The Cold Creek Oil Rush

The all-absorbing question this week in the Benton county oil situation is: 'Is there really oil in the Archie Brown well out in Cold Creek, about 20 miles west of White Bluffs?' Experience having proved that the land out there is of little value without water, Mr. and Mrs. Brown decided a year ago to make a try for an artesian well. A drill was secured and operations started last spring. After many mishaps and accidents, a depth of 600 feet was finally reached when the engine refused longer to operate the drill and the driller quit about the first of last December. After the well had been standing a few weeks, a peculiar substance rose to the surface of the 400 feet of water, through which great difficulty was experienced in sinking a 150-pound sand bucket. It looks like oil. The well was called to the attention of H. W. Lemcke about ten days ago. Realizing the enormous possibilities of the undertaking, and in the full belief that the drilling of a few feet more will uncover a vast oil field, Mr. Lemcke, after investigating the matter, began a vigorous campaign to gain control of the land in the vicinity of the well. He has secured leases on approximately 4000 acres of government land that has been patented to settlers. Mr. Lemcke is expected back this evening from the coast, where he has been for several days, getting leases to the last of the land. Lumber for a fence around the well has been hauled out, and the fence will be built at once. He has promised the ranchers he would have a drill going in 90 days.