By RICH CONNOR
Publisher/Editor
Attractive nuisance.
What originally caused consternation among Eddy County folks drilling for water – water from Artesian springs – turned out to be among life’s most attractive nuisances.
Oil.
Water drilling was continually paused because that darn black oil kept seeping into wells. The persistence of the unwelcomed oil was, thank goodness, matched only by greater persistence by men and women determined to drill specifically for oil and later oil and gas.
This weekend’s celebration of the 100 years since Illinois #3 gushed and oil shot straight into the air like a black rocket is testament to hope, courage, risk, and the determination not to give up in the face of adversity.
It’s also a time to reflect on the philanthropy that has flowed from business profits back into Artesia to make it darn close to what former President Ronald Reagan described as a shining city on a hill, a phrase he used to be emblematic of his political career.
Actually, the phrase was originally used in 1630 by John Winthrop in a sermon on his vision of America, “we shall be as a city upon a hill.” Winthrop was a Puritan and among the first colonists from England. He was governor for many years of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Artesia is not hill country but we have oil and the discovery of it here was the boom to great economic growth. Several of our local residents have been more than willing to spread their wealth from oil and gas to make Artesia a shining city.
No better example of the history of oil and Artesia exists than the bronze statue at the center of town – “The Derrick Floor.” It tells our story and is the result of men and women who wanted to honor our history in dramatic and artistic fashion.
It is possible to take for granted all the wonderful aspects of life in Artesia, an almost idyllic, Andy of Mayberry town. The benefits of living and working here are the result of not only the Illinois #3 discovery but also of the generosity of our citizens driven to make this town special.
May the next 100 years be even more fruitful.
Thank you, Artesia.
