The First State Bank- Clue #3
Most people believed their money was safe
Until 1929
After that the Great Depression
Was not that far behind.
Answer: The First State Bank
Following Peter as he strode out of the car, Matthew stands with
the journal in his clutches in front of the First State Bank with Peter to his
left. “Did the journal say anything about this bank?” Peter curiously asked
Matthew, “More specifically, any history of this bank or any about this coin?”
Matthew answered confidently, "Actually, I do! Marcus
Sebastian wrote in his journal the history of the bank with an extra page added
by Kirk Sebastian, his nephew.”
“Off topic, but how old was Kirk was Marcus was alive?” Peter
asked. “Well, the journal says that Kirk was 10 when Marcus passed away,”
Matthew answered promptly.
“Okay, back to the bank, can you tell me about how this bank
started?” Peter requested. Matthew started summarizing the journal’s contents
while the duo stood outside of the brick-red bank on the gray sidewalk.
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Matthew flipped open the journal, skimmed over three of the pages,
one of which had a crude sketch of the brick building behind them signed by
Kirk, and took a deep breath. A moment later, Matthew released the air from his
lungs, and began slowly.
“Kirk states that the bank started in 1906 and was chartered on
December 11th. However, in 1908, the bank was moved to the current location in
a brick building from the original location south of here in a frame building,”
Matthew informed, “In addition, the bank’s manager made a monthly income of
$125.”
Peter looks impressed as he nods and smiles as Matthew pauses.
“What did the bank offer for customers?” Peter asked, “Secondly, what happened
for the bank to be closed and converted into other businesses?”
Matthew continues to explain in order to satisfy Peter’s question,
“The bank provide the usual services; however, the bank also used to sell
insurance.” Matthew reopens the journal and clarifies to Peter that he is
researching what tragic event ended the oldest commercial building in
Montgomery’s era of life as a bank.
“First of all, the bank peaked in 1917 with a remarkable quantity
of assets totaling$ 191,000. Unfortunately, the Great Depression financial
collapse on October 29th, 1929, rippled through the economy,
including the First State Bank. Only four months after the financial cataclysm,
the bank’s total assets were reduced to an amount of $18,233.50,” Matthew
summed up, “Subsequently, the bank ultimately fell victim to theft and robbery;
one in particular even left scars on the vault which can still be seen today.
Furthermore, the State Bank was ended by voluntary liquidation in 1934.
Consequently, ending the life span of the First State Bank as a functioning bank;
this lasted a minuscule 28 years.”
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| Vault Door |
Peter pointed a thumbs-up for Matthew as he finished his last
sentence and heaved a massive sigh. Matthew felt rightfully proud and believed
that Peter thought so too. A moment later, Peter aims his vision towards the
black words on white background on the building. Reading aloud, Peter mutters,
“First State Bank, established 1906.” He then continues to read the current
shop’s sign to the left and right of the bank above the windows, “Petz, a local
pet boutique.”
“Should we go in?” Matthew questioned uncertainly, “In fact, do we
need to go in?” Peter stares
awkwardly at Matthew upon his question and starts speaking. “I don’t know,
you’re the one with the journal!” Peter jokes, smiling.
“We do not need to go in; However, we still need to know
information about Marcus & Kirk Sebastian,” Matthew replied, shrugging with
indecision and hesitation.
Peter swivels his body towards the
entrance of the brick structure & detects a white paper notice card taped
to the door. Tapping on Matthew’s shoulder while progressing forward to take a
closer look at the sign, Peter starts reading to himself, “Whom you seek is obsessed with a fence,
A
man that causes all who dare near be tense,
The
one you shall encounter, he’ll gift you with suspense.”
Peter raises an eyebrow in confusion and turn to his left and
faces Matthew, “What do you think that meant?” “I think it involves a fence,
but fences are everywhere!” Matthew hypothesized.
“Do you think this card is directed towards us?” Matthew added,
“Maybe it is there for someone else.”
“Of course not, who else would be searching for a person, Marcus
Sebastian, and have the coincidence to also be searching for a fence which is
beside the oak where Marcus is said to be buried?” Peter concluded.
“Fine, I guess you do have a point,” Matthew considered, “But who
would have placed this here for us? Why would Sebastian be against us?” Peter
thought deeply for a split second, and then his eyes widened as he came to a
conclusion, “Perhaps someone is planning this, leading us to the next piece of
evidence!” Matthew stares at Peter in disbelief and thinks for a moment,
completely forgetting the second question, then abruptly considers, “If so, who
would be doing this?”
Peter quickly blurts out, “Our parents, of course! Why else would
they agree to bring us around Montgomery so easily?” Matthew sighs and replies,
“Okay, if it’s our parents, then it’s pretty hard for them to drive us around
Montgomery and place a note on this building.”
