FNB: Transformations Through the Years

OK, I might be a total geek...but going back in time (through photos) is an interesting adventure whether you are looking at family or buildings.  It's fun to look for the things that you may have missed...or never knew were there!

This photo of some local (1890's) rufians from Al Benjamin is a fine example.  While there are MANY observations to make about our community from this photo I am, of course, concerned with the First National Building which appears in the background:

1. This is the first photo that I have seen without the metal cornice on the corner.  We suspected that the brick detail that shows up on the neighboring storefronts was original and probably extended along the front of the First National Building.  This photo shows that our suspicions were correct.

2. A small observation, but is important for the next, is that the Empire Street elevation was solid...no windows or doors.

3. No corner post.  The storefronts along Main Street appear identical for the original building block (3 storefronts).  It serves to reason, since the corner post and details are metal too, that these were added by the First National Bank.

4. Writing in the second floor windows (illegible) indicates that the second floor was occupied by an office or other business venture.

For those of us who don't visualize very well I put together a comparison.  The angles aren't exactly the same but show in pretty clear detail the transformation that the building went through when the First National Building moved in...and what it looks like now.  That's the reason we are working on this important central building in our community!

FNB: A Thumbnail History

For those of you who don't know, we have a wealth of historical information for our community.  We are fortunate in our community to have several local history buffs who take a lot of time to document the history of buildings, businesses and people from our collective past.  

We were fortunate this week to receive assistance from two of our local historians - Al Benjamin and Bob Bauer.  Between the two, we have been able to piece together a few additional details on the First National Building...

Empire Street ca. 1890
First National Building on the left
Photo reproduction from Montpelier, Ohio 1845 - 1976

1881 - The building that would become the First National Building was built by the business associates Messrs Foltz, Moor and Louden.  The building was a speculative venture including three storefronts along Main Street.  Tenants of the building would continue to change frequently.

Main Street Carnival 1906
Photo from Al Benjamin

1900 - The First National Bank (namesake of the building) was established and purchased the building.

1903 - The First National Bank finally occupied their building with the installation of the new vault.  The cornice and corner detail were probably added around this time.

With the establishment of the First National Bank on the southeast corner opposite the Montpelier National Bank (southwest corner) 1900-1903 established this intersection as the center of downtown Montpelier.

Empire Street ca. 1910
Tinted postcard from Bob Bauer

1903 - 1915 - A long list of professionals and businesses occupied the "rooms" along Empire Street at 224 1/2 W. Main Street, the second floor of the First National Building.  Real estate agents, dentists, attorneys, dance studios and even new newspaper operations got their start behind and above the new bank.  Some of these businesses lasted only a few months, others many years.
 

Montpelier High School Band marching down
Main St. ca. 1946
Photo from Al Benjamin

1916 - In January of 1916 the First National Bank and the Montpelier National Bank merged and consolidated their operations in the National Bank's building across the street.  The building would never operate as a bank again but would retain its distinctive detailing.

1926 - Perhaps the most memorable occupant of the FNB (among older residents) was Carr's on the Corner.  Ted Carr made candy and operated a lunch counter and soda fountain out of the corner storefront from 1926 - 1955.

Later occupants of the First National Building included insurance, real estate and and a variety of other businesses.  One thing remains the same...the First National Building is at the heart of downtown Montpelier.  With the restoration of this significant landmark we hope to continue the revitalization of the heart of Montpelier.