In 1916 it was announced in the Fairview Times, the Bank of Fairview will build a large two story brick building on its present site, Fourth and Ellery, this summer. The old building will be moved to the rear of the lot.

In the summer of 1907, considerable construction work was being done on the Lower Yellowstone Project in Fairview under the supervision of the U.S. Reclamation Service. Homesteaders were relocating and filing claims and the town of Fairview was growing. This activity created a demand for banking facilities and the Bank of Fairview was organized and opened for business as a private bank. Its organizers were: T.C. Gardner, W.K. Adams, Ira M. Alling, Chas. J. Hardy and F. M. Schaefer.

The first officers of the bank were: T.C. Gardner, president, W.K. Adams, vice president, and F.M. Schaefer, cashier. The bank was operated as a private bank with paid in capital stock of $6,500, until September 1911 at which time the deposits were $31,500, loans and discounts $40,000, total resources $64,000, and the capital stock was raised to $20,000. By 1916, the report made to the State Superintendent of Banks showed capital stock surplus and undivided profits of approximately $40,000, deposits $124,000, loans of $125,000, and cash resources $25,000 with a total resources amounting to $164,000.

In 1916, the present officers were: Chas. J. Hardy, President, A.M. Gardner, Vice President, F.M. Schaefer, cashier and F.W. Adams, assistant cashier. Hardy has continuously held the office of president since January 1911.

The officers of the Bank of Fairview have always taken a leading part in matters relating to the welfare of Fairview, the Lower Yellowstone Valley and the territory tributary. It was strictly a farmers’ bank being owned and controlled almost exclusively by local farmers. They made a special effort to concentrate on stock raising and sheep feeding along with the affairs of the Lower Yellowstone Water Users Association.

On Oct. 6, 1917, The Bank of Fairview’s new palatial home was formerly opened to the public. Letters had been sent out inviting customers and friends to come see the building and prizes were given away. To celebrate, the bank showed a five-reel Mary Pickford production, “The Little American,” and a two-reel Charlie Chaplin Comedy feature, “Charlie Chaplin in the Bank.” This took place at the Orpheum Theatre. The show was free but you were required to register.

Flowers were also distributed to the ladies, cigars to the gentlemen, and a neat glass paperweight showing the picture of the bank building.

The main floor of the bank is 30x70 and was entirely occupied by the bank for the transaction of its business and accommodation of the public. The lobby was large and roomy, the fixtures built of Circassian walnut imported from Russia with Alaska marble die and Belgium black and gold marble base, dealing plates of Italian marble. The walls were decorated in Tiffany leather effect, the ceiling being heavily beamed and tinted in rich cream shade. The windows were covered with a new patent shade known as the Perennial shade, adjustable to any position.

The interior had ample space for customers to transact their business with a waiting room situated at the front of the lobby for those waiting in line. Separate rooms were provided for the cashier and for private consultation. The safety deposit room leading to the safe deposit vault was well screened from the lobby.

Most appealing to the ladies was the rest room in the rear of the main banking room. This rest room was a great convenience to the ladies and children. Here they were able to rest and read while the husbands and fathers attended to affairs around town. It also was used to hold small meetings. It had a separate street entrance with a telephone and lavatories.

The entire second floor was constructed for offices, six suites were provided. A wide stairway lead to this floor from an entrance on Fourth Street.

The stockholders and directors of this institution proved their faith in the future of Fairview with the building of this modern and spacious bank. The material was purchased before the 1917 rise in prices. The completed building and cost of equipment totaled to $25,000.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Information compiled from the Fairview Times.