Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1884-05-22
a GEN BANKING HOUSE.
TINE NEW HOME OF TINE OLDEST BANKING IN.
STITuvI0N m TINE VALLEY.

/
Prominent among the many fine business
homes erected in this city within the year,
probably pre-eminently SO, is that just
taken possession of by the First Arkansas
Valley Bank Of w. g. Woodman Il Son, on
the west side OF Main street, near the old
and well known stand. While not overly
large 1t is nevertheless massive in style and
appearance. The architecture seems con-
fined to no particular order, but it is as
unique as attractive, and we believe was
designed within and without by w. s.
Woodman, who has for many years held
confidential relations with the institution.
The fret four or five feet of the front above
the pavement is heavy stone work, solid
massive white cut stone OF PANEL and pi-
laster design. Between two very large
doorways, one OF which leads TO the bank
and the other to hall stairway, and occu-
plying almost the entire front, is a window
consisting OF single light of French plate
glass. This central window is arched by
very massive cap Of white stone, the up
per half Of which serves as the sill Of the
central upper story window, which is Of
double design and lighted with yenitian
glass, the whole of which rests on the SUBJ
capitals Of the plaster columns of the low
er story. Still above the central second
story window is an immense stone tablet
with the letters cut in sunken PANEL In
bass-relief: "First Arkansas Valley Bank"
Still above this, and set into the ornamental
lasfun Of Ia finish is annfhae fol
with the gothicfig figures ESQ., The entire
front, Of which this is only part, is very
pleasing and attractive.
OF the inside of the lower story or tie
banking department, We can give no ade-
quate or technical description. Everything
is OF superior and elegant workmanship.
The main floor is 25X10 feet, furnished with
gas and water and warmed and ventilated
by three anthracite fire places, which are
furnished with varigated marble mantle
pieces, and the hearths, of which are
laid in beautiful English thing and squares
OF majolica rozetts. After glancing at the
beautiful wainscoating of alternate strips
of white wood and a specie of red gum,
the banking counter attracts attention. IL
is some fifty feet in length, put up with an
accute angle which we cannot describe,
ard the entire base, Of which.is of the beau
tiful variegated and brilliantly grained
pine of Arkansas, all worked down in oil
polish, unstained and unpainted, but of the
polish, glossness and hardness OF ivory,
pannels, pillars, bases and cornice, all ex-
cept the top, is of this wood. This unique
counter is supported by eighteen columns
OF the same wood, placed in pairs aud sci
in bold relief, or almost full relief. Run
ming back from the cashiers wicket is
series OF glass pannels of French plate,
forming the counter screen, which are 2x4
feet each. These pannels of plate glass,
contain series of etchings or character
pictures.in frost-work, beautiiied and artis-
tic, and OF original design, illustrative of
or showing the several steps OF develop
ment of this valley, commencing with 4
buffalo hunt and running clear along up to
the advent of the railroad, the telegraph
and the daily paper. Between and joining
each Of these pannels are series of double
plate mirrors, the reflection of which are
highly and strangely effective. 1t is simply
a finely designed and superb piece of work.
The vault, which is supplied with the
latest improved doors and combination
lock, throwing six pairs of bolts, is SxI0
feet and o feet TO the ceiling; solid stone |
floor and solid stone ceiling. Standing in
the clear with cornice of cut stone which |
is surmounted on the three sides respect |
lively by an owl. a dog and lion, all Of cut |
stone, symbolzing vigilance. strength and
fidelity. The partitions Of the main floor
are all OF the same wood as the counter.
and the doors are of solid black walnut |
worked down to oil polish. In front OF the
room, and Immediately to the left |
rs you enter, is a consultation and recep-
ion LOBBY, which contains round table
md few very heavy chairs, the floor be-
ng inlaid work of a very pretty pattern.
This room is partitioned off by gold bronzed
work. Back of this room is a
.oilet room with marble basin, water cool.
n, refrigerator, etc. Probably the pretti-
st and most attractive, if not the most ar
istie apartment. is the presidents parlor
n the rear of the building, which is COM
,lete in its decorations, hangings, pictures,
,arpets and furniture. Here commodore
" goldman. the head OF the house, receives
lis friends, and here, when business is not
90 pressing, he enjoys an afternoon nap or
iesta, his many years OF faithful and sue
essful work MS a financeer emitting him to
his luxury, and more.
To fully describe all the exquisite and
Elaborate designs, finishes and touches of
his beautiful money palace would tax our
descriptive powers had we the space and
ime. 1t is unnecessary to say that the
'uiding is au ornament to the city, and
hat the people are proud OF the First Ar
ansa. VALLEY Bank" whose solid basis
nd present prosperity are fully set forth
n an attested statement to be found else
where in this assure.