[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 77 (Thursday, May 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1057]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1057]]
 RECOGNIZING THE FARMERS AND MERCHANTS BANK OF HALE, MISSOURI ON THEIR 
                            75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2003

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the 75th 
anniversary of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Hale. The bank is one 
of the oldest continuously operating businesses in Hale, Missouri and I 
take this opportunity to commend their dedication and service to their 
community.
  On May 2, 1928, the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Hale was 
commissioned and opened for business on the 9th of the month. Since its 
opening, the bank has only had six presidents. In addition, the 
Cowherd, Haynes and Franken families have all been involved with the 
bank from its beginning. When it was first starting out, the bank began 
with a capital of $20,000; today, the bank's capital exceeds $1,300,000 
and has deposits of $13,250,000.
  The bank has truly evolved with the times. Photographs taken of the 
bank in 1906 and 1977 show that the building remained the same. 
However, in 1978, the bank celebrated its 50th anniversary and the 
raising of a new building. Artifacts from the original bank were taken 
and displayed in the new building, including the original vaults, the 
black iron swinging gate and the big old clock that graced the main 
lobby. These artifacts remain with the bank to this day.
  Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending the Farmers 
and Merchants Bank of Hale, Missouri on their 75th anniversary and for 
their many contributions to the 6th District and the State of Missouri.

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