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PipeLines & Oil Tanks

by Ron Taylor

     In the early days of local oil boom (1880's-into the 1900's) the producers & royalty holders (usually landholders & investors) were not the only people to make money.  The real profiteers of the early days were the PipeLine Companies that transported the oil.

    Although the Railroads were set up early to transport the oil production it was necessary to run oil into storage until tank cars could be arranged to transport the crude oil to a refinery or pump it long distances through pipelines to refineries.  Early on PipeLine companies organized to create a "direct from well" delivery system right from the oil lease to the refinery via pipelines.  These companies made the "big bucks!!"

    One of the interesting "Tank Farms" which the pipeline company owned was located about a mile outside Wellsville on what is now State Route 417 where the Joyce Family has recently constructed their Otis Eastern headquarters in new buildings. At the rear of the property remains the old original brick structure of the pipeline company.  Above is a picture of the pipeline being laid and pump station buildings in background.  Also, one of the many tanks is visible in upper left corner.

    Tanks were one of the hazards (amongst many) of the oil industry as-well-as a real necessity. The crude oil flowed into the tanks for storage from pipelines direct from the production tanks on leases.  Along with the crude oil there was a large amount of very combustible natural gas that seeped into the air.  Many tanks went up in flame during my lifetime, some on leases before leaving in the pipeline and some when they reached storage/transport tanks. 

    The pictures that I am showing here are only two of the hazards of having an oil tank in your backyard. One, heating the oil in a lease tank so it would flow through the pipeline, and two, Mother Nature's lightning strike!

A Lease Tank "over-warmed"
Patterson-Mitchell Lease in Allentown
Picture loaned by Sidney & Sandra Cleveland
and used with Thanks
 

1906 Bolivar Tank Fire
credit to Ray Payne Collection
Also see Town of Bolivar Section,
Ray Payne's Album
 

  Pipeline Farm Tank - Elm Valley Road (State Rte 417)
The results of a lightning strike!
Picture loaned by Don Baldwin and by Charlie Joyce, Sr.,  & used with Thanks