Evening journal., 1915-04-09
splendid HOME
OF FARMERS BANK
TO OPEN MONDAY
Public Inspection of Modern
Building First Two Days
of Next Week
EXAMPLE OF
GEORGIAN Architecture

To the already large number Of
handsome edifces used as banking
institutions in Wilmington, another
has been added. it being the splendid
new home of the Wilmington branch
Of the Farmers Bank Of the State Of
Delaware. at the northwest corner
Third and Market streets, extending
through to Shipley street.
Standing majestically as a true
type Of the Georgian style Of archi-
lecture. it replaces the former home
of the bank at the same site which
was established in 1913. The new
structure, located in the heart of the
3 downtown business section, not only
s will meet the growing demands OF
4 its own business, but serves as an
. additional anchor for business houses
4 OF that section, a recognition by the
4 banks directors of the Importance of
A the mercantile and industrial inter-
ests of lower Market street.
The last word In what a building
q devoted exclusively to banking should
be. 1t is a fitting successor to the old
building, which did not extend
through to Shipley street. About two
K years ago the directors of the bank
n realizing that to accommodate their
rapidly expanding business a large
and more modern structure would
have 70 be erected, developed plans
for new banking house and work
was started In March, 1914, by w.
Howard May. contractor. The plans
had ben prepared by Edward c. May,
Ia local architect. Rather than fol-
low the uptown trend. the directors
decided TO build on the very spot
/. where they had achieved growth and
success In the years gone by.
While the work of dismantling the
Nold structure and the erection of the
new structure was under way. the
Farmers Bank opened temporary
headquarters in the Ross building,
mo 200 Market street. In about one
year the handsome new structure
has been completed and stands today
8 as a monument to more than a CEN
tury of successful and sound banking
business that has featured the career
of the Farmers Bank. It will be open
s ed formally on Monday and Tuesday
next. Then the patrons OF the bank.
as we'll as citizens of the State, will
have an opportunity to visit the in
& stitution and inspect It. The direc-
tors who have arranged to entertain
their patrons, guests and citizens have
arranged a pleasing program. All
who call will be agreeably surprised
when the doors are formally opened
30 the public at o'clock on Monday
morning by the striking beauty, yet
q simplicity Of the new bank.
Robinson's orchestra has been en-
gagged for the opening days and souv-
hnirs of carnations will be presented
o the women while gifts commem-
prating the occasion will be given
s he pen patrons and friends of the
Institution. Between the hours Of Il
and o'clock luncheon will be served
both days.
The committee of arrangements, Of
which David Snellenburg, director.
& s chairman, has arranged for the
public reception on Monday, and on
Tuesday the reception committee,
composed Of the directors of which
Governor Charles r. Miller is presi-
ient. will tender reception to all
State, county and municipal officials
& Rs we'll as visitors from other banking
i Institutions from this and other cities.
Architectural beauty and a sense
bf harmony in finish and furnishings
# bredominate throughout the new
* house of finance While the exterior
bf the new bank is imposing-a strik-
ng ideal of the Georgian type of ar
{. hitecture-the interior with its album
& lance of space and inviting roomi-
z hess is more pleasing. Throughout
3 he furniture is of mahogany The
-'@1| 1|nsth1 a., 1,I,h otrnf,Io~ Morlaf
| street toward Shipley through the
4 renter of the bank and is fianked on
Rither side by banking compartments.
rhe lobby is lighted by large win
Zz lows on the Market. Third and Ship
ey street sides and suspended from
z he ceiling are large clusters of sub
lued lights. The lobby or space for
7 he public, is surrounded b. the
= bronze and marble banking screens
behind which are afforded ample ac-
,ommodations for the various officers
ellers, clerks. savings fund and real
|S state departments, private consulta-
<{& ion and reception rooms.
W Along the Third street side of the
,orridOr are the compartments fol
he general banking business. and or
IS he north side the compartments
ire devoted to the savings fund and
'eal estate departments. In all there
2 re ten windows at which public bus
ness can be transacted, all beins
2 suitably designated.
Massive columns OF marble grac,
he Market street facade of the build
ng which is constructed of steel
white marble and a dark red brick
rhe main entrance is of marble. will
bronze doors and embellishments. ant
eads into the public lobby. Snrmount
ng the marble columns on the fac
bf the banking house the State Goa
bf arms has been cut in marble.
Inside the bank within a few fee
bf the entrance is a large octagona
able of mahogany. with a glass TOP
Rnd on il on a mahogany stand arr
wo electric lights. This is for tn
lse of the patrons for writing pur
poses and directly opposite on IN
borth side of the building is reiir
ne and rest room for women pat
IONS. This room is furnished in In
Continued on Page IL