Tag Archives: Georgia Banks

Penny Savings Bank, 1925, Augusta

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The Penny Savings Loan and Investment Company was formed by a group of Augusta’s leading Black businessmen in 1910. This structure, based on designs by architect G. Lloyd Preacher, was built in 1925. An anchor of the Black business district known as the “Golden Blocks”, it closed its doors in 1928 as a result of economic woes and the looming Great Depression. Though stable, the structure has been long abandoned and attempts at rehabilitation have not materialized.

Laney-Walker North Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Davis-Exchange Bank Building, 1920, Albany

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Though it hardly fits the bill today, the Georgian Revival Davis-Exchange Bank Building was touted as Albany’s first “skyscraper” when completed in 1920, and is still the most prominent commercial building downtown. It was built to replace the old Exchange National Bank which had burned, and housed other businesses, as well. The architect, J. Edwin R. Carpenter, was quite successful, and was called the father of the modern apartment building in New York City, where he focused his practice. He was an early practitioner and proponent of vertical design.

Relief Panel

National Register of Historic Places

First National Bank, 1904, Sparta

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These detail shots of the old First National Bank of Sparta illustrate the pride small towns took in their commercial architecture at the turn of the last century. First National Bank was established in late 1903 and dissolved by 1923.

Sparta Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Bank of Jersey, 1904, Walton County

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Built in 1904, this structure was home to Jersey’s only bank until the Great Depression brought on its failure in 1931. It was organized by Josiah Blasingame, Sr., a prominent landowner and merchant who served as the first postmaster and first mayor of Jersey. It was used for storage until the early 1980s and was later used as a dental office.

National Register of Historic Places

Bank, 1905, Taylorsville

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Bank of West Point, 1907

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Presently being renovated, the old Bank of West Point building is typical of small town banks in the first decade of the 20th century.

West Point Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Merchants & Farmers Bank, 1905, Sparks

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Jim Cottingham shared this historic photograph of three gentlemen outside the Merchants & Farmers Bank circa 1905. His grandfather, W. T. Cottingham, is pictured at left.

First State National Bank Building, 1885, Bainbridge

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This has served as Bainbridge City Hall for many years, and was recently restored. It’s one of the most impressive marble structures in South Georgia.

Bainbridge Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Mid-Century Modern Bank, 1953, Bainbridge

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This impressive bank was likely considered an eyesore at one time, but this style has gained appreciation with architectural historians in recent years. If it’s not included in the historic district, it should be.

Bainbridge Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Historic Storefronts, Bainbridge

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Bainbridge has a relatively intact commercial core, unlike many small South Georgia towns who have seen significant losses due to neglect and deterioration in recent years. There is presently an active movement to restore buildings which have long been derelict, resulting in a vibrant downtown. It’s a process that doesn’t happen overnight, but they’re making great progress.

Corner of Broad and Water Streets

Marble Front Bank (1900), Broad Street

Corner of Broad and Broughton Streets

Corner of Broad and Broughton Streets

Broughton Street

Bainbridge Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places