Jamaica Savings Bank facts for kids
|
Jamaica Savings Bank
|
|
The old Jamaica Savings Bank Building as seen from the northeast corner of Jamaica Avenue and 161st Street.
|
|
 Location in New York City
|
|
| Location | 161-02 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, New York |
|---|---|
| Built | 1897 |
| Architect | William C. Hough; Edgar Deuell, Jr. |
| Architectural style | Beaux Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 83001774 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | May 19, 1983 |
The Jamaica Savings Bank was a bank that started in 1866 in the Jamaica area of Queens, New York City. It grew to have four locations across Queens. Later, in 1999, another bank called North Fork Bank bought it. Then, in 2008, Capital One Bank bought North Fork Bank.
The original building for the bank was built between 1897 and 1898. It was designed in a style called Beaux-Arts. This building is tall and slender, made of brick with a limestone front. It has a strong, stone-like first floor with fancy metal grilles over the windows. The front of the building has tall columns and detailed carvings like brackets and swags.
Contents
History of the Bank
How the Bank Started
The Jamaica Savings Bank officially began on April 20, 1866. Nineteen local business leaders started it. They met in the Jamaica Town Hall. Their goal was to "pool their local resources" to protect savings. They also wanted to help pay for new buildings in the Jamaica area.
The bank opened to the public on July 14, 1866. This was just one year after the American Civil War ended. It was located at 161-02 Jamaica Avenue. On its first day, 15 customers put in a total of $2,675.00. The bank first operated out of the Queens County Clerk's office.
As the Jamaica community grew, the bank needed its own building. So, the bank hired architects Hough and Deuell. They built the beautiful Beaux-Arts style headquarters. This building became the main office in 1898. It looked very grand, like important clubs or public buildings.
Jamaica's Growth and New Branches
Jamaica quickly became a busy center in Queens. This happened because of railroads and other new ways to travel. To help the growing population, the bank's president, George S. Downing, decided more bank branches were needed.
In December 1934, another bank, the Queensboro Savings Bank, joined with Jamaica Savings Bank. The Queensboro Savings Bank then became a branch of Jamaica Savings Bank. The original Jamaica Avenue location became the main office. The new branch was on Sutphin Boulevard. All the employees from Queensboro Savings Bank kept their jobs.
By 1934, Jamaica Savings Bank had over 50,000 customer accounts. It was one of the 100 largest savings banks in the United States.
On August 27, 1938, George S. Downing announced a second new branch. This branch was also on Sutphin Boulevard. It was expected to open in early 1939. Downing said the bank decided to build it because Jamaica was growing so fast. The new subway line to Jamaica also led to many new apartments.
The Sutphin Boulevard Branch officially opened on April 22, 1939. Architect Morrell Smith designed this unique building. It had a special Art Deco style. A notable feature was a carving of an American eagle above the entrance. The entrance had bronze doors and a curved hallway lined with black and gold marble. Inside, there were walnut furnishings and bronze lights.
Later Years and Modern Buildings
By 1964, the Jamaica Savings Bank built a new main office. This modern building was across the street from the original one. It had a sleek, blue steel front with a curved wall of blue glass. The Queens Chamber of Commerce gave it an award for its new design. The award noted its fireproof materials and stainless steel columns. Inside, there was a huge mural showing scenes from Jamaica's history. It featured Captain Kidd and Revolutionary War General Nathaniel Woodhull.
A fourth branch was built between 1966 and 1968. This one was in Elmhurst, near the Queens Place Mall.
What Happened to the Bank
The Jamaica Savings Bank operated for almost a century. In 1999, North Fork Bank bought it. Then, in 2008, Capital One Bank bought North Fork Bank. Today, the Sutphin Boulevard branch building is a Capital One Bank.
The original Jamaica Savings Bank building is very important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It was also named a New York City Landmark in 2008. The second branch building on Sutphin Boulevard also became a New York City Landmark in 2010. The third building, the modern one from 1964, is now a sneaker store. The mural inside is no longer visible. The Queens Boulevard building is now a Bank of America branch.
See also
In Spanish: Jamaica Savings Bank para niños
