Grimes, Oklahoma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Grimes, Oklahoma
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 Grimes, Oklahoma
Location in Oklahoma
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oklahoma |
| County | Roger Mills |
| Elevation | 2,261 ft (689 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 580 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1100467 |
Grimes is a small, unincorporated community located in Roger Mills County, Oklahoma, in the United States. An unincorporated community means it's a group of homes or businesses that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government.
Grimes is found in the southern part of Roger Mills County. It is about 11.4 miles (18.3 km) south-southwest of a larger town called Cheyenne.
Contents
History of Grimes
Grimes has a history that dates back to the early 1900s. Like many small communities, its post office was a very important part of daily life.
The Post Office
The Grimes post office first opened its doors on March 1, 1901. The very first Postmaster, who was in charge of the mail, was John Gernade Lancaster.
The post office served the community for many years. It finally closed on November 26, 1971. Benjamin C. Olson was the last person to serve as Postmaster in Grimes. After the Grimes post office closed, he became the Postmaster in nearby Sweetwater, Oklahoma.
How Grimes Got Its Name
The community of Grimes was named after an important person in Oklahoma's history. It was named for William C. Grimes, who was the acting governor of the Oklahoma Territory at the time.
The 1947 Tornado
Grimes experienced a powerful and destructive tornado on the night of April 9, 1947. This tornado was part of a larger storm system. This same night, a very famous and devastating tornado also hit Woodward, Oklahoma.
Tornado's Impact
The tornado that struck Grimes caused significant damage. It completely destroyed the local blacksmith shop. One home and its barn were also ruined.
The home belonged to Ole C Olson and his wife Leah Turbyfill Olson. Their house was partly destroyed by the storm. Sadly, Ole C Olson was seriously injured during the storm and later died in an Oklahoma City hospital.
