Fellows in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Midway Field - Well No. 2-6
First Gusher
— The well which made the Midway Oil Field famous —
Near an area of small 40 and 50 barrel wells, it blew in over the derrick top November 27th, 1909, with a production of 2,000 barrels a day, and started one of the greatest oil booms California ever experienced.
“For a long time it held the rank of the best producer in the whole west side, and before its glory began to wane, other celebrities in the gusher line began to crowd the North Midway stage.” Morning Echo, Bakersfield, February 28th, 1911.
Well 2-6 was located as a wildcat June 1, 1909 by Fred C. Ripley, then assistant manager of oil properties, Santa Fe Railway coast lines. Later, manager of its successor, the Chanslor-Canfield Midway Oil Company, with which he was associated 1904 to 1947.
Erected 1951 by The Petroleum Production Pioneers. (Marker Number 581.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.
Location. 35° 10.784′ N, 119° 32.939′ W. Marker is in Fellows, California, in Kern County. Marker is on Mocal Road, 1.2 miles west of Highway 33, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fellows CA 93224, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Fort (approx. 5.1 miles away); The Fort, Taft (approx. 5.1 miles away); History of Taft (approx. 5.7 miles away); Midway Cemetery - 25 Hill (approx. 6 miles away); West Kern Oil Museum (approx. 6˝ miles away); Traver Ranch (approx. 9.1 miles away); McKittrick Brea Pit (approx. 9.2 miles away); McKittrick Hotel and Penny Bar (approx. 9.6 miles away).
More about this marker. This is California Historical Landmark No. 581.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 393 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 24, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on February 25, 2019. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.