OLDEST -- Bank in Oklahoma, Ardmore, OK
N 34° 10.359 W 097° 07.748
14S E 672432 N 3782880
Ardmore Main Street Authority sign noting that the First National Bank is the oldest bank in Oklahoma. The sign is located in front of the former bank building at 15 W Main Street, Ardmore, OK.
Waymark Code: WMFY8M
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 12/16/2012
Views: 6
The text of the sign says:
The First National Bank and Trust Company of Ardmore
The Oldest Bank in Oklahoma
Two years after the City of Ardmore was founded, the First National Bank & Trust Company of Ardmore began as a private bank in 1889 by J.F. Anderson and his son, Charles. Within a year, a national charter was granted, giving the bank the honor of being the first to be nationally chartered in Indian Territory.
Subsequent to receipt of its charter, the bank moved into permanent quarters located on the northeast corner of Caddo and Main Streets, between the Post Office and Apollos Funeral Parlor. The two-story structure had the distinction of being the first brick building in Ardmore.
Following the big fire of 1895, which destroyed most of the downtown buildings, the bank rebuilt on the northeast corner of Washington and Main Streets.
In 1918, First National built the building on which this plaque is located. It was the most striking architectural structure of its time. The building’s gold leaf murals and stained glass skylight topping the 35-foot ceiling brought sightseers from near and far.
In December 1933, the bank was reorganized and rechartered as First National Bank of Ardmore, and remained operating under the same name of many years.
First National Bank organized a Trust Company in 1964, allowing for an expansion of bank services. With a steady growth of customers, the bank soon outgrew this building and in 1965, plan for a new building were formulated. Following the completion of construction in 1975, the bank moved into its new home on the northeast corner of Main and D Streets.
The First National Bank and Trust Company operates seven branches located in Marietta, Lone Grove, Ringling, and the Ardmore Airpark.
Type of documentation of superlative status: Two signs on building
Location of coordinates: Verbose sign at front of building
Web Site: Not listed
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