Noon and 2pm everyday Oklahoma time through my computer. Yesterday there were 69 HAM radio operators from all over the U.S. and even some overseas who checked-in.
I have a HAM friend in Japan I’ve been talking to via Echolink for several years (JG6DEA). I looked on the map and he must live within 15 miles or so from the epicenter of that terrible earthquake July 28th (southern Japan). I haven’t been able to make contact with him, praying he and his family are ok.
It is so dry outside right now that the trees are starting to offer bribes to passing dogs.
See everyone next week!
Butch and Jill Bridges
Ardmore Oklahoma
580-490-6823
https://oklahomahistory.net