Oyster Bay Bank Building facts for kids
The Oyster Bay Bank Building is a special historic place in Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York. It was built in 1891 and was the very first bank in the area. Over the years, many different groups and famous people used the building. This included the Masons of Matinecock Lodge and even Theodore Roosevelt when he was the Governor of New York. Today, you can visit this building as part of the Oyster Bay History Walk audio tour.
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The Historic Oyster Bay Bank Building
A Look Back: The Bank's Early Days
This important building was constructed in 1891. It was designed to be the first bank in Oyster Bay. Made from strong brick, it originally had three and a half stories, plus a basement.
The people in charge of the Oyster Bay Bank rented out different parts of the building.
- The third floor was used by the Masons of Matinecock Lodge #806.
- Doctors and lawyers had offices on the second floor.
- Part of the basement was home to a pool hall and a tobacco shop.
- The bank itself used the first floor for its business.
Theodore Roosevelt's Connection
Theodore Roosevelt was a very famous person who used this building. In 1900, when he was the Governor of New York, he rented several rooms on the second floor. The next year, in 1901, he joined the Matinecock Lodge. He would attend their meetings on the third floor whenever he had time.
The "Little White House"
Even after Theodore Roosevelt became President, he continued to use the Oyster Bay Bank Building. A newspaper article from 1902 called it the "little White House." It reported that a flag was brought from Washington and raised there.
In the summer of 1905, the building became even more important. It was chosen as the place for President Roosevelt's telegraph office. His other staff worked nearby in the Moore's Building.
Moving a Building: A Big Project
One of the most amazing things about this building is that it was actually moved and lowered! When it was first built, the building sat about ten feet back from the sidewalk. There were wide steps leading up to the entrance.
Local workers dug under the basement. Using hundreds of jacks and rollers, they carefully lowered the huge building. They also moved it forward closer to the street.
This incredible project happened on May 20, 1927. Many people remember that day because Charles Lindbergh made his historic solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. The moving and lowering of the bank building took only 18 hours!
Modern Updates and Importance
After the building was moved, a three-story extension was added to the back. Now, people could walk right into the main floor from the street. With these new additions, the Oyster Bay Bank could serve the growing community even better.
Recently, the building has been updated a lot, both inside and out. These changes make sure it remains one of the most attractive and useful buildings on Audrey Avenue.
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