The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1914-08-07
THE COMMERCIAL BANK BUILD
ING COMPLETED
In Honor of This Event the Bank
Gives Elegant Reception to the
General PubIic-Music, Flowers and
Rafpaeh y, ante

| General Public-Music, Flowers and
Refreshments
/ The Commercial Bank of Ocala
moved into it's beautiful new building
Thursday, and in the afternoon, from
three to seven o'clock, gave very
elegant reception in honor of this
auspicious event. The general public
had been cordially invited to attend
this reception, and large numbers re-
| sponded to the invitation, and they
were given a glorious welcome by the
bank officials, and we're allowed to in
spect the building throughout.
The handsome building was bright
with handsome vari-colored asiers
and dahlias, grown by Mr.. Heintz and
Mrs. Bitch, and during the hours ot
the reception the Temple orchestra
palyed many beautiful selections.
President George Bitch, Cashie: ID.
c. Stiles, Jr., Assistant Cashier w. V.
| Wheeler and oher members of the
bank force met and welcomed the Wis
| itors and showed them over the build
ing. Miss Jefferson Bell, President
Blitch's secretary, was also present,
and especially cared for the lady is
| itors.
During the receiving hours unusual
| ly delicious fruit punch and delightful
sandwiches were served by Mr.. Ret
key of the Harrington Hail. This fea-
ture of the entertainment was very
greatly enjoyed.
The Comm ercial's new home is one
of which everyone who has seen it is
| immensely proud. The interior finish
and decorations are as handsome and
artistic as any in the state and show
the hand of an artist. The ceiling is
very beautifully painted in a most at
tractive design and the heavy beams
are exquisitely polished, and the indi-
rect lights harmonic wonderfully
with the pale tints of the walls, and,
as we said in our issue of Thursday
are as harmonious as the designs for
a lady's boudoir.
The awnings over the two entranc-
es of the bank, suspended by heavy
chains, are very handsome, and at
the sides are pretty electric lamps.
The floors are of tile and the fit
tings and furnishings are of marble
and mahogany.
Near the frcnt, on the left, are the
offices of the president and the cash
ier; next, the savings department, and
tucked away between this department
and the commercial department is a
very dainty ladies' parlor," with al
attractive desk and other furniture,
where "milady" can do her banking
business without the eye of the pub
! lie upon her. This room has a win
dow into each of the departments, so
that she will not have to leave this
room, unless desired, until her bank
| ing business is accomplished.
| The assistant cashiers office and
| the other departments of the bank
are in keeping with the presidents Of
fee. In the rear of the building is the
directors room, furnished in mahog-
any, and is roomy and comfortable.
| The vaults are also in the rear of the
building, and are all the latest and
most approved vaults that are made.
They are provided with time-locks
and every safety device that skill and
ingenuity can suggest.
The room overhead is in keeping
with the general design of the build
ing, and is where the banks old books
and papers will be stored after they
have served their usefulness.
Besides the lavatories, the rear OF
the bank is provided with an air-shaft,
which will keep fresh air in constant
circulation.
The work of the building has been
splendidly done, and marvellous
transformation is the result.
To each of the gentlemen callers a
wallet and pencil was given as SOU
venir, and to the ladies a money
pouch, pencil and a bouquet of asters.
| The books of the bank were NOV
ed over on Friday morning, and at
nine o'clock business commenced at
the new bank.
The namese of the officers are as
follows: George J. Bitch, presi-
dent; Donald E. McIver, vice presi-
dent; w. H. McCraney, Wildwood.
vice president; d. G. Stiles, Jr., cash
ier; w. V. Wheeler, assistant cashier;
B. C. Webb, Kendrick, chairman
board of directors.
Messrs. McIver & MacKay not only
rebuilt this bank, but were also the
contractors and designers, and it is
monument to their skill.
Mr. w T Taufen of fha Fort Meow