The Oswald Oil Field is located at Fairport Field, which is fifteen miles northwest of Russell, KS. This important historical site is where oil production began in America’s Heartland nearly ninety years ago. The well was drilled by Sterns & Streeter, with M.M. Valerius as the coordinating geologist. The drill was originally for the “Lucky Seven,” a combine of early-day investors.  

The discovery drill of the Carrie Oswald No.1 (pictured with the American Flag), occurred on Thanksgiving Day, 1923. This soon lead to many speculative drills, some productive, many not. Oil production in Ellis County began nearly four years later in 1927.

This rare photograph was discovered in Osborne, Kansas by Russtin Weese, Munjor, KS. The restoration was entrusted to Dyrek Ayre, Hays, KS. The original photo had sustained water damage and tears that required over 200 hours of digital reconstruction to restore it to the original condition. It may be the only existing photograph to date that displays the entire Oswald Field with all six wooden Oil Derricks, corner gas station and service vehicles. The original photographer remains unknown, but is believed to have lived in Bogue, KS.

The discovery of oil helped the entire Northeastern Kansas region economically survive The Great Depression and its impact is still felt today. The Carrie Oswald No.1 had produced continuously for more than sixty years.

Carrie Oswald No.1 & Ed Oswald No.1, 1924

Print Size: 11" wide x 14" high (standard frame dimensions).
Price: $175 Professional, 100-year matte finish photographic paper used. Includes print only.

Print Size: 16" wide x 24" high (standard frame dimensions).
Price: $250 Professional, 100-year matte finish photographic paper used. Includes print only.

Print Size: 24" wide x 16" high (standard frame dimensions).
Price: $250 Professional, 100-year matte finish photographic paper used. Includes print only.

The Historic Oswald Field, 1924 (Complete)

Original Print Size: 35" wide x 6 3/4" high (custom frame dimensions).
Price: $275 Professional, 100-year matte finish photographic paper used. Includes print only.

Extra Large Wall Print: 48.07" wide x 9.32 " high.
Price $875 (Requires wide-format photographic printing for clarity and resolution).

Extra Large Wall Print: 70.19" wide x 13.5" high.
Price $1200 (Requires wide-format photographic printing for clarity and resolution).

Billboard Sizes Available:
Email Us, or call 785-628-1022 for more details.

The Historic Oswald Field, 1924 & 2008 (84 Years Later)

Original Print Sizes: 35" wide x 6 3/4" high (custom frame dimensions).
Price: $350 Includes both prints. 2008 print is not sold separately.

To Place An Order
We are currently in the process of adding a Shopping Cart ordering system to this page. Until then, please send a check or money order to the address below. Be sure to include your name, mailing address, phone number and the print(s) requested. Upon sending your payment, please email ayre@ruraltel.net, or call 785-639-6112 to let us know the print(s) that you have ordered. This will enable us to check our inventory and provide you with the fastest delivery possible. Please allow 1-3 weeks for delivery.

Add $10 per order for shipping (up to 5 prints per order).

Thank you for your patience, we hope that you enjoy your historical photos.

Dyrek Ayre
2501 E. 19th
Hays, KS 67601
785-639-6112