Construction of oil and gas pipelines during the 1890’s was labor intensive, with much of the work being performed hand tools and human muscle. These men worked hard, and as the tales of their era tell, played hard.

(Editor’s note: This is the latest installment from the Tyler County Planning Commission in conjunction with the Tyler County Bicentennial.)

There is a tendency to think of our ancestors as reserved, with a subdued sense of humor. But it only takes a little research to learn that our predecessors could laugh and party with the best of us.

An example: The retirement party held for Mr. G.T. Braden. Mr. Braden’s historical significance is his role in the construction of Eureka’s “Braden’s Station,” which was the company’s main natural gas pipeline compression station. A very large installation for its day, the station, competed in 1890, was located on Indian Creek, near present day Lima, at the foot of Braden Hill.

The following article from the The Wheeling Register, dated July 11, 1895, supports the fact that organizers and attendees of the retirement party in honor of Mr. G.T. Braden, were not only fun loving, but very clever. Pay close attention to the menu items and their reference to pipeline terms and locations. (All spelling and grammar unaltered from the original publishing.)

Sistersville News.

The Martin Station was typical of the natural gas pipeline compression stations built throughout Tyler County during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Braden’s Station, near Lima, in the southeastern portion of the county, bore the name of G.T. Braden, Eureka Pipeline Company’s chief engineer for the region.

An Enjoyable Function Last Evening.

The Reception in Honor of G. T. Braden the Biggest Event in The History of the Town

Special Correspondence of the Register.

Sistersville, W.Va., July 10.

The reception and dance given last night by the employees of the Eureka and Buckeye pipeline companies, in honor of the retiring general superintendent, Mr. G. T. Braden, was the swellest society event in the history of the place. The boys spared no expense whatever in the preparations for the event, and as a consequence everything was done in first class order.

The reception and dance was held in the large and commodious hall above the Boyer’s store, and the banquet was held at the Hotel Whittlesey. The large hall presented a very pretty appearance with the beautiful decorations. All around the hall were flowers and plants, and overhead, suspended from the chandeliers, were evergreen and amilax.

The reception commenced at 8 o’clock and continued until 9, at which time the dancing commenced. The Bellaire orchestra furnished the music for the occasion. Dancing was continued until midnight, at which time the guests all repaired to the Hotel Whittlesey, where they discussed a most sumptuous repast.

The menu follows:

SOUP

En Bullon a la Marietta Division

FISH

Fillet of River Clamps

MEATS

Loin of six-inch line with Corning gravey

Boiled Bungs with swedged nipples

FOWLS.

Spring Pumps with Flanged Unions

Middle Island Punch

SALADS.

Shrimp a la Russe Sistersvilled Field

Sio Semper Tyrannis with Cross Tree

Lettuce Flange the Line

ENTREES.

Coquettes of Thistle Station

Buckworth Checks with Mushrooms

Potatoes a la Pit Hole

RELISHES

Olives with New Castle Oil

German Slaw with long handled shovels

Saratoga Chips with tooth picks

CHAMPAGNE-WINES, Etc

Clarkes’ Extra Dry

Bella of Sweeneyville

Piper Heidsick with three bars of Old Kentucky Home

Catawba-Port and Mosles Delight

Blue Ribbon-Pabst-Columbus

Ice Cream with assorted Cakes, Fruits, etc

Mr. Braden, in whose honor the reception was given, has been in charge of the pipe lines since 1876, and in that time has been deservedly popular with every employee under him. A short time ago he was transferred from the transportation department to the producing department, and his fellow employees have taken this opportunity of showing their esteem for him. There were about fifty couple present, and one of the most pleasant times imaginable was spent. Among those from out of the city who attended were: H. L. Scrafford, E. G. Wright, J. G. Splain, all district superintendents of Pittsburg; N. Moore, Marietta, C. S. Colt, Marietta, R. Shannon, Burning Springs, George Galmich, Braden’s Station. Besides the above parties, who are all pipe line officials, there were a large number of people present from other places, a special train having been run over the Ohio River road to bring the guests from Parkersburg and Marietta. The affair was all that could be desired, and those who had it in charge may well feel proud.