GROVELAND (Sept. 2, 2009) -- The Groveland Historical Society announced today it will hold a reception on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 2 PM - 4 PM at the Lake David Center, 450 S. Lake Ave., to honor people who worked at People's State Bank. The bank was started in October 1949 and gave the community financial stability after the town's people suffered through two bank failures. The public is invited to attend the reception.
 
Marie Padgett, president of the Groveland Historical Society, said her organization wanted to show appreciation for the decades that the bank had provided leadership and support to the town, its residents and businesses. People's State Bank often sponsored many of the school and civic programs.

Among those expected to attend are June Fairchild and members of her family. Fairchild's husband, Joe Fairchild, was the bank's first president who died unexpectedly in 1963. Fairchild was highly respected throughout Central Florida for bringing security and integrity to Groveland's financial community.

Fairchild also served as mayor and led an effort to name all streets to usher in residential mail delivery. He once mailed silver dollars to all the governors in the United States with an invitation to visit Groveland.
 
"Joe loved Groveland and was always thinking about how to promote the city," June Fairchild said.

Former employees from as far away as Tennessee have already indicated they plan to attend. The original People's State Bank building is still standing in the heart of Groveland's downtown.
 
 
About the Groveland Historical Society and Museum. The Groveland Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization seeking to preserve and honor the city's significant history. The Groveland Historical Museum is free and open to the public on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and by special appointment. The museum is located at 243 S. Lake Ave., Groveland. For more information go to www.grovelandhistory.org.