2004 NLAHS Ornament Honors New Lenox State Bank

Bank robberies were a common occurrence in the 1920s. When the New Lenox State Bank was built in 1927, robbery prevention was important to the planning. The bank was described as "one of the most modern small banks in Illinois." It was equipped with a vault, safety deposit boxes and a cashier's cage-a bandit resistant enclosure with bullet-proof glass, step-on alarm, and a specially designed pass-through which presented robbers from firing through the slot. The bank construction cost was $14,000.

The bank was organized in 1927 by a group of local citizens. Fred Francis was President. Directors were Ceward W. Batson, Archibald Corp, George Hacker, John Handorf, Jr., Ernest Oram and Hjalmar Rehn, who was States Attorney of Will County. Ceward C. Batson was the first cashier. The bank was capitalized with $25,000 from the sale of stock.

Those who passed by the recent renovations at the bank at U. S. 30 and Cedar Road had a glimpse of the original bank which is behind the new brick wall on the west end of the building. The bank is the longest, continuous operating business in New Lenox.

Ornaments are on sale at the NLAHS office or by calling 485-5000.