First the post office left. Then the gas station. Then the school.

Where history and mystery meet: Farris, Oklahoma.

This article was written with the help of A.I. software*

On the south side of Highway 3 is the site of the old Farris grocery and gas station.Photo byAuthor using Canva

Small town Oklahoma

Farris is a tiny unincorporated community in Atoka County, Oklahoma.

Highway 3 runs through the middle of the community, which is 17 miles east of Atoka.

Not much left in the town now.Photo byAuthor using Canva

From 1914 to 2013, Farris had its own school district with a K-8 school.

However, after years of decreasing enrollment, disagreements over the district's management, and an "F" rating from the Oklahoma State Department of Education in December 2012, the district voted to dissolve the school district.

Elementary students joined the district in nearby Lane in early 2013, and students above the eighth grade now attend Atoka High School in Atoka.

Lane schools were happy to have the influx of new students, bumping their K-8 up to around 300. The administrator who was interviewed said having this number was "utopian."

Just off the highway to the northPhoto byAuthor using Canva

Early history. And mystery.

A post office was established at Farris, Indian Territory on May 17, 1902. It was named for the first postmaster, John L. Farris. At the time of its founding, Farris was located in Jacks Fork County, Choctaw Nation. The post office was officially discontinued on July 1, 1966.

The local cemetery holds a few mysteries of its own.

Although the website for the cemetery, maintained by Ruth Atteberry Adams & Area Coordinators lists 8 year-old Elsie Farris as the first burial in the cemetery, among those named there is also Daisie Carruth, who died in 1902. Elsie didn't die until 1904.

Another mystery can be found further down the list of interred individuals. One man, named Dave Garruth, also died on December 9, 1902. The same date as Daisie Carruth. Hmmm.

McGee Creek Reservoir, which impounds the waters of McGee Creek, lies a short distance to the northwest. McGee Creek is a tributary to Muddy Boggy Creek, which flows west of Farris.

Today, McGee Creek is a tourism draw for fishers, boaters and swimmers.

With plenty of camping spots for RV's as well as tents, a pavilion for events, free swimming areas and free bathrooms, McGee Creek is a great place for summertime fun.

If you enjoyed this article, you might like Bull rider Freckles Brown called Soper his home

****************************************
Hi, I'm Judy! I love talking about the area I live in and what affects us. Follow me if you'd like more stories like this.