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.

Opus: T.0512

Tourist information literature (PDF)