From the 1890s-1920s, the population of Chicago continued to grow and spread farther from the Loop.
Since Illinois state law restricted banks to just one branch, neighborhood banks were founded to meet the local financial needs. Early on many popped up among the connected storefronts. By the 1920s an “own your own home” mindset prevailed. Banks built large dramatic structures that often stood alone. Many of them failed during the Great Depression less than ten years later. After roughly a hundred years, some of these outlying banks remain, still standing out but often serving different purposes. For a much more detailed write up about the development of these banks you must check out the Forgotten Chicago post to which the map below is heavily indebted.
With old newspaper ads, historical maps and this helpful 2011 pdf list from Serhii Chrucky for Forgotten Chicago, I have been able to locate more than a hundred outlying banks. Some of the interesting stories include one of city’s first Black owned banks (Douglass National) and a John Dillinger robbery victim (Unity Trust and Savings Bank), plus embezzlements, and more robberies. While some sit vacant, others have gone on to live new lives like artist Theaster Gates‘ Stony Island Art Bank which houses the record collection of House DJ legend Frankie Knuckles house music. Churches and condos/residences are well represented as well.
Markers include:
- Architect and date
- Links to landmark reports
- Newspaper articles on bank/post bank life (links are to pdfs)
- Current use (Sep 2023)
Contact me for half or full day custom guided rides and gift certificates, or use The Map to plan your own ride, run, or walk.
Sources: Chicago Public Library, Forgotten Chicago (FC), Polk’s Chicago Numerical Street and Avenue Directory (1928-1929), Sanborn Fire Maps, building icon from Icons8
Contact CBA for a custom guided ride that includes some of these sights and for gift certificates for the cyclists in your life. Also, have a look at The Map, where you can plan your own ride, run, or walk around Chicago.