Summary
McClure Oil Company began drilling on Beaver Island on July 27, 1961. The August 5 report places the derrick about 100 yards south of the Patterson farm at Hannegan’s Corner and says the operation had reached 2,050 feet.
Evidence and limits
The article describes an ongoing exploration effort and planned depth/tests. It does not establish the legal authorizations, exact well coordinates, final depth, or whether oil was found.
Sources
- Beaver Beacon, August 1961, “Dreams of Black Gold on Beaver.”Reports drilling beginning July 27 by McClure Oil Company, four Mackinac Islander barge trips from Charlevoix, a derrick south of the Patterson farm at Hannegan’s Corner, 24-hour work, and a depth of 2,050 feet by August 5. It says drilling was intended to continue to 4,500 feet or granite and that at least three tests were planned; it does not provide a permit, lease, survey, log, or final result.
- Beaver Beacon, September 1961, “McClure Oil Company.”Reports drilling still in the same hole at 4,912 feet without reaching granite, says Phil Hurry described the work as geological study for a new site near the sawmill, and says the company no longer expected oil at the present site. It does not provide a well log, permit, lease, or final outcome.