In November 1925, the town of Klingerstown, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, celebrated the opening of a grand, new structure to house the Klingerstown State Bank. In about seven years from its establishment in 1918, the bank quadrupled its deposit assets, and the directors felt that it was time to erect a building that provided the latest security measures. In this article which appeared in the Lykens Standard, November 13, 1925, the construction of the vault was described along with its security features including an alarm which could be tripped if there was any attempt at a break-in. Also included in the destription was the Safe Deposit Boxes with its two-key entry system where patrons could store their valuable papers, supposedly without fear of damage from fire or theft.
KLINGERSTOWN NEW BANK OPENING TOMORROW
The modern new structure recently completed by the officers of the State Bank of Klingerstown will be formally opened to its patrons and the general publikc in an appropriate opening celebration, Saturday afternoon and evening November 14th [1925]. Promised speakers and special music has been arranged as a part of the opening ceremonies.
This bank was chartered on June 25th, 1918, and opened for business September 18, 1918, and by cordial treatment and the use of thoro banking principles it has grown by leaps and bounds from a total deposit of $63,734.82 in September 1919 to $280,002.73 on September 29th, 1925. The officers of the bank have felt the need of larger quarters and better banking facilities for some time and it was decided to erect a new banking house. This new home for the bank is well appointed, every part of space is in use, substantially erected, well lighted, every precaution employed to frustrate the burglar, is fire-proof and in short the building is an ornament to the good old Mahantongo Valley.
In the construction of this building the directors consider safety to its patrons as the first essesntial and installed a vault built along lines specified b the York Safe and Lock Company, and is second to none in construction. The upper or main vault is built of concrete, 18 inches thick and weighs approximately 13,000 pounds. The lower or cellar vaule s also built of 18 inch concrete secured by a double steel door, weighing about 100 pounds and guars records against loss by theft or fire.
The directors feel that by the installation of the McClintock Electric Burglar Alarm Sysyem that the vault is absolutely secure against theft. This system is so complete that no one part of the vault or door has a singel form of protection, the protection on all parts being either dublicate or triplicate, both the open and closed circuits being used, so that any attempt to cut the cables or wires, drill through the vault linings or doors, or the use of the acetyle would immediately turn in the alarm.
Another feature of the cault equipment is the Safe deposit Boxes, which afford protection to the depositors in the care of their valuables. The locks on these boxes are so arranged that they afford double protection to the renter, two keys, one in the keeping of the Bank and the other given the renter, must be inserted in the lock before the box can be opened. By the use of these boxes, the deeds, contrcts, bonds, notes and other valuable of the patrons are insured agains fire, theft or accident.
The board of directors and officers are to be congratulated upon their excellent success attained during the short time this bank is in existence and upon the erection of this new banking house.
The present directors are: F. O. Schadel; Felix Herb; J. W. Phillips; W. C. Maurer; S. W. Heim; W. O. Leitzel; Charles Schoffstall; and E. F. Fetterolf.
The officers are: W. O. Leitzel, president; W. C. Maurer, vice president; J. W. Phillips, secretary; John Leitzel, cashier; Oscar S. Bower, assistant cashier.
A cordial invitation is extended to all to be present at the formal opening Saturday and inspect the new quarters. Souvenirs will be presented.
For a photo of the bank, see:
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News article from Newspapers.com
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