August 8, 1915: National Bank of Boyertown Opens for Public Inspection

By Margaret Leidy Harner from her book One Day at a Time: A Social History of Boyertown, PA.

August 8, 1915: Heralded as Boyertown’s finest piece of business architecture, the new National Bank of Boyertown facility at the intersection of Philadelphia and Reading Avenues, has been opened for its first pubic inspection.

Its Greek Doric style has been modified to suit the needs and conditions of a bank. Constructed of white marble with a granite base, it presents a “massive and substantial appearance,” and, at night, the reflection of arc lights on the white walls produces a brilliant effect. The imposing entrance to the building is on Reading Avenue, leading into a large vestibule with a terrazzo floor.

Upon entering the building, one is greeted with a “dazzling display” of white marble, brass and African mahogany, done in a Persian motif which creates a great first impression. This is complemented by magnificent draperies in a “pleasing color.” There are tables for public use, anterooms for privacy, “comfort” rooms (today known as restrooms), a public room on the mezzanine for civic meetings and a handsomely-decorated directors’ room with a huge mahogany table.

The cost of the new fire-proof, burglar-proof structure was $45,000. More than 7500 people participated in “one of the most auspicious formal openings of any institution in Boyertown.”

More News from Boyertown

• TRADITIONS While traditions are considered unchanging, life changes constantly and new traditions must be created; what lasts is the desire to give thanks for life, mutable as it is.
• A Pictorial Tour Through the History of Boyertown: Main Street Businesses page 21 Main Street--page 21