The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-07-20
M E N, w o M E N
 A ND T H N G s

made my first bow to Birmlng- ham in 1885, just two years before it became the widest town in the coun- try, with real estate boom" that was "humdinger."
 The Magic City got a great deal of advertising out of the sky-rockety performances of it's dirt, for it drew within it's confines every type of the adventurer and promoter, and wild eating" was the order of the day, for the very atmosphere made men dizzy, and plunging was the thing.
 It may seem bit strange, how ever. that the reckless confidence of the general public that prices of real estate would never go down, was thei thing which inspired some of the older and more conservative citizens to get together and see what could be done to stabilize the values and conserve the best interests of the community.
 
 It was in 1887 that company of leading men, moved as much by sense of duty toward the highest in terest of the town as by any hope of making money for themselves, came together and organized the. Birmng- ham Trust and Savings company, with cash capital of sSo0,oo0, the doors of the institution being opened on December 9, 1Ss7
 But this Is not to be so much the story of it's remarkable success as a banking and trust institution as to call attention to the fact that since it's establishment it has had three presidents and made three moves. Dr. Henry M. Caldwell, who, as presi- dent of the Elyton Land company, was the young towns most conspicu- ous citizen, and was the first head of the new bank. In 1890 Paul Fl. Earle succeeded, and occupied the position until 1900. His successor was Arthur ". SoIlllIs WuO lOW HdS Suil ECs
 
 The Birmingham Trust and Savings company was first housed in the old Elyton Land companys office at the corner of Morris avenue and Twen- tieth street. It then moved into the Morris building at the corner of First avenue and Nineteenth street, and re- mained there until 1t built home for itself on Twentieth street. be- tween First and Second avenuesl At present 1t occupies the Ledger build ing during the erection of its larger banking house.
 have seen the drawings of the new bank building which is to take care of the increased growth of the Bir- mingham Trust and Savings com pany, and while it is to be an inn posing and handsome structure, yet I have viewed with sadness the tear ing away of the classic building which for some years back has been a beauty spot among the stores and office buildings of the city.
 have often wondered if the aver age man really appreciated just what a beautiful building it was which had been erected to house banking institution. With it's splendid col umns and majestic facade. all in white marble, and its massive square doorway, 1t always brought back to" me memories of days and nights spent in Greece, for it was a joy to look upon it in the white glare of the monday sun or to watch it be- meath the pale rays of the moon.
 I say it without hesitation. for so far as l know. and I have been about quite bit, it is in class by itself from the standpoint of clas- sic beauty. I grant that there are many banking houses in America and abroad, and some here, which are more imposing and cost larger sums to build, but I challenge any one to cite an instance of bank building with greater individuality or more graceful lines.
 This isi why I have watched with A. tinge of regret it's demolition. I wish it might have been possible to have preserved it as a study in art for years to come by re-erecting It on some ether downtown spot. have said no word about it's interior, but inc inside was in harmony with the outside. l have only had in mind the impression it made on our own people and the visitors within our gates Heartily congratulating the officers and directors of the Birmingham Trust and Savings company on the growth of the institution which they direct. and satisfied that from a gen eral standpoint the new banking house will be more impressive, yet hope they will forgive me for miss inc the one which would have graced Athens. but which soon will be but memory
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