Warwick to Arcadia, Oklahoma - Historic Stretch of 66

OKLAHOMA LEGENDS

Warwick to Arcadia - Historic Stretch of

Route 66

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Eight miles beyond Chandler, Route 66 winds through the ghost town of Warwick, Oklahoma. Once a thriving town with several grocery stores, filling stations, two hotels, a cotton gin, a bank, and a newspaper, Warwick died a slow death from the abandonment of its railroad depot, annexing by nearby Wellston, and super highway, I-44.

The first settlers of the area were David and Norah High who homesteaded the land in 1891 that would soon become Warwick. A post office began in October, 1892 with J.A. Ramsey as its first postmaster. Mail was received by stagecoach from Guthrie at a time that traveling those 50 miles took an entire day.

No more gas in Warwick, Oklahoma, May, 2004,

Kathy Weiser.

In September, 1896, the St. Louis & San Francisco Railway purchased a right-of-way from Hugh for the building of the railroad. In 1903, another right-of-way was deeded to the Fort Smith & Western Railway Company and by 1903, lots were platted for the town.

Primarily an agricultural community, businesses began to be built and the first school was held in a log building that also combined as a church. By 1909 a solid block building was constructed for the children’s education.

In addition to those businesses aforementioned, Warwick also boasted a saloon, a blacksmith shop, a drug store, a saw mill, and a veterinarian.

In 1940, a brand new stone school was built by the WPA (Workman’s Progress Administration.) However, it was also during this decade that the Frisco Railway Company and the Fort Smith & Western Railway were both abandoned for financial problems. Soon taken over by Burlington Northern, passenger service was discontinued, although freight service continued until 1986.

In 1963, when nearby Wellston wanted to annex Warwick, its citizens didn’t see the benefit. But, just five years later the Warwick School was consolidated with the Wellston School and the WPA School was closed. The building now serves as the area’s voting district.

Historic School in Warwick, Oklahoma

Historic School in Warwick, Oklahoma,

courtesy Okie Legacy

In December, 1972, Warwick’s post office was closed forever. Today, all that remains of Warwick are scattered homes and empty businesses. However, that being said, you will very quickly come to the Seaba Station just one mile beyond the intersection of Route 66 and US-177.

This historic station has been in operation since 1924, two years before the Mother Road was built. The business was first built by John and Alice Seaba, operating a garage and NevrNox garage and service station. In the 1930s, Seaba installed the machinery need to repair automobile connecting rods, a business that became so successful, he soon turned the station into the Seaba Manufacturing Company. In 1951, the Seaba’s sold the business.

Selling a couple of more times over the years, the building was finally purchased by Sonny and Sue Preston in 1995 who full restored the building and opened it as the Seaba Station Antiques, Gifts and Collectibles. Today, the Seaba Station, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, continues to welcome Route 66 travelers.

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Seaba Station just west of Warwick, Oklahoma