By Sam Sedoryk, Museum Education Specialist
Today we live in a world of digital banking where paying bills, transferring money, and even investing can all be done from a phone. But it wasn’t always this effortless. Not long ago, stopping by the bank was a weekly errand—and in the early 20th century, it was an essential part of daily life. So, what would banking have looked like for a Windsorite a century ago?
Well, if you were a Windsorite in 1920s, you would have done most of your banking and the new First National Bank building, located on the southwest corner of 5th and Main Street. This building was designed by Fort Collins architect M.W. Fuller and cost around $30,000 to build – which is around $486,000 in today’s dollars.
The First National Bank predates the Town of Windsor itself, having been established in 1857. As the western part of the United States grew during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, more First National Bank branches sprang up including The First National Bank of Windsor, founded in 1906.
As the Town of Windsor grew so did the bank. In April of 1919, the First National Bank decided to construct a new building in its existing spot on the southwest corner of Main and 5th Street. Just nine months later, on January 12th, 1920, the First National Bank opened its new doors.
Opening day was a community event. According to the Windsor Beacon “around 100 visitors attended. The ladies were presented with crimson carnations and gentleman treated to cigars.” Students from the Windsor High School orchestra provided live music, performing a variety of instrumental selections for guests.
While we don’t have any interior photos of the bank from this period, it was described being brilliantly illuminated by hanging electric lamps, lined with napoleon grey marble counters and highly polished quarter sawed oak throughout. A First National Bank representative from the reception stated, “It is doubtful if there is another town in the United States of the size of Windsor or even twice its size that can boast as handsome of a better finished and more conveniently arranged bank building than that which is the pride of the good people of Windsor.”
Image 1: First National Bank on the corner of Main and 5th Street in Windsor, circa 1950s.
Image 2: Windsor Beacon, January 15, 1920.