Nestled in the heart of Caddo and Blaine Counties, Hydro, Oklahoma stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of small-town America, prominently featured along the historic Route 66. This charming community offers a glimpse into a past shaped by pioneering settlers, agricultural prosperity, and the iconic ribbon of highway that connected a nation. Our exploration of Hydro, Oklahoma delves into its founding, its vibrant history, and the legendary figures who helped define its unique character, particularly its strong ties to the Mother Road.
The Genesis of Hydro: From Lottery to Lifeline
The town of Hydro began its official life on August 6, 1901, following the opening of Wichita and Caddo Indian lands to settlers. This monumental event saw a lottery draw where 164,000 homesteaders vied for 13,000 plots of 160 acres each. Originally named Caddo, the town soon adopted the name Hydro in September 1901 when its post office opened, a fitting tribute to its abundance of good well water. This early period was marked by rapid development, including the establishment of Caddo County’s first newspaper, the Hydro Review, and the town’s inaugural church, laying the groundwork for a thriving community.
Hydro, Oklahoma: A Journey Through History on Route 66 – Illustration 1
An Agricultural Heart and Community Spirit
From its inception, Hydro’s economy was deeply rooted in agriculture, with corn, cotton, and livestock forming the backbone of its early prosperity. By 1910, the burgeoning community boasted a population of 562 residents, a clear indicator of its growth and potential. A vibrant tradition that began in these early years was the Hydro Free Fair, first held in September 1904. Originally known as the Hydro Harvest Festival, it has earned the distinction of being Oklahoma’s longest-running “free fair,” a true testament to Hydro’s enduring community spirit and its rich agricultural heritage.
Route 66’s Enduring Legacy in Hydro
The creation of Route 66 brought a new wave of prosperity and recognition to Hydro, as the fabled highway skirted the town’s southern edge, significantly boosting local businesses and tourism. The town quickly became a vital stop for weary travelers on the Mother Road, fostering a unique blend of local charm and highway culture that continues to captivate visitors today.
The Iconic Lucille’s Service Station: A Beacon on the Mother Road
Among Hydro’s most celebrated landmarks is the iconic Provine Service Station, universally known as Lucille’s. This two-story craftsman-style building, erected in 1929 by Carol Ditmore, initially served as one of Route 66’s earliest filling stations, with living quarters upstairs. Five years later, in 1934, Ditmore sold the station to W.O. Waldrup and his wife, who renamed it Provine Service Station and expanded it to include tourist cabins, eventually evolving into a five-room motel.
The station’s most legendary chapter began in 1941 when Carl and Lucille Hamons took ownership. Just months into their proprietorship, World War II erupted, bringing fuel and tire rationing and a dramatic decrease in highway traffic. During these challenging times, Carl transported hay to northern states to support his family, while Lucille, with incredible fortitude, learned to manage the station. She pumped gas, changed headlights, fixed flat tires, and maintained the cabins, all while raising three children. Lucille’s compassion for the struggling travelers of the era became legendary:
“During this time, people from Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and eastern Oklahoma were traveling the road to the West Coast to find jobs… Many times I would have people stop that were completely broke, and I would feed them and give them gas in exchange for some appliance or other articles of value they might have. Sometimes I would buy their old, broken-down cars, and then they would catch the bus and head west looking for work.” – Lucille Hamons
Hydro, Oklahoma: A Journey Through History on Route 66 – Illustration 2
After the war, business rebounded significantly throughout the 1950s and 1960s. However, the completion of I-40 in 1971, which bypassed Hydro, Oklahoma, dealt a severe blow to many Route 66 businesses. That same year, Carl Hamons passed away, leaving Lucille to run the station alone. She closed the motel but persevered, adapting to primarily serve a local clientele. Lucille’s station became famous for vending icy beer from its old cooler, especially when nearby Weatherford, Oklahoma, was a dry town. Though the last fuel was dispensed in 1986, the station transformed into a popular souvenir shop, a testament to Lucille’s unwavering spirit.
In the 1990s, as Route 66 experienced a resurgence, Lucille’s story captivated a new generation of travelers, earning her the affectionate title, “The Mother of the Mother Road.” Her station was rightfully placed on the National Register of Historic Places in July 1997, and in 1999, Lucille received the prestigious Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame Award. Lucille continued to operate her beloved store until her passing on August 18, 2000, 59 years after first acquiring the property. Today, Lucille’s Service Station stands as one of only two remaining upper-story over-style stations on Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66. Route 66 enthusiast Rick Koch undertook the restoration of the gas station building in 2007, preserving it as a beloved photo-op, and further honored her legacy by opening the popular Lucille’s Roadhouse restaurant in nearby Weatherford.
Hydro Beyond the Highway: Downtown Gems
While Lucille’s is a main draw, taking a detour into Hydro’s downtown district reveals other delightful vintage treasures. The Route 66 Soda Fountain offers a nostalgic journey back in time, providing an authentic old-school diner experience. Another local institution is Nutopia Nuts’ N More, formerly Johnson Peanut Company, which has been in business for nearly 80 years. This specialty shop tantalizes visitors with an extensive selection of peanuts, peanut candies, and peanut oils, embodying the town’s enduring entrepreneurial spirit.
Hydro, Oklahoma: A Journey Through History on Route 66 – Illustration 3
The Mysterious Humpbacked Man of Route 66
For those fascinated by local lore, the section of Route 66 near Hydro holds a captivating ghost story. Legend has it that an elderly humpbacked man haunts this part of the old Mother Road. Described as appearing in a brown trench coat and a Bogie-style hat pulled low over his eyes, he has been frequently sighted walking along the old highway, particularly on foggy or rainy nights. Eerie tales abound, from a driver picking him up only for him to try to jump from the moving car, to others who believed they had hit him, only to find no one there upon investigation. Keep your eyes peeled if you’re traveling at night!
Conclusion: Hydro’s Enduring Appeal
Today, Hydro, Oklahoma maintains a population of approximately 950 residents, continuing its legacy as a welcoming stop along State Highway 58, just north of Interstate 40/U.S. Highway 66. Located eight miles east of Weatherford and 63 miles west of Oklahoma City, Hydro remains an essential destination for history buffs, Route 66 aficionados, and anyone seeking the authentic charm of a small American town. Its rich past, from its agricultural roots to its pivotal role on the Mother Road and the inspiring story of Lucille Hamons, ensures that Hydro continues to offer a compelling narrative for all who visit, reminding us of the enduring power of community and heritage.
