Gov. Hutchinson makes history at First National Bank of Fort Smith 150th anniversary
Gov. Asa Hutchinson joined Fort Smith Mayor George McGill and First National Bank of Fort Smith officials for a reception Thursday to recognize their 150th anniversary and an upcoming exhibit about their history.
The reception in the lobby of the bank highlighted the upcoming exhibit at the Fort Smith Museum of History. The exhibit that will open in mid-July will feature parts of the bank history, said Caroline Speir, museum executive director.
Hutchinson said the bank has deep meaning to his family.
"I'm honored to serve as governor. And I noted that what 50 years ago, then Gov. Dale Bumpers was here as well as a point of history," Hutchinson said. "I didn't want Gov. Bumpers to out do me, so I certainly wanted to be here on this occasion."
The bank was founded in 1872 as the National Bank of Western Arkansas and continues to grow with Fort Smith today.
Hutchinson worked as an attorney in Fort Smith for two decades.
Bank officials held up a big check to show off a $500,000 donation the bank has made to the Jeffery Boys & Girls Club of Fort Smith Thursday night. Renovation plans to the club were presented by Beshears Construction.
Bank President Sam Sicard's family has been in the bank leadership for five generations.
"And so congratulations to everybody, and Mayor (George McGill) it's great to be in your city. I am not going to be around as governor any way for the next anniversary but it's a joy to be here for this special occasion. Thank you," Hutchinson said.
Reenactors from the Fort Smith Museum of History wore period costumes.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Governor, mayor, speak at First National Bank of Fort Smith
