Pumped About the Pumpjack Tour

We are back in Luling for another kind of tour. You know how some towns go out of their way to find a unique approach to their city......Wimberley TX  has painted boots, San Angelo TX has painted sheep, Raine LA has frogs to name just a few. Well Luling has pumpjacks. With me driving and Mary Jane navigating from the brochure and watching street signs, it was challenging. We pull over to take pictures and get out in order to get the best shots.

Oil is a way of life in Luling with 184 wells in the city limits along. These pumping units are located in every corner, parking lots, city parks, and backyards.  A few years ago, some citizens with a sense of humor turned their pump jacks into mobile art.

The Chamber of Commerce got in on the fun and commissioned a sign artist to add a professional touch to these original creations.  George Kalesik is a native of Moulton TX. He has been a sign painter for 33 years. He re-painted, designed, and created the new pump jack characters. In case you didn't see them on "Texas Country Reporter", I'll give you a private tour.

You have to remember that these are working oil wells so repairs have to take precedence over art. .  Located on Pierce St. across from Sonic.

Girl Picking Flowers.....located on Pierce St. in the Chevron lot.

Eagle...located at Blanche Square on Hwy 183. His wings are there, just a little hard to see with all the leaves.

Tiger...located on 183 off Lamar facing 183.  Wouldn't have found this one but a lady saw me with my camera looking and pointed me in the right direction in someone's yard.

Angler in a Boat....located on 183N. facing Jones St.

Grasshopper....located on 183N.  between Jones St. and Goliad.

Seesaw Kids....located on 183 N. at the ELCI Rubber Company.

Killer Whale...located on 183 N. at ELGI Rubber Company.

Luling Eagle Quarterback....located on Magnolia in First Baptist Church parking lot.

Surfing Flamingo in Car....located on S. Magnolia in American National Bank lot.

Watermelon Boy.....located at the Dollar General by Longer Park.

Shark...located on S. Magnolia behind Dollar General.

Puppy in Airplane....located on 183 N. behind Texas Express Lube.

DQ Dude......located on S. Magnolia behind Diary Queen.  Somehow my picture disappeared so I borrowed this one from the paper.

 

 

Swimming Ducks....located by the railroad tracks behind Natal's Produce.  We were unable to find this one so I borrowed the paper's photo.

Last but certainly not least.....Cow Jumping Over the Moon....located on Pierce St. in field.

 

 

It was a fun tour tracking down all the art listed in the Pumpjack Guide provided by the Chamber of Commerce. I borrowed a few of the photos as noted because we couldn't find them inspite of diligent searching. The woman at the Chamber said that the art occasionally gets removed due to repairs on the actively working pumps. Sometimes there are also additions for special occasions such as Christmas.