Wichita Falls' lasting tribute to greed and alleged fraud during the oil boom is "The Littlest Skyscraper," a historic building located downtown. Wochit
Editor's Note: The Times Record News is revisiting a tale of Wichita Falls lore, something you may already know but others are just discovering.
Most cities wouldn't want to keep a lasting reminder of greed, gullibility and fraud.
Most would have bulldozed any hint of a reminder.
Not only would Wichita Falls residents prefer our symbol of fraud remain standing, we celebrate the tale that makes the legend of "The Littlest Skyscraper."
The city's lasting tribute to greed and alleged fraud during the oil boom of the early 20th century is nearly 100 years old. Built in 1919, "The Littlest Skyscraper" stands four stories high and about 10X16-feet wide.
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That's not what you'd call a skyscraper, right? Well, we do.
The blueprints for the structure, at the corner of Seventh and La Salle streets, should have detailed a high-rise above downtown Wichita Falls. Developer J.D. McMahon convinced a group of investors to pool their money into this enticing project.
When construction was complete, the building did not rise above the city. The blueprints, on closer inspection, listed the dimensions not in feet -- BUT IN INCHES!
Scammed!
McMahon, legend has it, skipped town with the money, never to be seen again.
Jane Saville, owner of Hello Again, a consignment boutique attached to The LIttlest Skycraper, tells that story many times a day.
"In fact, I've probably told that story 12 times just today," said Saville Tuesday. "I get tons of people coming in wanting to see for themselves. I have people in here right now."
Visitors come from all over the country, she said, having just told the story to a family from Tennessee.
"Canada," you could hear in the background.
"Yes," Saville said with an infectious laugh, "we have Canada!"
Visitors can browse Hello Again and 'The Littlest Skyscaper" Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bill Steward, with the Museum of North Texas History, said he loves that people from all over, and here at home, celebrate older structures such as The LIttlest Skyscraper.
"With the loss of so many historic buildings here in Wichita Falls; the FW&D Depot, the Wichita County Courthouse and so many early homes," Stewart said, "it’s refreshing to have the treasure that is “The Littlest Skyscraper.'
The museum receives inquires about the historic landmark frequently.
"Just within the last couple of months we received an inquiry from a young lady in Germany doing research on the building, it’s well known and a popular site for tourists passing through the Falls," he said.
Who doesn't like a good swindle story the size of Texas?
"Add to that its unique history of supposed fraud and its being built during the Oil Boom; it gives us a unique visual experience into our past," Steward added.
The LIttlest Skyscraper is one of those tall tales to be treasured, and every city needs one.
"Montreal had its Charles Ponzi, Wichita Falls has the Littlest Skyscraper," Stewart said.