Overview

This was the second Bank of Italy location on this site. The first operated here from 1922 until 1927. This second branch opened in 03/1927.

Building History

This Mediterranean Revival Bank of Italy Branch occupied land that had been used by banks dating back to 1855. The first banking company, McWilliams, Tymeson, Emery and Faulkner and Company, operated here from 1855 until 1865. The next, Rideout Smith and Company, located its Ophir (later renamed Oroville) branch here between 1866 until 1912. The succeeding entity, Rideout Smith National Bank, continued banking operations here for ten years, 1912-1922. The Bank of Italy bought the Rideout Smith National Bank on 02/04/1922, and took over its operations. The Bank of Italy used the existing builidng for another five years, before demolishing it to build this one. (SeeJonathan S. Dodge, Annual Report of the Superintendent of Banks of the State of California, [Sacramento: California State Printing Office, 1922], p. 551.)

Building Notes

The Bank of Italy had a simple and elegant design. Topped by a hipped roof covered in Spanish tile, the bank had an arched fenestration. The front facade had the main entry located centrally, flanked by arched windows on either side. Large wrought iron lanterns, positioned on either side of the door, lit the main entryway. The side elevation featured two smaller arched openings on either end, each topped by triangular pediments. In between these two pedimented openings stood a series of five tall arched windows. The building's exterior was stuccoed.

PCAD id: 20618