El Dorado in Butler County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Gypsy Spudder
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 3, 2011
1. The Gypsy Spudder Marker
This Cable Tool Drilling Machine, Serial No. 5, was manufactured in Chanute, Kansas by Sutcliffe Pipe & Supply, Joe H. Sutcliffe, owner. Built in early 1949, this is the only known remaining machine.
"The Gypsy" was found on a farm east of Chanute, Kansas. It was moved to the Kansas Oil Museum in August 2008 to honor Joe H. and Velma Edith Sutcliffe, and their sons: Ronald F., Donald L. Terry J., and Dale D. Sutcliffe.
Donated by Ronald F. and Leah W. Sutcliffe of Midland, Texas.
Erected by Kansas Oil Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1949.
Location. 37° 49.021′ N, 96° 50.762′ W. Marker is in El Dorado, Kansas, in Butler County. It can be reached from East Central Avenue. Marker is in the fenced outdoor Kansas Oil Museum exhibit area of the Butler County History Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 383 East Central Avenue (U.S 54), El Dorado KS 67042, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kansas, in the Flint Hills, and in Greater Wichita. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Central Power Unit (within shouting distance of this marker); Star Drilling Machine (within shouting distance of this marker); Pole Trailer (about
this page online
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 3, 2011
2. The Gypsy Spudder Builder's Plate
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., September 3, 2011
3. The Gypsy Spudder and Marker
Photographed by Donald Sutcliffe, October 29, 2010
4. The Gypsy Spudder was found on Rex Greve farm Southeast of Chanute, Kansas
Last Owner: Daniel Duane Landis (Grandson of Rex Leroy Greve), Last Drillers/Operators in "1980's", Rex Leroy Greve (Owner), Danny Angleton (Co-Owner), Daniel Duane Landis (Tool Dresser & Roustabout), David Alan Angleton (Driller)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,035 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 8, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 4. submitted on January 18, 2014, by Donald Sutcliffe of Wichita, Kansas.
