by Mindi Kimbro, 2024

The city of Olney, Texas, is filled with people who support the school district whole-heartedly and year-round. Whether it is through providing support for fundraisers, attending games and events, volunteering at schools, helping with concession stands and sporting events, or providing grading and snacks for UIL and TMSCA meets, the people of Olney firmly stand behind the students, administration, and staff members at Olney ISD.

Olney officially became incorporated in 1909, making it 115 years old, but the history of dedication and teamwork began long before the city’s boundaries were made official. The area in Young County was first settled in 1879 by Boone McCarty, L. Pankonon, and the Neely Brothers. The Neelys and a man named Pitts Neal came together to set up a site for annual cattle round-ups, and John W. Groves donated acreage for a town site in 1889. The first general store was founded, followed soon by a post office and more.

The first Olney school opened in 1891, and the town became official in 1909 after the Wichita Falls and Southern Railway began constructing new rails that passed close to town. In response to the new railroad track, the city’s center was moved a mile further north in 1910 to allow access to the line.

Population began to boom in 1923 with the discovery of oil. By 1924, Olney was a leading oil boom town in the area. It was home to three refineries and the population grew to 5,000 before 1930. 

The city has had its share of disaster, however. A tornado struck the town in 1951, decimating homes and businesses, killing two people, injuring 75, and causing over $2 million in property damage. The town recovered nicely thanks to the help and teamwork of its citizens. 

A drought in the 1970s brought another opportunity where the spirit of Olney shined through once again. After many weeks of over-100 degree temperatures and a four-year drought decimated the city’s water supply in 1978, citizens were within 120 days of running entirely out of water. The only solution at that time was to bring water from Wichita Falls; however, engineers said the city would have to pay upward of $1 million and need a year for the pipeline to be completed. That wasn’t good enough for the hardworking people of Olney. While city officials made a deal for 1 million gallons of water per day from Lake Kickapoo, citizens got to work and got dirty. With temperatures soaring well over 110 degrees, local citizens met on July 14, 1978, and worked together to start building the 14-mile pipeline themselves. In all, hundreds of citizens banded together to dig trenches, lay pipe, and provide food and water for workers. The pipeline, which city leaders were told would take a year to complete, was done in 25 hours and cost only $350 thanks to the ingenuity of local citizens.

Today, that same spirit of love, support, and cooperation still exists in Olney. Local individuals, business owners, and civic groups actively support all students of Olney ISD. They have approved bond measures to build and renovate schools, add structures, and help provide better athletic facilities for students.

With stellar schools and thriving industry, Olney is a great place to bring a family. Jobs are plentiful throughout town at Tower Extrusions Ltd., PSI Industries Inc., and Air Tractor, an industry leader in the manufacturing of agricultural and firefighting aircraft. The city also has a hospital (with a new hospital to begin construction soon), home healthcare, nursing home facilities, a clinic and wellness center, a brand new city pool, and more. A number of active local churches provide worship opportunities of all types, as well.