First National Bank of Vinita celebrating 125th anniversary

First National Bank of Vinita is celebrating its 125th anniversary Wednesday by going back to its roots with a familiar symbol to reach the world in the next century.

From its beginnings on the ground floor of the Cobb Hotel in 1892 to three Grand Lake locations — in Vinita, Grove, and Cleora — the focus of bank has always been its commitment to customers.

First National Bank opened its doors on March 15, 1892, when Sam Leforce, a prominent cattleman, saddled up his cow pony, rode into Vinita and entered the Cobb Hotel. There in the corner of the hotel was a group of men.