First National Bank, Williamsport

 
When researching Williamsport, the First National Bank comes up frequently.  In Meginnesses history of Lycoming County, he tells us that it was the fourth bank to open in the state of Pennsylvania, and the first in the city of Williamsport.   In 1914, during fall merchants week, not only did tightrope walkers perform each night, but on Tuesday Mons Hammon jumped from the top of the First National Bank, parachuting down to the street.  Many photos of the Market street bridge construction were likely taken from the roof of the First National Bank Building.

Located at 25 West 3rd Street, This building still stands today.  When it was built in 1913, it was the tallest building in the city.

A 1914 edition of Bankers Magazine tells us that the Williamsport  "First National Bank is as old as national banking itself, having been organized in 1863, the year the National Bank Act was passed."  At that time there were only 174 other National Banks in existence.  

The first home of the bank was "a substantial structure at Third & Court Streets".  That building was remodeled in 1882, and continued to be used, except during re-building in 1882, when temporary quarters were rented,  until May 9 1914.  

The Main Vault, First National Bank Williamsport, 1914

" The First National Bank was organized, December 3, 1863, with a capital of $100,000, with the privilege of increasing it to $300,000. It was the first national bank to open in the city, and the fourth in the State.

 The building in which it is located was erected by Thomas Hall in 1840-42, and was first used for a hotel for a dozen or more years. It became the property of the Messrs. Doebler, who gave it the name of the United States Hotel, and under their management it became very popular and did a large business. 

Soon after the death of Valentine S. Doebler the building was purchased by the banking company. Abraham Updegraff was chosen president and served until his death, April 17, 1884. On the 1st of May following J. A. Beeber was chosen his successor and still fills the office. The capital stock and surplus now amount to $500,000. The present officers are: President, J. A. Beeber; cashier, W. H. Sloan; directors, J. A. Beeber, W. H. Sloan, James V. Brown, James J. Gibson, John M. Young, A. D. Hermance, E. Andrews, S. N. Williams." - History of Lycoming County, Meginness

Counterfeit $10 Williamsport National Bank notes were discovered in Philadelphia on November 1 1910.  More were discovered in November of 1911.   (There was a counterfeiting and horse stealing ring active as early as 1852 in the nearby Muncy Hills area)

In 1913, after 50 years in existence, it had had only 4 bank presidents, and had never consolidated with, bought out, nor absorbed any other financial institution

Main Baking Room, First National Bank Williamsport, 1914

A new, modern 8 story building had been constructed in 1913.  Called the "Pride of Lycoming County", it was the only thoroughly modern banking home in Williamsport, and was the only building in the city made of steel and fireproof construction.  

The Directors Room

According to the Williamsport Walking Tour, on the opening day of Williamsport's first "skyscraper" (the new bank building) citizens had an opportunity to ride up the elevator for their first aerial views of the city.

A searchlight was shown off the building to light up the city, at it's grand opening on May 14 1914

BIG SEARCH LIGHT FLASHED OVER CITY Will Show It's Power to Visitors at- the First National Bank Building Tonight The big searchlight which will be used to display the beauties of Williamsport by night to the throngs will visit, the new First National building tonight and tomorrow night, was connected up yesterday and put Into play light night The light a great ray which went into comers and up and down he streets to the delight of small boys, and which brightness in numerous spots.   The bank cordially invites all  citizens of Williamsport to attend opening tonight and tomorrow night the hours being from 7 to 10 o'clock Not only the bank Itself, but the building will be thrown open to the public and all the tenants will be their offices and will welcome the people There will be an orchestra to furnish music and souvenirs for both ladies and gentlemen

Interior view of the bank, year unknown [but likely 1914]

After moving into the new building in 1914, tightrope walkers, and a parachutist performed from the building at the fall merchants week.

Read more about when the tightrope walkers came to Williamsport here:https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/06/when-tightrope-walkers-came-to.html

The First National Bank, displaying War Bonds, 1917

On April 13th 1956, the bank was robbed of $64,118.  Six hours after the robbery, 21 year old John Watts was arrested in Lock Haven, based on a "tip"

===========

For More Local Stories & History Of Williamsport
https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2020/09/williamsport-pennsylvania.html

===========
READ MORE
=========

William P. Beeber, Bank President 1914

================

====

Although it was the first bank in Williamsport, it was the first of what would become many banks, and although I've done my best to keep them straight, I may have made mistakes.  Here are a few other bank photos:

1907 view of the trolley tracks in front of the West Branch National Bank on Pine Street

LL Sterns later expanded into the West Branch Bank Building

West Branch National Bank

Found in an Ebay Listing, I don't know precisely which Williamsport National Bank this is from.