Section E Page 9 Missoulian Centennial Southside National Bank In Attractive Building
Southside National Bank In Attractive Building
The Southside National Bank, the first national bank established in Missoula since 1889, began with capital funds of $200,000.
It was erected in 1956 near the intersection of Brooks and Bancroft streets. Functionally modern in design the bank is housed in a 48-by-53-foot, one-story, residential type structure. The exterior is finished in red Roman brick and accented by canopies on two sides and large areas of glass.
The air-condition bank accommodates Missoula’s fast growing south and west areas. Space for more than 1,000 safe deposit boxes is provided in the bank’s vault. Customers drive in from Bancroft street to the 33-car parking area on three sides of the building and walk to the main banking room or bank from their cars at a drive-in window.
The main banking room has four low, open tellers’ units, an officers’ area, a conference room and safe deposit facilities. Check desks finished in tawny walnut formica are located in the lobby area also. A modern color scheme, acoustically treated ceilings, fluorescent lighting and fiber glass draperies carry out a contemporary décor.
The bank is an affiliate of the First Bank Stock Corp. Paul S. Gillespie, who was also president of the Western Montana National Bank, became its first president. The original directors were, in addition to Gillespie, S. F. Howard, R. J. McCall, Charles H. Pew and James A. Hart.
Current officers are Gillespie, president; D. E. Nolan, vice president and cashier, and John Peterson, assistant cashier.