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S.111 – First National Bank of
Dwight, 122 West Main Street, Dwight,
Illinois This stone structure was built in
1905. Subsequent additions have been
made, including drive-through banking.
Dwight is an interesting Route 66 town with a lot of fascinating architecture,
including the train station immediately across the street. The bank is open during regular business
hours – but regular business hours in small towns sometimes means the banks
close at 3:00. The staff understands
our fascination with the building, and welcomes visitors. Photography is permitted inside, as long as
you do not take pictures of the teller area.
The building originally housed the
bank and a real estate office. The
bank took over the office portion in the 1960s. The main room was once divided into two –
this explains why there are two separate doors inside: each office had its
own exterior entrance. The dividing
wall has been removed, but the doors remain split. Many sources credit this as “Frank
L. Smith Bank.” Although Frank L.
Smith may have commissioned Wright to design the bank, the bank appears to
have always been known as the First National Bank of Dwight. The bank’s original federal charter and
currency notes bearing that name are displayed inside. Photographed May 21, 2016*, July 31,
2014 and August 2, 2014. Tourist information literature (PDF) |
*
The original building
*
The original building with its main addition (added
without Wright’s involvement)
*
1990 rear addition (with drive-thru) not designed by
Wright
Area signage
Local plaque shows the original bank, covered in ivy.
One correction is warranted: the bank building in Mason, Iowa, is
still in existence,
but now serves as a conference room for the Park Inn
Hotel.
INTERIOR
PHOTOS
taken May 21, 2016
The room in the distance is part of a later addition
Right: double entrance doors – a dividing wall once ran
from the center post
All furniture and fixtures are reproductions except this
table – a FLW original
Table with lower drawer extended
Fireplace in conference room
Vestibule
New
08/18/2014 Revised
05/05/2018 |
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