On a March Sunday in 1901, the McNab Oil Company’s excursion to the sand hills adjoining Newell Creek brought out a crowd of curious spectators. “The rain was coming down in torrents,” reported the Sentinel, "but the showers did not prevent the excited visitors from going over the grounds and viewing everything there. They climbed the hills, and saw the sand impregnated with oil, until it was spotted with black stains.” R. C. McPherson congratulated his sponsors “on the certainty of striking oil at that point.” Afterwards, potential investors were treated to a feast. Complemented by bottles of Ben Lomond Grey Riesling of the vintage of ’87 “Oysters, chickens and turkeys made a speedy disappearance,” said the Sentinel.

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