To examine the effects of the 1978-81 oil and gas boom on social and economic relations and institutions in Caldwell, Texas, researchers gathered data about the community using census information, historical accounts, official records, publications, observations, interviews, and surveys of 133 residents, 91 businesses, and 40 oil field service companies. Before the boom, Caldwell was a rural trade center for farmers and ranchers, characterized by its heavily German-Czech population, fiscal conservatism, and focus on family and church ties. Its population in 1980 was nearly 3,000. Its years of slow, positive growth and its new young leadership infrastructure helped Caldwell weather and benefit from the boom. Community businesses, especially new oil production companies, prospered, the number of workers doubled, community institutions such as schools and churches were stronger, more services were available, leadership was stable, and community satisfaction was high. No major mental health problems and little boom-related crime occurred. The boom appeared to be deepening as well as broadening the distribution of power and wealth in the town. The oil boom lifted Caldwell to a new level of economic activity, with an estimated population of 3,500 in 1982. The boom caused few real disadvantages for the community other than increased traffic, difficulties in maintaining roads, and an overexpansion of motels, apartments, and fast food places. (SB)