History of the PBGS: 1949 – A Beginning
Original Recap: (Date unknown) “The groundwork for the organization of the Permian Basin Geophysical Society, a locally affiliated section of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, was begun in 1949 by such men as Lorenz Shock, C.W. Payne, John Cathey, W. L. Homan, E. L. Mount, J. B. Worley and many others.
Following a meeting of organization, the local chapter received its charter from the SEG, effective January 30, 1950. The embryonic organization numbered roughly 85, and has matured to the point where today the registration is about 765.”
The Midland area now had enough geophysicists with familiarity with the National Society of Exploration Geophysicists and other established local sections that they recognized the need and value of a local chapter for Midland. On October 5, 1949, W. L. Homan wrote a letter to Colin Campbell, Business Manager of SEG in Tulsa, noting that approximately 80 SEG members lived within a 100 mile radius of Midland. In October and November of 1949 aid was solicited from the Pacific Coast Section and the Dallas-Ft. Worth Societies regarding charters, etc.
At this same time, W. L. Homan, Lorenz Shock and C. W. Payne held a meeting at Ranchland Hills Country Club to discuss the formation of the Society. Also present at this meeting were: M. H. McKinsey, J. C. Porter, G. W. Martin, R. E. Davis, J. B. Worley, H. Roberts and E. L. Mount. This group decided to hold an initial meeting of the Geophysical Society for West Texas on November 8, 1949, in the Crystal Ballroom of the Scharbauer Hotel (site of the present day Hilton Hotel).
There were 129 in attendance: 35 SEG Active members, 23 Associate members and 71 non-members. Lorenz Shock was named Acting Chairman and C. W. Payne was named Acting Secretary.
On December 6, 1949, a second meeting was held in the District Courtroom of the Courthouse in Midland and a Constitution and By-Laws were approved for the Permian Basin Geophysical Society. A paper was presented by Neal Clayton of Republic Exploration on the “Application of Seismic Methods to the North Snyder Area, Scurry Co., Texas”.
On Dec. 20, 1949, a third meeting was held, again in the Courthouse, and officers were elected:
President: Lorenz Shock (National Geophysical Co.)
First VP: C. W. Payne (The Pure Oil Co.)
Second VP: J. B. Worley (Strawn Merchandise Co.)
Secretary: W. L. HOMAN (Republic Exploration Co.)
Treasurer: E. L. Mount (CONOCO)
The Permian Basin Geophysical Society now existed as an entity, but final charter approval was not to come until January 30, 1950.
Next - 1950 | Return to Table of Contents
