• W.B. Hudson was re-elected president of the Skelton Lead and Zinc Mining Company, continuing his role as administrator of the late L.S. Skelton’s estate. The company’s Ottawa County mines were reported to be earning more than a million dollars annually. Directors met in Hudson’s Okmulgee office, reappointing Frank Childress as vice-president and general manager and R.H. Ellison as secretary-treasurer. After concerns from creditors, two new directors were added: Edwin B. Meisner of St. Louis and A.D. Cochran of Okmulgee.

• The Henryetta Rotary Club enjoyed an especially lively noon luncheon in the Methodist church basement. President E.M. Johnson presided while Leslie Martin directed the program. Three short talks were warmly received: Coach William Cox spoke on athletics, James L. Steward discussed vocational education, and Carl Jones of the Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce highlighted the impressive work local boys were doing.

• A group of Henryetta Odd Fellows planned to travel to Weleetka on Friday night to help establish a new encampment. About 60 candidates were expected to take all three degrees during the ceremony. Several grand lodge officers were anticipated as guests, and one of the state’s top drill teams was expected to conduct the work.

After the degree ceremonies, the hosts planned to serve a chicken supper.

— 50 Years Ago (1976)

• Lloyd and Sandra Stidman marked their 25th wedding anniversary with a family gathering hosted in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Benear. A celebratory dinner and cake made the evening feel special, and several relatives joined in, including Dewayne and Sherry Stidman, Donnie Stidman and Paula and the Benear family.

• The Sunny Valley Garden Club met in the home of Mrs. W.M. Berger, where Mrs. W.D. Beasley presided and Mrs. Loren East opened up with prayer. Members handled club business, discussed plans for the Oklahoma Garden Club’s permanent home and reviewed upcoming convention dates. Mrs. Alexandria Yarmoski presented a vivid program on the First Thanksgiving, imagining the foods, decorations and spirit of gratitude shared by pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621. Mrs. Berger followed with a bird study focused on the eagle, describing its power, speed and place as the national symbol. She displayed six paintings to accompany her talk. Dessert and coffee were served to the attending members.

• Airman Robert Brassfield, son of Mr.and Mrs. Philip R. Brassfield of Henryetta, was selected for technical training in the U.S. Air Force medical services field at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. He had recently completed basic training at Lackland AFB, where he studied Air Force customs, organization and human relations. Brassfield was a 1975 graduate of Henryetta High School.

— 25 Years Ago (2001)

• Henryetta’s earliest high school stood at 511 W. Trudgeon, built by W.B. Hudson of La Grange, Ind. Local craftsmen Bill Black and Arnold McMullen created its cut-stone foundation, while Adam Cooter handled the carpentry. Professor Steele, also from La Grange, served as the school’s first instructor for $60 a month. The building also housed the town’s first public library.

• Vera Ellis, the oldest resident of Baptist Village Personal Care Center, celebrated her 94th birthday. Born in Indian Territory in 1907, she grew up north of Beggs and later trained as a nurse at the old Okmulgee hospital, where she met her husband, Noel. The couple shared 68 ½ years together and raised two daughters, Irma and Barbara. Vera’s long life has been filled with family, stories and resilience, and she is lovingly described as a blessing to everyone at Baptist Village.

• OSU-Okmulgee announced a three-day handson seminar led by internationally recognized leather artist Robb Barr. Known for his sculpted, three-dimensional leatherwork, Barr planned to teach techniques such as carving, embossing, airbrushing and hand-painting. A member of the Sisseton- Wahpeton Sioux tribe, his artwork reflects Sioux culture and has been exhibited worldwide. Participants were expected to complete at least one art piece during the workshop, offered through the college’s boot-and saddle-making program.

— 10 Years Ago (2016)

• The 2016 Muskogee (Creek) Nation Okmulgee County Basketball Tournament opened at Brock Memorial Gym with strong first-round showings. Beggs and Morris dominated the day: the Beggs Lady Demons overwhelmed Schulter 77-9, the Morris Eagles topped Dewar 52-40 and the Beggs Golden Demons defeated Henryetta 68-48. The tournament schedule shifted slightly after an incident at Wilson Public Schools delayed one of the girls’ games, but the week continued with a full slate of matchups leading into semifinal and championship rounds.

• A groundbreaking ceremony celebrated the arrival of a new Love’s Travel Stop on the north side of Okmulgee. Local leaders praised the project as a major boost for development along Hwy 75. The new location was said to feature an IHOP Express, five showers, 69 car spaces, 59 truck spaces, diesel bays, gas islands and a CAT scale. Love’s representatives shared plans to begin construction immediately, aiming for a mid-summer opening. City officials highlighted the project as a catalyst for new retail growth and increased sales-tax revenue.