The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1925-03-02
BANK
ON HISTORIC
SITE
Rapid Growth Being Made by
Institution Organized in
1917 by G. o. Watson
By RICHARD HATTON.

1917 by G. o. Watson
By RICHARD HATTON.
Located upon one of the historic
sites of the city and occupying o
building Of exceptional architec
tural beauty both as to exterior
design and interior decoration and
finish. the Liberty National Bank,
at the corner of Fifteenth and ]
streets northwest, holds distinct
place in the banking life of the
District Of Columbia. The beauty
Of the banking room, with its high,
vaulted ceiling, its dignified color
scheme and the long vista leading
back to the great safety deposit
vaults. the largest ground floor
vaults in Washington, have been
the subject Of favorable comment,
not only by patrons and visitors
to the bank, but by architectural
and technical publications which
have found much artistic beauty
as well as practical businesslike
arrangement in the plan worked
out by the architects of the build.
ing upon lines suggested by Presl-
dent George o. Watson, the found
er Of the institution.
The Liberty National Bank was
organized in 1917 by Mr.. Watson,
its first president and present d.
recting head, who had for manv
years been intimately connected
with the banking business in
Washington. - E. j. McQuade be-
came vice president Of the institu-
ton. The bank, primarily, was
organized under laws providing for
savings banks and catered particu.
larry to buyers Of Liberty bonds.
In 1920, however, 1t was national.
lied and keeping a step ahead ot
the commercial development of the
city, its directors selected the pres.
ent central location and erected
the handsome banking building now
occupied by the institution.
On Chamberlain Site.
Old Washingtonians, as well as
many who have been connected
with stl1e official life of the city.
recall the famous days Of John
Chamberlaip's establishment which
long occupied the site of the pres
ent Liberty National Bank. Pos
sibly there is no spot in the city
more sacred to political confer
ences and the relaxing moments OF
historic political figures than Is
this same corner of Fifteenth and
streets. The older generations
also knew it as an important cor
ner long before the days OF Cham
berlain's."
When the Liberty National Bank
was organized by President Watson
its capital was placed at $125.OOO'
This has since been increased q
$500 900, and the business expan'
sion of the institution has oeen
steady. Today it has resources OF
$3,595,910, with deposits of $2,SO2.'
376.04 The bank has built up a
strong business during its career
and has specialized in savings ac
counts. It was the Liberty Ma
tional Bank which introduced the
famous Liberty Bell saving system
in Washington, and there are
many thousands Of these unique
Liberty Bell savings banks being
used in the city to the greater de
velopment Of thrift among its In
habitants.
OF especial note in the Liberty
National Bank is the safe deposit
department and the banks vault
The latter Is the first torch-prOoi
vault built by the Diebald Safe and
Lock Company, and was personally
tested by President Watson before
being installed. 1t Is regarded as
the acme of perfection along safety
lines. The safety deposit depart
ment has it's own special entrance
for the convenience Of holders OF
boxers and is spaciously con
structed with space for 5000 boxes
Special facilities and a private room
are furnished for women patrons OF
the safe deposit department. This
department, also has a private
entrance on street. For the con
venience OF its patrons this institu
ton remains open in the savings
department and safety deposit de-
partment until p. m. All OF the
bookkeeping and accounting offices
Of the bank are carried on in OF
fees above the main floor, leaving
this high, vaulted banking room fol-
public banking functions. There Il
an air Of quiet, friendly dignity
about the banking quarters which
cannot fail TO impress the visitor
or patron and the courtesy and IN
terest Of the banks officials Is a
noticeable feature Of it's contact
with the public. The main bank
ing room and the quiet efficiency sc
much In evidence in all depart
ment's is an impressive feature OF
the banks atmosphere.
y Watson Optimistic.
A talk with President George 0,
Watson of the Liberty National
Bank cannot but inspire a feeling
Of genuine optimism regarding the
future of the District Of Columbia
IF everybody keeps busy there is
nothing but happiness and pros
perity before us for the next four
years" said President Watson to-
day in speaking or business condl
tons in Washington. washington
real estate values are fairly estab'
lished and / expect to see them
maintained. The eyes OF the people
of the entire country are upon
Washington and / am firm be,
lever in the city and it's future"
In addition to President Watson
and Vice President McQuade the
officers of the Liberty National
Bank are NJ. F. Calnan, Cashier
j. b. Skinner, assistant cashier
and T. p. Littlepage, counsel. the
directors are c. B. Asher, E. 5.
Brashears, Thomas p. Brown
Charles A. Camalier, S. T. Cameron
M. o. Chance, John B. Clark ). T.