Norman and Martha Swezey are proud of Mannford's growth since coming here 22 years ago.
Reflecting back when the town had just completed the move from the "old" town, they remember Bud Reed's Phillips 66, Ted Norwood's DX, Juanita and Les Hinton's old Mannford Trading Company, Raymond and Cornelia Holmes' Hardware. Margaret and Zeine Goatcher were extending Cimarron Telephone Company about as fast as the linemen could stretch and hang the cable, and Bud Reed, then J. D. Cheek were Mayors.
The town was new and the enthusiasm ran high when all the new and expanding businesses were struggling to start all over again.
Then the City Hall, schools and churches were all brand new and there were lots of "Mom and Pop" businesses, and the Swezeys were proud to take their place beside the others, helping to build Mannford from appriximately 350, at the time of the move, to 2,000-plus today.
Selling lots for Mannford Enterprises the first year, the Swezey's then formed Mannford Realty Company, which later was named Swezey and Associates, Realtors.
"It was great to be a part of a growing, born again community," Martha said.
Later the Swezey's diversified and in addition to selling lots, houses, commercial and industrial sites, they tried their hand as developers in the Salt Creek Point Additions.
Martha began helping the builders in the area by offering blueprint service, and drawing, and designing house plans. Norman expanded into the appraisal field 10 years ago and now both Swezeys are active appraisers.
Norman has worked with the Creek County Industrial Authority and is active with the Mannford Industrial Trust.
He was instrumental with the group in getting the Cord Auto Plant, then Southwest Tube Plant, and others to locate in Mannford. He enjoys helping industry find locations, build or relocate to allow for expansion, thus it was only natural for him to specialize in industrial properties.
One year ago, after 21 years of working side-by-side, the Swezey's decided to divide, or separate, their efforts.
So Norman turned over the reins and let Martha become the Principal Broker for Swezey & Associates, while he places his license as Broker/Associate with the oldest industrial brokerage in Northeast Oklahoma, Whiteside and Grant, Realtors in Tulsa.
When asked "How's it going, Norm?", he's apt to reply, "I really enjoy promoting industry for all of 'Green Country', and Martha's doing a great job running the business here, but it's different from our 'Mom and Pop' arrangement that we both enjoyed for years."
Martha is quick to add, "We really appreciate the support of the friends we've made that has allowed us to keep our business in Mannford for 22 years. There's not a better place in Oklahoma to raise a family."
They invite every one to an "OPEN HOUSE" Sunday afternon, February 1 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Swezey & Associates office, 201 Evans Avenue, Mannford.
(See: BATMAN FAMILY REUNION -- Lyle Ann Shults Histories Collection)
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