Conroe in Montgomery County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Strake-Gray Oilfield House

Photographed by James Hulse, August 21, 2021

1. Strake-Gray Oilfield House Marker

Inscription. The Strake-Gray Oilfield House was purchased by George Strake, Sr. for his first oilfield superintendent in 1938. The house was originally located at 11585 Duffey Road off FM 1314. It represents the typical front gable single story bungalow-style house of the period. It is unique in that it is of portable construction, meaning it was prefabricated. It is believed that the house was ordered from a Sears and Roebuck Catalogue, shipped by rail in pieces, transported to the oilfield, and then constructed. It features a composition roof and an attached porch on the left side with four columns and railing. The house was 30ft. by 50ft. in size and had six rooms. The first occupant of this house was Harvey Lee, Mr. Strake's superintendent from 1938-1946. Clyde "Dolly" Gray, the second superintendent, occupied the home with his family from 1946-2014. This home provides an example of the simple life of the oilfield worker and a picture of life during the "Oil Boom." The house reflects the character of the people who occupied the home.

Donated by the Morris Bateman Family
Property of Montgomery County, Texas 2018

Erected 2018

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by Montgomery County Historical Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.

Location. 30° 19.276′ N, 95° 28.342′ W. Marker is in Conroe, Texas, in Montgomery County. It can be reached from North Freeway Service Road 0.1 miles south of West Semands Street. The marker is located on the grounds of the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1506 Interstate 45 N, Conroe TX 77301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Houston Metropolitan Area.

It is also on the American Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Oil (here, next to this marker); Tobacco Trough (a few steps from this marker); Printing Press

The entrance of the Strake-Gray Oilfield House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 21, 2021

2. The entrance of the Strake-Gray Oilfield House

(a few steps from this marker); Strake-Gray Roughneck Bunkhouse (a few steps from this marker); Saw Mills (a few steps from this marker); Agriculture (within shouting distance of this marker); The Grogan-Cochran House (within shouting distance of this marker); Montgomery County (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Conroe.

The view of the Strake-Gray Oilfield House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 21, 2021

3. The view of the Strake-Gray Oilfield House

The side view of the Strake-Gray Oilfield House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 21, 2021

4. The side view of the Strake-Gray Oilfield House

Credits. This page was last revised on August 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 799 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 22, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.