For much of the beginning of Bowling Green's history commerce was largely based in farming, fur trading and lumbering. The discovery of oil in neighboring North Baltimore in 1886 brought an arrival of people and investors to the area. Several of the homes built during this time were funded by revenue from oil money, as many of these houses still provide for the community's residents today. The option of free gas attracted multiple glass-making companies at the end of the 1800's, resulting in the short-lived handle, The Crystal City.

The first natural gas discovered in Wood County was found on the Infirmary grounds in 1884. A well was soon constructed to help in providing power for the Infirmary grounds, which mostly included heating and lighting needs.

The oil derrick provides an inside look at the oil and gas boom that was instrumental in the development of Wood County and much of the surrounding areas. The 24' x 40' oil derrick was constructed over the summer of 1996 and built with rough-hewn lumber. The building houses a derrick, steam boiler, and an 1880's gas engine from Acme Sucker Rod Company of Toledo. The gear works were provided by AB Company in Findlay, who also provided the shackle rods that connect the pump jacks. The working well currently pumps colored water, not oil, which is then dispersed into two large storage tanks located in front of the structure.