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Early banking in west Texas prior to federal and state regulations often consisted of handshakes and few contracts. Lending services were first offered in Odessa by B. Blankenship & Co., General Merchandise (established 1897). The city's first state charter was for Odessa National Bank, opening in 1902 and operating for one year. Citizens National Bank opened in 1906 and served the community for 27 years, merging with several others over the years, including Western National Bank (1907) and Odessa National Bank (1925-1930). Even though farming and ranching activity expanded in the area during the early 1900s, increasing the need for banking, the Panic of 1907 and the stock market crash of 1929 took a toll on banks nationwide and in Odessa.
Despite the economic climate, the First National Bank of Odessa opened for business on April 2, 1932. It was able to operate during the Great Depression, offering banking services to the citizens of Odessa. Originally housed at the corner of Grant and 2nd streets, the bank moved to two other locations along Grant until a 15,800-square-foot building was completed in 1949. Boasting many modern conveniences, the bank featured 15 individual teller windows, 1,400 safety deposit boxes, a drive-up bank window and air conditioning for customers. One of the main attractions in the building was the 16-by-21-foot mural painted by the husband and wife team of Michael and Ethel Chomyk. The June 24, 1949, issue of the Odessa American celebrated the grand opening of the bank and its importance to the local economy. Over the decades, the bank has thrived and played an important role in the development of the region. (2018) |
