Port Hueninga bank robbery staged by Women's Improvement Club ends in $30,000 loss

The Port Hueneme Historical Museum hosted a captivating session of its Distinguished Speaker Series featuring Orvene S. Carpenter on February 26, 2025. The event highlighted intriguing stories from the past, particularly focusing on a unique bank robbery that took place in the town.

Carpenter recounted a remarkable incident during the Great Depression when local women, part of the Women's Improvement Club, staged a mock bank robbery. Dressed in their finest attire, they practiced the heist for a week, only to forget the counterfeit money on the day of the performance. In a twist of fate, they convinced the bank president to withdraw approximately $30,000 in real cash, believing it would enhance the authenticity of their act. The robbery was staged with a camera setup, but it turned out to be a mere wooden box without a lens, adding to the comedic nature of the event.

Despite the elaborate preparations, the group left town after the heist and was never seen again, leaving the bank out $30,000. Carpenter noted that the bank president, Mr. Green, remained in his position even after the incident, which became a topic of conversation among the townsfolk.

In addition to the robbery story, Carpenter shared personal anecdotes from her upbringing on a 320-acre farm in Arkansas. She described the hard work involved in raising cattle and producing hay, including a memorable experience of selling hay at varying prices. These stories provided a glimpse into the challenges and resilience of life during that era.

The event not only entertained attendees with historical tales but also fostered a sense of community by connecting the past with the present. The Port Hueneme Historical Museum continues to serve as a vital platform for sharing local history and engaging residents in meaningful discussions.