First National Bank of Lansdale
Any up-and-coming community had to have the financial resources to support growth. In Lansdale's case, the town bank, appropriately named Lansdale National Bank, was founded in 1864, eight years before the village incorporated.
This photo taken around 1890 shows the original 1864 building housing the Lansdale National Bank, at right, and an expanded bank building built in 1875 at left.
The bank prospered along with its trustees who included the town's most influential citizens. An all new expanded bank building was erected in 1911 at the same location, which also included the post office.
Photo of the First National Bank of Lansdale building on Main Street around 1918, where the Lansdale School of Business held classes on the second floor from 1918-1928.
The First National Bank of Lansdale building was decorated with bunting for the borough’s 50th anniversary in 1922.
In 1928, Lansdale National Bank’s board of directors decided to put a new, bolder face on its Main Street headquarters.
The First National Bank of Lansdale during the 1929 renovation.
When the work was completed, the bank was graced with a new façade, the one we still see today. Meanwhile, the post office was relocated and the bank’s interior was refurbished in some of the finest Art Deco décor of the era.
Colorized photo from the 1930s.
The picture of the Directors of the First National Bank of Lansdale comes from a booklet published in 1939. It was entitled “Celebrating Our 75th Anniversary 1864 – 1939”. The booklet contains an interesting early history of Lansdale, and many pictures, including people involved in the bank and the inside of the present bank.
Part of the renovation work was spread out through the 1930s, possibly because of the Depression’s impact. But everything was ready for an official open house in March, 1939, the 75th anniversary of the Lansdale National Bank.
Much like the train station, the bank hasn't changed dramatically for many decades..
Flowers were placed throughout the interior of the newly renovated First National Bank of Lansdale for a grand reopening in 1939.
As you know, it looks pretty much the same today. Meanwhile, the bank has changed names many times over.