2000 Main, "A Block to Bank On!"
By Phyllis Badgley
Two banks in the 2000 block of Main Street remained solvent, in
Baker Oregon, during the Great Depression. At a time when numerous
banks across the nation were failing, the locally owned First
National Bank buzzed with activity. A feeling of security prevailed
among customers, whether it was a bearded miner bringing his gold
cache to be weighed, or a deposit made by a child clutching a piggy
bank.
J. W Stuchell, owner of Baker LaGrande Grocery, was principal
stockholder of the Bank. His knowledge and conservative directors
successfully kept the First National afloat, when other financial
ships were sinking. Bank President, John B. Rogers at the helm,
provided guidance through rough waters, during the Depression
downturn in economy. Present day Baker Valley resident Edna Rogers
Harrell is a direct descendant of Stuchell-Rogers lineage. John
Rogers and wife Mildred were generous benefactors for community
projects, including Baker's fine public library.
The First National Bank, located at N.W, corner Main & Washington
lined the south wall with vertical windows. To the right off the
lobby, the director's room featured leather lined oak chairs.
Centerpiece attraction in the bank lobby was Baker's famous gold
display featuring the 80 oz. Armstrong nugget. Shown in the
illustration, Mary Ann Hansen and Edna Rogers admire the display.
Customers of the 1930-40 era were greeted by tellers Gordon Wright,
Homer West and "Pinky" Grant. Bookkeeping machines hummed busily at
the rear of the building.
Prior to W. W. II Bill Wilson held the title of Bank Vice President
of First National. I recall 1940-50s employees Margaret Grant, Belle
Brown, Conrad Head, and Gordon Stewart.
In 1960 First National relocated and established offices in a new
building at N. E corner of First and Washington streets. Later,
First Interstate, Wells Fargo, and Sterling Bank presently operating
there. Pioneer Federal Savings occupied for an interim, the vacated
Main street location. McAdams Insurance agency presently locates
there.
The Sommer building corner N.E. Main and Washington was razed to
make room for U. S. National Bank, where it remains today. Lester
Hansen successfully led U.S. Bank in the 1960-70 era. He was
assisted by officers Tom Hunt, Jyme Stoner, Stewart Sullivan, Bill
Chadwick and Jack Pittman. Yes, the coveted gold display in the U.S.
bank lobby is a popular visitor attraction.
Yours truly as part of the staff at that time, recalls employees
LaVelle Bonbright, Pat Hillmon, Nadine Guymon, Pat Justus, Leona
Ellis, Ruth Rasmussen, Elaine Jackson, Dorothy Cassidy, Midge
Stiltz, Arlene Kinsey and Francis Williamson.
Qualified High school interns involved within U.S. Trainee program
were Bill Carver, Jerry Jordan, Jim Rudolph and Mike Kringlen.
Memories of the N.W. side of Main Street continue to surface. In the
1940 era I recall Bill White's Grocery store next to First National
bank. Sinclair's Meat market was included on the premises. Next to
that business, a stairway led to the Chinese Tea Garden Café. Our
family considered it a treat to eat there intermittently. We sat in
a booth designed with a portier of fiber wrapped beads. With
childish intrigue the mystery of Chinese culture enveloped me, yet I
was too embarrassed to ask questions of the Oriental waitress. My
abbreviated child portion of Chinese noodles was topped with sliced
boiled egg, and served in a green china bowl that held heat long
enough to require a cooling "blow." Tasty broth at the bottom of the
bowl appeared all too soon, and beckoned second serving.
Later, under new ownership, the café was named Clover Leaf.
Customers sat next to front windows that overlooked Main Street
below.
At the street level, Sanford Adler Music store featured Ogretta
Carpenter, who graciously played latest sheet music. This increased
sales of most popular song "hits" of the day. Adler's front window
displayed a large chalk figure of the famous Victrola Dog, with head
cocked to one side listening to the Victrola machine. Various
instruments lined the walls of the store. Later, Etta Cunning
established a greeting card outlet at the music location.
Levinger Drug in mid-block assured customers that 4 registered
pharmacists were on the premises: Henry Levinger, John Burgess, O.
D. "Jay" McKee, and Charlotte Ward. During W.W. II years, Gus Levy,
qualified druggist filled prescriptions. Over the years many capable
employees served the drug store customers. Some clerks I remember
were Ida Barnett and Sara Ware at the cosmetic counter, Jimmy Lee in
the camera department, Lida Howe at the greeting card counter, and
roving clerks Wes and Annaleise Johnson.
In December 1958 a disastrous occurred at Levinger Drug. Despite
heroic efforts of Baker Fire Dept. assisted by LaGrande Fire
Department flames engulfed a half the 2000 block. Leo Adler Magazine
office above First National bank was destroyed. The blaze spread to
the North wall of Reed's Furniture store, owned by Preston and
Marguerite Reed. Next to Reed's, a stairway led to offices above
which were affected by smoke damage. Those involved included Dental
offices of Dr. Eylar Young, Dr. Wes Rossina, Credit Bureau of Julius
Vanderweile, and Baker Business College, operated by Oscar Nygord.
Although the drug store suffered devastating losses, the Christmas
spirit prevailed. Salvageable merchandise was quickly displayed in
an empty building, half block away. Plywood panels mounted on
sawhorses provided makeshift counters.
Rebuilding at the Main street location began immediately. The
enlarged store featured huge laminated beams, which spread without
posts the full South to North expanse of the building. At that time
the feature was considered the most modern innovation in the
construction field. The space is currently occupied by Sears
Company.
After being rebuilt, Reed's location was occupied by Leonard's Craft
shop, and later, John Bohn's Men's store. The stores changed
locations once in sequence. In years past, H.C. Stevens clothing
store located where Bellas business now. I recall in the 1940s, Mr,
Balch managed H.C. Stevens. His daughter, Barbara, graduated Baker
High that year. Dedicated clerks at Stevens' store were Wilma
Lockwood and Mattie Crimin.
Originally established as Bank of Haines, Baker State Bank located
in Baker at Main and Broadway. Directors were Carl Leonnig, Lee
Duncan, and John Schmitz. Hugh McCall headed the Bank until his
death in 1950. It was McCall who hired yours truly in 1945. He
desired employees of long tenure. Several outstanding success
stories developed among Baker State Bank employees, and I will write
of those in a separate story.
Used with the permission of Phyllis Badgley
