BancCentral National Association facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Central National Bank
|
|
This image is of the College Avenue facing (taken from the east side of the street camera facing the west) side of the Historic Central National Bank building in Alva, OK., Saturday, May 6, 2017. Currently this building houses the Sutter Law Office.
|
|
 Location in Oklahoma
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 401 College Ave., Alva, Oklahoma |
|---|---|
| Built | 1901 |
| Architectural style | Plains Commercial |
| MPS | Territorial Buildings in Downtown Alva TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 84000705 |
| Added to NRHP | January 5, 1984 |
The Central National Bank building is a historic building located in Alva, Oklahoma. It was built in 1901 and is a great example of early 20th-century architecture in the area. Because of its importance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. For many years, a bank called Central National Bank operated from this building. Today, it houses a law office.
Contents
A Look Back: Early Banks in Alva
The story of the Central National Bank building is connected to the history of banking in Alva.
Starting with Alva National Bank
- In 1899, the Alva National Bank was created.
- By 1907, George A. Harbaugh was its president.
- Between 1907 and 1913, another bank, the Alva Security Bank, bought the Alva National Bank. George A. Harbaugh continued to be the president.
The Birth of Central State Bank
- In August 1913, the owners of Alva Security Bank, including G.A. Harbaugh, started a new bank. They named it the Central State Bank.
- This new bank continued to operate from the same location as the former Alva Security Bank.
- Central State Bank was a "state bank," which meant its customer deposits were protected by the State of Oklahoma.
- In October 1917, Central State Bank grew larger by joining with the Woods County Union Bank.
The Myers Family and the Bank
The Myers family played a very important role in the history of the bank that operated in this building.
Leadership Through Generations
- In 1919, W.D. Myers bought a large part of the bank. He became its president and led the bank until he passed away in 1951.
- After his death, his sister, Gertrude Myers, became the chairman and CEO of the bank. Her brother, W.D. Myers, Jr., became the new president.
- W.D. Myers, Jr. was president until his death in 1987.
- After Gertrude passed away, William R. Buckles became the president and CEO. L.W. Myers then became the Chairman of the Board.
Changes and Growth
- On March 13, 1998, the bank (then known as Central National Bank or CNB) bought the branches of NationsBank in Woodward County, Oklahoma.
- Kyle D. Hughbanks was named President and CEO of the bank.
- In March 2012, the bank changed its name to BancCentral National Association.
The Building's Unique Story
The Central National Bank building itself has its own interesting history.
A Home for Bats
- In 2009, the bank decided to tear down a parking garage that was part of the property.
- This garage was known to be home to hundreds of bats, mostly Mexican free-tailed bats.
- This event caused some discussion because of the bats living there.
The Central National Bank building stands as a historic landmark in Alva, Oklahoma, reminding us of the town's past and its development.
