HOBART– On Friday, August 6, just one day after the city of Lawton celebrated turning 120 years old, from the grounds of the Kiowa County Courthouse in Hobart, scores of Hobart citizens celebrated their town's 120th birthday.
Members of Great Plains Youth and Family Services served refreshments to locals–many of whom were adorned in t-shirts to commemorate the festivities.
State Senator Brent Howard, R-Altus, along with state Reps. Dick Lowe, R-Amber; Gerrid Kendrix, R-Altus; and Todd Russ, R-Cordell, were on hand to celebrate Hobart’s history and deliver a citation for the momentous occasion.
Kendrix gave a brief synopsis of Hobart’s history before reading the citation which states: “Hobart was established almost overnight on August 6, 1901, and was named after the 24th Vice President of the United States, Garret Hobart. It was then nicknamed ‘Ragtown’ because of the population living in tents.“
The city continued to grow, and the citizens worked tirelessly to establish a presence where they could live in modern homes and work comfortably in business, which even boasts electricity and indoor plumbing.
“Today Hobart’s a thriving farming and ranching community. Hobart and its dedicated citizens work diligently to bring pride and honor to the state of Oklahoma with its farming and ranching efforts, and its two museums: The General Tommy Franks Museum and the Kiowa County Museum, which tell important parts of Oklahoma’s history."
During a Monday phone interview with Southwest Ledger, Hobart City Mayor Jeff Allen expressed thanks to the city council as well as members of the community who helped ring in the celebration.
“The chamber, Main Street and quite a few individuals in our community did a great job,” he said.
Allen said he was pleased with celebrating Hobart’s 120-year history and where the community of approximately 3,400 people is headed.
“I’m proud to be part of this milestone,” the mayor concluded. “We’re glad to have Hobart where it is right now."