Papers - Production - Domestic - Kansas Oil and Gas During 1937

The year 1937 must be considered the most eventful one ever experienced in the development of oil and gas activity. Out of a total of 57 new pools discovered, 18 are apportioned to eastern Kansas and 39 to western Kansas. (For statistical purposes Kansas is divided along the meridian that separates ranges 3 E. and 4 E.) In addition to numerous longdistance extensions of the large Hugoton gas field of southwestern Kansas, two other gas pools were discovered in the area lying west of range 3 E. The 37 new oil pools in that area are to be found in 13 different counties, among which Rice heads the list with a total of seven oil pools and one gas pool. Ellis and Barton Counties both added six new oil pools, while Russell County follows in fourth place with four. Among eastern counties Butler heads the list with four new pools. Cowley arid Chautauqua each accounted for three new discoveries. The number of wells necessary to accomplish this result totals 2657, of which 1915 are oil wells and 128 gas wells. The initial production of the oil wells amounted to 2½ million barrels. Although most of the wells were drilled in proven territory, there was a good deal of wildcatting. The fact that 614 dry holes were completed emphasizes the ever-present risk attendant upon the efforts of pioneers. Some of the more venturesome spirits reached out to the counties farthest west in the state. An indication of the feverish excitement reached at times is recorded in the fact that no less than 600 drilling operations were in progress during one week in May, or the fact that over 100 new locations were staked during the second week in July. During one week in May, 65 successful oil wells were completed for an initial production of 68,000 barrels. Many drilling obligations came due during the year, and this perhaps accounts for the fact that one company had as many as 59 active operations at one time during September. Another evidence of great interest in oil possibilities in Kansas is furnished by the record of sales of oil properties, which in one case reached the high figure of about $3000 per acre.