The Somerset reporter., 1890-11-27
AFlne Banking Establishment
THE NEW HoMK OF THE FIRST NATIONAL

a
AND SKowHEGAN SAVINGS BANKS.
The present week, probably, will see
the First National and Skowhegan Saw
ings Banks domiciled In what may be
justly stated to be as finely arranged and
neatly furnished and equipped banking
quarters, for The transaction of the sever
al lines of business with which they have
to do, as can be found in Maine or even
New England for that matter. To be
sure from point Of elegance and expense
in construction there are some that
would take precedence, but taken alone
for its general arrangements, conven-
ience and appearance we are informed by
those who should know, that Skowhegan's
newly constructed bank stands among the
foremost.
Work upon the transformation of the
Banks purchase Of the building from
Isaac Dyer WAS commenced early last
spring from plans furnished by Fasset &
Thompson, architects Of Portland, In the
making of which they were ably assisted
as regards the interior arrangements for
business convenience, by the suggestions
of Geo. N. and Z. P. Page, the efficient
cashiers, respectively of these banks who
are also directors Of the same.
From these plans and designs the build
ing has rapidly assumed It's present fine
appearance under the able and personal
supervision of II. W. CLANCY, who select
ed his carpenters from Skowhegan men,
and now takes just pride, as he should in
the result.
A GLANCE AT THE INTERIOR.
Entering this banking establishment
by the swinging inward of pair of fine
oak doors having plate glass panels, you
Immediately find yourself In yestibule,
8 #. in. G #. 6 in, with tile floor from
which the opening of another set Of doors
ushers you into the public aud business
rooms, the former 7x52 feet, the latter IA
x34 feet, the lighting of which comes
through a magnificent plate window. OKLA
feetin size. The ceilings of these rooms are
paneled in quartered oak while paneled
wainscotting of oak feet inches high
extends around the same. The counters
of the busint IS room are constructed also
of fine quartered oak highly polished like
the other trimmings, and are IT. 6 in.
high, the same in width and % #. in
length, and are furnished with SO commo.
dious drawers and 4 locks. Surmounting
the counters and separating the business
room from the public is a wire screen
work of handsome design put in place by
Magguier 4 Jones of Portland. In the
business room is a large fireplace with
oak mantle having tile facing and hearth
of onyx; while the public room is supplied
with a fine wash bowl with running water.
OFF from this room is also toilet room.
The rear of the building is utilized by
a large room l5x22 feet, for the use of The
directors. This room is finished in white
wood. the ceiling and walls being taste
fully decorated, while daylight is admitted
through three large windows. Here also
is handsomely constructed fireplace,
with facngs and hearth of onyx and old
gold thing. Another room, though small
in size, is in close proximity to the Direc-
tors room to be used for consultations or
private matters.
The books and funds of these solid in.
situations rest in vaults set on a founda-
ton 18 feet square of solid ledge, and are
enclosed in brick wall two feet thick
with center of stone and cement. The
steel vaults contained therein are from
the latest improved patterns from the
celebrated firm Of Herrln Il Co., N. Y.
We are informed, with one exception, this
is the only thoroughly burglar proof bank
in Maine. The interior is supplied with n
separate vault 7x9 feet especially for the
books. and also has $50 small safety de-
post vaults inside the steel vaults, which
are to be offered to let.
The building is heated by steam, with
indirect radiation from sectional boiler
furnished and put up by Forest & Dow,
and gives fine satisfaction.
1t is commendable in the bank officials
that In the construction of this fine estab-
lishment they should have patronized homo
industry as far as possible, the doors
and machine work being furnished by J..
II. Dane, the panelling, marble and car
penter work all done by our own towns
men, the brick work by JAS Hoxie & Sons
and the painting, polishing and decora-
ting by Jas. Clarkin, while with admirable
foresight at the beginning they selected a
man as superintendent in the person of
II. W. CLANCY who in the manner the
work has been completed has proved the
truth of the assertion.