The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1906-07-12
The City National Bank

Few there are hereabouts who are
aware that this strikingly attractive
modern temple of finance, is in strict
reality complete embodiment of the
representative type, alike designed and
demanded by liberal Interpretation of
the laws relating to and governing ma
tional banks by the
NATIONAL BANK ACT
promulgated June 20, 1874. By this
enactment there was organized in the
department of the treasury a bureau
charged with the execution of all laws
passed by congress relating to the issue
and regulation of the national currency
secured by United States bonds, the
chief officer of which bureau is called
the comptroller of the currency, per-
forming his duties under the general
direction of the secretary of the treasu.
ry. A regulation set of rules as we'll as
instructions and suggestions, subject
to slight amendments as occasion
requires, is the code under which the
country's finances are operated.
Tucked away among these is one re-
lating to proper type of national bank
structure which, while not as yet liter
ally enforced, may at some later period
actually become effective. Those who
move about and are at ell observant
will have noticed during the past dozen
years or more that very many of the
banks erecting new quarters or remov-
ing to new locations and constructing
domiciles are paying attention to this
mandate, and without regard TO value
of the lots, some of which, in great cen.
ters like New York, Boston, Philadel.
phia, Baltimore and others, virtually
worth small fortunes, are erecting the
regulation single or
INDIVIDUAL BANK BUILDING,
strikingly aloof unto itself. Just as The
various United States mint buildings
in different sections and cities OF thiG
country, while varying somewhat in
size and material, yet withal closely
resembling each other in type OF archi
lecture, so with the really proper ma
tional bank buildings, combination
OF what is termed colonial type gracet
with the old famed Doric columns, the
oldest, simplest and most chaste of th'
three orders Of Grecian architecture.
This handsome new home of the Git
J National Bank, designed and erected
one year ago, Is q capital specimen o
this government approved and chosel
style of money changers temple,
and stands forth as conspicuous mod
ern landmark of johnson City's up-to
date progress, instantly impressing th
| stranger and all beholders with con
scious impression that this graceful
structure is but forerunner of an al
= tendaut future prosperity.
I In point of fact, there is further in
i. dividuality about this local bank home
a The writer has critically viewed q ms
!. iority of these national bank structure
8 in the several cities. With many ther
= is decided lack of contrast, what ma
h be termed too much sameness in tt
materials and shades employed. N,
so here, however, as the beautif1
;. Michigan red sandstone employe,
trimmed with the quiet grey Bedfor,
n Ind, stone, gives grsndly effecti'
!. contrast
a. This pleasing exterior is an index
" the within. The outside view revea
.. lofty turretted edifice, which with
\. is disclosed as spacious main chambl
with convenient end rooms for direct
a. rate and stockholders use, vault al
~ safety deposit box department, etc.
ht In the matter of providing compile
v, protection for funds and securities 9