Avery, OK
Posted by: 
hamquilter
N 35° 52.983 W 096° 45.128
14S E 702910 N 3973310
Once a thriving agricultural center, Avery now sits in isolation.
Waymark Code: WMWYM2
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 10/31/2017
Views: 2
Avery is a small town about six miles south of Cushing. Census records are not being kept on this town, but it appears there are only a handful of residences remaining.
Avery was established in 1902 and, after first being named Mound City, was renamed Avery after Eastern Oklahoma Railway worker, Avery Turner. Before World War I, the town was an agricultural center. With roads poor in the area, the railroad was the hub, and Avery shipped large amounts of agricultural products and livestock. The land was fertile, and good for grazing. The town had its saloons, livery stables and even two hotels. Four passenger trains came through Avery each day. Life was good.
When oil was discovered in nearby Cushing, many of the men were lured away to make "big money" in the oilfields. World War I also drew away some of the townsfolk. In the 1930's, the WPA built a nice stone school on the north edge of town, which still stands today, although vacant and in great disrepair. In 1957, the post office closed, and the businesses along Avery's main street became vacant. The aerial map shows a Dollar General store in town (God bless 'em), but no other activity except some farms and run-down frame homes.
One building did indicate it was the Avery Fire Department, so volunteers still do what they can to keep the town alive.
There is a write-up on Avery in the book "Ghost Towns of Oklahoma" on pages 22-23 (see link below)
Reason for Abandonment: Economic
Date Abandoned: 01/01/1957
Related Web Page: [Web Link]
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