Bank Troubles Amid Continued Growth

Bank Troubles Amid Continued Growth. The 1980s. As they were throughout the state, the 1980s were a challenge to Norman and Cleveland County. The decade began on an upbeat note as the major industries – York, Shaklee and Totco – all reported strong production. But later troubles in the national and state financial industries led to bank closures and numerous home and land foreclosures. Norman, real estate-driven with a population of nearly 70,000, was not immune. Many sought federal bankruptcy protection and bounced back years later. , The fallout from the failure of a large Oklahoma City bank in 1982 quickly trickled down to Norman. All but one local bank was reorganized or closed. The constant public payrolls at the University of Oklahoma, the public school system, Central State Griffin Memorial Hospital and the Postal Service Training and Development Institute helped steady a fragile economy. , To worsen matters, a federal probe snared dozens of Oklahoma's elected county commissioners on kickback schemes. Many served time in federal prisons including two from Cleveland County. A county jail atop the courthouse was due for replacement. Farmland prices bottomed out. President Ronald Reagan's new federalism required the city and county to take on governing tasks formerly supported at the federal level. , Amid the financial hardship and uncertainties there were many bright spots. State revenue surpluses were seen in the early part of the decade, evidence that the oil industry was recovering. Mayor Dick Reynolds kept the city's ship of state steered in a positive direction. OU President Bill Banowsky set and often achieved lofty multi-million dollar fund-raising goals despite an economy that was slow. , In 1982 architect Bruce Goff, internationally renowned University of Oklahoma professor, died leaving behind a legacy of “Organic Architecture”. Hitachi Computer Products opened a plant on the city's east side. Car dealers moved went along the interstate and joined hands in a marketing approach designed to keep buyers from shopping out of town. , Barry Switzer, head football coach from 1973 to 1989, returned to the wishbone offense and won another national championship in 1985. It was the Arkansas native and popular coach's third and OU's sixth national title. , A farm market was opened at the fairgrounds, giving truck farmers an outlet for extra produce. The courthouse was remodeled after an annex was built. Voters approved a sales tax increase to build new quarters for the Norman Police Department and Municipal Courts. The Red Cross, Chamber of Commerce and Salvation Army settled into new buildings. Most banks reorganized with new faces in officer and director seats. , Norman Municipal Hospital added more than 100,000 square feet and began adding dozens of beds and physician specialties that had previously only been available in Oklahoma City. Golfers teed up at a new private golf club on the banks of the Canadian River on Norman's southern edge. With the help of many donors, the Cleveland County Family YMCA opened its doors on OU's North Campus. , Employment dipped and rebounded but leveled off late in the decade. The Postal Training Center consolidated its operations in one location on State Highway 9. Cleveland County voters raised glasses in toast with the rest of the state in approving liquor-by-the-drink in 1984. Oklahoma was the last state to approve liquor-by-the-drink.