From the Archives: Armstrong Bank — A Century of History and a New Chapter in Muskogee

A Century Worth Celebrating

On August 21, 2009, Armstrong Bank celebrated 100 years of banking history.

Founded in 1909, the bank marked its centennial with a Muskogee Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting attended by bank leadership, employees, local business representatives, and community members.

Photographs from the gathering show employees and guests visiting together, anniversary displays commemorating 1909–2009, and the everyday conversations that make a community celebration memorable.

The history shared during the ceremony was especially memorable.

A Washtub Full of Money: A Story from the Great Depression

During the celebration, Ron Davis recounted an episode from the Armstrong family's banking history during the Great Depression.

According to his remarks, the family's bank in Sequoyah County was the only financial institution in the county to survive that difficult period.

He told a story about an earlier generation of bank leadership placing a washtub full of money in the lobby to reassure worried customers that their funds were available.

The display reportedly strengthened depositor confidence at a time when bank runs were a national concern.

The account is presented here as it was told at the 2009 ceremony, rather than as an independently verified Depression-era record.

Dr. Sinclair Armstrong's Confidence in Muskogee

Dr. Sinclair Armstrong also spoke to those gathered for the centennial.

He expressed appreciation for employees, discussed the bank's growth, and shared confidence in the city's future.

“Muskogee's got great people in it, and I think it's got a good future,” he said in the original event recording.

He described growth from a single banking facility to approximately 17 locations, discussed the holding company's 2008 financial recognition, and spoke of plans for an additional facility in Fort Gibson.

Those remarks provide a snapshot of the bank's outlook and plans in its centennial year.

June 7, 2013: A New Muskogee Branch

Nearly four years later, Armstrong Bank marked another Muskogee milestone.

On Friday, June 7, 2013, representatives, employees, Chamber members, and community guests gathered for a ribbon cutting at the newer branch at 1215 W. Okmulgee Avenue.

The reception was scheduled from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The newer facility replaced an earlier Muskogee location, linking this ribbon cutting with the bank's centennial-era story.

Original photographs show the brick exterior, the group assembled for the ribbon cutting, and guests visiting with employees inside.

Other images capture refreshments, a celebration cake, and the personal interactions that marked the opening.

A New Building and a Continuing Commitment

The 2013 photographs preserve details of the newer building, including its prominent Armstrong Bank signage, brick exterior, arched entryway, and interior spaces.

These views make the archives a record of physical changes as well as a record of the people who celebrated them.

The People Behind the Milestones

Across both events, the people stand out most.

The 2009 images show a team and community celebrating a century of banking history; the 2013 images document employees, customers, and local representatives welcoming another chapter.

Some people pictured may still be working in the community, while others may have retired or moved into different roles.

Readers may recognize former coworkers, friends, relatives, or themselves.

Two Events, One Continuing Story

Together, the 2009 centennial and 2013 branch-opening collections document important milestones in Armstrong Bank's Muskogee history.

One celebrated a hundred years of endurance and growth; the other marked a newer facility and the people who welcomed it.

These photographs and original 2009 video recordings are part of the Muskogee Directory archives, preserved through Three Forks Media and shared with Muskogee Community Buzz readers.

Were you at either ribbon cutting?

If you recognize someone in the photographs or remember either celebration, we'd love to hear your memories.

Preserving local history means remembering not only the buildings and dates, but the people who made those moments special.

Original photography and video: Kelvin Brown | Muskogee Directory Archives / Three Forks Media.

Historical remarks about the Great Depression, the bank's growth, and expansion plans are attributed to speakers in the August 21, 2009 event recording.

Armstrong Bank in the Community Directory

For the Muskogee Main branch’s address, phone number, hours and website, view the Armstrong Bank – Muskogee Main directory listing.