One hundred
years before today’s event occurred, James C. Knight opened a bank in his store
on Main Street. He brought in O. G. Wheeler to assist, and “the rest is
history,” as the phrase goes. Two new buildings would be built as the banking
firm expanded. Name changes and a move from a local bank to a national bank
occurred. The bank survived and thrived through recessions and depressions.
In 1960 it was
time to celebrate the bank and the people involved in its most recent history.
The Interlaken
Chamber of Commerce planned the event for Sunday, November 20th at
Cronks of Interlaken.
Being honored
that afternoon were Myron Bassette for 50 years of service to the bank and
community, Postmaster and Chairman of the bank board John V. Kellogg and board
Vice President James Pritchard.
An article in
the November 19, 1960 Rochester Democrat and Chronicle shared a short
history of the bank, the people being honored and the event.
Dewitt, brother
to Myron, noted in his diary 200 guests in attendance. The Interlaken
Historical Society has the guest book from that afternoon. It reads like a
“who’s who” of the community. Intermixed with the signatures are four of
Myron’s grandchildren, Peggy, Diane, John and Fred. At only 7 years old, I have
no memory of the event.
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| Franklin, James, Myron Sr., Myron Jr., Richard Bassette 100th Anniversary of the bank at Interlaken Myron's oldest son, Arthur, who lived in Michigan, was unable to attend. From the author's collection |
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| Myron Bassette with his 2nd wife Helen, 100th Anniversary celebration From the author's collection |
In the planning
of dates and articles some dates had unrelated multiple events, and so one
needed to be moved. September 15, 1961 was one of those dates. Less than a year
after the 100th anniversary celebration, on a Friday morning at the
bank, Myron died of a heart attack. He left behind a legacy of community
service which the members of his family continue to follow today.
Dewitt’s Diary,
Sunday, November 20, 1960
Temperature 32
Clear, cloudy by noon.
Rowed the boat
from Lucy Hickock’s to Lem’s. Tried for trout, no fish. Saw one nice trout off
Lem’s dock.
Temperature 45
at noon.
Went to
celebration for Myron at Cronk’s for 50 years in Bank. More than 200 there I
would say. From three to five this afternoon. Lem and family and Pete and
Marian were down for the event. Put on by the Interlaken Chamber of Commerce.
We bought deer
license. Open season starts tomorrow. Bucks only.
Items from Dewitt's Diary
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