First State Bank of Chester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First State Bank of Chester
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 First State Bank of Chester
Location in Montana
First State Bank of Chester
Location in the United States
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| Location | Junction of Washington Ave. and 1st St. |
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| Built | 1910 |
| Architect | R. T. Frost |
| Architectural style | Williston Construction Company |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000975 |
| Added to NRHP | August 29, 1997 |
The First State Bank of Chester is an old and important building in Chester, Montana. It's located right where Washington Avenue and 1st Street East meet. This bank was the very first one in Chester, opening its doors in 1910, the same year the town officially became a city!
Contents
A Special Building in Chester
The bank building was made of red brick by the Williston Construction Company. When it was finished, people said it was the most beautiful building in Chester. The main architect, the person who designed it, was R. T. Frost. He was a well-known architect from Minot, North Dakota.
Why the Bank Was Important
When Chester was a new town, many farmers moved there. They found good land and enough rain to grow their crops. This helped them become successful. They used the First State Bank to keep their money safe. They also took out loans from the bank to buy new farm equipment. This helped the town and the farmers grow.
The Bank's Closure
Sadly, things changed in the late 1910s. There were several years of drought, meaning not enough rain. This made it very hard for the farmers to grow crops. Many farmers lost their money. Because of this, the bank, like many others in Montana, had to close in 1920.
What Happened to the Building Next
Even after the bank closed, the building continued to be useful. It was used for many different things over the years. It became a place for businesses and even homes. From the 1920s to the 1940s, it even served as Chester's hospital!
A Historic Landmark
Because of its important history and unique architecture, the First State Bank of Chester building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 29, 1997. This means it's recognized as a special place that's important to the history of the United States.
