1919: Hartington National Bank opens in new location

March 6, 1919

HARTINGTON — The new home of the Hartington National Bank is one of the handsomest structures in this part of the state devoted exclusively to the banking business.

The building, at 102 W. Main, Street, is constructed of dark, rough-faced brick with white sandstone trimmings and presents a most attractive appearance.

The interior is furnished in mahogany and marble. All of the individual desks are also mahogany.

The lobby is in the center of the building and is surrounded by a marble wall with grilled openings for various officers. The desks and seats in the lobby are also of marble.

The vault includes all modern facilities for carrying on the business.

The building and furnishings represent an investment of over $30,000.

The bank was founded in the fall of 1883 as the Bow Valley Bank. The material for the building was delivered from Coleridge where the railroad then ended. Later, the institution became known as the Hartington State Bank and 19 years ago became the Hartington National Bank.

F.M. Kimball, president of the bank, first became associated with it in 1885 during the vacation season.

He returned to this area the following year, later leaving to become associated with a Coleridge bank. He also helped to organize one of the Belden banks.

He has been associated with the Hartington bank continuously since 1894 and has been president of the local bank since 1913.