In 1925, black gold was discovered in the Tullos-Urania and Olla oilfields in Louisiana’s Piney Woods. The boom that followed came with new jobs, higher wages, and business opportunities, along with behavior reminiscent of the Wild West. It was said that the most prosperous establishments of the boomtowns were the funeral parlors. This fascinating examination of the early days of petroleum production in northern Louisiana features archival photographs and interviews with the original “hard hats” in their unwashed vernacular. It paints a picture of a bygone era—a time when bootleggers and swindlers abounded and old-time drillers drove rigs by the feel of a hand brake.

A native of Tullos, Louisiana, Dr. Jon L. Gibson grew up playing in the Tullos-Urania and Olla oil fields. A retired anthropology professor, Dr. Gibson received a BA in geography from Northwestern State University and a MA in anthropology from Louisiana State University before earning an MA and a PhD in anthropology from Southern Methodist University. Dr. Gibson is the recipient of numerous academic accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southeastern Archaeological Conference.

ISBN:	9781455624553
FORMAT:	Paperback
PUBLISHER:	Pelican Publishing
DATE:	2/12/2019
STATE:	Louisiana
IMAGES:	101
PAGES:	160
DIMENSIONS:	6 (w) x 9 (h)