The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1901-03-23

The style of architecture is modern French, the
main feature of the front being heavy but grace
| full ARCH of Indiana limestone, which the columns,
of the same material on which it rests encloses the
handsome doorway. Over the the door and encircled
by the arch is large semi-circular window Under
this, on each side of the entrance smaller win
dows, while above the panelling of the oak doors
are two more windows. thus flooding the interior
with light in spite of the fact that the location of
the building prevents the entrance of light from
the sides.
Over the arch, and separated from it by
mental panel bearing the figures 1900, is the case
ment window of the second story, with decorated
Intel and jambs. The Intel has central Keystone
and is supported by two heavy mullions and con-
soles. Large brackets and a brick frieze form the
special features of the cornice which is supported
by a low parapet. Panel Intel jambs, mullions,
consoles, cornice and parapet are all of iron The
beauty of the building is greatly enchanced by the
two doric piasters on either side of the facade
which are based on large blocks of stone aud sup
port the cornice, and with the cJrnice, enclose the
arch and the easement The door steps are solid
blocks of granite II feet long. The brick usei on
the front is red sand, of SHADE which perfectly
haemonizes with the limestone of the arch and the
iron work.
The Directors room is at the of the vault,
separated from the counting-room by glass screen
and doors 1t is furnished in heavy oak, hasa CELL
ing IL feet high and derives light from win
dows. The counter and fixtures of the banking
room are of the Louis XIV style. hand carved and
are very handsome. The ceiling, which is 16 feet
high, is steel, of ornamental pattern, and of
delicate color. The color of the walls is in
harmony.
A quite noticeable and interesting fact in connec-
ton with this building is that from beginning to
end it is the product of local skill The architect
by whom the structure designed and its erection
supervised was Paul Reese, grandson of the first
Cashier of the Bank; the masonry was in charge of
Samuel J. Stone ]. Webster Ebaugh the
penter; the iron decorations put in place by
Gilbert Gehr; the pastering was done by Joshua
Stevenson, and the painting by Samuel K. Yingling.
What is now the Farmers and Mechanics National
Bank of Westminster was originally the Farmers
and Mechanics Bank of Carroll county. and was
chartered by the Legislature of Maryland, February
9th, 1850. The originators of the Bank Jacob
Matthias and Jacob Reese the former of whom be-
came its first President and the latter its first Cash
Ter. Among the prominent men named i'll the act
of incorporation were Joshua Smith, William Bach
man, David Cassell, John Roop, David II. Shriver
John Smith, of Wakefield, Stirling Gait, John Rob-
erts, John Swope, Joshua C. Gist and John B. Boyle
Immediately after the organization completed
the Directors appointed committee to secure an
ELI be location for the erection of banking house.
This committee reported ON the 18th Of October,
1885, that they had purchased for 81 800 the house
and lot of ground then occupied by Capt. John Nc
Colum on Main street, near Court Work was ut
once begun a bank building which TO be
connected with the McCollum house and to have
frontage of Is feet and depth of 80 feet In Janu
ary 1851, the building was completed 10y the con-
tractors. Wampler Evans, and occupied by the
bank till August, 1900 when it was demolished to
make room for the new edifce described above.
The Institution, with no change in its officers or
management, was converted, June Goth, 1865. under
the National Banking Act, into The Farmers and
Mechanics National Bank of Westminster, the
name it now bears. During its eXistance of halfa
century, the Office of President has been filed by
Jacob Matthias, John Smith. of Wakefield, DR.. j. L.
War6eld, Joseph Shaeffer aud II. Writ Shriver. The
Cashiers have been Jacob Reee, A. D. Schaeffer,
VIM A. Cunningham and John Ii. Cunningham.
The capital of the Bank is 100000, with a sur
plus fund of SS4, OO0 and individual deposits of
nearly S120, 600. The officers Fl. Writ Shriver
President; James A. G. Bond, Vice-President and
John H. Cunningham. Cashier The Board of Di-
ors in addition the President and Vice Presi
dent. are j Wesley Biggs. William A. Cunningham,
William Y. Frizzell, Luther II. Hoffacker, David
Stoner and Francis c. Sharrer.