The First National Bank of Port Royal was established in 1919, with a capital stock of $40,000. The first officers were: Hon. John A. Kohler, president; Dr. Amos W. Shelly, vice-president; and George W. Couch, cashier. Edgar A. Ulsh became the cashier in 1921.
Prior to the construction of a new bank building, Fred Carpenter had a clothing store on this corner. Eventually Samuel S. Beaver also had a clothing store at the same location. In 1912, Beaver moved across Market Street to a new location. This new location would later serve as a clothing store owned by Luther Beaver and still later Glen Kepner, Sr.
Local Builder Stephen Alexander Douglas McLain helped to build the First National Bank Building. Part of his compensation was stock in the bank.
The First National Bank Building served as a bank until it merged with the Port Royal National Bank, the Farmers National Bank and the Juniata Valley National Bank in 1964.
The following note about the merger appeared in the Dec. 16, 1964 issue of the Port Royal Times: "C. A. White, president of The Juniata Valley National Bank, Mifflintown; C. A. Musser, president of the Farmers National Bank, McAlisterville; Alton Meloy president of the Port Royal National Bank, Port Royal; and John Book, president of the First National Bank of Port Royal, take pleasure in announcing that the Board of Directors of each of the banks have approved a plan to merge the four institutions. This action is subject to the approval of the shareholders of the banks, and the approval by Federal banking authorities. The combined bank will operate as a national bank under the name of the Juniata Valley National Bank. The merger will result in a bank with total resources exceeding $16,000,000 capital and surplus of $1,530,000 and a legal lending capacity of $153,000 to any one borrower."
After the merger this building served as the home of the Tuscarora Valley Finance Company and the Century 21 Real Estate Office. More recently is served for a short time as a law office. There are two apartments in the building, one above the office space and one to the rear of the building. Park and Lillian Gerhart lived in the rear apartment before purchasing the residence on Town Lane. Later the Edgar Ulsh family lived there followed by the Shaffers and Don and Sylvia Kepner.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/7/09 - Image Year: 1922
Although this and the following picture appear to be almost identical. There is one minor change. Note the hand water pump that is situated on the curb of this picture. It was used by many town residents to get water until most homes had interior piping. The pump doesn't exist in the following picture.
Contributed by ray kohler on 8/28/09 - Image Year: 1930
First National Bank soon after its opening. At the left of the picture is a car that appears to be a Model T.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/11/09 - Image Year: 1954
The First National Bank just after a winter snow storm.
Contributed by ray on 3/10/13 - Image Year: 1975
Building serving as Barton's Television sales and service shop.
Contributed by ray kohler on 8/23/09 - Image Year: 2002
This is how the building looked when when it was used by G & B Associates for real estate purposes. A small porch has been added for entry to the back apartment. This proch didn't exist on the earlier photos.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 5/25/14 - Image Year: 2007
MARKET STREET: an aerial view of Market Street between the intersections with Third and Fourth Streets as represented by Google Earth.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/11/09 - Image Year: 1923
This photo shows a $20 bank note that was issued by the First National Bank prior to 1923 as part of the 1902 Blue Seal Series. It is signed by Edgar A. Ulsh (cashier of the bank) and John A. Kohler (president of the bank) These notes are often referred to as large notes since they are about 20% larger than the notes currently in use. These notes were shipped to the bank in large uncut sheets and were signed and cut at the issuing bank.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/4/11 - Image Year: 1920
This photo shows a $10 bank note that was issued by the First National Bank prior to 1923 as part of the 1902 Blue Seal Series. It is signed by Edgar A. Ulsh (cashier of the bank). These notes are often referred to as large notes since they are about 20% larger than the notes currently in use.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 5/15/12 - Image Year: 1920
This photo shows a $20 bank note that was issued by the First National Bank prior to 1923 as part of the 1902 Blue Seal Series. It is signed by Edgar A. Ulsh (cashier of the bank) and John A. Kohler (president of the bank) These notes are often referred to as large notes since they are about 20% larger than the notes currently in use. These notes were shipped to the bank in uncut sheets and were signed and cut at the bank.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 8/22/11 - Image Year: 1925
This photo shows a $20 bank note that was issued by the First National Bank. It is signed by Edgar A. Ulsh (cashier of the bank) and J. A. Kohler (president of the bank). This note is the size of currently used paper currency.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/21/10 - Image Year: 1929
This photo shows a $20 bank note that was issued by the First National Bank in 1929. It is signed by Edgar A. Ulsh (cashier of the bank) and Y. H. Krebs (president of the bank). This note is the size of currently used paper currency.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/26/12 - Image Year: 1930
This photo shows a $10 bank note that was issued by the First National Bank. It is signed by Edgar A. Ulsh (cashier of the bank) and J. A. Kohler (president of the bank). This note is the size of currently used paper currency. (Submitted by Garth Brackbill)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 3/5/13 - Image Year: 1927
ADVERTISEMENT from 1927 PRHS Yearbook.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 3/6/13 - Image Year: 1929
ADVERTISEMENT from 1929 PRHS Yearbook.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 3/10/13 - Image Year: 1930
ADVERTISEMENT
Contributed by rkohler3 on 11/26/09 - Image Year: 1889
This map shows the 300 block of Market Street as it appeared in 1889. This building didn't exist at that time, instead this corner was the location of a clothing store.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 11/26/09 - Image Year: 1904
This map shows the 300 block of Market Street as it appeared in 1904. This building didn't exist at that time, instead this corner was the location of a clothing store.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 11/26/09 - Image Year: 1911
This map shows the 300 block of Market Street as it appeared in 1911. This building didn't exist at that time, instead this corner was the location of a clothing store.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 11/26/09 - Image Year: 1928
This map shows the 300 block of Market Street as it appeared in 1889. This building is represented by #21 on the map.
