June 29, 1924 the Citizens and Southern
National Bank of Charleston Opens for Business
By: Ill. Brother McDonald “Don” Burbidge, 33°
On June 29, 1924 the Citizens
and Southern National Bank opened its doors for the first time at their new
location located at the corner of, Broad and Church Street. This site was the
former home of "Shepheard’s Tavern” which was the birthplace of the Supreme
Council for the United States which was founded on May 31, 1801 by Col. John
Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho. Upon entering the first floor
of the new bank the visitor(s) would be impressed with the spaciousness and
openness of the bank room as the main floor is open and runs the length of the
building from front to the rear entrance. The vault of the bank at the
time boasted of being full proof against fire, acetylene, flame and high
explosives with safety boxes conveniently placed for the customers to use. When the Citizens and
Southern National Bank opened its doors the Officers and Directors were
presented a bronze coin. On one side of the coin is the image of the bank with
the date it first opened on Broad Street and on the other side is the state seal
of South Carolina. This coin will be on display at the Scottish Rite temple
during the celebration. At the time of the opening of
the Citizens and Southern National Bank the officers and directors named where; Officers Henry Schachte, vice-chairman of the Board,Angus E. Bird, President,H.
Wm. Hopke, vice-president and Cashier,Jack D. Lesemann, vice-president,Julius E.
Schroeder, vice-president, James Conner, vice-president, Michael L. Runey,
Assistant Cashier, Colt T. Hendley, Assistant Cashier. DirectorsMills B. Lane, Henry Schachte,
Angus E. Bird, Jack D. Lesemann, Frank Burbidge (my great, great
grandfather), Julius E. Schroeder, C. B.
Schachte, Wm. Murphey, H. Wm. Hopke, M. Rutledge Rivers, Matthew A.
Condon, James Conner. October 1, 1874
The Germania Savings Bank opened for general
business and an institution was launched which was destined to be a constructive
influence in the general prosperity and happiness of this community. The total
assets were $70, 081.04 December 1, 1913 The Germania Saving Bank opened its branch office in the Masonic Building, at 270 King Street. 1918
The names of the Germania Savings and Germania National Banks were changed to
the Atlantic Savings and Atlantic National Banks. June 27, 1923 On
September first of this year the Atlantic National moved to larger quarters, at
284 King Street. This move was made in order to meet the increased demands of
business. January, 1927 Henry Schachte was
elevated from the presidency of the Atlantic Banks to Chairman of the Board.
Julius H. Jahnz, who up to that time, had been the only vice-president,
succeeded him in the presidency. July 7, 1927 The Atlantic National’s
branch office at 515 King Street was opened. March 1928 Interests affiliated with the
Citizens and Southern National Bank of Georgia purchased the stock of the
Atlantic Savings and the Atlantic National Banks. In May of that year the name
of the Atlantic Savings Bank was changed to the Citizens and Southern Bank of
South Carolina. July 29, 1929 In opening its new building the Citizens and Southern
Bank carried on a tradition established more than half a century ago when the
Germania Savings Bank, its parent institution, first opened its doors. A glance through the Banks
history will show that their policy has always been to increase capitalization,
and expand the facilities as Charleston grew and at the same time adhering to
the customers needs and requirements. The new bank was designed to
give the utmost in comfort and convenience that a modern banking home could
offer at the time. The policy was that the complete facilities and abilities of
every member of the banking family, from president of the bank to office boy,
should constantly and cheerfully is at the command of their friends and
customers. |
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