Thank you Mark Dawidziak for the incredible back story to my question.

I just got a book that may shed further insight to the Tom Sawyer aspect
as well as other interesting insights about the film.  The book is "The
Essential 'It's a Wonderful Life,' a Scene by Guide to the Classic
Film."  For those interested it's ISBN-13:  978-1-55652-636-7; author is
Michael Willian.

I haven't gotten far at all as I just got the book, and am anxious to
learn more about this timeless classic film.  I have the 169 page script
for the film, and curiously the pet raven is not mentioned.  And its
presence is not acknowledged by the characters in the film.

Again "Thanks, Mark," and Merry Christmas to all, with Peace in the New
Year.

Charlie Cogar