Feature Article on Firstar Bank.
Topic: DOWNTOWN/BUILDINGS
Written by Rich Wallace in
September, 1999
FIRSTAR'S ROOTS IN SIDNEY SPAN 100 YEARS...Pg 2 |
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| The Board members decided to move into the
old German American Bank space on Poplar Street. Thus began an interesting chapter in the
bank's history. With what transpired over the next two decades, one must wonder whether or
not the building was jinxed. When the German American Bank failed in 1904, a number of
wealthy families and several businesses were forced into bankruptcy. Just a few years after the bank moved in, the first tragedy occurred. Charles Pfefferle, a barber who operated his shop in the basement of the bank's building, went to work one morning in a despondent mood. He was found by his son, dead, sitting in his barber chair. He had committed suicide with a handgun. Another tragedy struck in 1914, as what most think was the worst fire in Sidney's history destroyed much of the north side of the square, including this space. First National Bank employees again moved in with the Peoples Savings and Loan operation until their new structure was completed.. Undoubtedly one of the proudest moments in the bank's history was when the doors of its fabulous new facility were opened for the first time on August 17, 1916. The rebuilt space at 114 East Poplar, now completely fireproof, was breathtaking. The Daily News described it as follows: "It is built entirely of Colorado Yule marble. Two magnificent Corinthian marble columns, 22 feet high, grace the handsome entrance. On entering, one is immediately struck by the intense beauty...of the interior. The ceiling is 28 feet high and is of art glass...The counters are of mahogany and marble." The open house the bank held was one of the social events of the season. An amazing 3,000 people attended, constantly streaming through the gleaming facility. J. F. Studevant, the father of the bank's founder, belying his 90 years, met every guest at the front door throughout the day. By all appearances, it was the dawn of a golden age for First National Bank. Perhaps it was the German American jinx again, but the location held one more surprise. Just after the bank opened on May 11, 1926, six robbers burst into the lobby. When cashier J. C. Cummins feigned ignorance when asked to open the safe, one of the thieves hit him over the had with his gun. After five minutes of quick work, they escaped with $35,000. Police Chief O'Leary and Sheriff Dilbone combined to catch and convict three of men by the end of the year. They each received the maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. |
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