March 20, 2012
Flapper-era photo
Well, well, well. Boop boop a doop!
Here’s a picture of Bottineau’s Main Street in the 1920s (from the look of the cars) — and there is the Stone Bank, snazzy awnings and all — standing proud on the west side of the street. Heck, most of the buildings on Main Street had awnings back then. Interesting. It looks like there is a traffic control device, too. In 2012, the intersection is a four-way stop.
The Stone Bank has stood strong since before the Model T arrived in Bottineau. The bank is at left in the foreground of this picture.
Our architect looked at the picture a couple days ago and noted that at the time of this photo the building had been “doubled.” Note the second arched window facing Main, without an awning. That building was lost — more on that as we learn more.
Here’s a closeup of the Stone Bank from this photo.
Closeup of the Stone Bank from a 1920s photo from the online archive of the Institute for Regional Studies at NDSU.
We are always THRILLED to find period photos of the bank. So, if you find any — you know where to send them. And we are working on fundraising for our 2012 effort to rebuild the back of the building. Join our email list if you want regular updates and a copy of our new brochure — coming soon.
Now let’s all say the Stone Bank slogan: Preservation ROCKS!
Oh, and boop boop a doop!
stonebankblog 
Jean said,
March 21, 2012 at 10:28 am
Stone Bank looks like she lifted her skirt as high as she dared.
Love these photos. I am still amazed anyone bothered to settle the Plains. It had to be really stark back in those days.
stonebankblog said,
March 21, 2012 at 11:18 am
Yes. I am always amazed at the fortitude of the people who settled here — and that they built things to last! In these pictures that look north on Main Street you can see that there’s just nothing past Main Street.
One of the interesting things that I will blog about soon is the fact that the town was really about a mile from where it is now. But they picked up and moved to meet the railroad.