Savings Bank of Redlands celebrates 30th anniversary in 1921 – Redlands Daily Facts

June 20, 1921

Savings Bank of Redlands celebrates 30th anniversary of its founding today

Today the Savings Bank of Redlands is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its activities in Redlands — an activity which has materially added in the upbuilding of the city and its outlying territory.

Organized with a cash capital of $5,000, the present capital is $75,000 with a surplus of $41,000. The personnel of the first board of directors included Messrs. A.L. Park, F.P. Morrison, Geo. H. Crafts, Geo. A. Cook, R.J. Waters, J.S. Edwards and H.L. Drew, with A.L. Park as president and John W. Wilson as secretary.

F.P. Morrison, also one of the first presidents of the Savings Bank and the first president of the parent institution, First National Bank of Redlands, and a pioneer resident of the city, is still interested financially in both banks.

The parent institution was organized on March 5th, 1887, under the name of the Bank of East San Bernardino Valley, opening for business on April 4th of the following year in the George A. Cook building on the southeast corner of the Terrace and Orange Street. It soon removed to the Wilson & Berry building directly opposite — where the Casa Loma hotel now stands. On June 25, 1888, a second removal was made to the northwest corner of Orange Street and Central Avenue, in the structure now occupied by the Gaume Market.

In 1891 the stockholders of the First National and of Redlands (formerly Bank of East San Bernardino Valley) organized the Savings Bank of Redlands. Increasing business of the two banks in 1892 demanded larger quarters with the result that the Sloan House, one of the pioneer hotel buildings of the city, was purchased and remodeled to suit the needs of the banking business. This structure housed the above mentioned banks until the building was torn down in 1914 to make way for the present commodious quarters now occupied. This building is of reinforced concrete and is thoroughly fireproof and modern in every way. It is completely equipped for the banking business, including safety deposit boxes and storage vaults for the keeping of such valuables as cannot be kept in the ordinary manner.

Dr. M.J. Sweeney, president of the First National Bank and Savings Bank of Redlands, became identified with the institutions during the year 1916. Interviewed by a Face reporter today and asked to tell something of the past history and future aspirations of the banks, he said:

The Savings Bank of Redlands was organized primarily to encourage thrift and saving in the community, secondarily, to use these savings in making loans for the development and land, the erection of new buildings, and the general upbuilding of the community.

That it has been successful in these efforts is attested by the fact that in the 30 years of its existence, it has accumulated deposits well over the million mark. During this period it has assisted in he development of Redlands from a small community into a city over the 10,000 mark. We do not know definitely how many citizens of this community it has helped to build up a competence through loans made on land, on homes, and on business buildings but that it runs into the thousands there is no doubt. …

Reviewing his long association with these banks, both in his official identification as an executive officer and as a stockholder, Mr. F.P. Morrison has the following observations to make concerning the growth of the institutions and the city as well.

My first sight of this valley in 1882 convinced me that it left little to be desired in the way of soil, climate and scenic beauty and that its development would be only a mater of time. Subsequent events have justified this opinion. I have great faith in the future of Redlands. Our natural advantages will insure our having a share in the development of Southern California that is bound to come.

Editor’s note: The First National Bank of Redlands building on the southwest corner of State and Orange streets was one of the buildings demolished in 1976 for construction of the Redlands Mall. Security First National Bank occupied the building for several years in the 1950s, and the building was later used as an office building.

June 23, 1921

Miss Brauer bride of Wesley Break

At noon yesterday, Miss Hermine Emily Brauer and S. Wesley Break were married in Los Angeles, the ceremony taking place at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H.O. Brauer. The guest company included immediate relatives, among them Mr. and Mrs. Allen Break and daughters of Bryn Mawr.

The ceremony was read at non by the Rev. Charles F. Seitter of the local Methodist church. The bride and groom stood beneath an archway of white flowers. Cornflowers added a touch of blue.

A gown of orchid satin with overdress of lace was worn by the bride and her shower bouquet was of bride’s roses and lilies of the valley.

A wedding dinner followed. Covers were for 14.

For her wedding trip Mrs. Break wore a suit of tan, with hat, boots and gloves of the same color. Mr. and Mrs. Break will be at home in Bryn Mawr after July 20, where he is foreman of the Fruit Growers’ Exchange.

Mrs. Break has taught at the intermediate school for two terms and has made scores of friends since coming to this city. Mr. Break is a Redlands High School boy and son of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Break of Bryn Mawr. During the war he served with the Navy.

Editor’s note: The groom, S. Wesley Break, later served on the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors.