November 20, 1960 100th Anniversary of the Bank

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 20^th 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.

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

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 100^th 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

 

   

June 2, 1915 Former Bank Building Moved

In December 2015, I received a number of old family pictures, including one of two homes on Knight Street.

Houses on Knight Street ca 1915 with former bank building in the background
Author's collection of family pictures

Being familiar with the buildings that have been on Main Street, I was surprised to find a very distinctive roof-line and trim in the picture. The question immediately came to mind, “How and when did the former bank building get moved to Knight Street?”

O.G. and D. C. Wheeler bank building, circa 1907
Interlaken Historical Society photo collection #36

The Wheeler Bank building stood on Main Street south of the Hinman Memorial Library, or as it was then, the Hinman family home. Without really thinking about it, I had presumed that when the new bank building was opened, this building was torn down. As the photo above shows, that was not the case.

A bit of online research at www.fultonhistory.com brought up several news items and ads which tell the rest of the story.

The building remained in place and the Interlaken Realty Company “fitted” it up for their offices. (Interlaken Review December 1911)

April 2, 1915 Interlaken Review “For Sale—The former Bank Building on Main Street. To be taken away. Mrs. E. Melville.” (The ad appeared for several weeks.)

May 28, 1915 Interlaken Review “James Switzer has purchased the former Bank Building and is moving it to the lot he recently purchased on Knight street, just south of where S. P. Stone is building a home.”

The building on the left in the picture shows Sam Stone’s finished home. For many years this home was owned by the Tulla family, and the Willsons lived in the one to the right.

The Ithaca Daily News June 2, 1915, repeats the information about James Switzer then adds, “Ground will be broken on the old site on Main Street, in the near future, for the new opera house…”

Another article noted, “the building used for so many years by O.G.& D.C. Wheeler for their banking business was last week Friday moved to Knight Street...Nobody seems to know the year this building was erected, but it has been one of the landmarks of this place for over 60 years.” [Interlaken Review]

Much of this Snippet appeared in the January 2016 issue of the Interlaken Historical Society newsletter. The article ended with “Oh, the stories the sidewalks could tell if we knew how to get the answers.”

Dewitt’s Diary Tuesday, June 2, 1953

Temperature 50 clear and west breeze.

Two deer behind the barn while we were doing chores this morning.

The radio is broadcasting the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II this morning and all day, a very elaborate affair.

We began planting field corn.

May 22, 1911 The New Bank Building Opens

An article in the Interlaken Review, August 20, 1909 announced a major change coming to Main Street. “The W. E. Peterson house on Main street has been sold to O.G. and D. C. Wheeler, possession to be given April 1^st, 1910. We understand they offer the building for sale, as it will be either removed or torn down to make place for a fire proof brick building to be used for their banking business.”

In 1873, the brothers had built and occupied the wooden structure to the south (or left) of the current library. They were feeling the need for more room.

Memorial Day Parade 1909. The members of the GAR post are in front of the Peterson home.
Interlaken Historical Society photo collection #

The Peterson building had survived the 1891 fire which destroyed the Gambee House. Now in 1910 it was being offered, “for sale at a bargain, the house now occupied by W. E. Peterson. House must be removed by April 15, 1910. Inquire of O.G. & D.C. Wheeler.” The ad first appeared in the March 4, 1910 Interlaken Review and ran for several issues.

A few weeks later two other reports were printed. On April 27^th the Ovid Gazette noted, “G. L. Winne has the cellar for his house on Seneca street nearly finished and will soon commence moving the Peterson house to cover it.” The May 20, 1910 Interlaken Review noted, “G. L. Winne has the Peterson house already on its new walls on Seneca Street.”

Once the site was cleared, notices about the construction began appearing. July 29, 1910, “O.G. & D.C. Wheeler have received the plans for their new bank building, and work on same will soon be started…They expect to occupy it before winter sets in.” August 10, 1910, “The contract for the new bank building…has been let to Ithaca parties and work is to commence immediately.” They were still hopeful for a 1910 opening, “The Ithaca Construction Co. have begun work on the new bank building…contract calls for its completion by December 1.” [Interlaken Review September 16, 1910]

As 1910 moved into 1911, progress was being made. April 7, 1911, “The interior of O.G. & D.C. Wheeler’s new bank building is nearly finished and will soon be ready to occupy. The exterior work cannot be finished until danger of freezing is past.”

May 19, 1911, the big move is about to happen, without the marble wainscoating. “The first lot was grained the wrong way as so was returned. Another lot was received last week and when workmen came to set it they found the slabs has been broken in the transit. The opening will take place just the same on Monday next, the wainscoating being finished later.”

O.G. and D. C. Wheeler Bank, 1911 Note the space to the left of the bank,
the Interlaken Review Office is visible.
Interlaken Historical Society photo collection #42

“In New Bank Building” so reads the headline of the article on May 26, 1911. “O.G. & D.C. Wheeler moved into their new bank building last Saturday afternoon, and opened there for business Monday morning, May 22. It was 38 years ago, next August, that they opened for business in the building they have vacated, just across the street from the new building.”

“Practically fire-proof, of concrete and brick, two stories and basement, heated by steam, lighted by electricity, and equipped with every convenience for that line of business…the vault is probably one of the strongest in the state, built of concrete, reinforced with steel bars, and lined with steel, with large Mosher safe within, time-locks throughout.”

O. G. and D. C. Wheeler Bank 1911.
Front seat of the car, James Wheeler and Myron Bassette
Back Seat O. G and D. C. Wheeler, the four men who most shaped the bank for a century.
Interlaken Historical Society photo collection #1411

The article ends with “they well deserve the finely appointed building they now occupy, and which will stand, for years to come, as a monument to the Wheeler brothers.”

Additions and renovations would be made to the bank, but that last comment still holds true. When you enter the Community Bank Interlaken Branch today you can see the vault, the locks, and the solidness of a building now 116 years old.

May 26, 1911 Interlaken Review, copied from www.fultonhistory.com

Dewitt’s Diary, Saturday, May 22, 1926

A heavy thunder shower today.

I set out three cherry trees today north of the barn and one in the front yard.

April 6, 1918 WWI Liberty Bonds Over the Top

Saturday, April 6, 1918, The Third Liberty Loan bond sale began at 9 o’clock all over the United States. The allotment to the town of Covert was $27,200. Before 9:30 o’clock 97 subscribers had applied for a total of $33,300, or more than 20% over our allotment. And applications are still coming in, every day.”

So reads the first paragraph of the April 12, 1918 Interlaken Review article under the headline Covert ‘Over the Top’ Went over at 9.30—Now has Honor Flag.

“Up to 4 p.m. yesterday 125 citizens of the town of Covert had made application through the banking house of O.G.& D.C. Wheeler for a total of $37,100 of Third Liberty Loan bonds, or 36% over our allotment.”

Two other newspapers noted this accomplishment in the days following the 6^th.

Ithaca News, “Interlaken is the first town in this vicinity to go over the top. The New York Sun records that Interlaken oversubscribed its quota the first day of the campaign. Congratulation to a patriotic neighbor.”

The Ithaca News noted, “The Third Liberty Loan Committee of Interlaken has put its town ‘over the top’ in the first half hour of the campaign…The chairman, J. K. Wheeler, is to be congratulated on his efficient organization.”

“The New York Sun mentions the names of 17 places in New York State that are ‘tied’ in the race for first honors in going ‘over the top’ in the New York State flag contest. Among the places were Interlaken, Lodi and McGraw.”

“The honor flag was received here by first mail on Monday and promptly flung to the breeze in front of the Banking House of O.G. & D.C. Wheeler.”

Also included in the article was a list of the gentlemen and ladies on the Liberty Loan Committee. Many people will quickly recognize long-standing family names, and also a few not so familiar ones.

Dewitt’s Diary Thursday, April 6, 1933

Sheared the sheep today 34 head sheared 325 pounds including lambs. Grass in the orchard shows green, also the lawn. 

March 6, 1933 National Bank Holiday Declared

On March 3, 1933 Dewitt noted “Cloudy and mild. Fairly good sleighing on most roads. Banks closed their doors today by order of the governor.” Herbert H. Lehman was governor, following Franklin D. Roosevelt who had just won the 1932 election to become the next President of the United States. The governor was acting in accord with many other states. His actions were a prelude to one of the first acts by the new President.

President Roosevelt took office on March 4, 1933. At 1:00 am, Monday, March 6, 1933, President Roosevelt issued a proclamation ordering the suspension of all banking transactions, effective immediately. He had taken that oath of office only thirty-six hours earlier.

The terms of the presidential proclamation specified that “no such banking institution or branch shall pay out, export, earmark, or permit the withdrawal or transferring any manner or by any device whatsoever, nor shall any such banking institution or branch pay out deposits, make loans or discount, or transact any other banking business whatsoever.”

For an entire week, Americans would have no access to banks or banking services. They could not withdraw or transfer their money, nor could they make deposits.

During that time congress enacted several new laws, which allowed for the orderly reopening of the banks and the successful reversal of the runs on banks.

The Wheeler National Bank of Interlaken reopened on March 15 and moved forward to continue its place as a strong leader within the community.

Interlaken Review March 10, 1933
www.fultonhistory.com

Interlaken Review March 17, 1933
www.fultonhistory.com

Dewitt’s Diary Monday, March 6, 1933

Buzzing wood today up at the woods. Clear and mild. A National closing of the banks by order of President Roosevelt.

Tuesday, March 14, 1933

A few large banks opened today.

Wednesday, March 15, 1933

Our bank and most other banks are open after several days holiday. The president of the US declared a bank holiday to safeguard the people. 

February 1, 1927 Wheeler National Bank of Interlaken

The bank bill shown above is one of several original bank notes showing the signatures of
bank president J. K. Wheeler and cashier M. W. Bassette.
Collection Interlaken Historical Society

July 1926, John V. Kellogg and Myron W. Bassette file an Application for Interlaken's National Bank in Washington.

August 12, 1926 Mr. Edward O. Douglas, Special Representative of Federal Reserve Bank, does his investigation including discussions and review of the application. At the end of the meeting it was decided to consolidate all interests and buy the assets, including the bank building, of the old private bank owned by James K. Wheeler.

October 23, 1926 The amended application was forwarded to Washington.

An article in the Ithaca Journal with a date line of Washington, Jan. 22 notes, “The Comptroller of Currency has approved the application of the Wheeler National Bank of Interlaken, Seneca County, to organize as a National Bank with a capital of $50,000. The new bank succeeds the banking house of O. G. and D. C. Wheeler.” The original bank had been providing banking services to the area since the 1860s.

February 1, 1927 The Wheeler National Bank of Interlaken opens.

The officers of the bank for 1927 were: President, J. K. Wheeler; vice-presidents, J. S. Thompson and J. B. Bradley; cashier, M. W. Bassette; and assistant cashier, J. F. Wyckoff.

The following were elected directors: M. W. Bassette, J. B. Bradley, J. F. Burdin, C. F. Case, L. S. Church, J. B. Kellogg, J. G. Pritchard, J. S. Thompson, G. G. Townsend, W. D. Wheeler, and J. K. Wheeler.

Interlaken Historical Society Photo # 195

Twenty-five years later Dewitt would add to his diary entry for January 31, 1952 a commemorative “stamp” given to him by his brother Myron.

There will be additional Snippet items in the future on the bank and its buildings.

Dewitt’s Diary: Tuesday, February 1, 1927 

Cloudy, temperature 30.

Drove down town this morning. I got a bottle of medicine for a cold in my throat. 

We are working in the woods again today. We have the buzz pile about finished ready for buzzing. South wind and warmer tonight. 

Temperature about freezing.

January 25, 1946 War Bond Victory Dinner

How does the government finance a war? The answer depends on the decade you are discussing. For both World War I and WWII the government asked the people to help.

Throughout World War II, individuals, businesses and groups could purchase War Bonds. In addition to on-going sales, there were also seven War Loans and a Victory Loan. The fund-raising efforts ended December 31, 1945.

Lester Sparks, William Wheeler and Myron Bassette
outside the south entrance to the bank with a Defence Savings Bond sign.
Blauvelt WWII scrapbook, collection of the Interlaken Historical Society

On January 25, the Interlaken-Lodi Joint War Bond Committee held a Victory dinner at the Goodman Hotel. The report of the evening included a summary of when and how much funds were raised between the two towns.

The individual campaigns, the efforts before the US entered the war with Pearl Harbor, and funds raised between campaigns totaled $1,060,469.10.

The report given by Mrs. Jane King, Ladies’ Chairman of the Town Committee noted:

May 1, 1941, to Dec. 7, 1941           $ 27,232.50

          Sales to March 27, 1943         237,169.35

          2nd War Loan                          41,538.75

          3rd War Loan                           60,835.00

          4th War Loan                          89,668.47

          5th War Loan                           95,268.00

          6th War Loan                           98,529.75

          7th War Loan                         190,018.51

          Victory Loan                          128,748.35

Sales made between drives.                91,460.42

The Wheeler National Bank purchased over a million dollars in bonds, and with the “miscellaneous sales credited by the County Headquarters,” the grand total was $2,117,769.10.

Jane King and Myron Bassette who were involved in the War Bond efforts, 1943.
Blauvelt WWII scrapbook, Interlaken Historical Society collection. 

In addition to the local efforts and people involved, two members of the community were involved with the County Committee: Mrs. Esther Wyckoff, Ladies’ Vice-Chairman of County Committee, and Myron W. Bassette, Town Chairman, and Co-chairman of the County Committee

One couple used their war bond purchase as a way to honor Gen. Eisenhower. The letter from General Eisenhower to Myron Bassette dated August 4, 1945, thanked him and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clapp for the war bond purchased in his Honor, and for the message the Clapps included with the wrapped pennies #1988-58. Click here to see General Eisenhower's reply.

Notes included on the pennies used to purchase a WWII bond.
Collection of the Interlaken Historical Society

Copy of the letter to Gen. Eisenhower explaining the bond purchased in his honor.
Collection of the Interlaken Historical Society

The Review article listed several people who would be speaking, noting that citations at many levels would be presented. Assisting in making it a festive “Victory” dinner, the music was provided by the Seneca Street Orchestra.

Dewitt’s Diary: January 25, 1945 Another bad day. Temperature 5 below. Snow blowing all day. Some of the highest banks I ever saw around here. About 7 below tonight and only a breeze blowing. Walked down to Earl’s [Wilson]. All highways blocked and railroads.

1946 Mild today B.H. [Bunny Haviland] papering the south upstairs room. Fixing floor and painting. Strong wind and snow flurries from the west.