05 October 2007

Bubbling Crude

Prospectors Seek Oil In the Sourland Foothills

SOMERVILLE, N.J., Feb. 24 - Belief that rich deposits of oil may be discovered in the foothills of the Sourland Mountains near here has led to the drilling of wells on the farm owned by Martin Dolak in Hillsborough Township and announcement today that one company was prepared to risk $20,000 in the search.

Although some of Mr. Dolak's neighbors are unimpressed, suggesting that signs of oil might spring from a leak in the Big Inch pipeline, which runs within a half mile of the farm, the Van Oil Company has brought in crews and equipment from Ohio.

Mr. Dolak, who has occupied his farm for four years, said he had signed a contract with the company to permit the drilling of wells on his property and that he was to receive an eighth of any returns.

He expressed confidence that oil existed in the region, citing as evidence the fact that he and other farmers have noticed a thin film of oil on near-by brooks. Drilling will go as deep as 2500 feet, he said.

[The New York Times, 25 February 1947]

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