• Henryetta’s long‑closed Citizens Bank finally found new life when depositors unanimously agreed to sell the institution to Sid M. Puryear and his Wetumka partners. The bank had been shut since December 1925, and af‑ter months of searching, the local committee se‑cured a deal that would return 40 percent of de‑posits and bring nearly half a million dollars of new capital into town. The meeting drew a large crowd, and when the vote was called, there was “not a dissent‑ing vote,” reflecting the community’s relief at seeing the bank revived. With signatures gath‑ered and state approval pending, the bank was expected to reopen by mid‑March.
• The Chamber of Commerce continued its agricultural push by expanding Henryetta’s demonstration vine‑yard, adding new posts and increasing the col‑lection from 25 to 45 grape varieties. The project, guided by spe‑cialists from A&M Col‑lege, aimed to identify the best grapes for both table use and commer‑cial production. Visitors noted that the Henryet‑ta district was “a natural grape country,” and the horticulture committee hoped the effort would eventually support a grape‑products facto‑ry or large‑scale ship‑ping. Plans were also underway to boost local strawberry, blackberry and small‑fruit crops.
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• Okmulgee County Boy Scouts gathered for the annual Scout‑O‑Ra‑ma, where boys from across the area brought their Pinewood Derby cars for an afternoon of racing and displays. Three Henryetta Scouts – Steven Palmer, John Upshaw and Greg Graff‑man – were among those lined up for competition. Troop 287 also built an observation tower for the event, showing off the troop’s handiwork and enthusiasm for the weekend’s activities.
• Henryetta High School announced its delegates for Girls State, choosing Theresa Do‑neti and Pat Berry to represent the school at the week‑long leader‑ship program held in late May at East Central University in Ada. Al‑ternates were Terri Rob‑ertson, Karen Pangle and Pat Devore. Dewar named its own dele‑gates as well, selecting Alice Carter and Vick‑ie Brown, with Anita Winter and Dena Grubb serving as alternates. The selections marked an important honor for the students chosen to participate.
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