National Bank of Rolla Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Phelps County Bank
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 Location in Missouri
Location in the United States
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| Location | Rolla, Missouri |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1931 |
| Architect | Johnson and Maack; Gillioz, M.E. |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 01001380 |
| Added to NRHP | December 28, 2001 |
The National Bank of Rolla Building is a historic building in Rolla, Missouri. It opened in March 1931 at 8th and Pine Streets. This spot is about halfway between St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri. The building is special because of its unique design and its important role in Rolla's history. It also has ties to the famous U.S. Route 66. Because of its importance, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. This means it's officially recognized as a place worth preserving.
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A Look Back: The Building's Early Days
When the building first opened in 1931, it had two main parts. The National Bank of Rolla used the first floor's northwest corner. The rest of the building was home to the Edwin Long Hotel. This hotel was quite large, with 75 guest rooms. It also had the Edwin Long Coffee Shop for daily meals.
The College Inn Banquet Hall
Downstairs, in the basement, there was a big banquet hall called the College Inn. It was a popular spot and could hold up to 350 people for events.
Staying at the Edwin Long Hotel
The Edwin Long Hotel was very convenient for travelers. It was right next to U.S. Route 66, which went directly through downtown Rolla on 8th Street. A single room cost $2.00 per night, and a double room was $3.00. Each room had its own tub shower and warm radiant heat. The hotel operated for many years, from 1931 until the early 1970s.
Famous Guests at the Hotel
Many well-known people stayed at the Edwin Long Hotel over the years. These included Harry S. Truman, who later became a United States President. Famous actors like Marilyn Monroe and Victor Mature also visited. The hotel was a top choice for people traveling on Route 66 or by train on the Frisco Railroad. This was especially true from the 1930s to the early 1960s.
Changes Over Time: Banks and Roads
The hotel's business started to slow down after the late 1950s. This was when U.S. Route 66 was changed. Instead of going through downtown Rolla, it was rerouted to the northern edge of the city. New motels were built along the new route, drawing travelers away from the downtown area.
The Banks of Rolla
The First National Bank of Rolla closed in 1933 during the Great Depression. This was a tough time for many businesses. Rolla State Bank then took over the bank space. It stayed on the first floor until 1963. After that, the Phelps County Bank bought the entire building. It has been the main headquarters for Phelps County Bank ever since.
Restoring a Landmark
In 2001, Phelps County Bank worked to restore the building's outside. Today, the bank uses the whole building. The first floor is where customers do their banking. The loan department is on the second floor, and bookkeeping is on the third. The bank's executive offices are on the fourth floor. The old banquet hall in the basement is now a large board room and meeting space for the bank.
The National Bank of Rolla Building has been a central part of downtown Rolla's business life since the 1930s. With Phelps County Bank, it continues to provide important financial services to the area.
