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KONAWA, OKLAHOMA

Konawa's History Konawa, Oklahoma is located 71 miles southeast of Oklahoma City in the Southwest corner of Seminole County. Konawa began in 1903 as a small railroad camp. Konawa, at this time, was an Indian Territory town in the Seminole Nation, and on July 13, 1905, its first town government was formed. The town had a population of only 300, while today, the present estimate shows the population to be around 1,700. In 1926, oil development in the vicinity began. The oil industry during the years of 1920-1942 played a very important part in the economy of the state of Oklahoma. During those 22 years, mineral production was the most important source of new wealth in Oklahoma. Agriculture ran second to oil and manufacturing was last. During the oil years, agricultural activities declined. Today, however, this relationship is in reverse. Manufacturing is first followed by agriculture and mineral production. The National Guard Armory in Konawa was recently closed in a consolidation move with Ada, however the building is still in use by local business interests. The interesting markings on the front of the building are Navajo symbols for good luck which predate the Nazi swastica. They were at one time the shoulder patches for the 45th. In February, 1961, Konawa was virtually destroyed by a tornado. But with determined spirits, businessmen and residents rebuilt. The OG&E plant was constructed in three sections, the first completed in 1971, the last in 1975, bringing with it approximately 100 jobs to the Konawa area. Konawa Public Schools were rebuilt between the years of 1972 and 1975, after receiving grant money. Also of interesting note, is that soon after the grant money was issued, before construction began, a mysterious fire destroyed the elementary building.

Konawa Today The community of Konawa is unique in many ways. One of the most interesting things about Konawa is the OG&E electric company, which is the second largest power plant in Oklahoma. There are three steam turbine units that can produce up to 1,556,000 kilowatts of power. The OG&E plant in Konawa is an important part of OG&E's power production capability and helps the company meet the demand for electricity. Konawa Lake, which cools down the turbines, is also used for swimming, boating and great fishing. One of the new area businesses, Jobri Inc., occupies the building behind the City Hall with a sewing business, the old National Guard Amory where they warehouse and ship orthopedic chairs, and will soon be expanding into a new facility being built by the city on the north side of town. Another unique thing about Konawa is the Kennedy Library. Kennedy Library is one of the two libraries across the state that is a school and community library. The Konawa community has one church for every 100 people. This is pretty remarkable for any town. Finally, one of the most interesting things about Konawa is the Konawa Community Health Center. The Health Center, which is the largest Sooner Care Provider, specializes in comprehensive primary, home health, and mental health counseling. The center has an X-ray Laboratory Department and also a Senior Citizens program. Here you will find 2 1/2 physicians that will be happy to take care of you and your family. Konawa maintains several municipal areas including two parks. The first is on the north side of town and is best know as the side of the All Night Gospel Singing, although it also has a swimming pool, baseball field, and rodeo ground. The newest park is located on the south-east corner of Konawa Lake and features a dock, boat ramp, picnic tables, and restrooms. This park is the site of the Wednesday night bass tournament sponsored by a bass fishing group from Ada. When you enter the town of Konawa be prepared to be treated kindly by everyone and prepare to be impressed by this small community itself.

Business Information The city of Konawa is full of surprises and lots of businesses. Here are a just a few of the businesses within a five mile radius of Konawa: 3 Convenience Stores 2 Banks 3 Restaurants 1 Flower Shops 6 Drilling Companies 4 Car Lots 1 Post Office 7 Hair Dressers 1 Grocery Store 1 Funeral Home 15 Churches 1 Medical Clinic 1 Dollar General Store 4 Insurance Agencies 1 Tag Agency 1 Pharmacy 2 Movie Rental Shops 1 Locally Owned Newspaper Several Specialty Shops The Konawa Community Health Center

Annual Activities All night gospel singings City wide garage sales- 1st Saturday every August Bass fishing tournament- Spring through Fall Band Day- 1st Saturday in October Cottage Industry Day- early Fall Fourth of July celebration Spring Festival- 1st Saturday in April

Konawa Public Schools "Tiger Pride " The city of Konawa is an amiable community always involved in helping out the school and supporting students with activities. The people of this wonderful town take pride in their Konawa Tigers. Konawa Public Schools are the only 3A schools in Seminole County to be accredited by the North Central Association in grades K-12. The Konawa Tigers have an excellent graduation rate of 99%, 75% of which go on to higher learning. Outstanding numbers like these give true meaning to "Tiger Pride". The Kennedy Library, named in honor of brothers Dr. Chester & Dr. Arthur Kennedy, is a very appreciated part of the school. The library is open to the community, as well as the students. Apart from academics and other organizations, many students of Konawa are involved in athletics such as track, softball, baseball, cross country, basketball, and football. Other extracurricular organizations include: band, T-steppers (drill team), cheer leading, Prom Committee, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, ATAE, BETA Club, Gifted & Talented, Student Council, and a state wide competitive Academic Team. Konawa Public Schools are also home to an outstanding vocational department, with Business and Computer Technology, ATAE construction trades, Agricultural Education, and Family & Consumer Science classes. The technology used in the computer labs at konawa are state of the art, and forever changing with the constant flow of new technology introduced into today's society.

Konawa is also in driving distance of many of the state's great places: