June 29, 1924 the
Citizens and Southern National Bank of Charleston
Opens for Business
By: Ill. Brother McDonald "Don"
Burbidge, 33°
On June 29, 1924 the Citizens and Southern
National Bank opened its doors for the first time at their new location
located at the corner of, Broad and Church Street. This site was the
former home of "Shepheard’s Tavern" which was the birthplace
of the Supreme Council for the United States which was founded on May 31,
1801 by Col. John Mitchell and Frederick Dalcho.
Upon entering the first floor of the new bank the
visitor(s) would be impressed with the spaciousness and openness of the
bank room as the main floor is open and runs the length of the building
from front to the rear entrance.
The vault of the bank at the time boasted of
being full proof against fire, acetylene, flame and high explosives with
safety boxes conveniently placed for the customers to use.
When the Citizens and Southern National Bank
opened its doors the Officers and Directors were presented a bronze coin.
On one side of the coin is the image of the bank with the date it first
opened on Broad Street and on the other side is the state seal of South
Carolina. This coin will be on display at the Scottish Rite temple during
the celebration.
At the time of the opening of the Citizens and
Southern National Bank the officers and directors named where:
Officers
Henry Schachte, vice-chairman of the Board
Angus E. Bird, President
H. Wm. Hopke, vice-president and Cashier
Jack D. Lesemann, vice-president
Julius E. Schroeder, vice-president
James Conner, vice-president
Michael L. Runey, Assistant Cashier
Colt T. Hendley, Assistant Cashier
Directors
Mills B. Lane
Henry Schachte
Angus E. Bird
Jack D. Lesemann
Frank Burbidge (my great, great grandfather)
Julius E. Schroeder
C. B. Schachte
Wm. Murphey
H. Wm. Hopke
M. Rutledge Rivers
Matthew A. Condon
James Conner
History of the Citizens and Southern National Bank
October 1, 1874
The Germania Savings Bank opened for general
business and an institution was launched which was destined to be a
constructive influence in the general prosperity and happiness of this
community. The total assets were $70, 081.04
December 1, 1913
The Germania Saving Bank opened its branch
office in the Masonic Building, at 270 King Street.
1918
The names of the Germania Savings and Germania
National Banks were changed to the Atlantic Savings and Atlantic National
Banks.
June 27, 1923
On September first of this year the Atlantic
National moved to larger quarters, at 284 King Street. This move was made
in order to meet the increased demands of business.
January, 1927
Henry Schachte was elevated from the presidency of the Atlantic Banks
to Chairman of the Board. Julius H. Jahnz, who up to that time, had been
the only vice-president, succeeded him in the presidency.
July 7, 1927
The Atlantic National’s branch office at 515
King Street was opened.
March 1928
Interests affiliated with the Citizens and
Southern National Bank of Georgia purchased the stock of the Atlantic
Savings and the Atlantic National Banks. In May of that year the name of
the Atlantic Savings Bank was changed to the Citizens and Southern Bank of
South Carolina.
July 29, 1929
In opening its new building the Citizens and
Southern Bank carried on a tradition established more than half a century
ago when the Germania Savings Bank, its parent institution, first opened
its doors.
A glance through the Banks history will show that
their policy has always been to increase capitalization, and expand the
facilities as Charleston grew and at the same time adhering to the
customers needs and requirements.
The new bank was designed to give the utmost in
comfort and convenience that a modern banking home could offer at the
time. The policy was that the complete facilities and abilities of every
member of the banking family, from president of the bank to office boy,
should constantly and cheerfully is at the command of their friends and
customers.
