Nestled in the heart of the Sooner State, Stroud, Oklahoma, is a town rich in history, from its wild frontier beginnings to its enduring legacy on the Mother Road. This vibrant community, initially a haven for thirsty cowboys, has transformed through various eras, yet always retaining its unique character. The story of Stroud, Oklahoma, is one of resilience, transformation, and a testament to American pioneering spirit.
Founded in 1892 and named after trader James Stroud, this small town initially thrived by offering whiskey to cowboys and travelers looking to escape the “dry” Indian Territory nearby. Early Stroud, Oklahoma quickly earned a reputation as a wild, “hell-raising” town, boasting nine saloons where cattlemen could unwind after long days on the range. By 1900, its population reached 800, a clear indicator of its bustling, albeit rowdy, atmosphere. However, the town’s spirited party days were cut short when Oklahoma achieved statehood in 1907, forcing Stroud to go “dry” and leading to a temporary shift in its identity, though its population had grown to 1,312 by this time.
Stroud’s Early Economy and Wild West Encounters
During the first decade of the 20th century, Stroud, Oklahoma, transitioned its economic focus to cotton farming. This agricultural boom fostered growth, and by 1909, the community supported two banks, two newspapers, four cotton gins, and a cottonseed-oil mill. Despite this economic diversification, the population saw a slight decline to 1,220 by 1910. Yet, even as its wild saloon days faded, Stroud was not entirely done with its Wild West encounters.
On March 27, 1915, Stroud, Oklahoma, became the setting for one of the last notable outlaw robberies in Oklahoma’s history. The infamous Cherokee Bad Boy, Henry Starr, targeted two of the town’s banks for a daring double daylight heist. Along with six other men, Starr attempted to rob the Stroud National Bank and the First National Bank simultaneously, a bold move reminiscent of the unsuccessful Dalton Gang raid in Coffeyville, Kansas, in 1892. Word of the holdup spread quickly among the vigilant citizens, who took up arms against the bandits. In the ensuing gun battle, Henry Starr and fellow outlaw Lewis Estes were wounded and captured. The rest of the gang managed to escape with $5,815, completing a rare successful double daylight bank robbery.
Starr was tried, sentenced, and transferred to the Oklahoma State Penitentiary at McAlester. Remarkably, he was paroled just four years later. His violent life, however, met a violent end in February 1921 when he was shot during another robbery attempt in Harrison, Arkansas.
Route 66 and the Iconic Rock Cafe
Following its dramatic early years, Stroud settled into a quieter existence, with its economy primarily driven by agriculture and oil. This tranquility was significantly interrupted, and then revitalized, with the arrival of Route 66. Like hundreds of other small towns along the historic highway, Stroud, Oklahoma, embraced the influx of travelers, spawning a variety of services and amenities for those traversing the Mother Road.
One of the most enduring symbols of this era, and a true Route 66 icon, is the Rock Cafe. Inspired by Roy Rieves, who saved for most of his life to open a restaurant in his retirement, the cafe began its journey in 1936. Rieves purchased several business lots on the outskirts of Stroud just as Route 66 was being paved, connecting the East Coast to the West Coast, promising a boom in travel and commerce. Roy almost single-handedly constructed the cafe over three years, utilizing rocks removed during the paving of Route 66 itself.
The Rock Cafe, managed by Miss Thelma Holloway, officially opened on August 4, 1939, and became an instant success. It soon became a Greyhound bus stop, further increasing its popularity among weary travelers. Roy Rieves maintained ownership of the building but never ran the cafe, which saw a series of managers until 1959 when Mamie Mayfield took the helm. Mamie kept the cafe open 24 hours a day for nearly 25 years. However, with the construction of the Turner Turnpike in the early 1980s, business declined, and Mamie, nearing 70, closed the Rock Cafe in 1983.
Fortunately, this beloved landmark, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was revived in 1993 by Dawn Welch. Today, the Rock Cafe continues to serve home cooking to modern Route 66 travelers. It faced a significant challenge from May 2008 to May 2009 when a fire gutted the interior, leaving only its rock walls standing. However, Welch hired a historically-minded contractor who meticulously rebuilt the restaurant, making it better than ever before. Famously, Dawn Welch herself inspired the character of Sally Carrera in the 2006 Disney-Pixar animated movie Cars, after a Pixar crew researching Route 66 stopped at the Rock Cafe for dinner in 2001.
Modern Stroud: Resilience and Renewal
While the Rock Cafe represents Stroud’s enduring spirit, the town has faced its share of challenges. In 1999, the devastating Oklahoma tornado outbreak destroyed the town’s 53-store Tanger Outlet Center and a Sygma food service distribution center. Neither facility was rebuilt, leading to the loss of 800 jobs and significant economic distress for Stroud, Oklahoma.
Despite these setbacks, Stroud has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Although its population peaked at 3,148 in 1980 and has since settled around 2,700, the town is currently experiencing increased economic activity in the oil and gas sectors. It is home to Service King, a manufacturer of oilfield workover rigs, contributing to renewed prosperity. The ongoing interest in Route 66 and Stroud’s strategic location as a central point between Oklahoma City and Tulsa further bolster its success and appeal.
Attractions and Community Life in Stroud
Visitors to Stroud, Oklahoma, can explore more than just the iconic Rock Cafe. The historic Skyliner Motel at 717 N Main Street (Route 66) is a notable stop. Several other historical buildings grace the town, including the Graham Hotel at Main and 2nd Avenue, the Hotel Lincoln at 232 Main, the James W. Stroud House at 110 East 2nd Avenue, and the Joseph Carpenter House, recognized as the oldest and best-preserved prairie-style house in Stroud at 204 W 6th Street. The headquarters of the Sac & Fox Indian Nation is also located in Stroud, and the tribe hosts an annual summer pow-wow, enriching the town’s cultural fabric. Additionally, the City of Stroud actively promotes several annual events, such as the popular Route 66 Wine and Food Festival.
For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby Stroud Lake, situated three miles north of Stroud on Highway 99 and three miles east on Lake Road, offers camping, boat ramps, swimming, and riding trails. These diverse attractions ensure that Stroud, Oklahoma, remains a compelling destination for history buffs, Route 66 adventurers, and those seeking small-town charm with a rich heritage. The legendary Route 66 continues its journey just about seven miles southwest to the small town of Davenport, Oklahoma, inviting further exploration of the historic highway.
Conclusion
From its rowdy beginnings as a whiskey town to its crucial role on Route 66 and its modern resurgence, Stroud, Oklahoma, embodies the enduring spirit of American small towns. It has weathered significant historical events, including outlaw raids and devastating natural disasters, always finding a way to rebuild and reinvent itself. Today, with its blend of historical landmarks, vibrant community events, and renewed economic activity, Stroud stands as a testament to resilience and an inviting destination for all who travel its storied paths. It continues to be a vital stop, reminding us of the rich tapestry of history woven into the fabric of the Sooner State.
