The First State Bank in Ogallala was begun in 1874 by HL McWilliams. In 1886 he built a two story bank in the corner of Spruce and First Street. LB Rector provided the bricks. Later this building became the First State Bank. By 1896 all banks in Ogallala had closed. JW Welpton purchased the building in 1906 and operated the Exchabge bank from it. In 1912 The exchange Bank was remodeled and connected with a store to the South. Pressed brick was used on the front. When it was remodeled it contained Mahogony woodwork while the upstairs contained a lodge room and offices. It was wired for electricity and indoor plumbing. In1922 The Exchange Bank closed its doors due to bad credit and other factors. The Citizens Bank took over operations next. By 1937 The First National Bank was taking over The Citizens Bank within this building. The bank was once again remodeled to look as it does today. It remained The First a National Bank until a new structure was built.
Posted on: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 00:11:25 +0000
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