Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 230, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 October 1917 — BANKERS HAVE FINE BANQUET [ARTICLE]

BANKERS HAVE FINE BANQUET

OPENING OF SPLENDID NEW BANKING HOUSE FRIDAY EVENING. The First National Bank was the host to a large number of guests Friday evening at a banquet held in the dining room of the First Christian church. Besides a large number of the resident officers and stockholders of the banks there were a number of bankers from out of the city present. The banquet consisted of a most elaborate five course dinner, which was served by the ladies of the Christian church. The music was furnished by Miss Ruth Wood in vocal and violin solos accompanied by Mrs. H. R. Wood at the piano. The music was greatly enjoyed by all and Miss Wood was required by the hearty applause to reappear a great number of times. The program which was given during the banquet was in charge of Col. E.’ P. Honan as toastmaster. Col. Honan was at his best and his part of the evening was splendidly received. Each speaker was introduced in a manner that put the audience in a mood which made the delivery of toasts very easy. James N. Leatherman, cashier of the First National Bank, delivered the address of wlecome. He is very proud of their nevz banking house and said that they had tried to erect a building in keeping with the Mayor Charles G. Spitler responded to the address of welcome and made a decided hit with his audience. The address of C. L. Boye, of Chicago, was one of the very best ever delivered in this city. Mr, Boye is assistant cashier of the Fort Dearborn National Bank, which institution is one of the correspondents of the First National Bank of this city. The toast of James H. Chapman, cashier of the State Bank of Rensselaer, was a most excellent one. No meeting can be held now without discussing some phase of the war and Mr. Chapman gave some timely suggestions in reference to the second Liberty loan bond sales. E. L. Hollingsworth, Rensselaer’s premier banker, was called upon and made an address commending the First National Bank for giving to the community such a splendid banking institution. Mr. Hollingsworth also touched upon the war and urged everyone to do their part to help win the war.

This was a most auspicious occasion and the opening of our splendid new banking house is a great step forward for this community.