A man named Cohen set up the first (and only) printing shop In Lamar and began publication of a weekly newspaper named, "The Sun"

   Tom Carroll, now deceased, moved here from Yeager in 1907 and operated the first barber shop. His son, Burnis, still lives In Lamar. Later barbers include Paul Garvin, Jack Jones, and W. M. Goodson, whose son, Gene, owns and operates a barber shop in Holdenville. Another son, Wesley owns and operates a farm and ranch south of Lamar. Mrs. Leroy Smith, a daughter of the W. M. Goodson, also lives on a ranch here.

   In the early years, 1908-1918, many more business enterprises were launched. Milford White, brother of Mrs. A. T. Sanders of Sanders Ranch south of Lamar, thought there should be light. So he installed the first Delco system in Lamar to light the business places, the churches, and many of the homes.

   Mr. Bacon believed that neighbors should communicate with each other. He provided the first complete telephone system in Lamar. However, a Mr. and Mrs. Riley had operated a switch board in their home prior to Mr. Bacon s system. Even before the Rileys. A. J. Carpenter, father of Mrs. Ina Crossno now residing In Holdenville. was a step ahead of Mr. Bacon and Mr. Riley. He really pioneered in the "walkie-talkie" radio or the two-way system of communication.

   Mr. Carpenter operated a farm and ranch as well as a saw mill east of Lamar. To be able to keep in touch with operations he installed a battery telephone in his home, also in the saw mill and one in the ranch barn. Some later operators of the telephone systems in Lamar or service men were Vonnie Newman, S. H. Weekley, Milford White, and Andy Johnson. Mr. Johnson also operated a lumberyard in 1912 and 1913. His daughter. Anne Johnson, lives in Holdenville now.

   To take care of the needs of the people who traveled in hired "rigs" Mr. Atchley, Frank Hobbs, and George Medler each established a wagon yard. At these yards one who wished to travel in a single rig or in a surrey "with the fringe on the top" or even in a Springfield wagon, might have his needs supplied. A driver was available when desired.

   Stanley's Variety Store caused quite a sensation when it was opened to the public. Business was good as long as the store remained here.

   A small theater was operated for a few years during and after World War I. Some of the older men here now recall that. "When Dad and Morn wouldn't let us go to the show, we went to bed, then slipped out the window and saw the show anyway."

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