First National Bank of White Bear facts for kids
The First National Bank of White Bear is a historic building in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. It was built in 1921. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important place because of its special architecture and its role in the town's history. It was one of the most well-designed commercial buildings in White Bear Lake built before the 1940s. The bank also played a key part in helping White Bear Lake grow. It changed from a place mostly for summer visitors from nearby Saint Paul into a full-time city.
Quick facts for kids |
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First National Bank of White Bear
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First National Bank of White Bear from the west
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | 4744 Washington Avenue White Bear Lake, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1921 |
| Built by | Steenberg Construction Company |
| Architect | Clark E. Van Kirk |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000930 |
| Added to NRHP | February 24, 1983 |
What Does the Building Look Like?
The First National Bank of White Bear is not a very large building. Its front is about 28 feet (8.5 meters) wide. It fits right between other buildings on the street. The building's style is mostly Neoclassical. This means it looks like old Greek or Roman temples, with grand columns and balanced designs. However, it also has a unique Spanish tile roof edge, which is a bit unusual for this style.
The Bank's Story
The bank first started in 1913 as the White Bear State Bank. It quickly grew too big for its first wooden building. So, a new, stronger building was built in the same spot in 1921. In that same year, the bank got a special permission called a "national bank charter." This allowed it to become a "national bank" and it changed its name to the First National Bank of White Bear.
Like many businesses, the bank faced big problems when the Great Depression started. The Great Depression was a time in the 1930s when many people lost their jobs and a lot of businesses struggled. The bank had to close on March 6, 1933. Another bank, the First State Bank of White Bear, then moved into the building and stayed there until 1961. After that, the building was used for different offices until 1980. Then, a clothing store moved in. Today, an architectural company uses the building.
